All good moments get even better when shared with the people you love. Well, this is also true when it comes to vacations. While exploring a destination can be fun when you travel solo, visiting a place with your family is a great way to make memories that will last for a lifetime. Besides, traveling ignites children’s sense of adventure and curiosity while also helping them develop their imagination. But, although it sounds great in theory, taking your kids on a trip isn’t the easiest thing to do!
Luckily, it is doable, but you should choose a place that your children will love and that offers enough activities to keep them engaged. If you find it challenging to pick a destination, below is a list of the most noteworthy destinations that can make for a great family vacation. Check it out!
London
London is one of the most accessible and family-friendly destinations where you can have lots of fun on your next adventure. Amazing things are waiting to be discovered, such as museums that allow kids to explore everything from technology and natural history to design. In the city’s downtown, you can explore the Tower of London, one of the royalty’s symbols, and an iconic monument of England’s capital. You can also embark on a sightseeing cruise across the Thames River – some companies offer entertainment packs for children, so be sure to compare different options before booking.
Plenty of adventure activities are available for kids, including a walk through the Millennium Dome and treetop activities. And if you and your kids love Harry Potter, London is the perfect place to find the magic portrayed in the famous books and movies. You can explore the studios, and the filming locations, take a picture at the platform 9 ¾, and so much more! Of course, these are only a few things you can spend your time doing while visiting London with your kids – there are endless possibilities when it comes to the things you can see and do in this wonderful city.
Portugal
Whether you enjoy city life or want to connect with nature or relax at the beach, Portugal is one of the most amazing places to consider when planning a trip with your family. Portuguese people are very welcoming to kids and tourists, which will make your vacation a thousand times better! One of the most exciting things to do here (which your kids will probably love) is riding a tuk-tuk, which is basically a three-wheeled vehicle with comfortable seats.
Exploring the Bussaco forest in Central Portugal is another activity suitable for families. This ancient forest is so wonderful that your kids will be genuinely excited to be there! Consider taking a picnic there to make your trip even more memorable.
Israel
Regarding child-friendly places, Israel stands out, as it offers plenty of interactive activities for kids. While it’s viewed as a destination for religious tourism, the truth is that Israel goes beyond that: you can go to the beach, explore ancient caves, ride on camels, and much more. If you decide to travel with your family to Israel, one of the best ways to ensure you will make the most of the trip is to book a specialized tour. If you do this, you will plan less for the trip and relax more.
Although there aren’t a lot of custom-designed activities for kids in Israel, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time in this destination. You can visit the Israel Aquarium, explore the Garden Tomb, go on a boat trip on Lake Galilee, discover Israel’s Children’s Museum, and so on. Hence, if you aren’t into spirituality, various reasons make the Holy Land worth a visit, whether learning more about its history, discovering archaeological sites or taking a break from daily responsibilities. Even educational tourism to Israel has become popular, enabling students to gain valuable knowledge about this incredible country.
Bali
Bali is so famous for a reason, as it is a tropical paradise that boasts lush landscapes and breathtaking sunsets that you will not forget. And it’s also one of the best family travel destinations out there – once you visit it, you will likely want to return over and over again. From trying out water sports to exploring Bali’s markets, or experiencing a family retreat, there are activities suitable for all types of families.
There are many places where kids can get creative, such as the Sari Api, where they can take a ceramic class, or Berawa Art House, where both adults and children can join art classes. You can even learn how to make artisanal chocolate – now, that’s really exciting, isn’t it? So, don’t hesitate to add Bali to your family travel list – you won’t regret it!
Peru
If you’re searching for an unforgettable family travel destination, look no further than Peru. One of the most popular attractions here is Machu Picchu (of course!), which is incomparable and genuinely magical. There are fun experiences for adults and kids to enjoy but be sure to book your ticket as early as possible, as spaces can get filled quickly.
Cusco is another excellent place to visit with your children, offering a rich culture and history and myriad activities suitable for the entire family. For example, you can visit the chocolate museum together, wander the ancient streets, or let kids discover Peruvian cuisine at one of the best restaurants.
