Liverpool is ideally placed to explore the nearby coastline, North Wales, and the Lake District National Park amongst other stunning destinations. I’ve been visiting Liverpool for years and always like to try and escape the city for some of the incredible nature nearby.

Below, you’ll find a selection of different day trips from Liverpool by car, bus, boat, train, plus some excellent tours. Whether you’re looking for a day at the beach, a hike in the pristine wilderness, or a visit to nearby attractions, these Liverpool day trips offer something for everyone; families, couples, and solo travelers.

Best Day Trips from Liverpool

Here are 15 of the best day trips from Liverpool taking in some of the nearby attractions, towns, cities, and villages. With Chester and Manchester just a short train ride away, and many tours to areas of outstanding natural beauty to choose from, Liverpool makes a great base for exploring this part of northern England.

1. City of Manchester

The city of Manchester is just over 30 minutes away by train from Lime Street station making it one of the best day trips from Liverpool.

Manchester has an equally impressive music scene and a history that goes back to the days of the Hacienda Club and Factory Records (Joy Division is still one of my favorite bands).

Manchester is also home to an excellent array of museums and galleries including the Manchester Art Gallery which holds one of my favorite artworks; the Funeral of a Viking by Frank Bernard Dicksee (1853 – 1928).

There’s an excellent science museum to visit, as well as shops, cafes, and restaurants that rival Liverpool’s.

Visiting nearby Manchester is definitely one of the top day trips from Liverpool by train and it’s a piece of cake traveling between the two cities thanks to the multiple trains every hour.

Visit Old Trafford (the world-renowned football stadium), take a canal and river cruise, or just explore the vibrant city center at your leisure.

Location: Manchester is just 35 miles east of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: Direct trains leave Liverpool Lime Street every 30 minutes. The journey time is between 34 and 52 minutes depending on the service. Tickets cost from £7.50 in advance.
Must-Do Activities: Take a city canal cruise, visit the Manchester Art Gallery, see Old Trafford football ground, and shop in the city center.

2. City of Chester

Chester is a historic city 30 miles south of Liverpool that was an important settlement in Roman Britain (much like my own hometown of Colchester). The city was founded in the first Century and is known for its impressive stretch of well-preserved Roman walls.

The city is a modern and vibrant hub with excellent shopping at the picturesque Chester Rows and dining options such as the stylish Chef’s Table which offers a fresh, seasonal, local produce menu.

One of the best ways to explore the city is to take the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus, or go kayaking along the River Dee.

Location: 40 minutes south of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: Direct trains depart Liverpool Lime Street Station four times an hour and the journey takes just 44 minutes.
Best Tour from Liverpool: Full-day tour to Chester from Liverpool.
Must-Do Activities:Take a hop-on, hop-off city tour, explore the Roman walls, visit Chester Cathedral, go kayaking, and shop at Chester Rows.

3. Crosby Beach

Crosby Beach is just 7 miles from Liverpool and makes for a beautiful day trip from the city. This stretch of coastline is home to an impressive modern art installation by renowned British artist Anthony Gormley.

Here you’ll find 100 sculptured statues along the beach that appear to shift with the tides and seasons. Crosby has a 2.5-mile stretch of golden sand perfect for sunbathing, walking, building sandcastles, and exploring the dunes. If you’re into walking, this is a great place to stretch your legs.

SEE ASO: Check out these hikes in Liverpool for more inspiration for your stay.

It’s not recommended to swim here, however, as there are powerful currents on this part of the coast and even experienced swimmers can find themselves in trouble.

Location: 20 minutes north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: Crosby beach is just a 20-minute drive from Liverpool. There are trains every 10 minutes from Liverpool Central to Blundellsands and Crosby station, from which it’s just a 5-minute walk to the beach and promenade.
Must-Do Activities: See Another Place by Anthony Gormley, walk along the beach, have a picnic, row on the boating lake, and eat ice cream on the promenade.

4. Visit North Wales

North Wales is a stunning part of the United Kingdom and is home to Snowdonia National Park and one of the tallest mountains in the country. I’ve visited Snowdonia many times over the years for climbing holidays as a boy scout to more recent hiking trips.

It’s possible to climb (hike) 3,560 feet (1,085 meters) Mount Snowden if you’re feeling adventurous. The round trip takes anywhere between four and seven hours depending on your level of fitness, rest stops, and the route you take.

For those that don’t fancy such physical exertion, there’s also a train to the summit.

North Wales is home to some historic towns and villages that are well worth a visit. Conwy dates back to 1283 and is the home of the impressive Conwy Castle.

Location: 90 minutes southeast of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: North Wales is a 90-minute drive from Liverpool. The best way to experience this stunning area of outstanding natural beauty is to take a tour which includes visits to Conwy and Snowdonia.
Best Tour from Liverpool: 9-hour North Wales day trip from Liverpool.
Must-Do Activities: Climb Mount Snowden, visit Conwy Castle, and explore the North Wales coastline.

5. Lake District National Park

The Lake District is one of the most picturesque parts of England and is one of the best day tours from Liverpool. Explore stunning Windermere and the nearby villages, mountains, and scenery in this gorgeous part of the country.

Take a boat trip out on the lake, hike one of the many mountain trails, and stop for lunch at a rustic country pub. Explore the villages where Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth wrote their stories and poems (Potter was always a firm childhood favorite of mine).

Visit the beautiful village of Kendal with its ancient high street, boutique shops, and homely pubs.

Location: 2 hours north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: The Lake District National Park is 67 miles from Liverpool and is easily reachable by car. There are direct trains from Liverpool to Oxenholme, but to get the most out of the Lake District it’s best to have your own transport or to book a tour from Liverpool.
Best Tour from Liverpool: This 10-hour tour from Liverpool is a great way to see the Lake District.
Must-Do Activities: Sail on Lake Windermere, visit the village of Hawkshead, wander around the market town of Kendal, and hike in the mountains.

6. County of Yorkshire

Ask a Yorkshireman or Yorkshirewoman what they think of their home and they’ll likely tell you that it’s God’s own country. As a southerner, I’m prone to debate, but there’s no denying that the North Yorkshire Moors and Dales are home to some of the most picturesque parts of the country!

From rolling hills and farmland to ancient brick villages, forests, lakes, and waterfalls, Yorkshire is certainly one of the best day trips from Liverpool if you’re looking to escape into nature.

See the picturesque tows of Hawes and Haweth where the Bronte sisters lived, sample Wensleydale Cheese and other local specialties, and much more.

Location: 2 hours northeast of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: The best way to explore Yorkshire is either with your own car or by taking one of the organized day tours from Liverpool.
Best Tour from Liverpool: This full-day tour from Liverpool is a great way to experience the region.
Must-Do Activities: Visit historic Haweth, try Wensleydale cheese, see the Ribbhlehead Viaduct, and hike in the national parks.

7. Ride the Famous Mersey Ferry

Taking the Mersey Ferry is one of my favorite day trips from Liverpool by boat and the is the best way to explore the Wirral peninsula.

There are lots of things to do from visiting Birkenhead Park to New Brighton and Port Sunlight. With plenty of shops, restaurants, and seaside entertainment to keep you occupied, this is a fun day out for all the family.

The 200-acre North Wirral Coastal Park is a stunning stretch of coastline with sandy beaches and coast paths perfect for hiking, cycling, picnicking, and horse riding among other outdoor activities on offer.

This is also a great way to see some of the city’s top landmarks from the Royal Liver Building to the cathedrals, Birkenhead port buildings, and more. The journey time across the estuary is around 30 minutes.

Location: There are terminals at Liverpool Gerry Marsden on the city side and Seacombe on the Wirral side.
Getting There: The ferry terminal is within walking distance from Liverpool city center.
Best Tour from Liverpool: You can book a day ticket and hop on and hop off at your leisure.
Must-Do Activities: See the Liverpool skyline from the Mersey, explore the Wirral and Birkenhead, and visit North Wirral Coastal Park.

8. Visit the Strawberry Fields

“Let me take you down, ’cause I’m going to Strawberry Fields”… Strawberry Fields is located to the south of the city. It’s the site of a former Salvation Army children’s home made famous by the Beatles song of the same name.

It’s now home to a large garden and Beatles exhibition which includes John Lennon’s piano amongst many other interesting exhibits.

Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens that Lennon walked around during his childhood. Learn the history of the children’s home and its connections to the Salvation Army and the Beatles, discover interesting interactive displays and shop for souvenirs, or simply just sit back and enjoy a drink and a snack in the on-site cafe.

There are many Beatles tours to choose from, but this is one of the best places to visit near Liverpool by bus and is easy to reach by public transport or by taking a coach tour (see below).

Location: 15 minutes south of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: It’s about a ten to twenty-minute drive from the center of Liverpool. Bus Line 76 departs Liverpool One Bus Station to Strawberry Fields multiple times an hour. The journey time by bus is 29 minutes and costs £3. The best way to experience Strawberry Fields is to take a tour that departs from Gower Street.
Best Tour from Liverpool: Liverpool Beatles and Strawberry Fields tour.
Must-Do Activities: See the piano used to compose Imagine, walk around the gardens, and shop for souvenirs.

9. Take a Peaky Blinders Tour

Fans of the popular TV show Peaky Blinders will love this half-day tour of Liverpool and the surrounding areas where the series was filmed. You’ll get to go behind the scenes and learn about the real Peaky Blinders gang that influenced the show.

This is one of the most fun day trips from Liverpool as you’ll be able to watch clips from the show while touring the filming locations and get a real insight into these historic areas around Liverpool. I highly recommend including this in your itinerary!

Location: The meeting point is at St George’s Hall in central Liverpool. See the location on Google maps.
Getting There: The tour includes a combination of transport by bus and walking.
Best Tour from Liverpool: Book your Peaky Blinders tour today.
Must-Do Activities: See the filming locations, learn the history of the gang, and explore central Liverpool, the Wirral, and River Mersey.

10. Martin Mere Nature Reserve

The Martin Mere Nature Reserve and Wetland Centre is one of the best day trips around Liverpool if you want to get out and explore some beautiful countryside and spot the local wildlife. With 600 acres of wild wetland to traverse, this is the perfect day out for the whole family.

The nature reserve has 12 hides where you can try and spot anything from geese and ducks to birds of prey and otters. The Mere Side Cafe is a great place to stop for a bite to eat and there’s also a shop that sells a range of souvenirs and outdoor-related gear.

Location: 45 minutes north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: It’s possible to reach the nature reserve by train, but as you’ll need to change at Southport, it’s quicker and easier to drive – hiring a car is best.
Must-Do Activities: Walk around the reserve, spot local wildlife, see the beaver dam, and have a bite to eat at the cafe.

11. Formby

Formby is one of the easiest day trips from Liverpool as this small coastal town is just 12 miles north of the city. As well as visiting the charming town with its boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, the area is home to a gorgeous stretch of coastline with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and a haven for wildlife that’s well worth seeing.

The sand dunes at Formby have been designated a site of special scientific interest as the area is an important habitat for local species such as sand lizards, natterjack toads, and the rare red squirrel.

It’s also possible to spot not one, but two shipwrecks just off the coast at Formby.

Location: 30 minutes north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: There are multiple hourly trains from Liverpool Central to Formby and the journey time is just 28 minutes.
Must-Do Activities: Walk along the beach, explore the sand dunes, spot wildlife, and shop, eat, and drink in the town.

12. The Fair at Blackpool

If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Liverpool for the whole family, then Blackpool and its famous pleasure beach is a must. The resort town is just 55 miles north of Liverpool and is easily reachable by car and public transport.

Blackpool is a traditional British seaside destination and a great place to experience some high-octane rides, sample some fish and chips on the promenade, build sand castles and take a dip in the sea. Climb Blackpool Tower for magnificent views of the surrounding coastline.

Location: 1 hour north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: Trains depart Liverpool Lime Street station four times an hour and the journey takes around 70 minutes. If driving, join the M6 and the journey should take just over an hour.
Must-Do Activities: Go up Blackpool Tower, have a day at the beach, go on rides at the pleasure beach, and eat fish and chips on the promenade.

13. City of York

York is my favorite city in northern England and it’s easily reachable from Liverpool by car, train, and bus. There are lots of wonderful things to do in York from exploring the gothic York Minster Cathedral to exploring the Roman walls, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and sampling some of the chocolate that the city is famous for.

Explore the ancient Shambles; one of the most picturesque shopping streets in the whole of England. Soak in its narrow, cobbled lanes and widow displays straight out of a Harry Potter film.

There are lots of great pubs in York too such as my favorites the King’s Arms on the River Ouse, and the Fat Badger with its quirky gin garden.

Location: 2 hours northeast of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: York is a two-hour drive along the M62. There are two trains per hour from Liverpool Lime Street station and the journey time is just over two hours.
Must-Do Activities: See York Mister, experience the York Chocolate Story, explore the Shambles, visit York Dungeons, and walk along the Roman walls.

14. Seaside Town of Southport

Southport is another wonderful seaside town in Merseyside 20 miles north of Liverpool. The area boasts 22 miles of coastline with golden sands, clifftop walks, a golf course, and lots of top attractions from the historic pier to the boating lake and King’s Gardens.

Spend the day at the beach building sandcastles and exploring the beautiful coastline, or have fun at the amusements on the pier. There’s sure to be something for everyone in this charming beachside town as you explore the seaside town and its pubs, cafes, and restaurants of Southport.

Location: 45 minutes north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: There are multiple hourly trains from Liverpool Central and Lime Street stations to Southport. The journey time is under one hour. If driving, take the A565. The journey time is around 45 minutes.
Must-Do Activities: Visit Southport pier, walk along the beach, or hire a pedalo on the boating lake.

15. Bradford

Bradford is a city in West Yorkshire 60 miles from Liverpool. The city is packed with interesting things to see and do from museums charting England’s industrial heritage to parks, gardens, shops, and restaurants.

With lots of historic buildings from Bradford Cathedral to Cartwright Hall, this is a great choice for a day trip from Liverpool. The Broadway is a great place for shopping with top high street brands to browse and a large food court in the center of town.

The historic Salts Mill is an old textile factory that now houses a contemporary art gallery and entertainment complex with shops selling art supplies and other local crafts.

Location: 90 minutes east of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: There are two to three hourly trains from Liverpool Lime Street to Bradford. The journey time is around three hours with a change at Manchester Victoria. Driving should take just over an hour, though finding parking in the city center can be difficult.
Must-Do Activities: Shop at the Broadway, visit the Salts Mill, and see Bradford Cathedral.

Day Trips Around Liverpool: FAQs

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about day trips from Liverpool:

In Conclusion

Now you know about the best day trips from Liverpool. Whether you want to explore historic cities such as Manchester and York, spend time exploring the stunning Merseyside coastline at places like Southport or Crosby beach, or get out into nature of the north Yorkshire moors, Lake District National Park, or North Wales, there really is something for everyone.

Liverpool is an excellent destination and I love spending time in the city, but its location so close to so many incredible places means that you don’t just have to stick to the city when visiting. Be sure to factor in a few days for a couple of these day trips when planning your trip to England’s city of culture.

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It was one of the best decisions I ever made and I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Bali.

“Paradise” is a word that often gets tossed around when describing Bali, and for good reason. This famous island in Indonesia is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and vast selection of beaches. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best beaches in Bali.

While Bali may look small on the map, this unassuming island packs a lot in and it’s definitely one of the top places to visit in the country.

In addition to its many excellent beaches, the island also has volcanoes, lakes, hot springs, forests, waterfalls, and more. With a few days here, you can take in a little bit of everything. 

The 10 Best Beaches in Bali

If you’re ready to start planning your own dream trip to the Island of the Gods, read on to find the right Bali beach (or five) for you!

1. Uluwatu Beach(es)

The area of Uluwatu has become super popular over the last couple of years, and the defined areas of Bingin and Ulu have now merged together – it’s practically one area now. So here I’ll list a few of the best beaches in Bali in the Uluwatu area.

Uluwatu Beach

Bali has long been a top destination for surfers thanks to places like Uluwatu Beach. Located at the far southern end of the island on the Bukit peninsula, this is a legendary surfing spot. It should be noted that while many know it as Uluwatu Beach, it’s technically called Suluban.

In order to access Uluwatu and many other beaches on the peninsula, you have to walk down a long and steep staircase. This is definitely not the best Bali beach for those with mobility issues or people traveling with young children. 

For surfers, it’s definitely well worth the effort to get down to Uluwatu Beach. Although I gave it a try while I was there, I can’t surf to save my life, so I’ll send you to this excellent and detailed post from Surf Indonesia about all the waves you can ride there. 

Those who aren’t surfing should plan to visit Uluwatu Beach at low tide. It’s not exactly the best place for sunbathing, but it’s a beautiful spot to explore when the waves aren’t crashing. Be sure to check the tide chart before heading down here so you can time your visit accordingly. 

One of my favourite spots to watch the sunset and surfers is at Single Fin – the music is great, it’s always busy, and the snack food is good as well (the spicy edamame pair perfectly with a cold beer)…it’s also one of the best parties on the island every Sunday night! Click here for directions to Uluwatu Beach.

Thomas Beach

This is a great beach to chill out on. It’s a good place for beginner waves, and like many places in Uluwatu, the best swimming is around low tide when the waves aren’t as big.

It’s a quiet place with local restaurants, some surf shacks and not much else. Bring a book and spend the day enjoying the beach here. Click here for directions to Thomas Beach.

3. Padang Padang

This beach is famous (like many place in Bali) from the movie Eat Pray Love. But, it’s much more than just a movie location.

The surf here can be good, and the shoreline is perfect for relaxing. To access it, you’ll have to go down a lot of steps, and walk through an interesting cave split – but it’s worth it and of course, the sunsets here are spectacular.

When I visited, there were quite a few people on the beach (it’s a small area), so maybe best to avoid weekends, and try to visit in the shoulder season. Find it on the map, here.

2. Seminyak Beach

This is one of the top beaches in Bali for boogie-boarding, or beginner/intermediate surfing.

Seminyak is actually one of my personal favorites – I know people love the beaches around Uluwatu, but hear me out! It’s also known as Double Six, and it’s one of the most happening spots on the island. 

There’s a lot to love about this trendy Bali beach town. There’s tons of space here to just lay your towel down in the sand, and it’s not hard to find sun loungers and umbrellas if you want a bit more comfort. 

Seminyak Beach has waves, but they’re not huge depending on the time of day, or the season. This makes it a great spot for swimming, boogie-boarding, or beginner-intermediate-level surfing. You can easily rent a surf board here, and a guide.

Another reason to love the Seminyak area is the abundance of great restaurants, accommodation options and beach clubs. I loved chillin out on one of the colorful beanbags at the beachside La Plancha, or you could head up to the Double 6 Rooftop for some incredible views.

This stretch of beach is located about a 30-minute drive from the airport, just north of the busier Kuta/Legian area. Click here for directions to Double Six, and Seminyak Beach is just north of there.

3. Virgin Beach

Virgin Beach (Pasir Putih) is one of the best beaches in Bali for swimming.

It’s located on the northeast coast and it takes a while to reach, but it’s worth the effort. This gorgeous stretch of white sand is rare in this part of the island. Most of the beaches in East Bali are black, volcanic sand and aren’t exactly the best for lounging on. 

There’s not a whole lot going on here, but that’s the beauty of the place. There are a few simple warung (local restaurants) on the beach that will let you use their chairs if you order something.

These places may not look like much, but I’ve had some of the most amazing grilled fish anywhere at Virgin Beach, and the restaurant staff are super friendly.

This part of the island doesn’t get waves, so this is a great spot to do some swimming and a bit of snorkeling. You can bring your own or rent one from one of the restaurants.

The closest town with tourist facilities to Virgin Beach is Candidasa. From here it’s only about a 20-minute drive. If you’re traveling to Virgin Beach from towns in the south or Ubud, it’ll take a few hours. Click here to find it on the map.

4. Nusa Lembongan Beach

Nusa Lembongan Beach offers a bit of everything. It’s a good place for snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and swimming. 

There are three smaller islands just off the southwest coast that are still considered part of Bali, and Nusa Lembongan is one of them.

These are known as the Nusa Islands (Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida) and they are easily visited on a day trip.

On Nusa Lembongan, you’ll find quite a few beaches to choose from. The main beach is Jungutbatu, which is where you’ll find a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, and bars.

Actually, the Nusa Islands are known for excellent snorkeling, diving, and surfing. When visiting, I prefer to base myself in Candidasa and go on dive excursions from there. Check out our article here to learn about diving around the Nusa Islands from Candidasa.

Nusa Lembongan is home to several dive shops and surfing schools to get you set up. The surf breaks here are better suited for more experienced riders, as they all break over coral reefs. 

There are many other beautiful beaches worth exploring on Lembongan. With a rented scooter, you can easily visit Mushroom Beach, Sandy Bay, Dream Beach, Coconut Beach (which is one of the best beaches in Bali for families), and more.

There’s enough to see and do here to warrant spending a few nights on the island, and it’s far more enjoyable once all the day-trippers have left anyways!

5. Canggu Beach

Yes, it’s true that Canggu has really grown over the years since I first visited. But, the beach is still great for surfing and having a drink. It also offers the best sunset spot in Bali.  

Canggu is another Bali beach that’s wildly popular with surfers. It’s located north of Seminyak and is also easily reached from the airport. This area has been developing rapidly over the past few years and Canggu is now a hot spot for digital nomads and yogis.

Canggu is actually home to a few different beaches. From south to north, there’s Berawa, Batu Bolong, Echo Beach, and finally Pererenan. Each beach has its own unique vibe and offers different things.

The beaches here have dark grey or black sand and these aren’t the best beaches in Bali for swimming, as the waves can be really rough. As such, you’ll find the Canggu beaches far less crowded than the ones further south.

Berawa has a few restaurants and bars, and you can also rent boards and loungers here for a reasonable price. This is my personal favorite beach to go to when I just want to enjoy some surfing or boogie-boarding without the crowds and touts. 

When you look up “Canggu Beach” on Google Maps, it takes you to Batu Bolong. There’s a lot more action here, thanks in large part to Old Man’s. This is one of the coolest bars in all of Bali and the perfect place to party after a big day out on the water. 

Just to be clear, you don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy Canggu. I can’t stand on a surfboard to save my life and I always have a good time hitting Canggu Beach.

It’s especially fun to visit around sunset to watch the surfers riding their last waves as the sun dips behind the horizon. A day at the beach followed by dinner and drinks in Canggu is a great addition to any Bali itinerary.

6. Sanur Beach

Another favourite beach of mine! Sanur Beach is an excellent spot for swimming, relaxing, and walking.

This gorgeous Bali beach holds a special place in my heart. Sanur is a sleepy fishing town on the southeast coast of Bali and it’s where I lived for most of my year on the island. 

Despite having a very substantial tourism scene, Sanur remains at its heart a traditional Balinese village. Traffic comes to a standstill here quite often when processions go through the streets, and there’s a massive performance and parade for the Balinese New Year.

Every summer, the town hosts a traditional kite festival. If it’s “real Bali” that you seek (whatever that means), Sanur is a great choice.

While many decry Sanur as being too boring – its nickname is actually “Snore” – I find that to be far from the truth. Sure, there are no gnarly waves or rowdy beach clubs here, but that’s precisely why I (and many others) love it.

The beaches here are nice, the water is calm, and there are several places with sun loungers and umbrellas available. There’s a long path along the beach that makes for the perfect place to go for a leisurely stroll in the morning or evening.

It’s one of the few places in Bali where you can enjoy a walk without fear of being run over by a motorbike.

While surfing isn’t really possible over here, you can still go jet-skiing, SUPing, snorkeling, or diving from Sanur Beach. There are also a few excellent yoga studios on the beachfront.

There are actually a few different beaches in town. Sanur Beach is the most central (click here for directions), and other beaches in the area include Sindhu, Karang, and Mertasari. There are tons of options for places to stay, shop, eat, and drink here, making Sanur a very convenient base.

7. Jimbaran Beach

Jimbaran Beach is one of the best beaches in Bali for swimming and enjoying a meal. 

This Bali beach is also the easiest one to reach from the airport. In fact, Jimbaran Beach starts just south of the runway. You can be chilling on the beach with a cold one in hand in no time!

This beach is part of the narrow isthmus that connects the mainland to the Bukit Peninsula – making it a very convenient place to base yourself for exploration of south Bali. With a scooter, you can be in either Kuta or Nusa Dua in under half an hour.

