Perfect Itineraries Archives

5 Days in Malta – A Guide to See it All

Malta is an oft-overlooked vacation destination in Europe. But if you can find an affordable flight, it usually offers warmer weather than the rest of the continent and can make for a perfect 5-day trip.

Read on to see our recommended things to see during 5 days in Malta. In order to see it all, we’d really recommend staying 2 days near Valetta, and 3 days on the island of Gozo, which we found to be even more charming than the larger island. We hope you have a great time!

Arriving in Malta

Malta is small, and the airport is very close to everywhere you might need to go. We landed in the evening and decided to take a cab to our hotel, the Grand Excelsior, just outside the city walls of Valetta. Cabs are generally reliable in Malta, it should be a flat rate to get from the airport to anywhere near Valetta.

Valetta

The colorful balconies of Malta

We spent the first 2 days near Valetta, and we found 2 days to be plenty of time. Honestly, Valetta is so small that you can’t go wrong. Take some time to just wander around the streets. You’ll find it easy to get your bearings and there’s no way you can get lost. We loved wandering around and admiring the different colors of the gallarija – the distinctive Maltese balconies that you’ll see all over the island. Here are some other things you can do in Valetta.

Upper and Lower Barakka Gardens

The Upper Barakka Gardens in Valetta

Well-maintained park giving you a great view over the harbors.

Valetta Harbor Tour

Malta’s historical significance primarily comes from the fact that it can be used as one huge harbor in the middle of the Mediterranean. There are tons of other cities that have popped up around Valetta which each have their own character. Taking a harbor tour will give you the best view of Valetta from the water, and is the best way to take in the cities around the huge harbor. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate with us and our tour was cancelled and refunded, so we’ll just have to go back one day!

Skip it! Hop-on, Hop-off bus

We decided to do this, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Outside of Valetta, the highlight of Malta is the walled city of Mdina, so you would be better off either taking a bus or car directly there. The rest of the stops on the hop-on, hop-off bus seemed like tourist traps to me.

Plus, nearly everyone got off at Mdina to spend a few hours, which means everyone wanted to re-board from Mdina all at once at the end of the day. We ended up waiting HOURS to get back on the hop-on hop-off bus, since there were just too many people. You would probably be better served getting a tour that takes you directly to the highlights. I found one on Get Your Guide that takes you to Mdina, Rabat, and the San Anton Gardens.

Mdina

Discover the enchanting courtyards in the city of Mdina

If you are smart enough to avoid the hop-on, hop-off bus tour, Mdina itself is well-worth a visit when you’re in Malta for 5 days. It’s the original capital of the island, and sits atop a hill giving it stunning views across the island of Malta and over the sea. Our favorite part of Mdina was just wandering the maze of alleyways, discovering charming courtyards. Plan to have lunch there and pop into the Mdina Cathedral with its brightly colored floor tiles.

Gozo

We ended up splitting our trip between staying near Valetta, and staying in Xlendi on the island of Gozo. There is a passenger and car ferry that runs regularly between Malta and Gozo which departs at Ċirkewwa. I personally preferred our time on Gozo better. We had a rental car, which made it easy to explore Gozo in 2-3 days. If you don’t have a rental car, you can book a jeep day tour that will take you to all the highlights on Gozo.

Gozo is a little less crowded and a little more untouched than Malta. It’s easy to get around Gozo as well since it’s so small. You can do Gozo as a day trip from Malta, but we liked staying overnight on the island to really soak in the atmosphere. Here’s what we did:

Xlendi Tower

We were lucky enough to be staying in Xlendi, making this an easy walk. But even if you are staying elsewhere on Gozo, I’d recommend visiting the tower. Not only will you see a great view of the coast, but there are ancient salt pans, where inhabitants of the island harvested sea salt. From Xlendi Tower, you can walk along the coast where you’ll see even more amazing views.

Ggantija

Ggantija Temples near Xaghra on the island of Gozo

The Neolithic Temple is well-worth a visit. It’s a little hard to find, google maps will lead you astray – just follow the signs posted around town. It’s 3600-year old temple that is even older than the pyramids! The incredible thing is that it’s made up of massive limestone pieces that were somehow transported from the coast. Even today, archaeologists aren’t sure about how the ancient people accomplished this amazing feat.

Victoria on Gozo

Malta is known for having a strong Easter tradition, and we were lucky enough to be in Malta for Holy Week. Throughout the week, there are processions, prayers, art exhibits, and more. We ended up going to Victoria for the Easter Sunday parade. The streets leading up to the cathedral were filled with people and the locals paraded around a statue of Jesus, along with traditional music. It was very cool to feel a part of the tradition!

