travel guide

Mallorca Travel Guide

Published on October 30, 2024April 2, 2025 by AnitaLeave a comment

Mallorca is one of my favourite places in Europe! It is the largest of the Balearic Islands and it is definitely worth travelling to, as there is so much to offer for all types of travellers. While Ibiza is known for parties and Menorca for a secluded retreat, Mallorca fully encompasses both vibes.

I recommend at least 4 days in Mallorca, but you could easily spend 2 weeks here as there is so much to do and see. I spent 5 days and left feeling like I missed out on parts of the island. It takes a while to get from one part of the island to the next, so only plan to explore a couple of villages/beaches per day to avoid too much travel time.

How to get around Mallorca

The best way to move around Mallorca is to rent a car, unless you are planning to stay in one place. The public transport is very well organised. There is a bus that will take you from the airport to Palma for €2 and once you are there you can go anywhere on the island by bus, whether it is a day trip outside of the city or a trip across town. Please check all the information here. The most enjoyable and popular train journey is from Palma to Soller. Trains run through the mountains on a wonderful scenic journey to the 17th-century station in Soller. For information see Tren de Soller. Uber is also available in Mallorca.

Where to Stay

There are so many options in Mallorca and it will depend on what kind of holiday you are after. We booked a small adults-only hotel Cas Comte Suites & Spa in a quiet village called Llosete. It was a 30 minute drive from Palma and around 40 minutes from Soller, Deia and Valldemossa.

If you have time, I’d suggest breaking your trip into three parts. First you can stay in Palma. With beautiful historic architecture, golden sandy beaches, a harbour, fabulous museums and art galleries, shopping, restaurants and very cool nightlife, Palma is a great city break destination.

For a quieter and completely different vibe, move northwest and stay in or close to the beautiful villages of Valldemossa and Deia. The west of Mallorca is famous for its picturesque towns and villages and what it might lack in beaches, it more than makes up for with dramatic scenery thanks to the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. You can also explore Soller, the north (Alcudia, Cap de Formentor) and west coast (Port Soller, Sa Calobra).

Once you’re itching for some beach time, head across the island to the east coast where you will find the clearest, bluest waters you’ve ever laid eyes on. Cala D’Or is pretty touristic but conveniently located near many dreamy beaches and Cala Mondrago National Park.

Explore Mallorca

PALMA DE MALLORCA

Palma de Mallorca, the vibrant capital city, is a blend of historical charm and modern allure. Nestled along the coast, the city offers a captivating mix of Gothic architecture, sandy beaches, and bustling markets. If you are not staying here, make sure to take at least one day trip to the city because the food scene, shopping and night life are amazing!

VALLDEMOSSA, DEIA & FORNALUTX

Take a drive through Serra de Tramuntana and you’ll come across some of the prettiest villages in Mallorca. Deia is small, and there’s not a lot going on, but perfectly serene to visit in the evening, especially if you have a dinner reservation at El Olivio, Restaurant Nama or Restaurante Miro.

Similar to Deia, Valldemossa is built up a hilltop, but it’s a bit more bustling with a variety of boutiques, cafes, shops and restaurants. Spend an afternoon navigating the maze of cobbled lanes lined with the most potted plants and flowers you’ve ever seen. If you only have time for one, I would choose Valldemossa.

Fornalutx is often referred to as the ‘Prettiest village in Spain’. The effort to maintain the traditional look has created one of the best-preserved villages in Spain. Take a coffee in the main square Plaça d’España, explore charming lanes filled with potted plants, and admire the pretty citrus groves. There are a few shops in the village selling some traditional arts and crafts and a couple of delightful little restaurants.

SOLLER & PORT DE SOLLER

Perfectly positioned in the heart of Mallorca’s Valley of Oranges, with the mountains on one side and the sea on the other, Soller is a must visit place while you are in Mallorca. If you don’t have a car, you can take a historical Tren de Soller from Palma. The train departs from its own station in Palma and takes an hour to reach Sóller’s, stopping at Bunyola on the way for a 28€ return.

Other Places: Alcudia | Santanyí | Pollensa | Cala Figuera

Things to Do

Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Palma
Head over to Porto Cristo and check out the Drach Caves. Book a half a half-day tour here!
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, explore the stunning waterfalls and canyons of Mortitx.
Stroll through the Jardines de Alfabia
Enjoy the views from the Lighthouse of Cap de Formentor
Take a scenic train ride from Palma to Sóller
Book one of the many catamaran cruises along the coast
Visit Convent de Santa Clara and buy some delicious biscuits made by nuns

Best Beaches in Mallorca

Cala Lombards
Cala Pi
Calo des Moro
Cala s’Almonia
Sa Calobra
Es Trenc
Cala D’or
Cala Esmeralda
Cala Mesquida
Cala de Deya

Restaurants

££

Es Guix, La Malvasia, Ombu, Mestis, Rikito, Cassai, Restaurant Nama

£££

Ca’s Patro March, Kingfisher, Restaurante Illeta, Aromata, NENI Mallorca

££££

El Olivo, Restaurante Miro, Restaurant Botànic

Brunch

Mallorca Bars

Bar Abaco
Brassclub
Ginbo
Heaven
Es Princep Rooftop
Agabar
El Cielo de Born
SkyBar, Hotel Almudaina

Mini Guide to Positano

Published on September 10, 2019October 8, 2019 by AnitaLeave a comment

Getting There

The quickest way to get to Positano is to rent a car in Naples and drive. The car gives you freedom and the drive takes around 90 minutes. The downside of this is that you will have to drive in Naples. There is no simple way to put this…driving in Naples is nothing like driving in a typical city. You’ll encounter intersections without traffic signals or stop signs, dogs and babies on Vespas, and drivers who break every traffic law. Also parking in Positano is hard to find and it costs around 30€/day.

