With more than 200 inhabited (and beautiful) islands dotting the Ionian and Aegean Seas, Greece is definitely a beach lover’s paradise. However, with so many stunning options, it can get very overwhelming to find out which island is perfect for a sun-soaked getaway.
And I’ve been there, truly! But then my partner and I have always hated crowds – plus, all the popular islands were too expensive. So, our aim was simple – to find the best spots in Greece.
On that note, I’ve listed the best beaches in Greece. My parameters? Well, I’ve got quite a few – check them out before jumping down to my list of Greece’s best beaches – and yes, all of them are located in Milos.
Does the beach come with a long coastline and a great view?
Is the water good for swimming?
What activities can you try?
How’s the sand?
Is there a restaurant to dine at? Does the restaurant offer takeaway?
How’s the parking?
Can you rent umbrellas and chairs?
Is there anything unique or rare about the beach?
Stay tuned.
9 Best Beaches In Greece:
Keeping my parameters, let’s check out the best beaches in Greece:
1. Kleftiko Beach:
Kleftiko Bay, a truly magical place, ah! This protected bay is home to crystal-clear turquoise water, hidden sea caves, and dramatic white cliffs. In fact, the sea caves were actually used by pirates as a hideout.
This beach is an iconic spot in Milos – and for all the right reasons. The beach was stunning, and the view? Absolutely worth every single penny. Technically, it’s not really a beach – it was a sort of bay. Still, for me, this was one of the best beaches in Greece.
Now, coming to the beach’s accessibility, you just can’t walk to this bay. Yep, there’s no road that directly leads to this bay. In fact, you can access this boat only by boat. However, there’s a three-mile hike that you can take – it leads directly to the beautiful bay.
My boyfriend is a professional mountaineer, and there’s no way he will compromise on the hike! So, he convinced me that this would be a great experience – and like always, he was right!
When you descend, you will get a stunning perspective of the entire bay. We found a few flat rocks at the very bottom and paused for a break to soak in the breathtaking view around us.
Later in the evening, we went back to this bay – but this time, we opted for a speedboat tour, and it was a different experience, much like checking out the same view from two different perspectives.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Access to this beach is completely free. However, we recommend boat tours – and those will cost you between $35 and $70 for half-day tours and around $117 for a full-day tour.
2. Kolympisionas Beach:
Kolympisionas Beach is perhaps the most underrated beach on this list. Thanks to Away Lands, a fellow travel blog, I first read about this beach – and it made it to my bucket list. When I reached here, I realized this was indeed worth the effort and time!
The best part? This is so underrated that you will not even find it by its English name on Google Maps. So, if you are looking for a beach where you can enjoy the isolation, then this is your best shot!
It was Summer, and everywhere we went, we were greeted with crowds. But this was a complete surprise. We had just hiked from Milos Cove Hotel without knowing what we could have found at the end of the trail, ending up at this private cove.
Also, thanks to the unpaved roads here, it is best to rent an ATV or SUV for an entire day to drive around. There’s so much to explore in easy Milos – so the extra expense on commuting is necessary and absolutely worth it.
Moreover, if you have been dreaming about going skinny dipping at least once in your life, this is the spot! (We might have done it, and it was one of the best highlights of the trip.)
How Much Will It Cost You?
Like most European beaches, entry to this beach is free. You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds in different areas on the beach – but the rates tend to vary. While a set of sun loungers and umbrellas cost $94 at one spot, they cost us as little as $36 in another area. If you add food and drinks, it will cost you around $140.
3. Firiplaka Beach:
We found the Firiplaka Beach on the island’s southern coast. It is one of the best beaches in Greece to rent an umbrella and a chair for spending an entire day lounging by the sea. Once here, you can enjoy the crystal-clear blue water, the soft sand, the wide bay, and the surrounding calmness.
Moreover, you can rent paddleboards and kayaks from a small beach shack here. Plus, we had a great time at the beach bars – sipping on cocktails and lounging in comfy chairs.
For people who are up for some exploring, you can walk down the beach towards the candy-colored rocks – you can explore the private, sandy inlet near the rocks. Also, if you don’t want to rent sunbeds, then don’t forget to carry an umbrella or a hat because the beach has no shade.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Access to the beach is free, so you can enjoy the water and swim around for free. We rented a set of sun loungers and umbrellas for $60. However, we found out later that some places on the beach offer the same things for only $35 – so, it’s better to ask around before renting umbrellas from the first place you spot.