Ramla Beach

Ramla Beach is a large stretch of sand flanked by cliffs. We hung out on the beach for a while, be sure to bring food with you since the restaurants are not the greatest. Before we went to the sand, we took a small detour and hung out at the abandoned Ulysees Lodge in the hills above Ramla Beach. It’s an old hotel and villa that has since been abandoned, but still has a stunning view over the coastline. Just enter at your own risk since the building is not maintained.

Fungus Rock and Dwejra Bay

We spent an afternoon exploring and hiking around Fungus Rock, and took a dip in the waters in the Dwejra Bay. Highly recommended as a half-day trip!

Food in Malta

During our 5 days in Malta, we ate like kings. We found some delicious food in Valetta. Our favorites were Aaron’s Kitchen, where we tried some traditional Maltese dishes. Be sure to show up before the dinner rush, or call for a reservation since they tend to fill up. Another great restaurant was the Old Bakery’s Pizza. It’s a smaller hole-in-the-wall gem that is near the restaurant and bar scene in Valetta.

In Gozo, we basically hopped around different seafood restaurants, and we were never disappointed. In most restaurants, you can pick out the fish you want from their catch of the day. It’s usually prepared with boiled vegetables and fries. We always left stuffed and satisfied!

5 Days in Malta – our Takeaway

For us, 5 days in Malta was more than enough time to do all of the things we wanted to do in both Malta and Gozo. The benefit of being such a tiny country, is that it’s very easy to navigate and get your bearings! If you’re brainstorming your next vacation destination, I’d definitely recommend adding Malta to your list!

October 20, 2022/0 Comments/by Monica Woerner

The Best Day Trips from Palma de Mallorca

Off the Beaten Path, Perfect Itineraries

Take a step into the Balearics by visiting the gorgeous city of Palma, Mallorca. This is the largest city in the archipelago; and while the Balearic Islands are more commonly known for their beautiful beaches and nightlife, Palma de Mallorca is a gorgeous city with so much to offer.

Palma Cathedral is otherworldly, and tapas bars and boutique stores line the streets. It’s the perfect historic city for sitting outside and enjoying an ice-cold drink in the afternoon.

But if you’re based in Mallorca’s capital for a trip, you might be interested in some of the best day trips from Palma de Mallorca. While it’s situated in the south of the island, excellent transport links mean that it’s great for day trips to see some of the best of the Mallorcan countryside and engage in authentic Balearic culture.

If you’re interested in the best day trips from Palma de Mallorca, read on!

Soller and Port de Soller

Port De Soller – A perfect day trip from Palma de Mallorca

This day trip from Palma de Mallorca is extra special because you’re going to use an incredible method of transport to get there!

A historic train from the 1920s links Palma with Soller. This train winds through the Tramuntana Mountains, stopping off on the way to enjoy one of the best vistas on the island.

The journey to Soller aboard the historic train

Eventually, it reaches Soller. This is a small town most famous for its imposing cathedral, which stands out amongst the rows of terraced shops.

From Soller, you can hop in a tram and head to Port de Soller. This is a gorgeous beach destination, which only opened up to tourists in around the 1980s when a tunnel gave it road access. This means that it avoided the mass tourism of the 1960s/ 1970s that you’ll see throughout the rest of Mallorca, and today it has more of a local feel!

Take a walk up to a viewpoint to look out over the scenery, wander the backstreets and enjoy a fresh baguette, or simply sit by the beach and watch the world go by. Port de Soller is quite a sleepy town, but it’s lovely.

Once you’ve finished in Port de Soller, you can take a tram back to Soller and then transfer to a train. The trains operate all throughout the year, so it’s a great day trip even if you’re visiting Mallorca in winter!

Pollenca

Pollenca is a beautiful town situated in the north of the island. Basking in centuries of history, Pollenca is an ancient town with a history of being conquered frequently throughout its past.

You can take in all of the city’s best sights by walking around, enjoying places like the “Pont Roma”, which is a Roman Bridge on the outskirts of town.

Don’t miss the Placa Mayor and the 18th-century church too!

There’s also an immense viewpoint over the island at El Calvari, which is set up 365 steps and is lined by cypresses on either side. As you go up, you can take in impressive views of the island, each a little better than the last – which will give you the motivation to hike the whole way to the top! From the summit, enjoy views spanning to Port de Pollenca.

Port de Pollenca is also worth visiting as a day trip from Palma de Mallorca. Ideal in the summer months, it’s a blue flag beach with looming views of the Mallorcan mountains in the background. The white sand beaches are incredibly inviting on a hot summer’s day when you’ve been road-tripping all over the island!

