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Australia November 10, 2024

Top 8 Family Attractions in Phillip Island

This tiny island just 90 minutes from Melbourne packs so many attractions that everyone in the family can enjoy. From seeing the biggest fairy penguin colony in the world at the Penguin Parade to venturing to the many amazing beaches, Phillip Island has something to do for the whole family! Read on to find out more on the Top 8 Family Attractions in Phillip Island.

_{This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I make a small commission. This is at absolutely NO additional cost to you and helps me keep the site running!}

Why choose Phillip Island for a family holiday

This little island is a fantastic destination for a family holiday. Let me tell you why:

A haven for animals and wildlife lovers. The Penguins of course the star attraction but also so many other places to see lots of animals.
Amazing beaches all over the island, from calm beaches for toddlers like Cowes main beach to surf beaches like Cape Woolamai (did you know it’s one of the Hemsworth brothers favourite beach to surf??). Check out all the FREE attractions to see in Phillip Island on my other post!
Accommodation options for all budgets, from cozy cabins in one of the many caravan parks to fully serviced apartments and holiday homes.

How to get to Phillip Island

Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne by car, Phillip Island is close enough to be popular for day trippers, or people travelling there for the weekend or holiday. To get to the island, you will need to cross a road bridge from San Remo. Plan ahead during busy times or holiday periods as it can get busy or stop off in San Remo for some lunch or to see the Pelican Feeding!

You can reach Phillip Island also by ferry from the Mornington Peninsula from Stony Point. There are sailings every 3-4 hours from around 8 am to 4 pm, so check ahead on their website for exact times. Sailing to Cowes one way is around 40 minutes.

By bus – V/Line Buses connect Southern Cross to Phillip Island, with an interchange in Koo Wee Rup then heading to Cowes (approx 2.5 hours travel time).

By Train & Bus – Metro service to Dandenong connecting with V/line bus to Cowes (approx 3.20 hours travel time).

The best time to visit Phillip Island

Phillip Island is best enjoyed when the weather is warm, from late spring (November) till March. It’s an island full of wildlife and in summer is when you can see an abundance of it.

Waiting for the Penguins at the Penguins Parade

A thing to keep in mind is that the island can get very busy during school holidays, weekends and event periods (like the international Moto GP). If you are visiting during these times, you will need to book ahead for most things including events, attractions and accommodation, and allow for extra time when travelling to the island.

There is just one road in, and out road out of Phillip Island, and the bridge from San Remo to Cowes can get very congested. Get out early or travel outside of peak times for less crowds.

Top 8 Family Attractions in Phillip Island

Penguin Parade

The top attraction for families and visitors to Phillip Island is without doubt seeing the fairy penguins at the Penguin Parade. The fairy penguin colony in Phillip Island is the biggest in the world! Every night the little penguins come out from the sea and back to their burrows in the Summerland Peninsula.

The Penguin Parade operates every day of the year. The time varies depending on the season, outside of summertime they come to shore earlier (5.30-6.30 pm) compared to the later time of 8 pm onwards in summer. You can check the Penguin arrival calendar HERE. Make sure to book ahead as ticketing is capped and it does book out during school holidays. More info on the website.

Churchill Island Farm

Highland Cows. Image by Michael Drummond from Pixabay

The tiny island just off Phillip Island, Churchill Island is a green oasis to check out some farm animals and see what a historical farmhouse looked like. Little ones will enjoy the demonstrations of milking the cows, sheep shearing and more. Wagon rides are also available during the school holidays for an additional 7 AUD per ticket (not included in the 3-park pass). Open Daily 10 am to 4 pm. More info on their website.

Are you planning to visit Churchill Island as well as the Penguin Parade? To save some money, you can also purchase a 3 Park Entry Pass, which includes entry to the Penguin Parade, Churchill Island & the Koala Conservation Centre. You can check it out on the link below on Klook.

Koala Conservation Reserve

The Koala Conservation Reserve is incredible to see the fluffy koalas in their natural surroundings. You can learn more about these beautiful native animals here and see them when walking through the purpose-built boardwalks. It’s not your typical zoo, more like an open reserve, where each day the rangers estimate how many koalas you can see while exploring the park. Open daily 10 am to 5.30 pm, more info on website.

Amaze N Things

This quirky theme park in Phillip Island has been around for over 30 years! It’s a great day out for families visiting Phillip Island! Our kids (4 & 6 years) had a ball here but it is also suitable for older ages too. It’s unlike any other theme park and is magic & illusion-themed. It also has a large maze, minigolf and sky trail rope course all within the same location.

General entry to Amaze N Things includes access to Puzzle Island, Magic Manor and the Maze, the Minigolf course and Sky Trail are extra. Facilities onsite include a coffee shop, Ice cream and lolly store & gift shop. Outside there is also access to the playground (which is part of the attached Park Lane Holiday Park). Entry is 50% off if staying the Holiday Park. Amaze N Things is open daily 10 am to 5 pm, Prices starting from 42 AUD per adults and 28 AUD for kids, FREE under 3. More info on website.

Grumpys Crazy golf

The big cow at the front doesn’t go unnoticed as you walk or drive past Grumpys Crazy Golf on the main street in Cowes. A perfect place to spend an hour or so in on a rainy or too sunny day, this is a fully undercover 18 hole minigolf course. Open daily 10 am to 5 pm and later in the evening during holiday periods. More info on website.