4. Mandrakia Beach:
Mandrakia, a fishing village that was right out of a European movie! This classic Greek village is home to traditional whitewashed buildings, colorful fishing shelters, and vibrant boat garages beautifully carved into rocks – the view? Postcard-perfect!
Moreover, the beach is the right blend of small sandy spots and rocky outcrops, making it a unique spot for sunbathing and swimming. The water is crystal-clear in the small port – that way, you can just go down the colorful steps and jump into the water from the dock.
Also, being a food junkie, I dragged my athletic partner to several places serving delectable food – my favorite? One of the most iconic restaurants of Milos, Medusa, stood out for its fresh seafood and the view.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Access to this underrated beach is free. There are some spots to order food from, but I suggest spending money on exploring this classic Greek fishing village.
5. Firopotamos Beach:
Only a few minutes from the beautiful Mandrakia, we found another charming little village, Firopotamos. This scenic seaside village is literally perched on a cliff with crystal-clear, turquoise water.
You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach. Plus, there’s a cool beach bar here, if you want to sip on cocktails while enjoying the view like us!
Moreover, there’s a road from this tranquil cover – if you walk up this road for a few minutes, you will find stone ruins open to the visitors.
We had gone to explore these ruins behind the church, and guess what? We realized these ruins overlook the whole bay and are worth spending time at.
In addition, you can rent small, waterfront houses here and stay in some of the most beautiful places in Milos. However, we had to book our house months ago since people book them in advance – and that too months ago. So, do plan early if you want to stay in these charming little houses.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Access to this beach is free. We rented a set of sunbeds for $20 – the rates tend to vary between $12 and $35, depending on the season. Also, I got very drunk here and ended up paying the beach bar $80 for the cocktails.
6. Agkali Beach:
The beautiful Milos Cove Hotel has a hidden cover inside with a picturesque ambience (similar to that of a private beach) and candy-colored cliffs – welcome to the unbelievably beautiful Agkali beach.
You will only need one thing to access this beach – you have to stay in the Milos Cove Hotel. Yes, the beach is only open to hotel guests. Moreover, you can easily reach the beach by boat. Otherwise, the drive is not very comfortable thanks to the unpaved roads – it’s a rocky paradise out here.
While we were here, we were mesmerized by the rocks scattered everywhere on the beach – the rainbow of colors and the beautiful striations made it unique and memorable.
How Much Will It Cost You?
This is a common problem with all beaches in Greece – prices tend to vary a lot. And Agkali beach was no different. Access to the beach is free, and the boat ride to the beach costs us $47.
7. Sarakiniko Beach:
Sarakiniko Beach is famous – it literally put Milos on the map for having some of the best beaches in Greece. This beach is known all around the globe for its beautiful moonscapes.
Walking around in this cove of white rocks almost felt like walking on another planet, especially when the light starts dropping before sunset. Truly, the landscape here is something I am sure I won’t see anywhere else – you have to see the white rocks in both their evening glory and under the bright sun.
Also, if the water is calm, you can experience cliff jumping since the edges of cliffs here jut out over the water. But in case the winds pick up and the water seems to be relatively rougher, be cautious about your swimming skills.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Access to the beach is free. Renting sunbeds and umbrellas will cost you between $12 and $18. If you go on a land excursion in Milos with Sarakiniko as a stop, it will cost $440 for every traveller. Moreover, you can do the same via boat – in that case, it will cost you around $150.
8. Kalamos Beach:
Kalamos Beach is not a beach – rather, it’s a tiny, pristine strip that was accessible only by boat. The sand here looks like nobody has ever stepped on it.
And the thing about such beaches is that they’re a rarity in the world we are living in currently. As a result, swimming around in the water here was an incredible experience.
Moreover, if there’s one activity that you have to try, then that would be to go on a boat tour. My partner planned one for me. We rented a speedboat and spent an entire day exploring the water, hidden beaches, beautiful bays, and coastlines.
You can do the same – there are different companies offering boat tours everywhere on the island, starting from party boats to boats for small groups.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Kalamos beach has no entrance fees. Renting a set of sunbeds and umbrellas will cost you between $12 and $24. In some spots, it will cost you $24 to rent sunbeds, but it comes with a cocktail or beer.
9. Paralia Paleochori Beach:
The only reason I visited this stunning beach and wrote about it in this list is its unique landscape – a volcanic landscape and colorful cliffs with a blend of pebbles and soft sand.
