How to get to Kea island

Getting to Kea Island is easy, as there are regular ferries departing from Athens’ port of Lavrio, which is only an hour’s drive from the city center. The ferry ride takes around one hour and a half, and the views of the Aegean Sea are breathtaking. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the island’s main town, Korissia, a picturesque port that is filled with colorful boats, charming cafes, and traditional tavernas.

Stunning beaches in Kea

One of the most remarkable things about Kea Island is the variety of landscapes that it offers. The island is home to several stunning beaches, from secluded coves to long sandy stretches. Koundouros Beach, located on the island’s southern coast, is a popular spot for swimming and water sports, while Otzias Beach, on the north side, is ideal for families with young children due to its calm waters. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Pisses Beach is a hidden gem that is only accessible by boat or on foot.

Hiking trails in Kea island

Aside from its beaches, Kea Island is also known for its hiking trails, which offer visitors the chance to explore the island’s natural beauty. The ancient stone-paved trails that crisscross the island lead through rugged landscapes, past ancient ruins, and to hidden coves. One of the most popular hikes is the trail that leads to the Karthea archaeological site, where visitors can explore the ruins of an ancient city that dates back to the 5th century BC.

Charming villages in Kea island

Kea Island is also home to several charming villages, each with its unique character and charm. Ioulida, the island’s capital, is a picturesque village that is perched on a hill and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The village is home to several museums, including the Archaeological Museum of Kea, which houses artifacts from the island’s ancient past. Another must-visit village is Vourkari, a fishing village that is known for its excellent seafood restaurants and lively nightlife.

Kea’s cuisine

Kea Island’s cuisine is a highlight of any visit. The island’s traditional cuisine is based on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including seafood, vegetables, and herbs. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as grilled octopus, stuffed vine leaves, and cheese pies, accompanied by local wines and ouzo.

In conclusion, Kea Island is a hidden gem in the Cyclades that offers visitors a unique and authentic Greek experience. With its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and delicious cuisine, Kea is the perfect destination for those seeking a quieter and more off-the-beaten-track destination. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, Kea Island has something to offer for everyone.

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Few words about Mountainous Arcadia

The mountainous Arcadia is located on the western side of the Arcadia region. Located in the center of Peloponnese, is just 200 km from Athens. There you will find picturesque villages such as Stemnitsa, Dimitsana and Karitaina which are also one the most famous villages in the area. You will also find the Mainalo mountain, which is 1981 meters high. It is a historical area as it is contributed substantially to the struggle of the Greek war of indepedence of 1821.

What to see in Mountainous Arcadia

When you travel to arcadia you will find many sightseeing places of interest during driving. As the main sightseeings of the area we stand out…

Water power Museum

The open-air water power museum belongs to the cultural foundation of piraeus group.  In this museum you can discover the technology used by the region’s traditional communities as early on as the 16th century in order to cover their basic needs. You will find a powder, which made the gunpowder for the revolution, tannery, water friction and watermill. Details of the museum’s operation can be found here.  

Dimitsana Library

The library of Dimitsana was founded in 1764 and until 1821 it was enriched with 5,000 books, a huge number for the time. After the 1826, only 600 books were rescued after using the paper to make cartridges for the fights, during Greek war of indepedence.

The library of Dimitsana is the oldest library in Greece

Ski resort in Mainalo

In Mainalo you will find the ski resort for skiing and winter activities in general. More information and opening hours can be found here.

Ancient Gortys

Ancient Gortys is one of the most important Arcadian cities of the ancient world and its heyday is placed in the 4th century BC. It was one of the stations on the route followed by spartan athletes on their way to compete in the Olympics. Races, as the ancient road Olympia – Megalopolis – Mycenae – Isthmus – Athens passed through here.

Philosopher’s monastery

The philosopher’s monastery is located in the ravine of the River Lousios, south of Dimitsana. The old monastery is also known as the “Hidden School”, because according to tradition it operated there during the Turkish occupation school which later developed into a great seminary. 

Prodromos Monastery

The Monastery of Prodromos is located between the villages of Stemnitsa and Dimitsana. It is built at the root of a steep rock in The Lousios River, near the philosopher monastery. It was founded in the 4th century and is one of the most beautiful monasteries of the Peloponnese. 