National Vietnam Veteran War Museum

Tank in a War Museum – Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay

You can’t miss this museum as you drive through in Phillip Island as it has big war planes outside! This incredible museum in Newhaven has a large display of planes, tanks and memorabilia and is a fantastic place to learn about Australian history and the war. Open Daily 10 am to 4 pm. More info on their website.

Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Panny’s Chocolate Factory is for all the chocolate lovers! It’s a museum, shop and cafe. There are chocolate displays, and a huge fountain, and you can see how the chocolate is made right from the bean harvesting to final packaging. Open Daily 10 am to 4 pm. Fee to enter museum of 22 AUD for Adults, 14 AUD entry fee for kids and FREE under 3. More info on their website.

Go-Karting in a Miniature Moto GP track

For older children and teens seeking some thrills, right near the Moto GP Grand Prix track, you can drive on Go-Karts on a miniature GP Track! Younger kids aged 5-12 yr that are over 100 cm can drive in tandem with a grown up too. Open 10 am to 4 pm daily, More info on the website.

Nearby, you can also visit the History of Motosport Display to learn everything about the world-famous annual Moto GP that usually runs mid-October each year.

Family Friendly Dining in Phillip Island

Check out my other post here on Where to eat in Phillip Island with Kids!

Where to Stay In Phillip Island

Phillip Island Apartments

Modern, spacious apartments located just a few minutes walk away from all the shops and restaurants of Cowes. There are 1,2 and larger 3 bedroom apartments with balconies or patios fully self-contained, and an outdoor pool, heated spa & BBQ area to relax in.

Check Prices and Availability for Phillip Island Apartments HERE

Phillip Island Apartments – Image courtesy of Expedia

Silverwater Resort

Another popular resort with families visiting Phillip Island is actually just before the bridge crossing in San Remo!

Silverwater Resort is a large complex with resort rooms and many spacious 1,2 & 3 bedroom apartments. The resort also has a full restaurant, bar and many facilities that the whole family can enjoy during their stay like the indoor and outdoor pool, gym, spa and tennis court.

Check Prices and Availability for Silverwater Resort HERE

Silverwater Resort outdoor pool – Image courtesy of Expedia

Want to read more?

You can read more about Phillip Island in my other post on 5 Free Things to do in Phillip Island with Kids and Where to eat in Phillip Island with Kids.

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Australia October 13, 2024

Where to eat with Kids in Phillip Island

Phillip Island is not just your typical small island. Internationally renewed for its huge colony of fairy penguins and amazing wildlife, this little island now prides itself on some great produce, cafes & restaurants too. So if you have an upcoming family holiday planned to Phillip Island, check out this handy guide on Where to eat with Kids in Phillip Island.

_{This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I make a small commission. This is at absolutely NO additional cost to you and helps me keep the site running!}

Phillip Island: The perfect family holiday destination

The little island just 1.5 hours south of Melbourne has soo many things to do for the whole family. It’s perfect for a weekend, a day trip or even a week holiday. The fairy penguins are the star attraction, drawing local and international visitors from all over the world, to see these tiny 30 cm high adorable creatures make their way into their borrows every evening at the Penguin Parade!

Summerlands beach Phillip Island where the penguins arrive daily — Awaiting the Penguins at Summerlands Beach

There are also several FREE attractions to enjoy with Kids, beautiful beaches, caves as well as an abundance of wildlife all over the island. For a day of fun, Phillip Island also has A Maze n Things, a magic-themed park and maze that the whole family can enjoy.

Where to eat with Kids in Phillip Island

There are so many great places to eat in Phillip Island!

San Remo, just before you cross the bridge is a thriving little town and popular for the daily Pelican Feeding (one of the best FREE attractions to see with Kids when visiting Phillip Island) with some great dining spots too.

Pelicans waiting for their feed in San Remo — Daily Pelican Feeding in San Remo

Once on the Island, the main town is Cowes (just 15 minutes from San Remo), which has a long strip of restaurants down Thompson Avenue. Heading towards Cowes jetty there are lots of dining options like restaurants, pubs, and bakeries, as well as shops and takeaway restaurants.

Other parts of the island have smaller town centres, and you can also find hidden gems out in the countryside of this beautiful island.

I’ve put together this list of some of my favourite places to eat, for the parents to enjoy a great meal too of course!

Cowes

North Pier Hotel: family-friendly pub facing the water with a huge play area with bouncy castles. northpierhotel.com.au
Gday Tiger: Modern take-away barista-made coffee and gourmet toasties. gdaytiger.com.au
Pika Sushi: Takeaway sushi & restaurant with made-to-order Sushi rolls & Japanese classics. Kids menu in cool car-themed plates too! This was one of my favourite places to eat in Phillip Island with Kids! pikasushi.com.au

Isola di Capri: Trendy Italian restaurant for pizza & pasta. Isola Gelateria is located next door for delicious ice cream. isoladicapri.com.au
Pinos Trattoria: A longstanding local of Cowes, this large Family-friendly Italian restaurant is a popular favourite! pinostrattoria.com.au