Another way to get to Positano is by train. There is no direct train to Positano so if you want to take a train, you can only travel from Napoli Centrale to Sorrento, and then you need to travel from Sorrento to Positano by SITA bus. The Circumvesuviana train heads to Sorrento every half hour from 6 AM to 11 PM in the high season, and a bit less frequently in off seasons. A one way trip takes an hour and ten minutes; you can purchase your ticket at the station for 4€. Keep in mind that these tickets can’t be purchased in advance, so trains tend to be overcrowded or sold out. It’s worth spending the extra 4€ for the Campania Express, which makes the trip from Naples to Sorrento in under an hour and is generally considered more comfortable.

As we wanted to get to Positano as early as possible we took the Circumvesuviana train. We read so many bad expirences online that we honestly expected this train would be full of criminals and mugging would be the best case scenario. In our experience there is nothing wrong with this train. Of course, you have to be vigiliant and use common sense but for anyone who’s ever been on the public transport there shouldn’t be a problem.

Once you reach Sorrento, you’re halfway done with your trip! Now you’re just a short bus or ferry ride away! The Sita bus company runs from Sorrento Railway Station along the coast, all the way to Amalfi with stops in Positano. The bus runs daily, in the peak season leaving every 30 minutes from 6:30 AM until 7:30 PM and takes about 45 minutes. Tickets cost between 10€ and 12€ and can be purchased at local cigarette shops, newspaper stands, or the Circumvesuviana station. However, a ticket doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a seat as these busses are often oversold. Get there as early as possible to secure your seat.

Where to Eat

Tagliata

Settled in the hills above Positano, this charming restaurant is something you can’t miss. This family run restaurant doesn’t have a menu but instead you are offered a set meal of antipasti, first course (selection of pasta), second course (selection of barbequed meats), dessert and a bottle of wine for a fixed price of 45€ per person. The view makes the dining experience so enjoyable, but the food was truly the highlight. With many of their ingredients grown right on the property, even the simple vegetable dishes had an amazing flavor. After lunch we had a walk around their vegetable and lemon gardenwhere they also keep chickens, rabbits and donkeys.

Bar Buca di Bacco

Casual spot right on the main beach! In the morning you can get your coffee & croissant fix, and during lunch a pizza and a glass of wine! A more affordable option amongst the other sit-down restaurants on the main beach.

Where to take pictures

Spaggia Grande

What is a visit to Positano without a visit to its famous beach? We didn’t have a chance to swim because it was very windy but did manage to wander around the beach until it got too busy. The Spaggia Grande is actually a private beach. To rent a beach chair you are looking at 22€ per chair, while the front row chairs are 25€. If that’s not your jam, you can bring your own towel and lay in a small section just next to the chairs for free.

Shops in Positano

Head to the Church in Positano and you will find the perfect little shop selling ceramics. They don’t allow photos inside but the outside is just perfect.

Chez Black and Beach Promenade

Chez Black is a restaurant right on the main beach in Positano. I loved the charm it had, and it felt like a perfect photo opportunity! If you keep walking along the beach promenade you’ll find pretty spots to shoot like this beach entrance!

The Deli

At the crossroad between two main walking streets Piazza dei Mulini and Via Cristoforo Colombo lies The Delicatessen and the stairs that lead to the street where famous La Sirenus Hotel is located. It’s a bit hard to get a good picture here during the day for the obvious reasons so try mornings.

Hotel Poseidon

Well not the actual hotel but actually down the road from it. The hotel is amazing for photos as well but I acidentally found this spot which turned out to be my favourite view of Positano. And guess what, it’s not busy so you can have it to yourself.

Le Sirenuse Hotel

Most of the photos you find online while searching for Positano are probably taken from this hotel. Some lucky people have the opportunity to stay there but for those less lucky you can book a lunch or a dinner or go for a drink at Franco’s bar. Franco’s don’t take bookings so make sure you arrive as soon it opens, at 5pm. In case you were wondering, this famous balcony is located at the hotel’s lobby.

What to do

Unlike Rome where there’s a plenty of historical sights to see, the Amalfi coast is reserved for relaxation (except the many stairs that you have to walk everyday).

Spend your days at the beach. There are two beaches in Positano. Spaggia Grande is the main beach that acts as the center of town! If you are looking for something quieter head to Fornillo, just a 5-10 minute walk along the coastal pathway.

Take a ride around the Amalfi Coast on a private boat.

Enjoy fresh Italian food and have more than one Aperol during aperitivo.

