The toilet in the RV: Let’s talk shit!

“What about your toilet?” is secretly code language for “Where do you shit?” perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to vanlife. So at this Let’s talk SHIT! dear people! The possibilities are endless. From pooping on a bucket to a veritable 1,000 euro composting toilet. In this article, we share our bathroom secrets, all the options and, of course, the cost, because you always love that. Curious about our own fancy composting toilet? You will find all the details in the article “Composting Toilet Trelino for your VAN or RV: how does it work?“.

In this article

• Why an VAN toilet is a must
• Layouts for your camper bathroom
• The toilet closet in our Mercedes camper
• Motorhome toilets: all options
• Chemical Toilet
• Dry Toilet / Composting Toilets
• Advantages and disadvantages of different toilets for your van or rv
• The Perfect Van Toilet

Is a toilet in your van or RV a must?

In 2019, we took our first road trip of almost six months with a small 1983 Citroen C25. There was just enough room for a bed and kitchenette, so the decided to skip the toilet. Big mistake! Wild urination did not always turn out to be an option, and seeking out a bush outside in bad weather was not really always the most ideal situation either. So we decided that for our new project a toilet is a must.

But it’s not just when wild camping that a toilet in the van is nice. Also, if you need to go to the toilet in the middle of the night at the campsite or when you are on the road, your own on the van toilet is really convenient.

A toilet (or bucket) in your RV, by the way, is something you place not only for yourself, but also for your fellow vanlifers. In fact, it is really disgusting how some people leave a place after camping because they do not have a toilet in the van. For example, the most idyllic spots in nature today are more like a public toilet, and we don’t just mean in terms of smell, but also the filthy toilet paper you find everywhere. Several times we have also experienced a bucket of pee being thrown outside while we are enjoying our morning coffee. Not okay people!

How big should your bus be for a bathroom

RVs come in all shapes and sizes. Real/original RVs usually already have a toilet built in. For example, in 2020 we bought an old FIat alcove camper with a real bathroom. Very fancy I know! The camper itself was a bit of a bore, so we decided to spruce up the camper bathroom with some spray paint and wallpaper. Check out the results here. But you also see complete bathroom in converted camper vans, this of course depends entirely on the space.

Most camper vans are 4.5 to 7 meters long and up to 3 meters high. A Mercedes Sprinter L1 (smallest model) is about 5.2 meters long and the Sprinter L4 almost 7 meters. That’s almost a 2-meter difference. May not sound like much, but with a van, that’s an extra bed, full kitchen or full bathroom. If you see amazing RV bathrooms passing by on Pinterest and Instagram, keep in mind that this will not fit every van just like that.

Our Mercedes 508d looks robust, but is small in length to be exact 5040 cm. A bed, kitchen and sitting area will fit just fine, but a full bathroom will be difficult. An extra meter would be perfect.

If you really want a van toilet in an enclosed space, we recommend you look at an original camper or a camper van with a length of min. 6 meters.
Do you want to add a compost or dry toilet to your camper? We definitely recommend it! After almost three years of full-time road tripping, we finally have our own fancy dry toilet and it’s the best decision we’ve ever made!

Our toilet: TRELINO composting toilet

After thorough research into dry toilets, we ended up at Trelino. Two important factors immediately stood out: price and design. Prices for compost toilets start at Trelino from €299, which is a real bargain for a dry toilet! And then the design, absolutely gorgeous. This is just a toilet that deserves to be seen and it’s almost a shame to store it away. It’s no surprise that Trelino recently won the German Design Award.

As we delved further into it, we became even more enthusiastic. The products are very easy to use, compact, and environmentally friendly. Do you want to save even more money or do you have a unique design in mind for your camper? Then you can also purchase a DIY kit at Trelino and make your own dry toilet.

Purchase your own Trelino now and receive a Accessories Set (29.95) off with the discount code: FOEDSIE!

Pull-out toilet under a bench or cabinet

Most people choose a toilet hidden under a bench or cabinet. If you want to use the toilet you slide the toilet out from under it, you do your thing and when you are done you slide everything back into the closet. Especially with small van or rv’s, this is ideal! After all, a slide-out toilet in your RV takes up very little space. One drawback is that you have little to no privacy.

Click here for our Pinterest of Toilet inspiration >>

Our Mercedes 508d pee box

Some people find it totally no problem to go to the bathroom in the middle of the RV while your partner is working just 1 meter away. Of course, that’s totally fine and makes installing your RV toilet extra easy. However, we have 1 bus rule and that is: to be able to go to the bathroom in peace and privacy, without the other person having to go outside.

Because of the lack of space, we came up with the idea of making a pull-out closet that holds the toilet. Privacy without sacrificing too much space. The cabinet was soon given the fancy name “Pee Cabinet.” You slide the door forward, so to speak, creating a sort of mini bathroom. When you are done then slide the cabinet back inside.

Motorhome Toilet Choosing? Which toilet in the motorhome do I choose

Now that you’ve found a space and place for your toilet, comes the question of which RV toilet option suits you best. There are three options:

• The bucket
• a chemical toilet
• The composting toilet/dry toilet

A Toilet Bucket

If you are looking for a very simple and inexpensive solution for when you need to go to the toilet occasionally while roadtripping, then a simple bucket is often enough. It may sound a bit like a crazy option, but the bucket is used by many people as a toilet in the van. It is spot on and provides little hassle. The only drawback is that you have to empty the bucket immediately after use, and that option is not always readily available. Now you may also be wondering exactly what about pooping? Very simple, you place a bag in the bucket and when you are done you button the bag and throw it away. But in a place where it is allowed, of course. It is a great alternative, but quite basic and, as a result, not for everyone.

You can buy a toilet bucket for as little as 15 euros. View all toilet buckets

The chemical toilet

The chemical toilet is the most common option in an RV, caravan or bus. And yes you can also poop on a chemical toilet. Especially popular is the model the Porta Potti. A Porta Potti or chemical toilet is shaped like a “normal” toilet and actually works somewhat similarly. The only difference is that everything is collected in a catch basin. You can then easily disconnect the collection container and empty it at special dumping sites. Easy peasy! So why then doesn’t everyone opt en masse for a Porta Potti? This is for 3 reasons in particular:

1. You have to use chemicals to smell and break down paper and feces and that’s not nice for nature
2. you need special places to empty your toilet
3. It has a nasty smell

Yet these days you have lots of sustainable and biodegradable options, such as Solbio’s toilet fluids. For example, you can also choose to urinate only in the porta potti and dispose of paper in the trash can. Foul odors can then be easily countered by natural cleaning vinegar. Inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Attention! Vinegar is not good for rubbers and can cause your chemical toilet to last less time.

Another tip I once received from someone is to add fabric softener (preferably sustainable fabric softener). In fact, fabric softener also degrades.

Popular Chemical Toilets

The supply of CHemic toilets is huge. Most people choose Thetford brand Porta Potti’s. Porta Potti’s are available in different sizes and shapes. We chose the Porta Potti 165, with a 12l waste tank. Here we can take about 3 days. Therefore, much smaller I will not recommend. Available from 70 euros.

If you prefer something more luxurious, you also have the even Porta Potti Excellence. This chemical toilet has a built-in toilet roll, a high seat and a spacious 21-liter waste tank. Fancy Schmancy, but so is the price tag. Available from 150 euros. View all Porta Potti Camping toilets

Thetford Qube 165 Porta Potti Thetford Excellence 565P

A dry toilet or composting toilet in your van

One option that has grown tremendously in popularity in recent years is the composting toilet also known as a dry toilet because it uses no water. A dry toilet is environmentally friendly and requires much less frequent emptying. Ideal for when you’re on the road a bit longer. 1 drawback, dry toilets or composting toilets are quite pricey, but there are some new players with more affordable options.

