Rome, Italy

The Colosseum one of the most popular sights in Rome, and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the entire world. Here are some useful tips for visiting the Colosseum!

No matter if you’re a serious history buff or a Gladiator fan – you can’t miss a visit to the Colosseum on a trip to Rome. I was super excited to see the Colosseum when we were in Rome for the first time, but visiting this historic landmark can be a bit overwhelming.

To ensure that you get the most out of your visit to the Colosseum and to avoid any disappointment, it pays off to plan your visit well in advance.

In this article I’ll be sharing my best tips for how to visit the Colosseum, how to buy tickets, and other things that you should know based on my experience traveling in Italy.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten

I’ve been traveling the world for 10+ years as a professional photographer & writer. I hope you enjoy my Colosseum tips! If you find it useful, clicking on my affiliate links to book something will give me a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

About The Author

Rome Colosseum Travel Guide

The Colosseum is a famous Roman amphitheater that was built between 72 and 80 AD. The three-tired theater is the largest amphitheater ever built, and the largest (still standing) amphitheater in the entire world.

It is the largest ancient structure to have survived: It stands 157 feet (48 meters) tall and measures 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters). The Colosseum was built to hold more than 50,000 spectators.

Roman theaters were generally built in the same way: circular or oval open-air structures with raised seating. They were used for popular events such as gladiator fights, chariot races, animal slayings and executions.

There are around 230 amphitheaters that were built during the Roman Empire, however, none compare to the Colosseum, which is unique in its style and grandeur. Because it was built by the Flavian Emperor Vespasian and his sons Titus and Domitian, it is also known as the “Flavian Amphitheater”.

The Roman theater has three stacked arcades: the lowest one built in Doric style, the middle arcade built in Ionic style, and the highest one in Corinthian style. It was built in this way to reflect the civilization that created it.

Even though the Colosseum has been severely damaged by earthquakes, visitors can still experience most of the structure that ancient Romans saw when they entered the Colosseum to watch a gladiator fight or spectacle.

How To Get To The Colosseum

The Colosseum is located right in the center of Rome, and the entrance is near the Arch of Constantine.

The nearest metro station is “Colosseo” on the B Line – it is right across the street from the Colosseum, about a 3-minute walk to the entrance.

If you are taking the metro from Termini, take the metro that is going to Laurentina. It’s a 3-minute train ride, or two short stops.

If you have a Rome Hop On Hop Off Bus Ticket, they also stop at the Colosseum. (Hop On Hop Off bus tickets are included in both the Rome and the Vatican Pass).

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How To Visit The Colosseum

There are a different ways to see the Colosseum. You can simply see it from the outside (which is free), or you can book a ticket to go inside.

If you want to go inside, you have the option to book tickets for different areas of the Colosseum.

Furthermore, you can choose to visit the Colosseum independently, or join a guided tour.

How Much Does Visiting The Colosseum Cost?

The general admission ticket to the Colosseum is €18 (€16 + €2 online booking fee) and also includes the Roman Forum and the Palatine. With this ticket, you’ll be able to visit the first and second levels of the Colosseum, including three overlooks, however, NOT the arena level or the hypogeum, the underground area of the Colosseum. (You need to book a guided tour to visit these restricted areas – see below for more details.)

Discounted Tickets: European Union citizens between the age of 18 and 25 only pay €4 (€4 + €2 online booking fee) to visit the Colosseum. However, you must show an ID at the entrance verifying the right to a reduced ticket.

Children / People With Disabilities: Children under 18 and disabled people (plus one family member / helper) don’t have to pay to visit the Colosseum.

Full Experience Tickets: Include entrance to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine as well as the S.U.P.E.R. sites (the Palatine Museum, Neronian Cryptoporticus, House of Augustus, House of Livia and Temple of Romulus) AND a tour in English are €32 (discounted: €12) plus the €2 booking fee per ticket. This ticket option includes access to the arena level and an accompanied visit to the underground, but it does NOT include Level 3 of the Colosseum. “Full Experience Tickets” are valid for 48 hours from the first use.

If you are buying a ticket that includes a guide through the official Colosseum website, be careful when selecting the ticket option: the English version of the website is unfortunately not very well translated and can be a bit confusing. You don’t want to accidentally book an Italian tour.

Skip-The-Line Tickets

If you are pressed for time or simply don’t want to waste time waiting in line, I recommend spending a few more dollars on the Skip-The-Line Ticket (around €22). Just be aware that you must book this ticket with an allocated starting time, and tickets usually sell out, so book your ticket well in advance. Skip-the-line tickets are not sold through the official Colosseum website, but are available through GetYourGuide.

What’s Included In Your Colosseum Ticket

The General Admission Ticket includes the Colosseum (without access to the arena), the Roman Forum archeological area, the Imperial Forums and the Palatine. It also includes admission to temporary exhibitions at these sights.

The ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you don’t have to visit all three sites in the same day. You can decide in which order you visit the sites included in the ticket. The 24 hours start when you access the first monument.

Note: If you buy the ticket online, it is not necessary to print it out, you can simply show it on your smartphone upon arrival at the Colosseum.

What’s Not Included in the Colosseum Ticket

The general admission ticket to the Colosseum doesn’t include access to the arena, the underground area and Level 3 of the Colosseum. To visit these areas, you need to book a special ticket or a guided tour (see below for more details).

How Long Does It Take To Visit?

You need to plan in at least one hour to visit the Colosseum, and if you want to visit the other sights included in the Colosseum ticket, plan in at least one hour for those, too. If you want to take in each monument in more detail, you’ll need about 2 hours for each site. Both the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum are larger, more spread-out areas.

As for distances between the sights: The Palatine is a five-minute walk from the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is also less than five minutes away and the Imperial Fora is about 10 minutes from the Colosseum. If you’re pressed for time, it is possible to visit all three sites in half a day, but ideally, you’ll want to plan in 6 hours for all three sites.

Guided Tours Of The Colosseum

If you have more time and really want to understand the Colosseum, I highly recommend taking a guided tour. There is little signage throughout all the monuments included in the Colosseum ticket, which means that you will have little understanding of what you are looking at unless you are listening to a podcast about the sights, or you are using a guidebook.

1-Hour Express Tour

The 1-hour Express Tour is perfect for people who don’t have a lot of time, and the ticket also allows you to skip the line. Get 1-Hour Express Tickets Here

Standard Colosseum Tour

Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (from US$39)

Visit The Hypogeum (Under The Colosseum)

A tour is required to see the arena floor and hypogeum, the fascinating underground area of the Colosseum. The hypogeum was where gladiators and animals were waiting before their battles, and visiting it with a guide means you’ll learn a lot more about the spectacles that visitors came to see at the amphitheater, the life of the gladiators, and the battles that were fought.

Colosseum Tour with Underground Hypogeum & Arena Floor

Colosseum Kid-Friendly Tour

This is a great tour for anyone visiting Rome with kids, since it aims to entertain children and tell stories about ancient Rome in a way that they’re enjoyable for youngsters and adults alike.

Colosseum and Ancient Rome Family Tour for Kids

How To Buy Colosseum Tickets

There are several ways to buy tickets to the Colosseum. The official ticket website is of course the obvious choice but be aware that you can often only get general admission tickets through the official Colosseum website.

You can buy special access tickets that include a guide through the official Colosseum website, too, but the English-speaking tours are limited and thus often sold out. No worries though: If there are no tours in English available for any of the dates you’re planning to be in Rome, you’re usually still able to find guided Colosseum tours in English through third-party websites.

If you want to book a guided tour or access to special areas, you will have to book through a third-party tour operator who is licensed to offer these tickets.

There is also a ticket office right at the Colosseum but you’ll most likely have to wait in line to purchase a ticket. Since tickets are timed and visitor numbers are capped at 3,000 a day, I strongly recommend buying your Colosseum tickets online.

After clicking on the “Buy Tickets” button, a calendar will pop up, and you can select the date you’re planning to visit the Colosseum on. After choosing a date, you will see all the available time-slots on the date you selected. If there aren’t any tickets available anymore for the time you’d like to visit, try a different date.

It is worth noting that you can only book a timeslot up to one month in advance, so if your trip to Rome is still in the distant future, you may want to put a reminder in your calendar to book a Colosseum ticket a month before your visit.

Roma Pass / Rome and Vatican Pass

If you have a Roma Pass (which gives you free admission to a couple of landmarks / historic sites and reduced ticket prices to all other museums and archeological sites as well as free use of public transportation), you still have to reserve a time-slot online and pay the €2 reservation fee.

This means you should check availability for the Colosseum as soon as you purchase the Roma Pass, to make sure there are still time-slots available during the days your pass is valid (they are usually valid for 48 or 72 hours). You’ll find the option to reserve a time-slot for Roma Pass holders on the official ticket website.

Visit The Colosseum For Free?

On the first Sunday of every month, the Colosseum can be visited for free. This includes all sites that are usually included in the Colosseum tickets: The Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Palatine.

Be Warned: The sites included in the free ticket tend to get very crowded when they can be visited for free. If you are on a tight budget and would like to take advantage of the Free First Sunday, I recommend arriving as early as possible.

Colosseum Opening Hours

The Colosseum is open seven days a week, and it opens 9am year-round.
Closing times differ, depending on the time of year:

• 2 January – 28 February: 9 – 4.30pm
• 1 – 26 March: 9am – 5.30pm
• 27 March – 31 August: 9am – 7.15pm
• 1 – 30 September: 9am – 7pm
• 1 – 30 October: 9am – 6.30pm
• 31 October – 31 December: 9am – 4.30pm

Note: Final admission is one hour before closing time.
Colosseum Closed: The Colosseum open year-round, with the exception of two days: Christmas Day (25th December) and New Year’s Day (1st January).

More Tips For Visiting The Colosseum

• Large backpacks or suitcases are not allowed. Security is tight, and all bags are screened by a metal detector at the entrance. A medium-sized daypack is ok. Glass bottles and alcohol are not permitted.
• Water fountains can be found in several places inside the Colosseum, which is very useful during the hotter months. Bring your reusable water bottle!
• If you’re only visiting the outside, look for the water fountain near the Colosseo metro station.
• If you visit during the summer months, you’ll need to pack a sunhat / visor or an umbrella. You’ll find yourself exposed to the sun a lot. Apply sunscreen before your visit.
• I recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes for your visit to the Colosseum. The surfaces are uneven, and if you visit the other sights included in your ticket: you’ll walk on ancient Roman cobbles and uneven surfaces Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
• If you are fascinated by the Gladiator myth and culture, you can train to be a gladiator on your visit to Rome. The Gruppo Storico Romano and Gladiator School offers 2-hour gladiator training courses and will teach you more about the gladiator games, weapons and history.

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READ MORE ITALY TRAVEL TIPS

I hope you enjoyed my guide to visiting the Colosseum in Rome! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:

• 25 Best Things To Do In Rome
• Where To Stay In Venice, Italy
• Hiking Tre Cime Di Lavaredo
• Italy’s Beautiful Lago Di Braies
• Matera The Italian City Of Caves

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This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Annecy, France

While France is full of charming places, my favorite has to be the mountain town of Annecy. From lake cruising to farmer’s markets — here are the best things to do in Annecy, France!

Annecy is a beautiful lake town in the Haute-Savoie region of France surrounded by mountains on the edge of the Swiss border. The lake, Lac d’Annecy, boasts some of the freshest water in Europe, replenished each year from the snow melt.

The town isn’t too big — or too small either. With a very walk-able and bike friendly atmosphere, you can spend many lazy afternoons exploring local shops, snacking at fresh food markets, or take a picnic in one of the many parks.

We spent 2-months living in Annecy as digital nomads with our two kids and cat, and absolutely loved it! So here are some of our best tips for activities and great things to do in Annecy, France.

My Annecy itinerary is completely free! I’ve worked hard putting it together for you. If you find it useful, please use my affiliate links when you book hotels, rental cars or activities. I’ll get paid a small commission, at no extra cost to you! Thanks.

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Annecy France Travel Guide

1: Explore Annecy’s Old Town

One of the reasons Annecy is so picturesque is the network of canals that make their way through the old town. It’s sometimes called the “Venice of France”. Annecy’s canals are shallow, and not really used for boating, but it still gives the town a charming feel.

Combined with the colorful old buildings, cobblestone streets, and flower boxes, a walk through the Old Town neighborhood of Annecy is always a treat.

You’ll catch glimpses of the mountains and lake in the distance, while enjoying the town’s many street-side restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops.

2: Boating On Lake Annecy

Arguably Annecy’s top highlight is Lac d’Annecy, a stunning large blue lake located right on the edge of town. Lake Annecy is France’s 3rd largest lake and regularly receives accolades for being the freshest lake in Europe (due to snow melt from the Alps).

The lake is surrounded by mountains, and while cold, is a perfect place to cool off in the summer heat. There are biking paths around it, plenty of beaches, and many opportunities to go boating!

• Rent A Pedal Boat – You’ll find all kinds of pedal boats available to rent along the lake’s edge at Jacquet Promenade. The boats cost about €15 EURO for 30 minutes, depending on size. Some even have slides or diving boards attached!
• Rent A Motor Boat – Small 4-5 person motor boats can be rented, and you don’t need a boat license either. Some have sunshades, and rentals cost about €65 EURO for an hour.
• Join A Lake Tour – There are some large tour boats that will take you around the lake while describing key points of interest. You can even book a table for dinner on the boat!
• Go Waterskiing – Waterskiing is a popular pastime on Lake Annecy, and it’s possible to book a trip with one of the local water-skiing companies.
• Take A Sailing Lesson – You can rent a small sail boat to cruise around the lake, or take a beginner sailing lesson too!

