10 top places to find a stunning secret beach

10 top places to find a stunning secret beach

Wherever we travel, it’s always thrilling to find a secret spot: a cave, forest, ruins and especially a secret beach.

Secret beaches are particularly great during holiday high season when it’s hard to escape people. If privacy is something you crave, opt for beaches that are less well-known or only accessible by boat. Narrowing the search for us, the Samboat.com team has compiled a secret beach list of just this kind of escape!

Ten of the best from around the world 🙌

 

Secret beach top 10

Es Portixol beach, Ibiza, Spain

Surrounded by hills, this small cove is a hidden gem located in the north of Ibiza. It’s usually only frequented by fishermen of the boat huts.

Perfect for those looking for their own little private beach, Es Portitxol features amazing turquoise green waters, creating your own mini paradise. The serene cove is protected from the elements. It’s completely surrounded by hills covered in pine trees, making the hike to get there totally worth it.

 

Visiting Ibiza? Find out where to be at sunset or head to one of our favourite beach bars!

 

Palm Beach, Barbuda

Known for its sparkling white sands that gleam a shade of pink in patches thanks to the vast expanse of seashells on the shore, Palm Beach is one of the world’s most spectacular secret beaches.

The beach is only accessible by boat, meaning it acts as a quiet escape away from the hordes of tourists and with nothing but sand and sea for miles it’s important to bring a sun hat and sun cream.

Take a visit to Palm Beach as the prefect opportunity to go swimming or snorkelling in the dazzling apple-green water.

 

Koh Lanta, Thailand

An hour’s speedboat journey from Krabi airport, Koh Lanta is home to nine secret beaches, all surrounded by the beautiful Andaman Sea.

Head to Lek beach (also known as ‘secret beach’ to locals) for perhaps the most beautiful beach on this island. Away from tourist hotspots, this quaint spot is typically only visited by those tipped off by Thai residents, exaggerating its ‘secret’ status.

Although completely undeveloped, there is a small wooden shack beach bar named by the synonymous Lek and a spectacular view of the sunset, what more could you really need?

 

secret beaches where to go top 10

 

Galešnjak, Croatia

Featuring a distinct heart-shaped coastline, this island is also known as lover’s island and it is one of the most popular islands in the world right now.

With no man-made features or tourist facilities, there are countless secret beaches to be explored, and the best bit? Seclusion is guaranteed as the island is only accessible by boat.

With a terrain empty of commercial infrastructure, the beaches here are indeed the perfect lover’s paradise, setting the stage for an idyllic and uninterrupted getaway.

 

St. Peter’s Pool, Malta

With crystal clear waters offering incredible snorkelling opportunities, the sea at St. Peter’s Pool is one of Malta’s most spectacular natural swimming pools.

Okay we’re cheating a little here as it isn’t technically a beach; however it is an experience second to none.

The pool is so remote that you’ll never struggle to find a spot, no matter what time of year it is and the surrounding rocks are perfect for some secluded sunbathing.

 

Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico

Only a brief journey from the mainland, Flamenco beach is constantly ranked amongst various lists of the World’s best beaches.

The rolling hills in the background combined with clear waters and gorgeous white sand make this one of the most memorable beaches you’ll ever experience.

 

secret beach top 10 list ed

 

Salema, Algarve, Portugal

With dinosaur footprints embedded into the limestone, this is a palaeontologist’s haven. The half-mile-long beach boasts fantastic golden sand and seas that are perfect for swimming thanks to the strong waves and strikingly clear waters.

Seaweed is replaced by a variety of small shells on this beach, emphasising clarity. Free from tourists, this is the perfect secret beach to dig your toes into.

 

Praia Do Penedo, Portugal

Take a break from the big city in Lisbon and chase secret beaches around the country.

Located on the small Portuguese island of Porto Santo, this beach is covered in a layer of sugar-fine golden sand that have alleged healing attributes.

Due to its location at the furthest southern point on the island, this is arguably the quietest and most secret beach on our list but it is definitely worth the journey.

 

Kauapea Beach, Hawaii

You’d think tourists would flock here thanks to its breath taking beauty, however, with no public roads leading to it; Kauapea Beach is often referred to as ‘secret beach’.

Privacy is easy on this beach as it’s so vast that you often feel like you have the entire beach to yourself; however be aware that if you walk too far down you may encounter the unofficial part of the beach where clothing is considered ‘optional’.