Take a day trip to Capri.

Capture the views from every angle.

How to spend 4 days in Rome

Published on August 29, 2019March 23, 2023 by AnitaLeave a comment

You know what they say: “All Roads Lead to Rome” and that’s why you have to visit it at least once in your life. I don’t know why it took me so long to visit but I have to say it’s now one of the top 5 places that I’ve ever been to. Here are my top tips about how to get around, where to eat, and what to do.

How to get around Rome

The best way to get from place to place in Rome is on your own two feet. Rome is a highly walkable city, assuming you’re not trying to walk all the way from Vatican City to the Colosseum in one go. We were staying very close to the Colosseum so we were only two metro stops (around 5 minutes) away from the main Roma Termini station and around 17 minutes walk from the famous Trevi Fountain.

If you’re not up for walking or simply can’t, the local bus system in Rome is easy to use and cheap. Buses are frequent, but not necessarily always on time or reliable. I suggest using an app like Citymapper to plan your route. One-way bus tickets or all-day passes can be bought at most newspaper kiosks, convenience shops or metro stations in Rome, be careful though, most of the shopkeepers we spoke to wanted cash and wouldn’t let us pay for tickets with a debit card.

What to eat & drink in Rome

Grazia & Graziella

This vintage-style restaurant, located in Trastevere relies on tradition and creativity, with their 60’s and 70’s inspired decor. It is named after the owners grandmother, Grazia (who is also to thank for the unique recipes) and from Graziella, the traditional Italian bicycle.

Largo M.D. Fumasoni Biondi, 5,Rome

Tonarello

Just across the street from Grazia & Graziella is this very popular and very busy restaurant so come early or be prepared to wait in a queue. It’s a classic italian restaurant but with very tasty food and amazing service.

Via della Paglia, 1,Rome

Mr. 100 Tiramisu/Two Sizes

These two tiramisu places couldn’t be more different but they are both delicious!

As the name says, Mr. 100 Tiramisu is a place where you can choose from 100 different types of tiramisu. Unexpectedly though, it is very small and serves tiramisu at the bar because the tables are reserved for food and wine (you can have tiramisu for dessert), the food menu was mainly charcuterie (cheese and cured meats). But because it’s a bit off the tourist track, it doesn’t get overly busy. After a long debate and looking at the menu, we chose banana, dulce de leche and cinnamon along with dark chocolate with orange, it was great watching them create our tiramisu for us right in front of our eyes whilst we sat at the bar!

Via dei Sediari 11/12,Rome

Two sizes is a much more touristy and straightforward tiramisu place, classic tiramisu in mini and normal sizes. It’s ideal if you want to grab something quick and not hang about.

Via del Governo Vecchio 88, Rome

Salotto42

Known as one of the coolest bars in Rome (and one of the most instagrammable because of the pink flowers on the facade) featuring cool rotating art on the walls, magazines, vinyls scattered around, plush chairs and beautifully made cocktails. The €10-€12 cocktails always come with a simple side of olives and chips and mini sandwiches at the end so make sure to pop by and sample one of the signature Spritzes. Yes,that’s right Spritzes. The trendy bar has a cocktail menu dedicated entirely to the Spritz!

Piazza di Pietra, 42, Rome

Bar del Cinque

Another gem in the Trastavere neighborhood. With a beautiful facade often seen on Instagram. I felt this was the most authentic place we visited as we were the only tourists inside.

Vicolo de’ Cinque, 5, Roma

Les Etoiles

This is the only hotel which features in this post and it’s because of the amazing views that you can get of Rome from the rooftop. Everything here is a bit pricey but we paid €5 for coffee, €5 for water and €5 for a selection of biscuits, but it was worth it, don’t you think?

What to see in Rome

The ancient city of Rome is literally an open air museum, and can be traced back to 753 BC. There are certain sights everyone will see but here are my top picks and some advice on how to beat the crowds, take the best pictures and generally enjoy stress free sightseeing!

Colosseum and Roman Forum

It’s not surprising that the Colosseum hosts 4 million tourists a year being one of the 7 Wonders of the World. That means you can expect the queues to be very long any day of the week and at any time of the year. Throw the hot sun and humidity into the mix and you are asking for a recipe for disaster!

When you google tickets, you will get dozens of different websites and tours, many of them very expensive. Another thing that we didn’t want to do was to take a guided tour, they take too long and we wanted to go and see things at our own pace, so I was very happy when I discovered the perfect ticket for us on the ticketing website Headout. We bought a skip-the-line with escorted entry ticket which included the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and this cost only €28 per person. So how does this work? We (and lots of other people) meet the guide down the street from the Colosseum at an agreed meeting point and they accompany us through a special tour group entrance where we jumped the queue and got inside within minutes! The only thing you can’t skip is the security bit (same as the airport) but that was quick as well because we took the earliest ticket we could find which was 8:30am and there weren’t as many groups.

If you want to capture a good picture of the Colosseum or Roman Forum you actually have to be on the outside. The street Via Nicola Salvi, just above the metro station ‘Colosseum’ is the perfect spot to capture an iconic Colosseum photo. You won’t be here alone but it’s doable as people move fast.

