Enjoy Madeira

General info

1. Make sure you have warm and waterproof clothes for mountains (10-15 °C).
2. Roads on Madeira are in good shape, but nothing is flat or straight on this island, always count with some delays when driving.
3. When renting a car, we highly recommend going for an automatic transmission as mentioned before, roads here are a bit challenging. 

Food tip:
Bolo di caco is a local specialty - it's a thin bread with butter and garlic usually offered as a small snack or starter. 


When arriving at the airport, rent a car from a rental company - we chose a Goldcar with insurance. Take a walk in the city center and the old fort from the 16th century - Forte de São Tiago. 

Day 1: Old city and port

Discover Funchal

Hike from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (2 of 3 highest peaks on Madeira) If the weather is good, go for this adventure as soon as possible. This is the highlight of hiking trails on the island. Wake up early and drive to the parking point near Pico Arieiro. It should take around 45 minutes. The hike is quite challenging so make sure you have enough snacks and clothes for change. 

Day 2: Pico-to-Pico hike

Adventure in the mountains

Enjoy dinner in the streets of the old city of Funchal.

Dinner at Santa Maria

Check out from the hotel and drive towards Canical and then further to park near the footpath to Ponta de Sao Lourenco. It should take around 30 minutes. Make sure you have suncream and enough water as there’s no sunshade along the trail. The trail should take up to 3 hours there and back, but if you feel tired, just shorten the walk, the views are beautiful no matter how far you make it!

Day 3: Explore the eastern part of the island

Ponta de São Lourenço

On the way to the northern part of the island, you can take a break on your journey for some more spectacular views of the Madeira coastline. 

Miradouro da Beira da Quinta

Continue to the Northern part of the island and it will take around 1,5 hours. If you don’t feel like driving there after the hike, feel free to stay somewhere in the middle and continue your journey the day after. The hotel has a pool and wellness center and also you can find a natural swimming pool near the hotel. 

Stay at Aqua Natura Bay Hotel

Drive up to 30 minutes to visit the ancient, mystical, and enchanting destination within the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest is usually shrouded in mist, which creates a mystical vibe. However, don’t be sad if you come on a sunny day. This place is a must-see.

Day 4: Take a dip in the mist

Fanal forest

Levadas are an old system of channels or aqueducts of hundreds of kilometers in length, mostly bordering mountains but also going through them, to bring water from different sources to its intermediate or final uses. Madeira has more than 200 hundred levadas and  The 25 Fontes (25 fountains) Levada is one of the most popular. Its name lives up to the number of fountains or little waterfalls along the trail. 

Day 5: Discover the unique hiking trails

Levada des 25 Fontes

Experience the unique vibe of small and cozy glamping pods, with beautiful scenery, views of the ocean, and a kind and friendly host. Minimum 3 nights of stay. 

Stay at Calheta Glamping Pods

Take some rest and enjoy the views from the west coast of the island. Have an easy walk around the lighthouse and the surrounding area. Driving here from Calheta will take 20 minutes.

Day 6: Chill and the west coast

Lighthouse Ponta do Pargo 

Drive to the parking lot at the starting point - it should take around 45 minutes. The hike is rather challenging and requires a good fitness level and previous experience with exposed terrain. As a reward, you‘ll get spectacular views of all of Madeira’s highest peaks. This trail is one of the hidden gems and is much less crowded than the Pico-to-Pico trail. 

Day 7 - One more hike for the spectacular views

Pico Grande

Budget

Madeira

A perfect combination of nature, history, and relaxation with food and beach time. experiencing the alpine beauty of Mangart Saddle and authentic charm in the small cities of Rovinj and Pula. 

Nestled in the Slovenian Alps, Mangart Saddle offers a breathtaking stop on your journey, accessible via a scenic toll road (10€ per vehicle). With its narrow roads and limited parking, timing your visit early morning or late afternoon is recommended. You can take a walk in the surroundings according to your preference and fitness level. Follow the paved road to the views of the Austrian Alps or take the steep trail to see the Italian Alps. Even during the hottest days be prepared for the wind and chilly weather as everywhere in the mountains.

Breathtaking views of the Alps

Mangart saddle

Drive to Rovinj - if you choose to drive right from Mangart Saddle, it may take up to 4 hours. You can stay near Udine for the night if you prefer shorter drives. 
Rovinj is a cute colorful coastal town, popular amongst tourists. Parking spots are hard to find during the season, especially in the evening, so be prepared to try more parking spots. The best parking is directly in the port and a one-minute walk to the old city - follow the link in this activity. If you are not sure which parts of the city have paid parking, use the app: https://www.bmove.com/.
Take a walk in the old city, there are numerous narrow colorful streets with shops, restaurants, and cafés. 