Jimbaran Beach is a pretty mellow place in terms of both the ocean and the vibes. There aren’t big waves here at all, so this definitely isn’t high on the radar of surfers.

If you’re a total beginner, though, this is a good place to try it out. It’s actually where I tried (and mostly failed at) surfing for the very first time. But most people are content with just lounging on the beach, so it’s one of the more laid-back places on this list.

8. Lovina Beach

If you really want to escape the crowds, one of the best beaches in Bali to visit is Lovina. It’s located on the far north coast of the island, which feels worlds apart from the chaos of the south.

The name Lovina actually refers to a stretch of seven different villages along the northern coast of Bali.

Beaches here are generally black sand and the water is very calm – this isn’t the Bali beach for you if you’re chasing waves. There is, however, some quality snorkeling and diving on tap up here.

Lovina’s biggest claim to fame is the dolphins that inhabit the waters around town. There’s even a statue of the aquatic mammals on the main beach. Basically, everyone in Lovina can set you up on an early morning tour in search of dolphins. 

From the airport, it’s about a 2.5-3-hour drive to reach Lovina Beach. If you end up renting a scooter/car or just hiring a driver, it’s worth it to add stops at the Jatiluwih rice terraces, Ulun Danu Beratan temple, and maybe even the Aling-Aling waterfall on your way. 

Since it’s such a long trip, I don’t really recommend coming all the way here just for the afternoon. Do what I do and stay a few days.

Lovina Beach is actually a great place to spend a few nights. There are plenty of options for accommodation here and the prices are very reasonable. Plus, it’s nice to experience a more authentic Bali beach town that’s devoid of McDonald’s and Starbucks. 

If you end up staying a few nights in Lovina, I highly recommend taking the short trip inland one afternoon to go to the Banjar Hot Springs. These pools full of natural hot spring water are a great place to relax for a couple of hours. It’s just a 20-30 minute drive from Lovina to get there. Find Lovina on the map here.

9. Nusa Dua Beach

Nusa Dua is one of the best swimming beaches in Bali, and it’s also one of the most beautiful. 

Considered by many (including me) to be Bali’s most luxurious beach, Nusa Dua is located down on the northeast corner of the Bukit Peninsula. This area is known for its swanky resorts, upmarket shopping, and world-class golf course. In short, this is where the fabulous people stay!

Nusa Dua is very much a tourist enclave, and it’s actually a gated zone where you have to pass through security. While it may seem very exclusive, most of the beach is still public here.

Even if you’re not staying at a 5-star hotel, it’s well worth it to visit Nusa Dua for an afternoon. This is one of the nicest beaches in Bali.

The beach in Nusa Dua is white sand and the water is great for swimming. If your idea of a perfect day at the beach involves a sun lounger, a few adult beverages, and a good book, this is the Bali beach for you. 

There are a few things to do here. One of the highlights of visiting Nusa Dua is seeing the famous Waterblow. This is a point on the coast where waves crash into a rock formation in a dramatic fashion. It’s also a very popular spot for photo ops, so you have to pay a small entrance fee to access the path.

Nusa Dua is the best beach in Bali if you’re on a honeymoon, looking for some quiet, or are wanting a more luxurious stay. You can find Nusa Dua on the map here. 

Beaches to Avoid in Bali

Unfortunately, these beaches were once great, but over years, things have really changed. There’s been a lot of construction in Bali, and high number of visitors. In my opinion, sadly, these beaches don’t make the cut anymore.

Bingin Beach

Bingin was once a great place for surfing and swimming and it was a bit of a hidden gem as it was challenging to get to. There were lots of local restaurants here, and some guesthouses and shops once you made it down the cliff.

These days, the government demolished the entire area in order to build something (rumours are it’s another beach club…), but so far, it’s just a bunch of rubble. Find Bingin on the map here.

Kuta Beach

I was never a fan of this area, but a lot of people are. Kuta Beach has a reputation as being the party area…and it definitely lives up to that. Think: loud music, tons of people, and unfortunately, garbage on the beach. It’s the closest beach to the airport, so people who are coming for just a day or two often stay here. My opinion? Avoid it. There are much better beaches in Bali to spend your time at!

Stay Connected in Bali

As with anywhere in the world, you’ll want to make sure you have internet connection abroad during your trip to Bali. Our go-to solution is to get a travel eSIM card from Holafly. Rather than using old-school physical SIM cards, or relying on spotty wifi, you simply add this virtual eSIM to your phone using a QR code.

The best part, however, is having data as soon as you arrive in Bali. You can be sitting on the tarmac and get online right away, which is helpful when trying to figure out how to get to your accommodation, trying to search for somewhere to eat, or simply looking up the cost of something.

We highly recommend eSIMs from Holafly and use them when we travel. Goats On The Road readers receive a 5% discount. Click here to learn more about the eSIMs in Bali, which include unlimited data!

Best Bali Beaches: FAQs

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about visiting the beaches in Bali.

In Conclusion

As you can see, Bali is home to many fantastic beaches, each unique in its own way. When I look back on the year I spent in Indonesia, some of my most vivid memories took place on these best beaches in Bali.

My best advice is to rent a scooter or a car, or just hire the amazing local drivers and do a loop of the island to visit as many of the amazing beaches as you can!

Note: Some images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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Whether you’re into ancient history or not, Athens is a fun city to visit. With its gritty vibe, and stark contrast between modern and ancient, Athens is a unique European capital.

This list will help you decide what to do in Athens during your time here – no matter how long your visit is. I’ll share a mix of history, food, shopping, nightlife & unique things to do in Athens. I love this city, this is definitely one of the best places to visit in Greece.

I’ve been to Athens numerous times, and will probably be visiting again this year! If you’re flying in, Athens will most likely be your first stop in Greece. Spend a couple of days enjoying the city before heading to one of the dreamy Greek Islands.

Here’s my list of the best things to do in Athens, Greece.

1. Climb to the Acropolis

The first time I saw the Acropolis, my jaw dropped. No matter how many ancient sites you’ve seen, seeing the Acropolis towering over the city is pretty special!

To be clear, the Acropolis is the entire city on the hill – not one particular ruin. It’s dedicated to the goddess Athena, and a visit to the 5th-century Acropolis is the most popular thing to do in Athens – by far.

Of course, this means that everyone wants to go there, including visitors from cruise ships. My advice is to get there early. The archaeological site itself opens at 8:00am and the cruise ship passengers arrive around 10 am.

Most people visit the Acropolis to see the Parthenon but there are several other things to see on the hill, including the Erechtheion, the Arrhephorion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

From the Acropolis, you can see much of Athens and can see all the way to the sea. The entrance fee is €30.

To learn about all of important sites and the incredible history, I suggest joining a walking tour. The tour will also take you to the museum (below).

There are a few different types of tours you can take, but click here to learn more about a highly-rated, skip-the-line tour. Plus, you can reserve now and pay later, which is great as only a certain amount of people are allowed to visit the Acropolis each day. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. This is great if you’re not fully sure of your plans yet.

2. Visit the Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is one of the most beautiful museums I have ever been to. I loved my experience here! It’s filled with natural light, which highlights the artifacts well.

Here you can get a close look at the Parthenon frieze replicas on display, and much more ancient Greek art. The cafe balcony also offers great views of ancient ruins in Athens. You can learn more about the Acropolis on my blog.

Either before or after you visit the Acropolis, you must visit the Acropolis Museum – check if your guided tour includes the museum, most of them do.

It’s not far from the entrance of the Acropolis and the entrance fee is €20. BUT, if you visit on one of these days, it’s free: March 6th (Melina Mercouri Day), March 25th (National holiday), May 18th (International Day of Museums), October 28th (National holiday).

Line-ups here can be huge, to skip the line, purchase your ticket ahead of time here. Alternatively, you can buy an all-inclusive ticket for both the museum and the Acropolis here.

3. See Hadrian’s Library

This library is not a library in the sense we know it today, it was a place of study, not a place where books were lent.

In Greek Antiquity, Hadrian’s Library was constructed around 132 AD for housing documents and reading rooms. There’s not much left but you can clearly see the layout of the library and there is excellent signage.

The entrance fee is €4 ($4.70). Hadrian’s Library is a small museum located in the Monastiraki neighborhood not far from the Acropolis and the Monastiraki flea market, and is part of many Greek Mythology Tours.

4. See the Decorations at Little KooK

I discovered Little KooK on my most recent trip to Athens. Each holiday season it’s decorated inside and outside the restaurant. When I was there it was decorated for Halloween.

Little KooK is mainly a dessert cafe, but the top attraction is the decorations. This one of the most whimsical places I’ve been, and is probably the most Instagrammable place in Athens besides the Acropolis! Click here to find it on the map.

Pro Tip: If you’re in Athens for a while, you can pick up a MegaPass Athens City Pass. With it, you can skip the fluff and head straight to the highlights – the Acropolis, Parthenon, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, audio guides, and more. It’s all included, no extra fees. Just one pass for the full Athens experience.

☞ SEE ALSO: Best Places to Visit in January

5. Take a Street Art Tour

It’s true, Athens is a bit of a gritty city, but with that, comes some incredible street art. I enjoyed wandering around the Plaka area and snapping photos of the art. And yes, the street art in Athens ranges from regular graffiti tags, to some incredible pieces.

While you can find much of it on your own in the Plaka area, it’s best to go with a local who can show you around and explain the story behind the art. This tour shows you around 5 cool neighborhoods that are lesser known to tourists.

Joining a street art tour is the best way to get off the beaten path, and learn more about the city. This is my pick for one of the more unique things to do in Athens.

6. Go Bar Hopping

For such a fun city, it’s no surprise that one of the best things to do in Athens at night is to go bar hopping. Check out Psiri (Psyrri) for the overall best nightlife, Kolonaki for more upscale nights out, and Gazi for clubs/partying.

You can do like I did and wander around, stopping in at places that looked busy, or if you want to meet people and learn a bit about the city, you can join a food and booze tour.

With this fun, local experience, you’ll explore 3 different areas of Athens, and visit 3 different bars there, while enjoying drinks, food, and great conversation with new friends.

A bar hopping tour is one of the best ways to enjoy Athens nightlife, especially if you’re on a quick trip.

All of the tables are reserved ahead of time, so you won’t have to wait in line at all. If you’re looking for cool things to do in Athens at night, this is a good option. Find out more here.

☞ SEE ALSO: Top Things To Do in Zakynthos – The Ultimate Guide

7. Eat The Best Yogurtlu and Souvlaki 

O Thanasis is one of the most popular places to eat in Plaka. It’s so popular that even Greeks eat here. The best thing to eat is the Yogurtlu, which is a beef kebab covered in yogurt on a bed of pita bread.

The Yogurtlu is large enough to split with someone and it’ll set you back around €15. The people at O Thanasis are friendly and not pushy.

I think the souvlaki is also one of the best in town. If you don’t make it here, you can also get some delicious souvlaki at many of a flea markets and markets in town.

8. Smash Things at Limba Rage Room

Feeling a little stressed out? Need to get some rage out? Limba Rage Room is the place to do just that.

You purchase a package (which can include plates, bottles, a tube TV and glasses), and you smash them! It’s a great stress reliever and one of the most unique things to do in Athens.

There are a variety of packages for every budget. They range from €10 to €100. Don’t worry, they give you protective gear to wear. It’s located just down the street from Little KooK.

☞ SEE ALSO: 27 Things To Do in Ios – A Must-Visit Greek Island

9. Drink a Greek Coffee

I love getting my freddo fix when in Greece! Sampling a freddo cappuccino is one of the must-do things in Athens. This is just one of three classic Greek coffees, there is also a frappe and a freddo espresso.

The frappe is not like a Starbucks frappe but instead is made with instant coffee, water, and sugar (if you choose).

The freddo cappuccino is espresso topped with frothy milk (which is my favourite).

The freddo espresso is just swirled espresso over ice. All of these coffees pack a serious caffeine punch but since they are all served cold, it is great on a hot day in Athens.

Coffee culture in Greece is a very big deal. Not only do locals drink coffee (hot or cold) numerous times throughout the day, but as legend would have it, your fortune can be told by reading the dregs of coffee left at the bottom of your cup.

The next time you’ve finished drinking your coffee in Athens, make sure to ask someone to show you how to read your fortune.

☞ SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Rhodes Greece

10. Shop in The Plaka

The Plaka is a neighborhood located below the Acropolis with charming streets and shops. Wandering around here is a great way to spend a few hours. Much of this area has been closed off to traffic, although delivery trucks still are allowed through and some streets are open.

The chain stores and more upscale shops are on Ermou Street – where you can find shops like Sephora and H&M.

Then there are tourist shops, a flea market, and lower-end shops, which are further down past Monastiraki Square. Here you can find souvenirs you might want to bring home for your friends and family. Plus, this is a great area for people-watching.

12. Watch the Changing of The Guard

If you’re in Athens on a Sunday, you won’t want to miss the ceremonial Changing of the Guard. The military guards change every hour, but on Sundays at 11:00am, they put on an elaborate show with traditional uniforms.

The Changing of the Guard takes place at Syntagma Square at the Parliament Building. The best place to view it from is the Presidential Mansion. This is one of the best free things to do in Athens.

I went on a Sunday and it was definitely the best time to see it. They may look a little unusual, but trust me, they are highly trained soldiers called the Evezone. Don’t miss it!

13. Visit Monastiraki Square

If you sit in Monastiraki Square long enough, I swear you will see everyone in Athens walk by. This is the place to watch tourists and locals interact.

It is also a historic site with a 9th-century church, a 19th-century mosque, and in the subway station are antiques found during the building of the first metro station.

This is one of the most bustling places in Athens and chilling out here is one of the best things to do. While you’re here, check out the Monastiraki flea market.

14. Get Custom Made Greek Sandals

While you are shopping in the Plaka, be sure to stop at Pantelis Melissions The Poet Sandalmaker for a pair of custom-made Greek sandals. This shop has been around since 1920 and has been passed down from generation to generation.

You can get a classic pair in basic leather or get a fancy pair with decorations or metallics. The prices range from €40 to €50.

☞ SEE ALSO: Visiting the Meteora Monasteries – The Ultimate Guide

15. Eat Loukoumades

Loukoumades are Greek donuts. It’s a small puff pastry that is soaked in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. I had one with sesame seeds once too. They are delicious.

The best place in Athens to get loukoumades is at the aptly named (and super highly rated) Lukumades. It is not far from O Thanasis so after eating your kebab you can have a donut for dessert!

☞ SEE ALSO: Travel Guide to Kefalonia Greece

16. Watch the Sunset at Lycabettus Hill

Watching the sunset from Lycabettus Hill is one of the best things to do in Athens. Not only is the sunset stunning, but you get amazing views of Athens from here. You can also see the Acropolis all lit up for the evening.

Before you head out to enjoy the Athens nightlife, consider climbing Lycabettus for a nice sunset and maybe even a picnic.

There is a funicular to take you up and down if you don’t want to climb the hill. The cost for the funicular is €13 return or €10 for a one-way ticket. Click here to find it on the map.

☞ SEE ALSO: 21 Things To Do in Paros, Greece

17. Join a Walking Food Tour

Not all the tours in Athens are about history. If you love Greek food like I do (and honestly, who doesn’t?!), check out this fun, informative, and tasty tour! It’s one of the highest-rated tours in Athens.

Meet up with your guide and discover some incredible street food vendors and local markets, all while walking off the food and learning about Athens and Greece along the way.

You’ll eat your way through bakeries, cheese and meat shops, fish market, coffee shops, and many stores offering world-famous Greek yogurt, organic olive oil, honey and wine.

Included in the tour are many tasty Greek delicacies, so come hungry! If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Athens, this is a great option – it’s also one of the best value experiences in the city. Find out more and reserve your spot here.

☞ SEE ALSO: Visiting Chios Greece – A Guide for Travellers

18. Eat Gyros

You can’t come to Athens and not have a classic gyro. They are available almost everywhere and you can have fun trying to find the best one. A search for your favorite gyro is one of the best things to do in Athens for foodies.

I’ve eaten my fair share of gyro, which consists of chicken or lamb, french fries, onions, and tomatoes all wrapped up in soft pita bread. Sometimes you can order them open-faced on a plate.

They’re pretty big, so if you’ve done tons of walking this is the meal for you. Check out Kostas or Delicious Souvlaki for tasty gyros.

19. Stroll Through the Ancient Agora

Ancient Agora is a cemetery located right down the hill from the Acropolis. It was built as a marketplace after Athens became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century.

When I was at the Roman Agora, it was very empty making a nice change from the crowds of the Acropolis. It’s a nice place to explore.

However, there is not much signage at the Ancient Agora so you may have to look up the history when you get there. The entrance fee has increased over the years and is now €20. Click here to find it on the map.

20. Explore the Athens Central Market

The Central Market (Varvakios Agora) is a classic outdoor market with shouting vendors and all the smells that come along with it.

I discovered it when I stayed in a hotel right in the market. The fruits in Greece look and smell amazing so even if you don’t buy anything it’s still a great place to visit.

The other thing to note is that most of the vendors don’t speak English, but you can point to items that you’re interested in and use sign language (or a translation app).

There’s also meat and fish if you’re in self-catering accommodation. I loved this market because it felt like such an authentically Greek experience. Click here for a fun market tour here which includes tastings and drinks.

Either way, a visit to the bustling market is one of the things you shouldn’t miss in Athens. Find it on the map, here.

21. Volunteer in Athens

If you’re an animal person, there are a few volunteer options for you to help out with abandoned and stray animals. Have a look at ZEIL, SGS or SCARS where you can assist with walking and caring for dogs and cats.

This may not be one of the more touristy things to do in Athens, but if you have some extra time, or if you would like to help out, it’s definitely one of the more rewarding activities in Athens.

22. Visit the Panagia Kapnikarea Church

Built in the 11th century, this is one of the oldest churches in Athens. The interesting thing about this Greek Orthodox church is that it’s surrounded by modern buildings! You can find it here on the map.

23. Join a Cooking Class with Rooftop Dinner

It’s always fun to join cooking classes around the world. You get to chat with the chef about the country and cuisine, and meet other travellers.

Learn how to make some traditional Greek food during this fun cooking class. You’ll make (and eat), a starter, main dish, salad, dessert, and local dips. Plus, wine is included.

Chat with the chef and your new friends while dining on tasty food that you prepared, and enjoying the view from the rooftop of the Acropolis – honestly, just the view itself is worth it! Find out more about this highly-rated cooking experience in Athens here.

24. Get Lost in The Athens City Center

The City Center of Athens is lively, bustling, and a bit rough around the edges, but it’s a fantastic place to get lost amongst the ancient sites.

By foot, you can easily explore the center by starting around the ancient sites of the Acropolis and Plaka, then walking to Monastiraki Square at the foot of the Acropolis, then continuing to Psirri district and Ermou street before finishing at Kolonaki.

Also, don’t miss the Ancient Greek National Gardens and strolling down some of the lesser-known interesting streets in the city center.

25. Visit The Panathenaic Stadium

You probably already know that Greece is home to the original Olympic Games – so you don’t want to miss the original stadium!

The Panathenaic Stadium was built in 330 BC and later expanded into a fully marble arena that hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896 and again in 2004.

Try to time your visit for the Athens Marathon, which follows he legendary 42 km route of Pheidippides. It would be incredible to watch runners cross the finish line in such a historic setting. Click here for the dates of the Marathon.

Day Trips from Athens

If you have more time in the city, have a look at these fun day trips.

1. Hydra Island

You can still visit a Greek island while on your trip to Athens!

Hydra is a small island that allows no cars. Most of the things to do are located right in the port including restaurants and shopping. There is even a swimming spot a five-minute walk away.

Hydra is about an hour’s ferry ride away if you take the fast ferry. The cost is about €80 return. You catch the ferry at Piraeus port. Spend the day in Hydra and be back in Athens for dinner. Search the ferry schedule and latest prices here.

Another option is to join a day tour that takes you to Hydra and includes a guide and 4 hours of free time on the island. Click here for details.

2. Sailing Trip

One of my favorite things to do in Greece is to sail to the Greek Islands. You can join a sailing trip that lasts all day, or take a half-day tour. You can even sail to some of the islands.

Most of these sails are on catamarans making it easier for the non-sailor to adjust their sea legs. This is one of the best ways to relax in Greece. Click here for a top-rated sailing trip (on an actual sailboat) that takes you to Agistri, Moni & Aegina.

Or, if you’d prefer a catamaran trip in Athens that includes food and drinks, and two stops for swimming, click here for details.

☞ SEE ALSO: Travel Guide to Lesvos Island

3. Temple of Poseidon 

The stunning ancient Temple of Poseidon sits at the Aegean Sea and was built in the 5th century. An inscription at the temple confirms that it was built for Poseidon.

You should try to be here early in the morning or for sunset. You can sometimes see several islands on a clear day from the temple.

There’s a bus from Athens from the Mavromateon Terminal and you can also get it from Syntagma Square. Look for the bus going to Sounio. The bus fare one-way is €6.90.

If you’d rather join a tour and not have to worry about transportation, check out this highly-rated half-day tour to Poseidon.

FAQs About Athens

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about visiting the city.

What Should I Avoid in Athens?

When it comes to areas of Athens, Omonia, Exarcheia, Vathi, and Kolokotroni Squares have high crime rates and should be avoided at night, if not altogether. Make sure to keep an eye on your purse and pockets when visiting Athens as well as there are pickpockets around. 

Joining a walking tour with a local when you first arrive in Athens is a great way to get a rundown of the city and the do’s and don’ts. 

Can you Do Athens in 3 Days?

Yes! You can definitely visit Athens in a day, on two day trips, a weekend, or in 3 days. You’ll be able to cover all of the main highlights in just a couple of days, and on the third day, you can join a fun experience (cooking class, wine tasting), or take a day trip by ferry or bus.

Where to Stay in Athens

You’ll want to stay central when visiting Athens, and aim to be within walking distance of the Acropolis, Plaka and Syntagma Square. Whether you choose a hotel or apartment is up to you – some people prefer hotels with a simple room, while others prefer apartments with a living area and a kitchen.

This apartment has excellent reviews and views of the Acropolis, while this apartment is in Plaka and also has incredible views plus lots of natural light. For hotels, the Electra Metropolis is a very popular option and it includes breakfast, a rooftop bar, and excellent views.

What’s the best way of getting around Athens?

The best way to get around Athens is by foot using Google Maps. If you need to go outside of the main areas, you can catch a bus or grab a rideshare.

How much does it cost to enter the sites in Athens?

Entrance fees in Athens generally cost between €15-€20 for the most popular sites.

What is the best hotel with a rooftop pool in Athens?

Electra Hotel has the nicest rooftop pool in all of Athens with a great bar, stunning views, and plenty of areas to sit and relax.

What is the best thing to do in Athens on a rainy day?

The best thing to do in Athens on a rainy day is to visit one of the many museums, like The War Museum. Or check out one of the Byzantine churches, eat at some of the great restaurants with an amazing view, or visit during the Summer months when rain is less likely.

Now You Know What To Do in Athens

As you can see there are so many things to do in Athens. You can even make a theme for each day you are there – exploring all the food options, seeing all the archaeology and ancient archaeological sites around, and aimlessly exploring and seeing what you can discover! I always love spending time in Athens, and I’m sure you will as well.

See Also: The Ultimate Guide To Travelling Greece & The Greek Islands

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Even though we did and saw (and ate!) a lot, there are so many more places to visit and things to do in Nova Scotia that we missed. We’d love to return to experience more of what this small, but mighty, province has to offer.

15 Best Things to Do in Nova Scotia

This island on the east coast of our home country may be small, but it has a lot to offer travellers. With so many beautiful places to see and unique things to do in Nova Scotia, if you’re short on time, choosing the must-sees can be a bit of a challenge. 

Scenic drives, hiking opportunities, fresh seafood, fabulous wineries, and colourful fishing towns are just some of the many things you can expect to experience on your trip to Canada’s second-smallest province. We LOVED our trip to Nova Scotia and are sure you will, too!

Here’s our video of the 10 best things to do in Nova Scotia:

1. Experience Tidal Bore Rafting

This is still one of the craziest things we’ve done. I’ve never been whitewater rafting, but I can say I’ve been tidal bore rafting! If you’re an adventurous person, tidal bore rafting should be firmly placed on your list of things to do in Nova Scotia. 

Two times a day, the tides in the Bay of Fundy rise and fall (between 3.5 meters (11 ft) and 16 meters (53 ft)). When this massive influx of water meets the Shubenacadie River, the two collide to create rapids, waves, and a whole lot of swells. 