We got to spend around 2 hours in the Coloseum, which was more than enough to see the entire thing and read all of the information about the building and it’s history, we then went back to the meeting point to meet our guide and be escorted to the Forum.

To get great a Roman Forum picture head behind Museu Capitolina to Via di S.Pietro in Carcere.

Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Trevi fountain is the fountain of all fountains, one of the most iconic spots in Rome and literally the most crowded spot of all time. One of the reasons for this is due to the legend of throwing coins into it. The legend claims that you should throw three coins into the fountain. The first coin guarantees your return to Rome, the second will ensure a new romance, and the third will ensure marriage. It’s no surprise that around €3,000 is collected from the fountain every evening! That money is donated to a non-profit organisation that provides food to the homeless in Rome.

This fountain is a real masterpiece but in order to see it you have to get up early. And by early I mean 5am! We got there at 6am thinking we had the jump on the other visitors and to our shock dozens of people were already there! It was mainly bloggers and newly weds trying to get that perfect photo but there were also regular tourists. From my experience, you can’t even see the fountain in the afternoon, it’s that crowded and sections of it are closed off by the police so you can’t even get access to them.

The Spanish Steps are another place which you have to visit early. We got there at 7:30am and it was okay but I think that’s due to the fact you are not allowed to sit (or eat or write) on the stairs any more. In fact, you can be fined €200 or even €400 if you damage the stairs in any way.

Trastevere neighborhood

Trastevere, my favourite neighbourhood in Rome, and from the looks of it – it’s also everyone else’s favourite too! This neighbourhood has such a local vibe and tons of character! I loved to just walk around the narrow cobblestoned streets and find a place for an aperitivo and soak in the energy! (I included my favourite spots in the Eat & Drink section).

This area also has some of the best and the most popular restaurants so don’t think it’s any less busy than central Rome.

Because we stayed near the Colosseum, we took a bus there which took us around 20 minutes but we walked on the way back.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome. The former temple now converted into a church has a massive dome on top with an opening that allows natural light to light the entire building. The beam of sunlight creates a magical feeling inside the dome. How about rain? Well, a drainage system makes sure the Pantheon doesn’t flood. Outside the Pantheon at Piazza Della Rotonda there are lots of terraces where you can sit for breakfast or simply enjoy a cappuccino.

Altare Della Patria

In front of Piazza Venezia is a gigantic pure-white marble moment that has a panoramic view of the entire city. To honor the first king of Italy, the Italians built the Altare Della Patria (also known as the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument).

The first part is free to visit, but to visit the top, an entrance ticket is required. Sitting on the monument or stair steps is not allowed.

Borghese Gardens & Piazza del Poppolo

The Borghese Gardens are Rome’s version of Central Park and stretch for 226 acres from Piazza del Poppolo to the top of Via Veneto. The lush, green Borghese Gardens have it all! Bust-lined paths, statues, a carousel for the kids, an artificial lake that you can rent a row boat on, and even a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

We spent one whole afternoon wandering around whilst enjoying gelato and much needed shade.

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel

The famous spiral staircase, the papal throne, the Gallery of Maps, the Sistine Chapel. If the opportunity to take in the beauty of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, possibly the most famous work of art ever doesn’t convince you to visit the Vatican Museums (or Rome for that matter), nothing ever will!

There are 54 different galleries and several courtyards within the Vatican Museums, featuring chosen paintings and sculptures collected over the centuries. Like the Louvre in Paris, the Vatican Museums contain more works of art than can be seen in a day, but if you give yourself around three hours, you’ll still be able to see the museums’ most famous bits.

Once again we chose an Escorted skip-the-line ticket on Headout and explored the museum at our own pace.

We spent a while looking for the new Bramante spiral staircase. We’ve were even told that it wasn’t open to the public! But this is the big disadvantage of taking a guided tour, if you are part of a guided tour, you won’t pass the staircase because you will end up going straight to the St Peter’s Basilica, but if you’re not part of a tour, it’s most likely you will exit the museum and pass the staircase. It is located in the main entrance hall of the Museum.

Unfortunately, we missed the chance to visit St Peter’s Basilica and to see the iconic view of St Peter’s Square but the queues were just too long and it was far too hot. I suggest going there as soon it opens in the morning, or look into buying a ticket which lets you jump the queues. Tickets for St Peter’s Basilica are available on Headout and start from around €19.50 (at the time of writing).

Top things to do in Marrakech

Published on April 29, 2019March 23, 2023 by AnitaLeave a comment

Marrakech is a place that you will either love or hate but it’s also a place like no other and before you go you need to prepare so that you won’t be disappointed. The most common question I was asked by everyone was, is Marrakech safe?

Before I went I heard lots of bad experiences mainly from women, about how they were hassled or scammed by random people. Personally, I didn’t have any bad experiences during my visit but you need to be alert and keep in mind that people will try to scam you, starting with the taxi drivers. Any drive within Marrakech by taxi shouldn’t cost more than 50 dirhams (€5). You need to be prepared to haggle. If they don’t want to lower the fare, you should leave or pretend to leave because they will probably accept your offer, or, worse case you will find another taxi.