One of them is TRELINO! Trelino aims to preserve rather than harm beloved travel destinations, which is why their portable toilets require no chemicals for use or cleaning. Water is a precious resource, particularly while traveling, and using a composting toilet can help conserve it. Trelino also uses recyclable materials to manufacture their toilets and prioritizes sustainability by producing their products locally.  The designs are stunning!

Purchase your own Trelino now and receive a Accessories Set (29.95) off with the discount code: FOEDSIE!

How a composting toilet works

It turns out that feces, that is, your poop, only really smells when it comes into contact with urine. Collecting the two separately prevents odors and allows you to use the toilet for a longer period of time. Your urine is collected in a kind of bottle, making it easy to empty on any toilet. So you no longer have to look for special unloading spots.

In the stool collection tray, use special pellets or wood chips to help it dry up faster and avoid odors. Also, some compost toilets are equipped with a fan.

Emptying a composting toilet

Urine can be easily disposed of anywhere, such as a toilet at a gas station. For poo, use biodegradable bags that can be disposed of with the residual waste. Many compost toilets only need to be emptied once a month. Of course, this does depend on the size of your dry toilet.

What does a dry toilet cost?

A dry toilet is not very cheap. These days you do have more options, and dry toilets and composting toilets are available in different price ranges. A simple dry toilet costs about 350 euros and the luxury options you can buy from 800 euros. If you want to keep it low budget, you can also put together your own dry toilet.

Making your own dry or composting toilet

If you don’t have a big budget but would like to go back for a dry toilet, you can make your own composting toilet. This is quite simple. You can buy the parts yourself or buy a standard DIY kit. Making your own composting toilet for your RV costs about 150 euros.

Advantages and disadvantages of different motorhome toilets

The perfect RV toilet for you!

The perfect RV toilet depends on your budget and needs. A dry toilet has many advantages, but it is quite pricey. If you are often at campgrounds or RV sites, then this option may be a bit redundant. If you travel for longer periods and are often wild, then a dry toilet is a good investment. We have been using a chemical toilet for 3 years and so far this has been fine. Nevertheless, we are increasingly thinking about investing in a dry toilet for once.

Composting Toilet Trelino for your VAN or RV: how does it work?

Adding a composting toilet to your RV? Do it! After three years of almost full-time roadtripping, we finally have our own fancy schmancy compost Trelino toilet and it’s the best decision EVER!

A Composting Toilet is a toilet designed to process your poo and pee in an environmentally friendly way, without the use of water or chemicals. Instead, the waste is turned into compost, which can even be used as a natural fertilizer for plants. Composting toilets are a sustainable and ecological solution for RVs and is ideal for when you are traveling with your RV for longer periods of time.
Purchase your own Trelino now and receive a Accessories Set (29.95) off with the discount code: FOEDSIE!

SHIT MATTERS: why we chose the Trelino Composting Toilet

After quite a search for the best Composting Toilet, we found Trelino. 2 important factors jumped out immediately: price and design. A Trelino composting toilet starts at 299,- which is a real bargain for a Composting Toilet! And then the design, absolutely stunning. This is simply a toilet that it’s to good looking to hide. They recently won the German Design Award. And we can see why.

When we read up on the products we became even more enthusiastic. After all, the products are very simple to use, small in size and environmentally friendly. Would you like to save even more money or have a unique design for your camper? Then you can also purchase a DIY kit from Trelino and make your own Composting Toilet.

VAN toilet on wheels!

Our van is great but a bit small. With only 5 meters in length, we often have to be creative with our layout. A private bathroom in the bus would of course have been fantastic to accommodate our new luxury dry toilet from Trelino, but unfortunately that space is not there. So we made a fancy spot under the bed and table for our new compost toilet. We changed our table and mounted the table top on a rail, so that we can easily slide the toilet under the bed. For the toilet we have made a platform on wheels with space behind it for a container and toilet paper. We now simply slide the toilet in and out and. Easy peasy!

About Trelino

Trelino’s goal is to protect and not harm favorite travel destinations, and therefore no chemicals are needed to use or clean Trelino’s portable toilets. Water is a scarce resource, especially while traveling, by using a composting toilet you can save on this. Trelino uses recyclable materials to produce the toilets. Sustainability is a high priority for the company, so the products are always produced locally.

How does a composting toilet work?

A composting toilet uses natural processes to break down the solid (your poo) and turn it into compost. Instead of flushing away waste with water, the waste is collected in a special container filled with sawdust or other organic material that helps break down the waste and keeps the smell under control.

So simply put, your pee and poop are immediately separated when you use your composting toilet. Your pee is collected in a urine canister. Urine can easily be disposed of in a toilet connected to the sewer system. After all, you don’t use chemical materials.

The solids, your poop, is collected in a separate container with sawdust or other organic material. Because it does not come into contact with liquids such as pee, it dries quickly and therefore does not smell.

Its that Simple!

Benefits of a composting toilet

1. Environmentally friendly: Compost toilets are a sustainable and ecological solution for a toilet in your RV.No chemical materials are used.
2. Costs: Compost toilets may be expensive to purchase, but in the long run it is cost-friendly. Fluid for your chemical toilet is not cheap, besides, you also have to empty your toilet every week which you have to pay for very often. If you travel a lot and for a long time, then a composting toilet is cheaper in the end.
3. Odor control: Compost toilets are designed to reduce and control odor. The use of organic material such as sawdust helps neutralize odors.
4. The eye wants something too: how pretty do dry toilets look these days.

Litter for the composting toilet

Litter is an important part of a dry toilet or composting toilet. It is used to cover and absorb poo and urine, reducing odors and stimulating the decomposition process. Litter can consist of various materials, including sawdust, wood chips, coconut fibers, leaves and straw.

Choosing the right litter depends on several factors, including availability, cost and personal preference. Sawdust and wood chips are common choices because of their availability and relatively low cost. Coconut fibers are a more durable alternative and also have good absorption properties.

It is important to regularly add litter to the dry toilet, depending on the use and size of the bin. Adding enough litter covers and absorbs the waste, reducing odor and the risk of germs.

Compost toilet paper

Toilet paper can be thrown away in your toilet’s dumpster. If you still want to use this for compost then it is important that you use chlorine-free, recycled paper with no print or organic colors. We are big FAN of the Good Roll, but other sustainable toilet paper is possible too.

Does a dry or compost toilet smell?

Hardly at all! A dry toilet or composting toilet smells much less than, say, a chemical toilet. It even almost odorless. If anything stinks, it is the urine rather than the feces. By using good sawdust or other organic material your poop dries up quickly and has and no odor. In addition, our Trelino Toilet seals well and you can always close the container as well. Fresh urine is also odorless, but begins to smell during the decomposition process when bacteria convert the urea to ammonia.

Purchase your own Trelino now and receive a Accessories Set (29.95) off with the discount code: FOEDSIE!

where to eat Eindhoven

Yesss… it was time again for a weekend discovering the city of Eindhoven. A city I have been visiting for years, but never took the time to really get to know. So that had to change. Together with my (beer) partner in crime Leroy – aka Bieroy – we packed our bags for a couple of days in Eindhoven.

Because one of my dear frieds lives here, I visit Eindhoven regularly. A burger from The Burger and a bite at Gourmet Market I tried a lot of places already. I thought I already knew quite a few restaurants and cafes in Eindhoven. Still, there was a big list of where to eats in Eindhoven that I didn’t know about yet.

In 2 days with temperatures well above 30 degrees, we did our best and were able to check off quite a few cool coffee shops, restaurants and cafes in Eindhoven. Check out our favoriete food spots to visit in our Eindhoven Food Guide.