Rovinj

It's a baroque church from 1736. Church visit is for free, but you can also climb the tower for 4€ per person and it´s worth it. Be careful with the wooden stairs, they are uneven with big gaps. As a reward, you’ll have very nice views of the city, port, and nearby islands.

Visit the Saint Euphemia church

Check-in at the hotel, grab a swimsuit, and drive to the beach. There are plenty of beaches around the city and unless you have a hotel in the beach resort, you’ll probably have to drive there. All beaches except one are stone beaches with crystal-clear water. You can try Ambrella Beach with shallow access and calm water or a small Hawai beach with a bit wilder sea. Beaches are rather small and crowded during the season, but most of them in the area are within walking distance, feel free to explore and stay wherever you like. Infrastructure is not ideal, some places miss the toilet or shower, but you can find a restaurant or shower nearby. 

Pula

Take a walk in the city center, grab dinner in the Hook and Cook - seafood street food, or try some traditional seafood in Stari Grad 2 restaurant. 

Dinner at Hook and Cook

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel or in the city. If you are on a budget, you can visit some local bakery. Bakery chain Mlinar has plenty of places, however, it is rather medium quality and we don’t recommend coffee here if you are a true coffee lover. If you like local markets, visit in the morning, some stands may close soon in the afternoon (1:30 PM). You can buy some olive oil from local producers, but be careful with prices. Very cheap oil will be probably lower quality oil imported from another country. Talk to the sellers and ask about their products. 

Local gems

Exploring Pula's markets

Tickets to Pula Arena are available online or on-site and the price is the same - 10€ per person.
The arena is the 6th largest Romanian amphitheater in the world and the only one with all 4 side towers preserved.
The place itself is impressive and highly recommended to visit. Underground is now open as a museum with the old amphoras used for oil transportation as well as old press machines for olive oil production.

Explore the historic sites - Temple of Augustus and Pula Arena

Visit historical sights

Long weekend in Slovenia and Croatia

Winter wonderland in the charming capital of Norway. From the city center to ski slopes in a few minutes. 

Few tips before your trip: 
1. Public transport works very well, you can choose from trams, trains, busses, and the metro. Use the Vy app to plan your routes, no need to guess what kind of ticket you need. Buy a ticket for your route directly in the app and just hop on the bus/tram/metro. 

2. Get dressed properly - forget high heels and light jackets. Always wear woolen tights and a top as a base layer, covering it with a layer of t-shirt or turtle neck and another jumper or thermo jacket below your parka. Don’t forget about winter shoes with woolen socks and you will be unstoppable. 

3. Be careful -  even in the city center, if there’s lots of snowing, pedestrian zones, and pavements often remain covered by ice and snow.

Take a walk in the city center and discover the Oslo Opera House, a modern architectural wonder situated on the shores of Oslo Fjord. The building resembles the iceberg sliding into the sea. It hosts impressive performances and invites visitors to walk on its inclined roof for breathtaking city views.  

Oslo Operahuset

The museum is home to the largest collection of Munch's works, including the renowned masterpiece "The Scream". This place offers an interactive journey through the artist's life and work. You won't find any boring pieces - Munch believed it's time to start painting real-life - love, joy, pain, loneliness, death, and hope. The entrance ticket is 180 NOK per adult.

Munch Museum

Explore the beautiful scenery of Oslo fjord and see the Oslo from a new perspective. This fjord cruise aboard an electric catamaran of world-class design takes you past well-known sights such as the Opera, Akershus Fortress, Oslo City Hall, and the Fram Museum from a whole new angle before the journey continues past islands, islets, and lighthouses. The ticket is 390 NOK per adult.

Oslo fjord cruise

Take a walk to the Grünerløkka neighborhood. The western border of the Grünerløkka neighborhood constitutes the Akerselva River. Enjoy walking along the riverside path through parks and then find the Mathallen streetfood where Vulcanfisk is situated.

Vulcanfisk restaurant

If you are a coffee lover, this is a place you’ll like. Stay in the Grünerløkka and enjoy a cup of amazing coffee. Tim is a World Barista Champion who runs this small coffee shop with a micro-roastery, and a training center. 

Tim Vendelboe

If your idea of relaxation is with a good book, do not miss the chance to wander around this beautiful modern library. It’s free, you can sit down with a book, bring some snacks, or just experience another example of amazing design in Oslo. Besides 450,000 books, you can watch movies with your friends there, make podcasts, learn to play the piano, sew a dress, or use 3D printers.

Public Library 

Now we leave the Oslo city center and travel to the Bygdøy peninsula to visit the legendary polar ship Fram, which carried famous explorers like Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen to the icy realms of the Arctic and Antarctic. Engage with interactive exhibits, step aboard the well-preserved vessel, and gain a profound understanding of the heroic expeditions that shaped the course of polar exploration history. You’ll see how the preparations were done, what inventions were used, and even see the chocolate bar that went to the South Pole with Amundsen. The ticket price is 140 NOK per adult, but if you are a fan of the maritime theme, you can get a discount purchasing together with tickets to the Norwegian Maritime Museum and Kon-Tiki Museum which are worth visiting too. 