 

Navagio Beach, Greece

An exposed cove surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, Navagio beach is located north of the Greek island of Zakynthos. The cove is more commonly known as ‘Smugglers cove’ as it is said to be the location of the shipwreck of an alleged smugglers ship many years ago.

Adding to its secluded status, the beach is only accessible by boat and the silvery white sand and clear waters are a must see if you’re on the island.

 



 

5 things to know about a Buckingham Palace garden party

5 things to know about a Buckingham Palace garden party

Following a surprise Royal garden party invitation to an event we attended this past week, here’s what it’s like at a Buckingham Palace garden party…

If you’re invited, you’ll need to know:

Buckingham Palace garden party need to know

  1. When to arrive at the Queen’s garden party
  2. What to bring to a Buckingham Palace garden party
  3. What to wear to the Royal garden party
  4. What to eat for afternoon tea
  5. How to greet the Queen, the royals and make friends

 

 

We were so fortunate to get to attend the Queen’s Buckingham Palace garden party in May 2019. Thanks for all your kind messages on the blog and on Twitter. It’s a special privilege to be invited. We certainly had a lovely afternoon.

We were blessed with probably the best day of the year – sunshine and warm. No jacket or umbrellas required! But there’s preparatory work we’d recommend if you find yourself with a ticket to a Royal garden party.

 

When to arrive at the Queen’s garden party

We turned up at the time the ticket said the gates opened. That’s fine and we were inside the Buckingham Palace garden party within an hour, in time to see the Queen arrive.

However, getting there a bit early to be at the front of the entry line would have meant more time inside Buckingham Palace without the crowds.

The benefit of going in earlier might also mean getting in first for the food. Additionally, you may have a better chance to stand at the front of the line to see the Royal family when they emerge. I can’t guarantee you’ll meet them – that seems to be ‘pre-arranged’ – but a front row seat is always worth a shot.

So, if I had the chance at a Buckingham Palace garden party again, I’d be at the gate well before entry time.

 

What to bring to a Buckingham Palace garden party

There’s strict information on the ticket about what you can and can’t bring. It’s indicated that you can’t bring big cameras. I took this to mean DSLRs.

Phones are perfectly acceptable. Some people had smaller DSLR cameras though, including ones with zoom. Helpful if you want a close-up of the Royals or celebs (in a non-stalkery way, of course).

We have a camera that would have passed muster, but our phones were fine for photos.

In the event of rain at a Royal garden party, I’d advise taking as little as possible. I’m not sure there’s much cover except in the food tents which would get very crowded if the weather was bad. Apparently you can take umbrellas if you get unlucky with the English weather.

You’re on your feet for a good few hours, so avoid unnecessary jackets and extra items to carry around. It’s just easier that way.

 

What to wear to the Royal garden party (and ladies, tips on shoes)

Everyone is dressed up. A Buckingham Palace garden party is one occasion to plan for and go all out. We did, and I’m pleased we put some thought into it.

Plan for different types of weather – light jacket if it’s likely to be cold.

Hats and fascinators are the way to go. I had the chance to borrow a fabulous fascinator which had actually been to a Buckingham Palace garden party previously!

Shoes need special consideration, ladies. You need style and comfort. The grass can be squishy or wet. You’re on your feet for a long time too, both standing in the main garden party area and wandering around Buckingham Palace’s grounds. I wore mid block heels which were fine for a few hours, but started to cut near the end. I hadn’t taken flats for my commute home – definitely would if I had my time over.

Here’s a behind the scenes guide at what to wear!

View: behind the scenes – click ‘read more’ or the arrow top right to look at our photo story:

Queen's Garden Party

 

What to eat for afternoon tea

Everything!

There’s plenty of food – sandwiches, sweets, tea, iced coffee.

The lines at the beginning can be long so wait a while until it calms down. You won’t miss out. Our invitation read a little like the food starts to run out after about an hour. It certainly didn’t appear that way to us.

You can go back for seconds too (just ask Cooper). Don’t feel like you need to pile your plate so high you risk spillage. That would be embarrassing

Queens Garden Party 2019 Kate and William

 

How to greet the Queen, the royals and make friends

Get lucky enough to shake hands with the Queen? Start with  ‘Your Majesty’, and subsequently ‘Ma’am’. Royal.uk offers a helpful guide on how to greet other members of the Royal family. Read more here

If you happen to speak to any of the royal family, stay away from personal questions.