Where to Eat Eindhoven:

The best place for coffee, breakfast or lunch in Eindhoven

• Coffeelab: coffee and pastries. Do I need to say more.
• The Happiness Café: for the tastiest and healthy breakfasts
• Black and white coffee: super hip and super tasty.
• Lucifer Coffee Roasters: super fun coffee shop in Kleine Berg (a cute area in eindhoven)
• Bean brothers: a small cool coffee shop.
• Intelligentia: for the most delicious and slightly strange ice creams

Best restaurants in Eindhoven

• Gezana: Eritrean restaurant
• Flavor and spice: afghan restaurant
• The Burger: for years the best burger joint in Eindhoven
• Takumi Ramen Kitchen Eindhoven: nice place and great Ramen
• Down Town Gourmet Market: street food market where you can also have a cozy seat.
• Restaurant Welp: cozy restaurant located in the mountains.
• Bistro Sophie & restaurant Vintage: deliciously dining.
• Miss paddle: Budget option & delicious flammkuchen
• The Ketelhuis at Strijp-S
• Radegast: a cozy place for lunch and dinner

Special beers and nicest drinks spots in Eindhoven

• Van Mol: in our opinion, the tastiest craft beers in Eindhoven
• City Brewery 100watt: a must visit for beer lovers
• Belgian Beer Cafe: cozy old pub
• Rabauw: brewery and craft beer cafe in one
• The Trafalgar Pub: a super fun Irish pub with lots of beers and pub food
• Fifth: the place for cocktails
• Stadsoase de Zomertuin: the city beach in the middle of Eindhoven
• The Commons: restaurant at The Student Hotel

Van Moll

If you’re a beer lover, then Van Moll is definitely a must visit In our opinion, the best craft beers in Eindhoven and the options are endless. That they do like to experiment with their beers. Every week there is a new beer on tap, so reason enough to take a seat at Van Mol a little more often than once. The food is also great, even for the vegans among us.

City Brewery 100 WATT

Let’s start this list with my favorite food, BEER. No worry be assured all, I also eat quinoa, avocado and my soy yogurt in the morning, but we both can also enjoy craft beers in the weekends. We were very happy when we visited a local city brewery where you can do a tasting. City Brewery 100 WATT is absolutely the place to visit. Not only because yit’s a nice place to sit down and the building is super cool, but also because the brewery’s beers have won quite a few awards.

You can just go there for a beer, but it’s much more fun to do an extensive beer tasting or the 2.5-hour special beer master class. A must visit!

Takumi Ramen Kitchen Eindhoven

Here you will find absolutely the most delicious Ramen of Eindhoven. This may not be the place for a chic dinner, but the food is amazing and great for a quick bite. The service is top notch and the food really great. We both went for a Ramen and as an appetizer the GYOZA. In retrospect, maybe we could have shared 1 Ramen because of the big portions. If you are looking for a nice place for a quick bite or you a Ramen LOVER then this is an absolute must-visit.

City Oasis Summer Garden

More and more cities are finding city gardens or city beaches, and Eindhoven couldn’t stay behind either. Just outside the center you will find Eindhoven’s super hip and very cool city oasis the Summer Garden. Enjoy a delicious cocktail, ice-cold beer or well-deserved wine with your feet in the sand. You’ll also find a small store to shop cute clothes or accessories, and you can also grab a bite to eat.

The Trafalgar Pub

Since we spent a weekend in Scotland, I really have a soft spot for a good pub. Unfortunately, most pubs in the Netherlands have been turned into foul soccer pubs with 100,000 screens. But this is certainly not the case at The Trafalgar Pub. This pub is really great. You’ll find the real pub atmosphere here, a nice dark space, green lights and lots of beers and good pub food. Great tip for publovers!

Coffeelab

You can find Coffeelab in several places in Eindhoven. We visited Coffeelab at Strijp-S. It was a little later in the day, so we decided to drink a beer instead of coffee. It’s a very nice place to sit and relax and have good cup of coffe (or beer).

Left Coffeelab / Right The Trafalger Pub

The Happiness Cafe

I am a real sucker when it comes to smoothie bowls. You can wake me up for this any day. Maybe because it’s really just dessert disguised as breakfast. The Happiness Café is Eindhoven’s food spot when it comes to breakfast. From omelets, sandwiches to super delicious smoothie bowls. The people were also very friendly and the coffee tasted very good. Great breakfast tip!

Gezana

Gezana is an Eritrean Restaurant and perhaps one of my favorite when it comes to good food in Eindhoven. I love trying new cuisines and Eritrean cuisine is not something you come across very often. In the meantime, I have had the opportunity to eat here 2 times now and both times were really great! The food is great, there are many veggie options and the services is really top notch! Definitely a must visit if you are in Eindhoven.

Belgian Beer Cafe

If, like us, you love cozy brown cafes, then you are a fan of the Belgian Beer Café. This is a cozy pub with, you probably guessed it, lots of Belgian beers.

Down Town Gourmet Market

Of course, Down Town Gourmet Market should not be missing from our list. Surely this is Eindhoven’s most frequently mentioned food spot. And that is certainly not without reason. In fact, at this street food market in the middle of Eindhoven, you can not only eat extremely well, but also have a very cozy seat. Something I find missing from many street food markets in the Netherlands.

In Eindhoven, they totally understood this concept. In fact, around the indoor terrace you will find several tents where you can get food. From Vietnamese, pizza, Indonesian, Tacos, meat, fish, Indian cuisine, cheese, burgers, Spanish, Greek … you name it and they have it. Once you find your favorite meal, take a seat at one of the tables. You can order drinks from your seat and wait for your food. Much more fun.

Intelligentia

You had me at ICE BABY! For those people who know me or follow Foedsie, it probably hasn’t been a secret for a long time, as I really am a dessert monster. I love it all! Ice cream, cakes, flans … if it sounds like a dessert, I love it. It’s with a reason I exercise min. 4 times a week. Not for that beach look, but so I can keep bulking up desserts.

For years I have been hearing stories about Intelligentia’s ice creams, so this hip ice cream bar was at the top of the list to visit. And yes the ice creams are great. I went for the peaches from the barbecue flavor icm, pecan something else (sorry lost the name) and ikk could have had 10 on them. Even Leroy who is not an ice cream fan (WHAT those people really exist yes!) and always orders a vanilla scoop (BORING!) was very enthusiastic.

De Burger

I haven’t been eating meat for a while, but when I did you could make me incredibly happy with a truffle burger from De Burger in Eindhoven. The Burger is one of the first hip burger joints in town and has managed to keep up its reputation for years. After all, this is still the best burger joint in Eindhoven. Also recommended for vegetarians.

Rabauw

If you are looking for a nice place for a bite and a drink at Strijp, Rabauw is a big tip. Rabauw is a brewery and beer pub in one. The menu consists mainly of appetizers and hot dogs, but after all, this is about the beer so who cares. The nice thing about Rabauw is that you can order tasting glasses so you can taste all the beers. You can also try the tasting menu where you can get a small tour and taste some beers.

Radegast

By chance, we ended up at Radegast. This is a really nice place to sit down. In fact, you are in a small square just a little outside the real city center. In the evening, some lights hang cozily and the terrace is quite large. The menu includes burgers, meats, hot dogs and bites. Oh and, of course, lots of beer. I chose the veggie burger, which was really very good. Leroy chose the lemongrass chicken, which also tasted super good.

Lucifer coffee roasters

Lucifer Coffee roasters is a nice coffee shop on the street “Kleine Berg”. While looking for Lucifer Coffee roasters, we accidentally sat down at the wrong joint across the street. So unfortunately we were not able to sit there ourselves, but it was quite busy and it looked top notch. A nice little spot where you can sit comfortably. We were across the street at Lucy’s (confusing though it is) and that, by the way, was also a really top-notch place.