4+1 Picturesque Villages

In the area there are many picturesque villages which worth be visiting. We present to you the ones we like dthe most during trekking in the area, which you can also see easily via google earth:

Dimitsana

It is a very beautiful stone village that is well worth giving from your time. At the entrance of the village you will find an old third bridge. You should also definitely visiti Agia Kiriaki, a Greek orthodox church. Agia Kiriaki is a single-aisled basilica with a dome covered with copper leaves, built in 1834. Close to it you will find the Public Library and the School.  Finally, in the village there is also the open-air museum of water power.   

Stemnitsa

In Stemnitsa you will wander in very beautiful alleys. You will find, today’s ruined, impressive four-storey tower house of Roilos, the mansion of Bourazos and the church of “Panagia in Stemnitsa” with the characteristic bell. Finally, in the castle of Stemnitsa you will admire the amazing view of the village.

Karitaina

It stands out the castle, also known as the “Toledo of Greece”, built in the 13th century. Karytaina is a proclaimed traditional settlement, as it retains the color of the medieval castle town. It has an amazing view and definitely deserves your attention. On the banks of the River Alfios is the bridge of Koukos. It was built in 1880, it is a one-arched and its height is 34 meters. 

Vytina

A very beautiful little village with traditional small square. If you want to go to the Mainalo ski resort Vytina is a good choice, since it is nearby. If you are looiking for an instagrammable place you should go through the “love raod”, for a photo.

Places to stay in Arcadia

You can travel to Mountainous Arcadia just for one day but we think that is better to stay for a couple of days instead. Throughout the area you will find many traditional guesthouses and picturesque hotels for a pleasant stay available for all bugdets. We preferred to stay in Dimitsana, Stemnitsa and Karitaina for one night at each accommodation. But we could also stay in one of the villages we described above as the distances are short and pleasant.

What to do – activities

If you prefer outdoor experiences and activities, Arcadia is one of the best places to do so, close to Athens. There you will find many long and short hiking trails. We enjoyed, as a short and easy route the path that starts from Ancient Gortys and ends after one and a half kilometres in the carved on the rock Monastery of Prodromos, following the flow of Lucius river and passing next to old watermills and over Bridges. You can also go rafting on the Lousios River and enjoy all its magic.

Hiking and rafting are the best choices for outdoor experience in mountainous Arcadia

Places to eat

In Arcadia you will find amazing Greek traditinal food. There are great taverns and resaturants and we sugeest that you visit some of themduring your visit to Arcadia: 

The “Kapilio ton athanaton” in Dimitsana
The “Zerzova“, in Panagia near Dimitsana
“Ta kokkina pitharia” in Vytina
“To lathos” on the road between Dimitsanas Vytina

Travel to Mountainous Arcadia is one of the best options for outdoor activities close to Athens, all year round. If you want more ideas for destinations near Athens keep reading our website and find out more about destinations in Greece.

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Kalavrita and History

Kalavrita is located on Mount Helmos in the region of Achaia, 190 km from Athens. It is a historical village both for the actions took place there during the Greek war of independence, as well as for its modern history. Kalavrita was one of the regions of Greece that experienced nazi German retaliation in the harshest way during the Occupation (Massacre of Kalavryta December 13, 1943). 

Sightseeing in Kalavrita area

See the google earth map  route we made for you. As for the top attractions of the area we stand out…

Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust

The Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust is located in the primary school. It is a symbolic building for the inhabitants of the city as they met and suffered the brutality of the Nazi atrocity. You certainly have to visit it, for details visit the official website of this historical museum.

Place of sacrifice of Kalavryta

Within walking distance from the city, just 500 meters, on the hill Kapi, is the spot at which all the men from 14 years old were led by the Germans, where they were executed. Today there is a great cross reminiscent of the Kalavrita massacre.

Kalavrita Ski Resort

There are a total of eight (8) lifts and fourteen (14) slopes that include all difficulty levels, total length 25 km. You can also enjoy your coffee in the ski chalet.

The ski resort started operating in 1988

Cave of the lakes

The Cave of the Lakes is considered unique in the world, since it has 13 successive scaled lakes. The exploited length of the cave is 500 m while its total length is 1,980 m. You will enter the cave from an artificial tunnel that leads directly to the second floor from a total of three. The crossing of the ponds is made by raised artificial bridges. For opening hours check here.