Valdemossa

A view of Valldemossa from the Miranda dels Lledoners

Serene Valdemossa is so close to Palma, it’s hard to call it a day trip – but you’ll feel world’s away as you drive to this village in the Traumatana Mountains!

The highest town in Mallorca, Valdemossa is located on a hilltop, with surrounding views of vineyards.

Attractions include the Real Cartuja, otherwise known as the Royal Carthusian Monastery, where you can find cloisters, a beautiful church, and King Sancho’s Palace which was gifted to Carthusian Monks.

The Chopin Museum is a great spot to visit to discover the village’s history, plus there are wonderful walks in the surrounding countryside.

Valdemossa also has great importance amongst Mallorcans. It’s the birthplace of the only Mallorcan saint, Santa Catalina Thomas!

Sa Dragonera Island

The distinctive shape of Dragonera off the coast of Mallorca

The distinctive shape of Sa Dragonera off the coast of Mallorca

Sa Dragonera Island is a tiny island just off the coast of Mallorca.

It’s easy to visit on a boat day trip from Palma; here, you’ll learn about the fascinating history of the island including its history of being a pirate’s residence, see wildlife like the native lizards and take in glorious walks such as the local lighthouse.

It’s the perfect day trip from Palma de Mallorca for the summer months!

Cabrera National Park

Explore Cabrera National Park by boat or by hike, or both!

The Cabrera Islands are a small archipelago just off the coast of Mallorca. You can enjoy them by taking a boat trip to the Cabrera National Park; hike around the island and take in the immense Mediterranean views and white-sand beaches.

It’s the largest national park reserve in Spain, so there’s so much to see here, including the Blue Cave which is renowned for its incredible colour effects, and the Castle of Cabrera.

Nowadays, the islands are uninhabited, but they have a fascinating history spanning centuries, and you’ll learn all about them on the guided tour of Cabrera National Park!

Hike Puig de Massanella

The rolling peaks of Puig de Massanella

Puig de Massanella is the highest hikeable peak in Mallorca (Puig Major is the highest, but it’s a military area that tourists can’t access). From the summit, you’ll see a surreal view of the island!

The total hiking distance (there and back) is about 12km, and you’ll gain 700 metres. You’ll feel on top of the world – or at least on top of the island – when you summit it, and as long as you go on a clear day, you should be able to enjoy some of the best views in the Balearics!

This hike is doable in a day, but it’s not easy – you’ll need a good level of fitness and some orienteering experience. You can start the hike from a trailhead by Restaurant Ca’n Gallet which is an hour’s drive from Palma, making it a perfect day trip. Public transport can be a bit tricky in this area, but you could take the T1/ T2/ T3 bus to Inca and transfer to the 312, which takes about an hour and 20 minutes.

Aqualand

If you’re visiting Mallorca with children, Aqualand is a must! Located in S’Arenal, this water park boasts something for all ages, with high-adrenaline rides like the whirlpool ride “tornado”, rapids and the flume “the devil’s tail” for adults and teens and more relaxed, smaller slides for children! There are also plenty of pools to splash about and relax in.

This is one of the best day trips from Palma de Mallorca because it’s so easy to access! Reach it on the number 23 bus which connects with the capital. Adult tickets are only 30,00€ if you buy them in advance!

Visit the wineries

Sample delicious local wines during a day trip from Palma de Mallorca

Have you ever had Mallorcan wine? While varieties from mainland Spain are more famous, there are lots of wineries throughout the Balearic island as well. One of the best day trips that you can do in Mallorca is to see as many as possible!

One of the best is Vins Nadal Winery in Binissalem. It’s an indoor winery with the option to go out and explore the vineyards, and you can sample some reds, whites and rose wines, try some Mallorcan snacks and see the wine cellars.
Alternatively, visit Can Ribas. This winery has a long history spanning all the way back to 1776. You’ll be able to enjoy a historic courtyard as you sample some of their delectable wines, with packages available for all budgets.
Or, head to Bodegas Angel. This winery is close to Palma, but you’ll feel as if you’re in the heart of nature as you sip on red, white and rose wines while looking at the Tramuntana Mountain view!

You can make your own wine tour by choosing a few of the best Mallorca wineries and organizing transport in between them.

However, you can also do a wine tour from Palma and take in some of the best vineyards on the island!

Ibiza

Visit vibrant Ibiza as a day trip from Palma de Mallorca

With useful boat and flight links, you can actually take a day trip from Mallorca all the way to Ibiza!