Fram Museum

It's a small restaurant and shop near the city center with fresh fish and delicious meals. It’s often full so the table reservation is recommended. If you want to try something really special go for fermented salmon. 

Fiskeriet Youngstorget restaurant

Take the metro to the iconic Holmenkollen Ski Jump. It is a symbol of Norway's rich winter sports heritage. Offering panoramic views of the city and Oslo Fjord, this historic ski jump has hosted numerous world championships and Winter Olympics events. This place is one of the world's oldest ski jump centers and the Ski museum here is the world’s oldest ski museum. 

Holmenkollen Ski Jump

Winter in Oslo

Hey, coffee aficionados! ☕✨ I'm taking you on a caffeinated journey through the streets of Barcelona, uncovering three unique coffee havens that serve up the perfect brew and provide a cozy escape for locals and travelers alike.

Nestled in the heart of Barcelona, Oma Bistró Café is a hidden gem that combines the warmth of a neighborhood café with the artistic flair of the city. The minimalist décor, adorned with lush greenery, creates a serene ambiance perfect for a quiet afternoon or a productive work session. The baristas here are true coffee artisans, crafting each cup with precision and passion. Don't miss out on their specialty brews and delectable pastries – a delightful pairing that elevates the entire coffee experience.

Oma Bistró Café 🌿

Venturing beyond the typical coffee shop experience, The Miners Coffee & Characters stands out with its thematic approach. Inspired by the mining history, this coffee haven offers a cozy escape from the bustling city. The rustic décor, complete with mining artifacts, sets the stage for a unique coffee adventure. Indulge in their carefully curated coffee blends, and immerse yourself in the charming tales of the characters that once roamed the mining grounds. This place was also selected as Best Design in BCN COFFEE AWARDS 2023.

The Miners Coffee & Characters ⛏️

For those seeking a trendy and artistic vibe, Neo Coffee House is a must-visit. The interior is a harmonious blend of industrial aesthetics and contemporary design, creating a space that is both visually stimulating and comfortable. The menu is a coffee lover's dream, featuring an array of single-origin beans and creative concoctions. Be sure to indulge in their signature drinks, and don't forget to capture the Instagram-worthy moments against the backdrop of their vibrant mural. Neo Coffee House is not just a coffee stop; it's an art experience.


Neo Coffee House 🎨

Top 3 coffee places in Barcelona

Short adventure packed with beautiful views and scenic routes. You don't need a campervan necessarily, but it will make your life so much easier. Just be careful on narrow routes and mountain passes, also villages are very narrow, and especially balconies are often right above the road and possibly be hit by higher cars. Dolomites are quite popular - we chose end of May for this trip and it was amazing timing. Almost no tourists or hikers, camps were not full (some of them however could be closed). Prepare for all kinds of weather and go.

Drive to the first spot of the trip - a picturesque lake surrounded by peaks. Lake Misurina is known as the "Pearl of the Dolomites" due to its stunning beauty and crystal-clear waters. It has been a popular destination since the late 19th century, attracting tourists seeking the therapeutic benefits of its mountain air. Take a walk around the lake and enjoy the views.

Lake Misurina

Spend a night at this parking spot as it's one of the best locations to start the hike to Tre Cime. These majestic peaks were formed over millions of years through geological processes, and they hold significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Camping spot under Tre Cime

Hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo for an iconic mountain experience. Prepare for an all-day activity, the hike is not that difficult, but the views are stunning and you want to enjoy it as much as possible. We started the hike in the parking spot where we spent the night so the route overall had almost 17 km but we didn't do a complete circle. An alternative route is that you park much closer to the peaks, however, the road is closed out of season, so we didn't get to choose. This part of the hike is beautiful too, you'll walk through woods, around lakes, no regrets about going the longer way. Nature here is unique and you'll enjoy every meter of the hike.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Drive to the camp and take some rest after the hike. Camping Toblacher See offers stunning views of the nearby Three Peaks and the serene Toblacher See (Lake Dobbiaco). The camp has all the facilities you need to take some rest and recharge. 

Camping Toblacher See

Drive to Lake Braies, known for its emerald waters, also known as Pragser Wildsee, served as the filming location for several movies and TV shows. Legend has it that the lake is enchanted by the "White Lady," a spirit who appears on the water's surface during full moons. Enjoy a boat ride or take a walk around the lake.  

Lago di Braies

Spend a night at this parking spot again, it's one of the best locations to start the hike to Seceda and you'll save plenty of time in the morning. 