Ready for your family adventure?
As you can see, you can explore many travel destinations with your family – and they will fit everyone’s passions and interests. There’s no need to worry that your kids won’t be entertained, as each place mentioned above will offer little ones an experience they will keep in their hearts forever. Just make sure to do a bit of planning before hopping on the plane, as this will help you feel more relaxed and more in control. And most importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy your family trip!
If you are planning a road trip to the Basque Country and wonder whether it’s worth including San Sebastián into your itinerary, this post is for you. We recently returned from a three-week to Spain, so in this article I’ll get into the pros and cons of visiting San Sebastián. Based on our experience, there are plenty of good reasons to visit this city, but there are also a few cons which may be a deterrent for you.
San Sebastián-Donostia
But First Things First: where is San Sebastián?
San Sebastián is one of the four main cities in the Basque Country, Spain, next to Bilbao, Santander and Vitoria-Gasteiz, the region’s administrative capital. Officially known by the bilingual name Donostia/San Sebastián (Basque: Donostia, Spanish: San Sebastián), the city lies on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, about 12 miles from the border of Spain and France.
The Pros of Visiting San Sebastián
San Sebastián was once a summer vacation spot for the European elites, and once you see it you’ll understand why.
It’s a Clean and Safe Place to Visit
San Sebastian is generally a very safe city to visit. The crime rate is low in comparison to other cities in Spain. We spent about 5 days in San Sebastián and never felt unsafe, whether it was day time or night time. That being said, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas like the Old Town, where pickpocketing can occasionally occur.
What impressed me most was how clean an well maintained the streets and the buildings are hare. In fact, San Sebastian is famous for its elegant Belle Époque buildings and charming old streets.I
Old Town in the morning
In the heart of San Sebastian is its Old Quarter (Parte Vieja), a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with pintxos bars and local shops. This area which buzzes with activity, especially in the evening when locals and tourists come out for a drink and a bite to eat.
People enjoying a drink in Plaza de la Constitucion
Beautiful Beaches and an Amazing Scenery
The city’s coastline location is a big draw for visitors. It has wide sandy beaches in either direction, while inland it abounds with green forests, high cliffs, and strange rock formations. When visiting San Sebastián you’ll be surprised how green, lush and diverse the landscape is. Even in the midst of summer, when the rest of Europe is baking in a heatwave, the city maintains its verdant color.
Scenic view of San Sebastián
Beach culture is a big thing in San Sebastián because the city is blessed with quite a few nice beaches. The most popular one is La Concha. The other two are Zurriola and Ondaretta.
La Concha Beach
Located in a small bay in the center of the city, La Concha Beach is by far the best in San Sebastián and truly worth visiting. The beach has calm waters, fine golden sand and abundant amenities like sun-beds, umbrellas, showers, lifeguards on duty. Its protected location from the wind make it perfect for swimming, sunbathing and various water sports.
La Concha Beach
Zurriola Beach
Another beautiful beach is Zurriola, located on the other side of the river in the Gros neighborhood. This beach is very popular for surfing, but not so much for swimming because of its strong currents and big waves.
Zuriolla beach in the evening
Exquisite Food
One of the reasons San Sebastian is worth visiting is its food. What makes the food here so special? It’s the ingredients, the fresh seafood, the local produce, and the artisan cheeses they use. The city’s rocky coastline bordered by rolling green hills and farmland, make this area great for fishing, farming, and gardening. The fresh seafood and produce are delivered almost immediately to the world-class restaurants.
Tamboril, one of the Michelin-star restaurants in San Sebastián
San Sebastián has a large number of Michelin-starred restaurants. You practically stumble upon them almost everywhere you go in this city. Some of the most renowned are Casa Unroll (3 Michelin stars), Kokotxa (3 Michelin star), Mirador de Ulia (3 Michelin star), Ikaitz (2 Michelin Stars), and Tamboril (1 Michelin stars).