Ibiza is known for its nightlife and superclubs, but it’s actually a gorgeous island with lots of hidden coves and spectacular viewpoints.

Visit Ibiza town and smaller villages like San Juan, or simply road trip around all of the best beaches, like Cala Carbó or local favourite Pou des Lleó.

To make the most of a day trip to Ibiza, I’d recommend either taking your car on the boat, or flying over and renting a car when you’re there. Boats take about two hours and leave from Palma.

Menorca

Visit Menorca – the smallest of the Balearics, yet full of coves and beaches

The smallest of all the Balearic Islands, Menorca is a great day trip from Palma de Mallorca.

You’ll need to either fly or drive to Alcúdia (around 45 minutes from Palma) and take the ferry (which is 2.5 hours). While Menorca is the smallest main Balearic Island, it actually has the same number of beaches as Ibiza and Mallorca combined!

Dive in the perfectly blue waters of Cala Macarelleta or go snorkelling off Cala Pregonda. Road tripping around Menorca is an absolute dream, but thanks to its small size, it’s very feasible to do in a day.

Again, it’s best to have a car here – you can either take yours with you (if you take the boat) or hire a car from the airport.

How to take these day trips from Palma de Mallorca

Most people fly into Mallorca. If you do, you can rent a car from the airport. It’s probably the easiest way to see these incredible day trip locations, and the roads around Mallorca are fairly easy to drive on.

If you can’t drive or don’t want to rent a car, many of these Palma de Mallorca day trips are connected by bus or rail (in the case of Soller and Port de Soller!). There are also plenty of organized tours leaving from the capital, most of which are bookable on Get Your Guide.

These day trips from Palma de Mallorca are incredible ways to see more of the island – and all of the Balearics! By basing yourself in Palma, you’ll be able to access plenty of amenities, but you’re also in an excellent position to see the rest of the island. Mallorca is a dream destination for many, and this guide will help you make the most of your trip there!

Pin The Best Day Trips from Palma de Mallorca

July 6, 2022/3 Comments/by Claire Martin

12 of the Best Day Trips from Miami

Perfect Itineraries

From glamorous night bars and cafes to wide sandy beaches Miami has an eclectic amalgamation of all. This jewel has become a phenomenon because of its outstanding beauty. Miami is not only a popular tourist destination, but also one of the best places to live in Florida for its amazing infrastructure, growing economy, modern education system, and world-class transportation. But if you’re looking for a bit more adventure off the beaten path, you might be looking for some of the best day trips from Miami.

Miami is an excellent starting point if you want to explore the other less crowded places near Miami. For those who love sunny beaches, arts, culture, and hiking trips, a Miami day trip is an ideal plan for them. Today we will share the best information about Miami day drips and activities you can do in this area. So without further ado, here are the best day trips from Miami.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park, one of the best day trips from Miami

Everglades National Park is one of the largest National Parks in the United States, followed by Death Valley and Yellowstone. If you’re looking for one of the best day trips from Miami, then Everglades National Park would be a great place to spend your time.

This national park is a haven for thousands of animals and birds. Almost 20 percent of this area is covered by lush green plants and trees. This area is also a great home for endangered animals like manatees, leatherback turtles, and the Florida Panther.

Here in this 1.5 million acre of wetland, you can glide through mangroves on a boat and see the scenic beauty and rare species of animals with the help of a guide.

So if you are looking for a place for a family vacation near Miami then we would suggest you start your day trip in Miami by visiting Everglades National Park.

Key West

Travel to the southernmost point in the Continental US, Key West

A day trip from Miami to Key West is one of the best trips you may have during the weekends. Key West is just two and a half hours by car from Miami. To reach Key West from Miami you have to cross 43 bridges spanning turquoise-blue waters. The views from the drive alone make this trip worthwhile!

Key West is popular for its unique architecture, history, nightclubs, and beautiful resorts. In Key West, you will see many artists and their eclectic houses among the community. For example, you will get to see the house of great American author Ernest Hemingway in Key West. With special permission, you can visit this house.

After walking and hopping around the city and its glamorous shopping malls, Key West then offers a wide range of culinary treats that will make your mouth water.

Bimini

Take a day trip from Miami to the Bahamian island of Bimini

Bimini is an island in the Bahamian island chain. This place is famous for its fishing opportunities. The nightlife in Bimini islands brings real color and joy to your life. From paddle boating to walking on a white sand beach, there is a lot to enjoy on this island. You can experience the underwater ecosystem by snorkeling too. Special courses are available too if you want to do scuba diving on these beaches in Bahama.