Camping spot under Seceda

Hike to the Seceda summit directly from your parking spot. The name "Seceda" is derived from the Ladin word "Sas dla Crusc," meaning "Cross Mountain," referring to the distinctive cross located at the summit. If you visit this place in summer season, ride the Seceda cable car for a convenient way to access the hiking trails and enjoy the stunning scenery. We didn't have this option so again we had to walk from the parking lot. Again, the nature and view were so beautiful, we didn't regret any extra step we needed to take. Hike altogether was over 18 km with 1190 m elevation gain. Route has many variations, you can walk by Rifugio Firenze, which makes the hike a bit longer. 

Seceda hike

Drive from Seceda to Gardena Pass. This scenic route traverses through the stunning valleys and traditional hamlets of the Dolomites with views of the alpine landscape. Winding roads and panoramic viewpoints make the route perfect for the Dolomites campervan adventure. The pass has been used for centuries as a trade route and was strategically significant during World War I, serving as a frontline between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces.

Val Gardena scenic route

Dolomites in campervan

A perfect combination of must-see places and hidden gems of Tenerife. The itinerary consists of my favorite places to visit and the accommodations that I liked the most. 

Enjoy the quietness and the sounds of nature in our rural finca with more than 2.000m2 open spaces, a fruit garden, free-range chickens, and lots of space to relax. There are only two rooms and they share the bathroom which is accessible in the hall. But you don't need to worry about that it's going to be crowded. There's plenty of space and one more bathroom in the outside kitchen. Hosts, Rani and Nico, are the most friendly people and they are some of the nicest hosts you can meet in your Airbnb. 

Finca2Mundos

Masca is a small village in Teno mountains. It was originally inhabited by the indigenous Guanche people before the Spanish conquest of the Canary Islands in the 15th century. The village's architecture reflects its traditional Canarian heritage, with stone houses and narrow streets. Take a walk here and explore the village for a while - be prepared for some stairs and strong sun. Parking in the village is very limited, so just continue driving the road through the village and there are some more parking spots. Views are beautiful, so walking a little more to the parking spot is worth it. 

Masca

If you still have some energy after Masca village, you can take a short but very nice hike with impressive views of the ocean, Teno mountains, and the volcano Pico del Teide. The hike is around 7 km (together there and back) long. Take enough water and a hat to protect your head from the sun. You can park directly in the viewpoint parking lot. 

Hike from Mirador Altos de Baracán

There are more ways to visit the Pico del Teide. Depends on whether you want to be on the top of the volcano or not. We did a hike in the morning, took a Montana Blanca route, reached the highest accessible point which is a La Rambleta (cable car station) in 4.5 hours, and traveled back down by cable car. Sun can be strong any time of the year, the same as the wind, so be prepared for all kinds of weather. The Summit of Teide volcano is only accessible with a permit, which is booked for months ahead. If you still want to go there, you can either buy a permit as part of the guided tour. Some hikers recommended starting a hike at night and passing the point of the permit check before they start to work (9:00 am). However, we decided not to risk it, moreover, we wanted to enjoy the views and not rush the hike to make it in time. We started a hike at the parking place of Mirador Tabonal de Negro. The parking lot at the start of the trails is only for a few cars. If you do the hike during the day, you can park at the cable car starting point and take a shuttle bus to the trail start. Take plenty of water and food and warm clothes if you want to stay on top for a while. 

Pico del Teide

Now drive to the northern part of the island. Take a rest after the volcano hike and enjoy this beautiful hotel which combines history with modern architecture. Hotel has a gym, pool, terrace, and nice spacious rooms. 

Gran Hotel La Laguna

La Laguna is a historic city located on the northern coast of Tenerife, Canary Islands. Established in the late 15th century, it served as the capital of Tenerife until the 18th century when Santa Cruz de Tenerife took over that role. La Laguna is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, which earned its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The city's charming streets are lined with colorful buildings, historic churches, and great restaurants and tapas bars. La Laguna is also home to the University of La Laguna, one of the oldest universities in Spain, adding a youthful and vibrant atmosphere to its centuries-old streets. 

San Cristóbal de La Laguna

This restaurant offers traditional Canarian dishes in a modern way. The food is tasty and looks amazing as well. If you are looking for some recommendations, the best things you can try in general are: 
- papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes)
- mojo sauce (traditional sauce from garlic, olive oil and some parsley)
- tumaka (grated tomato on toast with olive oil)

La Casa del Mago

If you are a coffee lover, you can't miss this place. Specialty coffee, delicious breakfast, and clean design of the place, together create a perfect place to start your day in La Laguna. We tried the traditional tumaka toast, avocado toast, and also a sweet one with blueberry ricotta. Everything, including the cappuccinos, tasted like heaven. 