G' Day Tiger in Cowes — G’Day Tiger, in Cowes

Other parts of the Island

Island Pies, the famous Scallop Pie — Scallop Pie from Island Pies

Island Pies Newhaven: Just over the bridge in Phillip Island. Home of the scallop pie (reccommend!) and other delicious baked goods! facebook.com/p/Island-Pies-Bakery-Newhaven
The Store, Ventnor: Lovely cafe and produce store in peaceful farmland surrounded by grazing cows & shady trees. thestore-phillipisland.com.au
Phillip Island Winery (Lunch only): Winery and wood-fired pizzas, outdoor games and plenty of room for the kids to run around. phillipislandwinery.com.au
Farmhouse Kitchen on Churchill Island: Located across on Churchill Island, with an amazing view of the surrounding green hills and the sea, this farm cafe is a great spot for brunch & lunch. facebook.com/p/Churchill-Island-Farmhouse-Kitchen

Seal Rock view from Nobbies cafe — Views over Seal Rock from the Nobbies Centre

Cafe at the Nobbies Centre, Ventnor: Located at the Nobbies Centre, the large cafe has amazing views over the hill facing Seal Rock. Toasted baguettes, Fish & Chips, baked goods and ice-creams are available for morning tea and lunch.

San Remo

Sanny Side: Tasty toasties & sandwiches and great coffee in this little cafe near the beach on Marine Parade. Get there early for lunch as they sell out! sannyside.au
Co-Op Fish and Chips: These guys have been operating here and running the daily Pelican Feeding for almost 40 years. They serve up some great fish and chips and also have a fresh seafood store. srfco.com.au/fish-and-chips-san-remo-phillip-island
Westernport Hotel San Remo: a popular place with the locals and visitors, this pub in the heart of San Remo dishes up all the pub classics and has also a kids menu and play area. Suitable for younger kids in the early evening as they have live music later on. thewesternport.com.au

Where to Stay In Phillip Island with Kids

Need a place to stay in Phillip Island?

NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park

On a prime location on the waterfront just a 3-minute walk to Cowes main beach, this holiday park has a variety of cabins suitable for all budgets and families as well as BBQ facilities and a kids playground on site.

The new Beachfront Glamping tents are a luxurious addition to the park, with uninterrupted sea views, modern amenities and an outdoor bath too!

Check Prices and Availability for NRMA Phillip Island HERE

Safari tent for family glamping in Cowes — Safari tent at the NRMA Phillip Island – Image courtesy of Expedia

Want to read more?

You can read more about Phillip Island in my other post on 5 Free Things to Do in Phillip Island with Kids and Top 8 Family Attractions in Phillip Island!

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Australia March 11, 2024

Things to do in Port MacDonnell: Rock Lobster Capital of Australia

Just 30 minutes towards the coast outside of Mount Gambier, you get to Port MacDonnell. This little beachside town might seem unassuming as you arrive. It’s not just the stunning white limestone beaches that the locals love. It’s also one tasty thing this place is well known for. CRAY! Welcome to Port MacDonnell, the Southern Rock Lobster Capital of Australia.

Visiting Port MacDonnell

port macdonnell man holding lobster statue

Once you are done visiting all of the popular Sinkholes in Mount Gambier, on the most southern point of South Australia is Port MacDonnell.

Just a 30-minute drive south of Mount Gambier, the little town of Port MacDonnell is famous for being Australia’s Southern Rock Lobster Capital. The statue on the jetty makes it clear that this place is about one thing, (a common name also for lobster) CRAY!

What is the difference between regular Lobster and Southern Rock Lobster?

When it comes to lobsters, Port MacDonnell and the surrounding areas along the Limestone Coast are the places for it. Southern Rock Lobster is said to be the best tasting lobster you can find in Australia.

This type of lobster has a distinct dark red, almost purple shell, and no claws, just long legs, spines and antennae’s that are much larger than a regular lobster. The meat is sweet, rich in flavour and quite firm. There is plenty of meat in the tail and a 1 kg lobster is sufficient for 2 people.

Things to do in Port MacDonnell

Relatively a small town, as you get to the water near the jetty, there are lots of signages explaining the history of Port MacDonnell, which was the site of many shipwrecks.

The Maritime Museum is a popular attraction in town and has lots of historical artefacts and details the history of the many shipwrecks along the coast.

The most well-known one (and not for good reasons) was the shipwreck of the SS Admella, which claimed most of its passengers and crew in 1859, after crashing into a reef at nearby Carpenter Rocks.

beach that can be driven on in port macdonnell — Woolwash Beach

The beach in Port MacDonnell is a must see and a popular destinations during the warmer weather. A popular spot to swim is the Woolwash area, near the Port MacDonnell Foreshore Tourist Park.

The white, compact limestone sand is also great to drive on and Wollwash Beach has car access. This is just outside the main town centre of Port MacDonnell. To reach it, take Racecourse Bay in the direction of Eight Mile Creek Road) where you will pass The Penguins.

These penguin statues are made of local limestone, from there you can actually drive right onto the perfectly flat white beach and stop for a swim.

playground in Port macdonnell — Jetty Playground

For kids, Port MacDonnell also has a new Jetty playground, which is very well equipped with slides, swings, a climbing frame, trampolines and an accessible liberty swing. BBQ facilities and shaded picnic tables are also available to have lunch. There are some fish and chips stores just across the road too.