Day trips to the Bahamas from Miami turned out a great choice for us. We had only a day on our hands but we wanted to enjoy the day to its fullest. So we went to Bimini. And we were amazed after strolling in the main city.

From the shopping mall to resorts everything in the Bahamas will make your jaw drop with its scenic views and hospitality. This is also one of the best places to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. You can buy beach-themed t-shirts, local honey, locally baked items, and key chains for your loved ones as a souvenir. We particularly loved the designer t-shirts that we bought from the Bahamas for our friends.

Kennedy Space Center

Get up close and personal with historical items from NASA’s space exploration

If you’re a fan of aerospace technologies, Kennedy space center is an ideal place to spend one of the best day trips from Miami. This is a family-friendly place that is great for kids.

This aerospace center is full of air crafts dozens of rockets and spacecraft that undoubtedly get your children more interested in the wonder space exploration.

Palm Beach

Aerial view over Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach is another famous place that makes for one of the best day trips from Miami. If you’re looking for souvenirs, Palm Beach is an affordable place to browse outlet malls and gift stores.

Not only is Palm Beach famous for its fashion stores, but you can also find amazing seafood at a fair price.

Dog owners will find Palm Beach a great place. It is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Miami that allows your dog on a leash. In Miami, very few beaches are dog friendly and one of them is Palm Beach. So don’t leave your dog behind at the hotel, take him/her with you and roam around Palm Beach.

Universal Studios

Discover the Wizarding World of Harry Potter during a day trip from Miami

Are you looking for a family-friendly day trip from Miami? Consider spending the day at Universal Studios!

Who doesn’t like Hary Potter? Everybody loves J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series, and in Universal Studio there is a park dedicated to the Harry Potter series.

In this theme park, you’ll encounter familiar characters from the Harry Potter series, as well as rides themed to the books. This theme park is just 3 hours away from Miami. So by the next time you’re planning to visit a nearby place with your children in Miami make sure to go to this place.

Little Havana

Spend time in the eclectic Little Havana Neighborhood in Miami

Little Havana is a must-go place to spend a whole day near Miami. Located just 25 kiEverybody loves this place because of its eclectic neighborhoods. Around every corner, you can feel the Cuban culture and the mix with old American culture.

There is a large community of Cuban people in Little Havana. When you walk through the city you will feel like you are walking down the streets of Havana. The vivid lifestyle and the vibrant atmosphere of this place is like traveling to a different era altogether. In Little Havana, locals treat tourists as their guests. You can chat with the locals and can spend your whole day learning about Cuba’s culture and many more.

After enjoying your holiday trip if you’re looking for shops to buy Miami souvenirs for your beloved ones then you have a plethora of stores in Little Havana to buy beautiful art pieces, cultural art, and many local trinkets. Among these stores, our favorite store to buy souvenirs is Little Havana Visitors Center. You’ll be amazed to see its showpiece collections and local handicrafts.

Wynwood

Pops of color around every corner in the Wynwood neighborhood

Wynwood is our all-time favorite place to spend a day in Miami full of art and culture. The neighborhood is full of murals, paintings, and graffiti. On each wall in Wynwood, you can see different kinds of murals that represent the local culture of Miami.

From different art forms to dance, luxurious shopping malls to theaters each and everything that belongs to art can be found in Wynwood. This is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Miami.

In Wynwood, you will get to experience different types of art exhibitions throughout the year. When we visited this place, there was an event going on named Art Wynwood. We were suggested to visit this event by many locals and believe us you won’t get disappointed if you visit this extremely beautiful art exhibition in Wynwood.

The best time to visit Wynwood is in winter. Although throughout the year you will see some events going on in this place. So if you have 2 days of the week off then we would suggest you visit Wynwood to have one of the best day trips in Miami for art lovers.

South Beach

The shops and art deco facades in South Beach

While technically located in the city of Miami, there is enough to do in South Beach to fill an entire day. People come to South Beach because of its joyful nature and white sand beaches. This place is popular for its history and culture. In South Beach, you will meet a lot of Cuban people who migrated here permanently for livelihood.

This place is full of decorated sea beach resorts. For couples in Miami, South Beach has become a go-to place.

The seafood restaurants and stalls are amazing in South Beach. Once you start to eat, it will become a never-ending loop. We started with a roasted lobster and fish sandwich and couldn’t stop us from ordering more and more. The best part about South Beach is here you will get Caribbean seafood which you can’t get anywhere in Miami.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Get off the beaten path at Jonathan Dickinson State Park near Miami

Are you looking for a hiking day trip near Miami? Here is some good news for you. Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a famous place for its hiking trails.