We would have had a chat about how the Corgis must have loved playing around the palace grounds!

Of course, there’s thousands of others at the Queen’s garden party at Buckingham Palace. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with another interesting character who has received an invite. Start by asking if you can take a photo for someone, or accept their offer, and go from there. Don’t be shy – everyone’s in a happy frame of mind so you’re likely to make a new friend in the process.

Do you have other tips to share, or questions? Perhaps you have been to a Royal garden party at Buckingham Palace also? Drop us a line in the comments…

 

Milan to Varenna train – How to Day Trip to Lake Como and Bellagio

Milan to Varenna train – How to Day Trip to Lake Como and Bellagio

UPDATED FOR 2024

I’ve always been enthralled by the ease and beauty of Italian train journeys. So when Cooper and I planned our trip to Italy, the Milan to Varenna train was a no-brainer for a day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio.

Let me guide you through how to make the most of this picturesque journey in 2024.

 

 

Why Take the Milan to Varenna Train Route to Lake Como?

Italy has always been a tapestry of cultural and scenic marvels. Our experience with the Milan to Varenna train route only adds to this rich fabric. Lake Como, a gem near Milan – Italy’s fashion and business hub – is an unmissable destination. Initially considering a pricey guided tour to Lake Como, we instead chose the more adventurous and budget-friendly train journey.

 

Choosing the train from Milan to Varenna was a decision driven by:

  • Ease of Travel: The trip from Milan Central Station to Varenna is a comfortable journey lasting just over an hour, making it the perfect choice for a day trip.
  • Affordability: At just €6.80 for a second-class one-way ticket​​, it’s a steal for the beauty you’re about to witness.
  • Flexibility and Accessibility: With trains departing as early as 6:20 AM and the last one at 9:20 PM​​, you have the freedom to plan your day as you like.
  • Charming Destination: Varenna, a quaint village nestled on the shores of Lake Como, is a sight to behold and a delight to explore.

 

Varenna on Lake Como

 

How to Book and Board the Milan to Varenna Train

Booking our tickets was a breeze. We used Trenord’s efficient online service, which also offers an app to store your digital tickets. Departing from Milano Centrale, you’ll head to Varenna-Esino station. The modern rolling stock operated by Trenord ensures a smooth ride​​.

A little tip: Always book for specific times but don’t worry if you miss your train. The staff are accommodating and will usually let you board the next one. However, do give yourself extra time to navigate the stations as they can be a bit confusing with not-so-clear signage.
 

 

Varenna on Lake Como: A Serene Escape

Upon arriving at Varenna, you’re greeted with the tranquil beauty of Lake Como. This village is a perfect blend of picturesque landscapes and Italian charm. It’s just a five-minute walk from the Varenna train station to the heart of the village, making it an easily accessible spot for travellers.

Varenna, with its delightful alleyways and waterfront dining options, offers a peaceful escape from the hustle of Milan. Despite encountering a rainy day on our trip, the allure of Varenna, with its sweet winding paths and views of the lake, was undeniably charming.

 

 

Getting to Bellagio from Varenna

Often referred to as the ‘pearl of the lake’, Bellagio is a key highlight of any Lake Como itinerary. It is easily accessible from Varenna too. Our initial plan was to visit Bellagio, but the rain had other plans. So, we immersed ourselves in the beauty of Varenna instead. If you’re luckier with the weather, here’s how to get there:

  • Ferry Travel: The ferry from Varenna to Bellagio is not just a mode of transport, but a journey through the heart of Lake Como. For about €5 each way, the ferry offers frequent services, less so in winter, but still with enough options to fit your schedule. The ferry terminal, a mere five-minute walk from the Varenna train station, can’t be missed.
  • Bellagio’s Charm: Bellagio, with its cobbled lanes and elegant architecture, is a treat for the senses. It’s a place where you can experience the luxurious tranquillity of Lake Como in full.

 

 

Why Lake Como?

Lake Como, the third-largest lake in Italy’s lake district, is a 46 km long expanse of natural beauty. It’s a region where snow-capped mountains meet the mystique of a deep blue lake. Ferries glide between hills that rise like islands from the water, and colourful buildings huddle at the mountains’ base, interspersed with ancient church steeples.