What we found especially unique here was the cove’s natural warm water due to geothermal activities taking place under the water.
As a result, stem vents close to the shoreline make the sand somewhat warm, even in the cold. So, if you are planning a trip during the summer, it’s best to wear sandals to protect your feet from hot sand.
While we were here, we did visit the popular (and super expensive) Sirocco Volcanic Restaurant, a pricey restaurant in Milos close to the Paralia Paleochori beach. The USP? The restaurant is famous because it cooks fish directly in the heat from the volcanic sand. The reviews aren’t lying – the food here is delicious and the place is a must-visit.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Paralia Paleochori beach is somewhat expensive compared to the other beaches on this list. As a result, renting a set of sunbeds and umbrellas will cost you between $47 and $94.
Are Beaches In Greece Safe?
Yes, the best beaches in Greece are usually safe, famous for their calm water and clean environment. Having said that, it is always vital to be aware of all potential risks, including underwater hazards such as jellyfish and sea urchins, riptides, strong sun, and even theft.
Also, it is vital to check warning flags, wear appropriate gear (especially footwear), follow rules (including what the lifeguard says), and protect yourself from the sun for a safe experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Check out the most frequently asked questions about the best beaches in Greece:
1. Is Milos Cheaper Than Crete?
Yes. It is cheaper to plan a trip to Milos – instead of Crete. The islands of Milos have a laid-back atmosphere and are much smaller in size, with several budget-friendly options for food, lodging, and local experiences, making the island a cost-effective spot for travel enthusiasts.
2. What Is The Cheapest Month To Visit Greece?
While you will find the most budget-friendly options between November and March, each month comes with its own set of unique experiences and advantages. So, whether you feel like making the budget a priority or seeking fewer crowds and pleasant weather, planning a trip as per these insights will make your Greek holiday memorable.
3. When Not To Visit Greece?
Summer is very hot in Greece, especially close to the sea. This warm weather and heat make the experience uncomfortable, especially when you are visiting historical spots or enjoying any outdoor activity during the day. So, it’s best to avoid a trip to Greece in any extreme weather conditions – it’s best to visit in autumn or spring.
4. Which Greek Islands Are Not To Visit?
It’s best to avoid Santorini and Mykonos if you are not a fan of high prices and crowds, since these islands are expensive and overcrowded. Then there are other islands that you can avoid, depending on what you prefer. For instance, we picked Milos because it’s one of the most underrated islands of Greece.
Barsha Bhattacharya is a senior content writing executive. As a marketing enthusiast and professional for the past 4 years, writing is new to Barsha. And she is loving every bit of it. Her niches are marketing, lifestyle, wellness, travel and entertainment. Apart from writing, Barsha loves to travel, binge-watch, research conspiracy theories, Instagram and overthink.
If you are a high net-worth person searching for the best country to live, study, and invest in the European Union, the solution is to acquire the France Golden Visa. In 2016, France witnessed a venture capital investment of 2.6 billion USD.
By offering such visas, France intends to entice the new generation into world-leading companies, generate jobs, and promote innovation in the French economy. One of the reputed organizations that offer France Golden Visa services is Pearl Lemon Visa. It assures you of a hassle-free and speedy application process.
3 Types Of Golden Visas In France
Based on its economic activities, France renders three varieties of Golden Visas:
Economic Residence Permitting:
This had a minimum investment of 10 million euros. In 2016, these visas were closed and replaced by Talent Passports.
Economic Residence Permitting is a program implemented by the French government to allow non-European Union citizens who invest in or start a business in France to obtain a long-term residence permit.
This program is designed to encourage foreign investment and stimulate economic growth in France.
To be eligible for an Economic Residence Permit, an individual must invest in a French business, create a business in France, or acquire an existing business. The investment must meet certain criteria, such as creating jobs, contributing to the French economy, and being a viable business plan.
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Advantages Of Having This Visa
Economic residence permits allow investors and entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses in the host country. This can create new job opportunities and contribute to the economic growth of the country.
Economic residence permits provide foreign investors and entrepreneurs with access to a large market, which can help them grow their businesses more quickly than they would be able to in their home countries.
Economic residence permits often allow for a long-term stay in the host country, which provides investors and entrepreneurs with stability and allows them to fully immerse themselves in the local business environment. Even the applicant’s families can get the benefits of these visas.
