Europe - Char Is Far

The 5 absolute best beaches in Zakynthos, Greece

Charelle — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:49:58 +0000

Zakynthos island in Greece is well known for its dramatic coastline, with impressive cliffs, a bright blue sea and white pebbled or soft golden sand beaches. However, Zakynthos isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you’re looking for quiet beach time. There are several beach resort towns for partying tourists with lots of clubs and bars, most notably Laganas. The beaches are overcrowded. That’s not my kind of place. I prefer a beach with a laid-back vibe, not too many people and ideally something active to do, such as snorkeling. With that in mind, I made a top 5 of the absolute best beaches in Zakynthos, Greece. Dafni beach Dafni beach is delightful and calm. It lies in the southern part of the island on the Vasilikos Peninsula. The famous Caretta Caretta turtles lay their eggs on the beach, which is why it’s protected by law and the development has been kept to a minimum. So, if you like a quiet and not very crowded beach, Dafni is the place to go. It was my favorite beach on the island. There are some taverns at the beach where you can eat and relax on the (free) sunbeds. It’s also a great place for snorkeling, as there are many rocks and fish here. Make sure to bring your water shoes for the rocks. And you might even see a turtle or two… A small word of caution is in place, as the road to Dafni beach isn’t great. I’m not entirely sure about the main road, because it was closed during my visit. I had to take a different route and it was in bad condition. Drive slowly and take it easy. Gerakas beach As you’re probably aware by now, I’m a big fan of quiet beaches. That’s why Gerakas beach is undoubtedly my number two beach of Zakynthos. It’s close to Dafni beach, at the southernmost tip of the island. You can drive all the way to a parking lot where a staircase leads directly to the beach. To protect the Caretta Caretta turtles, all the facilities are around the parking area instead of at the beach itself. This could be perceived as a downside for some people, because if you need something you have to walk back to the parking area. It’s not very far though, only a couple of minutes of walking. However, I think it’s a big advantage! No buildings on this long stretch of sand with crystal clear water. It’s simply marvellous. There are a couple of sunbeds on the beach, but you can also bring your beach umbrella and create a nice little spot for yourself. Porto Limnionas Beach Porto Limnionas is a rocky bay at the western side of the island. A winding road takes you from the mountainous interior to the coastline where Porto Limnionas is located. You can park right next to the bay. The first thing you see upon arrival is a tavern, trees, sunbeds and people (especially in high season). Not the most inviting scene. But walk past that and you see the beauty of Porto Limnionas beach. Impressive rock formations and impeccable turquoise water. The sunbeds are in high demand, and rightly so. The view of the Ionian Sea from here is phenomenal. If you want to go for a swim, just walk down the steps carved out of the rocks to the water. It’s a great place for snorkeling. Up for a challenge? Swim to the cave across the water. But be warned, it’s very cold! And if you have time, definitely stay for a magical sunset. Kalamaki beach Kalamaki beach is located in a very touristic area, right next to Laganas, Zakynthos town and Argassi. It’s a huge, sandy beach with warm, shallow waters. It’s part of Laganas bay, which is mostly overdeveloped. However, as Kalamaki beach is one of the places the Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs, it’s protected by law. Therefore, there aren’t many facilities on the beach itself. Kalamaki town, right next to the beach, has everything you need, though. Make sure to take your snorkel gear with you, as it’s one of the best places in Zakynthos to spot the Caretta Caretta turtles. I took a boat to this part of the bay and saw multiple turtles swimming around! Navagio “Shipwreck” beach (but not in high season) One of the most scenic beaches in Zakynthos, Greece? Navagio “Shipwreck” beach. It’s the ultimate attraction of the island. But I have to say, this beach is not one of my personal favorites. The beauty of this beach gets lost in the crowds during high season, unfortunately. That being said, there are two ways to visit Navagio beach. By boat or from the viewing point on the cliffs surrounding the beach. I chose the latter. It was around noon in July, so probably not the best time to visit in terms of crowds. I first had to wait in a traffic jam to even get to the parking area. When I finally arrived, there were people waiting in line for more than an hour to take a picture from the viewing point. I decided I wouldn’t do that, so I took my drone out for some epic shots of this extraordinary beach. For sure, it’s one of the most remarkable beaches of the island. Deep-blue water, white sand and an old shipwreck slowly decaying in the sun. Dramatic is an understatement. However, the beach was crawling with tourists who arrived by boat. It’s a great place, but not worth a visit when it’s that busy. It should be much better in low season. Also, on social media you see famous photos from people at a cliff overlooking Navagio beach. This is not the official viewing point, and I urge you to not go there by yourself. People have died falling of these cliffs, wanting to get the perfect shot. Not worth it, I reckon. What do you think are the best beaches in Zakynthos, Greece? Or do you have any questions about visiting the island? Let me know in the comments! Read more articles about Europe here.

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Visit Pravčická brana: the largest natural sandstone bridge in Europe