Fifth NRE

I once visited this joint with girlfriends because we were in the mood for dancing and cocktails. Although it was not very crowded, the atmosphere was great and the cocktails even better. We had an amazing evening. Not only for the atmosphere should you visit Fifth, but the building is a picture to behold.

The Student Hotel & The Commons

To really get to know Eindhoven well, we stayed a night at The Student Hotel. An incredibly cool concept. The Student Hotel has the atmosphere of a hostel, but the luxury of a hotel. The hotel also has a nice restaurant where everyone is welcome for a snack or a drink. The restaurant is open from morning to night.

Also read the article The Student Hotel Eindhoven

Restaurants Suggestions from by Foedsie followers:

• Restaurant Welp: cozy restaurant located in the mountains.
• Bean brothers: a small cool coffee shop.
• Black and white coffee: super hip and super tasty.
• Van Mol: had been high on our list and was tipped by several people. Unfortunately, the café didn’t open until a bit later and we’ll have to save Van Mol for next time.
• Bistro Sophie & restaurant Vintage: deliciously elaborate dining.
• Miss paddle: Budget option & delicious flammkuchen
• Gezana: We did walk in here, but unfortunately there was no more room. Gezana is an Eritrean restaurant. Inside, it already looked great. A place we will definitely go back to again.
• The Ketelhuis at Strijp-S
• Flavor and spice: Afghan restaurant. We wanted to eat here, but the restaurant was closed on Mondays.

Is your favorite hot spot not yet listed?

Whaaatttttt! Is your favorite hotspot of Eindhoven not listed. Or are you a favorite yourself and think you have also earned a spot on Foedsie. If so, contact desi@foedsie.nl.

Happy with this article? Send Foedsie some love by leaving a comment, tagging us when you use a tip or by following Foedsie on Instagram. Or go all nuts and do all three. That makes us very happy.

Seville Food Guide: the best restaurants, cafes and coffee shops

Tapas, tapas and more tapas. We really couldn’t get enough of them in Seville. But if you want something different than tapas for once, this modern city is the place to be. From stylish coffee bars, poké bowls, chic dining to fancy cocktail bars. Trendy restaurants enough to choose from. Today we share our favorite Seville restaurants, cafes and bars.

Espacio Eslava

Dinner at eleven, it is possible in Spain! For example, we were lucky enough to arrive a bit late at Espacio Eslava and just barely managed to get a seat, because normally the place is always full and for good reason. In fact, the tapas at Espacio Eslava are divine! Not only that, you can have a very nice indoor and outdoor seating. One of my favorite places to eat in Seville.

 

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Bar La Cantina

You often find the nicest eateries by chance. So is this super cute and spotty tapas bar Bar La Cantina. Hidden between the market halls and the little church “Real Parroquia de Omnium Sanctorum”.

Alcázar Andalusí Tapas

Affordable, a nice terrace and great food, what more could you want! Alcázar Andalusí Tapas definitely comes highly recommended. From Spanish croquettes, tortillas to albondigas, you can taste all of Seville’s traditional dishes here.

Mama Carmen

Mama Carmen may not have the nicest terrace in Seville, but it is the perfect stop after sightseeing the Metropolis. This restaurant is open almost all day and here too you can order delicious tapas at a fine price. I also found the Cazón en adobo (a kind of special fried fish from Seville) to be the most delicious here.

Mestizo sevilla

Fancy something other than tapas? Order a colorful taco or a tasty burger at Mestizo Sevilla. Or enjoy one of the delicious cocktails! During Happy Hour, the cocktails themselves are half price and, of course, we love that.

Alameda de Hércules café

We ended our day almost everyday at Alameda de Hércules café. This little bar is a top spot for a nice drink.

1987 Bar

If you want to dance, but don’t feel like a giant club then 1987 bar is the place to be. The perfect place to improve your dance moves to Madonna and Wham.

COCOME

Of course, after a night of dancing and a little too many drinks, you need to be all fresh and fruity the next day. So we decided to start the day with a healthy breakfast from COCOMO. Not the most cozy place, but great smoothies and fresh sandwiches.

Too many great places to eat and not enough time. We would liked to have tried more restaurants and bars but we had to go unfortunately. A few places to eat that are high on the bucket-list are:

• El Viajero Sedentario: super fun coffee shop with a courtyard garden
• Bar El Comercio: for churros cravings
• La Champaneria de Feria: delicious tapas
• Maravilla Social Club
• La Paella Sevilla: because PAELLA
• ATREVIDO: bar & grill
• Café Entrelíneas: beers
• Carbonería Parras: not a dining spot but a super special shop/art store
• Catalina Casa de Comidas y Más: luxury dining

No sense saving all the hotspots! NO Worries! I’ll make it even easier for you with my Seville Food Guide Google Maps map. You can save them all and you have all the restaurants in your Maps. Easy right.

What! Is your favorite restaurant or café in Seville not listed? Let us know in a comment or send us an email and we’ll add your favorite to the list. Do you like this article? send Foedsie some love on Instagram.

hikkaduwa food guide

The food in SRI LANKA is AWESOME! I couldn’t get enough of the amazing curries and roti shops. But you will also find a lot of trendy restaurants and coffee bars here. From vegan burgers to smoothie bowls you’ll find it all in Hikkaduwa.. Sri Lanka’s southwest coast in particular is a foodie heaven! Visiting Hikkaduwa soon? We have collected the best restaurants, coffee bars and hikkaduwa cafes for you!

The Roti Stop Restaurant

Here you can order the tastiest kotu and roti from HIkkaduwa. The tent is super small and bloody hot, but such a nice place to visit. Consequently, every night the Roti Stop is full. The food is spot on and we especially loved the Kotu here!

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Hello Burger!

In the mood for a good burger? Then Hello Burger is the place to be! The burgers are really huge and very tasty. They also have many good veggie options. You can also sit in the garden, which makes it the perfect place to have a nice quiet dinner.

Salty Swamis

It doesn’t get much hipper than Salty Swamis, though. Surely this is the uber foodie place of the hikkaduwa food guide! You can find the most delicious breakkies or lunch here. Also, the coffee here is divine, which is rare in Sri Lanka. That you pay a little more for the trendy atmosphere is no lie. Salty Swamis is very tasty, but not really cheap.

Steffi´s Mandala

Steffi’s Mandala is actually a place to stay overnight but you can also enjoy breakfast and lunch here. Especially vegans, this is the place to be!

Sea Salt Society

Sea Salt Society is right on the beach and has a very nice atmosphere. So during the day we could be found here frequently.

Friends indeed

Can’t make up your mind? Are some in the mood for a curry and others more in the mood for a burger? Then this is the place to be. Indeed, at Friends indeed you will find a diverse menu with great food. The place is always packed and cozy, and for good reason.

You might also like this: complete Hikkaduwa Travelguide

Funky Bar

At FUnky Bar, there is always some fun. Although the party takes place at a different beach club almost every night, there is always something going on at Funky Bar.

What! Is your favorite not listed? Let us know in a comment or send us an email and we’ll add your hotspot to the list. Do you like this article, send Foedsie some love on Instagram.

Negombo food guide

In Negombo you will find great restaurants and cafés for everyone. From trendy coffee bars to trendy restaurants! We have collected the best Negombo restaurants and Negombo cafes for you.

Lords restaurant complex

A bit of a bizarre place, but that doesn’t make the food any less delicious. It is a trendy restaurant with a nice selection of food. The live music and numerous LED lights could be a little less from us. Nevertheless, you really shouldn’t miss this place because the food there is fantastic, the cocktails taste good and the people are very friendly. View the menu here.

Ocean 14 restaurant

If you want delicious Sri Lankan food, in a beautiful place for a small amount of money; this is the place to be! Ocean 14 is a small simple seaside restaurant with a great view. For less than 2 euros you order a fried rice or noodles and they were really more than good.