Of course, rather than just watch this natural phenomenon, we thought it’d be far more exciting to hop on a zodiac and launch over the waves! Tidal bore rafting tops my list of things to do in Nova Scotia in the summer for sure (otherwise, it’d be too cold). Hang on tight and enjoy the ride.

But, it’s not all about the crazy adventure on the river, we enjoyed a quiet boat ride before the tide came in, and even spotted bald eagles high in the trees. After a few rounds of flying over rapids, we released our inner child, and did some mud sliding on the banks of the river.

There are numerous companies to choose from, but I suggest checking out Schubie River Wranglers out of Green Oaks who have been in business since the late 1980s.

Tips: Make sure to wear clothing that you don’t mind throwing out afterward, or wear black (the titanium in the mud will stain your clothes). Leave your sunglasses and hat behind, and wear water shoes. Bring a change of clothing and towel – there are basic, hot showers available. 

2. Drive the Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail is considered one of the most scenic drives in North America, and this 297 km (185 mile) route offers a stunning journey.

Located on Cape Breton Island which is an island connected to the mainland by a 2 km causeway, the Cabot Trail is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nova Scotia!

It’s a great place to drive, cycle, or experience the curvy road by motorbike. 

I recommend taking Route 19 (Ceilidh Trail) as you cross the causeway to Cape Breton Island. This is a picturesque route and we loved all the great places to stop along the way – Mabou, Glenora Distillery, Celtic Music Interpretive Center, Inverness, and Margaree Forks.

At Margaree Forks, the route splits and you start the Cabot Trail.

Depending on your travel plans, you can choose to drive clockwise, or counterclockwise. The whole trail could be done in a day, but a more enjoyable way to experience it is to drive for a little bit, hop out of your vehicle and go for a hike, a swim, and a meal before spending the night somewhere along the trail. 

This is what we chose to do. Hiking, fishing and relaxing along the way with stays in Inverness, Ingonish and Baddeck.

3. Go Hiking in National Parks

There are some great trails in the province and after driving, it’s always nice to get out and stretch your legs. Nova Scotia is home to two national parks, one national park reserve, and numerous provincial and historic parks. 

When you’re travelling along the Cabot Trail, it cuts through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which is home to 26 hiking trails.

The most popular is the Skyline Trail, and you’ll need to reserve in advance, but if you enjoy hiking by yourself, this trail isn’t for you – at least not in the summer months when it’s quite busy.

However, it’s popular for good reason!

Even thought it’s busy, we enjoyed this hike because the views are epic. At the end of the loop, you’re rewarded with vast views out to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and many people see moose on this trail (sadly, we didn’t). 

Tip: While the hike to the end of the Skyline Trail was busy with other hikers, it seemed as though many people didn’t complete the 8.2 km (5.1 mile) loop, but instead, backtracked on the same path making the hike shorter (6.5 km / 4 miles). If you want to enjoy some quiet on this beautiful trail, I recommend doing the loop – we pretty much had the way back to ourselves.  

Another great hiking opportunity is the Middle Head Trail. We did this hike when we were staying at the stunning Keltic Lodge at Ingonish.

The 1.5-hour peninsula hike is more rugged than the Skyline Trail and offers incredible views on both sides of the peninsula. Look for woodpeckers, squirrels, and seabirds. 

Nearby, you’ll find the Franey Mountain Trail, which is more challenging than Middle Head. It’s about 3 hours long, with a 300m ascent. Bring adequate food, water, and clothing for the hike. 

Nova Scotia’s other national park is Kejimkujik, which is home to some great hikes as well. If you have the time and the ability to do so, you can embark on one of the backcountry trails (4 days long), or if you’re looking for a day hike, there are plenty of those as well ranging from 0.2 km to 5 km in length.

We chose the longest of the day hikes, “Hemlocks and Hardwoods“, and basically had the trail to ourselves.

Outside of the national parks, you’ll also find some great hiking. Check out the Celtic Shores Hiking Trail, the Bay to Bay Trail, and Polly Cove trail – to name a few. 

Tip: Make sure to wear bug spray and thoroughly check yourself for ticks when you leave the park, as they carry Lyme disease. 

4. Take in a Festival

We had no idea, but when we travelled to Nova Scotia, it was the Halifax Jazz Festival. Not only that, but one of my favourite artists was performing – Common. I couldn’t believe it! Of course, we had to get tickets and the performance was incredible. If you’re around in the summer, don’t miss the Jazz Festival.

Whether you’re into music, food, crafts, art, history, or sports, there will be a fun festival that interests you. 

While you’ll definitely find events happening all year, most festivals are on during the summer months when the weather is warmer and you can enjoy the outdoor venues. 

Don’t miss the TD Halifax Jazz Festival, Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Pride Parade, Lobster Crawl, Ribfest, Wild Blueberry Festival, BuskerFest…and more!

5. Eat Fresh Seafood

Nick feasted on shellfish during our trip, but since I’m not a shellfish fan, I mostly stuck to fish – which was so good. The area is known for its abundance of seafood, so eating freshly caught shellfish is one of the things to do in Nova Scotia you don’t want to miss.

Each part of the province has a different lobster season, but you can find lobster practically any time of year.

Don’t miss a lobster boil, dining on 1.5 pounds of lobster at a nice restaurant (Nick loved his lobster at Five Fishermen in Halifax), sampling a lobster roll (Nick’s picks: Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack, or The Bicycle Thief), or simply enjoying bits of lobster in a chowder or a pasta dish.  

Once you’ve had your fill of lobster, head to Digby, which is known for its world-class scallops! Choose your preparation (grilled, pan-fried, deep-fried, bacon-wrapped, ceviche, raw, etc.) and dig in. Nick was in scallop heaven here…

If lobster and scallops aren’t your thing, you can always find mussels, Atlantic salmon, halibut, haddock, and oysters readily available on most menus. If you’re wondering what to do in Nova Scotia on a rainy day, eating excellent seafood is my recommendation!

6. Follow One of the “Trails”

A really cool thing to do in Nova Scotia that I haven’t seen anywhere else is to follow one of the food and drink trails around the province. 

Basically, you pick up a “passport” from a participating vendor, or you can register online for a digital passport. In this passport, you’ll find a list of tasty restaurants, bars and distilleries to sample the best food and drinks in Nova Scotia.

Once you’ve visited one of the stops, you get a stamp in your passport and once you have 3 stamps, you can enter to win prizes.

There are 3 trails:

1. Lobster Trail
2. Chowder Trail
3. Good Cheer Trail

With so many amazing restaurants and bars to enjoy, trying to figure out where to eat and drink is the hard part!

7. Go Camping 

Since this post is about a Canadian province, it’s no surprise that camping makes it on this list of things to do in Nova Scotia. Blessed with nature, and almost completely surrounded by water, this is a great place to do some camping.

We met up with our friends and enjoyed some camping fun in Inverness. You can Either pitch a tent in one of the many campsites or spend the night in a unique oTENTik. If you’re pulling a trailer or driving an RV, there are lots of spots you can stop that have adequate amenities. 

Cape Breton Island has numerous campsites available around Ingonish, Meat Cove, Broad Cove, Inverness, and more. 

For other camping opportunities, check out Ovens Natural Park campground, Thomas Raddall Provincial Park, Kejimkujik National Park, Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean…to name a few. For a full list of campgrounds in Nova Scotia, click here. 

8. Tour Vineyards

Although our home province of British Columbia, and Ontario produce the most amount of wine in the country, little Nova Scotia has some vineyards worth visiting and unique grape varietals worth sampling…especially if you like white and sparkling wines.

Nova Scotia is known for its Tidal Bay wine – the first wine appellation given in the province. Since the province is known for its seafood, ties with the ocean, and cool weather, the winemakers wanted to create a wine that reflects that – something cool and crisp.

In order to get the stamp of approval for a Tidal Bay wine, all grapes must be grown in Nova Scotia, be no more than 11% alcohol, and have a certain flavour profile (minerals, acidity, and green fruit).

While grapes are grown in many areas of the province, The Annapolis Valley is known for being wine country and with stunning views of the Bay of Fundy and 11 wineries to visit, it’s a place you’ll want to spend some time. 

We based ourselves in Wolfville and joined a tour for the trip so that we could fully enjoy the wine tastings!

While there are many vineyards to visit, I recommend Benjamin Bridge, Luckett and Gaspereau. All three have gorgeous surroundings and tasty wines. 

Make sure to have lunch at Luckett Vineyards, the food is fabulous. Oh, and don’t forget to make a call from the red phone box  

9. Do Some Kayaking

Being surrounded almost completely by water, and home to numerous coves, bays, and islands, we weren’t surprised to find out that kayaking is one of the top activities in Nova Scotia.

There are lots of places you can go paddling, but I recommend Blue Rocks, which is a community just outside of Lunenburg.

Many people come here to photograph the pretty blue shale rocks, or to stroll around the quiet community, but the best way to see the natural beauty of the area is to hop in a kayak.

We paddled through narrow passageways, and alongside rock islands, all while enjoying the calm water.

Even though the Atlantic Ocean can be incredibly rough and wild, the rock islands here provide protection for kayakers. To learn more about kayaking at Blue Rocks, click here.  

10. Go Whale Watching 

There’s nothing better than seeing animals in their natural habitat. Our whale watching trip to the Bay of Fundy was nothing short of magical.

The whales start arriving in early spring and stay until fall, but typically, the humpbacks don’t show up until mid-June. 

You’ll find excellent whale watching opportunities in the Bay of Fundy just outside of Digby on the Digby Neck (peninsula) and off of Cape Breton Island.

Both whale watching spots in Nova Scotia offer the chance to see humpback, fin, and minke whales. The Bay Of Fundy also has Northern right whales, while Cape Breton offers the largest of them all, the blue whale, as well as pilot whales.

Our trip took us around the Digby Neck, past Brier and Long Island, and into the Bay Of Fundy.

Even though we only spotted 1 humpback whale, we ended up seeing 2 fin whales (which are the second largest whale in the world!). It was a pinch me moment for sure!

To learn more about whale watching in the Bay of Fundy, click here. 

If it’s the wrong time of year for whales, you can always go on a seal watching tour. You learn about the history of the region and see lots of wildlife on this popular tour from Pictou.

Tip: Even if it’s a sunny day, make sure to bring some warm clothing. The weather can change in an instant, and it’s always chilly out on the water. Also, bring a hat, sunscreen, water and of course, your camera.

15 Best Places to Visit in Nova Scotia

Wondering where to go in Nova Scotia? Check out our video: Best Places to Visit in Nova Scotia:

Here are the best places in Nova Scotia to help you plan your trip. 

1. Halifax

The capital city of Halifax is one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia – it’s also likely the first place you’ll see when you arrive. It’s a quick 30-minute drive from the Halifax Stanfield Airport to Downtown Halifax and the vibrant Waterfront area. 

Halifax is small enough that you don’t feel overwhelmed, yet has enough on offer to keep you busy for a few days.

There are lots of neighbourhoods here as well. We took the 5-minute ferry across the bay to Dartmouth and enjoyed wandering around over there for a few hours.

The city is home to green spaces, historical sites, pedestrian-only walkways, events and festivals, galleries and museums, and of course, tasty restaurants! There are numerous things to do in Halifax to keep you busy. We spent a few days here and loved it!

Where to Stay in Halifax

Halifax has so many areas you could stay in, but if you want to be near the waterfront, great restaurants, and many of the tourist sites, then you’ll want to be around the Downtown area.

This is a busy part of the city, but it’s an excellent location for some spending a few days in Halifax. 

We stayed at the historic Westin Nova Scotian (in their newly renovated rooms) and enjoyed the view of the harbour. The staff are very friendly, there are lots of onsite amenities, parking is available, and the breakfast omelette and waffle station was a nice bonus. Click here to see the latest room rates and reviews. 

Where to Eat in Halifax

With a mix of seafood, international cuisine, and vegan-friendly options, Halifax is one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia for foodies. Here are a few great options:

• Piatto Pizzeria – Italian style, wood-fired pizzas
• The Bicycle Thief – Excellent location, staff, and food. Try the lobster roll and rigatoni pasta with ragu sauce.
• The Five Fishermen – Although not located on the water, the dining area is lovely and the food is very good. Try the tenderloin steak and the lobster.
• The Wooden Monkey – We didn’t eat here, but it’s highly rated as a great place for vegetarians and vegans.
• Johnny K’s Authentic Donairs – This is the late-night hangout spot. When the bars let out, you’ll find party-goers snacking here!
• Smoke’s Poutinerie – Located on the waterfront, in the cluster of colourful food buildings, this is a good shop to sample poutine. 

2. Peggy’s Cove (and nearby coves)

Peggy’s Cove is one of the most popular places to visit in Nova Scotia, so I had to put it on the list – it’s a must-see for good reason!

We drove about 45-minutes from Halifax along the Lighthouse Route to reach Peggy’s Cove, making it an easy day-trip from the Capital, or a great stop if you’re on a longer Nova Scotia road trip. 

The community is set right on the ocean, with massive boulders offering viewing points of the Atlantic. The lone white and red lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in the country.

Spend some time exploring the slow-paced community, including the inlets – look for jellyfish in the calm water.

There are so many nearby bays and coves that you could visit, either before or after Peggy’s Cove. Have a look at the Polly Cove hiking trail, Shad Bay and the other little spots along Prospect Road. 

3. Mahone Bay

Continuing along the stunning Lighthouse Route, you’ll arrive at Mahone Bay (if you have a chance, check out Chester on the way), which is known for its iconic 3 churches, relaxed atmosphere, and small-town hospitality.

We loved this cute town and spent some time checking out the many shops making textiles, jewelry, and art…and the mobile library bus! 

The locally-sourced food at the restaurants is divine (we had coffee at the Barn Coffee and Social House), and if you’re not driving, check out the Saltbox Brewery for some beers.

Mahone Bay is a great place to spend some time and is definitely one of the Nova Scotia attractions you don’t want to miss.  

If you’re feeling more active, or have extra time, there’s actually a trail that connects Mahone Bay with the town of Lunenburg (below). This 10-kilometer pathway is called the Bay To Bay Trail, and you can join it at various points, or just hike a portion of it, rather than the whole trail. Click here for details.

4. Lunenburg 

The whole town of Lunenburg is a top Nova Scotia attraction! This fishing village turned UNESCO listed town is a picturesque place you won’t want to miss.

Many people opt to do day trips here from Halifax, but we spent a night and definitely recommend it! It was great seeing the town when it’s not so busy.

With its British colonial grid-style streets, Victorian and Colonial architecture, and harbour-side restaurants, wandering around by foot in Lunenburg is an enjoyable experience.

I recommend joining the 1.5 hour long walking tour to get a lay of the land and to learn about the interesting history of the city (and the unique homes that line the streets). 

Also, don’t miss the Ironworks Distillery tour. Even if you’re not a booze drinker, the building its set in is worth a visit itself. It was built in 1893, it used to be a blacksmith’s shop that made ironworks for the shipbuilding industry in Lunenburg.

Where to Stay in Lunenburg

There are lots of inns and hotels here in Lunenburg. One highly-rated option is the Sail Inn with harbour views from the rooms. The staff are friendly and the breakfast is delicious. Click here to see the latest prices and reviews.   

Where to Eat in Lunenburg

The Savvy Sailor Cafe has tasty breakfasts and huge portions. We enjoyed a pint at The Grand Banker, which is highly rated for food and drinks, and dinner at the Salt Shaker.  

5. Blue Rocks

As I mentioned above, Blue Rocks is a great place for kayaking. However, if you don’t want to get out on the water, it’s still worth the 10-minute drive from Lunenburg to see the area.

Small fishing shacks and boats are set next to blue shale rocks, with the thundering Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the calm inlets protected by small islands on the other. This place is a photographer’s dream.

If you don’t want to stay in Lunenburg and day-trip to Blue Rocks, you can stay in one of the guesthouses here. We spotted some yurts that we’d love to stay in next time. 

6. Shelburne

Shelburne, an oceanside town on the Lighthouse Route, is where thousands of Loyalists fled the United States during the American Revolution. Still loyal to the British, they were enticed to move to Shelburne with a promise of land and provisions.

These days, Shelburne still has British flags flying, and there’s even a UK flag painted on the street. Here you’ll also find a shipbuilding facility, farmer’s market, cafes and restaurants, and the Bowers Meadows Wilderness Area – which is a great place for fishing, canoeing, hiking, and camping. 

We enjoyed wandering around this little town, but we didn’t actually eat here as we just visited on a day trip. I recommend continuing to Barrington and Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack for a tasty lobster roll or fish n’ chips.

7. Kejimkujik National Park 

Before I tell you about Kejimkujik National Park, you’re probably wondering how to pronounce its name! It’s “keji-ma-ku-jik”…just say it fast and you’ll be fine. 

This national park is a beautiful place to do some hiking in Nova Scotia, geocaching, canoeing, mountain biking and camping. Plus, you can stay in one of the cool forest cabins (something we want to do next time we visit Nova Scotia).

There are 15 hiking/biking trails, plus 2 backcountry trails that you can embark on. We chose to hike the “Hemlocks and Hardwoods” trail which was an enjoyable 5 km loop through the forest.

Some of the hemlocks here are around 400 years old! A portion of the hike is on a natural trail, while part of it is on a boardwalk to protect the tree roots. 

The funny thing about this NP is that it’s actually split into two separate areas – inland Kejimkujik NP and the Kejimujik National Park Seaside, which is on the Atlantic.

The seaside park is just 25 minutes from the popular White Point Beach Resort, which has been a Nova Scotia vacation staple since 1928.  

We stayed at White Point for two nights and drove to the Acadian Coast and Liverpool as day trips. We then crossed the province north and made our way to Kejimkujik National Park (1 hour from White Point). Sadly, we didn’t have a chance to visit the seaside national park. 

With natural sites and towns less than an hour away, the White Point Beach Resort is a great place to base yourself. Plus, the resort itself has lots of activities and facilities on offer – walking paths, ocean swimming, pool, bonfires, SUP, kayaking, dining, live music…and more. 

8. Digby Town and Digby Neck

Known for being the scallop capital of the world, Digby is a place seafood lovers won’t want to miss. Pan-fried, deep-fried, sauteed, raw, bacon-wrapped, grilled, ceviche…the list of scallop preparations is endless!

After walking around the town of Digby (and looking for treasures at low tide), we sat down for a scallop-forward meal at the Shoreline Restaurant (now closed, unfortunately, but there are similarly good restaurants nearby). Not only was the food tasty, but the setting was stunning – we even saw seals popping their heads up in the water.

An evening stroll along the docks to see the fishing boats, and locals spin casting off the wharf before the sun goes down is a great way to end the day in Digby. 

About 45 minutes from the town, is the Digby Neck. This peninsula is actually composed of the mainland, and two islands – Long Island and Brier Island. One side of the “neck” is the calm St. Mary’s Bay, and on the other is the large Bay of Fundy. This is the spot to do some whale watching.

Check out the highly rated Hillside Landing B&B with a great host and tasty breakfast.  

9. The Annapolis Valley

Annapolis Valley is located between two mountain ranges on the shore of the Bay of Fundy. It’s known for agriculture, farming, and vineyards – this stunning valley is one of the most scenic places to see in Nova Scotia.

Plus, the Annapolis Valley is home to numerous communities. I recommend visiting Wolfville and Annapolis Royal – the latter is where you’ll find Canada’s oldest National Historic Site (Fort Anne), and one of the oldest streets in all of North America.

We stayed in Wolfville at the lovely Blomidon Inn, and found that it was an excellent place to base ourselves for touring the vineyards around the valley.

In the town itself, you’ll find a great walking trail, boutique shops, a cidery (made with local apples), and lots of fun pubs and restaurants. Don’t miss Church Brewing which is built in a converted church! Grabbing a craft beer here was one of the more unique things we did in Nova Scotia.

Surrounding Wolfville is where you’ll find the 11 established vineyards – which make some crisp white wines and some reds as well. Taking a winery bus tour with a designated driver is the best way to explore the vineyards.

We went with Grape Escapes, a tour that actually originated in Halifax but picked us up in Wolfville. We visited 3 vineyards – Benjamin Bridge, Luckett and Gaspereau – and enjoyed a fabulous lunch with our wine at Luckett Vineyards. For wine lovers, this day trip has to be on your list of things to do in Nova Scotia!

*Insider tip: try the Marquette red at Luckett, it was my favourite Nova Scotian wine.

Not only is the Annapolis Valley picturesque, but there’s also a UNESCO Heritage Site here (the Grand Pre National Historic Site), fruit and herb gardens, and one of the best winery restaurants in the world, Le Caveau.

If you love fresh and locally grown produce, and supporting small businesses, you’ll definitely want to add the Annapolis Valley to your list of places to visit in Nova Scotia.

10. Pictou

Nova Scotia translates to “New Scotland” in Latin, and Pictou was the first place the Scottish settlers landed when they arrived in Nova Scotia. These days, you’ll still see Scottish tartans on the light posts, and there’s a replica of the ship (Hector) that they arrive on in 1773. 

Colourful homes and shops line the water, and the overall feel of the town is pretty relaxed. It was definitely a cute place to see during our trip. We stayed at the Pictou Lodge Beach Resort, but you can also check out the highly rated Willow House Inn B&B, which is close to the center of town.

11. Inverness 

Inverness and the surrounding area is somewhere we could’ve stayed much longer. This is one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia for golfers, fishermen, and those who want to do some camping. 

Crossing the 2 kilometer Canso Causeway from the mainland of Nova Scotia, you’ll arrive on Cape Breton Island. Likely, if you’re taking the Ceilidh Trail clockwise, your first main stop on the island will be Inverness.

The town itself is home to a gorgeous oceanfront boardwalk, the Cabot Links golf course, Route 19 Brewing, some churches, and a campsite with nice views over the water. Do as the locals do and scour the beach for sea glass – which they call “mermaid tears”. 

A 10-minute drive from Inverness is the Glenora Inn and Distillery – the longest-running producer of single malt whiskey in North America. In fact, there are only two on the continent!

We took a tour of the distillery, sampled the whiskey, and wandered around the beautiful grounds. But, you can also enjoy a meal at the restaurant, listen to live music and spend the night in one of the rooms there.

12. Margaree Forks

Just outside of Inverness is Margaree Forks, which is the best place in Nova Scotia to do some fly fishing, where 40-pound salmon run the Margaree River. Of course, since Nick is an avid fly-fisherman and Canada has some of the best spots, he wanted to try his luck with the fishing…unfortunately, the fish weren’t cooperating!

You can get a fishing license for around $62 and some flies and head out to the river. Check out the Tying Scotsman for a license and flies.

There are lots of places to stay right along the river, such as my favorite, Cajun Cedar Log Cottages – we loved this cabin. If you’d rather stay in Inverness, then Cape Breton Villas is an excellent choice.

13. Cape Breton Highlands National Park 

If you’re driving the Cabot Trail, you’ll cut through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. After paying the national park fee, you’re free to enjoy the natural beauty of this part of Cape Breton Island. 

Lace-up your hiking boots and wander down one of the 26 trails in the park, find a hidden cove all to yourself and enjoy a snack, or do some camping, fishing, and kayaking! There are endless things to do here.

We hiked the Skyline Trail, which can be done as a return trip, or a loop. We opted for the 9.2 km (5.6 mile) loop walk through the forest.

At the end, the trail opens up and you’re greeted by the vast Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Cabot Trail winding through the mountainside, and Cheticamp Island. 

There are lots of pull-offs and points of interest along the Cabot Trail, but I recommend Lakie’s Head, which is a beautiful spot where you could potentially see whales.

Another quirky place is Groovy Goat, which is a family-run goat farm and soap company, and the Dancing Moose, which is a cafe that serves up tasty Dutch-style pancakes.

14. Ingonish

Of all the places to visit in Nova Scotia, Ingonish was one of our favourites for sure! It’ss actually an area of 6 different communities: Ingonish ferry, harbour, beach, centre, and North Ingonish.

This area offers hiking, camping, swimming, whale watching offshore, and more.

Depending on the tides, Ingonish Beach is either rocky or sandy and even though the water was chilly when we visited, Nick still went for a dip in the ocean!

There’s a freshwater lake at Ingonish Beach and you can camp here as well. If you’re not into camping, check out the Keltic Lodge at the Highlands, which has the most picturesque surroundings of any accommodation we’ve had. Another great option is the Lantern Hill & Hollow which has great views as well.