AHUL bowls & coffee (Specialty coffee)

This viewpoint is situated at 967 m altitude and offers a spectacular view of the Anaga Mountains, La Laguna, and Teide. The nearby parking lot has enough space for parking, but if it gets crowded, you can always park along the road before the viewpoint. There are plenty of hiking routes around, just pick one and take a refreshing walk.

Mirador Pico de Inglés

Through the Anaga mountains, continue to the north of the island - to Taganana. This small town is one of the biggest settlements in the Anaga Rural Park. The town is still true to the Island's traditional customs and architecture, which includes pieces such as the church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, one of the oldest in Tenerife. It is worth stopping there, however, the main destination is the unspoiled nature around this town where you won't find many tourists. Playa de Almáciga with stunning black sand is known for its wild and natural beauty, and it's a favorite spot among surfers seeking challenging waves. 

Playa de Almáciga

The capital city of Tenerife offers a vibrant blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Explore the city streets, especially Plaza de España, Parque García Sanabria and the whole neighborhood has an amazing vibe in the evenings. 

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Your spot number two as a coffee lover is this place. Delicious cakes and yummy snacks along the world-class coffee, close to the center. You'll love it. 

We The North Specialty Coffee

The Auditorio building is definitely a must-see and architectural highlight of the city. The building is famous for its great "arc", which marked a first in the history of architecture. The arched roof varies in thickness from 15-20cm. It is the only large arch supported by only two points, while the tip appears to be suspended, defying gravity. 

Auditorio de Tenerife

Even if you are not that big fan of the botanical gardens, it's a nice walk amongst the palms and other exotic plants.  Gardens are home to the greatest collection of palms in Europe, thought to be the largest botanical collection of tropical island palms in the world. And on top of that, you'll get also nice views - especially on the city highlights. This garden is focused mainly on palms and it's organized into biogeographical sections. The project is unique also for one more reason: It has transformed a municipal rubbish dump into a beautiful space. Tickets are not expensive: 6 € per adult, however, service is not that great - only one toilet out of three was functioning (the one next to the ticket office).

Palmetum

La Escala is situated in an old charming historical building, which enhances the ambiance of the café. You can choose to sit on the rooftop terrace and enjoy their snacks and specialty coffee with the views of the city.  This place elevates the coffee experience on the island. 

La Escala Food Craft & Specialty Coffee

If you prefer a beach with perfectly calm water, then this is the place for you. This is a very popular space just a few minutes of driving from Santa Cruz, so be prepared for many people, especially during the weekend. The parking lot near the beach is huge, but if you want to save yourself some driving around and searching, come early in the morning or later in the afternoon. 

Playa de Las Teresitas

This hike offers an insight into nature waking up after the wildfires that destroyed thousands of hectares of woods in Tenerife in 2023. You'll walk through the majestic woods turned into black, first greenery rushing from the ashes, but also through preserved parts. The track is almost a 13 km long circular route and shouldn't take more than 5 hours to complete. 

Hike to Montaña Cabezo de Toro

End your trip on the south of the island in this small city with laid-back charm. Sometimes we felt like time stopped here, but it was a cozy place. All restaurants are basically a few meters away. There is the longest beach in Tenerife - Playa El Medáno with great conditions for surfing and kite-surfing. 

El Medáno

Tenerife Roadtrip

Visit Sri Lanka and enjoy a week and a half in the beautiful nature and explore the rich history, unique culture, and the most delicious food. The plan covers the west, south, and center of the island and contains all the important places you can catch in a 12-day journey. The package includes a journey plan with essential tips and tricks, advice on avoiding scams, guidance on best SIM card, and clarifying health concerns, but also the best hotels and restaurants during your trip. Enjoy!


Some people stay in Negombo after arrival as the airport is closer to Negombo, but there is not much to see and our recommendation is to drive directly to Colombo. As a first thing at the airport, buy a SIM card (Dialog is recommended as the best provider with great network coverage and amazing price compared to e-sims) and withdraw some cash directly at the lobby. If you have some time after your arrival, feel free to explore the Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple (400 LKR) - it is one of the most important temples in Colombo. There you can also see the smallest Buddha statue on the island, encased in a glass box, whereby visitors can view it with a magnifying glass. Or you can take a walk along the Galle Face Green with nice views of the city. Another recently popular place to visit is the Lotus Tower which is the tallest tower in South Asia however it is a bit overpriced for the views and the tourist ticket is 20$. Be prepared for many people with advice for you, asking for money afterward, or trying to persuade you that there's a ceremony you can't miss leading you to a tourist trap. If you hear: "Today is your lucky day", most probably you are involved in a scam. 

Explore Colombo

If you're looking for a hotel, 55TG Boutique Suites is a nice, quiet, and green place with a delicious breakfast. It is a bit far from the city center, but taxis booked via Uber are affordable.  There's AC in the room so there's no need to sleep with windows open, but there are quite big holes around doors, so beware of the mosquitos - especially during the rainy season. The prevalence of Dengue fever is higher in the Colombo area, so if you don't have a vaccination, use a mosquito repellent at all times. 