Leonardo by Bella Vita Italian

If you feel like something different go eat at Leonardo by Bella Vita Italian. A very nice place to eat or have a drink.

Unfortunately, a few restaurants we would like to visit were closed ccause if Corona. These places to eat were high on our bucket list for this Negombo Food Guide:

• The Hangar
• Jude Restaurant (upstairs)
• Mad Dogs Bodega
• FULL TANK: for the civilian appetite
• Salt Restaurant

What your favorite food spot is not listed? Let us know in a comment.

Unawatuna Food Guide

Eating out in Sri Lanka is truly a feast! From trendy coffe bars to the most delicious curries. Especially on Sri Lanka’s south coast, you’ll find a fine mix of hip coffee shops, local street food and upscale restaurants. If you visit the popular Unawatuna during your Sri Lanka trip, you got a lot of options. Read on for our favorite restaurants, coffee shops and Unawatuna cafes,

The Roti Stop

Our number one place to eat in Unawatuna was the Roti Shop! We went back there no less than 2x something we don’t do often. The roti is just amazing and very cheap. Ideal for lunch, a quick bite but also definitely for dinner.

Skinny Tom’s Deli

Surely Skinny Tom’s Deli is a Unawatuna’s must visit for foodies. Not only the food is incredible, the restaurant look incredible to. We found the food a bit overpriced and very small portions. The coffees were really great though! You can also spend a day working in the air conditioning here. For the digital nomads among us, definitely a big tip!

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One Love Bar

Of course, there is nothing quite like having a beer on the beach. We decided to drink one at One Love Bar. We only had a drink and some papadums here, but you seem to have good food right on the beach. The kitchen is open and everything looked great!

The Hideout Unawatuna

The Hideout was high on our bucket list, but unfortunately they were still closed. Sri Lanka had just reopened so many restaurants were still closed. The Hide Out is the place to be for the tastiest burritos and tacos in town.

Koha Surf Lounge

When the Hide Out turned out to be closed, we decided to grab a bite at the super hip Koha Surf Lounge! Which really turned out to be a great plan, because the food here was fantastic. Many options are vegan and healthy.

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Daffodil Restaurant

This restaurant caught our attention because of the great live music. Not a hysterical band, but a guy on a guitar with a very fine voice with the most fantastic songs.

Hotspot by other

• Bedspace Kitchen: for when fancy schmancy wants to eat out
• Happy Spice Restaurant & Cooking Class: for delicious local cuisine or a fun cooking class

The best places to eat in Mirissa

From trendy coffee shops with colorful smoothie bowls to complete curry buffets! In Mirissa , you’ll find it all. Mirissa is the absolute foodie Capital of Sri Lanka. The place is bursting with incredible cafés, restaurants and bars. Of course, we have gone all out to gather for you all the beste places to eat and drink Mirissa.

No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop

You should definitely not miss Dewmini Roti SHop when you are in Mirissa. This restaurant has been around since 2009 and once began with a cart where customers could buy rotis. These days it’s a decent restaurant, but still nice and cozy. The place is packed every night. The whole family is at work and the most delicious meals appear on the table. It is definitely no longer a hidden gem, but we still thought it was absolutely fantastic. Perhaps one of the tastiest rotis during our trip.

Aloha Coffee Gallery

Fancy a trendy breakies or a tasty lunch? Then you must visit the fine Aloha Coffee Gallery. This hip coffee bar in Mirissa is not very big, which means you will soon have to stand in line for your well-deserved coffee. But it’s worth the wait. The smoothie bowls and breakfasts are fantastic and the coffees perhaps even better.

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Shady Lane Mirissa

This is one of Mirissa’s hippest food spots and although the food there was fantastic, we would not recommend the place when it is crowded. The service was really ridiculous. We first had to stand in line for 20 minutes to place our order only to have to wait 1 hour for coffee and then another 30 minutes for the food. No joke! We got there at 10 a.m. for breakfast and left at 12:30 after cramming our food in because we were to late because of this for our check out at the accommodation. Maybe we were a bit unlucky that day, because the food there is delicious but a bit of a waste to spend your whole morning in a crowded coffee shop.

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The Doctors House

That Mirissa is the foodie capital of Sri Lanka is proven by The Doctors House. Surely this restaurant/hotel/gallery/shop is the king of cool peeps heaven. So it doesn’t get much hipper than this. So hip that I even felt very unhip ;p. It is a bit overpriced but definitely worth a visit. This restaurant looks great and is super spacious. The food there is top notch and if you are hot you can dive right into the sea.

Surf Bar Mirissa

No idea if there is a party here every night, but when we visited the bar everybody was dancing and having so much fun. Tip! Drink your beers before the dance floor opens, as beers suddenly become more expensive in Sri Lanka if you have to order them at the bar.

More cool Mirissa Hotspots you must try:

• Ceylon Curry House
• Green garden Super Roti
• Surfing Wombats Mirissa
• Dhana’s Curry Pot
• Milky Wave
• The Jungle view

Kandy

Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second largest city and is also called the city of kings. For most, it is the starting point or ending point of the world-famous train journey. Kandy may not win the beauty prize, but you do find a lot of culture and history.

If we are completely honest we did not find Kandy the best travel destination, but for a night it is a greatstopover. Moreover, you have wonderful accommodations just outside the city that are surrounded by jungle making it easy to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

In this article

• To do
• Hotspots
• Travel time
• Budget
• Practical information
• The nicest accommodations
• How do I get there?
• Our opinion

Trincomalee

If you want to start or end your trip with some days at the beach then Trincomalee is the perfect stop.During our trip through Sri Lanka we actually wanted to add Arugam bay to our itinerary, but we the weather was nog great so we decided to add Trincomalee to our itinerary instead. A lovely beach destination, but not quite the vibe we expected. We had hoped for that surfer vibe as described at Arugam Bay, but unfortunately we did not find it here. Still, it was a fine destination that we certainly did not regret.

Trincomalee can be found on the east coast of Sri Lanka. We thought it was time for some beach again after Kandy, Sigiriya and Ella and then Trincomalee fit the itinerary perfectly. The city itself is not very special, but the beaches are more than fine.

In this article

• To do
• Hotspots
• Travel time
• Budget
• Practical information
• The nicest accommodations
• How do I get there?
• Our opinion

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is the city in Sri Lanka for visiting various temples. The city itself is not very beautiful, but it is the place where you have a chance to learn more about Sri Lankan culture and history. In fact, it was once Sri Lanka’s first capital, resulting in the construction of numerous stupas and temples.

We decided to add Anuradhapura to our itinerary because we wanted to combine it with Wilpattu. Sri Lanka’s oldest wildlife park and one of the few places where the jaguar can still be spotted. Unfortunately, we only had 1 afternoon to visit Anuradhapura, so we had to make choices.

In this article

• To do
• Travel time
• Budget
• Practical information
• The nicest accommodations
• How do I get there?
• Our opinion

Is Anuradhapura worth a visit?

If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is definitely worth a visit. However, do not expect temples as you know them from Angkor Watt, for example. Moreover, Anuradhapura combines well with Wilpattu so that too is a good destination to add to your itinerary. Therefore, whether you should add Anuradhapura to your Sri Lanka itinerary depends on your time and what you would like to see during your trip.

Mirissa Complete Travelguide

Mirissa is one of the most popular beach destinations on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. The place is bursting with hip restaurants and there is always a party going on somewhere. The most beautiful sunset view is at Coconut Tree Hill, and Secret Beach is also on the bucket list for many. Not surprisingly,a lot of people travel to this place.

Mirissa: setback or must-visit?