The French Tech Visa
This is for entrepreneurs and startups. The French Tech Visa is a program designed by the French government to attract talented foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and startup employees to France. It is a fast-track program that aims to facilitate the arrival and residence of these individuals in France to help them build their businesses and develop their skills.
In 2017, the nation launched this visa type. The main intention was to entice investors, employees, entrepreneurs, and another technical talent. It facilitated the advent and integration of such individuals.
When Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, declared the commencement of this visa, he revealed that the goal of this visa was to make France the center of entrepreneurship and innovation.
He commented that France must be a leader in these domains, specifically regarding issues such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and the convergence of clean technology, digital technology, and all Green technologies.
Advantages Of Having This Visa
The applicant has to apply to the Ministry of Finance (the French Tech team). Then, this team provides a letter of approval indicating eligibility for a priority procedure. The applicant has to fulfill the following conditions while applying for the visa.
You should have financial resources that are the minimum as the French annual minimum wage of 18,000 euros on January 1, 2018.
You need to have an economically innovative startup project that could be implemented in France. Your application had to be approved by a French public organization named ‘Direccte.’
The French Tech Visa application process is streamlined and simplified, making it easier for foreign tech talent to apply for and obtain a visa to live and work in France.
Once you have submitted your French Tech Visa application, it will be processed within four weeks, which is much faster than other types of visas.
The Talent Passport Scheme
This has a minimum investment of 0.3 million euros. The Talent Passport Scheme is a program initiated by the French government to attract highly skilled workers from non-European countries to work and live in France. The scheme aims to address skills shortages in certain sectors by facilitating the entry and residence of these workers in France.
The Talent Passport Scheme is open to applicants with skills in one of 10 targeted sectors, including engineering, science, technology, and culture. Applicants must also have a job offer or work contract from a French company, and their annual salary must meet a certain threshold.
Advantages Of Having This Scheme
This scheme was pertinent to 10 categories, including investors of projects, leaders of innovations, company creators, recent graduates, highly skilled workers, and employees of novel, innovative organizations.
When these schemes were being designed, the investment limit was reduced from 10 million Euros to 0.3 million Euros.
Another change was that the limit of generating or maintaining a minimum of 50 jobs was substituted by a general requirement of creating, retaining, and committing to retain jobs during the four years after you invest in France. The investor and family members are provided a 4-year residency card.
This scheme is different from another multi-annual residence, which is permitted in that it permits nationals of third-country countries with a long-stay visa to come to France. After their advent in France, they can request the Talent Passport residence permit.
After this permit process, the third-country citizen can work in the investment project’s framework that justifies the grant of the Talent Passport. Now, the person can perform some activity in the business and must generate and retain jobs while the Talent Passport is valid.
Wrapping Up
All of these visas are convenient for entrepreneurs. Often the government terms and conditions keep changing. Before applying for the visa, ensure the present terms and conditions of the visa process.
Are you thinking of applying for visas to France? Then comment back to us and let us know about your experiences.
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Portugal's Pena Palace is an outstanding masterpiece of Romanticism architecture that is nestled in the hills above the charming town of Sintra. This palace is a striking combination of Gothic, Moorish and Manueline styles that showcase the best of Portuguese culture and history. This majestic palace is not just a visual treat but also offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur of a bygone era.
You might be missing out on a lot if you have still not booked Pena Palace Tickets. Let us take you to an unbelievable experience of this extraordinary destination.
History
The Pena Palace was built in the mid-19th century by King Ferdinand II, who was a German prince and the husband of Queen Maria II. He purchased the ruins of an old monastery that stood atop a hill in Sintra and transformed it into a magnificent palace. The construction of the Inside Pena Palace was completed in 1854, and King Ferdinand II spent many years refining and adding to the palace's design.
Architecture
The Pena Palace's unique architectural style is a combination of different architectural styles from different eras. The palace features Gothic towers, battlements, and Manueline-style arcades that create a stunning blend of different architectural styles. The palace also has Moorish-influenced decorative features such as horseshoe arches and minaret-style towers. The palace's colorful exterior is a striking blend of bright reds, yellows, and blues that make it stand out among the lush greenery that surrounds it.
The palace's design reflects the Romanticism movement, which was a cultural and artistic movement that originated in Europe in the late 18th century. Romanticism was a reaction against the Enlightenment era's emphasis on reason and logic and celebrated emotions, individualism, and nature. The Pena Palace's design embodies the Romanticism movement's principles, with its eclectic mix of architectural styles and its focus on nature, beauty, and emotion.