55TG Boutique Suites

Hire a driver via Uber, that is the best way as you know the price before the trip. However, it might be tricky as due to the length of the trip you might wait a bit till someone accepts your request. A low-cost alternative to hiring Uber is to take the train, however, you will spend at least twice as much time traveling. 
Galle is a beautiful place and we recommend staying at least for two days. Take a walk through the old city and the fortress, and explore cute streets with colonial buildings and shops with local products. The Galle Old Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the best-preserved colonial forts in Asia. It was inscribed as a UNESCO site in 1988. Inside the fort, you'll find the iconic Galle Lighthouse. It was originally built by the British in 1848 and is still in operation today, guiding ships into the Galle harbor.

Galle - old colonial fortress

While in Galle, enjoy some local cuisine in a fancy way. The Arch stands proudly within Galle's ancient fort. They invite guests to join them and enjoy the plenty of offerings from their skilled team in both the kitchen and bar. Their menu is thoughtfully curated by their servers and chefs. One of the chefs mastered his skills at a Michelin restaurant in New York. 

The Arch Restaurant

Nice hotel with 2 pools (one is with salty water) and a delicious breakfast. It's rather old, some rooms might be a little bit worn out, and we got two broken hairdryers, however, the overall experience was positive. The hotel offers many activities - schedule a yoga class or a spa treatment for the next day at the reception. Spa treatment is around 2500 LKR per person. 

Hotel Thaprobane Resort

Take a walk to Unawatuna Beach, or just find a nice spot and relax while watching the colorful surroundings. The bay is protected by a natural reef, making it safe for swimming and ideal for families. Alongside its natural beauty, Unawatuna offers a vibrant nightlife scene with beachfront bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood delicacies.

Unawatuna beach

Cozy place with local food and a hipster vibe. It offers a diverse menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional Sri Lankan flavors with a modern twist placed in the elegant ambiance of a colonial-era bungalow. You can watch the sunset in the fort near the lighthouse after the dinner. 

The Bungalow Galle Fort restaurant

Udawalawe National Park has a population of 500 elephants and other species like peacocks, white monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and does. You'll need at least 3-4 hours to see the elephant based on the weather and conditions. Usually, guides plan these trips for early morning or afternoon as during the day there is a minimal chance of spotting any animals due to high temperatures. Entry fee was 3000 LKR($9), Jeep and guide: 13,000 LKR. And a small recommendation: don’t eat a lot, the road is unpaved and you could feel sick after. You can choose from many safari offerings, we had it arranged via our accommodation owners at Jungle Edge Bungalow. 


Safari in Udawalawe National Park

Staying in a homestay offers you a more intimate and authentic experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. Accommodation is very simple but provides all you need and the owners are very kind. You can try a cooking session with locals to see how they prepare their lifelong food - rice and curry made with hand-grown rice and fresh ingredients. Interested in how coconut milk is made? Do not miss the opportunity.

Home stay & home cooking experience at Jungle Edge Bungalow

Enjoy the views on your journey to Ella and visit the widest waterfall with 25m height which is massive, especially in the rainy season. Some people take a bath, but it’s forbidden. Be careful because stones are slippery and wet. It’s close to the road, so you won’t spend more than 15 minutes.

Rawana waterfall 

Enjoy the thrilling adventure with a scenic view on the longest zipline in Sri Lanka. The station is right on the way to Little Adam’s Peak. Don’t worry, you don’t need anything. You’ll get straps, helmets, and short instructions and you can keep your belongings in the locker. If interested, you can get a GoPro on a selfie stick to record your grimace. Costs 9600LKR with an additional 2000LKR for GoPro.

Ravana Mega Zip Line from Little Adam’s Peak

Get to the starting point close to Dreamy Stay Ella Hotel. From the starting point, you can hire a tuk-tuk for half of the way up for 500LKR, but it’s a walking distance, not only from the starting point (1.3km - 124m elev.) but also from Ella (2.5km ~ 1h).

Walk on Little Adam’s peak

One of the best restaurants in Ella can serve you Curry Rice wrapped in banana leaves along with many tasty Sri Lankan, but also European foods. Fun fact: the restaurant fed and sheltered tourists that stranded on an island because of COVID-19 for free.

Lunch at Cafe Chill

It's recommended to get there in the morning, around 9 AM as later it gets more crowded. Get to the starting point (parking place) and take a tuk-tuk or as we recommend, a short walk to the railway bridge to explore architectural beauty and admire lush greenery. Trains pass the bridge about 6 times a day. Make sure to check out the current train schedule with locals to capture people hanging out of the train, but most taxi guides cover that for you. The scheduled times for the famous Sri Lankan train journey are very rough, and a lot of the time it can be late.