Also, don’t accept help from random people on the street who want to give you directions, or people who come up to you to sell you something. Always make sure you look like you know where you are going, even if you don’t!

I would advise getting a Moroccan SIM card at the airport so that you can use it for Google Maps. Before you leave the terminal building at Marrakech Menara airport you will see many different vendors selling SIM cards with data plans included, we got a plan with the Orange network which cost €10 and included 4GB of data. We also found that Google Maps in Marrakech was pretty accurate unlike Venice or Seattle where it didn’t work for us, and we ended up walking around in circles.

Stay

We stayed at a new boutique riad called Ksar Kasbah & Spa, it’s located in the old town just a short walk away from the main attractions like the Sadian Tombs and Bahia Palace or if you prefer, a 20 minute walk to the souks. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the most friendly staff. They offered us mint tea and some Moroccan pastries to enjoy by the pool. The turquoise pool is in the heart of the riad, covered in pretty mosaic tiles, luscious green plants and ornate furniture, it’s like your own personal Eden! Ksar Kasbah is so peaceful and calm that you will wish you could stay here all day. This riad has a total of eleven rooms all built around the pool and furnished in a pure bohemian style (price range: from €100 to €150 per night).

I really loved the rooftop, with its sun loungers, and cacti, it was especially magical during the sunset.

The breakfast, which was included in the price was a delight: tasty Moroccan crepes, fluffy lemon/poppy seeds, fresh fruits, eggs and dairy products. You can choose to eat on the rooftop or by the pool. We also opted for dinner one night, which we had under the stars. Their chicken and lemon tajine was devine and the couscous Royal was amazing!

Another feature of Ksar Kasbah is its spa, located on the rooftop. With a traditional hammam and 2 cabins for treatments and massage, the spa is open every day from 8am to 9pm. All the treatments are performed with natural local products.

Hotel Mamounia

Whether you’re staying there or not, you’ll probably want to make a trip to the breathtaking Mamounia, a luxury 5-star hotel set in a former royal palace. I can’t comment on the experience of staying here because, sadly, it was outside of my budget, but we did manage to go for a drink and stroll around the grounds and I have to say it felt like a glimpse of a different world. Plus if you’re looking for gram-worthy spots, you’ll find plenty of #InstaGold. Those Insta-famous monochrome pillars are now closed to the general public and only for guests so I didn’t get the snap I wanted there but the rest of the hotel is just as beautiful.

Eat

Le Jardin

Le Jardin is located in the middle of the souks and the athmosphere lives up to its name – it’s a beautiful, calm green oasis. When you walk in you will forget that you are just few steps away from the hustle and bustle of the souks. Le Jardin is owned by the same group as Nomad (see below) so you can expect delicious food, amazing interiors and even a few turtles wandering around.

Nomad

Probably the most famous food place in Marrakech, this lively restaurant serves simple “Modern Moroccan” cuisine, traditional local cuisine and international dishes with a Moroccan twist. It is spread over four floors with two levels of terraces that offer amazing views of the surrounding Medina and the Atlas mountain range. Nomad is perfect for both lunch and dinner or drinks at the bar to rest from the craziness of the souks. We went for dinner and even though I’m not a big lamb fan, I had one of the best ever (lamb) burgers.

Il Limoni

Another serene restaurant right in the middle of the chaos of Medina. It might be hard to spot at first because all that separates the alley from the restaurant is a set of tiny wooden doors. But when you pass through them you will step into an unexpected world – a tiled courtyard shaded with lemon trees, calm music and the scent of delicious Italian and Moroccan food. We spent two hours there, just relaxing, people watching and listening to the birds.

No matter where you are going for food, make sure to try the famous Moroccan dish tajine. Moroccan tajine dishes are slow-cooked savory stews, typically made with sliced meat, poultry or fish together with vegetables or fruit. Spices, nuts, and dried fruits are also used.

More Food: Café Des Épices,Le Salama, Atay Cafe

See

Le Jardin Majorelle & Yves Saint Laurent Museum

One of the few sights in the New Town is the Jardin Majorelle, a beautiful botanical garden previously owned by Yves Saint Laurent and housing the Museum of the late French fashion designer. It’s pretty small, but well worth visiting for the striking design, colours and beautiful range of foliage where you can wander around and hide from the heat. I don’t have any pictures from inside the musuem because it is not permitted to take photos, but believe me, you will be amazed with the garments exhibited inside.

Bahia Palace

The Bahia Palace is a striking example of Moroccan architecture consisting of several grand rooms and courtyards. The gardens are particulary beautiful with their orange trees and fountains. This palace was never a home of the royal family but it was a home of Si Moussa, the man who managed the sultan’s household. After his son died, the servants ransacked the palace so today it stands completely empty and without any furniture, this means that when you visit you can only admire the woodwork and the tiles and try to imagine how it once looked.