Sandy limestone beach with compact, white sand

Last but not least, Fishing is of course is a popular thing to do in the area and all along the Limestone Coast. Lots of people take boats out, and fishing can be done off the jetty and depending on the season, salmon, whiting, squid and garfish are popular catches.

Eating Lobster in Port MacDonnell

Because Cray/Lobster is so popular here, across town and on the main street you will see Rock Lobster for sale and advertised in the menus of most restaurants.

cray pizza from a local restaurant in Port MacDonnell

Local pizza restaurant Bay Pizzaria sells a delicious Cray Pizza for AUD 37. Salt and Tide Café are the other 2 popular spots for brunch & dining facing the sea.

You can also purchase Rock Lobster directly from the seafood stores. A popular one in Port MacDonnell is Five Star Seafoods. Here you will find cooked Lobster from AUD 75 per kilo during lobster season (October to May).

Attractions nearby Port Macdonnell

If you travel by car towards Frog Rock further up the coast, you will find Shelly Beach. Shelly Beach has a beautiful small beach with rock formations that you can walk across to to explore.

Continue on the coast to Cape Banks lighthouse for some great views of the Limestone Coast.

For other places to swim, the Little Blue Lake is just 15 minutes drive away in Mount Schank, on the way back to Mount Gambier.

Want to read more about the Limestone Coast?

You can read more about Mount Gambier in my other post! Most Popular Sinkholes and Volcano Craters to visit in Mount Gambier and Things to do in Mount Gambier with kids.

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Destinations July 30, 2023

These are 3 of the Best Islands in Croatia

Croatia Island Hopping? Let me take you to explore 3 of the best islands in Croatia, Korčula, Vis & Hvar. Crystal-clear blue waters and gorgeous little towns make these islands must-see destinations. Check out the grand walls of Dubrovnik and the city buzz of Split as gateways, and of course, let’s not forget the food, the seafood is the best you will ever taste!

Starting your trip: Dubrovnik or Split?

None of the Islands I talk about in this post have airports, so you will need to take a ferry to get there. Most people opt for getting to the islands from either Dubrovnik or Split, in mainland Croatia. Where should you start your trip from? If you have the time to do both cities, do both. Depending on what islands you are visiting, it may make ferry connections easier so that you are not backtracking.

Dubrovnik cobbled streets — Cobbled Streets in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a much smaller town, but it’s jam-packed with history and beautiful to explore due to its location, well-preserved old town, and fortified walls. It is very touristy and can be quite expensive if staying in hotels (many people opt to stay in local guesthouses). Split on the other hand has much more of a city vibe, and is much bigger and more affordable for budget travellers. It really depends on what your preferences are when you are traveling to make you go for either Split or Dubrovnik as your base.

Want to know more? Check out my other post: Where is better – Dubrovnik or Split?

Getting to the islands & Getting around

Most of the popular ferry routes in Croatia are run by large car ferries or catamarans. Jadrolinija ferries, serves routes to the islands from Dubrovnik & Split as well as from Italy to Split (from Ancona, 11 hours) and to Dubrovnik (from Bari, 7 hours). Local company Krilo also runs services from Split to some of the Croatian islands like Hvar, Korčula & Brac.

Ferry travel in croatia — Travelling by ferry between the islands

Once on the islands, buses will get you around to the main town centers. Bikes can also be hired from local travel agencies as well as cars and scooters from car rental companies. My preference is to personally hire a car so you can go and explore easily at your convenience. A thing to note is that hiring a car in summer (especially around July / August) can be difficult, and if you leave it to when you arrive, cars may not be available. Book in advance if possible.

Ferry travels between the islands — Sunset over Croatia

What to eat in Croatia

In most places in Croatia, the menus at restaurants (called Konobas in Croatian) are well-catered for tourists. You will find lots of pasta & pizza (some better than others), meat, and seafood. I was initially put off by the very touristy-looking menu, but I must admit, in most instances, I was quite impressed. The fish & seafood in Croatia is abundant and delicious, especially on the coast and the islands.

The typical Dalmatian Style seafood is just grilled and dressed very generously with olive oil, parsley, and garlic. There is an old saying in Croatia:

The fish in Croatia must swim 3 times, first in the sea, then in olive oil, and then in wine!
Traditional Dalmatian Saying

seafood platter in Croatia — Seafood platter served with potatoes

You will generally find Skampi (prawns with long claws), octopus, squid, and local Adriatic fish varieties on a seafood platter.

Other popular dishes are Black Ink Risotto, Octopus salad, and generous plates of ‘small fried fish‘ (minnows). A traditional side dish to accompany seafood and meat is par-boiled potatoes with a local variety of a green similar to Swiss chard, called Blitva.

a typical Croatian dinner of seafood & grilled meats — Seafood and grilled meats at the Konobas in Croatia

For any meat eaters out there, you will also find plenty of grilled meat dishes and stews too. Cevapi is a popular street food in Croatia. They are skinless sausages made of pork and beef, with lots of paprika and garlic. They are served grilled, usually in flatbreads, loaded with lots of Ajvar, a spicy and extremely delicious capsicum/red pepper, and eggplant spread. You can often find imported Ajvar in European specialty stores to buy too.

Restaurants in Dubrovnik — Restaurants or ‘Konoba’ in Dubrovnik

Ice cream shops are plentiful in Croatia and Rožata (a Croatian version of baked crème caramel) are popular desserts if you still have room!