If you’re looking for a getaway where you can release anxiety of the day to day, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a place where you can go to connect with nature and rejuvenate the energy in life.

It is an easy-to-reach place and one of the cheapest day trips from Miami. Jonathan Dickinson park is mostly famous for its scenic hiking trails. Whether you’re a pro or an amateur it doesn’t matter; everybody can go on this hiking trip. But don’t forget to bring your hiking shoes as this area is stony with rough surfaces.

Apart from hiking, you can do kayaking, and swimming in Blowing Rocks Preserve. You can also enjoy camping if you want to stay overnight.

The Best Day Trips from Miami – Final Thoughts

Miami is a dreamy place for each traveler. People have been flocking to Miami throughout the ages resulting in the unique flair you see today. From culture to art, day life to nightlife, from seafood to local cuisines every single bit of Miami is spectacular. We hope you will enjoy the city as well as the above mentioned best day trips from Miami when you’re looking for something fun to do.

April 25, 2022/0 Comments/by Trijit Mallick

Free Things to do in Wales

Perfect Itineraries

The number of free things to do in Wales is incredible. In fact, there are many scenic hikes, beautiful Welsh coast, and charming villages. Furthermore, your holiday in this amazing country can be really cheap if you love spending time with nature.

If you want to explore North Wales, the best airport to fly to is Liverpool. It is only 30 minutes drive from the Welsh border. However, Manchester airport is also a great choice with a 1-hour drive to Wales.

1. Climb the highest mountain in Wales

Climb Mount Snowdown – the highest mountain in Wales

Snowdonia National Park is home to various landscapes and offers amazing outdoor activities. The highest mountain in Wales and its beautiful lakes make it one of the top destinations to visit in the UK. Each year more than 500,000 people reach the summit of Snowdon.

There are 7 different routes to the top of the mountain and all of them are free to explore. All you need is a bit of time (at least 6 hours) to climb Snowdon and go back. It is a perfect place for a day out with incredible views.

2. Visit amazing waterfalls

Aber Falls in Northern Wales

If you are looking for some of the best waterfalls in Wales, make sure to visit the northern part of the country. In North Wales, you will find incredible scenery and a lot of hidden gems. Aber Falls which is just off the A55 (North Wales Expressway) is an amazing place to explore.

There is a parking charge on most of the places in the UK, however, if you want to save some money park near Aber Falls Cafe & Butterfly Room. It takes only a 1-hour hike to get to the waterfall.

3. Relax at one of the Welsh beaches

Exploring the lighthouse near Talacre

Wales is a perfect summer destination due to the abundance of sandy beaches. Some of the best beaches in Wales include Colwyn Bay Beach or Talacre Beach. If you want to combine your visit with also exploring the lighthouse, make sure to visit Talacre.

The miles of sandy beach make it a perfect place for a picnic with the family. Your kids will love shallow waters and dog the space to run around the beach. If you stay there for a sunset, you can take some incredible photos of the lighthouse.

4. Explore Holy Island and the Isle of Anglesey

Visit historic South Stack perched atop dramatic cliffs

There is no better place to visit for those who want to see even more lighthouses in Wales. One of the best is located on beautiful Holy Island. South Stack is a historic building set on dramatic cliffs with views of the sea.

On the Welsh coast, you will also find a few other interesting lighthouses. Goleudy Twr Mawr and Goleudy Twr Mawr are set on a small tidal island – Ynys Llanddwyn. You can get there from Traeth Llanddwyn beach, which is also a great place to relax during summer.

5. Visit Conwy

Walk the Town Walls of Conwy

One of the most charming villages in Wales is Conwy with an incredible medieval castle. You need to pay to enter the castle, however, exploring Conwy Town Walls is free. This walk around the town is one of the best free things to do in Wales.

You can also take incredible pictures of Conwy Castle from the street. The beautiful towers of the fortress from the XIII century cannot be missed when visiting Wales. There are plenty of amazing things to do in Conwy that also include relaxing at Conwy Morfa Beach.

6. Walk over the aqueduct

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales is an engineering masterpiece. A height of 38m and a total length of 307m offers incredible views of the country. This structure is the highest canal aqueduct in the world and is perfect to visit in the early morning when there are not many visitors. Who wouldn’t want to watch the sunrise with the views of the River view and the beautiful Welsh landscape?

Exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best free things to do in Wales. You can walk there from Ty Mawr Country Park which takes approximately 30 minutes. In this area, you will also find another amazing tourist attraction which is Traphont Cefn Mawr Viaduct.