Nine Arch Bridge

Enjoy stunning views of nature, tea plantations, and old villages. You’ll go through the highest train station - Pattipola railway station in Sri Lanka at an elevation of 1,897.5 m. The tourist version - Ella Odyssey - runs on Saturdays only and also stops by the main tourist attractions to take a picture. The observation train we recommend runs every day at 11:11 a.m. Get off at Nanu Oya station and travel to Nuwara Eliya by taxi or with your driver. If you wish to travel by another day, check the timetable. Tickets can be bought at the train station directly - for daily express trains, ask for the observation wagon and it costs around 10 $ per person. Despite the short ride, these trains are quite slow and might have delays so count with 3 hours for a journey at least. 

Take a train from Ella to Nuwara Eliya

After getting to Nuwara Eliya in the afternoon (around 2 p.m.) - drive to Damro Tea factory. All in one. You will get a short free tour of the factory to learn how to lucking fresh tea leaves, withering, rolling, fermenting, drying, and sorting, producing world-renowned Ceylon tea. Enjoy tasting a tea for free and then buy the tea as a souvenir from the shop. Costs from 1100LKR to 14000LKR for Gold special tea.

Labookellie Tea Lounge - Tea Factory, plantation, and shop

Enjoy the view from the road’s viewpoint. If you want to explore more, hire a tuk-tuk or a guide to get closer.

Lover’s Leap Waterfall viewpoint

After the check-out from the hotel, enjoy (usually) the misty morning and take a short walk on the beautiful lake’s shore, or enjoy a boat ride or jet ski in the heart of the tea country hill city, Nuwara Eliya. You can make a loop walk and see temples, tea plantations, horses, cows and a lot of flowers. The entry fee is 300LKR.

Gregory lake

Visit the charming public park from the British Colonial era, est. in 1897. With a wide array of plants and trees, including roses, rhododendrons, and numerous species of birds, Victoria Park provides a delightful setting for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. You'll most probably meet Tony, the gardening manager, who is the smartest guy in the garden. He’ll explain every single species and know each plant’s name in 7 languages. The entrance fee to the park is 300 LKR pe person.

Victoria Park

If you want to hike to the Adam's Peak for sunrise, the best option is to stay directly in the village Dalhousie (Nallathanniya). Driving here from Nuwara Eliya is long and painful - the road is in terrible condition. As the place is not very touristy, the village doesn't have any fancy hotels. If you prefer higher standards of accommodation, stay at least in Hatton, however, it’s far from the Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) start route and you have to count on more than an hour of driving. Te Dalhousie village is small, out of season also very quiet and a bit creepy, but definitely worth seeing. There are a few small shops and restaurants where you can buy some snacks for a hike.

Punsisi Resort - Adam's Peak

Climb the 3rd highest peak in Sri Lanka early morning around 2:30 am to be at the summit before sunrise at 6 am. Don’t forget to bring water, some food, but also warm hiking clothes and a waterproof jacket. Be aware of leeches that can suck the blood(mostly around ankles) through the socks. They are mainly active during the rain. If you climb the peak out of the main season, the temple area on the top is closed, also no shops with snacks are open along the route. On the other hand, you’ll likely have a much less crowded climb with only a few tourists. 


Hike to Adam’s peak (Srí Pada)

Kandy is a busy place. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka and now it is known as nation's cultural capital. Visit one of the most important temples in Sri Lanka. This revered UNESCO World Heritage site cradles an ancient relic, believed to be a tooth of Lord Buddha himself. You can enter the place without your shoes only. If you would like to experience it with locals, there are 3 ceremonies per day (05:30 h, 09:30h, and 18:30h) and this is your chance to have a look at the golden relic holder for the sacred tooth of Buddha. Entrance fee is 2000 LKR per person and you won't probably spend more than 2 hours there.

Kandy - Temple of the Tooth

Hotel has a nice view on the Kandy and the lake in the city center. It is very well equipped and has also an outdoor swimming pool. 

Senani Hotel

To visit the botanical garden you have to drive to Peradeniya. It should take around 30 minutes to get there, but the traffic in Kandy can be tricky with its traffic jams. Visit the largest 600-year-old botanical garden in Sri Lanka that attracts more than 2M visitors annually and see more than 4000 species of plants like orchids, spices, palm trees, mambos, ficus, etc. Don't get scared, large bats are hanging on the trees. Entrance fee is 3000 LKR per person.