These are 3 of the Best Islands in Croatia

Korčula

Korcula Old town — Korčula Old Town – Image by invisiblepower from Pixabay

What to see in Korčula

Popular on the tourist route and one of the larger Adriatic Islands – Korčula has a glorious Old Town that is almost a miniature version of Dubrovnik. Beautifully maintained and built with Gothic and Renaissance architecture, it’s a must see in Korčula. If you look at a map of the old town, the streets were cleverly laid out in a fishbone shape in order to protect from the sun and wind.

Korcula Old town gate — Old Town Gate in Korčula

An interesting, although controversial, part of history for Korčula, is that it claims to be Marco Polo’s Birthplace, so you can see from the outside his supposed house, as well as a museum, and (lots of) souvenir shops.

Racisce, a small village in Korcula — The village of Racisce – 12 km west of Korčula Town

The beaches in Korčula are stunning and there are lots of places to see. Most of them are pebbles or rocky so arm yourself with some proper footwear! Nearby Lumbarda, does although have some great sandy beaches. If you are after a bit more quiet, the nearby islands of Proizd, with its turquoise waters and sloping rock formations, and Badija with its Franciscan monastery and deers roaming around, are fantastic day trips from Korčula.

The turquoise waters of Proizd island nearby Korcula — Proizd Island – 35 minutes via boat from Korčula

How Long to Stay in Korčula

4 – 5 Days

Accommodation in Korčula

There is a limited amount of full-service hotels on the islands, most of the accommodation is apartments and guesthouses. Korčula Town, Vela Luka & Lumbarda are the most popular places to stay. The small village of Racisce is a bit quieter but also a great little town to be based in if you have a car to get around. Check out Booking.com for a wide range of accommodations in Korčula.

Getting to Korčula

There are two major Ferry ports in Korčula – Domince & Vela Luka. Daily Ferries and Catamarans from Dubrovnik (approx. 2 hours), Split (approx. 3 hours), Hvar (approx. 1.5 hours).

Check Jadrolinija’s website for full schedule.

Vis

What to see in Vis

One of the less developed islands of Croatia, Vis is still rugged & filled with vineyards and was fairly undiscovered to tourism up till recently. This is mainly due to the island actually being closed off to tourist only up till 1989 as it was a military base.

Vis countryside — Church of St Nicholas, Vis

The two main towns of Vis and Komiža are cozy and stretch along the coastline of this small island. The main attractions are the local beaches of Stiniva & Zaglav (there are many more coves too) and taking a boat trip to Biševo to view the Blue Cave.

Bisevo cave in Vis — Biševo Cave, near Vis

How Long to Stay in Vis

3 – 4 days

Accommodation in Vis

There is a limited amount of hotels on the islands, most of the accommodation is apartments and guesthouses. Most of the accommodation is located in Komiza or Vis Town. Check out Booking.com for a wide range of accommodations in Vis.

Getting to Vis

There is one Ferry port in Vis – Vis Town. Daily Ferries and fast catamarans from from Split (approx. 1.5 to 2.5 hours).

Check Jadrolinija & Krilo for full schedule.

Hvar

What to see

Green Hvar has become to be known as one of the party islands of Croatia. It has lots of bars, beach clubs and can get very busy over the summertime. The main town of Hvar is located on the harbour and rows and rows of luxury yachts line the waterfront of this beautiful island. The town centre itself is quite small and can be seen easily in a few days. St Stephens Cathedral has been standing proud in the main square for centuries and is worth a visit as you stroll through town.

St Stephens Square & Cathedral in Hvar — St Stephen’s Square & Cathedral in Hvar

Take a 30-minute hike to Hvar Fortress for fantastic views over the island. To cool off, head to the nearby beach of Dubovica or take a boat trip over the swim in the clear blue waters of Pakleni Islands.

How Long to Stay in Hvar

2 – 3 days

Accommodation in Hvar

Due to being ‘the place’ to be in Croatia, Hvar has some of the most luxurious and expensive accommodations of all the islands. Accommodation in the old part of Hvar town can be very pricey and noisy over the summertime so venturing further out of town and staying in apartments and guesthouses can be a more affordable option. Stari Grad in the north of the islands also has accommodations and is a quieter, more affordable alternative to Hvar Town. Check out Booking.com for a wide range of accommodations in Hvar.

Hvar Fortress & Harbourside — Hvar Fortress & Harbour – Image by Joëlle Moreau from Pixabay

Getting to Hvar

There are two major Ferry ports in Hvar – Stari Grad and Sucuraj. Daily Ferries and Catamarans from Split (just over 1 hour), Korčula (approx. 1 hour), Dubrovnik (approx. 3 hours).

Check Jadrolinija & Krilo for full schedule.

Book

Hope you enjoyed this article! Want to read more? Check out more of my posts below:

Where is better: Dubrovnik or Split? HERE.

How to Save Money When Travelling Around Europe HERE & Europe Hidden Gem Destinations HERE.

To compare and book flights to Europe, head over to Skyscanner.

Looking for some great hotel deals? Check out Expedia or Booking.com.

Compare car hire prices at Expedia Cars.