Charelle — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:00:02 +0000

The Pravčická brana is the largest natural sandstone bridge in Europe and lies in the Czech Republic. The nature in the area and the gate itself are stunning. In this post I share the best hiking trails to explore the area and see the Pravčická brana. A natural wonder Deep in the forests of the Bohemian Switzerland National Park lies the impressive rock formation Pravčická brana. This is a massive arch and the largest natural sandstone bridge in Europe. Even though the name of the park suggests that it’s located in Switzerland, it lies in the far northwest of the Czech Republic. The Pravčická gate is a national monument and absolute highlight of the country. It’s been attracting visitors for centuries and is truly a natural wonder. Pravčická brána lies near the town of Hřensko, which is close to the Czech-German border. Beautiful hiking trails through dense forests and rocky mountains allow you to explore the area at your own pace. You can follow a steep path upwards directly to Pravčická brána or walk a circular route to see other highlights in the area as well. From Hřensko to Pravčická brána Park your car in one of the many parking areas in Hřensko and then follow the red hiking trail directly to Pravčická brána. If you don’t have a map yet, get one at the local tourist office. There’s also a bus stop right along the red trail to start your hike, if you’re heading to Hřensko by bus. Be aware that the red trail from Hřensko to Pravčická brána is a steep uphill path. It’s the shortest hike to get to Pravčická brána and will take about 1 hour, but is also a bit challenging. Circular hiking route Pravčická brana (recommended) To avoid the steep climb to Pravčická brána from Hřensko, you might want to walk a different route. And there’s more to see in the area than just the natural gate, so it’s well worth the effort to go hiking for an entire day and explore the surroundings. Start in Hřensko and hike through the gorges From Hřensko, start hiking the yellow trail through the majestic Edmund gorge. You find the start of the route on the map at the arrow with “Vstup do Soutěsek/ Klammen eingang”. It’s an easy and well-marked trail with little elevation. After approximately 20 minutes you arrive at a boat station. In order to get further into the gorge you have to take a boat for another 20 minutes. Even though the boat ride is generally considered to be a highlight of the area, I didn’t enjoy it. The captain constantly made horrible jokes (“Do you see that rock? It looks like E.T.! And that one? King Kong, hahaha!”). And the waterfall that you sail past is fake, they literally activate it upon arrival. It’s not what I expected to say the least. However, you can’t walk that part of the gorge so you have to take the boat anyway. The beauty of the gorge makes up for it though. At the boat exit station there’s a toilet and a restaurant. If you walk a bit further along the yellow trail you reach a crossroads. From here you have two choices: Follow the green trail and take the bridge to the left to go to the town of Mezní Louka. A very steep uphill path takes you out of the gorge and forest. From there you just follow an asphalt road amid villages and wide open fields to Mezní Louka. Continue following the yellow trail. After 10 minutes you get to enjoy a second boat ride and then you hike for 20 minutes through the Wild gorge. From there you take the blue trail to Mezní Louka. I chose the first option, because I didn’t want to do another boat ride and I’d seen enough gorges for one day. It was beautiful, but I felt it was time to move on to Pravčická brana. Mezní Louka is the perfect pit stop for your journey. Get some lunch here and prepare for the second leg of your hike. From Mezni Louka to Pravčická brána If you’re ready, follow the red hiking trail from Mezní Louka to Pravčická brana. It’s a lovely hike through the forest. Enjoy the tall trees, huge sandstone rock formations and amazing views. The hike has some elevation, but is not too difficult. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach Pravčická brana from Mezni Louka. The first and the last part of the hike contain the steepest climbs. When you arrive at Pravčická brana you have to pay a small entrance fee. I really recommend that you pay, otherwise you miss the best views. There is a restaurant and a toilet. The natural gate itself is spectacular, but the views might be even better. Take in the marvelous surroundings from the lookout points, before you go back to Hřensko. From Pravčická brana back to Hřensko Continue following the red hiking trail back to Hřensko. The first part is through forest and later on you walk on a rocky, small path before getting to the main asphalt road. It’s only downhill, so it won’t be very hard. A nice stroll to end your day. In about 45 minutes to one hour you reach Hřensko again. Have you already visited this highlight of the Czech Republic? Let me know in the comments! Or do you want to read more about what Europe has to offer? Read my blog posts about Europe here.

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9 Essential World War II Sites In Normandy

Charelle — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 09:02:08 +0000

There is no doubt that Normandy is a place of history. For many tourists, history is even the sole purpose of their visit. Most of them want to understand or remember the events of D-Day, the day the Allied forces invaded Europe during the Second World War. In almost every street or around every corner you see a reference to D-Day, such as a monument or flags of the countries that participated in the invasion. There are hundreds – if not thousands – of World War II sites in Normandy you can visit, so I list the most essential ones for you. D-Day Operation Overlord, the codename for the Battle of Normandy, started at the 6th of June in 1944 with the largest seaborne invasion in history. The allied forces invaded German-occupied Western Europe at the shores of Normandy during World War II. More than 150.000 Allied soldiers stormed the beaches and risked their lives to liberate Europe. The cost of freedom was high. Estimates range from 5000 to 12000 Allied casualties and 4000 to 9000 German soldiers killed, wounded or missing. And that’s on D-Day alone. Standing on the shores where so many men lost their lives to ensure your freedom is unreal and emotional. I felt sad, because of the thousands of people who died here. I felt grateful, because I owe it to many of them that I am able to live my life the way I do. And I felt complete incomprehension, because how can you understand war if you see the cost of it? I think every person in Europe should visit Normandy at least once in their lives to learn about the events that happened here. We owe it to the extremely brave men who fought for us. Here are the 9 World War II sites you don’t want to miss. Arromanches Nowadays Arromanches is a quiet seaside town. However, during the Second World War it was an artificial harbour created by the Allied Forces. You can still see the remnants of the harbour in the sea and on the beach. Also, make sure to visit Arromanches 360. A circular cinema with exceptional archive footage from the war. The footage is real, making it incredibly impressive to watch. Overlord Museum The Overlord Museum tells the story of the Allied landing and the liberation of Paris that followed. It’s located nearby Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. The museum houses an exceptional collection of military equipment, including personal items from soldiers, vehicles, tanks and guns. Landing Beaches The landing beaches are just beaches, but it’s still special to visit these historic sites. Utah beach is a wide stretch of golden sand and at Omaha you find some memorials. The other beaches are Sword beach, Juno beach and Gold beach. Pointe-du-Hoc Pointe-du-Hoc was a tactical and important site for the Germans during the Allied invasion. It’s located on the top of a cliff overlooking both Utah and Omaha beach. There are multiple bunkers that you can visit. You’ll also notice the dozens of holes in the ground, due to the heavy bombing this place endured before D-Day. A team of Rangers fought their way up the cliffs during the invasion to conquer the site, but they suffered heavy losses. To let the Allied invasion succeed, however, it was critical to take Pointe-du-Hoc. This places tells a unique story of making the impossible happen. Longues-sur-Mer battery Longues-sur-Mer is one of the best preserved batteries in France with original cannons still in place. It was strategically located on a cliff to counter the Allied invasion on D-Day. It’s very interesting to see, especially since it’s still in such good shape. American and German Cemeteries Both the German and American cemetery show the impact of war on human lives as no other place can. The latter has thousands of allied graves on the grassy fields near Omaha beach. Although the American cemetery is a well-established stop on the tourist trail, not too many visitors go to the German cemetery. Obviously it tells an entirely different story, but most of these soldiers were not even eighteen years old as you can read on their gravestones. It’s horrific, but essential to fully understand the impact of D-Day. Sainte-Mère-Eglise The small village of Sainte-Mère-Eglise was the first village to be liberated by the Allied forces. But that’s not why it’s a famous place. Something extraordinary happened here during D-Day. On the night before D-Day thirty paratroopers landed in the middle of the village. Unfortunately for them, there was a fire on the town square. Everyone in the village, including the German soldiers, was awake and the town was well lit. The paratroopers were easy targets for the Germans. A fierce battle followed. There are still bullet holes in the church near the entrance. Private John Steele, one of the paratroopers, became famous. He was hit by a shrapnel shortly after he began his descent into the village and landed with his parachute on the church tower, leaving him hanging. John Steele decided to play dead for a couple of hours to avoid being killed. Eventually one of his fellow soldiers cut him loose and he was taken prisoner by the Germans. He escaped just three days later to rejoin the Allied forces. At Sainte-Mère-Eglise there is now a monument of a paratrooper dangling on the church tower. Forever remembering the story of John Steele, who became an honorary citizen of the village. If you want to know more, pay a visit to the Airborne Museum located in the village. Also have a look at the stained glass windows in the church, as one of them depicts Virgin Mary and three paratroopers. One of whom is private John Steele. Caen Memorial The Caen Memorial provides a detailed overview of the impact of the Second World War on the entire region. It’s one of the most comprehensive museums about the war. The museum was built on top of the former underground bunker and headquarters of the German General Richter, which you can also visit. It also houses a movie theater and three gardens dedicated to the soldiers who died in Normandy. What do you think is the most impressive place on this list of World War II sites in Normandy, and why? Let me know in the comments! Or want to know more about what Normandy has to offer? Read all about it here in my top 5 highlights of Normandy.