Interior
The Inside of Pena Palace is just as stunning as its exterior, with each room designed with its unique theme and style. The palace's rooms feature intricate carvings, detailed paintings, and ornate furnishings that take visitors back in time to the romantic era of the 19th century. The most impressive room in the palace is the Great Hall, which features a giant chandelier, intricate stucco work, and a beautifully decorated ceiling.
The palace's other rooms are equally impressive, with each room featuring unique design elements that showcase the palace's history and culture. The Arab Room, for example, features Moorish-inspired designs and decoration, while the Queen's Bedroom is a beautiful example of the palace's Manueline influences.
Gardens
The palace's gardens are just as impressive as the palace itself. The gardens feature a variety of exotic plants, including rare species from around the world. Visitors can explore the gardens' many paths and walkways, which lead to a stunning array of fountains, statues, and lookout points. The gardens also offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and countryside, making it a popular spot for photographers.
The park surrounding the palace covers over 200 hectares and includes several different gardens and forested areas. The gardens feature a wide range of plant species, including camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, and magnolias. The park also includes several lakes, grottos, and waterfalls, which add to the park's natural beauty and charm.
Visiting Pena Palace
The Palace is open to visitors throughout the year, and visitors can purchase Pena Palace tickets online or at the palace's entrance. Visitors can choose to explore the palace's interior or gardens or purchase a combination ticket that includes access to both.
The palace can get crowded during peak season, so it's best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds. It's also important to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved in exploring the palace and gardens.
Guided tours are available for visitors who want to learn more about the palace's history and architecture. Audio guides are also available for visitors who prefer to explore the palace at their own pace. The palace's website provides detailed information on visiting the palace, including opening hours, ticket prices, and tour options.
Conclusion
Pena Palace is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Portugal. It's a stunning example of Romanticism architecture that combines different architectural styles to create a unique and unforgettable experience. The palace's gardens are just as impressive as the palace itself, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of exotic plant species and stunning natural features.
Visitors to Pena Palace can step back in time and experience the grandeur and beauty of a bygone era. The palace's unique architecture and design elements are a testament to Portugal's rich culture and history. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or nature lover, Pena Palace is sure to impress and leave a lasting impression. Pena Palace is a true gem of Portugal, a perfect blend of different architectural styles and natural beauty. It's a unique destination that offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history and culture of Portugal while immersing themselves in the beauty and charm of the palace and its surroundings. A visit to Pena Palace is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed.
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Europe is a jewel of a continent. From the west to the east, no country is the same as the last, with each nation having its own unique customs, architecture, and must-see attractions. Traveling across Europe is fairly easy thanks to the fact the vast majority of it is landlocked, meaning it’s common for people to travel across the continent on an extended break rather than simply visiting one country and then coming back to visit another the following year.
Whilst traveling from country to the country might seem effortless, there are a number of things you need to be aware of. When traveling to somewhere in Europe such as Ireland, make sure to book a reputable airport transfer company in advance.
If you’re thinking of traveling across Europe, make sure you keep these 10 tips in mind before your trip commences.
1. Currency Changes:
Time zone changes are a given, but currency changes aren’t. You’d be forgiven for thinking that most European countries use the Euro, but they don’t. Not every country on the continent of Europe is in the EU (such as the UK, Norway, and Turkey). Regardless of whether a country is the European Union, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to use the Euro. Such countries include:
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Hungary
Poland
Romania
Sweden
It’s always worth keeping Euro with you as some countries that don’t normally use the Euro will accept it as a form of payment, but you should be mindful of the currency of the countries you’re going to be visiting and make a note of the exchange rates.
For instance, if you are visiting Romania for business purposes or are willing to start a business in Romania, you should be aware of the currency factors. Also, it's better to understand what form of registration is more applicable in that geographic area. As far as Romania businessmen are concerned, they always go for the PFA registration process instead of SA or SRL. Why? PFA is simple and low-cost!
2. Opening Hours (Siestas)
Depending on where you’re from and where you’re going, you’ll likely encounter different opening hours to what you’re used to. This mainly applies to hot countries like Spain where it’s traditional for the locals to take a siesta during the hottest part of the day. This results in many businesses closing at noon for two hours. In tourist hotspots and resort areas, this might not be the case as businesses attempt to maximize profits, but in hidden gem areas that are off the beaten track, it’s more likely that this long-term tradition will be adhered to. So, you need to make sure you’re aware of closing times and societal opening hours before you’re caught short and in need of urgent supplies but can’t get any.