Petimeza Tower

Between Kalavrita and the cave of the lakes you will find the famous Tower of Petimeza. The tower is located in an elevated position in Kato Lousous and is maintained in good condition. It is one of the oldest towers of the mountainous Peloponnese (17th century) and is a characteristic example of fortified housing

Holy Monastery of Agia Lavra

Historical monastery, where the banner of the Revolution of 1821 was raised. It was built in the 10th century and in 1585 it was destroyed, when the decline of the monastery began. Successive disasters followed and in the early 19th century it was rebuilt.

How to get there – odontotos rack railway

The easiest way to get there is by car, because this will help you visiting the places around the village. Another way is by Odontotos train. Using odontotos train is a unique experience, and not unfairly it has become a tourist attraction. The train starts from Diakopto and the route is trully unique. It lasts about an hour and crosses the gorge of Vouraikos, passes through the village of Zachlorou and ends in Kalavryta. The 22 km/h journey takes place at a speed ranging from 30 to 40 km/h on the single line and from 6 to 15 km/h on the barbed track. The railway network is serrated in the places where due to the morphology of the ground there are large slopes. For ticket info and train timetable press here.

Where to Stay?

Although the region of Kalavrita is close to Athens and you could come for just one day but… we think that is better to spend more days in Kalavrita village. We stayed two nights in the center of the village. You will find a lot of traditional hostels and picturesque houses to stay in, depending on your preferences. 

Things to do in Kalavrita – activities

You will find a lot of activites around the kalavrita village!!! … skiing, hiking and of course the odontotos train are some of them. We recommend the descent of the Gorge of Vouraikos. It is a route along the path that follows exactly the jagged! A really great route, regardless of whether you are a hiking enthusiast.

Where to eat

The food is unique, traditional and you will definitely enjoy it whatever your choice. We stood out and recommend: 

• The tavern “Romanzo” in Zachlorou
• “Peri orekseos” in Kalavrita
• The tavern “Varvitsiotis” in Kalavrita

Mountainous Arcadia is one of the nice destinations that you can visit, all year round. If you want more ideas for destinations near Athens visit our blog post for city breaks close to Athens.

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Today we are presenting 2 a two-week itineraries to choose from, for your trip to Tanzania

2 Week travel itinerary in Tanzania No 1

• Starting at Dar El Salam (International Airport)
• A day at Dar El Salam
• Bus (e.g. with Dar express bus) to the north
• Stop for a two-day staying and hiking in Lushoto
• Three to four days on safari at the national parks
• A day in Arusha transfer with Dala dala to Moshi
• One to two days in Moshi
• Flight to Zanzibar City (e.g. with Air Tanzania)
• Five days volunteer project in project in the region
• Two days relaxing and touring the island

• 2 Week travel itinerary in Tanzania No 2

  • Starting at Kilimanjaro (International Airport)
  • Five days volunteer project in the region
  • Two days on safari at national parks
  • A one day Stay in Arusha
  • Transportation by Dala dala to Moshi
  • One day stay in Moshi
  • Bus to the south (e.g. Dar express bus)
  • Stop included accommodation in Lushoto (one or two days)
  • Bus to Dar El Salam
  • Accommodation in Dar El Salam
  • Ferry to Zanzibar
  • Relaxation and island tour

2 Week travel itinerary in Tanzania No 3

If you are a hiking enthusiast and you aim to climb Kilimanjaro you should be prepared for the below two things, first one is  to spare time to complete the route (7 days) and money (indicatively $5,000). So if you re planning to dedicate the first week at the area you must have Kilimanjaro Airport as your starting point and for the second week you can choose to go with the above itineraries  more or less.

What was our itinerary?

We started from Dar El Salam we flew to Arusha from where we explored the city of Arusha and we tried a safari game drive at the national parks of Serengeti, Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the villages of Masai, then we headed to Moshi overlooking Kilimanjaro africa’s tallest mountain, we explored and hiked in the area around Kilimanjaro, Materuni and Marangu waterfalls, we flew to Zanzibar where we explored the island and the village of Jambiani where we developed some contacts with the village primary school that lists nearly 900 children. We enjoyed the sun at Paje beach and came home with lots of thoughts about new projects!

What is certain is that we are talking about a huge country with unparalleled beauty and natural wealth! Read more about our safari game drive experience and everything you need to know to participate in a voluntary program or just help by all means you could possibly do so and create the ideal travel itinerary for you!

Enjoy!

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The big five animals are: lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, puma

From Kenya to South Africa animal herds migrate from region to region depending on the time of year and the call of the nature in search of food, survival, mating and hunting! All this huge migration is a unique setting for every traveler and it is definitely worth experiencing at least once in your life!