Royal Botanical Garden

Get a helpful presentation about a unique spicy garden and its different smells of spices like curry leaves, santal wood, cinnamon, and nutmeg. You’ll get served by tasty hot cocoa drink and a short head and neck massage free of charge. Of course, you can buy oils, powders, and balsams in a shop for an affordable price. Especially we recommend local cinnamon, vanilla, and cocoa. Be careful with cosmetic products without the proper information if you are sensitive. Even if it’s natural, it can cause irritation as the concentrations are often quite high. Also, despite the staff being very friendly and helpful, they will try to make as much money as possible if you visit. Don’t be afraid to say no to some products or ask for a discount if you decide to buy something. The entrance to the garden is free.

Regent Spice Garden

Try real Ayurvedic treatments like full body oil massage, steam bed with leaves, or third eye treatment alias oil dripping on your forehead (shirodhara) as a relief from migraine. You'll be checked and interviewed by Ayurvedic doctor in the beginning, it takes a few minutes, then you'll choose your treatment. This place is a hidden gem, very nice, amazing people, not too touristy and also the price is good. Reserve your massage in advance and wear clothes that can get dirty from oil. Price for a massage and steam bath is 35$ per person. 



Get massage at Thrimal Ayurvedic Treatment Center

This is your final destination for the following activities and great starting point for Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya Rock. The resort is in good shape and has clean and fancy deluxe rooms with baths, AC, and easy access to a huge nearby pool and restaurant that serves all day.

Oak Ray Elephant Lake Hotel

Wake up around 5 a.m. for one of the most spectacular sunrises (and also experience the place with less crowds and heat). Prepare to be awe-inspired by the breathtaking fortress of Sigiriya, a true wonder of ancient engineering and artistry. This unique 200m magma-made ancient rock fortress is one of the island’s highlights and is also a UNESCO heritage. At the summit, discover the ruins of an ancient palace that once housed a mighty king. The panoramic views from the top are nothing short of spectacular, offering a vista of lush forests and serene lakes that stretch as far as the eye can see. You’ll have a view of one of the oldest gardens in the world showcasing early urban planning. Climb is not really difficult if you are a healthy person and most probably you'll be up in an hour or less. Entrance fee is 30$ and you have to buy your ticket at the ticket office not at the entrance. 

Hike the Sigiriya Lion Rock

Step into the ancient pages of history and wander through the mesmerizing ruins of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's majestic archaeological site. This UNESCO World Heritage treasure invites you to explore the remnants of a glorious kingdom that once reigned supreme. Usually, it's an all-day trip, visitors rent bikes or walk around the area. However, if temperatures are above 35°C, consider taking a driver to help you move between the sites and temples and you still get your dose of walk wandering around the ruins. Bottled water is accessible around the place along with king coconuts. Entrance fee is 25$ per person. 

Polonnaruwa

Visit the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka with frescoes and 153 Buddha statues from the 1st century BC. The complex is situated on top of the hill and you have to take quite a few stairs to get there, so don't forget to bring some water with you. You can enter the complex with bare feet only and you have to left the shoes in the boxes for a small charge. Ask about the price before you store the shoes there to avoid any surprise later. Entrance fee is 1500 LKR per person. 

Dambula Cave Temple and Golden Temple

Sri Lanka road trip

Nature in Austria is beautiful, so if you just want to get out, take a walk, and explore, it doesn't really matter where you go. However, if you are looking for the best views and challenging routes, this itinerary is for you. Also, all of the following places are only around an hour's drive from Vienna. 

💡 General recommendations: 

✔︎ Gear: Good hiking shoes, layered clothing based on the weather forecast and season, fully charged mobile phone, and sufficient water and snacks.
✔︎ Safety: Check weather forecasts, start early to avoid afternoon storms, and inform someone about your hiking plans. 
✔︎ Navigation: Austrian trails are marked well, but detailed maps are important; consider downloading offline maps to your mobile phone. 
✔︎ Insurance: Buy insurance for mountains, you never know when you may need professional help. Alpenverein is recommended, but it takes some time to receive a membership card. Make sure it's valid when you start the trip. 

Schneeberg is the easternmost and highest mountain in the Northern Limestone Alps with a height of 2,076 meters. The hike offers beautiful panoramic views of the Viennese Basin and the Rax-Schneeberg Group. There is a mountain hut on the top so you can get some food and take a rest before your journey back.

Route type: Circle, 
Distance: 18 km, 
Elevation gain: 1377 m, 
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, 
Best Time to Hike: June to September, 
Trailhead: Puchberg am Schneeberg, parking lot near the ski center

Schneeberg

The Heukuppe (2007 meters) is the highest peak of the Rax massif, offering expansive views over the plateau. Multiple mountain huts like the Karl Ludwig Haus provide rest stops and shelter.

Route type: Out and back, 
Distance: 12 km, 
Elevation gain: 907 m, 
Difficulty: Moderate, 
Best Time to Hike: June to October, 
Trailhead: Preiner Gscheid or Hinternaßwald

Zuzana Stellmachova