However, increasing tourism on the south coast also has its downside. The center and beach are completely built up and during our time in Mirissa, it was incredibly crowded. Consequently, it was not quite what we expected. Still, we are glad we also visited this part of Sri Lanka. So we danced on the beach t into the wee hours of the morning, saw one of the most beautiful sunsets during our trip and took a wonderful mini road trip through the countryside. Do you prefer a quieter part? Then Matera or Hiriketiya is more for you. From here you can easily visit Mirissa.

The costs from this article are based on exchange rates during our trip through Sri Lanka in February 2022. The Sri Lankan rupee then had a value of 0.0041 euros. That’s about 240 rupees for 1 euro converted.

In this article about Mirssa

• To do
• Hotspots
• Travel time
• Budget
• Practical information
• The nicest accommodations
• How do I get there?
• Our opinion

Negombo Travel Guide

Negombo is the perfect starting and/or ending point of your trip of Sri Lanka. The city is a lot cozier, quieter and cleaner than Sri Lanka’s capital and is just as conveniently located from the airport (20 -30 minute drive). Negombo may not win the beauty prize of the century but with its sandy beaches and great restaurants, this is a top destination to recover from your long flight and get used to the fine climate. So if you want to start your journey through Sri Lanka in peace then Negombo is the place to be.

The costs from this article are based on exchange rates during our trip through Sri Lanka in February 2022. The Sri Lankan rupee then had a value of 0.0041 euros. That’s about 240 rupees for 1 euro converted.

In this article about Negombo

• To do
• Hotspots
• Budget
• Practical information
• The nicest accommodations
• How do I get there?
• Our opinion

Travel through Sri Lanka: 30+ photos that will make you book a ticket real quick

Lush tropical jungles, rolling tea fields, enchanted train rides and wildlife the likes of which are few and far between in Asia. Yes this is Sri Lanka! But Sri Lanka is not only stunningly beautiful, it is also a very easy country to travel around. Almost everyone there speaks English, it’s safe, spotty, the food is atrociously good and the locals are abnormally friendly.

This year we took a wonderful 4-week tour of Sri Lanka.

Wilpattu National Park

Wildlife spotting in Sri Lanka is a must during your trip and fortunately can be done in an immense number of places on the island. In fact, in Sri Lanka you will find no less than 22 national parks of which Yala and Udawalawe National Park are the most famous. However, during our search for a nice safari in Sri Lanka, we read varying stories about Yala and Udawalawe. It would be very crowded and some people would also have their questions about animal welfare. Therefore, we decided to skip these 2 parks and end our trip in Sri Lanka with a safari in Wilpattu.

Wilpattu National Park one of the most beautiful national parks in Sri Lanka

Wilpattu National Park is the oldest national park and one of the largest national parks in Sri Lanka. The park was inaccessible for 20 years due to Sri Lanka’s civil war, but has been slowly coming back on the radar of tourists for the past 10 years. Although spotting Wildlife in Wilpattu is less, the experience may be much nicer. For example, during our day safari, we encountered only one other jeep! Also, spotting a leopard in Wilpattu, or Wilpatthu as it is sometimes called, is greatest.

If you’re looking for a relatively undiscovered national park and a unique experience, we definitely recommend visiting Wilpattu. We also decided during our trip to book an overnight stay at The Kingdom Ecolodge where we literally slept among the elephants.

Wilpattu National Park Combine with Anuradhapura

Unfortunately, we only had 1 day to visit Wilpattu National Park, so we decided to stay overnight in Anuradhapura and combine these two destinations. If you have a little more time, it is also possible to stay overnight in the park itself. A special experience and the chances of spotting wildlife here are much higher.

How to get to Wilpattu National Park

Many people, like us, combine with Anuradhapura. From here it is only a half-hour drive. It is possible to visit Wilpattu by public transportation and book a tour at the park itself. Bus 4 runs from Colombo, Puttalam and Anuradhapura. Download the app Pickme to book a tuktuk for the last leg if necessary. ,

Wilpattu National Park costs

Several places allow you to book a Wilpattu safari. We decided to do this at our accommodation and paid about 35 euros per person for about 4 hours. We were lucky enough to have the jeep all to ourselves. Food and drink, of course, not included. For a whole day, you will soon pay 70 euros.

Travel time Wilpattu National Park

Wildlife spotting during the rainy season is very small. It is therefore best to avoid this period. The best time to visit the park is from May through September. That’s when the chance of rain is lowest. However, we visited the park in March and except for a small downpour, the weather was perfect

What animals can you spot in Wilpattu National Park

From leopards to buffalo! You can spot it all here. Although the leopard does not show itself very quickly, you still have a great chance of spotting other wildlife. For example, we had been in the park for less than 10 minutes when we saw the sloth bear walking in the distance. We also encountered deer, wild boar, hornbills, land lizards, monkeys and numerous tropical birds.

The park is stunningly beautiful and also huge! This makes spotting wildlife a bit more difficult, but it doesn’t make the experience any less beautiful. Hours of driving through the dense jungle and open plains made all the difference for us. That we did not spot the herd of elephants and leopard was unfortunate, but did not make Wilpattu any less beautiful.

Is a visit to Wilpattu National park worthwhile?

Is a visit to Wilpattu National park worthwhile? It depends a bit on what you’re looking for in a safari. It is though to have a realistic expectation regarding spotting Wildlife in this park. But if you’re going for a beautiful and unique safari experience, Wilpattu is definitely recommended!

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Sri Lanka Route

The ultimate travel itinerary for Sri Lanka in 4 weeks, 3 weeks or even in 2 weeks! In this article, we share our favorite destination in three different itineraries to discover this beautiful island. From the cozy suffers atmosphere in Hikkaduwa to spending the night among the elephants at The Kingdom Ecolodge. Read on quickly for our ultimate Sri Lanka itinerary!

What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka

The best travel time to visit Sri Lanka is from February to April. During these two months you have the least chance of rain in all regions. Sri Lanka has a combination of different climates and two monsoon seasons. The southwest monsoon is called the Yala and lasts from mid-May to late September. During this period it is dry in the east and north. From October to mid-April is the northeast monsoon, called the Maha. Then more rain falls in the northeast and east. The bottom line is that there is always a shower somewhere in Sri Lanka. The worst months to visit Sri Lanka are from October through December. That’s when a lot of rain falls all over the island.

We visited the north and east in early March and that was also fine. There were occasional showers, but they were often very brief.

How many weeks do you need for your Sri Lanka trip

Sri Lanka is relatively small about 1.5 times the Netherlands, making it a perfect destination if you have a little less time. Moreover, the travel distances are short so fortunately you don’t lose days traveling which really makes Sri Lanka a top destination to see a lot in a short period of time.

3 weeks or more is perfect for exploring Sri Lanka. In 3 weeks you can perfectly combine nature, history, wildlife and beach. 2 weeks for Sri Lanka is also possible, but that is the minimum number of days to make a nice tour of the island. We had a total of 4 weeks, which was perfect for us! We were able to see a lot and travel slowly.

From north to south? Or the other way around!

We decided to start in the south and end in the north. This is because we were already in Sri Lanka in mid-February and the climate in the north can still be quite unpredictable then. In retrospect, we regretted this a bit. Indeed, the south is quite hip, crowded and lots of beach. But when we just arrived in Sri Lanka, I just needed to see a lot, eat local food and couldn’t really find the peace to sit with my bottom in the sand or appreciate the hip hot spots on the south coast yet.

The beach and hip eateries as a finale might have been a little better, because after 2 weeks of curry for breakfast, lunch and dinner and miles in the legs, I was so hungry for hip smoothies and relaxing on the beach.

Depending on the period you are visiting Sri Lanka, I would choose to start in the north and end in the south with some days at the beach.