Souks

You can’t really miss the souks, the main markets of Marrakech. There’s a central covered area made up of a maze of alleyways twisting through stalls selling traditional crafts, Moroccan lamps, designer fakes, and lots of beautiful crockery and it’s all really hard to resist. You can easily spend hours browsing the stalls, but make sure you haggle! We found out that before going to the main market the best thing to do is to visit the smaller, local market where the prices are fixed and there is no negotiation. That will give you an insight into what is an acceptable price for the items you want to buy. Also keep in mind that shopkeepers can be quite aggressive if you try taking pictures, there were a few times we were told we couldn’t take photos unless we bought something so I ended up buying a tea pot, two plates and a wooden camel.

On your wander around the markets, you will probably end up at Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square and market place. Personally, I didn’t like it. It was too chaotic, there were live snakes (which are my biggest phobia) and I also found the people there very pushy.

Le Jardin Secret

The garden is located in the middle of Medina and from the outside is advertised as an open air museum. You enter the complex into a tiled courtyard with running water, and foliage. It’s almost unbelievable peaceful, especially because there are not many tourists inside. Originally built in the 16th century these gardens were previously ruined and left to decay for years until 2008 when they started renovation and finally opened them to the public in 2016. There is not much you can do inside except enjoy the serenity and Islamic architecture so if you want you can sit in one of the two cafes. Entrance fee is 50 dirhams.

Koutoubia Mosque

Other places: Marrakech Museum, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, El Badi Palace, Ben Youseff Madrasa (currently closed for renovation-2019)

Do

There are so many things you can do while staying in Marrakech from taking a day trip to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, to a night at one of the luxury desert camps in the Agafay desert or a 3 day tour to Merzouga (proper sand) desert. Because we were only there for 3 days, we needed to choose the most convenient one. We booked a private camel ride in the Agafay desert through the Dunes & Desert tour agency. We had a private driver and a guide who picked us up at 9am from near our Riad and took us to the Berber village in Agafay desert. For those who don’t know, Berbers are people who are ethnically indigenous to North Africa. Their rich cultural history dates back to prehistoric times, over 4000 years ago. Although the Berber people today don’t live exclusively in rural areas, these communities offer an interesting insight into the Berber tradition and history. All of the camels there are owned by a local family and they appeared to be very well looked after. After our camel ride, (which was an overwhelming experience for me because I simply adore camels) we were served freshly made Moroccan pancakes with condiments and mint tea.

I have to say, this was one of the best experiences that I ever had. We had a chance to see communities that live in the middle of nowhere, leading a life that was so different from ours!

If you want to ride a camel, you can also do that in Marrakech, at the Palm Grove, but I would recommend a more unique and authentic experience.

London’s Best Brunch Spots

Published on February 19, 2019July 21, 2020 by AnitaLeave a comment

Brunch is definiately my favourite meal of the day, everything about it is amazing from the fresh coffee, avocado’s and eggs to the surroundings at some of the best places you can go for brunch.

When you live in London finding a great place for brunch can be a very daunting task, but here I’ve done all of the hard work for you and written about five of my favourite brunch places so you don’t have to guess where to go!

Eggbreak

There aren’t many places where I really want to go back for breakfast because eggs are eggs, no matter where you go, right?

Well Eggbreak is in a different league. Settled in a quiet street just 2 minutes from Notting Hill Gate station, this small but absolutly charming place will make you come back for more. They serve meals all day, from breakfast to dinner so you can also order granola and a burger toghether. But when it comes to brunch forget about ordering avocado with eggs on toast and expect something totally different like Shashuka, Turkish or Levantine eggs or their cornflake french toast which will blow your mind. My favourite combination is definitely the sweet potato rosti with goat’s cheese, honey, kale, pinenuts and dill yoghurt.

The only downside of this place is that they don’t accept bookings so the queue can be pretty big. However to get around this they recently introduced a text service with queue numbers. You register your name and give your phone number to them and they will then text you when your table is available. Waiting won’t be too hard as you are close to the colourful and instagramable streets of Notting Hill that you can explore while you wait.

30 Uxbridge St, Kensington, London W8 7TA

Avobar

London’s first all-avo dining concept started as a pop-up but now has a permanent site in Covent Garden. Avobar does pretty much what it says – it’s a restaurant where everything on the menu has avocado in it, on it or blended into it. Aside from all the food, you’ll also be able to ‘gram the lush interiors – imagine a California cool vibe plus a load of avocado-based skincare products from the cutesy little in-house shop. There are plants and green tiles everywhere and the wooden seats are lined with colourful and tropical-looking cushions to create a cosy atmosphere.

If that is not enough to get you there ASAP, Avobar sources their avocados ethically and sustainably working with growers and farmers all over the world.

Avobar, 23-24 Henrietta Street, London, WC2

Dayrooms Cafe

Dayrooms Cafe is a tiny venue on Kensington Park Road. Aussie inspired, it’s a stylish and relaxed cafe, offering fresh and healthy brunch dishes that are interesting and full of flavour. Every dish is beautifully presented, making this one of the most instagrammable brunches in London. The interior is well-lit with plants, a turquoise tiled floor and wicker light shades. On a sunny day, the two tables outside are the perfect spot for people watching. No matter what you choose from the menu you won’t be dissapointed but I would recommend their sticky sesame chicken roll for brunch after 12pm and for something lighter – smoked salmon royal croissaint.