3: Walk Across Lover’s Bridge

Pont des Amours is an extra pretty and famous bridge on the edge of Lac d’Annecy that spans the Vassé canal and connects the Jardins de l’Europe with the Jacquet Promenade.

Local legend says that lovers who kiss on the bridge will stay together for life.

The bridge has two great views. One looking at the lake itself with mountains in the background, and if you turn around, you’ll enjoy a tree-lined canal with wooden boats moored on each side.

4: Picnic At Jardins de l’Europe

When the weather is nice, walking or biking down to Jardins de l’Europe is a wonderful family friendly activity. This massive park sits on the edge of the lake, with large green fields, boardwalks, and playgrounds.

There’s even an old wooden Carousel, originally built in 1871, for kids to ride.

The park is popular for late afternoon picnics — just bring down some wine, cheese, and bread from the markets and a blanket to enjoy the mountain views. A French experience you just can’t miss!

5: Explore Annecy Castle

Château d’Annecy is a castle in the heart of Annecy, located on a hill above the town. Originally built as a residence for the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours from the 13th to 16th centuries.

These days the Chateau houses a museum (Musée-Château d’Annecy), featuring local sculpture, art, and a nature exhibit of animals and fish that are found around the lake. The castle also has some good views of the lake and town from the edge of its walls.

Entry tickets cost about €5 EURO for adults, and are free for kids under 12.

6: Walk The Promenade du Thiou

The Promenade du Thiou is a nice easy walk through the old town of Annecy along the crystal blue Thiou River, that progressively gets more wooded and secluded as you move out of town. There are paths on both sides of the river.

The trail is bike and stroller friendly too. It’s a wonderful way to spend an hour or two, enjoying nature (and getting away from the busy tourist-filled city center). There are some playgrounds, sitting areas, and bridges spread out along the tree-shaded trail.

Promenade du Thiou starts around the Quai des Cordeliers (just past the famous Le Palais de I’Île), in the center of Old Annecy and you simply walk up river from there.

7: Visit Annecy le Vieux

Annecy le Vieux is a different part of town, a residential area raised up on a hill overlooking the rest of the lake. It features a nice park, old buildings and churches, some restaurants & bars, and is generally a more relaxed place compared to the busy old city down below.

Some highlights here include the Clocher Roman Church, Parc Gabriel Fauré, and Les Quatre Gourmets Restaurant.

8: Shop At The Farmer’s Markets

One of my favorite parts of living in Annecy was the many fresh food markets that line the streets of the old town. You’ll find a variety of produce, cheese, sausage, wine, olives, bread, flowers, crafts, and more.

The Annecy street markets happen every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 7am–1pm. Make sure to try some of the local reblochon cheese, used in many local dishes.

9: Chateau de Menthon-Saint Bernard

Chateau de Menthon is an impressive medieval castle just outside of Annecy. Home to the same family for over 100 years, it’s open to visitors from April to October on weekends.

The castle towers over Lake Annecy, the Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve, and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, with wonderful views of each.

Guided tours of the castle (in French only) are in the afternoons, and last about an hour. There’s also a small garden along with sheep, pigs, and peacocks.

10: Bike Around The Lake

Annecy is very bicycle friendly, with many dedicated bike paths and trails that will take you all around the town. There is wonderful bike path that encircles the lake too, and it’s a great way to kill a few hours while enjoying the mountain scenery.

This 35 km paved greenway follows the old route of a railroad that connected Annecy with Albertville, and stops in smaller villages along the way like Sévrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt, Lathuile and Doussard.

You can rent a bike from many shops in Annecy, and even get a trailer for kids (like we did).

11: Palais de l’Île

Palais de l’Isle is probably the most postcard-famous spot in Annecy. A unique castle-like building that sits in the middle of the Thiou River, surrounded by restaurants and shops in Annecy’s old town.

Often described as a “house in the shape of a ship” — the building has been a prison, a courthouse and an administrative center. The original structure was constructed in the 12th century.

These days it is a museum (about €4 to enter), featuring an old courtroom, dungeon, prison cells and chapel that you can visit. The most famous photos are taken from the bridge out in front.

12: Go For A Hike

Annecy is located at the base of the French Alps, and a great place to base yourself for visiting the mountains. There are many local hikes nearby, as well as day trips to excellent skiing and trekking opportunities.

From easy walks, to extreme mountaineering, there’s something for everyone. Hikes around Annecy can include waterfalls, mountain lakes, and wildlife sightings of ibex mountain goats.

Here are some popular hiking trails around Annecy:

• La Tournette – The highest peak near the lake, La Tournette is a very difficult hike. But the views are amazing. About 6-hours round-trip. Experienced hikers only.
• Mont Baron & Veyrier – A moderate 2-hour loop hike that visits two mountain peaks, with wonderful views.
• Gorges du Fier – An easy walk for the whole family, this hike takes you across suspension bridges in the middle of a gorge.
• Cascade d’Angon – Beautiful shaded waterfall hike that’s not too difficult, and gives you nice views of the lake. About 2-hours round trip.

Best Time To Visit Annecy

March – May

We visited Annecy in the Spring, primarily in April and May. The weather in this part of France can be unpredictable, and it snowed on us a couple times. In between sunny days filled with wildflowers. The mountains will still have snow on them, but the weather isn’t too hot yet in town.

June – August

This is Annecy’s high season, and while beautiful, it can get very crowded. Many tourists visit Annecy as a day trip while traveling through Switzerland, because it’s so close to the border. It’s difficult to find accommodation in the summer, unless you book months in advance.

September – November

This is probably the best time to visit Annecy. Most of the high-season tourists are gone, the weather is cool, but the snow hasn’t come yet. There’s also a great festival in October called the Return Of The Alpine Pastures Festival.

Where Is Annecy (Getting There)

Annecy, France is located 44 km West of Geneva (Switzerland) about a 40-minute drive away. Most people get to Annecy after flying into Geneva International Airport, and then driving over the border.

However it’s also possible to fly into Paris and take a train. Search for the cheapest flights to Geneva on Skyscanner.com.

Where To Stay In Annecy

Accommodation in Annecy can range from backpacker friendly to luxurious. As we were staying there long-term, we rented a wonderful holiday apartment from My Sweet Home Annecy that was close to everything.

The best areas to stay in Annecy are near the old town for easy access to the markets and the lake.

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BEST ACCOMMODATION IN ANNECY

Luxury

Imperial Palace

Midrange

Le Pelican

Budget

Allobroges Park Hotel

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Rome, Italy

The ancients believed Rome would last forever, and it seems they were correct! The Eternal City is full of fun things to do & see — from architecture, to history, to art, and food.

Rome’s Baroque and Renaissance churches, towering temples, hidden catacombs, and mythical fountains make Italy’s capital city an amazing place to visit and a top destination for travelers. Sure, Venice is nice, but Rome has a completely different feel.

Combine the history and architecture of Rome with its delicious pastas, pizzas and gelatos, and you’ll enjoy a taste of the dolce vita. But there are many other fun things to do in Rome that most people miss…

From visiting lively piazzas to chilling in quiet neighborhoods, here’s my guide on what to do in Rome, Italy when you visit! I’ve also included some of some of my favorite fun & unusual attractions that will make your trip extra special.

My Rome itinerary is completely free! I’ve worked hard putting it together for you. If you find it useful, please use my affiliate links when you book hotels, rental cars or activities. I’ll get paid a small commission, at no extra cost to you! Thanks.

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Best Things To Do In Rome In 2023

1: Visit The Magnificent Colosseum

No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to the Colosseum. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome, the Colosseum is a testament to Roman architecture. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’.

This circular amphitheater was the largest building ever built and could hold almost 80,000 spectators at a time. The patrons of the Colosseum would hold gladiator shows, executions and plays such as Sylvae, Naumachiae, and Venatio.

Basic entry into the Colosseum costs €12 EURO. But try to get there early in the morning, because wait in line to get in can take 2 to 3 hours. To avoid the hassle, I recommend booking a skip the line combo ticket online which also gives you access to a few other popular Roman attractions!

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (October to February – with longer hours during peak season)

➜ Read My Guide To Visiting The Colosseum Here

Colosseum Combo Tickets

Skip the line with a combo ticket to visit 3 of Rome’s hottest attractions: The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palantine Hill.

Book Online Now

2: See The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum or Forum Romanum was an important center of social, religious and political activity in the times of the Caesars. It was also the site of many temples dedicated to different gods.

It’s easy to spend a few hours wandering around the Roman Forum to marvel at ancient structures like the Arch of Titus, the eight remaining pillars of the Temple of Saturn, Temple of Castor and Pollux, Temple of Vesta, Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, Basilica of Maxentius, Arch of Septimius Severus, House of the Vestals and much more.

You can visit the Roman Forum on its own, or combine it with other major attractions like the Colosseum and Palantine Hill with a special combo ticket.

3: Visit St Clement Basilica

Dedicated to Pope Clement I, the St. Clement Basilica consists of three layers. The top layer is the Basilica that was built in the middle ages.

The layer below is the home of Senator Titus Flavius Clemens who secretly converted to Christianity and opened his home to clandestine worship services. This level is also home to a temple of Mithras.

The lowest layer may have been a mint that was destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD.

The Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano is one of the best places to visit in Rome to see different eras of history and architecture in one setting.

Entrance Fee: €10 EURO

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 3 PM to 6 PM. Sunday: 12 PM to 6 PM

4: Marvel At The Architecture Of The Pantheon

Listed among the top famous places in Rome, the Pantheon was built in 126 AD on the site of the Pantheon of Agrippa that was destroyed in 80 AD.

The building is lauded for its amazing architecture, having both a height and a diameter of 43.5 meters. The Pantheon is home to the tombs of many royals and artists, including the famous Renaissance painter Raphael.

Entrance Fee: Free

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:30 AM and 7:30 PM Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM

5: Throw A Coin In Trevi Fountain

One of Rome’s tourist attractions that’s always crowded is the famous (and beautiful) Trevi Fountain. It originated as one end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct in 19 BC. The current version of the fountain was built by Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini.

The popular myth that throwing coins in the fountain to return to Rome or fall in love — results in over 1 million Euros worth of coins being thrown in every year! The city collects this money and uses it to support good causes.

How did the Trevi fountain get its name? Since the fountain is at the junction of three streets, the fountain was called three ways or Tre Vie.

Rome Photography Tip: The Trevi fountain is super crowded all day long. It’s a very popular Instagram photography spot. But if you make a dedicated visit in the middle of the night, or just before sunrise, you might have it to yourself for a while (my photo above was taken around 4am).

6: Villa Borghese Park & Borghese Gallery

Set on the Western banks of the Tiber, the Villa Borghese is the third largest park in Rome. Established by the Borghese family in 1901, it’s filled with fountains and sculptures by famous artists.

Galleria Borghese or Borghese Gallery is housed in an elegant mansion in the park and showcases collections by artists such as Bernini, Carvaggio, Botticelli, Raphael.

Borghese Park is also home to the Silvano Toti Globe Theatre, and the Bioparco zoo that’s home to over 200 species of animals.

Entrance to Villa Borghese Park is free from dawn to dusk, but it might get crowded if there are musical events or plays in the park.

Entrance Fee: €20 EURO

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Closed Mondays.

7. The Vatican Museum

Near St. Peter’s you’ll also find the famous Vatican Museums established by Pope Julius II in 1503 and which hold the world’s largest collection of artwork (70,000 pieces within the walls of Vatican City).

However, not all of these are on display, about 20,000 artworks are available to the public, while the other 50,000 remain in safe storage. The Museums are made up of 54 different galleries.

The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museum decorated by Michelangelo is one of the most renowned art of all time. It’s an amazing thing to see in person! Other favorites include the incredible Map Room.

Entrance Fee: €16 EURO for adults, €8 EURO for kids

8: See Rome’s Largest Stadium, Circus Maximus

Chariot racing was a popular spectator sport in ancient Rome. No wonder the Circo Massimo or Circus Maximus was built to hold as many as 300,000 spectators.

The only thing that remains of the Circus Maximus is the large space that it fills between the Palantine and Aventine hills; so it’s perfect for a quick stop over between visiting the two.

9: Climb The Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps or Scalina Spagna that were completed in 1725 serve a very practical purpose. These 135 steps were built by the funds donated by the French diplomat Etienne Gueffier.

It created a pathway from the Trinità dei Monti church which was located in the Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top to the Apostolic See of the Palazzo Monaldeschi in the Piazza do Spagna at the bottom of the steps.

At the bottom of the Spanish Steps in the Piazza di Spagna is also the Fontana della Barcaccia designed by Bernini and popular area to get photos, or just hang out near the steps to people watch.

10: Test Your Fate At The Mouth Of Truth

Weighing about 1300 kgs, the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) represents the face of the sea god Oceanus. Legend has it that if you put your hand in the mouth and tell a lie, it will be bitten off. This is why you’ll see many tourists lining up to take pictures with their hands in the Mouth of Truth.

This somewhat creepy marble structure was once located in the Piazza della Bocca della Verita and moved to its current location outside the church of Santa Maria in Cosmendin in 1632.

11: Capuchin Crypt Bone Church

Located on a small street on Calle Vittorio Veneto, the Capuchin Crypt Bone Church was really easy to miss. But once inside, you learn about quite a grim tale.

When the monks of the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini moved from their old monastery to the new one in 1631, they brought with them bones of over 3700 cappuchin friars who had passed away.

The display of bones is said to remind one of our mortality and how fleeting this life is.