The landscape here is like a living painting, with roads and rail tunnels carved into sheer rock cliffs. The waterfront is adorned with sculpted gardens, Roman statues, and water fountains, creating a serene and almost surreal atmosphere. The air is fresh, and the sense of peace is palpable. It’s a place that must be experienced to be truly understood and appreciated.

 

Visit Lake Como in a Day Trip from Milan

For those looking to explore beyond Varenna, Lake Como has much to offer in 2024. Here are some of the year’s unmissable experiences:

  1. Gastronomic Delights: Indulge in authentic gelato flavors at Gelab Gelateria in Como, or for a scenic treat, visit La Passerella in Varenna​​.
  2. Hiking the Sentiero del Viandante: For nature lovers, this well-marked trail offers stunning landscapes and a unique adventure along the Lecco coast of the lake​​.
  3. Tempio Voltiano: A must-visit in Como, this museum celebrates the work of Alessandro Volta and is a journey through scientific history and picturesque settings​​.

 

Visit Lake Como in a day trip from Milan

 

Exploring Varenna on a Day Trip from Milan to Lake Como

Varenna, nestled in the Lombardy region, is a jewel on the lake. With its picture-postcard beauty, this village is more than just a stop; it’s an experience. A five-minute walk from the train station leads you into its heart.

Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the stairways in Varenna are long and steep. That said, every step is worth the stunning views you’ll encounter.

Despite our rainy day visit, the allure of Varenna remained undimmed. Its charming alleyways and waterfront dining provide a serene escape. Even under cloudy skies, the beauty of this place shines through making it a worthwhile destination in any weather.

 

Italian treats abound

 

Luxurious Moments in Bellagio and Beyond

While we embraced the quaint charm of Varenna, Bellagio is just a short ferry ride away and offers its own unique splendour. Known for its elegant atmosphere and luxurious vibe, Bellagio is a haven of cobbled lanes and sophisticated buildings. Bellagio remains a key destination on Lake Como, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty, history, and culture.

  • Villa Melzi Gardens: Explore the breath-taking botanical gardens of Villa Melzi for a small entrance fee, a testament to Bellagio’s lush beauty​​.
  • Basilica of St. Giacomo: Visit this 12th-century basilica, a historical and architectural marvel, embodying the rich cultural heritage of the region.

 

Italian Treats Abound

A trip to Italy is incomplete without savouring its culinary offerings. In Lake Como, this means indulging in the region’s specialty dishes and treats. Here are some must-try experiences:

  • Polenta: A staple of Lombardian cuisine, yellow polenta is a delicious dish you must try for an authentic taste of Como​​.
  • Michelin-Starred Dining: For a luxurious dining experience, visit Ristorante Sottovoce in Como, the only restaurant with a lakefront terrace on the roof, offering an exceptional culinary journey​​.

 

Embracing Luxury and Nature in Lake Como

Lake Como in 2024 is not just about serene landscapes and quaint villages. It is also a destination for luxury and nature. Here are some top experiences you shouldn’t miss:

  • Luxury Boat Rides: Experience the opulence of Lake Como with a luxury boat ride, a perfect choice for honeymooners or those seeking an exclusive experience​​.
  • Outdoor Activities: For a more active experience, take a stroll in the town of Menaggio, or enjoy sunbathing on the public beaches near Como​​.

 

A Glimpse into the Future: Sustainable Travel

As we continue our journeys, Cooper and I are increasingly aware of the importance of sustainable travel. Lake Como and its surrounding regions are treasures that we must preserve for future generations. We encourage our fellow travellers to be mindful of your environmental impact, opt for eco-friendly accommodations, and support local businesses that practice sustainability.

 

Wrapping Up: The Timeless Beauty of Lake Como

Lake Como, with its blend of natural splendour, historical richness, and modern luxury, remains a timeless destination. Our journey on the Milan to Varenna train was just the beginning of a memorable adventure. We hope this guide inspires you to explore this magnificent region and create your own beautiful memories.

And remember, travel is not just about the destinations; it’s about the experiences, the people you meet, and the stories you create along the way.