With sweeping views of the ocean and the craggy cliffs, even if you’re not staying here, definitely come by for the view. 

One of my favourite trails in Nova Scotia was The Middle Head Trail, starts here at the Keltic Lodge. It wasn’t challenging, but it was a scenic, 1.5-hour loop that takes you out to the end of the point for a fantastic view. This hike is short but sweet.

Another more challenging option is the nearby Franey Mountain Trail, which takes around 3 hours and has a 300 m ascent, but offers incredible views from the top. 

15. Baddeck 

Last but not least on my list of best places to visit in Nova Scotia is Baddeck. Set on the gorgeous Bras d’Or Lake (Alexander Graham Bell had a family estate home here), this town is a great place to chill out for a while.

Enjoy water sports (kayaking SUP, jet skis, etc.), go on a boat tour to see puffins, visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, enjoy a leisurely coffee in town, or check out the nearby Usige Ban Waterfall.

The trail to reach the falls is around 3 kilometers long and should take about an hour to complete. 

We stayed at the Inverary Resort, which had the perfect setting right on the lake. Enjoy late afternoon paddleboarding, kayaking, jet-skiing, or boat riding here – or just relax with a beer in hand!

FAQs

Still have some questions about the things to do in Nova Scotia? Take a look at these frequently asked questions.

Enjoy Nova Scotia!

Depending on the length of your trip, you might not be able to see all of these tourist attractions in Nova Scotia that I listed. So, just choose the ones that stand out to you the most, or pick an area of the province and work your way around there.

The good news is that Nova Scotia is quite compact, making getting around and visiting numerous towns a breeze.

Of course, this list of things to do and places to see when you visit Nova Scotia is just the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous other spots that we didn’t have a chance to get to!

I hope you enjoyed my list of 25 recommended best places to visit and the top things to do in Nova Scotia. Enjoy your stay and check out our videos here:

Want to know what to do in Halifax? Check out our video: Top 10 Things to Do in Halifax

Want to know where to visit in Nova Scotia? Check out our video Maritime Travel: Our Highlights and Tips from Travelling Nova Scotia

A special thank you to the Nova Scotia tourism board for making this trip possible. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain our own. 

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A gorgeous lush interior, pristine coastline, unique rock formations, and a romantic capital city…all this and more can be found on Corfu Island. This a destination that truly surprised us during our trip to Greece. There are endless things to do in Corfu, you’ll never be bored.

When to Visit Corfu

The best time to visit Corfu is from late May through early October, but if you ask us, mid-May to June and early September are the sweet spot.

In May, daytime temperatures are often around 22-26°C. In June, temperatures hover around 25-30°C, the sea is warming up, and you can spend long, lazy days on beaches that still feel uncrowded.

The evenings are warm, the island is lush and green, and because the season is only just ramping up, you get that feeling of having arrived before the masses!

September is equally fantastic, with warm sea temperatures, sunny days, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed atmosphere after the summer rush.

We visited Corfu in the shoulder season (May) which runs from April-May and October, those can be beautiful times to visit, less crowded, and cheaper, but weather can be less reliable.

By mid-October many tavernas and seasonal businesses begin closing down.

July and August are super hot, with temps into the mid-thirties, along with bigger crowds and higher prices, so while they’re great for peak summer vibes, and beach days, we’d choose May/June or September every time.

Where to Stay in Corfu

There’s really no bad area to stay in Corfu – there’s something to offer on every part of the island. We stayed in 2 places during our week-long trip to Corfu: Marbella Hotel (Agios Ioannis) and at the TRYP by Wyndham (Dassia).

Here’s a breakdown of what other areas of the island have to offer:

• Corfu Town: Authentic culture and a wide selection of restaurants and attractions
• Arillas: Natural beauty and a spirituality scene
• Paleokastritsa: Gorgeous views, bays, and hidden beaches (and a monestary!)
• Kavos: Nightlife, beaches and watersports
• Kassiopi: Upmarket accommodations with luxury options
• Sidari: Great for families and couples

How to Get Around Corfu

Seeing all of the sights and beaches in Corfu is best done by renting a car. We rented a car for our week-long trip and it was the best way to explore! Find the best rates here.

If you’d rather not drive, Corfu’s public bus network connects many popular areas with Corfu Town and can be a good budget-friendly option, but, Corfu Town in the historic center is best explored on foot.

Corfu is the northernmost (and most popular) of the Ionian Island chain, and it’s actually really close to mainland Greece, and Albania – it’s actually just a quick 40-minute ferry ride between the two! Check out FerryHopper for times and prices.

Quick Answer: Top 5 Best Tours & Activities in Corfu:

• Drive Yourself Private Boat Rental
• The Governor Olive Mill Tour with Olive Oil Tasting
• Corfu Town Food & Cultural Tour
• Corfu Beaches Tour of Paleokastritsa and Glyfada
• Sunset Cruise on a Wooden Vessel with Cocktails & Bites

Best Things To Do in Corfu

Due to its proximity and history with mainland Europe, Corfu Island was actually one of the first Greek Islands to experience mass tourism.

Because of this, Corfu has numerous accommodation options, many restaurants and bars, and a more cosmopolitan feel than many other Greek islands.

We spent a week in Corfu (including our 10 year anniversary) and had many unique experiences along the way. This is one of the top places to visit in Greece for good reason!

Here’s my list of the 15 best attractions, places to visit, and things to do in Corfu.

1. Rent a Boat Independently (one of the most unique things to do in Corfu)

Did you know that on many of the islands in Greece, you can hire a boat yourself and rip around the coastline? Even if you don’t have a boat license?!

If you’re looking for things to do in Corfu that are unique and fun, renting a boat is definitely it.

We first heard about this when we were on a tour with Luxury Island Events on Zakynthos Island. This is one of the best things to do in Zakynthos, and while we didn’t have a chance to rent one while we were there, we knew we had to give it a try somewhere else in Greece.

For our 10-year anniversary, we did just that.

We drove to the northeastern side of Corfu and met up with the rental company. After a very casual signing of documents and a once-over of the boat, we were set. The boat was 45 horsepower and could have fit six people, four comfortably.

Whizzing along the beautiful coastline, stopping off at seaside taverns for food and drinks, and mooring up at secret coves to jump in the Ionian Sea, how fun is that?! This is definitely one of the top things to do in Corfu for couples, or friends.

Hiring a car is a must for getting around the island and seeing the interior, but hiring a boat is an excellent way to explore the coastline. Learn more about being your own captain for the day and renting a boat here.

• You can book your own boat here 
• We paid €80 for the boat in the offseason/shoulder season (would be more like €130 in the high season)
• Boat gas for a day of driving cost us €40.
• Make sure there are life jackets on board and you will need your own food and water.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance For Corfu!

Make sure you have travel insurance for your trip to Corfu. It’s the one thing you should always pack. Safety Wing is a great option for travelers, adventurers, and remote workers.

2. Visit Corfu Town

This UNESCO-listed town is absolutely beautiful. Due to being under Venetian rule from the 14th century to the late 18th century, this stunning architecture can still be found on this island – especially in the capital of Corfu Town.

With Venetian-style buildings, two fortresses, narrow little lanes, and numerous restaurants, Corfu Town is a place you’ll want to spend some time exploring.

We visited twice, both times around sunset when the temperature was a bit cooler and the lighting was incredible!

Wander by pastel-colored homes with wrought-iron balconies and wooden shutters. Make your way through character-filled, cobbled streets… streets so narrow that laundry can be hung on a line strung between two adjacent houses.

I recommend visiting both during the day, and in the evening to see the town in two different lights. It’s one of the most romantic places to visit in Corfu – we loved wandering around and then stopping to have a glass of wine. Our favourite spot was Salto, they had excellent food and wine selection!

There is a highly-rated walking tour you can join to experience more of Corfu Town. You can join in the morning or in the evening. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, visiting the important sites in town, food tastings, a drink, and a full meal as well. Click here to learn more and book your ticket – you can book now and pay later, plus there’s cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour!

Another option is this walking tour with a guide that includes a glass of wine at the end! This trip is one of the best things to do in Corfu old town.

☞ SEE ALSO: Weather in Greece – When Is The Best Time to Visit?

Notes About Visiting Corfu Town

• Parking can be hard to find in Corfu Town. Park just outside of the town itself, and walk in.
• We highly recommend eating & drinking at Salto Wine Bar. Greek wines are on offer here (€20 / bottle, €5.50 / glass). Two appetizers & two mains cost us €38. Food, drinks and service are excellent.
• Wander around the lanes and get lost. Visit the sights, but spend time just meandering around, this is one of the best things to do in Corfu town for sure.
• Entrance to the Old Fortress costs €10. Wear sturdy shoes and note that there’s not much shade.

3. Stay in Beautiful Accommodation

It’s a bit weird to have accommodation as a highlight of an island, but there are some gorgeous options available on Corfu. We stayed in two beautiful properties and can recommend them both, for different reasons. 

Learn about where to stay in Corfu in our complete guide. 

MarBella Corfu is a proper 5-star, luxury resort, complete with all-inclusive menu plans, four a la carte restaurants, four bars, and a buffet-style restaurant serving up fresh food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Best Hotels & Apartments in Corfu:

• Luxury Apartment Connect in Corfu Town
• Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa
• Spyridoula Resort Hotel in Corfu

Set just steps from the Agios Ioannis Peristeron beach, near the south end of Corfu, this is an ideal location for exploring this half of the island.

MarBella Corfu truly is a luxurious accommodation and if a resort holiday is what you’re after, then this is the place for you. We spent four nights here, but only dined at the restaurant two times – there were too many local restaurants that we wanted to check out!

The welcome drink and complimentary wine & fruit are a nice touch, the building itself is modern, and the staff here are incredibly helpful and friendly. It was the perfect place to treat ourselves for our 10 year anniversary.

On the northern end of the island, we stayed for two nights at TRYP by Wyndham Corfu Dassia (formerly Corfu Palma Boutique Hotel), and highly recommend it.

With just four floors, this low-rise hotel has an intimate feel. We were staying on the 4th floor in the Superior Design Suite, which was absolutely stunning. The rooms are spacious, bright and the modern decor is exquisite.

The hotel offers a gym and a spa, as well as a large outdoor pool. The only downside is that it’s not located directly on the beach, but just a few steps away. The staff here are friendly and the manager, Spyros, will make you feel very welcome!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this boutique hotel, and recommend it based on the modern room itself, the lovely staff, the delicious food, and the amenities on offer.

Since there are so many things to do in Corfu, and since the island is pretty big, I suggest splitting your time between the north and the south, if you can.

That way, you can use your base in the north to explore nearby sites, then switch to your hotel in the south and check out that area of the island. Otherwise, you may find yourself driving a lot. The two hotels I listed above worked out well for us to do just that.

If you’re interested in staying in a small apartment or guesthouse (rather than a hotel or resort) during your trip to Corfu Island, click here to compare prices and search through numerous options on Booking.com.

4. Join an Olive Oil Tasting & Tour

There are over 4 million olive trees on Corfu Island, 95% of which are lianolia variety. There are a few products that Greek people have been using throughout the ages, and olive oil is one of them. It has always been a big part of their diet, traditions, and history.

The Governor is a 5th generation, family-run establishment here on the island. It’s one of the most awarded premium olive oils out there.

We joined this highly-rated day trip and learned all about olive oil. We spent a lazy afternoon indulging in some olive oil and bits of food and enjoyed the company of the owners of The Governor. The passion these two brothers have for their family company is inspiring.

The flavour of the olive oil is exceptional and the health benefits are incredible! We really enjoyed meeting the Dafnis family, learning about the product, and of course, tasting it. 

Olive groves provide jobs and food for the people and they have for many years. Learning about the production of olive oil is one of the most important things to do in Corfu, and Greece as a whole.

5. Learn About Bees and Honey Production

Another Greek product that has been used for centuries is honey, both for enjoyment as well as curing ailments.

Hippocrates said that this Nectar of the Gods “cleans sores and ulcers, softens hard ulcers of the lips, heals carbuncles and running sores”. Aristotle believed that honey prolonged life.

We had heard about “Mr. Honey” (whose real name is Panagiotis Vasilakis) from Spyros, the manager at Wyndham hotel we were staying at.

Arriving at the office of Mr. Honey, we met a soft-spoken, chilled-out man who told us his story of how he left a high-stress career in Athens for beekeeping in Corfu…a trade he knew nothing about before arriving here!

We met his bees, learned about the process of collecting the honey, and were shown many of the natural products he makes.

This is one of the more unique places to visit in Corfu, and one of the top things to do in Corfu for families. Don’t miss a day with Mr. Honey. Panagiotis – he’s passionate about beekeeping and is keen to share his knowledge about bees and honey with you.

The honey shop is called MKV – Melissokomiki Kerkyras Vasilakis, which is located here.

6. Visit an Ancient Monastery

There are over 250 churches and monasteries on Corfu Island! A couple of the standouts are The Vlacherna Monastery and the Monastery of Paleokastritsa. This private day trip takes in these monasteries and many more highlights of Corfu.

Best Monastery Tours in Corfu:

• Corfu sightseeing tour by minivan (Including Paleokastritsa Monastery)
• Guided Paleokastritsa and Corfu Town Shore Excursion

When driving south from the airport, it would be hard to miss the Vlacherna Monastery, which sits out on the water, on an island of its own. The island is actually connected to the mainland by a stone bridge that crosses the bay.

The chapel was built in 1685 and actually, this was once a nunnery monastery. These days, Vlacherna Monastery is a quiet place with cypress trees surrounding it, and dogs and cats roaming around.

Fun fact, the For Your Eyes Only James Bond film had a scene set here. The monastery is one of the best places to see in Corfu.

The second must-see monastery is Paleokastritsa – we went here on our first day on the island.

The location of this religious site is stunning. Set on a lush hill above the beach with the same name, and surrounded by sheer cliffs and pretty bays, a visit to this monastery (which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary) is a must.

Paleokastritsa is still operating as a monastery today, and you may see a monk or two pass by during your visit. It’s important to dress appropriately and respectfully when entering the complex.

This is one of the popular places to see in Corfu, there will probably be group tours here. But regardless of the crowds, it’s worth a visit. Click here to open the GoogleMaps location of Paleokastritsa. Click here for Vlacherna Monastery.

7. Chill Out Beachside at Paleokastritsa

While you’re in the area visiting the monastery, make sure to check out the beaches and town of Paleokastritsa. There are 6 stunning bays here, which are surrounded by olive and cypress trees.

Best Beach Tours in Corfu:

• Private Shore Excursion: Corfu Beaches Paleokastritsa and Glyfada
• Private Tour of Corfu Beaches Paleokastritsa and Glyfada

This is the perfect spot for spending the afternoon swimming, or just lazing on the beach. You’ll find numerous tavernas and restaurants here as well, including nearby Akron Beach Bar, which we loved – it has a great setting for a meal or drink.

You’re in Greece, so it’s no surprise that relaxing on a beautiful beach is one of the top things to do in Corfu. In fact, the main beach of Paleokastritsa itself is known for being one of the best beaches in Greece.

8. Sip on Sunset Cocktails

Located on the very northwestern tip of Corfu Island, you’ll find 7th Heaven restaurant. With expansive views from atop a cliff out to the Ionian Sea, this is the ultimate spot to watch the sun go down.

Best Sunset Tours & Activities in Corfu:

• Corfu: Sunset Cruise on a Wooden Vessel with Cocktails & Bites
• Corfu: Sunset Cruise on Classic Boat with Cocktails & Snacks
• Private Sunset Cruise in Corfu
• Angel Castle Guided Hike and Sunset

It’s mostly known for being a place to grab a drink with sunset, but they also have food available. Cocktails go from around €7 and if you don’t have your own wheels, a taxi from Sidari to here is around €9.

The drinks may not be the cheapest, but you’re paying for the setting. Click here to see the Google Maps location of the restaurant.

If you’d rather get some exercise, enjoy the amazing sunset, and then head for a cocktail, check out this hiking trip with a guide. After a leisurely hike through beautiful villages and scenery, you’ll enjoy the incredible sunset from Angel Castle. Learn more here.

9. Swim at the Canal d’Amour in Sidari

While you’re on the northern end of the island, make sure to visit the Canal d’Amour, or Love Canal. The rock formations around this area are colourful, crumbly, and very unique.

We chilled out on the beach, and swam in the clear water for a few hours. There’s also a canal here, which leads under the cliff. It’s said that if you swim through, you’ll get married soon – hence the name “Canal d’Amour”. Whether or not that’s true, it’s still one of the most popular things to do in Corfu.

While swimming through the canal, you won’t be fully submerged in water and will be able to breathe the whole time, so don’t worry! Plus, the canal isn’t very long.

On a windy day, the waves can be a bit rough here if you’re planning to take a boat around the coast, but being at the beach is fine. 

You’ll find numerous hotels, restaurants, and tavernas in the town of Sidari, making this the perfect spot to spend the afternoon, or longer.

Best Tours & Activities in Sidari, Corfu:

• Parasailing Experience for 2 in Sidari
• Stand Up Paddle Board in Sidari
• Private Full-Day Northern Corfu Tour (Includes a Swim at Canal d’Amour)

10. Go Mountain Biking Around Corfu

We didn’t have a chance to do this, but try to peel yourself away from the beautiful beaches and romantic towns to get some exercise by bike!

Renting a mountain bike to explore either independently, or on a tour is an excellent way to see the off-track interior of the island. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, there’s a route for you.

Check out the guys at The Corfu Mountain Bike Shop to rent a GIANT bike. If you’d rather have a bit of assistance when riding, you can rent an Electric Fat Bike as well! Check out Corfu Fat Bikes for details.

Best Bicycle Tours & Activities in Corfu:

• Corfu by bike: Countryside, Forests and Villages
• Corfu Bike Tour With Swimming Stop

11. Indulge in a Decadent Meal

For our special anniversary meal, we went to Michelin Starred chef, Ettore Botrini‘s restaurant. He’s an Italian Corfiat, with three restaurants in Greece – Corfu, Rhodes, and Athens. 

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, make sure to visit Etrusco Restaurant in the town of Dassia – which is listed as one of the world’s 50 best. 

Trust me, this highly acclaimed chef knows presentation! Each and every dish we had came out perfectly manicured, with a story behind each plate. The outdoor dining area is surrounded by trees and pretty pink bougainvillea flowers.

Plus, the kitchen is behind a large window, so you can watch all of the action unfold while you wait for your food.

You can order a la carte, or choose from one of two set menus: My Origins or Akron Aoton.

Both have the option of including a wine pairing and go for around €130 for 7 – 12 courses, so it’s more of a “special occasion” kind of place and we enjoyed our meal for our anniversary.

Click here to find Etrusco Restaurant on Google Maps, and click here to make a reservation and see the menus on offer.

12. Go Sailing (one of the best day trips from Corfu)

We rented our own boat while in Corfu, so we didn’t end up doing a sailing trip – we had to save something for our next trip!

With Corfu’s location, it’s no surprise that there are some amazing sailing and boat day trips you can do! Cruise over the crystal-clear water on your way to nearby Antipaxos & Paxos, or sail on over to the Sivota Islands.

The day is spent gawking at the scenery, swimming in the pristine water, and visiting small villages. Getting out on the water and visiting these islands and hidden coves is definitely one of the best day trips from Corfu. 

There are quite a few tours you can join, but this one to Anitpaxos and Paxos is very highly rated and at around $45, it’s a steal. If you’d rather check out the Sivota Islands and the old town of Parga, this trip is also very highly rated and is around $45 as well.

Finally, if you’d like to have a sailboat to yourself and enjoy a private day on the water, this trip is a must. The day is fully customizable and is perfect for a family or group of friends. Snacks, beer, wine, and water are all included as well. You really can’t go wrong. Click here for more details.  

13. Volunteer With Donkeys

If you have more time on the island, why not spend some time giving back?

One of the best things to do in Corfu with animals is to volunteer to take care of abandoned, abused, old, or injured donkeys. Give them some love, groom them, and even take the donkeys for a walk.

Surrounded by olive trees and the beautiful Corfu mountains, the setting of this sanctuary for donkeys is lovely. Click here to learn more about visiting the shelter – one of the more rewarding and unique things to do in Corfu.

14. Join a Food Tour

I’m still thinking about our meals in Corfu! Greek food is definitely one of my favourites and you’ll be spoiled for choice in Corfu.

Foodies, this one is for you! Spend the day walking around beautiful Corfu Old Town, while learning about the history of the island, and sampling some of the local cuisine. 

On this fun tour, you’ll meet up with an English-speaking guide and wander around the old town. The highlights and stops include the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, hidden corners and squares, the old city walls, fountains, the Church of St. Spyridon, and more. 

Throughout the 3-hour trip, you’ll stop to eat a couple of times. The tour includes a local breakfast and a sit-down lunch at the end of the walking tour. Find out more and book your spot here.

Best Food Tours in Corfu:

• Small-Group Food and Cultural Tour in Corfu
• Corfu: Gastronomy Walking Tour

15. Rent a Scooter

We rented a car and a boat while in Corfu, but lots of people love riding scooters – do as the locals do and enjoy the day on two wheels.

There are a couple of options for renting a Vespa scooter in Corfu. You can either hire one for yourself privately and see all of the best places to visit in Corfu on your own or, you can join a private day tour so you don’t get lost!

Best Scooter Tours & Rentals in Corfu:

• Corfu 300cc Vespa Scooter Rental
• Vespa Scooter Tour “Off the beaten path Local Villages ” 3-hour scooter tour
• Above & Beyond Palaiokastritsa Corfu Vespa Scooter Tour

16. Bonus! Go to Albania

Another great activity during your stay in Corfu is to take a day trip to a nearby country. Did you know you can take a boat from the island of Corfu to the country of Albania?

We spent 10 days travelling around Albania and had such a great time, it’s definitely worth a visit from Corfu!

You can either take the ferry and head over there yourself, or join a tour. On this fun day trip, you’ll visit the UNESCO city of Butrint, the beautiful seaside city of Saranda, the Venetian Tower, the Temple of Asclepius, and much more.

Everything is included on this day trip, including a professional guide, bus tickets, boat tickets, entry to museums and UNESCO sites, and a tasty lunch in Saranda. Don’t forget your passport! Click here for details.

What to Do in Corfu: FAQ’s

Here are answers to some questions that travellers have about visiting Corfu.

In Conclusion

With so many islands to visit in Greece, it can be hard to decide which one to choose. If you’re interested in beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, religious sites, culture & history, and stunning accommodations, then Corfu Island is for you.

And, since Corfu is so close to mainland Europe, getting here is easy.

You can take a quick flight from anywhere in Europe, with a short layover in Athens, or if you’re flying from North America, you’ll need to stop over in Europe before continuing on to Corfu. There are many ferry routes all around Greece, search for boats to Corfu here.

Check out Aegean Airlines for flights, or search engines such as Expedia.com and Google Flights. For ferry routes, have a look at Ferry Hopper. Once you’re in Corfu, I recommend renting a car to get around and explore at your own pace. We always rent cars in Greece and it really makes the trip that much more special. Find the best rates here. Enjoy Corfu!

Check out our Travel Videos of Corfu

Thank you to Discover Greece for assisting us with our trip to Greece. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain our own. Some of the images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.

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Where is Bari?

Bari is the capital of the southeastern Puglia region of Italy – located in the heel of the country’s “boot”. It’s a vibrant port city on the Adriatic Sea.

Known for its atmospheric Old Town, medieval churches, stunning beaches, and delicious food and wine, there are so many incredible things to do in Bari.

In this post, I’ll describe some of the top things to see and places to visit in Bari. Some of these are free, others you have to pay for, but all are great and definitely worthwhile!

Best Things to Do in Bari

However long you have to spend sightseeing in Bari, I recommend checking out at least some of the following.

1. Explore the Citta Vecchia

Many of the top places to visit in Bari are located in its Citta Vecchia – Old Town – a maze of narrow, winding streets and back alleys that lies just south of the modern port area. It’s a fascinating place, with more than 2,000 years of history. Needless to say, I spent most of my time in this gorgeous area.

The majority of the historic buildings in Citta Vecchia are intact, and the whole district has a wonderfully unique feel. It’s easy to get lost wandering through the backstreets, but this is part of the fun.

Every corner you turn you’ll see something new. Women sit at wooden tables in the street making handmade orecchiette pasta, picturesque little squares are decorated with flowers, and locals sit together chatting over a coffee or glasses of wine.