7. Visit one of the seven wonders of Wales

St Giles’ Church in Wrexham

St Giles’ Church in Wrexham is a beautiful 16th-century structure that can be seen from miles. This Grade I listed building is free to visit and its interior is very impressive. The medieval buildings in Wales are one of the greatest in Europe, so make sure to tick this off from your list.

Other seven wonders of Wales include Pistyll Rhaedr waterfall, Overton yew trees, St Winefride’s Well, Llangollen Bridge, Bells of All Saint’s Church, and Snowdon. Most of them are free to visit or with a small entry fee and parking.

8. Hike Little Orme

Little Orme with amazing views over the bays

If you are looking for a place where you can spot seals, visit Little Orme. It offers amazing views of Penrhyn Bay, Porth Dyniewaid Angel Bay, and Llandudno Bay. The hike is very easy and very popular among the people that take their dogs for a walk there.

It is still an unknown tourist destination which is perfect to visit if you want to save some money on parking. You can leave your car on the street without paying any fees. After the hike, you can visit Llandudno Beach or Penhryn Bay Beach.

Free things to do in North Wales – Insider Tips

When planning your trip to Wales, make sure to also check out some events that offer free entries to many amazing attractions. Sometimes you can visit castles for free, which usually cost at least £10.

Also, try to avoid popular destinations as there is more likely to be a fee for parking. However, you can always find a place to park a bit further and walk to the attractions. Make sure to bring with you good hiking shoes, waterproof clothes, and a good camera to take incredible photos of your journey.

If you live near Wales, you can also go on a road trip, which will offer you a scenic drive. The Welsh coast is incredible and there are many great places to stop. One of the best routes is A55 (North Wales Expressway) which will offer you an unforgettable day out in Wales.

April 5, 2022/0 Comments/by Paulina Borowik

The 10 Best Day Trips from Merida Mexico

Perfect Itineraries

15 years ago, if you mentioned the name “Merida” to travelers, most wouldn’t know where you were talking.

Fast forward to today, and it’s a rising travel destination. Everybody’s heard of Cancún, Tulum, and Cozumel. Merida is the new kid on the block in Mexico.

“Why is Merida quickly becoming a tourist hotspot?”

Well, how much time do you have?

The Maya influenced the cuisine in Yucatán today, which results in a spicy, but delectable set of dishes. There is also an abundance of Mayan ruins near Merida that you can easily visit on a day trip. And, it’s easy to access nearby areas to immerse yourself in the city and its surroundings.

This leads us to the best day trips from Merida Mexico. To be honest, this list could be much longer. But, for brevity, I kept it to 10.

So, without further ado.

Visit the Uxmal Ruins near Merida

Chichen Itza is the first image that comes to most people’s minds when you mention Mayan ruins near Merida. But, only an hour from Merida is another remarkable set of ruins (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) named Uxmal (pronounced oosh-mawl).

And, best of all, no crowds or pesky vendors! As you hike your way around the area (which is larger than expected), the only other visitors will be the plethora of iguanas.

Visit Uxmal – one of the few Mayan ruins that you can still climb!

Even better, you can climb the ruins at Uxmal! No other day trip from Merida offers this one!

Try doing that at Chichen Itza, and the police will haul you away. So, if you’ve ever had a dream of being a Mayan King, Uxmal is your best chance to play out your vision.

Explore Dzibilchaltún Ruins, then Swim in a Cenote

Is one set of Mayan ruins not enough for you? That’s alright; there are plenty of ruins near Merida throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. Dzibilchaltún may not look like a lot on its face, but there’s a lot more than meets the eye.

If you’re visiting for the Spring or Fall Equinox, you can witness a rare spectacle when the sun rises perfectly between the Temple of the Seven Dolls. It’s a testament to the mathematical and building skills of the Maya.

After you check out the ruins, head to Cenote Xlacah — located right next to the ruins — for a refreshing dip in a natural pool.

You’ll see many Mexican families gather here on the weekend to spend time with their families, so it’s an excellent local experience as well.

For a short trip, Dzibilchaltún is one of the best day trips from Merida.

Sunbathe at Progreso Beach

Progreso Beach is an ideal day trip from Merida for those who want sun and sand on their trip. Under an hour to the north of Merida is this gorgeous white-sanded beach.

Park yourself under an umbrella, order some ceviche and micheladas and stay put. Unless it’s to take a dip in the turquoise waters that fill the Gulf of Mexico.