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Top 5 Best Things To See and Do In Normandy

Charelle — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 09:07:06 +0000

Normandy is a place of history, delicious seafood, wide open fields and half-timbered houses. The people are remarkably friendly to welcome you into this part of France. Many tourists visit Normandy because of the D-Day sites. It’s an intriguing destination for sure, and I share with you my top 5 of things to see and do in the region. Étretat cliffs and arches Étretat is one of the most stunning places in Normandy. This coast town’s white chalk cliffs rise out of the Atlantic Ocean and are more than 100 meters in height. Enjoy some time at the lovely pebble beach and then hike up the cliffs on both sides of the beach. From there, you have amazing views of the famous natural rock arches and the ocean. A perfect day trip destination. Le Mont-Saint-Michel The magical island and UNESCO World Heritage Site le Mont-Saint-Michel lies in a breathtaking bay on the border of Brittany and Normandy. During high tide, the walled city is completely surrounded by the sea. Hence, it’s often referred to as an island. But during low tide there are merely sandbanks and it’s possible to walk on the treacherous quicksand. The city itself looks like something out of a fairytale. Medieval cobblestoned streets, old houses and a huge abbey. It’s often overcrowded with tourists, because it’s considered one of the absolute highlights of France. Best to go early to enjoy this wonderful place. Rouen The vibrant capital of Normandy, Rouen, is definitely worth a visit. There is no shortage of sights in this captivating city. Rouen is mostly known for its old half-timbered houses, the stunning Renaissance clock du Gros Horloge and the magnificent Notre-Dame. Catch the last rays of sunshine at the Old Market’s Square to end your day. Honfleur Honfleur is the most picturesque port town in Normandy. Colorful half-timbered houses line the cobblestoned streets and authentic shops. There are some interesting churches and it’s a great place to eat some fresh seafood. Don’t miss the Vieux Bassin, the heart of the port and the town, and walk around the small streets to take in Honfleur’s charm. World War II sites Normandy is a place of history. For many, history is the sole purpose of their visit. They want to understand or remember the events that happened here in 1944. D-Day, the day of the Allied invasion of Europe during the Second World War. There are loads of places that you can visit. I mention the 9 most essential ones in this blog. And here’s also a few not-to-miss highlights related to D-Day: Arromanches: an artificial harbour created by the Allied forces. Overlord Museum: this museum tells the story of the Allied landing and the journey to Paris that followed. It also houses an exceptional collection of military equipment and vehicles. Landing beaches: even though the beaches are mostly just beaches, it’s still special to visit these places. Utah beach is a wide stretch of golden sand and at Omaha you find some memorials. The other beaches are Sword beach, Juno beach and Gold beach. Pointe-du-Hoc: located at a cliff overlooking both Utah and Omaha beach, this was a tactical and important site for the Germans during the Allied invasion. Nowadays there are remnants of bunkers and lots of holes due to the heavy bombing this place endured. The story of Pointe-du-Hoc is impressive, with Rangers fighting their way up to conquer the cliffs and suffering heavy losses. Longues-sur-Mer battery: one of the best preserved batteries in France with original cannons. It was strategically located to counter the Allied invasion on D-Day. American and German cemeteries: most tourists visit the American Cemetery, which has thousands of allied graves on the grassy fields near Omaha beach. The cemetery is well-kept and it feels special to pay your respects to the soldiers who ensured our freedom. Not too far away lies a German cemetery. Although it’s not visited as much and tells an entirely different story, most of these soldiers were not even eighteen years old as you can read on their gravestones. It’s horrific, but both cemeteries show the impact of war on human lives as no other place can. Where to stay I stayed at the charming campsite Château de Martragny in the garden of a castle. It’s located in the southern part of Normandy, very close to the village of Bayeux and the landing beaches. For me it was the ideal base to explore the region, so I really recommend this place. What did you like most in Normandy? Share in the comments! Or are you interested in other Europe destinations? Read more here.

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Top 10 Things To See And Do In Utrecht During Summer

Charelle — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 11:15:15 +0000

Utrecht, my hometown, is a great place to visit in The Netherlands. In this blog I share with you my top 10 things to see and do in Utrecht during summer. Climb the Dom tower The most iconic symbol of Utrecht is the historic Dom tower. It’s almost 113 meters in height and the tallest church tower in The Netherlands. Climb the 465 steps to enjoy marvelous views of the city and the countryside. On a clear day you might even see Rotterdam or Amsterdam on the horizon. Remember, The Netherlands is a very flat country. Please know that the Dom tower is undergoing major restorations for the upcoming years, probably until 2024. The restoration focusses solely on the exterior of the tower. You’ll notice this quickly, as the tower is wrapped up in scaffolding. However, the tower is open to visitors as normal. You might see some scaffolding at the viewing galleries, but the view is still very impressive. Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM; admission fee: €10,00; location: Domplein 9, Utrecht. Visit St. Martin’s Cathedral and its secret garden One of the most important squares in the city is the Cathedral Square. Here you find the Dom tower, beautifully decorated university buildings, the tourist information office, quirky bars, and the impressive St. Martin’s Cathedral. The latter is often referred to by locals as the Dom church, as originally the church was connected to the Dom tower. However, a destructive tornado in 1674 ensured their separation. The interior of the church houses several tombs and crypts, detailed stained-glass windows and a high vaulted ceiling. Don’t skip the Pandhof, a small, secret garden tucked away between St. Martin’s Cathedral and the University Hall. Truly an oasis of tranquility right in the city center. Opening hours: 12:00 PM – 03:00 PM; no admission fee; location: Achter de Dom 1, Utrecht. Walk around the historic city center The compact, medieval city center of Utrecht is perfect for walking. Get lost in the tiny, cobblestone alleys and wander along the wharves of the winding canals. Rent a boat, canoe or SUP to discover the canals The best way to explore Utrecht’s stunning canals and wharves is by being on the water. Rent a boat, canoe or SUP and navigate through the waterways of the city center or the peaceful nature surrounding Utrecht. For the latter you have to take the Minstroom or Amelisweerd route. At De Rijnstroom or Kanoverhuur Utrecht it’s possible to rent electric boats, canoes and SUPs. Relax or hike in one of the parks There are plenty of city parks in Utrecht for some well-earned relaxation. Many of the locals head out to the parks on sunny days to enjoy a picknick, read a book or hang out with friends. The following parks are perfect if you just want to wind down and escape the fast pace of the city: If you prefer to hike, you should go to the Botanical Gardens or the Máximapark. The Máximapark is as big as the entire city center and has, among other things, a butterfly and Japanese garden. The Botanical Gardens have thousands of different plant species from all around the world. Both the Botanical Gardens and the Máximapark are located a bit out of town, but definitely worth a visit if you want to stretch your legs. Get lost in the largest castle of The Netherlands De Haar Castle is the largest castle in the Netherlands. It’s a magical, luxurious and historic castle near Utrecht. It’s easy to reach with public transport from the main train station or by car. De Haar looks like a castle from a fairytale, including impressive towers, gates, drawbridges and a stunning interior. The colorful gardens are begging to be explored as well. Check out my drone video of De Haar Castle if you would like to see more. Opening hours: Park 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM, Castle 12:00 PM – 05:00 PM; admission fee: Park €6,00, Castle and park €17,00; location: Kasteellaan 1, Haarzuilens. Enjoy Utrecht’s best street art From tiny details to huge wall paintings, Utrecht is filled with street art. You just need to know where to look. You can go out by yourself by following this route, for example. My personal favorite, although not included in the route, is the bookcase in Zuilen at the Mimosastraat. This piece of art is created by artists Jan de Man and Deef Feed. Check out Jan’s work at his website, including all the locations of his amazing street art. It’s also possible to enjoy a private street art tour from Greetings From Utrecht. Visit one of the famous museums There are a couple of iconic museums in Utrecht. If you want to learn something new, visit one of these: Be amazed by the world’s largest bicycle parking So to be honest, as a local I don’t even blink an eye when I park my bike at the train station. For me it’s just a place to leave my bike when I head into the city center or want to catch a train. But for many tourists the presence of so many bikes in one place is fascinating. If this is you, go to the bicycle parking at the main train station in Utrecht. The parking has more than 12.000 (!) places, making it the largest bicycle parking in the entire world. It’s open 24/7 and located right underneath Utrecht Central Station. Opening hours: 24/7; no admission fee; location: Stationsplein, Utrecht. Drink special beers in one of the many bars When the sun’s out, the terraces in the city are packed. Cafés, restaurants and bars line nearly every street and canal. Many locals go out with their friends to drink special beers and eat the famous Dutch snack bitterballen. With many bars to choose from, I would start with the centrally located Kafé Belgie and Café Olivier. Both have an extensive collection of special beers. And Olivier is housed in an old church, which ensures an incredible atmosphere. Or sit down at the central square Neude where you can take in the hustle and bustle of the city center. Do you have other ideas to do in Utrecht this summer? Or are you heading somewhere else instead? Let me know in the comments!