I felt like I was in a time warp – it felt like life hasn’t changed much here in hundreds of years. It’s an amazing place to while away a few hours and exploring it is one of the best activities in Bari. Click here for a highly-rated guided tour of the old town.

2. Visit the Basilica Di San Nicola

Dating back to the 12th century, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas was built on the site of a church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1089.

The exterior of the basilica is incredibly ornate, with two large towers and a stunning façade. The interior is just as impressive, with beautiful mosaics and paintings adorning the walls and ceilings.

It’s dedicated to Saint Nicholas (AKA Saint Nick, or Santa Claus, of Christmas Eve fame), who was born in Patara, in modern-day Turkey, and later became the Bishop of Myra.

The remains of Saint Nicholas are actually buried in the crypt of the basilica, and it’s a place of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians from all over the world. This rickshaw tour of the old town actually takes in the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.

Address: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy

3. Check Out Bari Cathedral

Another church in Bari that I think is worth visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedral for short), which dates back to the 11th century.

The cathedral is located in the heart of Citta Vecchia and is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) contains a series of precious relics and other historical artifacts, as well as a museum.

Underneath the cathedral lies a series of archaeological excavations, showing the remains of an ancient Roman road from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the 9th century. There are also the remains of a beautifully ornate mosaic.

Address: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy

4. Take a Walking Tour of Bari

One of the best ways to learn about the rich and fascinating history of this amazing city is to take part in a historical walking tour of Bari.

I thought I knew a lot about what to do in Bari, but after taking this walking tour, I realized there’s so much more to the city! The walking tour was very informative and definitely worthwhile. There are several different tours to choose from, but I recommend this one.

The passionate local guide will show you around the city’s most important and iconic sights, and teach you about the history, culture, and lifestyle of the people of Bari.

If it’s really hot outside, or if you have mobility issues…or, if you’re just feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is a great way to get around the old town!

5. Chill Out at the Beach

Puglia is home to some of the best beaches in Italy. Many of these are located a short distance from Bari and make a perfect day trip (or half-day trip) away from the city.

Perhaps the most famous beach near Bari is Lama Monachile (also known as Cala Porto), in the pretty little town of Polignano a Mare. This small white pebble beach is at the end of a steep-sided rocky canyon framed by vertical cliffs and has gorgeous turquoise water.

Other great beaches near Bari include Cala Paura (also in Polignano a Mare), Otranto beach (in Otranto), and Cala Porta Vecchia (in romantic Monopoli). These are all easy to reach with public transport (train or bus) from Bari. Or, better yet, rent a car like I did.

However, if you don’t have time to leave the city, you can still enjoy some beach time. Check out Pane e Pomodoro Beach, a sandy beach 3 kilometers southeast of the city center. The name translates as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).

6. Go on a Street Food Tour

I ate my way around Bari and highly recommend that you do, too! Bari is famous for its delicious street food, so be sure to try as much of it as possible while you’re in town. One of the best ways to sample some of Bari’s best street food is to go on a street food tour.

This is an excellent option and will introduce you to some of the city’s most famous dishes. You’ll visit popular local places, and immerse yourself in Bari’s rich culinary culture – plus, you can book now and pay later (with cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour), which is great if you’re unsure of your plans.

Some of my favorite local Puglia specialties include:

• Orecchiette pasta with sautéed broccoli rabe (also known as rapini).
• Tiella – a hearty traditional dish made with rice, potatoes, and mussels (think of it as a Puglian paella).
• Focaccia Barese – probably the best focaccia you will ever eat, topped with ripe tomatoes, olives, olive oil, and oregano.
• Polpette – cheesy fried dumplings made using stale bread (and sometimes fish, meat, or vegetables), either served crispy by themselves, or in a rich sauce.

7. Explore Castello Svevo

Castello Svevo di Bari is one of my favourite places to visit in Bari! This is a Norman castle that was built, destroyed, and then rebuilt in the 12th and 13th centuries.

It’s an imposing structure right next to the sea, and with its thick walls and moat, it’s easy to imagine how this castle served as one of the old city’s main points of defense throughout the centuries.

The castle has been through a lot historically and has been damaged by earthquakes on several occasions. Despite this, the whole structure is amazingly well intact.

Today, the castle is used as an exhibition center and a museum dedicated to the history of the castle, as well as the city of Bari more widely.

8. Stroll Along the Seafront Promenade

Bari has a beautiful long promenade (called Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs along the seafront. It’s a great place to take a stroll, relax, and take in the views. There are also several cafes and restaurants along the promenade, so you can stop for a coffee or a bite to eat if you like. If you feel like pasta, check out Antica Caffeterria dell’angelo.

You can also extend the walk all the way to the Molo Sant’Antonio lighthouse, which is located at the end of the sea wall marking the entrance to the sailing and pleasure boat harbor. This used to be the city’s main harbor, until the construction of the larger commercial Port of Bari in 1850.

Here you’re likely to see people fishing and hanging out with friends, painting boats, or taking sailing lessons in the sheltered marina. I love to sit and watch all this go on while enjoying the fresh sea air.

In the evening, the promenade comes alive with locals and tourists alike, and people come to watch the spectacular sunset. This is one of my favorite things to do in Bari at night – there’s just a really nice atmosphere here.

9. Join a Puglian Cooking Class

One thing to know is the food in Puglia isn’t like the food in other parts of Italy – it’s not known for its wide variety of pasta, pizza and risotto – which surprised me actually.

Puglian food tends to be fairly simple and showcases the freshness and high quality of local and seasonal ingredients, including tomatoes, beans, artichokes, peppers, and seafood.

For an unforgettable experience where you can learn how to make some classic and delicious, local dishes, take a traditional Puglian cooking class. There are several different classes to choose from, but I recommend this one, which takes place at the host’s home.

During the class, you’ll learn how to make 2 fresh pastas, including orecchiette (Puglia’s famous pasta that looks like little ears), tiramisu, and of course, prosecco, snacks and wine are included. This is one of the most fun things to do in Bari – I highly recommend it! Click here to learn more and book your spot.

10. People-Watch in the Piazza Mercantile

Piazza Mercantile is one of the main squares on the edge of the Old Town of Bari. It’s a spot I’d sit and relax with a gelato and people-watch.

This historical medieval square has been a meeting place for centuries. People have come here to trade their goods ever since the 14th century, and even today it’s a popular spot for locals to meet and hang out together.

The buildings around the square are incredibly picturesque, including the Palazzo della Dogana, the 16th-century clock tower, and the baroque Fontana della Pigna fountain. Taking a seat and enjoying this pretty little corner of the city is one of the best free things to do in Bari, Puglia.

11. See Bari on a Segway Tour

Segways can be very divisive: some people love them, and some people really don’t. If you’re in the first camp like me, consider joining this tour.

After a quick briefing, you’ll set off exploring some of the city’s better-known sights, as well as some hidden gems and secret spots. You’ll visit places in both the Old Town and the modern city, including the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s main fish market.

And at the end, you can enjoy some delicious traditional homemade ice cream. I had a great time on the segway, but maybe the ice cream was my favorite part.

12. Chill Out in Parco 2 Giugno

Parco 2 Giugno is a public park just south of the center of Bari. It’s a popular spot with locals and is the perfect place to relax and take a break during a busy day of sightseeing.

The park has a variety of different plants and trees, as well as a lake that’s home to turtles, ducks, and other birds. If you’re looking for things to do in Bari for families, I recommend checking this place out.

There’s also a playground for children, and a little cafe kiosk selling coffee, water, beer, and other refreshments.

13. Go on a Sailing Trip

Bari is located on the Adriatic Sea, so it’s no surprise that sailing is a popular pastime here. There are several operators that offer sailing trips from Bari, and you’ll get to relax on deck and enjoy the stunning coastline as you sail past.

Being on the water gives you a unique perspective of Bari itself, and many sailing trips allow you the chance to swim in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. It’s fairly common to see dolphins and other aquatic life while you’re on the boat too.

This is an excellent sunset trip that has fantastic reviews and is one of the best things to do in Bari for couples, or groups of friends. What could be more romantic than sitting on the deck of a vintage gozzo boat, watching the sunset over the sea, with an aperitivo in hand? Click here for details.

(To be honest, even if you’re traveling by yourself, this is still a pretty awesome experience!)

14. Shop at Poggiofranco Market

Mercato di Poggiofranco is one of the largest open-air markets in Bari and is the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs. The main market takes place on Saturday mornings, from 8 am until around 1.30 pm.

To find the market, head to Viale Madre Teresa di Calcutta, which is located 2.5 kilometers south of the Central Station, in the Poggiofranco district. You can either walk or take a bus, or a taxi.

Here you’ll find a huge range of items from clothes, shoes, and accessories to food and drink, homeware, and kitchen utensils. You name it, you’ll probably get it here.

You’ll also find stalls selling locally made products, which make great gifts to take home. If you’re in town on a Saturday and are looking for a bargain, and an insight into the lives of the people who live in Bari, I recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.

15. Take a Trip to Monopoli

Monopoli is a beautiful coastal city and one of the best places to visit near Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you can catch the regional train from Bari Central Station, which takes about 35 minutes.

At the heart of Monopoli is the centro storico, or historical center – a labyrinth of beautiful old whitewashed buildings, with green window shutters, colorful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished smooth by hundreds of years of passing feet.

There’s also an ancient fishing harbor that’s still used today, where you can see local fishermen bringing in their catch, ready to be taken straight to the city’s restaurants.

If you’re looking to spend some time on the beach, check out Cala Porta Vecchia, which is located just south of the main Old Town. For a drink and dessert, I loved the tiramasu and espresso with a view at Porto Rosso.

I also recommend taking a stroll along the paved pedestrianized walkway that runs along the edge of the Old Town, next to the seafront. It’s beautiful here at any time of day but it’s especially magical and atmospheric at sunset.

See full post: 15 Best Things to Do in Monopoli.

16. Visit Museo Civico

The Museo Civico is a small museum dedicated to the history of Bari. It’s located in an old palazzo in the Old Town and is definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in learning about the city’s past.

I didn’t make it here during my trip to Bari, but the museum houses a collection of historical artifacts, as well as a library and an archive. There’s also a section dedicated to the city’s traditional culture, which is really interesting.

The museum hosts a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year. See here for more information on what’s on during your visit.

Address: Str. Sagges, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy

17. Make A Day Trip To Alberobello

Alberobello is a small Puglian town famous for its unique “trulli” houses – traditional conical-roofed dwellings that are made entirely from stone. This is one of the most unique places I’ve been!

If you have the time, there are many things to do near Bari, and Alberobello is one of the most interesting.

It’s about an hour away from Bari by car, and there’s also a bus that runs between the two places (although this does take almost twice as long). An easier option if you don’t have your own car is to take a guided trip from Bari (see below).

No matter how you get there, make sure to give yourself some time to wander around the narrow streets, and grab a drink at Bar Enoteca a Casedd (ignore the reviews, the staff were great, and I thought this was a cool spot to people watch and have a drink). Learn more about Alberobello in this post.

18. Check Out the Teatro Petruzzelli

The Teatro Petruzzelli is one of the most important cultural institutions in Bari. It’s a large theater and opera house that regularly hosts a range of theater, ballet, opera, and concert performances.

The building itself dates from 1904 and is incredibly ornate and beautiful inside. Even if you’re not planning to catch a performance there, it’s still well worth taking a look inside.

Address: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy

19. Join a Bike Tour

Another fun way to see the main tourist attractions in Bari, Italy is to take a bike tour. You’ll cover far more ground than you could on foot, so it’s a great way to see more of the city, especially if you only have a limited amount of time.

This tour has excellent reviews and will take you through the Old Town of Bari, as well as a few of the city’s other, less-visited neighborhoods. Your guide will also take you to one of their favorite ice cream shops for you to cool off and enjoy a well-earned treat.

Alternatively, you could always hire a bike and explore by yourself. But for the tour, click here for more information.

20. Go on a Day Trip to Matera

Matera is a city in the neighboring region of Basilicata – do not miss it, this was a highlight of my trip to the region. Historians believe Matera to be the third-oldest continually inhabited city in the world, and that people have lived here for at least 9,000 years.

Built on top of a rocky hill, it’s really spectacular and definitely worth a visit. The city is best known for its Sassi District, which is home to a complex of prehistoric cave dwellings and a medieval rock church carved into the mountain.

Tip: When deciding what things to do around Bari, if you had to pick only one of Alberobello or Matera to visit, personally I would go with Matera. I found it more atmospheric and less touristy. However, if you’d like to visit both cities in one day, consider joining this guided trip.

21. Bonus!

When traveling to Italy, it’s impossible to have “too much food”! Check out this fun trip which combines eating, drinking wine, and walking — which is great as you’ll want to walk off some calories. You’ll visit popular landmarks, sample traditional food, and drink local wine as well. Click here for details.

Travel Itineraries for Bari

Here are a few suggested itineraries to help you decide what to see and do in Bari.

1 Day in Bari Itinerary

You can see most of the main Bari attractions in one day. Joining a walking tour allows you to see the main sights, and learn about the city and its history.

Start your day by exploring the Old Town. Visit the Basilica di San Nicola, the Castello Normanno-Svevo, and the Cattedrale di San Sabino. Then head to the Murat district for some shopping.

Later on, head to the beach for a swim, and end your day with a meal at one of Bari’s excellent restaurants.

2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary

If you have two or three days, you can explore Bari’s surroundings as well as the city itself.

Spend the first day exploring the city, as per the above itinerary. On day two, take a day trip to either Matera or Alberobello (or, if you’d like to see both places in one day, consider joining this tour).

If you have a third day, take the train to the nearby town of Polignano a Mare, which is perfectly picturesque and home to some of southern Italy’s best beaches, including Lama Monachile and Cala Paura. You can get there by boat, including an aperitif and exploration of caves and coves with this highly-rated trip. End your last day with this amazing sunset sailing trip.

1 Week in Bari Itinerary

With a week, you can comfortably do all of the activities in Bari I’ve described in this post, and still have some spare time to spend however you wish.

I recommend spending at least two days in the city itself, essentially following the above itinerary, but giving yourself more time to enjoy each activity and spend longer in each place. On one of your Bari days, hiring a bike will enable you to see even more of the city.

With the additional days, I’d recommend taking day trips to Monopoli and Matera/Alberobello. Another option is this day trip which actually takes in Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Alberobello! And if you want to spend a whole day on the beach, go right ahead.

Where to Stay in Bari (best areas)

These are a few of the best neighborhoods in Bari for tourists.

Bari Vecchia – Best for First-time Visitors and Sightseeing

Bari Vecchia (Old Bari) is the historic center of Bari and is where you’ll find most of the city’s most famous sights and attractions.

It’s super atmospheric, with a maze of cobbled backstreets, and many quaint restaurants and cafes spilling out into the attractive little plazas. Check out this great accommodation in Bari Vecchia.

Murat – Best for Shopping and Nightlife

Located just south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the modern heart of Bari. Here you’ll find many of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and bars. This is a great place to stay in Murat.

Madonnella – Best for Beach Lovers

If you want to be close to the beach, I recommend staying in Madonella. Here you’ll be near Pane e Pomodoro beach (the best beach in the city), as well as the Lungomare Nazario Sauro seafront promenade where there are also loads of cafes and bars that are particularly popular with locals. Have a look at this excellent apartment in the area.

Best Restaurants in Bari

There’s amazing food throughout Bari. If you’re looking for some specific recommendations, check out these places.

Al Pescatore

Located right next to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves some of the best fresh fish and seafood in the city. The quality is excellent and the prices are reasonable. Try the traditional local raw fish and the fritto misto (mixed fried seafood).

Assaporando le Delizie Pugliesi

This traditional little restaurant is in a small square next to the Metropolitan Cathedral, in the heart of Bari’s Old Town. They serve delicious pasta and a range of other local specialties, all of which are cheap and fantastic.

Their menu changes frequently, but I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was incredible. This is also a lovely place to sit with a spritz and watch the world go by.

Per Bacco

In the new part of town, close to the Lungomare seafront promenade, Per Bacco is a midrange, intimate restaurant with a very cozy atmosphere and wonderful owners.

The menu is small and features traditional Puglian specialties – try the ravioli stuffed with turnip tops and anchovies. Prices are midrange and very fair.

Magda

Magda is a bakery and a cafe located on the bustling Via Prospero Petroni. It’s a solid favorite with the locals and serves a range of focaccias, flatbreads, sweet and savory pastries, and other traditional snacks.

This is the perfect place to come if you’re looking for a cheap and delicious place to eat in the center of Bari. I had the best focaccia of my life here, and their arancini balls are also insanely good.

Getting to Bari

Bari has an international airport with flights from all over Europe, including budget carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. If you’re flying from outside of Europe, you’ll probably have to connect via Rome, Milan, or another major European city.

You can also reach Bari by train. The city is a major stop on the Frecciargento high-speed railway network, which connects it to various other major Italian destinations such as Rome, Venice, and Naples.

Alternatively, you can reach Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries also transport cars.

Once you get to Bari, the city center is walkable, and you can get to most other major destinations via public transport. I found that having data the moment you arrive is a lifesaver for navigating the labyrinth of the Old Town; it’s much easier to set up a digital eSIM for Italy like Saily before you leave home than it is to track down a local shop while carrying your luggage.

However, if you’d like to explore more of the surrounding region, including more out-of-the-way places, you can also hire a car (often the cheapest from the airport).

Things to Do in Bari: FAQs

Still wondering what to do in Bari? Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about visiting Bari and what stuff to do in Bari.

Now You Know What to Do in Bari

These are just a few of the top things to do in Bari, Italy. It’s a great city and one that I would love to return to.

The vibe is friendly and chill, it’s sunny for most of the year, and you’ll be surrounded by far fewer tourists than in many other popular Italian cities. If you get the chance to visit Bari, I highly recommend it.

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The post 21 BEST Things to Do in Bari, Italy (Itinerary + Travel Guide) appeared first on Goats On The Road.

Along with the stunning Greek Islands, some of the best places to visit in Greece are the country’s amazing cities and historical sites.

Greece is the birthplace of democracy and also the cradle of Western civilization. With its mix of awe-inspiring beauty and history, tasty cuisine, and welcoming people, in my opinion, Greece is most definitely one of the top destinations to visit – in the world.

Best Places to Visit in Greece

If you’re planning a trip soon, make sure you check out our epic Greece travel guide. Not only is this one of the cheapest places to travel, but it’s also on our list of the best countries to travel to for food. 

Alright, let’s get into it. Wondering where to go in Greece? In no particular order, here is a list of my favourites.

1. Santorini

The first time we visited Santorini was back in 2011! We spent 5 days hiking, sampling wine, swimming, and getting lost in the picturesque villages.

Santorini is probably one of the most well-known places to visit in Greece – it’s the diamond of the Aegean. Thousands are drawn to the beauty of this island every year and leave knowing that there is nowhere else like it.

This spectacular place is one of the most scenic in all the Greek Islands. Picturesque and world-renowned, Santorini must be seen to be believed.

Take a dip in the turquoise waters, walk around the beautiful villages, and dine in the fine restaurants, Santorini will steal your heart.

Location: Cyclades, South Aegean Sea | Vibe: Touristy, Romantic, Picture-Perfect | Best For: Honeymoon, Luxury, Relaxation

Best Tours & Activities in Santorini:

• Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise (including BBQ, drinks & transport – this is highly rated!)
• Santorini Luxury Volcano Caldera Cruise w/ Greek Meal & Drinks (a romantic sunset sail)
• Private Tailor-Made Tour- Explore Santorini (flexible itinerary
• Tour of Wineries with Wine Tasting and Food (small group, 10 wine tastings!)

My Personal Highlights: Riding a scooter around the island with Nick, watching sunset from the cliffside each evening, wine tasting at Gavalas Winery, and spending the day lazing on Red Beach!

Where to Stay in Santorini: Here is a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties in Santorini. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.

• Villa Valvis – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Platia – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Fileria Suites – Rating 9.1. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
  ☞ Click here to compare prices and see reviews on all accommodation options available in Santorini on Booking.com.

This is still easily one of my favorite places in Greece – it’s touristy, but for good reason. Learn more about the best 15 things to see and do in Santorini in our post.

2. Paros

I fell in love with Paros when we spent 8 days on the island celebrating our friend’s wedding. After landing at the airport, we rented a car and drove to Naoussa where we based ourselves for 8 days.

From there, we’d hop in the car and drive around to different coves, beachside restaurants, and stunning cliffside hikes. It’s the perfect sized island!

We spent our days lazing on the beautiful beaches in Paros, checking out picturesque villages, going wine tasting, and of course, eating incredibly fresh seafood. If you’re into partying, you’ll find it in Paros…but, you can easily fine quiet places as well. We absolutely loved our 8 night stay here.

Location: Cyclades, South Aegean Sea | Vibe: Chic, Party, Picture-Perfect | Best For: Food, Nightlife, Beach

Best Tours & Activities in Paros:

• Antiparos & Despotiko full day cruise from Paros
• Paros Cooking Class
• Paros: Sea Kayak Trip with Snorkeling and Snack or Picnic
• Paros: Full-Day Small Boat Rental with Self-Driving – we did this in Corfu and loved it!

My Personal Highlights: Aside from witnessing my best friends get married, I loved the wine tasting at Moraitis Estate (the 2020 reserve was incredible), driving around the island and stopping for lunch at seaside tavernas, and visiting the picturesque town of Lefkes.

They say that Paros is like Mykonos was 20 years ago – offering the atmosphere, without the crowds and hefty price tags. Plus, there are numerous things to do in Paros to keep you busy. This is one of the best places to go in Greece. Click here for a gorgeous, budget-friendly accommodation option in Paros.

3. Crete

Ah, Crete. An island that stole our hearts back in 2011! Since then, we’ve been to Crete two more times, and are about to make it a third – we’re getting married there!

This is the largest island in Greece and it comes as no surprise that there are endless things to see and do in Crete. The island actually gets snow in the winter on its tallest peak!

We loved swimming in the sea in the springtime with snowcapped mountains as the backdrop – it was magical.

Not only does Crete have mountains and beaches, but the hiking is awesome, the historical sites are great, and the island has its own tasty cuisine. I can’t wait to return to Crete!

Location: Southern Most Island, Sea of Crete | Vibe: Soulful, Wild, Authentic | Best For: Food, Beach, History, Adventure, Culture

Best Tours & Activities in Crete:

• Olive Oil, Wine, Cheese & Honey Tasting Tour – leaves from Chania
• Boat Trip to Lazaretta Island with Swim Stop – departs from Chania
• Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island – multiple departure points
• Go Hiking (use AllTrails to find the best trailheads)

My Personal Highlights: It’s hard to narrow it down! Driving our little rental car to Balos Beach, exploring the Lisithi Plateau and eating at small tavernas was so fun. I also loved sailing from Rethymno, and multiple hikes through beautiful gorges.

Where to Stay in Crete: Chania is a great area to base yourself. Our friends stayed at The Royal Sun, and we stayed at Nais Apartments.

Because Crete is so big, it’s more like a “mini-island”, it’s not the type of place you can see in just a few days. Base yourself in the west or east and explore just that area, otherwise, you’ll find yourself in a vehicle the whole time – when you should be at the beach!

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Best Things To See and Do in Naxos

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Best Airbnbs in Naxos 

4. Corfu

We celebrated our 10 year anniversary here on the island of Corfu! Along with its rich cultural heritage, and cosmopolitan vibe, the island also offers rugged mountains and some of the best beaches in Greece.

Corfu definitely is one of the most popular places to visit in Greece, but if throngs of tourists aren’t your thing, don’t worry – isolated beaches stretch along the winding coast of Corfu. With so many beaches on offer, it’s very easy to find your own perfect piece of paradise.

Along with white sandy beaches, there are also picturesque towns and villages such as Perithia and Corfu old town. For me, Corfu Town was a real highlight – we came here a couple of times and loved wandering around the narrow alleyways, and sipping on local wine at Salto.

Location: North Ionian Islands | Vibe: Cosmopolitan, European, Touristy | Best For: Luxury, Beach Lovers, History, Relaxation

Best Tours & Activities in Corfu:

• Full-Day Boat Tour of Paxos Antipaxos Blue Caves (highly rated, fun day trip)
• Small-Group Food and Cultural Tour in Corfu
• The Governor Olive Mill Tour with Olive Oil Tasting (we loved this tour!)
• Half Day Cruise on a Sailing Yacht in Corfu (great for groups)
• Corfu Town: Guided Walking Tour and Local Food Tastings (highly rated, great for foodies!)