Dayrooms Cafe,212 Kensington Park Road, London, W111NR

Granger & CO

Granger & Co is a global Australia cafe from Bill Granger with branches in places like Honolulu, Sydney and Tokyo. In London, we are lucky enough to have four located in Clarkenwell, Chelsea,Kings Cross and Notting Hill. I had heard great things about Granger & Co, with their fluffy ricotta pancakes and scrambled eggs making people swoon but I put off visiting this place for so long mainly because the long queues are start from the early morning. One weekend we got up really early and got there at (what we thought is early), 9:30. There was no queue but also no tables. I can say we were lucky enough to get a bar seat because as soon as we sat down there was 10+ people already waiting. We opted for the famous pancakes (of course) and simple scrambled eggs on sourdough toast.

I now understand why people queue.

The pancakes were definitely the best pancakes I’ve ever tried and eggs were so rich and buttery. Delicious! I can’t recommend Granger & Co. enough. Get there early if you don’t want to queue but know that it’s worth the wait.

Granger & Co, 175 Westbourne Grove,Notting Hill London W11

Ivy Chelsea Garden

As you might know, Ivy is a chain of restaurants around London. I could easily write about any other location but I chose the one in Chelsea because of its interior. Colourfully decorated with a beautiful garden terrace area, it’s a lovely spot to fuel up with their extensive breakfast menu till 11:30, or weekend brunch. I would recommend pancakes (surprise) but no matter what you choose you won’t be disapointed.

However, the real highlight is the exterior that displays a different seasonal floral instalation reguraly seen on many London influencer’s snaps.

195 -197 King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5EQ

Skinny Kitchen

Ibiza-originated restaurant group, owned by former personal trainer Joel Belchemand his wife Louise, is bringing its brand of hip clean eating and Ibiza mantra of “Eat Clean, Rave Dirty” to London with its first opened location in Islington.

With an all-day dining menu of fresh juices and organic coffee in the morning to superfood cocktails in the evening, the restaurant’s food menu caters to everyone no matter their dietary needs – from gluten-free, vegans, vegetarians, bodybuilders or just people that love eating healthy.

It was really hard to choose from an extensive menu but we opted for pancakes – eggs and bacon and peanut butter, banana and strawberries which were to die for.

When it comes to Insta-worthy spots, Skinny Kitchen won’t disappoint you. A big heated outdoor terrace brings island vibes, while the interior boosts sleek pink tiles, vibrant teal velvet booth seating with vibrant plants and green foliage dangling from the ceiling.

52 Upper St, London N1 0QH

24 Hours in Bath

Published on August 23, 2017 by Anita1 Comment

Only 90 minutes from London, Bath is the perfect place for a weekend gateway. With its famous Georgian terraces, thermal spa waters, cream teas and Jane Austen – it’s so easy to fall in love with it. English charm pulls in visitors from all around the world and because it has so many historic buildings, the entire city has been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Last weekend we decided to explore this beautiful place and as I had never been before we wanted to fill our day with as much as possible.

Eating:

Hunter & Sons

This place is famous for their balance of craft beers, light bites, coffee and cakes but they also have an amazing brunch menu which is available until 4pm. Another advantage is that it’s secluded and therefore not touristy which is great for a relaxing lunch. The staff are also very friendly which creates an atmosphere that is super chilled and welcoming.

14/15 Milsom Place, Bath BA1 1BZ

Society Cafe

Coffee shop culture is big in Bath so it was very hard to choose a place for an afternoon rest. We happened to walk past ‘The Corridor’, opposite the Guildhall and couldn’t resist popping in after seeing the lovely frontage and eye-catching bar. The cafe is very light, has a very relaxing feel and the coffee is as great as the cake menu.

http://www.society-cafe.com

Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB

Shopping

Magellaria

This place is a magazine-lovers dream! Here you’ll find those hard-to-track-down titles and discover many new magazines. From art and design to fashion, travel, music and film – the choice is overwhelming.

http://www.magalleria.co.uk

22A Broad St, Bath BA1 5LN

The Foodie Bugle

This shop is absolutely the cutest in Bath. They stock absolutely beautiful items for the home, as well as food and drink. You can relax here with a cup of tea and piece of cake, but also attend a variety of different workshops in their space upstairs, featuring photography, embroidery, houseplant workshops and more.

http://www.thefoodiebugleshop.com

2 Abbey St, Bath BA1 1NN

Sight Seeing

If you are one of those people who like to avoid tourist traps, it will be hard to avoid them in Bath. You will probably stumble upon some of the sites during the day and they are completely free, but then there are those that are a little bit costly.

The Roman Baths is one of those. The first baths were built here in 70AD and over a million liters of 46°C water still flow into them every day. You can take a tour around the ruins of the Great Bath and the temple of Sulis Minerva. Don’t try the water from the bath itself though as the water is not processed but you will have an opportunity to try the warm spring water at the end of the tour (Although the experience is not the greatest because water has a strong iron taste). It costs £17 (adult) or £15(senior/students) to gain entry to the baths but they are worth seeing.

One of my favorite spots was the Royal Crescent, one of the most famous Bath landmarks. These Georgian houses laid out in a crescent were built in the 1700s and haven’t changed a lot. Most are private residences when they’re not being used by film crews for period dramas, but Number 1 Royal Crescent has been turned into as a museum. You can go back in time to the 18th century inside and see how the Georgians lived.