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The Complete Guide To The Remote David Gareja Monastery

Charelle — Thu, 14 May 2020 07:54:51 +0000

One of the most remarkable sights in Georgia is the ancient cave monastery David Gareja. And not only the complex itself is a must see, but also the road to get there is out of this world. This day trip from Tbilisi takes you along the former Soviet and industrial town Rustavi, semi desert no man’s land at the border with Azerbaijan and the holy cave monastery complex David Gareja in the middle of nowhere. In this blog I share everything you need to know for your self drive day trip to David Gareja. Practical information for your trip David Gareja is very much doable as a day trip from Tbilisi. Most people go with organized tours, but I urge you to drive yourself with a 4WD if you can. This way, you can drive a different and much more interesting route than the vans of the organized tours. Before you head off, you want to buy some snacks, lunch, water and sun screen for the day. You mostly drive through no man’s land, which means that you won’t encounter any restaurants, shops and toilets. There are some toilets and a small restaurant at David Gareja though. Alright, so once you’re ready get your 4WD car in Tbilisi and take the S4 highway southwards to Rustavi. Soviet and industrial Rustavi Rustavi is a former Soviet and industrial town. Once an enormous complex to support Georgia’s largest industrial plant, but now almost abandoned with a post-apocalyptic feel to it. Rows of pastel concrete apartment blocks and remnants of forgotten factories line the road. If you look closely, you see the cracks and flaking paint on crumbling buildings. It’s pure Soviet aesthetic is captivating. Take in this eerie end of the world before heading to David Gareja. From there, follow the Rustavi – Jandara road land inwards. Before the small town of Lemshveniera, turn left. The paved road changes into a dirt road amid wide open fields. You drive through a semi desert landscape with views as far as the eye can see. No man’s land without any roads, just the tracks of the cars that passed before you. It’s an incredible drive. There isn’t really a point of navigation I can give you here, except to follow the car tracks. Also use Google Maps and maps.me for navigation. Especially the latter comes in handy, as it allows you to navigate while being offline. Just make sure to download the map of the area in advance. You recognize David Gareja easily by the brand new parking lot, restaurant and toilet facilities. Cave monastery complex David Gareja Take a break to process the marvelous road trip you just had. It doesn’t get a whole lot more epic than that. You arrived at David Gareja, the ancient and remote cave monastery complex near the border with Azerbaijan. Even though David Gareja consists of more than 15 monasteries spread out over a wide area, most are long abandoned. In 1615 more than 6000 monks were killed here, and sadly the place never regained its former importance. In two to three hours it’s possible to see the Lavra and Udabno monasteries, which are both close to the parking lot. Lavra is the monastery that you see immediately upon arrival, next to the entrance. It’s in good shape as some monks remarkably still live here. At the Lavra monastery, make sure to check out the magical 6th century cave church with David Gareja’s tomb in it. In order to reach the Udabno cave monastery, follow the path uphill beside the church shop outside the Lavra monastery. You want to wear decent hiking shoes, because it’s a steep uphill path. At the top of the hill you have breathtaking views of the grassy plains from Georgia on one side and from Azerbaijan on the other. The Udabno caves are located at the other side of the mountain ridge, with some outstanding frescoes. The Lonely Planet warns for ‘poisonous vipers’ in this area, and they aren’t kidding. There are some seriously scary snakes hiding in the bushes and caves, so keep an eye out. The mountain ridge is the disputed border between Georgia and Azerbaijan. You may find some border guards patrolling here. I didn’t know at the time, but I found out quickly when I was flying my drone around. I was soon greeted by four border guards with Kalashnikovs asking me if “that was my drone”. It all ended well, but I think a warning is in place here. Visiting the monasteries and hiking at the mountain ridge is all fine, though. The way back from David Gareja When you’ve seen everything, it’s time to head back to Tbilisi. Instead of going the same way as you came from, it’s more fun to make it a round trip. In order to do so, follow the road to Udabno towards Sagaredzjo (the შ 172) and take the main road (S5) from there. If you want to continue your journey rather than going back to Tbilisi, driving to Sighnaghi is also a good option. Read more about this option in my Georgian road trip itinerary. Are you planning on driving to David Gareja yourself? Great choice! If you have any questions about this trip, make sure to let me know. Also, check out my other Georgia posts for more highlights of this wonderful country.