My Personal Highlights: I loved renting our own private boat and cruising up and down the shoreline! Docking at little tavernas for lunch, and anchoring offshore at our own private coves. That, and the olive oil tasting, and wandering around Corfu Town.

All in all, Corfu is an incredibly beautiful place to visit and there are endless things to do in Corfu. Learn about where to stay on Corfu in our complete guide to the best areas of the island.

Where to Stay in Corfu: Here’s a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties in Corfu on Booking.com. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.

• Sea View – Rating 9.2. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Tango Apartment On The Beach – Rating 9.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• TRYP by Wyndham Corfu Dassia – Rating 9.0. Check out that hotel here. This is one of the places we stayed during our anniversary and really enjoyed it. We also stayed at the Marbella and recommend that hotel as well.
  ☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Corfu on Booking.com

During our trip to Corfu, we created two videos showcasing our experience on the island to give you an idea of what Corfu is like, and if it’s a place in Greece you want to visit. Have a look at Part 1 and Part 2.

5. Zakynthos

We enjoyed 10 days exploring Zakythos by car. Home to some of the Greek Islands’ best nightlife, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire Mediterranean. Turquoise water, white sandy beaches, and huge chalk-white cliffs, all give Zakynthos its signature beauty.

Zakynthos is one of the top places to visit in Greece for a beach holiday – there are 27 beaches on the island – and we found ourselves lazing on quite a few of them!

The island is also home to one of the most photographed spots in Greece, Shipwreck Cove. Otherwise known as Navagio beach, this alone makes Zakynthos a must-visit destination.

Whether you see it from above, or decide to take a boat, make sure to visit Shipwreck Cove – I couldn’t get over the view, it was stunning.

Location: Ionian Islands | Vibe: Party, Beach Bumming, Holiday | Best For: Beach-Lovers, Partiers, Group Travel

Best Tours & Activities in Zakythos:

• Zakynthos : One day small group tour to Navagio beach Blue Caves & top view
• Private 7m 250hp speed boat tour Shipwreck Blue caves up to 9pax – great for groups!
• Zakynthos Island: Navagio Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves Tour
• Laganas: Off-Road Buggy Adventure in Zakynthos with Lunch

My Personal Highlights: I loved everything about our trip, but in particular all of the beaches – we went to 9 beaches! Gerakas Beach was my favourite, but I also enjoyed the cavernous, crystal clear water of Porto Limnionas, and swimming off of Marathonisi Island during our private boat trip.

Where to Stay in Zakynthos: Here is a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties in Zakynthos. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.

• Armonia Boutique Hotel – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Denise Apartments – Rating 9.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Αggi’s – Rating 9.0. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com

We stayed at Katerina Rooms and loved our stay there – the owner was so kind! Click here to see the latest price and reviews.☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Zakynthos on Booking.com

Zakynthos is also one of the Greek Islands’ biggest party spots. So if you are looking for some great nightlife along with idyllic beauty, Zakynthos is a place that ticks all of the boxes. There are so many things to do in Zakynthos, you’ll never be bored. 

For more on traveling to Zakynthos, check out our articles for these popular places: Gerakas Beach, Navagio Beach, Laganas Beach, Zante Town, Banana Beach, Porto Azzuro, Porto Limnionas, Keri, Alykes, Xigia Beach, and Psarou Beach

And, don’t miss our video on the best things to do in Zakynthos island!

7. Athens

Whether you love cities or not, a visit to Athens must be on your list when choosing where to go in Greece. Not only do most international flights arrive here, but you won’t want to miss the Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka District and Monistraki Square.

We spent our days wandering around Monistraki Square and the surrounding food and fish markets, watching the changing of the guard ceremony at Parliament, and spent hours exploring the Acropolis.

Not to mention, some of the best food can be found in the capital! We definitely ate our way through Athens…you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to authentic food.

This city is one of the best places to visit in Greece for food. Make sure to check out these best restaurants in Athens, and get ready to watch your waistline grow.

Athens may be busy and a little rough around the edges, but there are few cities on earth that are filled with as much history – it’s the birthplace of democracy and accredited as the founder of Western civilization, this is a city that stretches across the ages.

Location: Mainland Greece | Vibe: Chaotic, Edgy, City, Bustling | Best For: History Buffs, City Lovers

Best Tours & Activities in Athens:

• Athens All Included: Acropolis and Museum In a Cultural Guided Walking Tour
• All Day Cruise: 3 Islands to Agistri, Moni, Aegina with lunch and drinks included
• Greek Food Walking Tour in Athens
• Athens: Meteora DayTrip by Train, English or Spanish & Lunch
• From Athens: Day Trip to Delphi and Arachova

My Personal Highlights: People watching is one of my favourite things to do in Athens! I loved ordering a gyro from one of the nearby restaurants, sitting down in Monistraki Square and just taking it all in.

Over the years, we’ve spent 4 days in the city – Athens is a must-visit and is likely the best city to visit in Greece as a whole. There are endless things to do in Athens, you’ll never be bored here! 

Where to Stay in Athens: Here is a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties in Athens. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.

• Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel – Rating 8.7. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Electra Hotel Athens – Rating 9.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Top Apartments, Hotels & Hostels in Athens – there are some great options on Booking.com, click here
  ☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Athens on Booking.com.

☞ SEE ALSO: Discovering the Magic of Kefalonia – Our 5 Day Travel Guide

8. Rhodes

The Island of Rhodes, located off the southwestern coast of Turkey is one of the Greek Islands’ most visited spots. Rhodes caters to all tastes, from backpackers to the rich and famous, all drawn to this teardrop in the Aegean.

We only stopped over on this island on a ferry, but would love to return to see more.

The island’s capital, Rhodes Old Town, was once home to a wonder of the world, the mighty Colossus of Rhodes. This kind of history, along with the incredible scenery, nightlife and swimming spots make Rhodes one of the best places to visit in Greece.

Location: Aegean Sea, near Turkiye (Turkey) | Vibe: Lively, Holiday | Best For: History Buffs, Partiers, Beach-Goers

Best Tours & Activities in Rhodes:

• Rhodes Full Day Cruise with Greek Buffet Lunch & Unlimited Drinks
• Best of Rhodes Tour including Lindos and Medieval City
• Best of Rhodes Tour including Lindos and Medieval City
• Rhodes: All Inclusive Day Cruise with BBQ & Unlimited Drinks
• Rhodes: Pirates’ Route Sea Kayaking Tour

Where to Stay in Rhodes: Stegna sea view apartment – Rating 9.6. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com.
☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Rhodes on Booking.com

Whether you want to party the night away in Faliraki or relax in luxury at one of the many 5 star hotels, Rhodes covers every type of traveller. As you’ve probably noticed by now, Greece is the perfect blend of paradise and history with Rhodes being no different.

To learn more, see our complete travel guide to Rhodes Greece.

9. Meteora

Next up is something a little different. Meteora is one of the most unique places to visit in Greece, and Europe as a whole!

Located in the heart of northern Greece, Meteora is home to some of the world’s most spectacular Orthodox churches…but not just any churches…

Built in the 14th and 16th centuries, Meteora is a place where Orthodox monasteries are built into stone, and perched precariously on the top of towering rocks – there’s nowhere like it!

The Meteora Monasteries are one of the few UNESCO world heritage sites that have been given a double status. UNESCO gives two different world heritages status, one for art and one for nature. The stunning bluffs and hoodoos of Meteora have received both.

Location: Mainland Greece, 4 hours from Athens | Vibe: Serene, Spiritual | Best For: History Buffs, Nature Lovers

Best Tours & Activities in Meteora:

• Meteora Monasteries Half-Day Small Group Tour with transport
• Sunset Tour: Discovering Meteora’s Secrets in a Small Group
• Secret Caves of Meteora – Sunset Hike
• Meteora Magical Sunset Tour

Where to Stay in Meteora: Here’s a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties in Meteora. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.

• Hotel Anax – Rating 9.4. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Guesthouse Gkoura – Rating 9.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Archontiko Mesohori Suites & Apartments – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
  ☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Meteora on Booking.com

Meteora is a breathtaking place you won’t want to miss. If you don’t have enough time to stay in Meteora, this tour from Athens is the best way to visit this incredible site.

☞ SEE ALSO: Chios, Greece: Unearthing The Magic of The North Aegean

10. Skyros

Located in the centre of the Aegean, Skyros is known for its stunning beaches, jagged coastline, and seaside villages. Steeped in tradition and still relatively untouched, Skyros is a great choice for an idyllic getaway.

The north is all rolling farmlands and pine forests, but the south is characterized by arid hills and rocky shorelines. Skyros has managed to fly under the radar for a long time and doesn’t attract the masses of tourists like many of the other Greek Islands.

If you do make it to Skyros, keep an eye out for the legendary wild horses of the island! For millennia, Skyrian horses have roamed the island, unfortunately they’re becoming fewer and fewer. Who knows how much longer you will be able to see these animals in the wild.

Location: Northern Sporades Islands, Aegean Sea | Vibe: Authentic, Quiet, Laid-Back | Best For: Off-Track, Slow-Travel, Culture

Where to Stay in Skyros: Eleana Studios – Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com and Ammos Hotel – Rating 9.1. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com. ☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Skyros.

☞ SEE ALSO: Visiting Lesvos, Greece: Our 5 Day Travel Guide 

11. Skiathos

Skiathos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece. Best known for its beach and nightlife, Skiathos has blasted onto the itinerary of many travelers in recent years.

With crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, along with some incredible nightspots, it is easy to see why. Despite the influx of tourism, this island in the Aegean has lost none of its beauty.

There are over 60 gorgeous beaches here, plus hiking trails through rolling pine forests, Skiathos is a nature lover’s dream. I thought the best beaches were in Kefalonia, but it looks like Skiathos might be the winner!

Location: Northern Sporades Islands | Vibe: Touristy, Lively, Lush | Best For: Nature, Nightlife, Beaches

Best Tours & Activities in Skiathos:

• All-Inclusive Full-Day Cruise & Lunch
• Island Hopping from Skiathos
• Private Boat Cruise around Skiathos island
• From Skiathos: Skopelos and Alonissos Boat Trip with Stops
• Skiathos: All-Inclusive Full-Day Sailing Cruise with Lunch

Where to Stay in Skiathos: Villas Zoe – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Skiathos

Along with the natural beauty of the island, there’s also Skiathos Town which caters perfectly to tourists. Nice restaurants spill out onto the streets where you can sit and dine the evening away as the sun slowly dips into the sea.

If you choose one thing to do in Skiathos, make it this sailing trip which includes snorkel gear, food, and drinks – you may even spot dolphins!

☞ SEE ALSO:  The Best Time to Visit Greece & The Greek Islands

12. Halkidiki

We spent a few days in the city of Thessaloniki last year, and just south of there lies the peninsula of Halkidiki. This very well could be Greece’s best-kept secret.

Home to some of the best stretches of sand on Mainland Greece, the Halkidiki peninsula is split into three “fingers” which spread out into the Aegean.

There are the Golden sandy beaches of the Sithonia headland, the resorts and restaurants of Kassandra, and finally, mysterious Athos which is home to some of the most stoic monastic communities in Greece – it’s traditional to the extreme.

When combined, all three headlands of the peninsula come together to create the perfect getaway!

Location: Northern Greece, Mainland | Vibe: Laid-Back, Lush, Diverse | Best For: Beaches, Road-Trips, Nature

Best Tours & Activities in Halkidiki:

• Mount Athos & visit Ammouliani’s island (mixed cruise)
• Best of Halkidiki Daily Private Cruise
• Private Sailing Trip

Where to Stay in Halkidiki: Marianna Apartments – Rating 9.6. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com, and Villa Kristy – Rating 9.4. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com. ☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Halkidiki

Halkidiki, for the time being, is still relatively crowd-free. How long this will last is unknown…visit soon before the word is out.

13. Chios

Chios is off-track and is very much underrated. We flew to this island from Athens, picked up our rental car at the airport and explored for 5 days – we absolutely loved it!

The medieval villages, stunning beaches, unique accommodation options, and great restaurants make this island one of the best places to visit in Greece.

Plus, it’s home to Mastiha (Mastic) trees which are grown all over the world…BUT, the trees in Chios produce a special sap that has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It’s definitely sought-after! You’ll find mastiha products all over the island and we enjoyed learning all about this at the Mastic Museum.

Not only were the sights and history in Chios incredible, but we had some lovely encounters with the people as well – strangers on the street, staff at our accommodation, people on tours, and everyone in between. Chios remains one of our favourite places in Greece.

Location: North Aegean Islands – near Turkiye | Vibe: Off-Track, Authentic, Traditional, Wild | Best For: Culture, Road-Trips, Slow-Travel

Best Tours & Activities in Chios:

• Chios Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
• Private Walking Tour of Kampos
• Chios: Sailing Boat Cruise to Oinouses with Meal & Drinks

My Personal Highlights: I really liked how off-track this island felt. There weren’t the crowds like many other islands in Greece. Because of this, I had lots of genuine interactions with the locals which was a main highlight. Learning about Mastiha was also interesting – as were the Mastiha cocktails at Oz bar!

Where to Stay in Chios: We stayed at Emporios Bay Hotel and highly recommend it. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com. Click here to see all accommodation options available in Chios on Booking.com

14. Lesvos

From Chios, we took a ferry to Lesvos and spent 5 days on the island. There are enough things to see and do in Lesvos to keep you busy.

Lesvos is the third largest island in the country and is one of those places to go in Greece if you’re looking for somewhere away from the crowds. 

I loved exploring the pottery-filled, mountainous village of Agiasos and the Petrified Forest in the west, but my favourite area was the scenic coastal town of Petra. Lesvos truly is a diverse destination in Greece.

If you’re an adventure-seeker, Lesvos is also a great place to explore above and below the water! We joined a unique experience that combined sailing with scuba diving and had an awesome day.

For scuba diving, visit Lesvos Scuba Oceanic Center and for sailing see George at Alternative Sailing – both are professional companies that we recommend. 

Location: North Aegean Islands – near Turkiye | Vibe: Rugged, Authentic, Laid-Back | Best For: Culture, Food, Nature, Slow-Travel

My Personal Highlights: Lesvos is one of those places that doesn’t really have tours you can book. Luckily, we were able to meet up with the guys at Alternative Sailing and they put together a day on the water, complete with lunch and scuba diving from a zodiac boat! That day, and chillin out at Reef beach bar on sun beds were a couple of the standouts for me.

Where to Stay in Lesvos: I highly recommend Archontiko Petras 1821! Click here to see the latest prices and reviews.

If you’re looking for a more off-track stay in Greece, Lesvos is a good option. Rent a car like we did and explore the island – this is a slow-paced place, so do as the locals do and take your time.

15. Mykonos

There are endless islands to visit in Greece, and Mykonos definitely deserves a spot on the list. 

While Mykonos is a great place to visit in Greece for friends (due to the fun parties), it also has a chilled-out side, with pretty narrow streets and alleyways, wine-tasting tours, amazing sunset spots, interesting museums, and little villages to visit. 

We haven’t been to this Cycladic Island yet, but it’s one of the most popular in Greece and we can’t wait to visit one day. Just like its neighbour, Santorini, Mykonos is known for its whitewashed blue-roofed homes and crystal clear water.

Location: Cyclades Island Chain | Vibe: Glamorous, Hedonistic, High-Energy | Best For: Nightlife, Luxury, Fun

Best Tours & Activities in Mykonos:

• Mykonos Shore Excursion with Pickup from Cruise Ship Terminal
• Small-Group Half-Day Tour in Mykonos
• Mykonos Catamaran Daytime or Sunset Sailing with Food and Drinks

Where to Stay in Mykonos: Check out the super highly rated Mykonos Soul Luxury Suites. and Click here for a top-recommended villa in Mykonos.

You don’t have to be a partier to enjoy a trip to Mykonos. Have a look at our list of the best things to do in Mykonos for all types of travellers.

Places to Visit in Greece for History

History buffs, rejoice! Greece has endless historical sites for you to see. Even though they aren’t islands or cities, I wanted to add these top places to visit in Greece to this list! Don’t miss these incredible sites.

1. Knossos

Near Heraklion, Crete lies the Minoan ruins of Knossos. This relic of the bronze age was once home to the mighty Minoan civilization which dominated the region over 5000 years ago.

We drove about 40 minutes from our little apartment in Stalida to reach the ruins, but if you’re coming from the Cretan capital (Heraklion), it’s just a 20 minute drive.

The ruins of Knossos are the best-preserved bronze age relics in the whole of Greece and are an incredible sight to see. A visit here is one of the top things to do in Crete.

Along with pretty mosaics and fine pottery, there is also the hall of kings, which is where the legend of the Minotaur and Labyrinth was played out. We spent about 2 hours at Knossos wandering around and imagining what life must’ve been like over 5,000 years ago!

Location: Island of Crete | Best For: History Buffs, All Travellers

Best Tours & Activities in Knossos: Knossos Palace Guided Walking Tour – including guide and entrance fee

Where to Stay Near Knossos: Here’s a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties near Knossos. Click on the links and check them out for yourself!

• Apartments Christina – Rating 8.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Idili – Rating 9.8. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Z Boutique Hotel – Rating 9.4. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
  ☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available near Knossos on Booking.com

The ruins of Knossos are a must when visiting the Island of Crete. Greece has a long history and Knossos is a great place to catch a glimpse of the past.

To learn more about traveling to Crete, have a look at our complete guide to the island, and our guide to visiting Elounda.

2. Olympia

Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games is another place to visit in Greece which is carved into history.

Located in the hallowed Valley of the Gods, it is still possible to see the ancient stadium and training grounds of the Olympians. At that time, Olympia would’ve been one of the best cities to visit in Greece.

Along with the stadium and training grounds, the UNESCO-accredited Olympia also boasts some of the best-preserved monuments and temples in all of Greece.

Best Tours & Activities in Olympia:

• Olympia – Half day Tour
• Private Tour:Visit of Agricultural Farm and free time in Olympia
• Olympia and Museum Private Guided Tour

These hallowed monuments are dedicated to the great gods of old such as Zeus and Hera. Located in the rugged hills of the Peloponnese, the Valley of the Gods is an awe-inspiring place.

Along with Olympia itself, the valley also has some incredible hiking and mountain bike trails and is situated close to the Alfos River Valley. All of this combined makes Olympia and the Valley Of The Gods one of the best places to visit in Greece. Click here for an excellent, private tour of Olympia.

3. Delphi

Here is another destination for history lovers. Delphi, the religious centre of the ancient world still clings on even today. Perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, these ancient ruins were once a place that drew people (even kings) to hear the words of the Oracle.

The Oracle of Delphi has been etched into Greek history and the priestess of Apollo’s words has echoed through the ages.

Best Tours & Activities in Delphi:

• HIKE OR BIKE DELPHI Private Guided Tour with Olive Culture Option
• Delphi: Archaeological Site & Museum Entry Ticket & Audio

The Temple of Apollo still stands and is one of the highlights of Delphi. Along with the Temple of Apollo, there is also the Athena Priene, a theatre, and an ancient stadium.

Take a stroll among the ruins and transport yourself back in time. Delphi is certainly one of the best places to visit in Greece. Delphi makes for a great day adventure from Athens. Check out this highly-rated trip.

Mycenae

Finally, we have a city that dominates the myths and legends of old. The walls of Mycenae were so high that the ancient Greeks credited their creation to the Cyclops.

The city of Mycenae comes from a time before Greece and is featured in tales such as the Fall of Troy. Its most famous ruler was the mighty King Agamemnon himself.

Separating history from myth is very difficult at Mycenae as the city was at its most powerful over 3500 years ago! Mycenae lies way off the beaten tourist path and will take you to a part of the country that few tourists get to see. 

Without a doubt, Mycenae is one of the great archeological sites of Greece and will leave you awestruck at the engineering prowess of the ancients. The culture, scenery, and history all come together to make Mycenae one of the country’s must-see destinations.

Find Mycenae on the map, here. Or, take this day trip from Athens which is the best way to see Mycenae.

How to Get Around Greece

Knowing about the beautiful destinations in Greece is one thing, but getting to them will take a little bit of planning. There are six main island groups, plus mainland Greece.

You can fly to pretty much anywhere from Athens, or for a more interesting way to get around, you can do some island hopping by ferry.

We always rent a car on each island in Greece that we visit as it’s a great way to have some flexibility and freedom on your trip. Driving on the islands is easy and rental cars are affordable. Click here to search for the latest rates on rental cars.

From Athens, there are 8 different ports you can take a ferry directly to, including Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and Heraklion (Crete). Easily search for ferry times, routes, and prices here.

Best eSIM For Greece

Before you head off on your trip to Greece, make sure you have an eSIM for your phone. Staying connected abroad is important.

Whether to post stunning photos of the destinations in Greece on Instagram, contact your accommodation, reserve a car, find somewhere to eat, or navigate around using Google Maps, you’ll want to have data on your trip.

We use and recommend Holafly eSIMs. They’re easy to install (takes less than 5 minutes), and there’s no physical SIM card needed – it’s all virtual. With the Greece eSIMs, you’ll get unlimited data, plus 60 minutes of local calling (sending and receiving).

Once you arrive at your destination, you simply switch on the eSIM in your phone’s settings and you’ll be connected immediately. Goats On The Road readers receive 5% off, click here to learn more about getting an eSIM for Greece.

Have Fun in Greece!

This incredible country offers the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and history. A visit to Greece is one that you will never forget and this country will draw you back time and time again. 

We also have a lot of great travel information including where to stay, when to go, the best things to do and more. To learn more, check out our Greece Travel Guide.

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The post 15 BEST Places to Visit in Greece (Islands & Mainland) appeared first on Goats On The Road.

Sydney is one of those cities that delivers immediately – iconic landmarks, world-class beaches, endless food options, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to enjoy.

Best Things To Do in Sydney

We spent 5 days in Sydney at the start of April, and I’m happy to say that the city lived up to the (high) expectations we had. In this post, I’ll share our favourite things to do in and around Sydney for first-time visitors.

1. Sydney Opera House

As soon as I saw the white “shells”, I had a huge grin on my face…we had finally made it to Sydney!

Ask anyone what to do in Sydney, and seeing the Opera House will be at the top of their list. This UNESCO-listed site has been featured in movies like The Fall Guy, Mission Impossible and the Great Gasby. It’s unique architecture makes it a very recognizable site.

There are a few ways to experience the Opera House. You can see it by land or by boat (more on that below), and you can (of course) go inside to see a show, or join a tour of the building.

Tickets to the Opera House book up fast! Click here to reserve your spot on a guided tour of the incredible building, and click here to reserve tickets for a very affordable performance by Opera Australia.

2. Walk Across the Harbour Bridge

For stunning views of the harbour and the Opera House, make your way across the Harbour Bridge by foot – either on the bridge, or on top of it…

This is something that I had no desire to do!

If you’re not afraid of heights, one of the coolest things to do in Sydney is the Bridge Climb across the Harbour Bridge. It’s a very safe, thrilling experience and we saw lots of people doing it while we were in Sydney. Click here to learn more and to book your spot!

If heights aren’t your thing, you can simply cross the bridge on foot on the eastern side. The western side of the bridge is reserved for cyclists.

See Also: Best Budget Campervan Routes in Australia

3. Go On a Dinner Cruise

A dinner cruise in Sydney is one of the most memorable ways to experience the city after dark. You’ll cruise past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge (both listed above), you’ll enjoy a multi-course meal or buffet, which is usually paired with drinks and live entertainment.

Seeing the skyline during the day is great, but watching it light up from the harbour at night is one of the most memorable things to do in Sydney.

There are lots of cruises to suit different styles, from classic dinner cruises to sleek glass-boat experiences with panoramic views. Some cruises offer live music, cabaret, or DJs, making the evening into more than just a meal.

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a unique way to see the harbour, it’s one of Sydney’s most iconic nighttime experiences. Click here to search for a cruise and price that suits your style.

4. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Garden is one of the most beautiful and accessible green spaces in the city, sitting right on the edge of Sydney Harbour. It’s just a short walk from the CBD, which is where we were staying at YEHS Hotel, and right near the Sydney Opera House, making it an easy stop while exploring the city.

We walked through these beautiful gardens on our way to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair (more on that below).