From our personal experience of the safari game drive in four tanzanian national parks, we recommend to each one of you to try it! What we loved the most was the respectful way of the tour towards nature and animals! The truth is that we had no idea what to expect and while there was hesitation before going there, fortunately the experience is only positively valued and we share it with you below!

Safari tour in Tanzania – Game Drive Safari in Tanzania

The safari tour operator we chose is Mwewe Expeditions and the main reason is the excellent comments we had read online about the company and about the owner of Mwewe called Sariko. The initial impression was completely confirmed as professionalism was not lacking not for a minute, there was a very youthful lay out that made our safari game drive more adventurous and the whole 5 day itinerary was perfectly organized always according to the itinerary we had discussed!

Mwewe Expeditions is a locally family owned Company that operates professionally with an experienced team for over 13 years in tourism Industry in Tanzania. Whether you are honeymooners, family, solo or groups we can make your dreams turn into reality.

Their moto is “We guarantee the best experience ever, nature guaranteed”

To contact Sariko and set up your own itinerary you can contact via company’s site, Facebook or Instagram! Although he is always busy traveling on a safari game drive at north Tanzanian national parks, he responds rapidly.

Before we move on to the national parks we visited (you can of course choose more, less or different than those we chose depending on the time of year you are travelling ), the time we chose is the era of predators as we wanted to see a little action thing. Don’t forget, of course, that it is the natural environment of animals and not a show for the humans, so there is no guarantee of how much action you will see, how many animals or what time you will see them! This is, of course, the point of having a safari game drive, the game drive in the national park lasts all day and puts you in the process of constant vigilance in case you see any of the rare big five animals in action while seeing dozens and hundreds other animals migrate, guard their little ones, etc.

Serengeti National Park of Tanzania

The Serengeti National Park is a Tanzanian national park in the Serengeti ecosystem in the Mara and Simiyu regions. It is famous for its annual migration of over 1.5 million white-bearded (or brindled) wildebeest and 250,000 zebra and for its numerous Nile crocodile and honey badger

A vast intensity of greenery! Greener than we’ve ever seen before! This park has as much land as a small country and hosts millions of animals every year. In addition to elephant, zebra, gnous, sourcata, giraffe, hippopotamus, buffaloes, all kinds of antelope and lions you will meet (if you are lucky) cheetahs, pumas and many more species! An unforgettable image for us is that of the cheetahs sitting aristocraticly on tall trees carefree and relaxed by all danger!

Don’t worry about the food at the campsite where you re gonna overnight, as Sariko will make sure you have the best cook with you and you will all eat together at the restaurant areas with the rest of the campers or co travelers if you share the safari tour!

Ngorongoro National Park of Tanzania and Ngorongoro crater

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area  is a protected area and a World Heritage Site located 180 km (110 mi) west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania. The area is named after Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera within the area. The conservation area is administered by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, an arm of the Tanzanian government, and its boundaries follow the boundary of the Ngorongoro Division of the Arusha Region.

The 2009 Ngorogoro Wildlife Conservation Act placed new restrictions on human settlement and subsistence farming in the Crater, displacing Maasai pastoralists, most of whom had been relocated to Ngorongoro from their ancestral lands to the north when the British colonial government established Serengeti National Park in 1959.

Personally this was our favorite national park, because of the countless of animals we encountered and the unparalleled beauty! You are in the largest crater in the world in an indescribable setting that you have certainly never encountered before and you are in awe of nature unfolding before your eyes! Mothers, newborns, herds, predators all together in the same landscape!

The main feature of the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. The crater, which formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago, is 610 metres (2,000 feet) deep and its floor covers 260 square kilometres (100 square miles).

If you stay at the campsite be sure you have isothermal clothes (see our list here) to withstand the cold and enjoy the stars in the evening up in the crystal clear night sky!

Extra hint: when you find yourself there, ask to find out where the name of the national park came from! The answer will surprise you!

Tarangire National Park of Tanzania

Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest national park in Tanzania after Ruaha, Serengeti, Mikumi, Katavi and Mkomazi. The national park is located in Manyara Region. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses through the park, being the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. During the dry season thousands of animals migrate to the Tarangire National Park from Manyara National Park.

This park includes all the animals mentioned above but the scenery and the route is very different and in addition here you will find the trees with the huge trunks calles Bao bab trees!