Entrance Fee: €6 EURO

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 7PM

12: Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

Named after the 15th century Argentoratum tower built by Johannes Burckardt, the Foro Argentina area was found and excavated in 1929. There are four temples in this area, as well as the Curia Pompei where Julius Caesar was killed in 44 BC.

After the 1929 excavations, feral cats were drawn to the area and took shelter among the Roman pillars. Over time the cat population has grown quite large, and volunteers care for, spay and neuter the cats that live here.

Visitors can feed the stray cats and purchase souvenirs that helps support running the cat sanctuary. I’m pretty sure this was Anna’s personal favorite activity to do in Rome…

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 12 AM to 6 PM. Saturday – Sunday: 11 AM to 7 PM

13: Altar Of The Fatherland

Home to the Tomb of the Italian Unknown Soldier, the Altare della Patria or Altar of the Fatherland is 70 meters tall and 135 meters wide. Built by the first king of Italy, it’s also called the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument in honor of this king.

Occupying the area near Piazza Venezia, the altar comprises a forum and a three-leveled agora. The views from the rooftop are spectacular, and you can either walk 196 steps to the top or pay 7 EURO for the elevator.

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM

14: Watch A Sunset From Terrazza Del Pincio

During both clear skies or cloudy days, the Terraza del Pincio offers picture perfect views of the Piazza del Popolo with the Flaminian Obelisk at its center. Located at the top of the Pincian hill in Villa Borghese Park, it’s also the best place to watch the sun set over this ancient city.

On the way to the Terrazza del Pincio from the Villa Borghese, you can also see the Orologio ad acqua del Pincio, a hydro-chronometer built in 1873 that still tells time.

15: Via Appia Antica

Connecting Rome and Brindisi, the Appia Antica or “Appian Way” was Europe’s first super highway and military road built between 312 and 264 BC. It stretched over 300 miles long!

It’s made of large flat stones set in place by thousands of years of rain, wheels, and armies passing over them. Walking (or biking) the Appian Way lets you walk in the footsteps of Roman emperors, merchants, saints and maybe even St. Peter himself.

Spartacus and other slaves that rebelled against Rome were crucified along the Appian Way.

There are also many tombs and catacombs that you can visit along the tree-lined route such as the famous Catacombs of St Sebastian.

The Appian Way is located a bit outside the city center, but to visit you can take the metro to the Circo Massimo stop then catch the #118 bus, which runs every 40 minutes. Or just hop in a taxi.

16: Quartiere Coppede Neighborhood

Named after architect Gino Coppede who was involved in designing the area, the Quartiere Coppede is a tranquil section of Rome. Located just outside the historical center, you can see different types of architecture including Roman and Baroque.

Some attractions to see in Quartiere Coppede include the beautiful Coppede entrance Arch, Palazza del Ragno, and Fontana delle rane in Piazza Mincio.

17: Explore The Trastevere Neighborhood

Trastevere is Rome’s colorful bohemian neighborhood, and will give you a glimpse of what life is like for the actual people who live & work in Rome. There are numerous local Italian restaurants and cafes that line the ivy-filled streets here.

If you want to get lost in Rome for a day just exploring, this is the area to do it. Trastevere has become a popular Instagram photography spot in Rome too.

The neighborhood has a charming small town feel, but is located in the heart of the city with the Vatican and Colosseum only a 30-minute walk away.

18: Baths Of Caracalla

Built in the 3rd century by Emperor Caracalla, these magnificent public bath complexes were used by most of Rome till around 537 AD. The Terme di Cacacalla were so big and perfect that they offered users different temperatures of cold or hot water that were heated by wood-fired oven.

The site also includes a gym, library, cafes, and an Olympic size swimming pool where people lounged at the edges and played games (you can still see the notches in the stone).

One of the coolest parts of this site is the ability to rent a Virtual Reality headset that allows you to see what the place would have looked like during Roman times as you walk around!

Entrance Fee: €8 EURO, plus €7 EURO to rent the VR headset (do it!)

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9 AM to 6:30 PM

19: St. Peter’s Square & Basilica

Completed in 1626, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City contains works by many great artists, including Michelangelo’s Pieta. It’s one of the top things to do for people who visit Rome, not only for it’s rich history and importance to the Catholic religion, but also for the art it contains.

St. Peter’s is the largest of the Papal Basilicas, and one of the largest churches in the world too. The interior is pretty amazing, with murals and sculpture decorating every room.

One highlight is the bronze statue of St. Peter by Arnolfo di Cambio, the foot of which has been worn down by the touch of the millions of pilgrims who pass through.

If you climb up the spiral staircase to the dome of the Basilica, you’ll get an amazing view of Rome (pictured above).

Entrance into the Basilica is free, but going up to the dome costs €8 EURO via elevator or €6 EURO taking the stairs. It’s well worth it for the amazing view!

20: Catacombs Of Rome

Yes, Rome has catacombs too! These underground passages were created by early Christians and Jews as burial chambers from the second to fifth century.

After Christian persecution stopped, they could bury their dead without fear and stopped using the catacombs. But you can still visit the ones that are still open, which include:

• Catacombs of San Callisto
• Catacombs of Priscilla
• Catacombs of San Sebastiano
• Catacombs of Sant Agnese
• Catacombs of Domitilla

21: Janiculum Hill

Located just outside the city of Rome, this area is often called the eight hill of Rome. At the top of Janiculum Hill, you’ll see the famous Garibaldi Monument, Manfredi Lighthouse, and the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola.

You’ll also find the Church of San Pietro in Montorio at the top. This church was set up on the place where Saint Peter was crucified. The top of the hill offers one of the best views of Rome for photos.

22: Campo Dei Fiori

In 1456, Pope Callistus III had a field of flowers paved into a local market, the Campo dei Fiori. It’s also where Giordano Bruno was burnt alive for heresy in 1600.

Now a martyr, you’ll find a statue to him in the square.

Campo dei Fiori also served as horse market, and a fish and meat market in different centuries. Visit it now though, and you’ll find it a great place to enjoy local food while shopping for souvenirs.

23: Eat Tons Of Italian Gelato

You can’t visit Rome without eating as much Italian gelato as you possibly can! Gelato is Italy’s version of ice cream. It differs slightly from the American kind as it has less than half the fat, and less “air” too. Making it a denser treat.

The best Italian gelato isn’t brightly colored, as traditional gelato doesn’t include tons of artificial additives/colors. So keep an eye out for gelato shops that have more subtle colors in their displays.

Some of my favorite gelato places in Rome included Come il Latte (near Termini Station) and Giolitti (near Trevi Fountain).

24: Rome’s Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill, located just across from the Colosseum, is one of Seven Hills of Rome and said to be one of the oldest parts of the city. It’s a kind of open-air museum, that was once the site of many imperial palaces and homes of rich ancient Romans.

In 2006, archaeologists discovered what is believed to be the birthplace of Rome’s first Emperor Augustus.

There are many monuments and ancient buildings located on the hill which you can explore, as well as a nice view of the Colosseum itself.

25: The Pyramid Of Cestius

Located in the Testaccio neighborhood of Rome, the Pyramid of Cestius is an unusual thing to do in Rome, as it looks like it belongs in Egypt rather than in Italy’s capital city.

Built in 12 BC this stone pyramid was the resting place for the Roman praetor Caius Cestius.

There are special tours inside the tomb itself on weekends (in Italian language only), otherwise it’s possible to get some good photos of this odd Roman Pyramid from the Non-Catholic Cemetery nearby.

Getting Around Rome

Most people get to Rome after flying into Italy’s Fiumicino International Airport. Search for the cheapest flights to Rome on Skyscanner.com.

From the airport, you take 2 different trains: The Leonardo Express is the faster and more expensive option direct into the city center, while the cheaper FR1 Local Train stops at some of Rome’s bigger suburban areas too.

Rental Car

The best site to book your car is with Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car and drive in Italy.

Renting a car offers the best flexibility to explore more remote and less touristy spots on the outskirts of Rome, and other parts of Italy. It’s my favorite way to get around Europe!

Taxis

You won’t find many taxis around Rome that are willing to take you. In order to get a taxi, you need to either take one from a taxi stand or get your hotel to arrange one for you. Rates start at € 1.10 per km and go upwards.

Metro

Run by the Azienda Tramvie ed Autobus del Comune di Roma or ATAC for short, the underground or Metro runs daily till 11:30 pm and till 1:30 Am on weekends. It’s the easiest way to get around Rome and especially useful for families as children under 10 go free.

You can buy multi-day tickets from the machines at the metros. Or if you need help deciding, get them from one of the Tabacco shops. These tickets allow unlimited use on all the ATAC networks – metro, tram and bus during the validity periods.

Bus

Part of the ATAC system and using the same tickets, they’re perfect for getting around Rome while taking in the sights and sounds of the Rome landmarks that you pass by.

Tram

Six tram lines run from 5:30 am to midnight. They’re useful in certain areas and connect travelers to other lines such as bus and metro. Line 3 and Line 8 both connect to Trastevere.

Once you get on a tram, do remember to validate your ticket at the validation machines. It’s easy to forget and get fined.

Bike, Scooters And Segways

Cycling is a not really that used to get around locally, but e-bikes have become very quite popular. You can rent an e-bike for a one time use or for multiple uses.

Some popular rental agencies are Roma Starbike E-bike Tours and Easy Bike Rent.

Segway tours have become popular with tourists and are a great way to go on trips around Rome without taking a toll on your feet. It’s a big city!

Rent A Car In Italy

Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.

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Where To Stay In Rome, Italy

Accommodation in Rome can range from budget-friendly hostels and B&Bs to luxurious resorts with spa facilities. The best places in Rome to stay are Trastevere or Monti for easy access to Rome attractions and arts and culture.

If you want to be where the food is, stay in Testaccio, and if you’re looking for luxury head over to Prati. Wherever you stay, there are always some things to see in Rome that will be close to you.

Useful Rome Travel Tips & Advice

• Tipping isn’t part of Italian culture, and most restaurants include a service charge. But if you choose to leave a tip, 10% is normal.
• Always carry some cash. Many of the smaller local stores and restaurants in Rome prefer cash rather than credit cards.
• The pretty water fountains you’ll find throughout the city actually contain drinkable water. Save some money and fill your water bottle up there!
• Wear good walking shoes to protect your feet, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking in Rome.
• Get the Roma Pass! It offers unlimited access to public transport and discounted entry to sites with free entry to a few.
• Watch your stuff. Rome is filled with pick-pockets that can get anything out of your backpack or purse easily. Make sure to read my travel safety tips.
• In Italy, don’t order cappuccinos or any other coffee with milk after 12 pm!
• If you visit some of the restaurants in Rome for dinner, remember that house wine is the cheapest!

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This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Matera, Italy

Matera is one of the coolest places we visited in Italy. An ancient town made of caves, carved into the side of a ravine! Here are some tips for cool things to do in Matera.

The town of Matera, Italy has a long and fascinating history. And I mean loooong.

It is one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the world, estimated to be settled in the 10th millennium BC (that’s about 10,000 years ago!). And sporadically settled for another 400,000 years before that…

So you’d think that because Matera is considered the 3rd oldest city in the world, it would be much more popular than it is.

But for a long time the poor people of Matera were forgotten and left to fend for themselves. The great “Shame Of Italy” it was called.

Once a painful reminder that Italy was considered a third-world country, with its residents living in squalor underground and sleeping next to livestock.

However Matera has seen a drastic turnaround and has been transformed into a unique tourist destination, along with being featured in the latest James Bond film “No Time To Die“.

After spending 3-days exploring this very cool town, I wanted to share some of the best things to do in Matera Italy if you’re planning a visit.

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Best Things To Do In Matera, Italy

1. Get Lost Exploring Sassi Di Matera

There are a few different versions of Matera you’ll encounter on your trip. The modern town, and two ancient neighborhoods known locally as sassi. The spectacular part of Matera are these sassi areas (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) — Sassi Barisano and Sassi Caveoso.

Matera’s sassi are grottoes carved out of limestone with homes built out in front of them. Buildings stacked on top of each other facing in all directions. Each neighborhood is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, staircases, and courtyards. It’s very easy to get lost! But that’s half the fun.

Sassi Barisano is the more developed of the two ancient neighborhoods, full of traditional restaurants, cave hotels, and art galleries. Sassi Caveoso on the other hand, has plenty of abandoned caves that give you a glimpse of what life really looked like here not that long ago.

2. Visit The Rock Church & Crypt

The Church of Saint Mary of Idris is one of the most unique attractions in Matera. Composed of two parts, one excavated from the rock itself, and one built, this church houses some colorful preserved frescoes painted between the 12th to 17th centuries.

San Giovanni in Monterrone is a crypt that’s attached to the church via a narrow tunnel. The entry fee for both the church & crypt complex is €5 EURO, and unfortunately no photos are allowed of the ancient frescoes within (a similar rule to that of Rome’s Capuchin Bone Crypt).

3. Church of Saint Peter ‘Caveoso’

Church of Saints Peter and Paul, also known as “Caveoso”, is a church in Matera located in the Sasso Caveoso neighborhood. It was built back in the 13th century, but had been updated since then.

It sits on the edge of the ravine, giving it a pretty dramatic appearance. You can visit the church during normal daily liturgical celebrations.

Inside, there are 4 side chapels on the left side. There used to be 8, but some were demolished to make room for the construction of an oratory.

4. The Casa Noha Exhibit

Casa Noha is a small museum and multimedia exhibit that gives you a glimpse of the slightly shocking history of Matera. The reason it was called the “Shame of Italy”. It’s a 30-minute experience split across three rooms and four different videos telling the story of Matera from the neolithic period to present day.