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Destinations July 17, 2023

Europe Hidden Gems – Top 5 Destinations

Planning your next Europe getaway and want to venture somewhere off the beaten track on your trip? Be amazed by the beauty of these Top 5 Destinations and the Best of Europe’s Hidden Gems. Read more below on what makes these places unique, what to eat and how to get there.

evening along the rivers in ghent — Ghent – Belgium

Europe, where do I begin with all the amazing places to visit? There are so many incredible countries soaked in hundreds of years of history, beautiful big and small cities with a maze of narrow cobbled laneways, majestic cathedrals and so much more.

When I first planned to move to Europe I had all this long list of places I wanted to see and it was all the bucket-list destinations we have all heard of.

a few from lake garda one of europe hidden gems — Lake Garda, Italy

But, those times I ventured off that list and went to some other places I had not heard of before, what I found was nothing short of magic!

So, if you have the time, don’t be afraid to venture off the itinerary you had in mind. There are more amazing destinations than just the 5 in the list below, the list could be endless! These are my favourite Top 5 of Europe’s Best Hidden Gems.

the port of gozo another hidden gem to visit — Mgarr Harbour, Gozo

Europe’s Best Hidden Gems – Top 5

Ghent, Belgium

You probably have heard of Brussels and of the gorgeous little town of Bruges, but have you heard of Ghent? A stunning city with lots and lots of medieval charm. A popular university town, it has great restaurants, bars and some cool, modern street art too!

Take a stroll or a boat ride on river Lys and marvel at the beautiful façades of the Graslei. Visit St Bavo’s Cathedral to see the stunning masterpiece of the Ghent Alterpiece. And, if you are into some real life historic horror stories, visit the Gravensteen Castle, also called the Castle of the Counts to learn more about it’s dark past.

Gravenstreen castle in ghent, one of europe hidden gems — Gravensteen Castle, right in the centre of Ghent

Getting to Ghent

International & domestic airlines fly into Brussels (BRU) and then it’s just under 1 hour by direct train or by driving to Ghent if you have a car. If you are in France or England, you can also reach Brussels with the Eurostar in less than 2 hours!

tourist relaxing on the graslei in ghent — Weekenders in relaxing at the Graslei in Ghent

How long to stay

2-3 days

What to eat

Waffles, Chocolate, Chips (Frites) & Beer of course! Do I need to say more or are you packing your bags already? Read more about Belgium’s most popular foods & beers HERE in my other post.

chocolate shop in belgium — One of the many chocolate stores in Belgium

Wroclaw, Poland

With a stunning, colourful town square to rival it’s other bigger sister city, Krakow, Wroclaw is still an undiscovered beautiful university city to visit in Poland. Tiny little gnome statues appear in every corner of the city, representing the long history of communism in the past of this country and the protest against it.

It also has one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe! This one definitely makes the list in being one of Europe’s Best Hidden Gems.

You can read more about Wroclaw in my other post HERE.

a colourful square in wroclaw, a hidden gem of europe — Colourful buildings in Wroclaw Market Square

Getting to Wroclaw

Wroclaw has an international airport located just outside town (Wroclaw Nicolaus Copernicus Airport, WRO). It serves flights from London (2 hours), Warsaw & Frankfurt (1 hour) and from many other countries in Europe. You can also get there by train from Berlin, which has a daily connection and takes around 4 hours. It’s about 3 hours by train from Krakow.

How long to stay

2 -3 days

What to eat

Pierogi filled with potato or cheese (or both), a warming Hunters Stew or Bigos, made with pork and sauerkraut, Cabbage Rolls or Golabki, stuffed with meat in a red sauce.

a plate of creamy pierogi, a typical food of poland — Pierogi topped with butter, onion and pork rinds – Image by Julita from Pixabay

Gozo, Malta

This little island located right next to it’s big sister Malta, is small but mighty in history and things to see. Venture to the capital Victoria, to see the fortified walls of the Cittadella for a great view over Gozo or cool off on the stunning beaches with red sand of Ramla Bay or San Blas.

Dwejra inland sea — Inland Sea at Dwejra, Gozo

It also has temples dating back to before the pyramids, the Ggantija Temples! It comes alive during the summertime for the many ‘feasts’, where each small town celebrates its patron saints and puts on fabulous parades and fireworks. Take a day trip to nearby Comino to see the stunning Blue Lagoon.

blue lagoon in comino — The Blue Lagoon on the Island of Comino, right next to Gozo

Getting to Gozo

There is no airport in Gozo, so you need to fly into Malta’s main airport (Malta International Aiport, MLA). From Malta, you need to get to Ċirkewwa Harbour, where the ferry will take you across to Gozo. The Ferry crossing is about 25 minutes. Although there is public transport available, the services are not frequent so hiring a car would be your best option to get around on the island!

view of a popular beach in goo, ramla bay — View over Ramla Beach in Gozo from Tal-Mixta Cave

How long to stay

4 – 5 days

What to eat

Ftira or Gozitan Pizza, is the speciality here and you will find it either filled with ricotta & goat cheeses, or topped with potatoes, slices of tomatoes and loads of olives and capers (they grow wild all over the island). You will also find rabbit stew, called Stuffat Tal Fenek, and of course Pastizzi, two very traditional Maltese foods to eat. The traditional Pastizzi fillings are Ricotta or Peas.

rabbit stew, a typican dish of gozo, malta — Rabbit Stew, with a Cisk beer to it wash all down of course

Lake Garda, Italy

When people think of a lake in Italy, everyone thinks of Lake Como, but did you know that Lake Garda is the biggest lake in Italy? With a picturesque, green coastline, it’s dotted with pretty little towns and that makes Lake Garda one of Europe’s Best Hidden Gems! The most popular towns are Sirmione, Malcesine, Riva del Garda and Limone.

a stunning view of riva del garda, in lake garda — A scenic view of Riva del Garda

Sirmione, has a 14th century roman castle that is one of the best preserved in the whole of Italy! For some fabulous views on a clear day, head to Malcesine and ride the cable car to the top of Monte Baldo.