We ll never forget seeing an elephant into a hollow trunk of bao bab tree!

Arusha National Park of Tanzania

Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru, a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m, in the Arusha Region of north eastern Tanzania. The park is small but varied with spectacular landscapes in three distinct areas. In the west, the Meru Crater funnels the Jekukumia River; the peak of Mount Meru lies on its rim. Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east is grassland. The shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the north-east have varying algal colours and are known for their wading birds.

The scenery complements a park with several unique pictures as here you will live more of the tropical part of Tanzania! You’ll be touring into the jungle, meeting monkeys, baboons, thousands of flamingos and the unique Columbus monkeys with the lovely and impressive hair (interesting fact the greek origin of the word Columbus – learn more at the museum you ll meet during the safari).

Watch our safari video on Youtube

Where to stay at the National Parks in Tanzania

For lodging inside the national parks there are two options. The first choice is to stay in a lodge, but keep in mind that due to the small number of lodges the price start from 150€ per person per night and not unfairly we would say comparing to the unique view of course and in general to the national park itself! The second choice is the one we chose and it is not other that our beloved camping under the stars! Campsites is the most common choice amongst travelers not only because of the price but mainly for the general experience it offers! The campsites are located inside the area of the national parks as well as the lodges, they are right next to the original villages of Maasai tribes and you will hear at night all nature sound including animals’ roaring or eating.  Unique unforgettable feeling!

If you decide to go on a safari tour in Tanzania and explore the extraordinary national parks in Tanzania you just go ahead and choose the best tour operator in the region, choose Mwewe Expeditions. Safari in Tanzania is an experience worth getting directly into your travel bucket list! You ll get the chance to connect with nature something that will fascinate you more than anything,  to witness the greatness of nature and admire closely the natural evolution, hunting and the coexistence of thousands of animals!

Hakuna Matata!

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Driving in Iceland

• The road network is in a good condition throughout the country.
• The driving is done from the right side of the road and at the roundabouts priority has the one that moves within the node.
• The streets near Reykjavik are usually with more than one lane per direction, while in the rest network it is mostly with one, without an emergency lane.
• Gas stations can be found in residential areas, so pay attention to secluded areas when traveling to north.
• The gas filling in the car is automatic and the payment is made mainly by credit-debit card.
• The outside cities speed limit is 90 miles an hour.

1. Do not stop outside demarcated parking!

During the journey you will come across beautiful landscapes that will make you wanna stop for short stops and take photographs. This needs special attention!! It has been common that tourists stop on the side of the road for photographing by putting themselves at risk from the passing cars and trucks. There are parking areas that can comfortably let you admire the scenery and rest safely simultaneously.

2. Night driving – weather condition

In most parts of the network there is no night lighting so you need to pay attention if you plan to drive during night or dark hours. Also because of the difficult weather conditions which are constantly changing it would be good to check the condition of the road network you are going to use. An easy way is by clicking here.

3. Is it necessary to rent a 4X4?

It is common for tourists to rent SUV-type vehicles with 2 or 4 wheel driving system. In addition to the comfort that they probably offer in terms of space and convenience, it is not necessary to rent one, since all known points of interest are accessible to all types of cars (Roads category F). Off road driving that is advantageous to an SUV-type car is prohibited anyway  so… Also the car rentals ensure that they wear suitable tires on all vehicles so that they can move in snow weather as well.

4. Beware the doors of the car!

In Iceland there are strong winds, so beware when you park. Be sure to park the vehicle against the wind, it may be difficult to open the door, but you will avoid injuries to you and damages to the car.

5. Do I need to pay tolls?

In the road network you will not find any toll points except one. It is the Vadlaheidi tunnel located near the northern town of Akureyri,  where if the weather is not good enoigh, we definitely advise you to pass through. In case you decide to pass the tunnel, see the instructions here, so that you can get a code and be charged during your transit with a smaller amount. We paid 1,500 ISK, while if it was paid by the rental office we would be charged 4,500 ISK.

iceland

6. How do I pass bridges?

Usually bridges are with one strip for both directions, so need to pay attention here too. Reduce speed when approaching them and if you see a car coming from the opposite side, stop and arrange who will pass first. Icelanders are a very polite people and usually provide the tourists priority.

Driving in Iceland is relatively safe and enjoyable, as long as you pay attention to the points we analyzed above. By driving you will discover beautiful destinations and taste a different travel experience. Beware, drive responsibly and enjoy!