Pintxos, small snacks characteristic to the Basque Country
But the city is especially famous for its pintxos (pronounced pin-chos), which are small snacks typically served in bars. These delicious bites are a huge part of Basque culture. You’ll find the best pintxo bars in the old town, especially the streets around the Basilica. And while strolling the old town, don’t miss the traditional Basque cheesecake, which is quite different from the one we have here, in the USA.
It’s Home to the Oldest European Culture
The Basques have one of Europe’s oldest and most unique cultures. Their language and traditions are very different from the rest of Spain, so there is a good reason why they consider themselves a distinct cultural group. They cherish their unique language, music and folklore and try to preserve them the best they can. Even their dances set them apart from the rest of Spain or Europe.
Locals dressed in folk Basque costumes performing a dance
If you want to experience the traditional Basque music and dances, San Sebastián is the place to go. Basque dances are performed on the old town streets, in plazas or public places at during all the festivities and celebrations in the Basque Country. In June, when we visited the city, they had traditional Basque dances every evening in Plaza de la Constitución.
Lots of Places to Walk or Hike
If you are looking to spend some time outdoors, San Sebastián has plenty of delightful places to stretch your legs.
Mount Urgull
Overlooking the Old Quarter, the summit of Monte Urgull and the 40 foot tall Christ statue at the top are visible from many points in the city. One of the nicest things to do in San Sebastián hike to the very top of the mountain. It’s really a nice walk that goes only in the shade, with breathtaking views. While the paths are nicely paved, there are some steep parts as well as stairs in some places.
The walls of Castelo de la Mota at the top of Mount Urgull
This is a great place to observe the city and the sea. The different paths around the area open up to many scenic lookout points that are hidden between leafy patches. At the very top of the mountain you’ll see upclose the Sagrado Corazon statue (the statue of Christ) as well as the fortifications and cannons of the Castelo de la Mota.
Christ Statue at the top of Mount Urgull
La Concha Promenade (Paseo de la Concha)
Next to La Concha Beach there is a long promenade that follows the bay, bordered by a wrought-iron balustrade. This is a great place for walking, cycling, or people-watching. The lively promenade offers great views of La Concha Bay and Santa Clara Island. It also passes by opulent looking buildings, such as the emblematic Londres Hotel and Miramar Palace.
Paseo de la Concha
Don’t miss the famous Clocks scattered along the promenade, which the locals use as meeting points. Also located on the promenade is the famous thermal springs spa of La Perla. This is the only center of thalassotherapy in town, reminiscent of the time when San Sebastián was a spa city.
Mount Igueldo
Located on the western side of La Concha Beach is Monte Igueldo, a leafy mountain that features a funicular train, great views and even a roller coaster. As you ascend the mountain on the funicular, you will enjoy the stunning panoramic view of San Sebastián. Once at the top, you can go on a roller coaster and a few other amusement park rides that operate at the top of the mountain.
Spectacular view from the top of Mt. Igueldo
Having been up to both peaks in San Sebastián, I think visiting Mt. Igueldo is truly worth it for the views, which are absolutely amazing. Also, if you don’t want to spend money on the funicular (€2.80) you can also hike to the top.
The funicular at Mt. Igueldo
It Has Interesting Museums
If you have time for museums, you’ll find quite a few worth visiting in Donostia-San Sebastian. Like Eurika! Science Museum, San Telmo Museum, which is housed in an ancient convent in San Telmo, Museum of Sacred Art, or History House in the Castillo de la Mota at the top of Monte Urgull, where you can find out about the history of San Sebastián.
Museums in Donostia-San Sebastian
Cons of Visiting San Sebastián
After listing so many good reasons to visit San Sebastián, you may be wondering what could be the cons. Well, like I promised in my title, this will be an unbiased review of San Sebastián where I’ll give both the good and the bad and let you decide whether it’s worth visiting or not.
The Weather is Totally Unpredictable
If you decide to visit San Sebastián, be prepared for rain. You may like the lush, green vegetation and cooler temperatures during the summer, but there is a reason for this. San Sebastián receives more rainfall than almost anywhere else in Spain, with an average 59 inches of rain per year. The rainiest months are October to January, but it rains often and during every season. Even in summer.