 

Questions or comments…

I hope this updated guide helps clarify any queries or concerns you may have about undertaking a self-guided day trip on the train from Milan to Lake Como. Whether it’s the charm of Varenna or the elegance of Bellagio, Lake Como offers a tranquil glimpse into the beauty of Italy.

Despite our minor hiccups with rain and train timings, our day trip was close to perfect, filled with scenic views, delightful cuisine, and the serene ambiance of the lake.

On this week-long trip across Italy, we not only discovered the quaint charm of Varenna but also experienced so much more. We continued our exploration to Verona and Venice, embracing the diversity and beauty of Italy’s landscapes and culture. Stay tuned to our blog for more insights and stories from these attractive destinations.

 

In this series – a week across Italy by train:

Milan, budget travel tips

Milan to Lake Como, via Varenna and Bellagio [you’re reading it]

Verona, Italy travel guide

Milan to Venice – how to take the train

How to find your perfect wine tasting in Italy experiences

Why you should find a food tour in Italy

Venice, Italy travel guide – things to know before you go

 

A Milan to Venice train travel adventure

A Milan to Venice train travel adventure

It’s a special year for me, so I requested a week long trip to celebrate, which is how Milan to Venice train travel became a ‘thing’ this April.

Why the train?

A friend inspired me to explore Italy by train. She highlighted that it’s relatively inexpensive (see thetrainline.com) and stress-free compared with driving. Many of Italy’s major cities are connected by rail. The reason we were talking about this in the first place, is that when we visited Tuscany, we drove, and it was stressful.

My friend was simultaneously travelling with her family by train, between Rome, Florence and Venice. It was easy.

Our Italian affair this April began at Milano Centrale Station, so we might explore this fashion capital that’s been dazzling visitors for years with its design-led initiatives and stunning structures.

Milan is brimming with beauty, and you can also take a train ride that’s just an hour to reach Lake Como for a self-guided day trip.

When planning our week in Italy, I had a destination in mind. It was actually somewhere that inspired Shakespeare, Verona. So, I took a look at what was accessible from London, and came up with Milan to Venice.

 

I studied a map and researched flights. We could fly into Milan from London City Airport (✔) and come back from Venice to Stansted Airport (✔). What to do in between then?

Milan to Venice train travel, touching over in Varenna (Lake Como) and Verona, the wish-list destination. Perfecto About two nights in each location would do the trick. Never enough time, but a start.

Varenna on Lake Como for a day trip from Milan by train

How to travel Milan to Venice on the train

If you’re based in the UK, several searches come up on Google when you’re searching for Milan to Venice train options. Italia Rail is one such option. But, Trainline pulls everything together just fine, as far as I’m concerned.

I booked our trips individually on Trainline:

  1. Milan to Varenna for a day trip to Lake Como, about £25 for a day return for two people.
  2. Milan to Verona, to stay for two nights, around £25 for two of us to travel one way. The trip was about two hours.
  3. Verona to Venice, about one hour train journey, costing approx £20 for two of us to travel.

Using the Trainline phone app, I stored our tickets and they were easy to retrieve and show on the train upon request.

Important to note:

I booked our train fares in advance. Closer to the time of travel, it turned out some of the train times were altered slightly. If we’d not arrived at the station early and double-checked the schedule, we may have missed one of our trains which left ten minutes prior to what we had on our ticket. Give yourself time and check schedules on the ground.

 

Travel Milan to Venice train and experience the unparalleled scenery that is Italy

Milan to Venice: the highlights

The Milan to Venice train trip and week away in Italy was pure magic.

Verona and Venice are particularly wonderful. Click the links to read our travel guides.

We utilised Airbnb for accommodation – Italy is notoriously expensive in this area. Airbnb together with travelling on the train kept our costs down, and our experience was indeed stress-free.

 

Train travel in Europe is a treat because of the scenery. We lavished in everything from the snow-capped Alps to little farming villages, vineyards, horses, chickens, ancient churches and glimpses of northern Italy’s great Lakes.

Milan to Venice on the train is an excellent option. If you have time, there’s many spots to stop off at. Next time around I’d love to see more of Lake Garda and the town of Padua, another inspiration to Shakespeare.