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In general, Iceland is a relatively expensive destination, and same goes with food. More information about the travel cost in Iceland can be found in our blog post about the Ring road trip in Iceland. Of course there are inexpensive choices that you can afford easily and enable yourself to enjoy the local cuisine in an economical and low budget way.

Eating in a fast food

It is a quick and economical way to taste local Icelandic food and enjoy more neutral flavors, with local ingredients. This option will cost you 15 to €20 per person and you can find it in many places both in Reykjavik, and in smaller cities making road trips easier. We checked out some of them and present them to you:

• Babalu (fast food and cheap coffee with refill)
• Market Hlemmur Matholl (just for the experience or for fish soup)
• Icelandic street food shop with amazing seafood soup in Reykjavik (affordable prices)
• Hafnarburdin at Ηofn (try Icelandic hot dog or their classic burger) or the Pakkhus restaurant (pinched prices)
• Akureyri fish n chips
• There is of course the option of well-known fast food chains, such as Dominos Pizza for more safe, so to speak, options.

Shopping from Super Market

There are several supermarkets (Kronan, Metto, bonus) all over the island where in affordable prices you can get breakfast stuff, snacks, ready made sandwiches or even ready meals such as a chicken.

Cooking

Economical option, our favourite one, to regain some strength at the lowest price, and this is no other than to prepare yourself the meal of your dreams. You can purchase raw materials from supermarkets and start cooking. Usually all rooms, guesthouses and cotatges  have either private or common kitchens with all cooking necesities, where you can cook a delicious spaghetti with red sauce and seafood for example. We did it half the days of ur roadtrip  and we loved it, as we both saved money and enjoyed the whole experience of cooking in Iceland in a cottage house.

So, to conclude with…Is food in Iceland really expensive? We would say yes, but not in terms of the country’s prices in general. But it is for sure that there are ways to enjoy local icelandic flavors in cheaper ways, reducing the cost of travel. We hope that your appetite for your trip to Iceland got higher after that post…

Bon Appetite!

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1. Blue Lagoon

Although touristy, as many could say, visiting the Blue Lagoon is not something you should miss. Extraordinary colour and vibes, awesome and unique feeling of swimming in warm waters while its raining. Blue lagoon perfectly respects the natural landscape, providing high quality services. Learn more here!

2. Ice Cave Tunnnel

Amazing trekking on a glacier experience! Especially when talking for the biggest glacier in Europe Vatnajokul! One of its kind experience not to be missed, but pay attention to your clothes and boots! Only with trekking boots guys please be careful with that! Its not just a detail!

glacier ice cave

3. Diamond Beach

Another incredible experience total Icelandic could say! Facing real icebergs is something extraordinary! Either its for an amphibian boat or a zodiac boat you ll experience something you might never be able to witness again that close. Read more about the boat tour in Diamond beach and indulge yourself to glacier and iceberg magic.

4. Lava Tunel

Another interesting exploration is to visit a lava tunel. You can try a day tour or an evening one! We personally went on an evening tour and didn’t regret it, unique lighting, with some snowing happening during the touring and  moreover you ll get the chance to learn interesting things about volcanoes and life existence in a dark cave.

roadtrip iceland lava tunnel

5. Whale watching

In the north.  Choose as a base Akureyri.

6. Puffin watching

In the northeast fiords at Borgarfjörður Eystri (only summer months).

7. Waterfalls hopping

With countless waterfalls all over the country we could easily visit Iceland only for Waterfall hopping. Choose the ones that suits you best in terms of itinerary and period of travelling and start hopping around!

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Important Information before you plan a trip to Iceland

• In order to avoid struggling with day hours we recommend traveling summer months
• If travelling from October till March it would be probably in order to see the northern lights, just dont be disappointed if that wont happen
• Travelling during Autumn time is perfect for avoiding mass tourist groups as well
• For your transfers in case of a roadtrip you ll definetely have to rent a car, read some useful tips here
• Keep your budget as low as possible by sharing expenses with friends
• The same applies to accommodation, generally it is common to share accommodation
• Keep some ammount of budget for activities (eg Blue lagoon €85 person, Diamond Beach Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon €70 man, Secret Lagoon hot spring (€25 person), Skaftafel hike to Glacier (€60 person 3 hours hike) etc.)

7 Day Ring Road trip itinerary in Iceland

How much does it cost for a roadtrip in Iceland?