Sri Lanka itinerary 4 weeks

• Negombo (or Colombo) – 2 nights
• Anuradhapura & Wilpattu – 2 nights
• Trincomalee – 2 nights
• Sigiriya – 2 nights
• Kandy – 2 nights
• Nuwara Eliya – 1 night
• Ella – 3 nights
• Arugam Bay – 3 nights
• The Kingdom Ecolodge of Yala National Park – 1 night
• Tangalle – 2 nights
• Mirissa or Dickwella – 2 nights
• Galle -1 night
• Hikkaduwa – 2 nights
• Negombo – 1 night

Sri Lanka route 3 weeks

• Negombo (or Colombo) – 2 nights
• Anuradhapura & Wilpattu – 2 nights
• Sigiriya – 1 night
• Kandy – 2 nights
• Ella – 3 nights
• The Kingdom Ecolodge of Yala National Park – 1 night
• Tangalle – 2 nights
• Mirissa or Dickwella – 2 nights
• Hikkaduwa – 2 nights
• Negombo – 1 night

Sri Lanka itinerary 2 weeks

• Negombo (or Colombo) – 1 night
• Sigiriya – 1 night
• Kandy – 1 night
• Ella – 2 nights
• The Kingdom Ecolodge of Yala National Park / Yala National park – 1 night
• Mirissa or Dickwella – 2 nights
• Negombo – 1 night

Which destinations should definitely not be missed in Sri Lanka

We like some quiet places, lots of nature but also the occasional trendy smoothie bowl is not wrong either. We would NEVER skip the following destinations:

• The Kingdom Ecolodge: sleeping among the elephants. We found this to be one of our highlights during our trip through Sri Lanka
• Hikkaduwa: relaxed surfer vibe. Be sure to book accommodation near Narigama Beach.
• Dickwella: super cozy charming surfers place
• Tangla Lé: if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the south coast
• Ella: the green heart of Sri Lanka

Extra mention for Arugam Bay, which we unfortunately had to skip but was high on the list. We hear only positive stories about this. It is a hip surfer town with a laid-back vibe and hip hotspots.

The ultimate backpacking itinerary through Sri Lanka

Negombo

Although you land in Sri Lanka’s capital, we found Negombo to be a better starting point for our trip. In terms of distance from the airport, it makes almost no difference from Colombo. Why Negombo? The city is a lot cozier, quieter and cleaner than Sri Lanka’s capital and is just as conveniently located from the airport (20 -30 minute drive). We booked 2 nights here because we didn’t arrive until late in the evening and could take it easy on our first real day in Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura & Wilpattu -.

Travel time from Negombo to Anuradhapura: 2 hours by cab or 4 hours by bus

Anuradhapura is the city in Sri Lanka for visiting various temples. The city itself is not very beautiful, but it is the place where you have a chance to learn more about Sri Lankan culture and history. Moreover, you can perfectly combine Anuradhapura with Wilpattu National Park. However, during our search for a nice safari in Sri Lanka, we read varying stories about Yala and Udawalawe. It would be very crowded and some people would also have their questions about animal welfare. Therefore, we decided to skip these 2 parks and end our trip in Sri Lanka with a safari in Wilpattu.

Trincomalee

Travel time from Anuradhapura to Trincomalee 2 hours by cab or 4 hours by bus

If you want to start or end your trip with some days at the beach, Trincomalee is the perfect stop. Is it an absolute must-visit? It might not. If you don’t have that much time to explore Sri Lanka, you could skip Trincomalee. Because we had a little longer and wanted to finish with a few days on the beach, we still found Trincomalee to be a fine destination.

Sigiriya

Travel time from Trincomalee to Sigiriya 2 hours by cab or 4 hours by bus

Sigiriya is where you can admire the famous Lion Rock. But even beyond this world-famous attraction, Sigiriya has much more to offer, including the ancient botanical gardens, the palace and the beautiful surroundings. We found this to be a very nice destination.

Kandy

Travel time from Trincomalee to Sigiriya 2 hours by cab, 3 hours by bus
or book a day trip from Kandy to Sigiriya by tuktuk making several stops along the way

If we are completely honest we did not find Kandy fantastic, but for a night it is a fine stopover. It is for most people the start or end point of the famous train journey. We decided to book a food tour in Kandy which still made this a very nice destination during our trip.

Nuwara Eliya

Travel time from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya 4 hours by train

To break the 8-hour train ride from Kandy to Ella, we decided to book a night in Nuwara Eliya. Do leave early by train so that your day is still really meaningful. After all, the surroundings are beautiful. We rented a tuktuk for an afternoon to visit various tea plantations and waterfalls.

Ella

Travel time from Nuwara Eliya to Ella 4 hours by train

Ella should definitely not be missed during your Sri Lanka trip. It is the green heart of Sri Lanka. The surroundings are beautiful and you can spend a few days here just fine. From viewpoint hikes, jungle, giant waterfalls to scooter rides through the tea plantations. It’s all possible here.

The Kingdom Ecolodge of Yala National Park

Travel time from Ella to The Kingdom Ecolodge 4 hours by bus

Want to spot elephants without other tourists? With the assurance that the elephants have a fine and free existence? Where you wake up in the middle of nature? Then The Kingdom Ecolodge in Sri Lanka is a big fat tip!

Tangalle

Travel time from The Kingdom Ecolodge to Tangalle 4 hours by cab (very difficult to reach by ov)

After busy Mirissa and Unawatuna , we decided to spend a few days in Tangalle. Just what we needed. No trendy hotspots, busy roads or crammed beaches. Tangalle is a lovely quiet beach destination.

Mirissa or Dickwella

Travel time from Tangalle to Mirissa 2 hours by bus

Mirissa is one of the most popular beach destinations on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. From trendy hot spots to beach parties. Don’t expect an undiscovered gem. Mirissa is visited en masse throughout the year, and for good reason. Then again, we found Dickwella a little more relaxed, calm and still poopy hip though. You can surf perfectly here, so definitely recommended.

Tip! Mirissa, Unawatuna and Unawatuna are all close to each other. Choose one and visit the other places by scooter and/or tuktuk.

Gallé

Travel time from Mirissa to Gallé 1 hour by bus

Absolutely a gem! Bit touristy, but that doesn’t make this old fort less beautiful. You can book a beautiful accommodation here, but it is not necessary. In fact, you can also visit Gallé just fine in a day from HIkkaduwa or Mirissa.

Hikkaduwa

Travel time from Galle to Hikkaduwa 1 hour by bus

This small surfing town can be found about 100 kilometers from Colombo just north of Galle. Hikkaduwa is hip, cozy and just incredibly nice! It is the place to work on your surf skills and hang out at hip hot spots. Book an overnight stay near Narigama Beach. At this beach no big resorts but a nice quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

WHAT!!! Is your favorite not listed?

Let us know in a comment, send an email to Foedsie or a DM via Instagram. If you are completely happy with this article, then of course we would also love to hear/read from you. Leave a comment or follow FOEDSIE on instagram for even more travel inspiration.

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Sardinia road trip

A tour of Sardinia had been high on our list for years. The enviable photos of pearly white beaches and azure waters always kept this island in the back of our minds. So during our road trip through Europe, we thought it was high time to cross this island off our bucket list. What a great decision, because this island exceeded all our expectations.

In fact, the island has much more than just beautiful beaches. From a rugged coast, surfing areas, beautiful mountains, unspoiled nature, cozy towns to bright pink flamingos, you’ll find it all here. Except for a few places, in three weeks we made a complete road trip along the coast of Sardinia in search of the nicest spots. Although we could have stayed there for weeks more, we have for you the best places, our ultimate Sardinia itinerary and tips for a Sardiniaroundtrip.