 

Got tips or questions? Let us know in the comments below 

 

In this series – a week across Italy by train:

Milan, budget travel tips

Milan to Lake Como, via Varenna and Bellagio

Verona, Italy travel guide

Milan to Venice – how to take the train [you’re reading it]

How to find your perfect wine tasting in Italy experiences

Why you should find a food tour in Italy

Venice, Italy travel guide – things to know before you go

 

Royal garden party invitation to Buckingham Palace!

Royal garden party invitation to Buckingham Palace!

Things can happen unexpectedly. Little miracles, if you will – and that’s what I spotted this week when entirely out of the blue, I received an email inviting me to a Royal garden party in London in May! The Queen’s Garden Party, no less. I squealed (fortunately not aloud), and ran over to my colleague’s office from where the email had come.

‘Are you kidding, can I go to a Royal garden party?’ I squealed (this time).

Can you go?’ She smiled, ‘Are you free on the 21st?’

‘I’ll be free for the Queen, yup, absolutely!!!’

The Queen’s Garden party – are you kidding? I’m not going to pretend I don’t care about this – I love the Royals. We’ve been in London for the excitement that was William and Kate’s wedding and Harry and Meghan’s. We even covered that 2018 event for radio in Australia. It was divine!

A Royal garden party invitation - hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Copyright royal.com

Image courtesy royal.com

 

Royal Garden parties

Every year the Queen hosts three parties at Buckingham Palace and one in Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. These events are designed to recognise and reward public service.

Another truth, I’m a fan of Royal dramas – everything from The White Princess to The Tudors, Victoria and The Crown – count me in!

I’d spotted that Queen Victoria initiated a ‘breakfast’ (although also held in the afternoon, akin to the contemporary Royal garden party) in an effort to get more in touch with her people. Up until then as I understand it, most Royals kept themselves at quite a distance from, well, the rest of us.

With the world rapidly changing in the Victorian era (mid to late 1800s), the demand for our royalty to be more in touch with everyday life increased. And so the mingling began.

Events with the public have changed shape over the years though, and Queen Elizabeth’s summer garden parties as we know them today at Buckingham Palace have run since just after the second World War.

 

What to expect at a Royal Garden Party

Lots of people (thousands – like a very elegant festival!).

And a Royal garden party serves up loads of food. Think 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake. Included on the menu are many of the Queen’s favourite treats.

There’s royalty too. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh accompanied by other members of the Royal family speak to a range of people throughout the afternoon.

The dress code is strict – women wear a day dress and hat or fascinator and men wear a lounge suit (or ‘morning dress’).

There’s a nice Royal garden party round-up on the Royals’ webpage.

 

How to get on the invite list to a Royal or special event in London

While the Queen’s Garden Party is invite only and I was lucky to be randomly selected through work (I had no idea it was even possible to go to something like this!), I’ve discovered there are ways you can apply to try and get yourself on the guest list.

As we did for the beautiful Anzac Day memorial service in London (VERY special if you get the chance and are from Australia or New Zealand), you can apply to attend the Queen’s Garden Party via the Australian High Commission.

Do a quick Google for the authority that relates to you to see if there are any ties that give you the chance to apply in advance for an event like a Royal Garden Party with the Queen in summer at Buckingham Palace.

Be mindful of making the best of your opportunity though. I believe that you can only receive one invitation and/or only attend once. With demand being so high for such a special occasion, frequent chances to go along simply do not exist.

If you can’t make a Royal garden party though, you can tour Buckingham Palace. It’s usually open in the summer, and you can find out more by searching for it on Visit London’s website, among other sources.

We’ll report back in May on the event. Wish me luck … that I don’t trip over my feet or my words

 

Update following the Garden Party

We had a wonderful time! View: video, photos and the 5 things to know about a Buckingham Palace garden party. We were also featured on Business Insider following the experience

Royal garden party at Buckingham Palace featured image via Royal.uk










7 best travel blogger European destinations

7 best travel blogger European destinations

If you’re seeking some creative inspiration you can’t go past these 7 best travel blogger European destinations!

Travelling to beautiful destinations is an inspiring activity for everybody, but if you are a content producer chasing wanderlust, there are some places that stand out.

Here’s a list of the best travel vloggers and bloggers Euro destinations, courtesy guest contributor Rebecca Brown.

 

The best travel blogger destinations in Europe – 7 faves

There is something to say about every new, and even old place you visit, since sometimes you see things you’ve already seen in a different way.

However, some places are better than others.