Visit Progreso Beach on a short day trip from Merida

If you get tired of sunbathing, check out some surrounding activities, including:

Check out Progreso Pier (The world’s longest pier)
Visit El Corchito Ecological Reserve
Go fishing near Scorpion Reef

Get a Dose of Culture in Valladolid

Buses of tourists fly past this overlooked town every day, missing out on all Valladolid offers and one of the best day trips from Merida. If you want a real piece of genuine Mexican culture? This is the place for you.

Colonial architecture in Valladolid at the Iglesia de San Servacio

You can spend hours roaming the unique museums and colorful markets and streets. You’ll catch one of Valladolid’s traditional dances if you’re lucky. There isn’t a lack of options here.

If you visit, be sure to check out:

Casa de los Venados
Mercado Municipal
Convent of San Bernardo
Cenote Zaci

See the Rainbows in Campeche

Tucked on the inner coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, this undersized UNESCO World Heritage is about two hours from Merida by car.

But, if culture and history are your passions, that’s two and a half hours of worth it.

Campeche was used as a Caribbean port from the 1600-to-1700s. But, it was a port often under siege from pirate raids. In response, the citizens constructed large walls and fortifications around the city as a shield to keep themselves safe.

Inside this strong exterior is an Instagram hashtag in city form. Colorful buildings line every street. Yellows, greens, blues, oranges — every hue imaginable surrounds you.

Looking to fit a lot of Mexico into a short period? Campeche is one of the best day trips from Merida you can choose.

Play in the Water at Hacienda Muycuche

There are tons of cenotes near Merida. But, if you’re looking to get away from the masses of tourists, Hacienda Mucuyche is a fantastic option. You’ll have to earn it, though. And that’s by locating it.

You can message the place yourself to book a reservation if you want to make it easy for yourself. But, if you’re driving, know that this place can be tough to find for locals, too.

But the rewards are fantastic.

Crystal clear waters, Batman-like caves, and…a guided tour? That’s right. You have to book a guided tour for access. Still, it’s a pleasant tour, and the guides offer some intriguing information about the formation of the cenotes.

Don’t miss out on Hacienda Mucuyche if you’re inclined to get outside the typical tourist path.

See a World Wonder at Chichen Itza

It’s unthinkable to leave Chichen Itza off the list of the best day trips from Merida Mexico. Despite its popularity, the classic Mayan ruins are always a must-see if you’re visiting Merida. It’s not every day you get to see a world wonder.

The imposing Chichen Itza – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World

The site is only an hour and a half from Merida, so it’s an easy drive for a self-guided day trip. Or, you can book one of the many tour options that leave from Merida.

Either way, you should visit Chichen Itza if you haven’t yet. Otherwise, you should be looking up ticket prices now (around $27).

Take in the Pink Waters of Las Coloradas

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you when you see the bubble gum pink waters of Las Coloradas. These waters are abnormal, and they’ll have your friends thinking you photoshopped them.

But there’s no editing involved here.

Algae and sea life thrive in the area due to the water’s high salt content. And, when sunlight hits the water, you get something akin to a giant Kool-Aid spill.

The location is private property, so you can only get so close to the waters for pictures.

Luckily, that’s not the only thing to see here, as Las Coloradas lies in the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is home to various wildlife, including flamingos, crocodiles, and jaguars.

Watch the World Go By in Celestún

Want more flamingos? Then Celestún is one of the best day trips from Merida you can take.

Watch the playful flamingos at Celestún, an easy day trip from Merida

The city itself is charming enough — containing a small square and a few beautiful beaches.

But, most visit the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve to see the high concentration of flamingoes. There’s much more birdlife to witness throughout the reserve to make this a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Celestún is the perfect place for a day trip where you want to take it slow. The easy vibes of Celestún will help you settle right in.

Ride a Horse-Drawn Mining Cart to the Cuzamá Cenotes

Want a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else? How about a horse pulling you to three different cenotes?

If that sounds like your idea for a good day trip, then the hour drive to the Cuzamá Cenotes is well worth it.

Each cenote is fantastic, but the last one — Chelentun — is the best of them all. Steps lead down to a stone platform where you can ease yourself into the deep blue waters or jump straight in to get a head-start over your friends.

Enjoy your time in the cool waters here before heading back on the cart and into the Yucatán heat.

Day Trips from Merida – Final Thoughts

If Merida isn’t on your list of places to visit yet, you should add it immediately. The mixture of culture, history, and food is perfect for travelers looking to dive into a country.

Hopefully, these best day trips from Merida will help you experience every last bit of the area.

Pin 10 Best Day Trips from Merida Mexico

March 31, 2022/0 Comments/by Kyle Cash