Rainy day in June in San Sebastián
You can count that on one of the summer months will be a rainy mess, but the other two will usually be warm and sunny. The problem is you never know which month will be the rainy one. And when it rains, it rains! If you are lucky, it’s just a short shower. But sometimes it rains for a few hours and often it rains for days in a row.
It’s Expensive
Generally, San Sebastián is rated as a moderately expensive city, but that was not our experience. When compared to other European city, San Sebastián is among the top 15% most expensive cities in Europe.
They say that on average, a visitor can spend about $150 per day when visiting San Sebastian, while a couple would spend an average of $267 per day. Of course, prices will vary a lot based on the travel style and length of trip. But if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation, this is what you can expect to pay.
However, if you want to go to a couple of Michelin restaurants, stay in the center of the city where you can walk practically everywhere, or rent a car for day trips, the price per day will jump considerably.
It Has Big Crowds
San Sebastián is a popular beach town with a beautiful seashore and a charming old town. The problem is that it’s not very big, so if you plan to visit it during the summer time, when the weather is nice and your chances of getting rain are slimmer, you’ll be faced with big crowds. That’s especially a problem at La Concha Beach, or when you try to get a seat at one of the bars or restaurants in the Old Quarter.
Big crowds in Donostia-San Sebastián
Streets will also be very crowded and sometimes you’ll have to walk almost shoulder to shoulder with other people.
Unfriendly Locals
We travel extensively through Europe and by comparison I can safely say that locals in the Basque region aren’t exactly friendly, or willing to help. They seem rather impatient and uninterested in you, as a tourist. This is especially true for San Sebastián, which sees a lot of visitors every year.
We had quite a few experiences within the five days we’ve spent there and in almost all circumstances we received average or poor service. Waiters who wouldn’t show up to take the order, or were obviously annoyed by merely asking for another drink. Shopkeepers who wouldn’t acknowledge our presence and would continue their private conversation. Hotel receptionists who were very arrogant and patronizing, and so on.
Who is San Sebastian Best Suited For?
San Sebastián is a perfect blend of natural landscapes and city attractions. Home to the world’s finest food, wine, art, and so much more! Because of its luxurious appeal, the city has always been a retreat for royalty and European aristocracy, which is why I believe it’s perfect for travelers looking for relaxation, culture and gastronomy.
It is also a great city for couples looking for a romantic getaway or in search of a serene seaside retreat.
Visiting San Sebastián
In short, if you love the outdoors, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for hiking, surfing, and water sports in San Sebastián. And if you like to discover new dishes and wines, you’ll be in Heaven here!
A Final Note
So, is San Sebastián worth visiting? After reading both the pros and cons, I’m pretty sure your answer will be yes! In San Sebastián you’ll experience some of the best food in Spain, enjoy gorgeous scenery, visit beautiful museums and learn a few things about the oldest culture in Europe.
If this is your first time in Mykonos and you are not sure whether it’s worth visiting, keep reading. You may have heard a lot about this island and maybe not all of it was good. Yes, Mykonos is one of Greece’s most popular islands, yet people have very mixed feelings about it. Some say it’s crowded, touristy and overhyped. Others say it’s their favorite Greek island for its beauty, activities and nightlife. So who is right?
Mykonos
Like with everything in life, attractiveness depends on the perspective of the beholder; meaning that beauty is subjective and influenced by individual experiences and cultural norms. What one person finds attractive, another might not. That being said, there are both good and bad things to be said about Mykonos and once you are aware of them you can decide whether the island it’s worth visiting or not.
How did Mykonos gain its fame?
Mykonos is a very small, barren island with a total area of around 85.5 square kilometers (33 square miles) and a population of only 10 thousand permanent residents. Landscape wise, it doesn’t even compare to other lush Greek islands like Crete, Kefalonia, or Corfu. Then why is it so popular?
Back in the 1950’s Mykonos was a simple fishing island where the most common sights were fishing boats in the harbor and handcrafts.