You can also see the remains of a roman villa at Grotte di Catullo dating back to the 1st Century BC. The locals LOVE Lake Garda and it’s a very popular day trip so it does get busy on weekends, public holidays and during summertime.

scaliger castle in lake garda — Scaliger Castle, Sirmione

Getting to Lake Garda

The closest airport is Verona (Valerio Catullo Airport VRN) in the north of Italy which is just outside the city of Verona (famous for Romeo & Juliet and Juliet’s Balcony). From Verona, by car you can reach Lake Garda in about 20 minutes. You can also reach the towns of Peschiera e Desenzano on Lake Garda via train from Verona station. Venice international airport is around 2 hours away by car to Lake Garda.

lake garda in bloom during summer — Lake Garda in bloom during spring

How long to stay

2 – 3 days

What to eat

The main speciality of the area is seafood dishes! Locals will travel for the day just to have a seafood feast for lunch from Lake Garda. A very typical pasta dish is Bigoli con le Sarde, which is a thick spaghetti with fresh sardines and lots of garlic & parsley (You can find my version of Bucatini with Sardines HERE).

Risotti are also very typical of the north of Italy and the Vialone Nano variety is often used to make a creamy red wine risotto called Risotto All’Amarone, a local wine of the area.

Lucerne, Switzerland

chapel bridge in lucerne — Chapel Bridge, Lucerne

Another stunning medieval town, with distinctive wooden bridges that stand the test of time, being built in the 1400s. The old town is charming with beautiful painted houses and stunning churches with Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Take a trip to Mt Pilatus on a clear day for stunning views over the city, Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps. You can usually see snow capped mountains from November to April.

Getting to Lucerne

The closest airports to Lucerne are Zurich (ZHR) or Bern (BRN), from there Lucerne is well connected by rail links and road that will get your there in about 1 hour. Geneva is around 3 hours away by car / train.

painted building in lucerne — The beautiful façade of Restaurant Fritschi in Lucerne, opened in 1602

How long to stay

2 – 3 days

What to eat

Potatoes and cheese, lots and lots of swiss cheese! Swiss Potato Rösti is a very popular dish and is essentially a very large hash brown. The potatoes are shredded either when raw or par-boiled then fried in butter or oil till crispy. They are just eaten like that or topped with eggs, cheese, mushrooms (usually chanterelles) or bacon and onions.

cheese display at a local market in Lucerne

Swiss Fondue is the other popular dish and comes served in a fondue pot served at the table, where you dip chunks of bread or potatoes in. The cheeses used for a fondue are usually a mix of Gruyere and other Swiss Cheeses like Emmental or Vacherin.

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Hope you enjoyed this article!

If you are planning to travel to Europe and want to read more about it, check out my post on How to Save Money When Travelling Around Europe HERE.

I also wrote a more extensive post on Wroclaw HERE and one on the amazing food in Belgium HERE.

To compare and book flights to Europe, head over to Skyscanner HERE.

Looking for some great hotel deals? Check out Expedia or Booking.com.

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Destinations June 18, 2023

Don’t miss these Top 5 Attractions in Kefalonia

The largest of the Ionian Islands in Greece, Kefalonia is a stunningly calm, relaxed alternative to some of the other popular islands in Greece like Kos & Mykonos. Well known for it’s landscape diversity, good wine and stunning beaches, you will love this island! Here is more about it and the Top 5 Attractions in Kefalonia.

_{This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I make a small commission. This is at absolutely NO additional cost to you and helps me keep the site running!}

landscape kefalonia — One of the many stunning views of Kefalonia

About Kefalonia

Vast, green and with a real laid back vibe, Kefalonia is one of the Greek Islands gems. Jam packed with natural beauties like underground caves and beaches that will just make you want to dive in. Wine is what this island has always been about much longer before tourism started too.

The Robola grape variety is grown in abundance, and produces an elegant dry white wine which is extremely popular and you will often see served in restaurants on the island.

Green landscape in kefalonia — The immense green across most of Kefalonia

One of the main differencing factors of Kefalonia is also the architecture. It’s not your typical white domed Cycladic architecture you find in Santorini or some of the other Greek islands. Most of the towns, aside from Fiskardo, are actually quite modern.

That is actually due to a major earthquake that destroyed a lot of the island in the 1950s! The 1953 The Ionian Earthquake did extensive damage to Kefalonia and neighbouring Zakynthos and that meant that most of the island had to be rebuilt.