Just a stones throw away is a similar row of houses called Circus where the houses are positioned in a circle but with the same Charles Dickens novel feeling.

We also took a walk along Pulteney Bridge. It’s one of the few bridges which has shops built into the sides and the facade is still very well preserved.

If the weather is good you can take a boat trip along the River Avon or have a picnic in the Parade Gardens which are just next to the river.

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Dubrovnik – King’s Landing

Published on August 26, 2016July 21, 2020 by AnitaLeave a comment

Dubrovnik is called the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and in my opinion, there are very few places in Europe that can match this place when it comes to beauty and it should be on top of everyone’s travel list.

Know as King’s Landing from HBO’s Game of Thrones now got even more hype because it will be featured in new Star Wars VIII movie.

After visiting Dubrovnik this summer and experiencing all the beauty I’ll share some of my favourite things to see and do.

Have Breakfast at Dubravka 1836

We discovered this place on our first day and we loved it. Dubravka is a restaurant and a cafe that serves everything from breakfast to dinner but we liked breakfast so much that we kept coming back. It’s located near Pile Gate and you get stunning views of the fortresses Lovrijenac, Bokar and Minčeta. You can choose from few different types of breakfast and every single one is massive, delicious and great value for money. We were also lucky to get the table close to the edge

Walk The Walls

Probably the first thing every tourist does in Dubrovnik is walking the giant Walls of Dubrovnik. 1,940 metres long and 25 meters high, with 3 forts- Minceta Tower, Fort Bokar and St John fortress, Walls will keep you occupied for at least one hour.

There are 3 gates where you can enter- Pile, Ploce and Buza and for entrance, you’ll pay approximately £13 per person.

My advice is to avoid to climb the Walls between 11 and 5 because heat and tourists can turn this amazing experience into torture. Bring water and camera and take advantage of many photo opportunities along the way.

14101895_10154362667153971_1342928671_n — Dress: New Look(sold out), Bag: Accessorize

Explore the Old Town

Old Town Dubrovnik at night is as beautiful as it is during the day. From white cobblestone streets to the maze of stairs filled alleyways that make up Old Town, there are endless routes to explore.

Stradun or Placa is the main street of Dubrovnik. The pedestrian street runs some 300 metres through the Old Town. Many shops, restaurants and cafes are located there but because it’s main tourist promenade prices are much higher than in the rest of the town.

It can get overcrowded so the best time to go it’s early morning.

Visit Lokrum

Lokrum is a small, inhabited island just a short 15 min boat ride. This island can provide you with few hours of fun in the sun or hiking to the highest point(96m) Fort Royal Castle. The climb is steep but once when you get there the view of Dubrovnik and coastline is spectacular.

Lokrum is also home to an old monastery, botanical gardens and a small lake called Mrtvo More or the (Dead Sea). And Game of Thrones fans will be amazed because there is a real Iron Throne in which you can sit and take the picture.

Be aware, island is inhabited by gangs of cute peacocks and rabbits that seem to be around every corner on this island!

Cost: Round boat trip is around £10

Have a Drink at Buza Bar

In the old Dubrovnik dialect, buža means ‘hole’ and indeed,to get to the unique cafe bar you need to go through the hole in the wall. Buza is one of the most beautiful bars in Dubrovnik located on the cliffs where you are able to enjoy magnificent views of open Adriatic sea, island Lokrum and beautiful sunsets while drinking cocktails.

Catch Some Rays on the Beach

Dubrovnik’s main public beach is Banje Beach, located near Ploce gate, offers great view of the Old Town. Although many people rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, there’s no problem with just flinging a towel on the beach. There is a beach and lounge bar and restaurant which also turns into a night club in the evening.

Problem is this beach get overcrowded so you might want to find alternative.

Little bit further away is St Jacob Beach. This beautiful sandy-pebble beach is located in the elite part of Dubrovnik, in the cove below cliffs and the namesake church St. Jacob. The beach offers a spectacular view of the old town, city walls and on the island Lokrum.

Ride The Cable Car

The best view of Dubrovnik is certainly from the top of the Srd Hill. In a short ride, the cable car takes you from downtown Dubrovnik 778 m up where the amazing view will simply take your breath away.

While you are there, after you done your Instagram pictures, you can have a meal or a drink at the cafe and restaurant Panorama, visit Museum Dubrovnik in Homeland War or go on an adventurous ride with the Buggy Safari tour.

My recommendation is to get there just before the sunset for the most epic experience.

Price of return trip is around £13.

Have a Dinner at Taj Mahal

No,it’s not Indian restaurant as you might think. It’s bosnian! If you want sea food it’s very easy to find good sea food reastaurant but this bosnian place is something different. You have to be aware that queuqeing might take hours so it’s recommended that you book in advance.

Bosnian cuisine is mainly influenced by Turkish, Middle East and Meditteranean cuisine, consisted from both, meat and vegetables.

Try local specialties like cevapcici(grilled minced meat), burek, sarma, potato pie or ajvar.