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Driving The Scenic Military Highway In Georgia

Charelle — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 10:29:55 +0000

The scenic and historic Military Highway is a mountain road crossing the Caucasus from Tbilisi in Georgia to Vladikavkaz in Russia. It was built in 1799 by Russian soldiers and for a long time the only way into the Caucasus mountains. The highway is 208 kilometers in length and takes you to historic towns and castles, lakes, winding mountain passes and the great Caucasus mountains. An epic and not-to-miss journey during your time in Georgia. In this post I share all the points of interest along the way. General information The Military Highway in Georgia is in good condition and it’s possible to drive this road with a regular car. Most of the route is not very hard, but once you reach the mountains there are many U-turns. Some driving experience is recommended. If you want to explore the Caucasus mountains in depth, I recommend that you hire a 4WD car. In Kazbegi, for example, a 4WD car allows you to drive to the Gergeti Trinity Church and the Truso Valley instead of hiking. I hired a Toyota 4Runner at GSS car rental and really recommend their service. Read more about driving around Georgia in my post about the most epic Georgia road trip itinerary. Mtskheta The traffic in Tbilisi is somewhat crazy, so quickly leave the city and drive in approximately 30 minutes to Mtskheta. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the oldest cities in Georgia and also the former capital. Some of the most significant holy monuments in the entire country are found in Mtskheta. Explore the medieval streets of the town and learn about Georgian history and culture at the Holy Cross Monastery of Jvari, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Samtavro Monastery. You come across the Holy Cross Monastery of Jvari before you reach Mtskheta, as this monastery lies on a hill overlooking the town. From here you also see the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. A remarkable sight, as the former is mud brown and the latter clear blue. Zhinvali Reservoir and Ananuri Castle From Mtskheta continue to the Zhinvali reservoir, a large turquoise water reservoir, part of the Aragvi river. Make a few stops to enjoy the views, for example at the Zhinvali dam. This is one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in Georgia. Also wander around the notable 17th-century Ananuri castle complex, a walled fortification of two castles at the river banks. There are also two churches in the complex. The location of this medieval complex is pure magic, with its tall towers overlooking the turquoise Zhinvali lake. Friendship Monument and Jvari Pass After Ananuri, the road becomes steeper. Gentle hills transform into winding mountain passes and U-turns. The dramatic landscape of the Caucasus draws you in with the peaks growing ever higher. Snow begins to appear on the slopes. When you are almost at the highest point of the Military Highway, you see an extraordinary round building with several columns and pillars. This is the Friendship Monument, build to celebrate the “friendship” between the Soviet Union and Georgia. The views from this place are unrivaled. It’s your first chance to properly appreciate the spectacular mountains that you find yourself in. The deep greens of the valley and the icy peaks blend together in dramatic cliffs. The reason I say “friendship”, however, is because there are still some areas in Georgia that are occupied by Russia (from Georgian perspective). One of those places is South Ossetia, which lies behind the mountains that you see from the friendship monument. Quite a strange feeling, but it doesn’t take away the beauty of the raw and untouched nature of the Caucasus mountains. Very soon after the Friendship Monument you reach the peak of the Jvari Pass, the highest point of the Military Highway. This is almost 2400 meters above sea level. Gudauri and Stepantsminda You drive through the (in the summer almost abandoned) ski resort Gudauri before reaching the final destination for most travelers: Stepantsminda. Stepantsminda lies in the Kazbegi national park, high up in the Greater Caucasus and almost at the border with Russia. Here you find yourself at the foot of Mt. Kazbek, the third-highest mountain in Georgia with an incredible 5054 meters in height. When you look up from the village, you see the silhouette of the peak and one of the most famous attractions in the entire country: the Gergeti Trinity Church. Although Stepantsminda itself is not particularly beautiful, there are plenty of guesthouses and the village serves as an ideal base to explore the area of Kazbegi. Would you like to drive the stunning Military Highway in Georgia? Let me know if you have any questions or advice about this trip! If you want to read more, make sure to check out my other Georgia posts.

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The Most Epic 18-Day Road Trip Itinerary For Georgia