3. Temperature Changes:
Europe is a very varied continent that spans over 1,339 miles from the east to the west and 2,076 miles from north to south. Whilst it’s one of the smallest continents on Earth, it encompasses sub-arctic and desert landscapes all in one. If you’re planning on traveling from the west to the east, or the north to the south, you’re likely to experience all of these temperatures during your trip, so you need to pack accordingly.
Whilst you might be okay wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals in Rome, you will most definitely want sturdy boots, wooly mittens, and a big parka coat by the time you get to Russia. The last thing you want is to freeze (or melt) and have to spend a fortune on a new wardrobe for every country you visit.
4. Pack Light:
We’ve just said to pack for every eventuality, but in the same breath, pack light. Europe is full of narrow streets, winding roads, and dainty amenities, and that can make lugging two 20kg suitcases extremely difficult. You’re more than likely going to be taking several types of transport and constantly be moving from place to place, so the last thing you want is to pack up your entire life every other week and drag it along some impractically small cobbled streets.
Instead, take two of everything, with enough fresh underwear to last a week. That means two jumpers, two pairs of jeans, two skirts/shorts, two dresses, etc. There will be plenty of launderettes around to wash your clothes for you, and whilst going to the launderette every week might not sound too pleasant, neither does dragging your whole wardrobe down the winding, single file, cobbled streets of Greece.
5. Travel By Ground:
Europe is – mostly – a landlocked mass (with the exception of some islands and parts of Scandinavia). Europeans also rely heavily on trains to get to and from places, and this means the countries are typically well connected by railway lines. If you’re planning to travel across Europe, do so by train as much as you can. It’s cheap, it’s fast and it gives you the chance to take in much more of the natural beauty the continent is home to.
If you’re going to be traveling to islands like the UK and those in the Mediterranean, ferries are an option that is still often cheaper than flying. When it comes to getting to hard-to-reach locations, taxis are your friend. Whether you opt for Uber or an independent company like Place2Place, taxis are rife in Europe and easy enough to hail down. Once you get to your destination, you may wish to rent a car with the help of a site like StressFreeCarRental to give you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and go exactly where it is you would like to.
6. Comfortable Shoes:
As mentioned, Europe is home to many narrow streets, cobbled roads, and elevated inclinations. There’s a LOT of walking to be done, so make sure you pack a comfy pair of trainers or flats because this is one continent where – no matter where you are – you won’t be able to appreciate it in a pair of heels.
7. Reservations:
Most of Europe is flooded by tourists at any given time of the year which results in almost every restaurant being rammed almost all of the time. If you’re a spontaneous diner, you’ll need to change your ways – and fast. Europeans work on a basis of reservations. You might even need to reserve a seat in a bar because it gets so busy! Make sure to call up a day in advance to book your place, otherwise, you’ll find yourself eating a McDonald’s instead of a traditional local delicacy, and that would be a complete waste of a trip.
8. Tap Water:
Depending on where you go, tap water in Europe varies, so it’s best to stay away from it. Bottled water is incredibly destructive to the environment, but tap water in Europe could be incredibly destructive to your digestive system, so it’s all about weighing up the risks. By this, we mean the number of minerals in the water can change drastically which could cause nausea or diarrhea.
It’s important to remember the tap water in Europe is perfectly safe to drink and is strictly monitored, but it can vary from place to place which means your stomach could get a little upset by it. This is something to keep in mind.
9. Food Tourist Traps:
Earlier we mentioned making reservations, but it’s also important to note to avoid food tourist traps. Major attractions will be dotted with eateries and coffee shops, and whilst they’re practical, they’re also double the price and half the quality of other local places. Venture just a bit further out and you’ll find some beautiful places full of local delicacies that are much better prepared and much more reasonably priced.
10. Flight Compensation (EC 261):
In the event you do travel by air across Europe, the good news is, you’re covered by EC 261 which is a flight compensation scheme. If your flight is delayed by three hours or more, is canceled or if you’re denied boarding, you’re entitled to compensation and the airline must provide accommodation where necessary. This applies to all flights taking off or landing in European countries, regardless of if the airline does not belong to an EU member state. This is a nice little bit of protection should things take a turn for the worst.
If you are looking for great day tour options, then booking someone like Collins Day Tours is a great idea.
These are just 10 tips for traveling across Europe, but the biggest tip of all is to HAVE FUN!
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