Located within an authentic cave house in the heart of the Sassi Barioso, the videos describe the heartbreaking poverty residents had to endure here — like families of 8 people forced to live in a 16-square foot cave with no running water, electricity, or proper sewage disposal. Or sleeping next to their livestock.

It’s an excellent introduction to Matera, and gives you more context for the rest of your visit as you wander through the town.

5. Belvedere di Mugia Timone Viewpoint

If you look carefully across the ravine from Matera, you’ll notice a series of caves built into the side of a green hill. These caves are the original homes of the first Paleolithic settlers here, carved out over 10,000 years ago.

It’s possible to hike down some steps to a bridge over the ravine from Parcheggio via Madonna delle Virtu’, cross, and hike a trail back up this hill to see the caves and the incredible viewpoint above called Belvedere di Mugia Timone.

If you want an easier way to visit this viewpoint, you can also visit by car, but it will require you to leave Matera and arrive on the opposite side of the ravine via the Taranto-Laterza Road SS7.

Both sunrise and sunset are beautiful times to be up here for photos.

6. Spend The Night In A Cave

As part of its transformation, many of the cave homes in Matera have been turned into beautiful hotels and Airbnbs for tourists. We stayed in one, it was very cool! Literately cool, because you’re sleeping in a cave — LOL!

You’ll find a bunch of accommodation options at the end of this post if you’d like to stay in a cave hotel during your own visit (I highly recommend it). Staying in a boutique cave hotel is an experience everyone should have at least once, and there really aren’t that many destinations like Matera where you can do it.

7. Matera’s Apulian-Romanesque Cathedral

Probably the most prominent building in Matera’s sassi, the 13th-century Cathedral of the Madonna della Bruna and Sant’Eustachio has excellent views of the area. It was built on a ridge that forms the highest point of the city of Matera and divides the two sassi neighborhoods.

The front of the church is dominated by a rose window with sixteen rays, surmounted by the Archangel Michael. The interior of the cathedral is full of amazing stained glass, sculpture, intricate alters, golden ceilings, and colorful frescoes.

Coming from someone who doesn’t get very excited about churches, I think it’s definitely worth a look inside this one.

8. Visit Musma

MUSMA is Matera’s Museum of Contemporary Sculpture, partially located in the impressive Palazzo Pomarici building (known locally as the hundred-room palace). It showcases contemporary art from within the grottoes of the Sassi.

Sculpture presented in underground vaults and small niches carved in the calcareous walls, displayed on blocks of volcanic tuff rock.

9. Eat Some Local Materan Bread

While much of Italy is known for its delicious pizza and fresh pasta, Matera has a slightly different traditional cuisine — bread! Pane di Matera is a sourdough bread made from semolina dough, natural yeast, salt, and water.

Throughout Matera you’ll find restaurants that serve their special local bread in all kinds of ways. The unusually-shaped (much like a stone) loaf can be served with cheese, as bruschettas, or in local dishes like Cialledda Materana ( featuring onions, tomatoes, and soaked Matera bread flavored with oregano and olive oil).

10. Check Out Casa Cava

Casa Cava is a unique underground cultural center and auditorium located in the heart of Matera’s Sassi. It was originally a quarry for excavating “tuff” — a light, porous rock formed by volcanic ash. Tuff is the material used to build Matera’s homes.

Now it’s an auditorium that can accommodate 150 people. It’s used for concerts, performances, multimedia displays, art, and more. There was video presentation when we visited (in Italian with English subtitles) which explains the history of Matera and is very interesting.

There is a small €3 EURO entry fee.

Getting To Matera

Most people get to Matera through the city of Bari, where there’s a major train station and airport. Search for the cheapest flights to Bari on Skyscanner.com. From Bari, you can rent a car like we did, or take a slow commuter train to Matera.

Rental Car

The best site to book your car is with Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car and drive in Italy.

Renting a car in Europe offers the best flexibility to explore more remote and less touristy spots in each country. It’s my favorite way to get around when I travel!

By Train

You can take a train to Bari from other major cities in Italy. From Bari, there’s a private commuter train the leaves from the Bari FAL train station that takes about 1.5 hours to reach Matera. Tickets cost about €5 EURO each way.

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Where To Stay In Matera

Accommodation in Matera can range from budget to luxurious. There are two sections of the city, the “new” town, and the “old” town (called Matera Sassi). The Sassi neighborhoods are where all the cool cave hotels are located.

Matera Travel Tips & Advice

• While I recommend renting a car to actually get to Matera and explore the surrounding region of Puglia, actually driving around Matera itself is not easy due to limited parking and very narrow streets. The best way to explore is on foot!
• Matera can get busy as busloads of tourists stop by on a day-trip, but they usually don’t show up until mid-day. If you want to avoid them, get up early to have the town to yourself.
• If you don’t have the energy to hike down the ravine and up the other side, you can hire a taxi or drive your rental car to visit the excellent viewpoint on the opposite side.
• There’s a lot of interesting things to see and do in Matera, but you can cover most of the highlights in 2-3 days.

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Zakynthos, greece

Navagio Beach (aka Shipwreck Cove) on the Greek Island of Zakynthos is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Here’s how to see shipwreck beach for yourself.

The island of Zakynthos off the southwest coast of Greece is one of the country’s quieter islands. However it has one particularly incredible highlight called Navagio Beach (also known as Shipwreck Beach). A sandy little cove surrounded by towering limestone cliffs — plus the rusting remains of an old shipwreck.

This stunning Greek beach surrounded by brilliant blue ocean water is an Instagram favorite, and many travelers include Zakynthos on their itinerary specifically to visit this amazing beach in Greece.

We spent 3-days exploring Zakynthos with a rental car, including a few trips to Shipwreck Beach, and wanted to put together a little guide for you.

Shipwreck Beach Boat Tour

Board a glass-bottom speedboat to visit the famous Navagio Shipwreck beach, plus the scenic Navagio cliff-top viewpoint.

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Where Is Shipwreck Beach?

Shipwreck Beach, known locally as Navagio Beach, is located on the North West corner of Zakynthos Island. The island is about 250 km west of Athens in the Ionian Sea.

To reach Zakynthos, you can fly directly from Athens or take a ferry from Kyllini on the mainland. Ferries to Zakynthos run 7 times per day between 5:30am and 10:30pm and cost about €10 per person each way, or €35 if you’re taking a car.

How To Get To Shipwreck Beach

Cliff Top Viewpoints

The most popular postcard photos of Shipwreck Beach come from the top of the 200 meter (650 ft) tall cliffs that overlook it, rather than on the beach itself. While the beach is awesome to visit in person, the views from the cliffs are much more spectacular.

However keep in mind that Navagio beach is located on another side of the island from the capital city of Zakynthos (same name as the island). So the best way to get out there is to either rent a car, like we did, or find a tour company that will take you out there in a van. It’s also possible to hire a taxi from the capital, but it will cost around €100 EURO round trip.

The drive from Zakynthos town out to Navagio Beach takes about 45 minutes. Once there, you’ll head down an entrance road to the parking area, where there are a few stalls selling food, ice cream, drinks, and souvenirs. Parking is free.

The Viewing Platform

There is an official viewing platform located right below the parking area. It’s safe, secure, and there’s usually a long line to get a photo.

However the photos you get from this platform are not that great! You don’t get a full view of the whole beach. Tourism officials really need to improve this platform if they want to avoid people from walking out on the side trail… where the view is much better.

The Cliff Walk

To reach the best place to get photos of Shipwreck Beach, you need to go for a little hike. Beside the viewing platform (to the right) there is a fenced off area, with a single entrance (and plenty of warning signs).

Walking out this way, you’ll find a rough path that leads away from the parking lot and tourist shops. The path is not really maintained, and probably isn’t safe for older people or super little kids. It’s a long walk over jagged rocks, in the hot sun, with no benches or shade nearby.

The best time of day for photos of the beach is around noon, when the sun is directly overhead (and the cliffs aren’t casting a shadow). Sunset is also a wonderful time to visit.

Visiting The Beach By Boat

To actually step foot on the beautiful secluded Greek beach at Shipwreck Cove, there’s only one way. By boat. There are multiple tour companies that offer affordable boat trips to this most famous beach in Greece.

Some of these boats leave from the nearby town of Agios Nikolaos (where you can even rent and captain your own boat, if you have experience), but others start directly in Zakynthos Town.

During the boat trip to Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove), you’ll also visit other beautiful places off the Zakynthos coast, like the Blue Caves and Xygia Sulfur Beach.

Keep in mind that Shipwreck Beach is the most popular tourist attraction on the island, so the beach gets pretty packed. And you won’t actually get to spend too much time on the beach itself (about 20 minutes), as they shuttle tourists in and out throughout the day.

To visit the beach with the fewest number of people, or to stay as long as possible, take the earliest tour you can — or even better, rent a private boat.

USEFUL TIP: Boat trips to Navagio Beach can sometimes be canceled or delayed due to strong waves or bad weather. So just keep that in mind when planning your trip.

History Of The Shipwreck

So, where did the shipwreck at Shipwreck Cove come from? On October 2nd, 1980 a 157 foot shipping vessel known as the MV Panagiotis ran aground here.

Apparently the ship was smuggling cigarettes from Turkey for the Italian mafia when the Greek Navy started chasing it in bad weather. The crew ditched the boat in Navagio cove to try and get away. Ever since the crash, its rusting hulk has been slowly falling apart.

It’s also why the beach is sometimes referred to as “Smuggler’s Cove” too.

While Navagio Beach was already beautiful on its own, the addition of the abandoned shipwreck adds an element of mystery and intrigue to the beach. Like right out of some kind of pirate tale!

Staying Safe On The Cliffs

Over the last few years there have been a few tragic tourist deaths from the 200 meter tall limestone cliffs above shipwreck cove. Like all popular tourist destinations, you’ll always get some people pushing the limits of what’s safe, or just not thinking at all.

There is a memorial bench that has been built out near the end of the trail, but contrary to popular belief, it’s NOT for someone who died falling from these cliffs. Dennis Arvanitakis was an Australian of Greek descent who died in Spain, and his family from the island built this monument because it was his favorite spot.

However the cliffs around Zakynthos could be treacherous if you get too close to the edge. Occasionally sections of rock crumble away into the ocean below due to geology and natural erosion. Winds can pick up suddenly, or people can simply lose their balance.

So if you do decide to hike out to the best viewpoint, just make sure to stay far enough away from the bleeding edge of the cliff. You can still get plenty of amazing photos from a safe distance! ★

Shipwreck Beach Boat Tour

Board a glass-bottom speedboat to visit the famous Navagio Shipwreck beach, plus the scenic Navagio cliff-top viewpoint.

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This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Greece driving guide

Renting a car in Greece and self-driving around the country is a wonderful way to experience the Hellenic Republic. But here’s some advice about the best way to do it.

When my wife and I were planning our recent trip to Greece, we were initially hesitant about renting a car to explore the country by ourselves.

Greece has a bit of a reputation for wild driving (and drivers)!

But the more we researched, the more we realized a car rental in Greece would allow us to make our itinerary as interesting as possible.

I love the freedom of road trips. Picking your own routes, visiting the top archaeological sites, hanging out on beautiful Greek beaches, and simply stopping whenever you want to. At your own pace.

Here are some important tips we learned from our experience renting a car in Greece, to help you save money and stay safe while driving around the country!

Greece Travel Restrictions 2022

Greece is open to most travelers again, including American tourists. However you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.

Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines.

You can find the latest updates on traveling to Greece here.

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How To Rent A Car In Greece

1. Should You Self-Drive In Greece?

Now if you’re a fan of group bus tours, by all means, go book one. It’s a decent way to see Greece if you don’t have a lot of time.

No planning, no driving, just sit back and let someone else do all the work!

But if you’re like me, you prefer the adventure of independent travel.

If that’s the kind of traveler you are, renting a car in Greece is the way to go!

No set schedule or timetable — driving around Greece with the freedom to stop anyplace cool you find along the way. Yes, you can take your rental car to the Greek islands too, if you travel by ferry.

Just keep in mind that small back roads on the islands can be winding and narrow. But with some practice, you’ll gain confidence on them!

A great thing about renting your own car is the flexibility you get, should you decide to change your plans or get off the beaten path.

2. Where To Rent Your Car In Greece

Some common car rental companies in Greece include Europecar, Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz and Thrifty, as well as some local ones too.

But the best site to book your car is Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car in Greece.

Where to rent a car in Greece depends on where you start your journey, but for most of us a Greek vacation begins from Athens Airport.

Some people decide to rent a car AFTER spending a few days in Athens first, using public transportation to get around the city. Then you can pick up your car and explore other parts of Greece using the network of island ferries.

Athens Airport: Plan to pick up your car about 60 minutes after your flight arrives. When departing, try to be at the airport at least 3 1/2 hours before your flight leaves. Because returning your rental car can take up to 30 minutes.

Now, the traffic in Athens is a bit crazy. So you if you can survive driving through Athens traffic, the rest of your trip will be a piece of cake!

3. Car Rental Insurance In Greece

Some of the rumors about driving in Greece are true, and other drivers don’t always follow the rules. Especially in the capital of Athens! Don’t worry, I’ll share some tips for dealing with crazy drivers below.

This is why I highly recommend getting full insurance coverage.

Typically, rental cars in Greece come with a basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), but this isn’t exactly insurance, and only covers the car for up to €1000-3000 EUROS worth of damage.

This is the amount they hold on your credit card until you return the car in one piece. CDW typically does not include tire, cracked windshield, or undercarriage damage either.

While you can often save money booking your car with a good travel credit card that includes car rental insurance, you REALLY must read the fine print, because many people wrongly assume their card covers them in Greece.