Charelle — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 09:47:52 +0000

Georgia is the country that stole my heart, because of the ultimate feeling of freedom and adventure that a road trip through this impressive country offers. I’m in love with the vibrant capital city Tbilisi, the delicious authentic cuisine, the locally produced wines, the ancient cathedrals, churches and cave cities, the stunning nature with the breathtaking Caucasus mountain range and the welcoming Georgian people with their own culture and traditions. It’s not a very large country, making it the ideal destination for an epic road trip. You want to hire a 4WD car, as this allows you to go anywhere you want and visit the best places Georgia has to offer. In this post I share my ultimate 18-day road trip itinerary for Georgia with you, so you won’t miss anything! Day 1-2: Tbilisi Tbilisi is the lively and vibrant capital of Georgia, with more than one million people living there (one third of the entire population). The old and new parts contradict and at the same time complement each other well. The city’s history is well preserved in the picturesque Old Town with quaint colorful houses and wooden pillared balconies, the iconic sulfur baths and the 17th century Narikala Fortress. However, Tbilisi doesn’t stand still. The new and 87 meters tall Holy Trinity Cathedral was built in 2004, the Tbilisi Peace Bridge is one of the modern symbols of the city and the cable cars take you up the hill in no time. The evening takes you to enjoy the marvelous restaurants and nightlife. Try delicious Georgian cuisine in one of the many tavernas and accompany it with locally produced wine. Afterwards, enjoy Tbilisi’s raw nightlife with a large underground techno scene. Day 3: Drive via David Gareja to Sighnaghi Get your 4WD car in Tbilisi and head out of town. The first day on the road is immediately one of the highlights of your trip. It’s also a long day, so make sure you start early and are well rested. David Gareja is an ancient and remote cave monastery complex near the border with Azerbaijan. Among other things, it includes wine cellars, houses, churches and frescoes. Even more remarkable, however, is that some monks still live there. And although David Gareja is a must see in itself, the road to it is incredible as well. Go south from Tbilisi to Rustavi, a former soviet and industrial town, and head land inwards from there. Use Google Maps and Maps.me for navigation, and don’t forget to download the maps beforehand if you need to use them offline. The asphalt from the main road quickly turns into dirt roads and open fields. You drive through a semi desert landscape with views as far as the eye can see. No man’s land without any roads, just the tracks of the cars that passed before you. And then, when you start to doubt your navigation skills, the holy monastery lies before you. It makes you wonder how people live there. The drive from Tbilisi to David Gareja takes approximately two to three hours. Enjoy every minute of it, because it’s truly extraordinary. Visit the Lavra monastery and hike up the hill to see the Udabno caves. It’s a circular route and expect to spend at least two to three hours here. After you’ve seen the complex, make your way to your next destination: Sighnaghi. Google Maps sends you via Tbilisi if you navigate to Sighnaghi. Instead, follow the road to Udabno towards Sagaredzjo (the შ 172) and take the main road (S5) from there. Day 4-5: Kakheti (Sighnaghi) A steep road with lots of U-turns brings you to Sighnaghi. Many villages in the area are dilapidated, but Sighnaghi is fully renovated. Now it’s one of the most attractive towns in Georgia with a somewhat Tuscan feel to it. It’s located on a hilltop overlooking the wide Alazani valley. On the horizon you spot the first snowy peaks of the Caucasus. This lovely and touristy town only takes a couple of hours to see, but it’s also the best base to explore the Kakheti region in which it is located. Kakheti is the wine region of the country. Make sure to visit one of the many wineries, explore the sights in the valley and reserve a day for hiking in the Lagodekhi National Park. Day 6: Military Highway The Military Highway is a mountain road crossing the Caucasus from Tbilisi in Georgia to Vladikavkaz in Russia. The highway is 208 kilometers in length. There is only one word to best describe this road: epic. Historic towns and castles, lakes, winding mountain roads and the great Caucasus mountains. Start in Sighnaghi early in the morning as you’re looking at a full day of driving. Sights include the former capital of Georgia Mtskheta, the turquoise Zhinvali water reservoir and the notable Ananuri Castle, the ski resort Gudauri, the friendship monument between the Soviet Union and Georgia, the highest point of the route at the Jvari Pass (almost 2400 meters above sea level) and finally your base for the region, Stepantsminda. Read my entire post about the Military Highway here! Day 7-8: Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) Stepantsminda lies in the Kazbegi national park, high up in the Greater Caucasus and almost at the border with Russia. It is located at the foot of Mt. Kazbek, the third-highest mountain in Georgia with an incredible 5054 meters in height. When you look up from the village, you see the silhouette of the peak and one of the most famous attractions in the entire country: the Gergeti Trinity Church. Although Stepantsminda itself is not particularly beautiful, there are plenty of guesthouses and the village serves as an ideal base to explore the area of Kazbegi. Some must-sees are the Gergeti Trinity Church, the hike to the Gergeti glacier and the Truso Valley. Other options to see or do near Stepantsminda include Juta, the Dariali Gorge, several waterfalls and paragliding. Spend at least two days exploring Kazbegi to see the highlights, or longer if you have the time. There’s plenty to do here! Day 9: Drive via Gori to Vardzia Today you drive from Stepantsminda to the cave city of Vardzia, via the city of Gori. A total of approximately 400 kilometers. First you have to go back almost the entire Military Highway. At Mtskheta you turn right to Gori. Gori is the birthplace of Joseph Stalin and there is a very interesting museum about him, located next to his old home. This museum idolizes Stalin and ignores the horrible parts of his past. This feels dubious, especially since Gori was bombed in 2008 by Russia. It’s a controversial museum to say the least, but worth a stop if you’re interested. Via the forestry area of Borjomi, a great place for rafting, you drive further to Akhaltsikhe. This is where you leave the main road into the dramatic wilderness that is the valley in which Vardzia is located. The road follows the winding Mtkvari River through narrow darkred canyons and fresh green hills. Find a place to sleep in this mystical valley (I recommend Guesthouse Mtkvari), so you can visit Vardzia in the morning to beat the daytrip crowds from Akhaltsikhe and Borjomi. Day 10: Vardzia The ancient cave city of Vardzia is a not-to-miss highlight in Georgia. This holy city, built in the 12th century, once housed more than 2000 monks in at least 400 rooms, 13 churches and 25 wine cellars. These different rooms are connected with a complex tunnel system and divided over 13 floors. When you are finished exploring this magnificent place, which will most likely take a couple of hours, use the rest of the day to see some other sights in the valley. Go, for instance, to the hot springs, Tmgovi Castle and Khertvisi Fortress. It’s possible to drive up to Khertvisi Fortress with a 4×4, although the road is in very bad shape. Caution is needed and I can’t guarantee you won’t get a flat tire. Day 11: Drive via Rabati Castle to Batumi Drive back through the beautiful valley to the Rabati Castle, a medieval fortress built in the 9th century. It looks very new, however, because it’s been comprehensively renovated in 2011. It feels somewhat like a chaotic collection of different buildings and parts, but fascinating to see nonetheless. From Rabati Castle, there are two possible routes to Batumi. The first one is the შ 1 road via Khulo. This road is not in good shape, and only possible with a 4WD car and good weather. The main road goes via Borjomi (S8) and Kutaisi (E60) to Batumi (E70). This is the faster option. Day 12-13: Batumi Batumi is a mixture between Las Vegas and a touristy beach town, only a lot smaller. And the beaches are actually not that great either. It feels unreal, because it’s a completely different vibe than other places in Georgia. But if you want to enjoy some beach time, this is the place to be. Day 14-15: Svaneti (Mestia) I saved the best for last: the Svaneti region, also called “the roof of Europe”. This mystical and ancient land is the highest permanently inhabited region of the Caucasus and Europe. It is home to the Svan people with their own distinct culture and language. Your first stop in this region is Mestia, a somewhat touristy town where the paved road ends. Save one day for hiking to the Holy Cross and Koruldi Lakes or to the Chalaadi glacier. I hiked to the Holy Cross and Koruldi Lakes, and it sincerely was the most beautiful and the toughest hike I ever did. The continuous 360 degrees views of the Caucasus mountain peaks are simply breathtaking. Day 16-17: Svaneti (Ushguli) Outside the town of Mestia, the road gets worse and travelers grow thin. Most travelers who go beyond Mestia travel to UNESCO World Heritage listed Ushguli, including yourself. Ushguli is a community of four ancient villages near the foot of Georgia’s highest mountain, Mt. Shkhara. The highest village of Ushguli is located at 2100 meters above sea level, which makes it the highest permanently inhabited settlement of Europe. It’s a two-hour drive from Mestia to Ushguli and you definitely need a 4×4. An amazing off-road drive is from Ushguli to the Shkhara glacier, defying rivers and glaciers on the way. Horse riding is also a great way to explore the Svaneti region and traditionally the primary method of transportation in the area. Therefore it’s possible to rent a horse with a guide in almost every village. Day 18: Back to Tbilisi There are two ways to drive from Ushguli to Tbilisi, the easy and the hard way. The easy option is to drive back to Mestia, and travel via Zugdidi and Kutaisi to Tbilisi. It is possible to drive this route in one full day, which takes approximately 9,5 hours excluding stops. Furthermore, the hard-but-beautiful way is to take the Zagar pass from Svaneti. The Zagar pass is an unpaved mountain pass at an elevation of 2620 meter above sea level. You definitely need a 4×4 for this. If you are an experienced driver and up for a challenge I would definitely consider taking the beautiful Zagar pass. This route takes you via Lentekhi and Kutaisi to Tbilisi. And that’s it, we’re back where we started! For me this road trip itinerary in Georgia was the adventure of a lifetime. I hope the same goes for you. Budget For Traveling Through Georgia As you can read in my Top 10 Budget Travel Destinations, Georgia is very cheap. I spent around US$200 per week, including staying in private double rooms, excursions such as paragliding and eating out at least twice a day. That’s less than US$30 per day. I also negotiated a good deal for renting a Toyota 4 Runner at GSS Car Rental in Tbilisi. I really recommend them, as the car and their service were excellent. Please let me know if you have any questions about this road...