The best travel vloggers and bloggers' European destinations - Lisbon Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal has many hot spots, and its beautiful capital is definitely one of them.

Perfectly combining the new with the old, Lisbon welcomes all kinds of creative travel vloggers and bloggers.

Nostalgic and romantic writers can find inspiration while exploring the city’s beautifully arranged streets and admiring the mesmerising landscapes from the many viewpoints strategically located throughout the city.

Foodies have the chance to indulge in memorable culinary experiences without having to empty their pockets.

There are many affordable restaurants and cooking classes a passionate blogger can enjoy while in Lisbon. Cervejaria Ramiro is one of the locals’ favourite gathering places that recently became famous among travellers as well.

Find out more about Lisbon here in our 3 days in Lisbon blog and vlog

The best travel vloggers and bloggers' European destinations - Barcelona Spain

Barcelona, Spain

Catalonia’s beautiful capital, Barcelona, is also a destination creative travellers should visit.

Inspiration is everywhere throughout the city, from the impressive architecture to the bustling beaches.

Follow Gaudi’s steps, explore Picasso’s genius and Miró’s wonderful mind to inspire your articles about art and architecture.

Enjoy some of Spain’s best wines and tapas, and party in Europe’s famous clubs.

Relax while having picnics at Barceloneta Beach, and, if you want to get in touch with history, explore the many interesting museums in Barcelona.

The best travel vloggers and bloggers' European destinations - Berlin Germany

Berlin, Germany

Bloggers who are passionate about travelling and history can’t miss seeing Berlin, one of Germany’s most interesting and intriguing cities.

The number of museums and historical monuments is fantastic, giving history enthusiasts the thrill they are looking for.

Art, great architecture, as well as shocking stories from WWII and other crucial moments of Europe’s past are also present everywhere in Berlin.

 

Mallorca, Spain

Do you want to share stories about sunny days, splendid beaches, cocktail recipes, and mouthwatering dishes, but you are also interested in cultural and historical places?

Then, visit Mallorca.

The island is paradise for travellers who dream about being caressed by the sun, enjoying water adventures, and having real island fun.

But culture and history aficionados are also welcome in Mallorca.

Palma, the capital city, as well as the great number of castles, fortresses, and historical monuments are always a delight for curious visitors. And the Palma Cathedral is definitely an inspiration for all bloggers and Instagram users who love sharing their travels through amazing photos.

The best travel vloggers and bloggers' European destinations - Hvar Croatia

Hvar, Croatia

Since we are talking about islands, Croatia is worth mentioning because it has many special pieces of land where passionate bloggers can spend memorable holidays and write great posts.

Hvar and the little, beautiful Pakleni Islands amaze the eyes of all visitors with spectacular landscapes and a multitude of secluded beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters filled with thrilled snorkelers.

 

Paris, France

Whether you are interested in romantic walks, want to indulge in some of the world’s most interesting cuisine, or dream about following the steps of famous artists, Paris is the perfect destination.

The city was an inspiration for many great minds, and just wandering around its small alleys can give you enough beauty for your articles.

But if this is not enough, enjoy an artistic adventure at the Louvre Museum, climb the famous Eiffel tour, visit the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral or get in touch with your childhood at Disneyland.

The best travel vloggers and bloggers' European destinations - Algarve Portugal

Algarve, Portugal

Portugal is one of the best travel vloggers and bloggers’ countries, not only thanks to its fascinating capital, Lisbon, but also because it has so much natural beauty.

The Algarve is a region that should be at the top of your list if you love writing about your adventures.

Not only will you find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world here, but the Algarve promises to amaze you with breathtaking landscapes, small, picturesque villages, and authentic cities.

Tavira is a place you shouldn’t miss if you want to catch a glimpse of the village culture, and Lagos is a great city to observe daily Portuguese life.

If nature is your cup of tea, make sure you explore the Ria Formosa National Park, and if you are interested in spending some time by yourself and admiring the surrounding beauties, check out Ponta da Piedade and Cape St Vincent.

These are just seven of the beautiful European destinations a blogger should visit, but there are many more places waiting to be explored and added to your travel posts.



 

 

About the author

Guest contributor Rebecca is an expat and translator by day, and a traveller mostly at night. She is an expert on living with jet lag – and packing in tiny suitcases. You can read more of her exploits at RoughDraft.