If you get in a wreck driving in Greece, declined full coverage, and you suddenly learn your credit card doesn’t actually cover the damage — you’re screwed. I can’t tell you how many travel horror stories I’ve heard like this…

It’s why I usually pre-book full coverage online. It’s often cheaper than at the counter — and then you won’t have to worry about accidents at all!

Rental agencies usually include the cost of fire and third party liability insurance, but only up to a certain amount. So please check with the rental agency. Theft protection insurance costs anywhere from $5 to $12 a day. Personal Accident Insurance works out to about $3 to $5 per day. Collision damage waivers cost around $15 to $23 per day.  

4. How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Car In Greece?

Renting a car in Greece is typically going to cost around $18-50 a day, depending on the type of car you get. SUVs or minivans can cost up to $200 a day. Our compact 4-door sedan was about $30 a day.

Gas Prices

Gas (petrol) prices in Greece might seem cheap to Americans at first glance, but remember that the rest of the world quotes gas in Liters, not Gallons (1 Gallon = 3.78 Liters). Currently, gas costs about $7.46 per gallon (€1.61 per liter) in Greece.

Many gas stations only accept cash too. So make sure to have a stash somewhere.

Greek gas stations are often closed on Sundays, and only open till 7 PM on other days. So plan for this, and get your tank filled beforehand.

Automatic vs Manual

Automatic cars are more expensive to rent than manual cars (but manuals are more common in Greece, and Europe in general), and you must specify what type you want when booking. If you’ve never driven a manual car before, don’t start in Greece! It’s safer to get an automatic.

One-Way Rentals

There’s an additional fee for one-way car rentals in Greece, which can vary by company. For example, if you want to drop off the car in a different city than where you started from.

5. Age Requirements For Renting A Car

Although the legal driving age in Greece is 21, many rental providers have a driver age bracket of 25 to 70. So if you’re over 70, or under 25 and over 21, you might have to pay an additional surcharge for driving a car in Greece. 

Car hire excess insurance may also be required if you’re below 25 or above 69. 

6. Greek Driving Laws Tourists Should Know

• The speed limit in Greece is 50 kph (30 mph) in urban areas and 90 kph (55 mph) in rural areas. While on the expressway it’s 110 kph (70 mph) and on the motorway the speed limit is 130 kph (80 mph).
• Greek’s drive on the right-hand side of the road, just like the United States.
• Private toll road rates range from €1.50 to €3.50.
• It’s illegal to drink and drive, or to talk on your phone while driving in Greece.
• Seat belts are a must. Fines are €80 for the first offense, and €350 after that. 
• Fines for going through a red light or illegal overtaking are €700.
• At an intersection with no stop sign, cars on the right have “right of way”. However this is also true for Roundabouts! That means cars already in the roundabout will stop for those entering (this isn’t typical elsewhere). 
• Illegal parking can result in fines of about €150. (This happens quite often in Athens as it’s very difficult to find parking spaces.)  
• Children under 12 years old must sit in the back seat. 
• Car seats are compulsory for children under 4 years old. Book one in advance, or bring your own travel-friendly car seat (like we do). 
• If driving in Greece’s mountainous areas in the winter, you should have snow chains with you. These are required by law, so make sure your car rental company provides them.

7. International Driver’s License

It is essential to show a valid EU Driving License or an International Driving License to be able to rent a car in Greece. While you may not need one to actually rent the car, you would need it if you get into an accident or get pulled over by police.

You can easily apply to for an International Driving License in your home country.

Some car rental agencies may require that you’ve had a driver’s license for at least a year before traveling to Greece. Please check for specific rules with the rental agency you choose. 

8. Helpful Tips For Driving In Greece

Greeks LOVE using their car horn! For pretty much anything. Don’t take it too personally. In fact they may honk the second a traffic light turns green.

If renting a car in Athens, watch out for impatient motorbike riders (which there are many) don’t really obey lane rules. They’ll also whizz past you even when you’re stopped at a red light.

While driving around Greece’s islands or rural areas, traffic may come at you from the other direction without any warning on what seems like single-lane roads. Or even driving backwards down a road. Or stopping in the middle of it.

Roads on many of the popular Greek islands (like Santorini and Mykonos) aren’t always well maintained. They can be narrow, winding, on the edge of sea cliffs, full of potholes, and some can have blind turns (honk first for safety!).

Try to avoid driving your rental car between 8 AM and 9 AM in Athens. Or leaving the city on a Friday, and returning on a Sunday. Rush hour traffic literally gets you nowhere. It can be a nightmare. 

Greek pedestrians follow their own rules. You’ll find people ambling down the road without heed to oncoming traffic. Be careful of them.

9. Extra Advice For Renting A Car In Greece

• Take pictures (or video) of the interior and exterior of the car when it’s handed over to you at the car rental Athens. This ensures you won’t get fined for damage that was already there. 
• If you’re planning to drive in Athens and towns closer to it, choose a smaller car. Traffic in Athens (and parking) can be dreadful, so a smaller car is better. 
• While staying in urban areas, pick hotels that have free parking included. Otherwise you’ll have to shell out around €150 if fined for illegal parking. 
• If you plan to take the car on an island ferry, inform the car rental place in advance. Some of them do not allow this, while others charge extra.
• Drivers in Greece DO NOT STOP at pedestrian crosswalks. So if you do, you’re risking getting hit from behind by a Greek driver not expecting it.

10. Accident & Breakdown Information

While the European Emergency Phone Number is 112, its use hasn’t been fully implemented in Greece. Alternative numbers you can use are 100 for the police, 166 for an ambulance, or 199 for the fire department.

However if your car simply breaks down, and no one is injured, its probably better to call your Greek car rental company’s own emergency roadside assistance number located on the rental agreement.

Enjoy Your Greek Road Trip!

Follow these few road rules, and you’ll survive driving in Greece with a rental car.

Choosing a self-drive rental will give you more of a chance to enjoy your trip exploring the ancient towns and crystal clear waters of this historic country. ★

Rent A Car In Greece

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This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

athens, greece

From ancient architecture to tasty street food, Europe’s hottest city has much to offer curious travelers. Here are some of the best activities and things to do in Athens, Greece!

Athens is the capital of Greece and dedicated to the goddess Athena. It’s often called the ‘birthplace of democracy’ and the ‘Cradle of Civilization’ because it was also home to the Platonic Academy and the Lyceum of Aristotle.

With a recorded history dating back 3400 years, Athens (also called Athenai) has many archaeological wonders worth visiting.

Replete with temples, ancient ruins, and statues of deities, Athens is now a mix of modern buildings along with older architectural marvels.

Aside from the history and architecture the city is known for, there are many other fun things to do in Athens that most people miss…

If you’re planning to spend some time in Athens, I wanted to recommend some of my favorite fun and unusual things to do, no matter what time of year you visit.

My Athens itinerary is completely free! I’ve worked hard putting it together for you. If you find it useful, please use my affiliate links when you book hotels, rental cars or activities. I’ll get paid a small commission, at no extra cost to you! Thanks.

Athens Highlights Map

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you’ll find a map of highlights in Athens, Greece. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of places I mention in this travel guide. “Star” the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. Enjoy!

Greece Travel Restrictions 2022

Starting in May, Greece is allowing travelers to visit, including American tourists. You must either have proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s), or present a negative PCR test within 72 hours of your flight.

Hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines (like wearing masks indoors).

You can find the latest updates on traveling to Greece here.

Get Travel Insurance

Traveling without insurance is never a good idea. SafetyWing offers travel insurance that covers COVID-19 (and more).

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Best Things To Do In Athens Guide

1: The Acropolis

You can’t start a visit to Greece without hiking up to visit the Acropolis. As one of the most important Athens locations, as well as a World Heritage Site, this fortified citadel perched on a hill above the city stands out as a testament to Greek wisdom and culture. 

The Acropolis holds many different ancient ruins, like the world-famous Parthenon temple, dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena.

The best way to visit the Acropolis (and save some money) is to purchase the Acropolis Combo Ticket which gives you access to multiple Greek ruins across the city over the course of 5-days.

Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the Acropolis hill itself, maybe even a half-day. There is a lot to see, plenty of stair climbing, and worn-smooth slippery rocks. You’ll definitely get a workout!

Acropolis Combo Tickets

Enjoy skip-the-line access to 7 of the city’s top archaeological sites, including the Acropolis, Roman Agora, and Ancient Agora.

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2: The Parthenon

While part of the Acropolis complex, the Parthenon deserves a specific mention. Built in 447 BCE on the hill of the Acropolis, with Doric marble columns that thinned towards to top — showcasing the architectural marvels of ancient Greece.

Dedicated to goddess Athena, the Parthenon ruins are a must-visit attraction in Athens during the day; and seen from across the city the magnificent columns look spectacular lit up at night at night.

It can get crowded up there, so I recommend going first thing in the morning — right when the Acropolis opens, or during the last few hours before they close!

If you don’t want to hire a dedicated tour guide, but enjoy learning details about historic locations like this, there are also self-guided smartphone tours too.

Parthenon Self-Guided Tour

Join a fascinating self-guided audio tour of the Parthenon right from your phone. Full of history and details.

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3: Odeon Of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is an ancient theater perched on the South Western slope of the Acropolis in Athens. Frank Sinatra, Nana Mouskouri, Pavarotti, and Andrea Bocelli have all performed here!

Built by Herodes Atticus in 161 AD, in memory of his dead wife, the steep-sloped Odeon had a cedar roof and seated 5000 for music concerts till it was destroyed in 267 AD.

It has been used as a venue for many popular concerts since it was restored in the 1950s. If you happen to be visiting Athens when a concert is going on here, I highly recommend you go!

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4: Acropolis Museum

Built to house ancient artifacts from the Acropolis ruins, the Acropolis Museum on the Southern slopes of the Acropolis opened in 2009. Just a short 400 meter walk from the Parthenon, a visit to the museum can be combined with a visit to the Acropolis.

The museum is home to over 4250 objects and  replaces the older museum that was housed atop the Acropolis from 1874 to the 1950s. Walk under the museum to see the excavation site of an ancient Athens neighborhood with streets, houses, and shops dating back to 3000 B.C.

You can pre-book tickets to the Museum here.

Acropolis Museum Ticket

Explore the collections of archaeological artifacts and learn about the Acropolis site from this nearby museum.

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5: Ancient Agora & Temple Of Hephaestus

The Central Square in ancient Greek cities, the Agora was a gathering place for citizens to discuss affairs of state, marriages, and partake in religious rituals. Over the course of time the Agora also came to be used a marketplace selling goods, food, pottery, and religious artifacts. 

Next to the Athenian Agora, you’ll also find the Temple of Hephaestus which was very well-preserved compared to other Greek temples. This Doric temple was built by The Hephaisteion Master under the aegis of Pericles between 449 to 415 BC to honor Hephaestus, the god of craftsmanship, fire and metal work.

The Stoa, another good site nearby, houses the Museum of Ancient Agora, that is home to Athenian, Byzantine and Turkish artifacts. 

Ancient Agora Guided tour

Visit the commercial, political and financial heart of ancient Athens and see Hephaestus Temple while learning about its history.

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6: The Roman Agora

Located to the East of the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora was built much later and encroached on the site of the older one. The entrance to it was through the still standing Gate of Athena Archegetis. The 17^th century Fethiye Mosque is located in the Northern end of the agora.    

The agora is also home to the 12-meter tall Horologion of Andronikos Kyrrhestes, also known as the Tower of the Winds, which was probably the first meteorological station in the world. Also called Areides, the tower features a water clock, different sundials, and once also included a Triton weather-vane.

7: Varvakios Central Market

The Varvakios Central Market in Athens (not to be confused with Central market where food trucks gather) is also called the Varvakios Agora or Dimotiki Agora. If you love public markets, this is where you’ll find fish, meat, produce, street food, souvenirs, and whole stores dedicated to olives or spices.

Because of the variety of goods, low prices, and freshness, this is where many local restaurants get their ingredients. The fish market alone serves up to 5,000 customers every day and employs more than 400 people!

HOURS: Varvakios market is open between 7am and 6pm every day but Sundays.

Athens Food Tours

Discover authentic Greek cuisine on a food and market tour in Athens. Mingle with locals as they shop, taste typical Greek snacks, and more.

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8: Run Around The Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium was built to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, on the same site as an even older ancient stadium where nude male athletes competed in track events.

While the older stadium built in 335 BC could hold 60,000 spectators, the modern Olympic Stadium you see today can hold 45,000 spectators on 47 tiers.

We ran around the track with our son Dylan, pretending we were at the Olympics. You can climb to the top of the stadium for an even better view of how massive it is, and of course there is a tri-level medal podium where you can pose for photos.

You can also go inside the stadium to visit a little museum of Olympic history, complete with the torches used in past games.

9: Explore The Plaka Neighborhood

Lined with colorfully painted old houses, the Plaka quarter of Athens is home to small taverns where you can taste some authentic Greek food. Walk through the winding alleys and visit the Library of Hadrian, Kapnikaréa Church, Metamórfosis Church, or spend time shopping at popular stores on Ermou Street. 

Visit the nearby Anafiotika quarter to take pictures, or enjoy a drink while soaking in the vibes at the famous Restaurant Staircase on Mnisikleous Street. 

Greek Dancing In Plaka

Enjoy an evening of Greek dancing and fine local food in the heart of Athens’ historic Plaka neighborhood.

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10: National Archaeological Museum

Greece’s largest archaeological museum, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens was set up in the 19^th century. Housed in a Neo-classical building designed by L. Lange, it houses over 11,000 artifacts and 5 permanent collections. 