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Top 10 Budget Travel Destinations Around The World

Charelle — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 11:09:16 +0000

People keep asking me how I afford to travel so much. Well, I mostly go to budget destinations. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive at all. Often countries abroad are even cheaper than staying at home. Do you want to travel as well but don’t want to spend tons of money? Check out my top 10 of budget travel destinations around the world. Sri Lanka Even though Sri Lanka is a relatively small country, there is lots to see and do. Go see wild elephants and leopards, visit ruins of ancient cities, hike through tea plantations and to waterfalls, and relax on golden-sand beaches or go surfing. You could stay a month on this island and just about see the highlights. And everything is extremely cheap. Imagine being on a 2nd class train ride for seven hours and paying less than US$2. Yes, that’s right. Laos Laos is one-of-a-kind. The country has the questionable honor of being the most bombed country in the entire world, during the Vietnam war. The scars of the past are still there. But at the same time it’s developing and enjoying an increasing influx of tourists. Local traditions meet tourism. Some small villages in the mountains got electricity in recent years and continue to grow. Others feel like time stands still. Everywhere are monks, beautiful temples, communism and impressive nature. There’s absolutely no place like it. In terms of money it’s very inexpensive. A beer? Less than US$1. A local meal? Less than US$1. A 1.5L bottle of water? Less than US$1. You could get around for US$10 per day here if you want. Indonesia Indonesia is huge and there are loads of islands that beg to be explored. It depends on where you are going, but top visits include meeting orangutans in Sumatra, climbing the impressive Bromo volcano in Java, going to Borobodur which is the largest Buddhist monument in the entire world, exploring the rice terraces of Bali or going to one of the many other islands. There’s no doubt that Indonesia has plenty to offer while it’s one of the cheapest countries that I’ve ever been to. I spent approximately US$850 during a month, and that included private rooms with hot showers, eating out three times a day, renting scooters everywhere, excursions, you name it. Cambodia I could list all Southeast Asian countries, but then it wouldn’t be the top 10 of budget travel destinations around the world. So last but not least for Asia: Cambodia. Explore the stunning countryside, ancient temples and ruins, beautiful beaches and enjoy true hospitality. Even though the country is becoming more and more established on the backpackers trail, it’s way cheaper than its neighbors. It’s one of the cheapest destinations for backpacking in the entire world! Colombia Colombia is incredibly diverse and booming. Tourism has grown over 260% since 2002, due to increased safety in recent years. There are megacities, jungles, glaciers, deserts, coffee plantations and tropical islands. Although it isn’t the cheapest country to visit on this list, it’s still very much possible to get by on less than US$50 per day. However, Colombia also offers high end accommodation, restaurants and activities. So you do have to keep an eye on where you spend your money. If you want to travel cheap try not to indulge in the vibrant gastronomy scene, stay away from the fancy cocktail bars, stay in hostels instead of hotels and avoid Gringoland. Want to know more? Check out my ideal travel itinerary for 3 weeks. Ecuador Galapagos is one of the main reasons why people visit Ecuador, but there’s so much more than that. And Galapagos isn’t very cheap, so if you’re traveling on a budget you might want to stick to the mainland. But that’s fine, really. There are incredible beaches, lush Amazonian rainforest and the magnificent mountain range the Andes. A nature lover’s paradise. A dorm in a hostel costs around US$8 per night and a private room around US$12. If you eat local food, it won’t cost more than US$5 per meal. And a beer is only US$1. Ecuador is one of the cheapest countries in South America to travel to. Georgia There are still plenty of options to travel on a budget in Europe and you don’t want to miss Georgia. The food and wine are simply incredible, people are too kind even if they don’t speak English (not even a word), the historic sights go back hundreds of years and the Caucasus mountains are the highest in Europe. If you can afford to hire a 4WD car (US$800 for two weeks), you have the ultimate freedom of exploring the country at your own pace and go wherever you want. I spent around US$200 per week, including staying in private double rooms, excursions such as paragliding and eating out at least twice a day. That’s less than US$30 per day. Read more in my post about the most epic road trip itinerary in Georgia! Romania Like Georgia, Romania is a somewhat off-the-radar destination in Eastern Europe and a true road tripper’s dream. In particular the Transfagarasan Highway, a winding and paved mountain road that shows you the best landscapes in the country. Historic churches, castles and monasteries are hidden away in medieval towns where the outside world doesn’t seem to exist. Even though it is a bit more expensive, it’s well worth hiring a car here. The prices are comparable to Georgia, as it’s very much possible to get around for less than US$30 per day. Portugal and the Azores Mainland Portugal offers stunning coastlines, vibrant Lisbon, cobblestone villages and great gastronomy. The Azores, officially part of Portugal, are Europe’s secret islands. There’s very little tourism, nature is incredible, wildlife (such as whales and dolphins) is abundant, and the seafood is the best in Europe. Portugal is definitely more expensive than the other countries on this list, but for European standards still affordable. You should be able to get around fine for around US$50 per day as a backpacker. The Azores require you to hire a car as the public transportation isn’t very much developed, so expect to pay a few dollars per day more here. Morocco Budget travel destinations in Africa are hard to find, but Morocco is your best bet. It’s often called the gateway to Africa and offers epic mountains, ancient cities with mazelike medinas and incredible deserts. You don’t have to worry about spending too much money on alcohol, because that’s not a common thing to do in the country. Assuming you’re staying in hostels, eating local dishes at the market or at cheap restaurants and using local transportation, expect to pay around US$50 per day. In Africa it doesn’t get a whole lot cheaper than that. There are many more budget travel destinations around the world, and I’m curious what your best budget destination is? Please tell me in the comments! Would you like to save even more money on your trip? Check out my guide on how to find cheap flights before you go.