As with all trips, a trip in Iceland can be combined with some low budget options, for example Icelandic food options can make your trip less expensive! But what happens with all the rest expenses? Here is our budget analysis on a 2 persons basis.

2 persons on a 7 day roadtrip 1.772 euro :

• 400 euro  airtickets
• 365 euro accommodation
• 5 euro tolls
• 220 euro  car rental (440 euro for a group of 4)
• 122 euro fueling 2.500 kilometers (244 for a group of 4)
• 218 euro food coffee beer
• 427 euro activities experiences
• 15 euro souvenirs

There are always options that can afford us lower budget as long as you are flexible and easy going travellers! Share your transfers, your accommodation, your food etc and you ll see the difference!

Hope you found it interesting reading our personal experience of roadtripping in Iceland, please feel free to visit all posts related to this trip and we ll be more than happy to here any comments or feedback from you! Happy travels to all!

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In Genoa for city break…

We escaped to Genoa for  one of our beloved city breaks. One of our last ones in fact was again in Italy in the romantic Venice! We booked our tickets with Volotea, which is a perfect choice for getaways in Italy, Greece and special destinations such is Dubrovnik and got ourselves to the most colourful port we ve ever seen, so far!

Is a 24-hour trip in Genoa enough?

Actually it is… But we suggest you spend a weekend at least. The city is ideal for walking and endless hours of exploration and enjoyment of Italian flavors!

We recommend staying close to the train station so you can easily escape to nearby areas such as the Cinque Terre and move easily to and from Genoa airport.

A wonderful city will begin to unfold in front of you from the very first moment you exit the train station! Classic architecture – masterpiece buildings will be your partners as you stroll down the streets, first you ll meet those of the Royal Palace and the University of Genoa. Here the area is full of affordable little shops ideal for a quick espresso and an Italian focaccia!
Continuing you will meet a building that reminds a lot of Greece in a perfect contrast to the adjacent Genoese coloured buildings!

Next is Garibaldi Street  where you have to take a look at the alleys on the right left of the pedestrian zone. You will see inspiring lights forming beautiful words like history, joy, love etc (so an evening stroll is definitely required).

Genoa challenges you to the hashtag #morethanthis

Via Roma

Keep strolling and you will find yourself alongside Via Roma a special touch in an urban environment. The street is surrounded by the well-known colourful buildings  while  hanging colourful windmills make the street look even more intense creating a perfect Instagrammable spot!

Alongside Via Roma a flea market is located with antiques and retro object in an open-air bazaar which will steal your heart!
Piazza Ferrari and Genova come next. A huge fountain and three buildings in its background will distract you enough time for photos and to watch the people as they pass by while you ll be enjoying sitting on  one of the many benches you will find throughout the square. A monument to the word Genova is the third must see point of Instagram shots!

Next stop is the Piazza Duomo and the temple of San Lorenzo, a special gem inside out and a quick coffee shot at one of the many  cafés just down the street (in one of the dozens of alleys of the center of Genoa).

Main attractions

• Porto Antico
• Aquario di Genoa
• Via Garibaldi
• Via Roma
• Piazza delle Fontane Marose
• Piazza Ferrari
• Galleria Mazzini
• Piazza Matteotti
• Piazza delle Feste
• Galeone
• Sn Lorenzo
• Palazzo Antonio Doria
• Accademia Ligustica di Belle
• Palazzo Stefano Balbi
• Palazzo Nicolo Grimaldi
• Port dell Arco
• Biosfera
• Stazione Piazza Principe

Our Favorite Spot is Porto Antico

The old port of Genoa is more lively than ever, with docks, a huge aquarium, modern architectural additions inspired by the past, benches, biosphere, wheel ride at €8, panoramic spot with view of the whole city in €5, Gelato, pizzerias and people of all ages are making it even more vivid and the perfect place to hang out!

Genoa in the Evening

• Do Not miss an evening stroll in all the above places! The night has its own beauty and charm as you keep wandering in the alleys and enjoying an aperitivo. Leave the old port as the last part of  your trip and be amazed by the alluring lights of the city at night!
• Try eating at Fuori (menu €6)
• Drink italina coffee at urban Tazze Paazze
• Enjoy panoramic views from the steeple of San Lorenzo for €5

Affordable air tickets, classic italian beauty, Italian Riviera in only one hour away, many options for nearby getaways with  Cinque Terre National Park being the top of the top, budget accommodation and food make Genoa the perfect choice for city break!

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