The gardens cover a large area with a mix of manicured lawns, themed plant collections, and shaded walking paths – which is always nice during the hot days in Sydney! It’s a place where you can wander, lay out a picnic, or just take a break from the city without actually leaving it.

The gardens are free to enter and open every day, which makes them one of the top free things to do in Sydney. You’ll also find guided tours, cafes nearby, and seasonal events depending on when you visit.

Click here for details about the gardens, and click here for directions on Google Maps.

5. Sunset at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair

You’ve probably seen sunset photos of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House and are wondering where to get that perfect shot! Well, it’s here at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair.

The sandstone chair dates back to 1810 and was carved for Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. She was known to sit here and take in the harbour views. These days, it’s one of the best photo spots in Sydney – especially at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the skyline just right.

We headed here at sunset and enjoyed epic views of the sun dipping behind the Harbour Bridge – plus, some huge battleships were docked here. Click here for the Google Maps link.

See Also: How to Get a Working Holiday Visa in Australia

6. Join a Walking Tour

Whenever we visit a new city or country, we always try to do a walking tour. It’s such a great way to get a lay of the land, learn about the history and culture, and of course, get some local restaurant and bar recommendations!

Some of the walking tours are free (tip based), while others are paid. We find the free ones to be pretty good, but you usually end up with a big group of people. Whereas the paid ones are more intimate and personalized.

In Sydney, you can join this free walking tour that’ll take you to many of the main sights in this article, including the Opera House, Royal Bontanic Garden, The Rocks, Parliament, and more.

If you’d rather go on a paid walking tour, this one includes everything listed above, is rated 5.0 and has more than 500 positive reviews.

Not only that, but the group tour is small (around 6 people), and you get a free craft beer or juice of your choice! Click here to learn more. You can reserve your spot now, and pay later (there’s also free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour).

7. Coastal Walk from Bondi to Coogee

This was a highlight of our trip to the city and is definitely one of the best day trips from Sydney. Bondi Beach has become pretty famous due to the reality TV show “Bondi Rescue” (I’ve been binge watching these guys on YouTube lately).

The beach here is one of the busiest in Australia, but conditions can be unpredictable and rough – always adhere to the advice of the lifeguards.

However, we weren’t there to hangout on Bondi Beach, we were there to do the beautiful coastal walkway from there all the way to Coogee!

The entire 6 km (3.7 mile) walk takes you through different towns, beaches, and coves. All while enjoying stunning views of the ocean along the way. I loved watching the surfers at Tamarama Beach!

I recommend starting the walk earlier in the day as it’s exposed the entire time. Bring a hat, a water bottle (there are fill points along the way), and wear proper footwear as well (having said that, Nick did this walk in his flip-flops!). This is one of the best things to do in Sydney for sure.

To get here, you’ll need to take the train to the Bondi Junction. Then, hop on Bus 333 at Stand A3 to Bondi Beach. Depending on what time of day you leave, and where you catch the train from, it can take between 30 minutes to an hour.

8. Eat Michelin Ramen

The food choices in Sydney are endless. No matter what type of cuisine you’re craving, you’ll find it here. For us, having already spent quite a bit of time in Australia (and eaten our fair share of pies and parmys), during our 5 days in Sydney, we went 100% Asian cuisines!

There were many standouts, but if you’re into ramen, Mensho Tokyo is set down a cool back alleyway and serves up some unique bowls of rich ramen soup.

The original branches in San Francisco and Tokyo are Michelin Recommended, but since there’s no such rating in Australia, technically the Sydney branch isn’t Michelin recommended – even though it claims to be.

Either way, it was very good. Nick went with the Signature Toripaitan which had just a touch of truffle flavour, and I chose the Classic Toripaitan and added a perfectly jammy egg to it. Click here for directions to Mensho Tokyo on Google Maps.

9. Take a Ferry to Manly

Of all the things to do in Sydney, a visit to the suberb of Manly was a standout for me! Bondi Beach gets all the hype, but in my opinion, Manly was the winner.

The wide, sweeping shoreline backed by rows of pine trees gives it a laid-back, postcard-perfect feel that’s hard to beat.

Getting there is half the experience, with the ferry ride across the harbour offering some of the best views in Sydney. Once you arrive, there’s a cute pedestrian-only walkway filled with shops, restaurants and bars, and a long waterfront promenade that runs along the beach.

The layout of Manly is great. We spent a few hours walking the pedestrian street, then along the beachside, and continued around the headland to Shelly Beach – which was perfectly calm and great for swimming.

If you’re into Thai food, check out the lunch special at Manly Thai Gourmet ($12 AUD!), grab a drink at the Boathouse, and finish off the day with a tasty gelato at Anita Gelato. Getting to Manly is easy on the Manly Fast Ferry from Circular Quay. Click here for current details.

10. Get a Bird’s Eye View in a Helicopter

Seeing Sydney by boat or on foot is great, sure…but seeing it from above would be truly next level!

We’ve taken scenic helicopter rides in a few other places (like Chicago and when we got engaged in France!), but unfortunately, we didn’t have a chance to do it in Sydney.

Still, we saw lots of helicopters flying around (both for sightseeing and finding sharks) and the views they’d be seeing would be fantastic.

Check out this highly-rated, 20 minute flight over Sydney – it’s a great way to see all the sights in one go! This 5 star company allows you to reserve now, and pay later, and offers cancellation up to 2 days before the trip. Click here for more details.

11. See the Sydney Tower Eye

Another awesome way to see Sydney from above – and to get your bearings in the city – is the Sydney Tower Eye. Dominating the skyline, this landmark rises above the CBD and offers a completely different perspective on the city.

Take the elevator up to the observation deck (which is around 250 meters above the streets below), and you’ll be rewarded with incredible 360-degree views.

Floor-to-ceiling windows make it easy to take it all in, but if you’re after something a bit more memorable (or terrifying, depending on how you look at it!), the Skywalk lets you safely step outside onto a glass platform above the city. Click here to learn more about the Skywalk and reserve your tickets.

12. See Hyde Park & St. Mary’s Cathedral

Right in the heart of Sydney, Hyde Park is the city’s oldest public park and a perfect place to relax and wander around. This is exactly what we did after our flight landed in Sydney and we checked into our hotel.

With its wide pathways, towering fig trees, and open lawns, it’s a great place to take a quick break from the busy streets. You’ll also see St. Mary’s Cathedral from here – it’s hard to miss its tall Gothic towers. You can simply check it out from the park, or go inside to see the stained glass, high ceilings, and quiet interior. Click here to find Hyde Park on Google Maps.

13. Shop (or gawk) at Queen Victoria Building

Every time we stepped out of our hotel, we were greeted by this grand building – and it never got old! Built in the late 1800s, it was originally designed as a marketplace but today it’s an elegant shopping center right in the heart of the CBD.

What makes it special isn’t just the shopping, but the architecture. Inside, you’ll find towering ceilings, stained glass windows, intricate ironwork, and a series of grand domes that make it feel more like a cathedral than a mall.

The building stretches for an entire city block along George Street, and walking through it is an experience in itself. Click here to find the QVB on the map.

Click here for the best areas and accommodations in Sydney

14. Wander Around The Rocks

The Rocks is set right beneath the Harbour Bridge and is one of the most character-filled areas in Sydney. With its cobblestone laneways, historic sandstone buildings, and mix of cafés, shops, and bars, it’s a great place to wander around.

Our Aussie friends told us we must visit the oldest neighbourhood in Sydney. Unfortunately, the day we planned to go to The Rocks, we weren’t feeling well, so we only really saw one lane near the harbor!

This area is touristy of course, but for good reason. After exploring the streets, pop into Fortune of War, which is Sydney’s oldest pub! Click here to find The Rocks on Google Maps.

15. Learn to Surf

Australia and surfing go hand in hand, and you don’t have to go far from Sydney to find some good waves – for beginners or more advanced surfers.

When we did day trips to Manly and Bondi Beach, we saw lots of people enjoying the surf. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to learn from a professional. Check out this 2-hour lesson with a guide, it’s perfect if you’ve never surfed before, or if you want a bit of a refresher.

In Conclusion

Having 5 days in the city was a good amount of time, but we could’ve easily spent a week in Sydney! We really liked how the city was laid out and how easy it was to get around by metro, foot, and ferry. Whether you’re into beaches, culture, food, or craft beer, Sydney has something for everyone.

The post 15 BEST Things to Do in Sydney for First-Time Visitors appeared first on Goats On The Road.

We spent a week in Cozumel and were pleasantly surprised at just how much we were able to see in a short period of time. Scuba diving, beach lounging, visiting ruins, road tripping, eating everything in sight… Cozumel has something for everyone.

You might just want to chill out on the beach, with a drink in hand, and I understand completely. But, after visiting here, I recommend you leave the beach behind and experience the many other things to do in Cozumel.

Cozumel is one of the top places to visit in Mexico, so give yourself some time here.

I highly recommend that you plan a minimum of 5 days to see all the things to do in Cozumel, you may even want to stay longer. With numerous incredible things to do in Mexico, make sure Cozumel is on your list. 

15 Best Things To Do in Cozumel

Here’s my list of our favourite things to do in Cozumel for adults that you don’t want to miss!

1. Visit Punta Sur Ecological Park

Punta Sur Eco Beach is the best beach on the Island, and a visit to this eco-park is a must! This isn’t a “Disneyland” type place, it’s a natural gem and the number one thing do to in Cozumel.

This area is located on the south of the island and covers an area of 2,500 acres. There’s an entrance fee ($25 USD for adults and $17 for children), but in my opinion, it’s worth it.

There are lots of things to do inside the park, here are a few of our top choices:

The Lighthouse

Within the Punta Sur Eco Park is the Celarain Lighthouse, which was constructed to warn sailors at night of the dangers of running aground off the southern coast of Cozumel. The Lighthouse is now part of a maritime museum.

For 360-degree views of the Island, you can climb the 133 steps to the top. On a clear day, you can even see the coast of Cuba, but unfortunately for us, that wasn’t the case. Entrance fees to the Punta Sur Eco Park include the Celerain Lighthouse.

Marshlands Boat Ride

A 40-minute tour of the Marshlands of Punta Sur Ecological Park is also available. They can’t guarantee that you will see any crocodiles on the day of the tour (we were lucky and saw a couple!), but you will see many species of birds, especially the roseate spoonbill. 

These short boat tours are currently departing at 1:00 and 2:00 pm. Confirm the times at the entrance to the park when you arrive.

Visit the Mayan Ruin

El Caracol ruin – also called Tumba del Caracol because of its small size – dates back to 1200-1500 AD. Caracol means “snail” in Spanish and the ruins were named this because of the snails that decorate the small dome on the top of the temple.

The structure was built as an early hurricane warning system for the Mayan people. The roof was constructed in a way that the strong breeze gave a humming noise alerting the Mayans of the impending danger.

2. Private Jeep Tour With Lunch and Snorkelling

One of the best activities to do in Cozumel is a private Jeep Tour with lunch and the opportunity to go snorkelling. The tour comes with your own private guide which means that he knows the best-secluded beaches to go snorkelling and swimming without the crowds.

The best part about this Cozumel excursion is that it’s completely customizable. Let your guide know ahead of time what you’re interested in seeing in Cozumel and he’ll put together an itinerary to suit your needs!

Apart from private transportation, snorkelling, tequila tasting, Mexican lunch, and a stop at a beach club are included in the trip. For more information click here.

3. Go Sailing

This is definitely one of the best things to do in Cozumel! There are many things to see around the island and hopping aboard a catamaran is the best way to do so.

You can either relax on board enjoying drinks and snacks, or you can snorkel the reef and check out the gorgeous sea life. When you’re snorkelling you’ll have the chance to spot some sea turtles, stingrays and maybe even a shark.

The waters around Cozumel are safe for swimming and snorkelling. Click here for an awesome catamaran trip to El Cielo and the Money Bar Beach – which is super affordable and includes all drinks (margaritas as well!), and food.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, are travelling with a group, or if you just want some luxury in your life, you’ll want to book this private catamaran trip which includes all food and drinks, snorkel equipment and more.

You can reserve now and pay later, which is always a good thing if you’re not 100% sure of travel plans. Plus, you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure. Learn more here.

4. Visit The Mayan Ruins

Did you know that there are Mayan ruins on Cozumel?! To be honest, we didn’t until our recent visit. 

Located on the northern part of Cozumel, tucked away in the undeveloped jungle, you’ll find the San Gervasio archaeological site (the pre-Hispanic name was Tantun Cuzamil). 

Sure, these ruins aren’t as large or impressive as Chichen Itza or Tulum ruins, but they are interesting in their own way. This is one of the more unusual things to do in Cozumel, and is a great day trip. 

We drove there in our rental car and then hired a guide at the site – who really brought the place to life. Two entrance fees need to be paid, but in total, it’s around $10. The cost of a guide (if you choose) is around $20 for a 1.5-hour tour. Click here for directions.

5. See the Cozumel Pearl Farm

A visit to the family-owned and operated Cozumel Pearl Farm is a unique excursion where you are taken by boat to a secluded beach on an uninhabited area of Cozumel.

The first part of the tour is a demonstration and explanation of pearl farming techniques. The second part of the tour takes you to the pearl hatchery itself.

At the hatchery, you can do some snorkelling to see how the pearls are grown while learning about the reef system and viewing the underwater life-size Virgen de Guadalupe statue.

The rest of your time is spent either swimming in the warm azure waters or lazing in one of the many hammocks, and of course, enjoying your lunch with drinks which are included. Click here to learn more.

6. Check out the Mayan Cacao Company

Just 15 minutes from downtown Cozumel is the Mayan Cacao Company. Who doesn’t love chocolate?!

One of the many things Mayans are known for is their production of chocolate from the beans of the cacao trees. After the fermenting, drying and roasting process, they ground the beans into a paste, added hot water and made the first hot chocolate drink.

The tour lasts for 70 minutes and you get to sample some chocolate as well. Click here to get you admission ticket.

If you’d rather have a more interactive experience, join this fun workshop! You’ll learn how to make a handmade chocolate bar with the authentic Mayan recipe…and, how to make a chocolate margarita (and drink it, of course). Both of these tickets are book now and pay later, with free cancellation as well.

⇒ See Also: 19 Fun Things To Do in Isla Mujeres – Mexico’s Island of Women

7. Visit the El Mirador

El Mirador is located on the east side of the Island of Cozumel, 30 minutes from downtown. Hire a moped, rent a car or take a private taxi to get here.

It’s a naturally beautiful spot where the sea has carved an arch in the rocks over the years. You can climb to the top for stunning views.

This is an excellent place to avoid crowds. If you’re looking to relax, a visit to El Mirador is one of the best things to do in Cozumel. Find it on the map, here.

☞ For other natural rock formations surrounded by water, don’t miss Lands End, one of the top things to do in Cabo San Lucas.

8. Swim and Snorkel at Playa Chen Rio

Cozumel has some of the best beaches in Mexico, and Playa Chen Rio is one you won’t want to miss. With its protected area and shallow water, this beach is suitable for all levels of swimmers and snorkellers.

As an added bonus, Playa Chen Rio is located on the east coast, which is less popular than those beaches that are located on the west coast – perfect if you want to get away from the crowds.

Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling, followed by lunch at one of the great restaurants on the beach here, such as El Pescador Marisqueria and Bar, or at the funky Coconuts bar.

Note: even though this beach is usually fine, always be cautious when swimming on the east coast of Cozumel. The water can be quite rough here and undertows are not uncommon. Always ask the locals before venturing in.

⇒ See Also: 21 Things To Do in Guadalajara You Don’t Want To Miss

9. Chill Out at a Beach Club

There are many beach clubs and bars located on the west coast. These beaches are calm and perfectly turquoise, while the beach bars and clubs are where you can hire kayaks, laze on sunbeds or enjoy the beach club.

Some of the clubs have entrance fees, such as Uvas Beach Club which is $20 including facilities, snorkel gear and kayak, while the Money Bar offers free chairs and umbrellas as long as you purchase something. 

I loved the Money Bar! I spent the day here a couple of times while Nick was out scuba diving. They gave me free snorkel gear, and umbrella and chair. The food and drinks were really good as well.

With Buccanos in the north, it’s $22 for the chairs and umbrella, but that amount is subtracted from your bill. One of the most popular beach clubs is Mr. Sanchos which has an all-inclusive day pass available. You can book your spot here.

☞ SEE ALSO: Manzanillo Colima – The Ultimate Travel Guide

10. Visit San Miguel, the Capital of Cozumel

Since San Miguel is located on the west coast, one of the best activities here is to walk the broad sidewalk along the seafront at sunset. We did this almost every night during our stay in Cozumel, and loved watching the area come to life as everyone came out to enjoy the cooler temps.

During the day when the cruise ships are in port, the sidewalk is very busy with cruise passengers, but outside of that time, it’s fairly quiet.

In the middle of San Miguel is the Zocalo (a central park), every Mexican city or town has a Zocalo. It’s a meeting place for locals or a spot to sit and just people-watch.

If you are in Cozumel on a Sunday evening head to the Zocalo at around 8:00 pm for many free events.

☞ In Mexico, you’ll find numerous seaside promenades with zocalos and free activities going on. Don’t miss wandering along the Malecon and seeing street performers, these are some of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, La Paz and many other Mexican cities.

⇒ See Also: 21 Awesome Things To Do in Oaxaca City

11. Scuba Diving (the most popular activity in Cozumel)

Scuba Diving along the Mesoamerican Reef is second to none. If you are an advanced scuba diver like Nick is, you have the option to dive at advanced sites in Cozumel like Maracaibo, Devil’s Throat, Cathedral or Barracuda.

Cozumel is known for its incredible snorkelling and scuba diving, so make sure you jump in the water during your trip!

We spent a week scuba diving in Cozumel and did a total of 12 dives with Scuba Tony, and I did some snorkelling with them as well. The captains and dive guides were all very professional and welcoming, and the dive boat and equipment were in great shape.

I’m pretty hardcore when it comes to water safety, and I felt totally at ease with Scuba Tony (both the crew and the boat itself).

You can either meet at their location in the marina or, if you’re staying in the south, the dive boat will pick you up directly from your hotel’s jetty – how cool is that?!

Whether you’re open water, advanced or just learning how to dive, you’ll be impressed with the underwater world. No matter your experience level, you’ll love spotting turtles, rays, eels, lobster, fish and of course, colourful coral.

Night diving is also popular and is a unique way to experience the critters – expect to spot octopus, sharks, eels and more. Diving in Cozumel is popular, for good reason. Learn more about Scuba Tony here.

⇒ See Also: 21 Top Things To Do in San Miguel de Allende

12. Eat Mexican Food

Mexican cuisine is our favourite. Eating street food is one of the best things to do in Mexico City, but if you’re not heading to the capital, you’ll still be spoiled for choice in Cozumel. 

Think burritos, tacos, tortas, ceviche, enchiladas, churros and of course drinks such as tequila, mezcal, margaritas and a chilled Corona with a slice of lime.

Some of our favourite Cozumel restaurants are:

• Guisados for fantastic tacos – Av Lic Benito Juárez 254, Centro
• Crazy King Burrito …for, you guessed it, burritos – Calle 4 Norte 5 in Centro San Miguel
• Mister Taco – Avenue Benito Juarez and 60th
• La Monina – tasty food with epic sunset views

13. Join a Food Tour

If you enjoy food tours as much as we do, Cozumel Chef Food Tour is the one for you. The tour takes you to several different restaurants where you enjoy a Mexican dish and a local drink.

The places you’ll visit are off the usual tourist path, meaning you’ll be eating like a local. Even vegetarians are well catered for during this tour.

This is one of the top Cozumel excursions if you enjoy authentic Mexican food. Make sure to come hungry! For more information and booking, click here.

⇒ See Also: 10 Things To See and Do in Guanajuato

14.  Deep-Sea Fishing

For deep sea fishing enthusiasts, Cozumel is the perfect location and one of the top companies (Beach Bum Cozumel) offers an awesome experience. Even if you’re not a hardcore fisherman, this is still one of the best things to do in Cozumel.

Nick did some deep sea fishing for sailfish during our trip to Manzanillo, but he didn’t get a chance in Cozumel.

Barracuda, mahi mahi and triggerfish are some of the local catch around Cozumel. You can catch tuna all year round, and from March to July white and blue marlin and sailfish are available. You can reserve the boat now, and pay later. For more information and charter bookings click here.

⇒ See Also: 21 Things To Do in Mazatlan, Mexico

15. Watch Sunset

At the end of the day, nothing beats a good sunset with a cocktail in hand. We recommend checking out Hemingway,  El Palomar Restaurant and Bar and La Monina on the west side of the island. These are all excellent places that we frequented during our trip to Cozumel.

If sitting at a restaurant isn’t your thing, you can always watch the sunset from the malecon, a jetty or the beach…the best free Cozumel activity for sure.

More Fun Cozumel Activities

There are so many more fun things to do in Cozumel, that I had to add some more to the list.

Go Sea Scootering

If you’ve never heard of a sea scooter, you need to have a look at this tour. Explore sunken ships and the beautiful Caribbean Sea, while an underwater scooter does all of the “swimming” for you. Afterwards, enjoy a market and a local Mexican lunch. Find out more about this fun day trip in Cozumel here.

Snorkelling at Night to Spot Octopus

After getting briefed by your guide, you’ll put on your snorkel gear, turn on your light and hit the sea. You won’t be going by boat, just simply walking into the water from the shore.

Join this highly rated, 4 hour+ snorkelling trip, and spot octopus, turtles, squid, and more in the wild. This is an experience you won’t forget and is one of the best things to do in Cozumel at night. Learn more here.

Join a Cooking Class

If you’re looking for things to do in Cozumel for foodies, check out this fun cooking experience. Start the trip by visiting a local market and learning about the typical foods of Mexico. Then, head to a family home and learn how to make authentic Mexican dishes…and of course, eat them! You’ll make dips, main dishes, snacks and drinks are included as well. Find out more here. 

Where is Cozumel?

The Island of Cozumel or “Isla Cozumel” as it’s known in Spanish is located 12 miles off the coast opposite Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun, known as “Mexico’s top party destination” is 45 miles to the north of Cozumel.

We were staying in Playa del Carmen when we decided to head over to Cozumel – the quieter alternative to Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Actually, one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen is to take a ferry across to tranquil Cozumel.

How to Get to Cozumel

If you’re coming from Playa del Carmen (like we were), the terminal is located downtown near the main square – click here for directions on Google Maps. In just 30 – 45 minutes, you’ll cross the sea and arrive in Cozumel. Click here for the Cozumel Ferry schedule, which includes costs. 

Ultramar Ferry runs on “odd” days, while the Winjet Ferry runs on “even” days of the week. The latest times can be found on their respective Facebook accounts. Having experienced both, I can say that the Ultramar ferry to Cozumel was nicer, faster and had more amenities on board.

While there are direct flights to Cozumel, most people will arrive at the Cancun airport. From there, you have a few options to get to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen (to take the boat over to Cozumel). 

You can either take the bus, hire a taxi, or opt for a private shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. This is the fastest, safest and most comfortable to get to the Cozumel ferry. Click here for details about airport transfers. 

Note: if you’re on a budget and don’t mind sharing, there is a quick, safe and easy $25 shuttle you can take from the Cancun airport to the ferry port in Playa del Carmen. Learn more here.

When is The Best Time to Visit Cozumel?

You can visit Mexico year-round, but the best time to visit Cozumel is during the months from March to June, before the hurricane season starts.

The hottest months are July and August which coincides with the hurricane season that lasts until November. Winter is Cozumel’s busiest period and it runs from December through to March.

We visited Cozumel at the end of April, into May, and had beautiful weather – and it was less crowded.

Where To Stay in Cozumel

Cozumel is a relatively small island, so you can stay pretty much anywhere and then just get around by car or golf cart. Having said that, for beach lovers, you’ll want to stay on the west coast as the east is rugged and windy.

If you plan to do a lot of diving, you might want to stay at a place that has its own pier. Here are a few of my recommendations for the best accommodation in Cozumel. For more, be sure to check out our Where To Stay in Cozumel Guide.

Stingray Villa: We spent 5 nights in this beautiful little 4-room boutique villa hotel that’s just a few short blocks from the sea. The rooms have cool painted interiors and all of them face towards a lovely and quiet shared pool. If this one is booked, or isn’t your style, another highly rated option is Villas El Encanto.

Landmark Resort: We stayed here the last time we were in Cozumel and loved it. In fact, we could see ourselves spending weeks or even months in this beautifully decorated, spacious apartment complex with sea views. Highly recommended. As a bonus, the Money Bar Beach Club and scuba diving pier was right here!