However that changed in the 1960s, when celebrities like Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis began frequenting the island. That helped Mykonos establish itself as a luxurious destination with a cosmopolitan vibe, a vibrant nightlife and a gay-friendly scene.
St. John Hotel & Resort
Mykonos was successful at attracting wealthy entrepreneurs because the island felt like it had no rules. More and more tourists who wanted to escape their work-dominated routines and enjoy a bohemian lifestyle started flocking here, so Mykonos became their paradise.
What is worth visiting on Mykonos Island
Although it’s not one of my favorite Greek islands, Mykonos has quite a few nice places to visit.
Mykonos Town
The biggest attraction on the island is Mykonos Town (a.k.a Chora), a charming maze of narrow alleys with blue-white houses, colorful bougainvilleas, and a great array of small luxury boutiques and fancy restaurants. When visiting Mykonos Town, you shouldn’t miss:
The Iconic Windmills
These are especially beautiful at sunset. The whitewashed, rounded windmills with pointed roofs and small windows were once an important source of income for the island’s inhabitants.
The windmills in Mykonos town
The Church of Panagia Paraportiani
This unique church located in the Kastro neighborhood is one of the most photographed churches in Greece. The special thing about the church is that it consists of five small churches, built one on top or next to the other. The five churches were not constructed at once, but gradually over the centuries.
Panagia Paraportiani
Little Venice Neighborhood
Little Venice is one of the places truly worth visiting on Mykonos island. It is not only pretty and romantic, but also very authentic. The neighborhood is packed with colorful old houses hanging precariously on the edge of the land.
Little Venice neighborhood
Many of these historic homes have been transformed into a variety of cozy restaurants, trendy bars, shops and nightclubs, overlooking the sea.
Matoyianni Street
Matogianni (Matoyianni) is the most popular street in Mykonos for a good reason. What makes it truly unique is its cobblestone ground and white houses. There are beautiful flowers that embellish every corner as you walk by.
Matoyianni Street
But perhaps the biggest attractions on this street are the numerous boutiques and souvenir shops. If you want to go shopping in Mykonos, this is where you’d come.
Old Port of Mykonos
Mykonos has two ports, located about two kilometers apart: The Old Port which serves local boats and the New Port/Tourlos whichserves ferries and all cruise ships that dock in Mykonos. While there is nothing special about the New Port, the Old Port has a lot going for it.
Old Port in Mykonos
Located right in the heart of Mykonos Town, just behind Little Venice, the Old Port is full of life 24 hours a day. This is where you’ll find the traditional fish market as well as numerous shops, bars and restaurants. Around its rocky dock you can still see the traditional wooden vessels used for fishing. The northern part of the Old Port is the spot from where many organized tours and small cruises depart.
Also, don’t miss the seaside promenade lining the historic harbor in Mykonos Town. The walkway starts at the northern edge of the Old Port and continues all the way to the windmills. Walking alongside this promenade is an experience in itself.
Delos Island
If you are a fan of Greek mythology, a visit to the adjacent Delos island is a must and an adventure that you shouldn’t miss if you are in Mykonos. This is a historically significant ancient Greek site where you can explore well-preserved ruins including the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Terrace of the Lions, and other important monuments.
Delos Archeological site
Delos is an uninhabited island, so there are no lodging options, no airports and no direct ferries from mainland Greece. The only way to visit it is by booking a ferry from the closest island, which is Mykonos. During the summer months, ferry routes from other nearby islands (Naxos, Paros, Tinos, Syros) are also available.
The Beaches
Mykonos has many beautiful beaches, most of which have easy access, slowly descending water depths and crystal-clear waters. However, none of them compares to the beaches in Ithaca, Zakinthosh, or Crete.
Remote beach in Mykonos
Most of the beaches in Mykonos are very crowded, especially during the high season. But if you hire a boat you can get to some that are absolutely pristine.