Old Building in Fiskardo kefalolia — Walking around Fiskardo

How to Get to Kefalonia

Flying

There is one airport on the island, Kefalonia International Airport Anna Pollatou. If you are travelling from mainland Greece – there are are usually 3 flights a day that connect Athens to Kefalonia (just over 1 hour flight time). The island is also very well connected to other parts of Europe with several budget airlines flying to Kefalonia like Ryanair & EasyJet.

Ferry

There is no direct route via ferry from Athens, so you would first need to travel from Athens to Patras or Kyllini (both still in mainland Greece but to the south) to reach Kefalonia. From other islands, there are also ferry connections to the nearby islands of Lefkada (Vasiliki to Fiskardo), Ithaca (Pisaetos to Sami), Zakinthos (Agios Nikolaos to Pessada). The ferry routes are only 1-2 hours depending to which islands you are coming from and prices start from as little as 20 Euro pp one way.

Once you do get to Kefalonia, I do recommend hiring a car to get around! Do book ahead to secure the best price as it does get busy over peak holiday times of June, July & August.

Where to stay in Kefalonia

There is a variety of accommodation options throughout Kefalonia. The majority of the accommodation is located in the main town of Argostoli, but also in Skala, Assos, Fiskardo & Sami.

There are also lots of other smaller villages that you can stay in if you want to be somewhere quieter, and if you have a car it’s very easy to get around to most places. Check out Expedia.com to see what’s available.

Sandy Beach in Kefalonia — Avithos Beach

We opted to stay in Svoronata, in the south, just 10 minutes away from the airport. We stayed at the beautiful Avithos Resort. It’s recently had a refurbishment and is now a modern, upscale complex with a stunning pool.

Check Prices and Availability for Avithos Resort Here

Avithos Resort – Image courtesy of Expedia.com

Nearby there is also the popular sandy Avithos Beach and two fabulous Taverna’s where you can get your fix of your classic Greek dishes, and of course some very fresh seafood. You can check them out here: Avithos Preview & Taverna To Enetiko.

Fish platter in a taverna in Kefalonia — A fresh mixed fish platter, a typical dish in Kefalonia

These are the Top 5 Attractions in Kefalonia

Myrtos Beach

Stunningly beautiful. I don’t really have many other words to describe it because it really is the postcard kind of beach that you will see on a lot of advertising for Greece. It’s a white pebble beach (wear beach sandals!) and it’s located about 8 km from Assos. As you drive down the steep windy road to reach it, there are lots of viewing points where you can see the beach and it’s tall marble cliffs in all of it’s beauty. There is free parking as you reach the beach, but it does get very busy in summer! An absolute must see in the Top 5 Attractions in Kefalonia.

You can read about Myrtos and more great beaches in Greece on my other post 5 of the Best Beaches in Greece.

Assos

Nearby the town of Assos (about 20 minutes by car), is another stop that is worth seeing and is a beautiful colourful seaside village. Assos was mostly destroyed during the 1953 earthquake, but with the kindness of the French community which loved the village so much, Assos was completely rebuilt as it was previously!

Antisamos beach

Close to the port of Sami, this is a place that brought some significant fame to the island. It was a filming location for the 2001 movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, starring Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz. Since then it’s retained popularity as one of the most visited beaches in Kefalonia.

Antisamos beach from afar — Antisamos Beach from afar

The beach has lots of amenities like restaurants, beach bars, toilets and facilities. It’s also very long, so If you want to be away from the crowds there is plenty of room. Just walk further down the beach away from the loungers to get some more peace and quiet. It’s surrounded by pine trees, that protect it from the wind, it’s green all around! It has white, smooth pebbles and the water is of a stunning turquoise colour.

Lake Melissani Cave

Melissani cave lake, one of the Top 5 attractions in Kefalonia — Lake Melissani

Also nearby Sami, this cave and lake is a definite Top 5 Attraction in Kefalonia. Before going and seeing the pictures I did have my doubts if it was that incredible to see with my own eyes, but it well and truly was! It’s a cave, which has an underground lake with an opening at the top. If you see it especially around midday, the sunlight that comes in directly above the cave, lights up the lake in an unbelievable blue and mystical glow. It’s sure to blow your mind!

Melissani cave lake water while in the boat, one of the Top 5 attractions in Kefalonia — The stunning blue water at Melissani cave

The history surrounding this place is nothing short of spectacular either. Also called the ‘Cave of the Nymphs’, artefacts were found in the cave dating back to the post Classical period, thousand of years old! To note: You cannot swim in the cave. After paying for the entrance you will be taken for a short boat ride across the lake (10-15 minutes). The cave is just open to visitors May to October. Check their direct website closer to travelling for up to date opening dates.

Fiskardo Harbour

This stunning village is one of the few places that was not destroyed by the 1953 earthquake and still has the authentic old world charm. If you are a history buff, you can take a short walk and visit a Roman Cemetery that dates back thousands of years and gaze at the old Venetian lighthouse. There are lots of tavernas and shops so it makes for a great stop. Fiskardo is a working port and is very popular docking stop. It does get very busy with yachts and boats during the summertime.

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I hope you enjoyed this post on the Top 5 Attractions in Kefalonia. Efcharistó (Thank You!) for reading!

Browse some great Kefalonia Hotel deals, check out the best prices and availability on Expedia.com

To book a car in Kefalonia, check out Expedia in their Car Hire section!

Check out the best airfares to get to Kefalonia, check out Skyscanner.

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