Prehistoric antiquities from the Mycenaean, Neolithic, and Cycladic areas, Greek ceramics from 11^th century BC, Egyptian antiquues dating back to 5000 BC, marble Cycladic figurines, gold artifacts from the Mycenaean period, there’s a lot to see here!

Archaeological Museum Tickets

Skip the line and visit the Museum with a convenient e-ticket and self-guided audio tour on your phone.

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11: Hike Mount Lycabettus

A cretaceous limestone hill towering over Athens, Lykavittos or Mount Lycabettus rises 300 m above sea level. Covered with pine trees, the hill is perfect for a hike to the top, and rewards the visitor with picture perfect views of Athens.

If you’re too lazy to hike, ride the Lycabettus Funicular to the top, and spend time at the restaurant after visiting the Chapel of St. George. 

For a more in-depth experience, check out this guided tour.

Mount Lycabettus Tuk-Tuk Ride

Cruise through Athens and up Mount Lycabettus on a 1-hour tuk-tuk ride for great views.

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12: Athens Stray Cat Spotting

Much like Istanbul in Turkey — Athens is full of stray cats. Local shop owners and other residents kind of “adopt” them by putting out food & water, but the cats are wild & free to roam the city.

As huge cat fans, this was a pleasant surprise! We were always keeping our eyes out for strays, and even bought some dry cat food to give them as we wandered around the city.

One of the best places to find stray cats is around the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in the Plaka neighborhood.

Athens Cat Tour!

Yes, this is a real thing. Take a self-guided tour to the best places to see groups of stray cats in Plaka. LOL!

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13: Hadrian’s Arch

Hadrian’s Arch is a beautiful structure located along one of Athens’ main roadways. It was constructed in 131 BC to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and to thank him for his benefactions to the city.

Its architecture resembles Roman style arches, and is within walking distance from Syntagma Square — between the rock of the Acropolis and the temple of Olympian Zeus.

14: Hike Up Philopappou Hill

Declared an archaeological park in 1955-56, the 173 acre Philopappou Hill (or Filopappou Hill) is home to the Athenian owl, peregrine falcon and other indigenous birds. It also gives you great views of Athens from above! Probably why the birds like it so much.

The park includes the Hill of the Nymphs, the Pnyx, and the Mouseion Hill or Hill of the Muses where the Philopappou Mausoleum or Monument is located. 

The Philopappou Mausoleum is dedicated to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, a prince of the Kingdom of Commagene who lived from 65 to 116 AD. His death caused grief to the citizens of Athens and the imperial family.

The 12^th century Church of Demetrius Loumbardiaris hidden in wooded area of the park is perfect for a serene quiet visit.

Mythology Walking Tour

Stroll along some of the most beautiful spots of Athens as your guide share stories of Greek gods and lovers.

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15: Temple Of Olympian Zeus

The half-ruined Temple of Olympian Zeus is within walking distance from the city center of Athens. At its peak, the temple was composed of the temple had 104 columns, each 17 meters high.

But in 267 AD, the temple was damaged during an attack on Athens. Later the Byzantine emperor Theodosius II prohibited the “cult” of ancient Greek and Roman gods in the temple. Citizens slowly took apart the temple’s fine marble for construction of churches, homes, and other buildings.

Olympian Zeus E-Ticket

Marvel at the remains of a colossal temple in the pulsating heart of Athens with this e-ticket and audio guide.

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16: Panagia Kapnikarea Church

Among the oldest churches in the capital city of Athens, the Panagia Kapnikarea Church is a Byzantine treasure. Built in the 11^th century on the ruins of a Greek temple, the church on Ermou Street near Monastiraki is dedicated to the assumption of the Virgin.

Illuminated by lamps instead of chandeliers, the walls feature mosaics and religious works of art. 

17: Stuff Yourself With Greek Food

If you asked a local to point you to the best restaurants in Athens, everyone would point you towards a different one. There are just so many good tavernas and places to eat in Athens.

Make sure to check out some of the places on the Mnisikleous Restaurant Staircase, or the many tavernas in Plaka or Psiri Quarter. Old Ithaki is a good lunch spot we visited a few times, next to the Athens Cathedral.

But if you want to eat somewhere luxurious with a view of the city, try the the rooftop bar at the Grand Bretagne Hotel. Enjoy a cocktail here while watching the sun go down over Athens!

Athens Food Tours

Discover authentic Greek cuisine on a food and market tour in Athens. Mingle with locals as they shop, taste typical Greek snacks, and more.

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18: Museum Of Cycladic Art

Established in 1986 by ship owner Nikolas Goulandris and his wife Dolly Goulandris, the Museum of Cycladic Art is located in the Kolonaki Quarter.

It houses over 3000 objects of art from the Cyclades, as well as Ancient Greek and Cypriot art. Most of these pieces are from Nikolas’ own collection and date back to the 4^th to 6^thcentury BC.  

19: Monastiraki Square & Flea Market

This 19th-century neighborhood on the Northern side of the Acropolis is a vibrant shopping area. Street vendors and shops sell trinkets and souvenirs, clothes, and specialty items to tourists. When you need a break, grab a bite at one of the many casual restaurants. 

Situated close to many popular sites, the Monastiraki Flea Market in Monastiraki Square is the perfect place to buy souvenirs, handmade footwear, and artisanal products. 

For a cool overhead view of the square and the city, make sure to visit the rooftop bar A For Athens and grab a cocktail!

20: Explore Athens’ Psiri Quarter

The Psiri Quarter (also spelled Psyrri or Psirri) is a hip and creative little neighborhood in Athens where all the happening nightlife is. You’ll find restaurants, bars, cafes, tavernas, and colorful street-art. One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, it used to have a reputation for crime, but the area has since been gentrified.

One place you need to stop here is called Little Kook Magic Cafe. This quirky coffee & cake place is decorated like a children’s fairy tale book, featuring all manner of animals, storybook characters, colorful flowers, dragons, fairies, and an umbrella covered side-street. The perfect Instagram photo location!

21: Sunset On Areopagus Hill

Areopagus Hill, also known as “Mars Hill”, is a large rock outcrop located close to the entrance of the Acropolis. Take the stairs up to the top of the rock for some awesome views of the Acropolis from a different perspective, as well as Athens itself.

The hill was an ancient meeting place where philosophy and law were discussed, as well as the location of a famous speech by St. Paul the Apostle. Sunset is a popular time to hang out up here!

22: The Prison Of Socrates

A cave-like structure cut into the Hill of Muses has long thought to have been the jail used to hold the ancient philosopher Socrates before he was executed. No one knows for sure.

The teachings of Socrates were thought of as dangerous in Athens, leading to the decline of morality in the population of Greece. A new Athenian democracy was afraid that citizens would stop obeying the established laws and rules or fulfilling their civic duty, which would lead to overthrowing of the new political system.

So Socrates was imprisoned, and eventually executed in 399 BC by poison hemlock. This structure was also used as a place to hide antiquities from the Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum during World War II.

Historical Walking Tour

Spend a day with a local archaeologist-historian and admire the top landmarks of ancient Athens.

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23: Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens is kind of the “official” church of the city. It was constructed with materials from over 70 abandoned or ruined churches, and the interior includes notable frescoes and icons plus a 24-metre-high dome.

Right next to the big church is a smaller one, the Church of St. Eleftherios also called the “Little Mitropoli.” Dedicated to Agios Eleftherios, this 12th-century church is decorated with 90 relief scenes.

24: Changing Of The Guard

Dedicated to all lost Greek soldiers in past wars, Greece’s Tomb of the Unknown Solider sits in front of the Greek Parliament Building. Every hour, on the hour, you can watch the changing of the presidential honor guard.

This is a free thing to do in Athens, so it’s pretty popular and there’s often a large crowd watching. The Tomb, called a cenotaph, is empty and was made according to Ancient Greek custom.

A much more impressive ceremony takes place at 11am on Sundays, where a large group of Evzones (presidential guards) gather in front of the Parliament.

Athens Electric Bike Tour

Visit most of Athens’ top sights and discover hidden parts of the city on a safe & fast electric bike.

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25: Hadrian’s Library

Hadrian’s Library isn’t just a library, but a building that housed music and lecture rooms too. It was organized as a typical Roman forum with a pool in the center of a courtyard and bordered by 100 columns.

It essentially functioned as Athens’ civic center in Roman times, while the nearby Roman Agora was the central market. Hadrian was Roman emperor from 117 to 138, however he had a particular fondness for the city of Athens and constructed all manner of big projects here — like the library.

Transportation Around Athens

Rental Car

The best site to book your car is with Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car and drive in Greece.

Taxi Or Uber

You’ll find taxis everywhere in Athens. Don’t go with drivers that bargain for prices. Make sure you catch a licensed taxi that has a meter and it’s switched on. You can choose from radio taxis, Uber, Taxibeat, or Taxiplon. 

Bike 

Although cycling in Athens wasn’t very popular earlier, it’s now catching on. You can rent bikes from Panorama Bikes, Athens Bikes, and Funky Ride. 

Metro

The Athens Metro System is very easy to use, and has lines running from 5 AM to midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, Lines 2 and 3 run till 2 AM. 

Standard metro tickets worth €1.50 are valid on most trains, buses, and trams for a 90-minute journey. Day passes worth €4.50 and 3-day tourist tickets worth €22 are also available.  

For more information on Athens’ public transportation system, check out this great guide.

Where To Stay In Athens

Accommodation in Athens can range from budget to luxurious. The best areas to stay are those close to the City Center, buses, restaurants and shops. Look for hotels or hostels located in Syntagma, Plaka, Monastiraki, or Koukaki. 

Athens Travel Tips & Advice

• We spent 3-days exploring Athens, and I feel like that was the perfect amount of time to see a lot of stuff. Spend at least 2-days if you can.
• The best time to visit Athens (and Greece in general) is between March and May or September to November. The summer months are busier, and much hotter!
• Check out the Athens Free Walking Tour offered by the city. Available at tourist information booths, it’s a great way to get a feel for the city of Athens. 
• Buy the Athens City Pass! With varying price options, the city pass gives you discounted access to multiple locations with or without transport included.

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Venice, Italy

Venice Carnival has been canceled due to the worldwide pandemic, but you can experience it vicariously through my favorite photos from this colorful Italian celebration.

Typically, people wear masks during Venice Carnival to celebrate an annual tradition of lavish parties and parades in the ancient Italian city of Venice.

This year, everyone is still wearing masks, but for a different reason.

Italy’s Carnevale di Venezia would have started this week, if it weren’t for the devastating worldwide pandemic. Last year, Carnival was canceled after only 3-days, as the severity of COVID-19 began to emerge.

During the last full Carnival celebration back in 2019 (which feels so long ago!), while living in Italy, my wife Anna & I hopped on a train from Verona to check out this famous Venice festival for a few days in February.

Below you’ll find a collection of my best pictures from Venice Carnival, if you’d like to get a glimpse of what the festival is like!

Hopefully it will give you a little travel inspiration for when it’s safe to jump on a plane to Italy again in the future.

1. History Of Venice Carnival

Modeled after ancient Greek and Roman festivals, the Carnival of Venice is a holiday that allowed regular citizens to dress up in anonymous costumes, making fun of the aristocracy without fear.

The history of Carnival dates back to 1094, when Doge Vitale Falier first mentioned the word “carnevale” in a document as a way of describing public amusements.

2. Shrove Tuesday Holiday

In 1162 the Republic of Venice defeated Ulrico, Patriarch of Aquileia, in a battle that year and slaughtered a bull and twelve pigs in Piazza San Marco to commemorate the victory. This celebration was around Shrove Tuesday (the day before Lent).

However Carnevale di Venezia wasn’t officially recorded until 1268. And the following year, the Senate declared the day before Lent a public holiday.

3. Carnival Was Canceled In The Past…

The anonymity of Carnival eventually backfired, allowing criminals to get away with all kinds of crimes behind the masks, and it was banned for almost two centuries in 1798 when the city was under Austrian rule.

Venice Carnival was also outlawed under the fascist Italian government during the 1930s. It eventually came back though, in 1979.

While Rome usually gets all the attention of tourists, the Italian government wanted to better promote the history and culture of Venice. Now the festival gets about 3 million visitors each year!

4. Venice Carnival On A Budget

Traveling to Venice during Carnival can be expensive, as the city’s hotels are booked up months in advance, renting cool costumes starts at around €200 per day, and the fancy costume dinner parties and evening balls can run €500 a ticket.

However you can visit Carnivale on a budget, like we did, if you go mid-week, buy a simple mask, and just enjoy all the free activities. There are some free concerts, plays, and public events — plus of course just walking around and admiring all the crazy costumes!

5. Traditional Venetian Masks

While people wear all sorts of masks to Carnival these days, there are a handful of traditional style masks that have been worn for centuries. These include the Bauta, Moretta, Gnaga, Medico della Pesta, Pantalone, Arlechino, and Colombina.

Medico della Pesta, aka “The Plague Doctor”, started off as an actual piece of medical equipment (old-school PPE!) used in Venice during the Plague. The Black Death hit the city hard, and from 1629-1631 it killed 46,000 people (out of 140,000 people, so about 33% of the population.)

Venice is no stranger to pandemics, that’s for sure. And the dark history of this period lives on in the masks that are worn during Carnival.

6. When Is Venice Carnival?

The Venice Carnival celebration is held each year in the winter, usually in early February, sometimes late January. The celebration lasts about 2-weeks, with many of the highlights happening on weekends.

We visited Carnival during the middle of the week, and while we missed out on some of the big parades, we also avoided most of the huge crowds this city is known for. I was expecting it to be much more busy than it was!