Pristine beach in Mykonos
Some of the beaches worth visiting are:
Kalafatis Beach: A family-friendly beach on the southeastern coast of Mykonos
Psarou Beach: A romantic area with a waterfront and lively bars
Platis Gialos: A lively beach with loungers, umbrellas, bars, and restaurants
Super Paradise Beach: A beach known for its parties and crystal-clear blue waters
Restaurant next to the main beach in Mykonos
The Downside of Visiting Mykonos
There are quite a few drawbacks that make Mykonos less desirable than other Greek islands.
The High Costs
On the less positive side, the costs associated with visiting Mykonos are very high. Starting with accommodations and continuing with boat rentals and restaurants, everything is insanely expensive on this island.
Jewelry stores in Mykonos Town
To say nothing about the stores, most of which sell designer clothes, handbags and jewelry at prices that are even higher than the ones you’ll find in the department stores in Paris!
The Barren Landscape
Another disappointment is the island’s landscape, which is relatively flat with few hilly areas and completely barren. It’s mostly rocky, arid terrain with very little vegetation and a lack of rivers. This is a typical feature of the Cycladic islands in Greece. And for this reason, Mykonos is not a hiking friendly destination.
Barren landscape on Mykonos island
The Roads
Roads in Mykonos are narrow and overcrowded with cars, busses, trucks, mopeds and quads. The pavements are either shattered (and often lined with trash) or non-existent. You can also throw potholes into the mix.
The Crowds
Perhaps the most annoying thing in Mykonos are the huge crowds. The island is jam packed with tourists not only during the peak season, but almost throughout the year. We visited late October, which is the end of the shoulder season, and every single day there were 4-5 big cruise ships anchored in the port.
If you consider that each of these cruise ships carries a minimum of 5000 passengers, that means that at least 25,000-30,000 people roam around the small streets of Mykonos town at the same time.
This is in addition to the thousands of tourists that are already on the island and those that arrived daily from the main land in big busses via ferry boats. Overtourism makes it difficult to find a quiet, peaceful spot to relax on the island and will eventually lead to environmental degradation, affecting local ecosystems and local communities.
When should you visit Mykonos?
High season in Mykonos is June to September, so hotel prices are at their highest and the beaches, restaurants and nightclubs are packed. Summer is also party time, so expect concerts and loud music everywhere. Not to mention XLSIOR in August, a five-day clubbing festival that attracts some 30,000 gay revelers!
Shoulder season (April to early June, late September and October) is arguably a more pleasant time to visit. The temperatures are lower while the water is still perfect for swimming. However, don’t expect empty beaches or low accommodation prices.
Visiting Mykonos in October
In winter is too cold for sunbathing and swimming, but that’s the only time of the year when you’ll see empty beaches and plenty of bargain accommodations. The good thing is that many of the restaurants in Mykonos stay open year-round, unlike on other Greek islands. On the less positive side, winter can bring fierce storms and ferries are limited.
How much time should you spend on Mykonos?
We spent 3 full days in Mykonos and felt this was just about the right amount of time for this island. We spent the mornings exploring the beaches and the afternoons visiting the shops, restaurants and bars of Mykonos Town. One afternoon we caught a boat to the sacred island of Delos.
How to get to Mykonos?
There are frequent ferries that connect Mykonos Island with Athens’ ports of Rafina and Piraeus. During the high season the high-speed catamarans link Mykonos with numerous other Cycladic islands, including Santorini and Paros.
Mykonos Airport also has year-round flights between Athens and many European destinations. Even though Mykonos is a small island, I would advise renting a car, moped or ATV to properly explore it.
In Conclusion
Whether Mykonos is worth visiting or not depends entirely on what you’re looking for in a vacation: if you want a vibrant nightlife scene, beautiful resorts, stunning whitewashed houses, and are okay with crowds and high prices, then Mykonos could be a great choice.
Shops in Mykonos
On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed, budget-friendly experience, you might want to consider other Greek islands. Although is part of many Greek islands itineraries, Mykonos is considered a very touristy and expensive island. We liked it, but would not consider returning there. There are so many more beautiful islands to visit in Greece.