The Westin: A cool hotel on the north end of Cozumel that has its own private beach area, an outdoor pool, an onsite restaurant and some free amenities like snorkel gear.

Best Restaurants in Cozumel

Cozumel is a food-lovers paradise. We ate at lots of different local and international restaurants during our stay there. Of course, many menus feature seafood, but there are lots of other great dishes including Mexican cuisine, steaks, burgers and pasta.

Here are some of our favourite restaurants on the island of Cozumel.

Buccanos: We love this little restaurant/bar on the beach. There’s a beautiful sunset view, good food and tasty cocktails.

La Monina: One of our favourite little Mexican restaurants on the beach in Cozumel. Make sure you try the seafood here.

Lobster Shack: This was the first meal Nick ate on our last visit to Cozumel. These lobster rolls are the best we’ve had since our time in Nova Scotia.

Sereno Cozumel: Probably the best view from a restaurant on the island, Sereno also has great food and friendly service.

The Coffee Cozumel: An excellent cafe in Cozumel. The coffee is tasty and so are the breakfasts.

The Maple Bakehouse: Another great breakfast place.

Azul Madera: A more upscale spot with excellent food – get the surf and turf!

Cozumel Travel Itineraries

As I’ve said before, Cozumel is a small island so most people will either visit for a few days or a week. We spent a week and could’ve stayed longer! Below I’ve included some suggested itineraries for those time frames.

3 Days in Cozumel

On day one, wake up and head to The Coffee Cozumel for a morning brew and breakfast, then head to Punta Sur to spend the day spotting crocs, enjoying the view, and going for a swim. That’ll take most of the day, but you might have time to check out the Mayan Ruins in the afternoon before heading to a beach bar for sunset.

On day 2 start your day with a deliciously sweet breakfast at The Maple Bakehouse. Then you can either head out on a day trip snorkelling tour, or go for a couple of dives if you’re into diving.

If you make it back in time for lunch, hit up Sereno for some tasty tacos. Then spend the afternoon at a beach bar before going to El Mirador in the afternoon for sunset. End the day at Buccanos for a later afternoon cocktail and dinner.

On the last day, wake up and go to whichever place you liked more between The Maple Bakehouse and The Coffee Cozumel for some coffee and breakfast. Then either join a private jeep tour. This will take most of the day and include lunch, so in the afternoon when you’re done, consider visiting the Cacao Company.

Enjoy dinner at La Monina or head to the Lobster Shack for a quick roll, then head to El Palomar Restaurant and Bar for sunset cocktails and if you’re lucky, some live music.

One Week in Cozumel

For the first 3 days, do all of the activities from the 3-day Cozumel itinerary above. On day 4, go to a Beach Club for the day. Finish the day off with sunset in San Miguel and dinner at Azul Madera.

On day 5 wake up early and go deep-sea fishing. That will take most of the day and will include lunch, when you’re done, rest for a bit before heading out for dinner at any of the restaurants with a sunset view.

Day 6 can start with a coffee and a pastry at your hotel, before visiting San Miguel, the capital of Cozumel. For lunch, eat at local Mexican restaurants in the capital, before visiting the Cozumel Pearl Farm in the afternoon. At night head to Monkey Beach Club for some fun music and food.

On the last day, wake up and have a quick snack for breakfast before meeting for the Cozumel Chef Food Tour at 11am. This will bring you through lunch to the late afternoon. At this time, just head to a beach club and enjoy your last day on the sand, swimming and snorkelling. I recommend Sky Reef or Mr. Sanchos.

Cozumel Travel FAQs

Conclusion

Cozumel is a true island paradise. It’s laid back just like the locals and offers a quieter atmosphere than its coastal neighbours. We loved our trip to Cozumel – both above and below the water!

Cozumel is an island that will wake you up with sunrise on the eastern side, while just 10 miles across the island, you can enjoy a sundowner on the west coast. There are numerous fun things to do in Cozumel and we hope this list gave you some good ideas of where to start.

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For a bit of context, we left our home in Bulgaria around mid-January because we were tired of the cold weather.

I mean, Bulgaria is not cold at all compared to our home country of Canada… but there was a stretch of cold weather so we thought maybe we’d change things up a bit.

So we decided last minute to book a trip to Asia. We hadn’t been East since COVID… and we were really craving something different.

We booked our flights less than 2 weeks before flying out. We had to pack up our house, get in some last minute appointments, catch up on some work and we were off.

But what happened on this trip and the days leading up to it really surprised us.

From the minute we hit “book” on those flights… there was a welling inside of us. A feeling that we didn’t expect at all.

A feeling that maybe we forgot. And a feeling that might culminate in us changing our entire lives, surroundings, and business in the next few months.

Bali in particular seems to have some kind of power over us.

They say that this island is an “energy center”, and while I don’t know if that’s true… it does always seem to send ripples through our lives when we go there.

Before I get into that though, I want to share with you a little bit about the travels we did leading up to Bali.

It’s been a long time since us Goats have come on the blog just to share a travel update. So let’s start with a good old-fashioned “travel blog post”. You know? Like back in the day?

The Reason For The Trip

Before we get into the trip, why did we even go?

It all started because some of our best friends, Vivien & Aaron (who we met while we were pet sitting in Grenada) were getting married in Australia.

At first it was just going to be a quick 2 week trip over to Aus for the wedding and festivities, then back to Bulgaria.

But as anyone who’s been to Australia knows… it’s not close. So we figured… why not make a trip out of it.

That 2 week wedding trip quickly turned into 3 months+ as we kept adding new countries and destinations to the itinerary.

We decided we’d fly into Hanoi first because there was a great flight from Bulgaria to Hanoi.

Then we’d go to Taiwan because it’s a new country for us and only a short flight from Hanoi.

Then Bali to visit some of our other best friends, Tom & Anna… then onwards to Aus for the wedding.

And because you can’t go all the way down under and NOT go to New Zealand… we added that on too (plus New Zealand has some of the best fly fishing in the world… so you better believe half our luggage is full of my fishing gear).

And that’s when the trip went from being just about the wedding… to something entirely different.

It was about shifting gears. Stepping away from our familiar rhythm in Bulgaria and trying out the digital nomad life again.

Leaving Bulgaria

We’ve loved our time living in Bulgaria. To us, the country is just entering what we call “The Goldilocks Zone”.

There isn’t so much tourism that the magical places are ruined, and yet there is enough that there is a good amount of amenities and international diversity.

There are great restaurants, both local and foreign, there is a growing community of expats, there are beautiful places that are yet to be discovered, and some up-and-coming hotspots that are just starting to get on the tourists maps.

I love the mountains, the nature, and the incredible cuisine, which is a blend of Balkan, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern.

We have great Bulgarian friends and there is fantastic wine and fly fishing.

We also love it’s location. Right at the edge of Europe, Africa, and The Middle East, it’s surrounded by some of our favorite countries (like Greece and Turkey) as well as some we haven’t spent much time in yet like Romania and Serbia.

Plus it’s the perfect gateway to the rest of Europe.

In fact, it’s the location that’s kept us here for so long.

In the past 3 years that we’ve lived there, we’ve done plenty of trips, and in reality, we only really spend 6-8 months a year in Bulgaria.

The rest of the time we’ve been traveling around Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, or back to Canada.

But that’s basically been it. And those countries and regions are so “easy“.

They’re beautiful. They’re inspiring. They have the history, the food, the friendly people, the natural beauty.

But they don’t have that one thing that we’ve realized was missing from our lives since COVID.

Culture shock.

That feeling of being slightly uncomfortable, slightly disoriented… where the language sounds different, the rhythms of daily life don’t quite match what you’re used to, and even simple things force you to be present again.

It’s the kind of experience that wakes you up – not just as a traveler, but as a person… reminding you that there are places that just move to a different beat.

So when we hit “book” on those flights to Hanoi, Vietnam… we had this new surge of energy.

I was almost giddy about getting back to Asia!

It felt like we were back in 2008 about to embark on our first ever trip.

I guess because it had been so long, I just felt like this was going to be an entirely new type of travel for us – even though we’ve spent over 5 years total traveling and living around Asia.

We yearned for the sound of Asian languages, the hum of motorbikes on the street, the taste of foreign spices and fruits, the feeling of sitting on plastic chairs with a cold bottle of beer in hand, people watching on the busy streets.

This is what Asia is all about. We were finally going back. Finally going to where all our travels began. Our nomadic “home”.

Landing in Hanoi

We landed in Hanoi after a 24 hour total flight day. It was only supposed to be a 12 hour flight from Sofia, but when we landed in Istanbul at 1am for our planned 1.5 hour layover… we got some news.

Our next lag was delayed for 5 hours!

There was nothing we could do but sit in the lounge for the next six and a half hours and try to get some sleep.

We did manage to get some sleep, and actually even though the trip ended up taking a lot longer than expected, when we landed in Hanoi we were immediately charged with a new energy.

We arrived at night (which we always try to do to avoid jet lag) and so we checked into our Airbnb and went right to sleep.

The next morning we woke up early feeling refreshed and ready to check out the city.

Stepping out of our apartment building and onto the street, I couldn’t shake my goofy smile.

I was grinning ear to ear as we pushed through a sea of motorbikes to cross the road.

I was smiling as we got our first Vietnamese coffee and when we sat on our child-sized plastic stools to eat some mysterious and delicious street food.

And I was beaming when we got lost down a tiny alley for the first time and watched as the locals sat behind tiny metal tables, slicing fresh fish and arranging piles of herbs and vegetables for the afternoon rush.

It just felt like it was everything I had been waiting for for the past couple of weeks since we booked the flights.

Have you ever gone somewhere, done something, or felt a moment hit you where you suddenly thought… why has it taken me this long to do this again?

That was us in Vietnam. What took us so long to get back to Asia?

What took us so long to make it to Northern Vietnam?

We actually travelled to Vietnam on our very first trip. Back in 2008. It was our second country on the trip.

But shortly after arriving in Vietnam, Dariece got dengue fever (or some other brutal sickness) that rendered her bed-ridden for 10 days with a crazy high fever and no way to keep in fluids.

That delayed our trip, which meant we only made it as far north as Hue before our visa ran out. We always said we’d return, but it took us 18 years to do it!

In fact, 18 years almost to the day. We looked back at Dariece’s journal entries from that 2008 trip (yes somehow she still has them) and we realized that we left Vietnam 18 years ago on almost the exact same day as we were landing in 2026.

Crazy how the universe has these ways of drawing us back to places and the timing at which those things seem to happen.

Sometimes it feels quite serendipitous.

Halong Bay

Aside from wandering around Hanoi, eating incredible food, and meeting cool people, we knew we wanted to visit Halong Bay while we were in Vietnam.

This bay is a natural wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s famous for its limestone karsts jutting out from emerald-green waters, creating one of the most surreal seascapes in Southeast Asia.

Cruises, yachts, and “junk boats” all ferry tourists around the islands and stop for snorkeling, sunset gazing, and squid fishing.

We’ve never actually done a cruise together, so we thought this would be a good time to splash out.

We booked a luxury cruise in a beautiful suite that had a king sized bed, a deck overlooking the sea, and a huge bathroom with a free-standing bath tub.

It was lovely! It wasn’t cheap, especially for Vientam, but none of the nicer Halong Bay cruise boats really are.

We paid $250 for the night including transport to and from Hanoi, all food and tours, kayaking, etc.

You can book the same one Here on GetYourGuide.

The trip was amazing.

While we had suffered through some of the coldest days on recent record in Hanoi (5°C / 41°F) and plenty of cloudy days and rain… as soon as we got to the boat the sky parted and 20°C / 60°F became the daily highs.

We spent a lot of time just chilling in our room on the deck looking out at the view.

But when we peeled ourself away from there, we’d go up to the top levels for delicious meals that were served by onboard chefs, or we’d be out on a kayaking trip or doing morning Tai Chi on the top deck of the ship.

I definitely would recommend that ship we went with, or at least visiting Halong Bay if you’re ever in Vietnam.

We had heard that there was a bunch of trash in the water that really took away from the experience, but our ship actually spent a lot of time in Lan Ha Bay.

I’m not sure if that bay is cleaner, or we just got lucky with currents, but we didn’t see any garbage besides one or two rogue plastic bags floating by in the water.

Heading to Taiwan

After a week in Vietnam, eating fantastic food, exploring the city, drinking at rooftop bars, listening to live music and cruising Halong Bay, we were off to Taipei.

We’ve been wanting to visit Taipei for years. And it was exciting to finally get to go.

When we landed it marked my 82nd country and Dariece’s 83rd (she visited Dominican Republic with a friend before we got together… I will catch up one day).

I have to say… were were both blown away by Taiwan.

Having lived in China for a year as English Teachers back in 2012-2013, we’ve always loved Chinese language, culture and … food.

Oh my god the food.

When we try to describe Chinese food to our friends and family who have never visited China, we always have to explain that Chinese food is nothing like the Americanized, deep-fried, Cantonese fusion dishes that we get in the west.

It’s not all chowmein, sweet and sour pork, ginger beef, spring rolls and fortune cookies.

Although aside from the American invention of the latter, the other things can be found in variations in different parts of China… the real cuisine is so much more diverse and refined.

If you want to taste layers of bold flavors that light up your pallet, then you have to try real, authentic Chinese food.

Of course, because Taiwan has such a long history with China and Japan, there is an incredible meeting point of these two world class cuisines that makes for one of the most incredible food destinations on the planet.

Fusion comfort dishes like Taiwanese beef noodle soup (牛肉麵) are the star, but you’ll also find street food legends like xiao long bao (小籠包 – broth-filled soup dumplings), gua bao (割包 – Taiwanese pork belly burger), Taiwanese popcorn chicken (鹽酥雞), and scallion pancakes (蔥油餅), along with some more unusual local favourites like oyster omelette (蚵仔煎).

There are also plenty of homey classics like lu rou fan (滷肉飯 – braised minced pork on rice) and three cup chicken (三杯雞 – soy-glazed chicken traditionally cooked in a clay pot).

I honestly think I had the best meal of my life in Taiwan, or at least one of the best.

It was at this little hole in the wall restaurant known for it’s “award-winning beef noodle soup” and I ordered 3 dishes that blew me away.

The beef noodle soup, the ground pork wontons in a soy sesame glaze, and the congealed ducks blood (I know it sounds weird) were phenomenal.

If you’re in Taipei, don’t miss that restaurant.

Aside from hanging out in and around Taipei, we wanted to see a bit more of Taiwan so we booked a day trip on GetYourGuide that would take us to Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu.

The destinations were fantastic, but the tour itself was absolutely terrible.

Normally we love GetYourGuide tours but this one we definitely don’t recommend.

We thought it was going to be a small guided group tour. When we arrived it was a massive bus of 50 people with only one guide.

You know these types of tours. The stick with the teddy bear on the end of a long pole, the microphone, the whole bit.

The guide spoke English the entire time, and even though we’ve lived in China for a year, and are therefore familiar with the accent, it was impossible to understand 99% of what was said.

On top of that, he didn’t give us ANY information. He just repeated the same things over and over again about 10 times before each stop.

He would simply repeat the time we were arriving, when we would leave, where the bus would be, and where the bathrooms were. Over and over again. For an hour before every stop.

It was so bad it was comical.

I’ll link the tour so you don’t make the same mistake we did.

But like I said, the stops were beautiful, so we just used the bus as a way to get to all of the places – we’d leave the group as soon as the bus arrived.

The stunning Shifen Waterfall surrounded by jungle clad hills, the town of Shifen with it’s Hanoi-like train street and Chinese lanterns, the mountainside old town of Juifen, and the beatiful rock formations of Yehliu.

I would definitely recommend checking this out on any trip to Taiwan, but just not on the above tour.

Taking public transport, a private driver, or even another GetYourGuide tour would be a much better option.

We really wanted to make it down to Taroko National Park as well but we just didn’t feel like we had time, plus some of the trails remain closed after a recent major earthquake.

South To Uluwatu, Bali

Every time we return to Bali we do it with a little bit of apprehension. Have our favorite spots been overdeveloped? How has this little island changed since our last visit?

And every time we we return, we’re slapped in the face with contradicting feelings.

On one hand, we see the overdevelopment.

We see the traffic getting worse.

We see them cutting down once lush jungles that were home to wildlife, or paving once vibrant green rice terraces with spas, gyms, cafes, and villas.

Bali is such a magical place, even today. But it’s flame is slowly being snuffed by overtourism, overdevelopment and a lack of regulation.

This is what we saw as we drove south from the airport towards Uluwatu. A 9 kilometer drive took us an astonishing 2 hours and 15 minutes thanks to the insanely dense traffic.

But as we neared Uluwatu, a cliffside surfer town, the traffic thinned and we started to see the charm of the place.

I would say Uluwatu is nearing the end of it’s goldilocks phase.

Just a couple of years ago this town was an up-and-comer. A quieter oasis miles from the chaos of Changuu, Bali’s most recent tourism casualty.

But now Uluwatu, or ‘Ulu’ as its often called, is in full swing.

Every mile of coastline has new villas, shops, restaurants, and spas being built. You can’t go anywhere in the town without hearing the deafening roar of construction.

And yet, when dodge traffic and walk along the sidewalkless streets, you can still see the beauty of this place.

It has everything you need. Bars, restaurants, health, wellness, beauty… it’s modern Bali life at it’s finest.

And while it may only have a couple of years left, currently it’s probably the best place in South Bali to visit.

As digital nomads, what struck us about Uluwatu was the lifestyle for people like us.

Our friends, Tom and Anna just bought a stunning villa there, so were were stoked the get to stay with them for a few nights.

Their location was down a quiet back street so there was zero noise, and it was far from the traffic of the main center of Uluwatu known as Bingin.

Their villa was gorgeous, but what we were really inspired by was the lifestyle there.

Morning coffees and coworking followed by spas, cold plunges, saunas, the gym, a massage, a bit more work, sunset drinks and then dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants in town. And of course, playing padel as well.

It was amazing. There was community, inspiration, health, beauty, the ocean… everything that someone needs to be happy.

And it really got us thinking about why we went into this life in the first place.

Yes we love Bulgaria, and we love our life there too.

We especially love our house – a large two story house at the foothills of the mountains with a nice car, a big back yard, and plenty of good hiking and fishing nearby.

But what it doesn’t have is the community. It doesn’t have the amenities. We can’t just go to a spa / gym with 3 different temperatures of cold plunge, a healthy onsite restaurant, a sauna, and coworking space.

We can’t join morning yoga classes on the ocean or do breathwork retreats surrounded by rice paddies.

On top of that, the Balinese people reminded us how great hospitality can make you feel welcome and even brighten your day sometimes.

The Balinese people, despite the obvious negative affects tourism has had on the island, still treat us like honoured guests.

They go out of the way to help us. They always greet us with a smile, and they’re genuinely interested in where we’re from, what we’re doing, why we’re in Bali and always… where we’re going next.

Bulgarian people are some of the coolest people I’ve met. Our friends, our neighbours, the people we know there, they’re just really great people…once you get to know them.

But the service industry in Bulgaria is still growing and there are plenty of times you will get poor service when you’re out for dinner or lunch, and people can be a bit standoffish at first, which can come off as “grumpy” to some visitors.

We definitely know better, but it was still amazing to feel the genuine kindness from strangers in Bali who would just wave at us as we walked by, or stop and talk to us for no reason.

These things all added up to make us really think about spending more time outside our home in Bulgaria in the coming years.

We don’t want to move away from Bulgaria, we still love it there, but we want to live more of a digital nomad life again.

One where we go to Bali for a few months every year, and maybe we spend some time in different parts of Asia like Vietnam and Thailand.

We loved working from cafes, meeting up with other entrepreneurs, going for massages and just living the nomad life that’s really only available at that level in Asia.

Our 5 Night Staycation in Bali

Instead of staying in the busy South of Bali the entire time, we wanted to get up north where we were hoping to still catch some of Bali’s magic… and we were blown away.

Going north brought us right back to 2009, the first time we ever visited Bali, and we were so happy to see that the island has retained some pockets of its former glory.

Ubud

The first stop was Ubud. The location of the Indonesia part of Eat Pray Love (we watched that movie again from our villa there).

A LOT has changed in Ubud since that movie was shot, and since we visited a few years prior to its release.

The center of the village is now bumper to bumper traffic, honking horns, vehicle fumes, and zooming motorbikes snaking their way through the cars and large trucks.

But we did find a couple of nice back streets that still had some Ubud energy to them, although between the warungs were countless ramen, smashed avocado cafes, matcha shops, and gift stores.

All the things that us tourists and digital nomads apparently need to have anywhere we go.

But what really blew us away about Ubud was where we stayed. About 10 minutes north of the city by bike, our private pool villa was set on the edge of the rice paddies.

Owned by a local Balinese man who grew up in Ubud and then built the villa after spending 10 years working in hotels in the USA, this place was probably one of the nicest Airbnbs we’ve ever stayed at in our lives.

A perfect blend of Balinese architecture, modern touches, and nature, it was so beautiful that we didn’t want to leave.

The infinity pool looked over the rice paddies, there was a kingsized bed, a full kitchen, and an open air bathroom with a free standing tub, a massive mirror, and a shower that looked like it was coming out of a jungle wall.

But what made it so special was the view. Because it didn’t just overlook one rice field, like so many Ubud villas – it looked out over an vista of rice paddies and palm trees.

Because the owner of the villa also owned the land in front of it, the view of the rice terraces was expansive.

There was islands of jungle, then more rice, then some palm trees, then further off more rice, and Mount Agung in the distance.

It really felt like the Ubud we remembered. So we spent most of our time there, and little time in town, aside from visiting with our friends Jen & Stevo for lunch, who we taught English with in China many years ago.

Stepping Back in Time in Sideman

After Ubud, we headed to Sideman. This place is famous for its rice terraces. While Ubud is slowly filling its rice fields with cement to build villas and hotels, Sideman is what Ubud was 20 years ago.

The daily life here still revolves around farming.

There are of course villas and hotels popping up everywhere and yes, even here the sound of chainsaws, hammers, and metal grinders is hard to ignore… but it’s almost silenced by the beauty of the area.

I can’t even explain this place and the videos and photos really don’t do it justice.

It’s so serenely beautiful that every time we looked out of the window of our 2 level “barn” accomodation, it felt like someone had turned on an Ai image of the landscape.

It just didn’t look real.

Mount Agung loomed dark beneath a blanket of clouds, while a winding river spilled from its foothills, carving through the deep valley below.

On either side of the rushing river, emerald hills rolled into the distance – broken only by the occasional palm or banana tree standing beside tiny bamboo-thatched farmer huts.

We spent hours walking through the rice fields which, because of the season of our visit, were actually planted with marigolds, corn, and peanuts between harvests.

It was absolute bliss. Walking through the uninterrupted fields of green we were given hope again that some of Bali’s magic has remained unchanged.

Sideman was like a time machine, transporting us right back to our backpacking days nearly 20 years ago when the Island of Bali was more jungle and rice terraces than it was strip malls and beach clubs.

Again we were talking about what it would be like to spend more time here. Maybe spending a few months in Uluwatu but taking more of these “staycations” to Ubud, Sideman, the deep jungle oasis of Munduk or the coastal calm of Candidasa.

Bali really does still have it all in so many ways.

Where do we go from here?

Geographically, after Bali we continue this 3 month adventure in Australia and then New Zealand, but beyond the map, this trip has left us with some bigger life questions we’re still trying to answer.

Do we want to keep living in Bulgaria for 6-8 months per year, or do we want to get back into a more digitally nomadic lifestyle?

Most of the members of our Remote Goats Community are building their businesses so that they can become digital nomads. That’s the ultimate goal for so many.

Have we been squandering it by living in one place so long?

Even though we’re over 40 now, there’s still a draw for that lifestyle. It’s always so exhilarating spending a few weeks or a few months in a place, and then moving on.

Getting to know a place. Having a group of friends. Being in an entrepreneurial hot spot. These are all things that we kind of miss living in Bulgaria.

Maybe we’re not fully ready to pack up and move yet, but what I do know is that this trip, and Bali in particular has planted a seed.

Something is growing inside of us and I think the Goats might be back on the road again soon.

We honestly aren’t sure yet… but what we do know is that this trip has been incredible so far, and we’re excited to see what the next few weeks has in store.

The post The Feeling We Forgot… Until This Trip Brought It Back appeared first on Goats On The Road.