7. The Gnaga Mask

The Gnaga Mask resembles a female cat, traditionally worn by men disguised as women. Often worn with women’s clothing and a basket under the arm, which usually (during the 18th century) contained a REAL kitten.

The wearer would behave like a plebeian courtesan, uttering acute sounds and mocking “meows”. The creativity and detail of some of these costumes was amazing! This Gnaga mask was covered in fur, and I suspect the wearer made this costume her-(him?)self. See the stuffed cat in the basket?

8. Venice Carnival Activities & Events

There are many cool events, parades, and other activities to do during Venice Carnival, here’s a list of some of the most popular ones:

• Flight Of The Angel
• Daily Costume Parades
• Best Mask Contest
• Free Vivaldi Concert
• Doge’s Courtesan Ball

9. Getting Around Venice

Most people enter Venice through the Piazzale Roma bus/train terminal after taking a bus from the airport, or Stazione di Venezia train station if they arrived by train. From there, you can hop on a public Vaporetto water taxi to get to your hotel.

Venice also has private water taxis (motoscafi) that cost a bit more, but make you look super cool cruising in a wooden speedboat down the canals.

Finally, there is the Traghetto, a sort of public gondola (pictured above) that takes people from one side of a canal to the other. There are a handful of traghetto piers if you keep your eye out for them, and rides cost €4 EURO.

10. Colombina Style Masks

One of the first actresses in the Commedia dell’arte, an early form of professional theater from Italy, though her face was too beautiful to cover completely, so she wore a half-mask. The mask type quickly became popular and now you’ll find them decorated feathers, crystals, plus gold & silver leaf.

11. Gondola Docks At Sunrise

The gondola docks at St. Mark’s Square are one of the top photography spots in Venice, and getting up at sunrise during Carnival I was pleasantly surprised to find all kinds of costumed people posing for photographers as the sun came up behind them with a backdrop of cotton-candy skies.

12. St. Mark’s Square

Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square, is the heart of Venice during Carnival. It is Venice’s main public square, and the location of many public events and local landmarks. During Carnival, they put on free shows for the public that include jugglers, acrobats and musicians.

13. Getting Lost In Venice Neighborhoods

14. Some Matching Costumes

The tradition of wearing masks during Carnival was to hide your social status. That way the ultra rich and poor could mingle & party together.

Similar to Halloween in the United States, you are free to dress up and act out a fantasy while hiding behind the mask — and pretend to be someone else without judgment.

15. Super Expensive Costumes

Many people rent costumes in Venice for the Carnival, which typically start around €200 for men’s costumes and around €350 for women’s costumes (per day). That price doesn’t include a wig, mask or other accessories either, so it gets expensive!

Others spend all year (or years) putting together their own costumes, some of which can cost thousands of dollars. Some of the costumes we saw there were absolutely wild.

16. Where To Buy Authentic Venetian Masks

If you want to buy a REAL Venetian-made mask, don’t buy the cheap ones at little street vendor shops, go to one of the professional mask makers’ shops in Venice. You’ll pay more, but they’re so much better. Here are some recommendations:

• Benor Maschere Venezia in the Santa Croce neighborhood
• Ca’ Macana in the Dorsoduro neighborhood
• Mondonovo Maschere in the Dorsoduro neighborhood

17: Modern Carnivale Monster

You don’t need to be dressed in a classic, traditional costume for Carnival in Venice. There are plenty of people wearing more modern costumes, like this guy.

18: The Golden Jester

This white covered bridge that spans the canal is one of Venice’s most famous landmarks — The Bridge of Sighs. “Ponte dei Sospiri” was built in 1641 as an entry point to the world’s first Prison.

The name refers to the “sighs” of prisoners looking out the small windows at their last view of freedom before getting locked away.

19. Costumes & Ancient City Streets

20. Tips For Photographing Venice Carnival

While it’s difficult to take a bad photo in Venice, during Carnival, there are certain popular locations where you’ll find all the best costumes.

• The Waterfront Promenade (in front of Palazzo Ducale) is especially cool at sunrise and sunset, as everyone wants their photo taken by the water’s edge.
• San Marcos (Saint Mark’s) Square, especially under the pillars of Palazzo Ducale (Doge Palace).
• The Bridge Of Sighs is a unique enclosed bridge of white limestone spanning the Rio di Palazzo canal.

To get images of people in costumes without huge crowds around, get out and explore at sunrise. Even though its early, you’ll still find many of the most beautiful costumed people out and about, because it’s the best time for photos (and they know it).

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Europe Driving Guide

Renting a car in Europe and self-driving is a great way to experience the EU. But there are a few different things you should know before you embark on a European road trip.

My wife Anna and I spent a year living in Italy as expats without a car, preferring to rent cars when we wanted to go on a road trip, or for traveling to other European countries like France and Germany.

Over the years we’ve rented many cars in Europe on self-driving travel adventures through different European countries.

Some countries in Europe have a bit of a reputation for crazy driving (and drivers). I’m looking at you, Italy and Greece!

But we absolutely love the freedom of going on road trips and planning our own travel itineraries. Europe is such a diverse area of the world, that it made sense to rent a car so we could stop anywhere we liked — exploring local villages, mountains, and historic cities at our own pace.

Here are some important tips we learned from our MANY experiences renting a car in Europe, to help you save money and stay safe while driving here!

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How To Rent A Car In Europe: 2023 Guide

1. Should You Rent A Car In Europe?

Hey, if you’re a fan of bus tours, by all means, go book one. It’s a decent way to see many countries in Europe if you don’t have a lot of time.

No planning, no driving, just sit back and let someone else do all the work!

But if you’re like me, you prefer the challenge of independent travel.

True adventure, with no set schedule or timetable. Driving around European destinations with the freedom to stop anywhere fun you happen to find along the way. Discovering places off-the-beaten path — that bus tours might miss.

If that’s the kind of traveler you are, renting a car in Europe is the way to go!

Sure, many parts of Europe have an excellent train system compared to the United States. But EuroRail passes can be surprisingly expensive, and they can also limit your options for where to travel.

Another nice thing about having a rental car was the ability to store luggage in the trunk, so you can explore cities with small travel backpacks rather than lugging a giant suitcase everywhere.

2. Where To Rent Your Car In Europe

The best site to book your car is Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car in Europe.

They search for deals from popular European car rental companies like Avis, Hertz, EuropeCar, Sixt, Budget — as well as the lesser known local ones.

We’ve rented cars here in Italy, France, Iceland, Austria, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Poland, Greece, Slovenia, Norway, and more.

Some of my favorite European drives so far include exploring the beautiful Amalfi Coast in Italy, and an epic photography road trip in Norway’s Lofoten Islands.

3. Car Rental Insurance In Europe

Some of the rumors about driving in Europe are true, and the roads can be VERY narrow. Especially the back roads outside smaller towns. And some countries have more aggressive drivers than others.

This is why I highly recommend getting full insurance coverage.

Typically, rental cars in Europe come with a basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), but this isn’t exactly insurance, and only covers the car for up to €1000-3000 EUROS worth of damage.

This is the amount they hold on your credit card until you return the car in one piece. CDW typically does not include tire, cracked windshield, or undercarriage damage either.

While you can often save money booking your car with a travel credit card that includes car rental insurance, you REALLY must read the fine print, because many people wrongly assume their card covers them everywhere.

If you get in a wreck driving in Europe, declined full coverage, and you suddenly learn your credit card doesn’t actually cover the damage — you’re screwed. I can’t tell you how many travel horror stories I’ve heard like this…

It’s why I usually pre-book full coverage online. It’s cheaper than at the counter — and then you won’t have to worry about accidents at all!

4. How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Car In Europe?

Renting a car in Europe is going to cost you around $30-$80 USD a day, depending on the type of car you get, and which country you rent it from. The typical compact 4-door sedan we usually rent averages about $40 per day.

I recommend renting a car with an actual trunk that can hide your luggage from prying eyes. It helps to prevent break-ins if thieves can’t see your stuff.

Gas Prices

Gas (petrol) prices in Europe might seem cheap to Americans, but remember that the rest of the world quotes gas in Liters, not Gallons (1 Gallon = 3.78 Liters).

Currently, gas costs about $7.14 per gallon (€1.55 per liter) in Portugal, $6.87 per gallon (€1.49 per liter) in Italy, and $5.93 per gallon (€1.29 per liter) in the UK. Diesel cars will often save you some money on gas.

Automatic vs Manual

Automatic cars are more expensive to rent than manual cars (but manuals are more common in Europe), and you must specify what type you want when booking.

If you’ve never driven a manual car before, don’t start in Europe! It’s safer to get an automatic, even if it costs more.

One-Way Rentals

There’s an additional fee for one-way car rentals in most European countries, which can vary by company. For example, if you want to drop off the rental car in a different city than where you started from.

These fees are even more expensive if you want to drop the car off in a different country — which can add a few hundred Euros to the price.

Admin & Credit Card Fees

If you opt to use your own credit card insurance, some companies in Europe will charge you an “admin fee” of about €20-€30 EURO. Other companies may charge a small fee for using a credit card.

Book In Advance

Your best bet is to book ahead if you want a good deal, particularly if you want to travel to popular destinations. Six months in advance seems to be the sweet spot for the best rates.

Many car rental companies offer free cancellation, so if your plans change you can always cancel down the road, without paying a fee. Just make sure to read the fine print.

Travel Off Season

Consider taking your European road trip during the shoulder tourist seasons, or off-season to get lower rental car rates.

Border Crossing Fee

When crossing the border from an EU country to a non-EU country by car, the rental agencies may charge a fee between €15 to €50. However there isn’t usually a fee for crossing from one EU country into another.

5. Rental Car Requirements In Europe

Each country has their own rules when it comes to driving. Canadians and Americans usually just need a driver’s license and passport to rent a car. However, some countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Rules can change from place to place, but generally you’ll need an IDP if you plan to drive in the following countries: Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, or Spain.

You can get an IDP at the American Automobile Association or Canadian Automobile Association. Expect to pay about $20 plus the cost of two passport photos.

Age Requirements

Age requirements to rent a car in Europe vary. Travelers over the age of 25 shouldn’t have any issues. Younger drivers may have to pay a fee or purchase special insurance, which could cost between $15-$40 extra per day.

Keep in mind drivers over 70 years old may have trouble renting a car in countries like Czech Republic, Great Britain, Greece, Northern Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Turkey.

Drivers over 80 may have problems renting in Denmark. If you are over the age of 69, rental companies in Ireland might charge an extra fee.

Vignettes

In Europe, a vignette is a sticker placed on the windshield to indicate that you paid that country’s highway taxes. You can purchase one at a border crossing for €5 to €40, depending on the country. The vignette is usually good for a year.

Failure to buy a vignette could cost you a €60 fine or more. Border officials will often check for vignettes when you’re driving into or out of their country. Countries in Europe that require vignettes include Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Switzerland, Hungary, Slovenia, and Bulgaria.

Sometimes, you may get lucky and your rental car will already have a vignette sticker on it. This is more common if you’re renting a car from a city that is close to the other country.

Crossing Borders

Some companies don’t allow drivers to drive to certain countries, usually in eastern or southeastern Europe. Common examples include Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Montenegro. Or, you may have to pay a fee for crossing those borders (mentioned earlier).

If you plan to drive in Ireland and Great Britain from Europe, you might want to book separately. Taking cars on ferries or the Eurotunnel car train can cost a lot. Plus, you’ll have to pay high surcharges and drop-off fees.

The Green Card

If you plan to cross borders, you may need a green card to prove that your car has the minimum level of insurance. Although you won’t need one for most countries in Europe, you will in places in the Balkan Peninsula, like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Montenegro.

6. European Driving Laws Tourists Should Know

Right On Red Is Illegal

Unlike in the United States, it’s illegal to make a right turn on red lights in Europe, with some exceptions in Germany as indicated by traffic signs.

Learn European Street Signs

Street signs in Europe can differ greatly from your home country, and even between European countries. Before you start driving in Europe, research the meanings of different street signs for the countries you’re traveling to.

Passing Other Cars

In some countries (such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands), it’s illegal to use the slower lane (right lane) for passing other vehicles. Although in the United Kingdom and Ireland, remember that the lanes are opposite, and the passing lane is on the right side!

If you encounter a slow moving vehicle, and they have their blinker on, it might be an indication that they want you to pass them. This isn’t used consistently, but you may see it from time to time. Especially with large trucks or tractors (yes, tractors!)

Traffic Camera Speed Traps

Many European countries rely heavily on automatic traffic cameras to enforce their speed limits rather than using highway patrol officers, unlike the United States. When I first started driving in Europe, I got a few expensive speeding tickets not realizing this!

Usually the cameras are “announced” with a special sign, allowing you time to slow down right before them. But if you’re not looking for these signs, you could miss it, and end up with a ticket mailed to you after you return from your vacation!

Children’s Car Seat Requirements

If you’re driving in Europe with young kids, make sure to rent or bring your own child seat or booster seat. The EU requires children between the ages of 2 and 12 to use an appropriate restraint in cars. If you fly from the United States, FAA regulations allow passengers to bring a car seat onboard, an easy way to save money versus paying an extra daily fee on renting a car seat.

European car seat regulations are slightly different too, and if you’re using an American style car seat, and get pulled over, there is the potential to get a ticket. Although many tourists just take the risk.

Personally, we like to bring our own travel car seat that packs down super small for road trips overseas!

Learn About The Roundabout

Europeans love roundabouts. They’re much more common than the 4-way intersections found around the United States, and statistically much safer too. In a roundabout, traffic continually flows in a circle around a center island.

Don’t be scared of them, yield to other cars already inside, but keep up with the flow of traffic inside, and remember to signal when you want to exit the roundabout.