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27 Best Things To See And Do In Lisbon

Charelle — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 08:10:57 +0000

There are many amazing cities in Europe, and somehow Lisbon was never first on my list. But I’m so glad I finally went there! It’s a lively, fast-growing city with a great gastronomy and vibrant nightlife scene. And there’s plenty to see, too. Get lost in the cobbled alleyways of the Alfama neighborhood, hike up to one of the many miradouros or visit the beautiful historic sights. Here’s my list of the best things to do in Lisbon. Torre de Belém The Belém fortress is listed as UNESCO cultural heritage and is one of Lisbon’s architectural highlights. The impressive tower rises 30 meters out of the river banks and provides an opportunity to learn about military history. You can wander around on your own and see the halls, port holes and prison cells. Just be aware that the lines can get very long, in particular on Sundays when it’s free to enter before 2:00 PM. To avoid the queues book tickets online in advance. If you decide to buy tickets at the tower itself, buy the ticket in combination with the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. It allows you to skip the line at the monastery and saves you some money. Please know that buying a combination ticket is only possible at Torre de Belém and not at Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Entrance with the Lisbon card is free, but you’ll still have to wait in line. Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 06:30 PM (until 05:30 PM from October to May), last admission is 30 minutes before closing time; admission fee: €6,00 (or €12,00 combined with Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Museu Nacional de Arqueologia), location: Avenida Brasilía, 1400-038 Mosteiro dos Jerónimos A national monument and listed as world heritage site by UNESCO, this monastery is part of Portuguese culture and identity. Build to commemorate the return of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama from India, it’s only fitting that his tomb was placed here. It took over 100 years to build and that shows. It’s magnificent and the grandeur overwhelms you upon arrival. Definitely a not-to-miss visit. This is a very popular highlight in Lisbon, so it can get crowded. To avoid the lines book tickets online in advance. Go to Torre de Belém first if you still have to get your tickets, as you can buy a combination ticket for both attractions here. This is not possible at the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. A combination ticket allows you to skip the line at the monastery and saves you some money. Entrance with the Lisbon card is free, but you’ll still have to wait in line. Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 06:30 PM (until 05:30 PM from May to September), last admission is 30 minutes before closing time; admission fee: €10,00 (or €12,00 combined with Museu Nacional de Arqueologia), location: Praça do Império 1400-206 Squares Walk around the city and you’ll come across many majestic squares surrounded by beautiful buildings, such as the Praça do Rossio and Praça do Comércio. The latter is the biggest and most popular square in the city. It’s located at the riverfront and the former location of the royal palace. One of the best places to sit down and enjoy a coffee, wine or gelato while life passes you by. Santa Justa Elevator This not-to-miss attraction is a century-old elevator which connects the city center to the Bairro Alto neighborhood. Enjoy the rickety 45 meters up and take in the spectacular views from the top. The views are even more beautiful in the evening, when the whole city lights up. Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (until 10:00 PM from November to April); admission fee: €5,15 for a return ticket (free entrance with the Lisbon card) and €1,50 for the viewpoint, location: Rua Santa Justa in Baixa Bairro Alto During the day you might mistake this neighborhood for a sleepy residential area, but at night it comes to life. Come here for a wonderful dinner and enjoy some drinks afterwards in one of the many bars. Just walk through the myriad of streets and you’ll find plenty to go to. It’s recommended to go in June when the party turns up a notch for all the city festivals! Imagine all the streets filled with people celebrating on a warm summer evening. Probably doesn’t get a whole lot better than that. Alfama Get lost in the narrow cobblestoned alleys of the authentic Alfama neighborhood and enjoy the traditional Lisbon life. Especially in the early morning when residents, mostly women, sell fresh fish from their doorsteps. This old fishing neighborhood dates from the 5th century and feels like a small village where everyone knows each. Like Bairro Alto, it’s worth visiting in June when there are many festivals in the city and all the houses and streets are decorated. Castelo de São Jorge This medieval castle lies on the highest hill overlooking Lisbon ensuring marvelous views of the city. A visit takes up a whole morning, as there is plenty to see. The castle and the towers are worth visiting, and there are a small archeological museum, a garden and a restaurant. If you want to skip the line (which can get quite long), it’s possible to buy tickets online in advance at GetYourGuide. Opening hours: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM (until 06:00 PM from November to February) ; admission fee: €10,00, location: at the top of the São Jorge hill. Se de Lisboa Cathedral This magnificent cathedral is the oldest and most important church in the city. It’s built on the grounds of a former mosque to celebrate the defeat of the Moors in the 12th century. The cathedral contains a cloister, which has the same style as the Jerónimos monastery. It also has a treasury which is made up of four halls with suits, jewels and historic relics. Opening hours: cathedral: 07:00 AM – 07:00 PM, cloiser: 10:00 AM – 07:00 PM (until 05:00 PM from October to April), treasury: 10:AM – 05:00 PM and closed on Sunday; admission fee: cathedral free, cloister: €2,00, treasury: €2,50, combination cloister and treasury: €4,50, location: Largo da Sé 1100 Tram 28 This ancient wooden tram feels like a rollercoaster when it navigates the narrow streets of Lisbon. Thousands of tourists take this tram every day, but somehow it still feels authentic. Perhaps it’s the wooden interior or the squeaking brakes. Anyway, don’t forget to hop on and enjoy the ride. Miradouros Lisbon lies in between seven hills, so it’s inevitable that the views of the city are unrivaled. Some of the best miradouros (viewpoints) are: Bridges Both the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the 25 de Abril Bridge are interesting to see. The first one is the longest bridge in the whole of Europe with 17 kilometers in length and connects the northern and southern parts of Portugal. The second one is the longest suspension bridge in Europe and looks a lot like its American brother in San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge. Both were constructed by the same company which is why they look alike. Jardim Botanico In the heart of the city lies this serene patch of green. This huge garden has approximately 20,000 plants and brings peace and quiet in an otherwise somewhat chaotic environment. It’s great for a stroll or reading a book and offers the best picnic spots in Lisbon. Opening hours: 09:00 AM – 08:00 PM (until 05:00 PM from November to March); admission fee: €2,00, location: Rua da Escola Politécnica, 58 1250-102 Fado Fado is a music style that originated in Lisbon. It’s dramatic and melancholic, focused on living a hard life. Even though it’s not for everyone, I think it’s beautiful and it can really draw you in. To enjoy some traditional fado music, pay a visit to Tasca do Chico, Clube de Fado, Parreirinha de Alfama or Senhor Vinho. Pastel de Nata Don’t leave Lisbon without eating one of these delicious custard pastries. They’re everywhere and they’re cheap, so it’s actually hard to not eat one during your visit. One of the most famous bakeries is the Pastéis de Belém bakery, which has been around since 1837 using an ancient recipe from the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. You won’t regret it. Time Out Market Food halls are booming all over Europe, and Lisbon is no exception. In the Time Out Market there are two halls. One is an actual market with the best products of the city, and the other is a food hall with more than twenty restaurants and eight bars. A fun and yummy night out guaranteed. Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 02:00 AM; no admission fee, location: Avenida 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Museums Lisbon has many wonderful museums. If you’re interested, check out the following: Day Trip To Sintra Even when you have limited time in Lisbon and haven’t seen everything yet, it’s still worth going on a day trip to Sintra. It’s only forty minutes by train (which costs approximately 5 euros), and takes you to a completely different world. A charming town in the hills with loads and loads of palaces and castles. It feels like something straight out of a fairytale. Don’t miss the popular and colorful Pena Palace and the impressive Castle of the Moors. The gardens of Quinta da Regaleira are delightful as well. You’ll live happily ever after. What are your travel plans? Let me know in the comments! And make sure to check out my other destination guides and my guide on how to find cheap flights before you go! Please be informed that some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase via my link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only use affiliate links of companies and products of my choosing, so they don’t influence my writings on this website in any way. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.

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