If you don’t know where to exit, just take another lap (or two) around the circle until you do. That’s perfectly ok.

As an American, I find it a bit difficult to speed-read all the road signs in the roundabout while also paying attention to traffic. It takes practice, but you’ll get the hang of it.

Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL Zones)

In many historic cities around Europe, there are areas where tourists are not allowed to drive rental cars. In Italy they are called ZTL Zones (but each country may have a different term for them).

The streets in these areas are usually super narrow, and not equipped to handle tons of vehicle traffic. They are restricted to local residents with permits, or open only during certain times of day.

These special zones are covered with traffic cameras, and if you enter one at the wrong time, without a permit, you will automatically get a ticket sent to you — sometimes months later.

Sometimes it’s just easier and cheaper to park your rental car on the outskirts of large European cities, and then take public transportation in.

7. Extra Advice For Renting A Car In Europe

• Parking can be a pain in European cities, as there usually isn’t a lot of space (if any at all). I recommend renting a compact car to make parking easier, and parking on the outskirts of large cities.
• Don’t book a car without reading company reviews. You’ll find plenty of bad reviews for every company (people love to complain online), but try to pick one with the LEAST bad reviews.
• You may not always get the make/model/type of car you booked. If they give you a smaller car, or a manual when you asked for an automatic, be pushy and ask for an upgrade.
• Inspect your car thoroughly and record video on your smartphone pointing out damage before you leave. This is a backup if they attempt to charge you for damage that was already there. This is a common travel scam in parts of Europe….
• Pay attention to if your rental car takes regular petrol or diesel fuel, so you fill up with the correct type at gas stations.
• Use Google Maps on your smartphone for directions. Bring your own hands-free adapter and buy a European SIM card for your phone at the airport. Just be aware that Google Maps isn’t always accurate either.

8. Accident & Breakdown Information

The European Emergency Phone Number is 112 (similar to 911 in the United States).

However if your car simply breaks down, and no one is injured, its probably better to call your car rental company’s own emergency roadside assistance number located on the rental agreement.

Enjoy Your European Road Trip!

Exploring the small villages, ancient castles, lush mountains, and coastal areas of Europe in a rental car was definitely the right choice for us.

Self-drive road trips allow you to get off the beaten track to see things most people miss! ★

Rent A Car In Europe

Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.

Check Latest Prices

Travel Planning Resources For Europe

Packing Guide Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Book Your Flight Ready to fly? Here’s how I find the cheapest airline flights. Rent A Car Discover Cars is a great site for comparing car prices to find a deal. Cheap Accommodation Learn how I save money booking hotels & vacation apartments. Protect Your Trip Don’t forget travel insurance! Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read why you should always carry travel insurance.

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READ MORE BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS

I hope you enjoyed my guide on renting cars in Europe! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:

• Tips For Renting A Car In Ireland
• Advice For Driving In Iceland
• How To Rent A Gondola In Venice, Italy
• Top Things To Do In Dublin Ireland
• My Best Budget Travel Tips

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Do you have any other suggestions or stories about renting cars in Europe? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Killarney, Ireland

Killarney is a small town in Ireland with rolling hillsides, ancient castles, pristine lake3s, and its own National Park. Here are some of the best things to do in Killarney!

After traveling to Ireland a few times now, I can safety say that Killarney National Park (Páirc Náisiúnta Chill Airne in Irish) and its surroundings were one of my favorite parts of the country.

Right up there with Dublin and the Cliffs of Moher!

If you close your eyes and imagine Ireland, you probably think of rolling green fields and charming villages. Killarney certainly meets those expectations.

Killarney has some of the best natural wonders in Ireland. The town sits on the shores of Lough Leane in Ireland’s southwest County Kerry, and is part of the famous “Ring Of Kerry” drive that lures many foreign tourists.

Whether you’re in the mood for some Irish culture and history in Killarney Town, or prefer an outdoor adventure in Killarney National Park, the area has it all.

After having an amazing time there, I wanted to share some of my favorite things to do in Killarney, Ireland if you happen to be planning a trip.

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Best Things To Do In Killarney Guide

1. Visit Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is made up of mossy valleys and woodlands — famed for its beautiful mountain ranges, castles, lakes, and waterfalls.

Killarney became Ireland’s first national park in 1932 when Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish Free State. Today, it covers 25,000 acres.

Outdoor lovers can explore the forests to appreciate the incredible ecological diversity, including the Lakes of Killarney, plus oak and yew woodlands.

It’s free to enter the national park, but some of the attractions inside may have entry fees.

Many of the highlights I mention below are part of the National Park, with the others are right next door. There’s a lot of fun things to do in the area!

2. The Muckross House

The Muckross House Gardens stand near Muckross Lake in Killarney National Park. This stunning Victorian mansion was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, water colorist Mary Balfour Herbert, in 1843.

Lord Ardilaun of the Guinness family purchased the home in 1899. Guests can tour the home, gardens, and working farms all year long. Rooms contain elegant period furniture to reflect the lifestyle of its previous inhabitants.

Thick ivy climbs its stone walls, changing color with the seasons, and extensive manicured gardens compliment the mansion.

The grounds contain three separate working farms, as well as the ruins of Muckross Abbey (with a tree growing inside!) The farmhouses contain traditional style dressers, beds, and meal bins. You can also visit the Labourer’s Cottage, a Carpenter’s Workshop, and a Blacksmith’s Forge.

Opening Times:

9am – 6pm

Entry Fee:

House tours cost €9 EURO. Wandering the grounds is free.

3. Explore Ross Castle

Located on the edge of Lower Lake in Killarney National Park, Ross Castle is a renovated castle just a few minutes’ drive from town. The ruling clan O’Donoghues Mór built the castle in 1537. It has since been the setting of many battles over the centuries.

Visitors can go on guided tours of the castle during summer months. The castle also hosts boat trips from Ross and Reen piers to Innisfallen Island on the Lower Lake and to Lord Brandon’s Cottage on the Upper Lake.

Locals say that the castle’s original owner, O’Donoghue, killed himself by leaping out of a window into the lake. He supposedly continues to haunt the lake, circling it on a white horse every seven years on the first of May.

Anyone who catches a glimpse of the ghost will enjoy a lifetime of good fortune!

Opening Times:

March 7th – October 22nd: 9:30am – 5:45pm

Entry Fee:

No fee to enter, but guided tours are €5 EURO.

4. Old Weir Bridge

Like much of Ireland, in Killarney, you can find ample examples of centuries-old ruins scattered throughout the countryside. Old Weir Bridge is an ancient stone arch bridge where the three main lakes of Killarney meet.

Historians believe the bridge dates back to the 16th century. To get here, you can take a boat tour, bike, or walk. There is no road access, but there is a car park on the N71. From there you can walk to Dinis Cottage (and have a coffee), then follow the footpath to Old Weir Bridge.

5. Red Deer Spotting

While exploring the Killarney National Park, you’ll likely spot Ireland’s largest mammal (and the second largest in Europe), the red deer. Red deer have a reddish-brown coat. Male stags grow up to 240 kg (530 lbs) and boast impressive antlers.

You can see them all year long, but late spring is calving season and the best time to see young fawns.

I was lucky and happened to be there in October during the annual “deer rut”, when rival stags fight each other for the attention of females.

The best places to see red deer are Knochreer Estate opposite Saint Mary’s Cathedral as well as the Muckross House area. Keep your ears open for their distinctive ghost-like sounds or the growls of males throughout the park.

6. Visit Killarney’s Pretty Lakes

The lakes of Killarney are an ideal destination for enjoying the outdoors and seeing wildlife. Lush woodlands and towering mountains surround the region’s three lakes: Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake.

• Lough Leane is the largest of the three, with the nickname Lower Lake. You can take a boat trip to one of the islands, Innisfallen, which contains ancient ruins of an abbey that dates back to 600 AD. Ross Castle is also here.
• Muckross Lake is also known as Middle Lake, and features a footpath called the Muckross Lake Loop that takes between 3-5 hours to walk. Take a side trip to see the stunning 18 meter (60 feet) high Torc Waterfall nearby.
• Upper Lake is the smallest and southernmost of the three lakes. Home to some of the best salmon and brown trout, the lake has become a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.

You can also book a boat tour or kayak tour of the lakes, if you’d like to get out on the water for a bit.

7. Carrauntoohil & The Macgillycuddy Reeks

One of my favorite experiences in Ireland was hiking Carrauntoohil Mountain in the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range. The tallest mountain in Ireland!

There are many fun hikes in this area, including a few different options to reach the top of Carrautoohil.

I chose the more difficult Coomloughra Horseshoe, a 6-8 hour trek over all three of Ireland’s highest peaks: Beenkeragh, Carrauntoohil, and Caher.

Whichever trail you decide to tackle, caution is needed as the hiking can get dangerous in bad weather. These mountains may not be huge, but they can still pack a punch!

8. Check Out Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall is a popular attraction in the area, and just a 5-minute walk from the road, so it’s a great activity for kids. The Owengarriff River drops 80 feet into this pretty waterfall surrounded by woodlands.

For the more adventurous, there are many other trails around the waterfall, including the Torc Mountain Trail, a rocky 2-hour hike that gives you excellent views of Killarney National Park.

There’s also the Huntsman’s Hill trail which loops 3.5 km (2.1 miles), and the Torc Loop, a more moderate hike that takes about 40 minutes.

9. St Mary’s Cathedral

Located just a five minutes’ walk from the shopping precinct in Killarney, St. Mary’s Cathedral has some impressive stonework and stained glass windows making it well worth a visit.

Soaring ceilings provide ideal acoustics when the organ plays during mass. The cathedral frequently hosts weddings and other church services.

Designed by Augustus Welby Pugin, construction began in 1842 but came to a pause during the great potato famine. It was finally finished in 1907.

10. Castlelough Castle (McCarthy Mor)

The historic Castlelough Castle overlooks Lough Leane, Killarney’s Lower Lake. Historians believe the Anglo-Norman De Roches built the castle in the 12th or 13th century.

In 1262, the Gaelic MacCarthys took over the castle after a battle between the Anglo-Norman and Gaelic forces. It remained under MacCarthy control until the reign of King George II in the mid 18th century.

The Lake Hotel and Castlelough Restaurant now sits next to the ruins. The surrounding mountains and woodlands make this an ideal place to stay while visiting the Irish countryside.

11. Walk The Gap Of Dunloe

Formed over 25,000 years ago, the Gap of Dunloe was created by a glacier breach in the Black Valley. This narrow mountain pass splits the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range in the west from the Purple Mountain range in the east.

Its name Dunloe comes from Irish, Dún Lóich, meaning “Lóich’s stronghold”. Legend says Mac Lóich was the father of the five chieftains who conquered and ruled over Ireland for 37 years from 3266 BC.

The road is single lane, with turnoffs in case you encounter oncoming traffic. But I recommend walking the road, biking it, or hire a jaunting horse cart starting from Kate Kearney’s Cottage. The 5-mile round-trip journey passes small farms, lakes, and rugged mountains.

12. Driving The Ring Of Kerry

Killarney is the starting point for the Ring Of Kerry, a popular circular road trip in Ireland. Ancient stone ruins dot mossy green hillsides and craggy shorelines along this coastal road.

Meant to be driven counter-clockwise (due to some single-lane roads), the route passes many scenic and historical Irish landmarks.

• Killorglin (Home of the Goat King)
• Ballycarbery Castle
• Leacanabuaile Stone Forts
• Ladies View
• Moll’s Gap
• Derrynane Beach
• The Skellig Ring
• Kerry Cliffs

Unfortunately I didn’t have time to drive the Ring Of Kerry, as there was plenty for me to do just around Killarney for 3 days before moving North to explore the Dingle Peninsula.

Where To Eat In Killarney

Murphy’s Of Killarney

I recommend heading to Murphy’s of Killarney for a pint and a chance to mingle with the locals.

Murphy’s features live music plays in a cozy atmosphere, with traditional pub fare including shepherds pie, Guinness beef stew, and fish and chips.

Bricin

Bricin means “small trout” in Gaelic, and is also the name of a stone bridge in Killarney National Park. Bricin is also a popular restaurant in a restored historic building on High Street.

The antique timber and stained glass windows call guests to dine in an inviting atmosphere. Local folk crafts and artwork decorate the walls.

Transportation Around Killarney

Rental Car

The best site to book your car is with Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car in Ireland.

Renting a car offers the best flexibility to explore remote parts of Ireland, and avoid the big tour groups.

Killarney Shuttle Bus

If you don’t have a car, the best option is to do the hop-on-hop-off bus from Killarney Shuttle Bus. It takes you from Killarney to all the main attractions in Killarney National Park.

Taxi

There is local taxi service around Killarney, but I’d use them as a last resort.

Jaunting Carts

During your time in Killarney, you’re sure to see plenty of horse-drawn carriages called “Jaunting Carts” or “pony-and-trap” throughout the National Park. This is a popular way for tourists to get around. You can go for short rides, or a full-blown National Park tour with different stops.

Killarney Travel Tips and Advice

• Weather in Killarney depends on the season. Summer temperatures average 50F (10C) to 60F (16C). That makes summer the busiest time for tourists. It’s Ireland, so rain is possible anytime.
• You can easily get to Killarney from any of Ireland’s main cities, like Dublin, Galway, or Cork via train or rental car. Kerry Airport is also located about 13 km (7 miles) from the city.

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READ MORE IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS

I hope you enjoyed my guide on what to do in Killarney! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:

• Ireland’s Amazing Cliffs Of Moher
• Tips For Renting A Car In Ireland
• Finding My Roots In Ireland
• Top Things To Do In Dublin

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This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.