How to get to Sardinia

Most people will not readily think of camping when they think of Sardinia. While thinking of an overall itinerary, we had a number of places we wanted to visit, such as Slovenia, Croatia, Italy and Portugal. But to get from Italy to Portugal we would have to drive all the way through southern France and Spain, and this is definitely not the best area if you are traveling on a small budget. After a little searching, we found out that there are ferries going to the island as well. The prices scared us a bit, but minus the toll and gasoline costs we would save, it was not too bad in the end. It’s a bit of a boat ride, but then you can explore the island with your own little camper. An ideal place to camp is “Farm and Agricampeggio De Santis.” The campground is about a 30-minute drive from the town of Livorno from where the ferry leaves.

Also read:
>>> By ferry to Sardinia

Don’t forget to bring something warm on the boat, otherwise you’ll have to wear your friend’s sweater and walk around looking as uber hipster as Leroy with his croptop!

Want to camp but don’t have a long boat ride to do it? Then you can also fly to e.g. Alghero and rent a motorhome here. Through Goboony you can find the nicest motorhomes from private individuals that you can often rent at a very good price. Going to Sardinia but not camping? Even then, of course, you can just take a road trip. Fly to Alghero and rent a car. On the island you will find numerous hotels, agritourisms and airbnb’s.

Also read:
>>> Antica Villa Colonica

Route Sardinia

If you come to Sardinia by ferry, chances are your trip will begin in Olbia, the northeastern part of the island. Lucky you, because this is a great start to your journey. Take a quick look at a brief overview of our itinerary through Sardinia or check out the complete Sardinia itinerary.

• • Olbia: around this area you will find one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The beaches are also very popular among families. This is because the sea is very shallow and calm.
  • La Maddalena or Palau: The Maldives of Italy
  • Spiaggia di Porto Ainu: Great place for wild camping right by the sea.
  • Orosei: charming village surrounded by beautiful beaches
  • Villasimius: this is a very nice fishing village in the south of Sardinia. It is the ideal destination if you are looking for beautiful beaches.
  • Chia: the camping here may have been three times nothing, the surroundings were breathtaking. Chia beach is an absolute gem and wonderful for a night.
  • Buggerru: the quiet bays disappear and give way to a rugged coast and beautiful waves. This is the place to grab your surfboard. If you can’t surf yet, then a surf lesson at Buggeru Surf School is highly recommended. The car ride from south to west is one we won’t soon forget.
  • Oristano: for windsurfers, this is the place to be! You will find many deserted beaches here, excellent waves, and with a good breeze you can have fun on the water all day here. The town itself is also nice to have visited.
  • Putzu Idu: the place for windsurfers
  • Bosa: favorite when it comes to towns in Sardinia.
  • Alghero: One of the nicest towns on the island is Alghero. A cozy and colorful town with plenty to do.
  • Sassari: one of the most beautiful beaches can be found here. This area is not at all well known and, as a result, is visited by few tourists. As a result, you will find numerous deserted beaches and peaceful surroundings. Tip: Book an overnight stay Antica Villa Colonica. Only opened for a few months (2019) and already one of the finest accommodations on the island.

How big is Sardinia?

Sardinia has an area of about 24,000 square meters. That is almost half the size of the Netherlands (41,000 m2) and about 6,000 m2 smaller than Belgium. Although you can drive from north to south in one day, it often takes longer here than it would take you the same distance in the Netherlands. The roads in Sardinia are in very good condition, only the interior can be a bit mountainous so some drives are beautiful but also take a little more time.

The most beautiful beaches in Sardinia

If you think you can’t find bounty beaches in Europe, you’re dead wrong. We found absolute gems of beaches in Sardinia. From the rugged west, vast beaches in the south to beautiful bounty beaches in the east. Above all, don’t stop at just one beach. Go beach hopping especially. Take the car, scooter or bike and explore the different beaches. We have already collected the most beautiful beaches of Sardinia for you. Fine huh.

• Capo Coda Cavallo: perfect as a first stop when entering Sardinia via ferry. DIt beach is located near Olbia and is an absolute picture.
• Le Selopa: this beach is found in the north of Sardinia and has been voted the most beautiful beach in Italy several times.
• Su Giudeu: a beautiful, quiet beach near Chia. You can also spend the night here almost at the beach with your RV.
• Spiaggia di Porto Giunco is found in the south and is one of the most beautiful beaches near Villasimius and highly recommended.
• All the beaches of the La Maddalena archipelago

To Do in Sardinia

In addition to exploring the beautiful beaches, there is of course much more to experience.

Flamingo spotting in Sardinia

This is actually incredibly easy and you can already cross it off your bucket list without much effort. In fact, you can find Flamingos all over the island. In the city of Cagliari, you can even find huge groups. It does look a little crazy out there in the city. The surroundings are not really super nice either. Other somewhat nicer places to spot flamingos are Olbia and to the north.

Surfing in Buggerru

Want to do something active? Go surfing! In fact, in the West you can surf incredibly well almost all year round. We took a lesson at Buggerru Surf School which is definitely recommended. You can join a program at the surf school for a few days.

Visit the charming Bosa

Visit the beautiful and colorful town of Bosa. Wander the colorful streets and plop down on one of the many terraces in this cozy town.

Windsurfing or kitesurfing

Sardinia is also hugely popular among kite and windsurfers. Conditions are perfect year-round.

Climbers

Sardinia has a large group of climbers who regularly take on the challenge of climbing Sardinia’s steep cliffs.

Also nice to see

• Monte Ortobene, one of the highest mountains on the island
• Visit the Gennargentu National Park and the Gulf of Orosei
• You will also find numerous caves to visit on the island. Not an option for us unfortunately with a pug, but this seems to be very nice. Recommended are the caves of Neptune.
• Visit Arbatax: The red rocks of Sardinia

Also read:
>>> Surfing in Sardinia

Is Sardinia expensive?

The cost in Sardinia is about compare to that as the mainland in Italy. Sometimes eating out can be a bit more expensive because many products have to be imported. We have worked very little of this and even find Sardinia to be an excellent budget destination by campervan. In fact, wild camping is allowed in an awful lot of places, which is sometimes more difficult on the mainland in Italy. You are often in the most beautiful places. Also, the distances are somewhat shorter so you are less likely to incur high costs per day on gasoline or diesel.

Budget for Sardinia

• Ferry return: 250 – 500 euros (2 pers. and a camper)
• Airfare: 150 – 250 euros round trip p.p.
• Accommodation: 50 – 150 per night
• Dinner: 10 – 20 euros p.p.
• Lunch: 5-15 euros p.p.
• Camping: +/- 20 euros (wild camping free)
• Groceries: similar to the Netherlands
• Beer price: 1 .50 euros
• 1/2 wine: 3 euros

Accommodation in Sardinia

We truly unwinded at the brand new and charming Antica VIlla Colonica. This beautiful villa can be found in the north of the island, a fine and undiscovered part of Sardinia not yet reached by mass tourism. Flamingos, pristine nature, beautiful beaches and lively towns. Don’t want to miss the popular destinations? No problem. Olbia, Alghero and La Maddalena are easily reached via the north. Read more about this accommodation in the article “Antica Villa Colonica“.

Our road trip itinerary for Sardinia

Sardinia is perfect for a road trip! The island has much to offer, from cozy towns, stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches. We recommend taking at least 2 weeks for a roadtrip to explore much of the island. But longer is even nicer, of course. Read on and discover our favorite Sardinia itinerary in 2,3 and 4 weeks.

Sardinia regions

Not that much time? No worries. You can also always choose to explore a particular region of Sardinia.

• North: Lots of beautiful bounty beaches. Thanks to its extensive beaches a calm sea, a popular destination among families.
• East: Here you will also find beautiful beaches and one of the most important natural parks. Typical of this region are the beautiful red rock formations.
• South: The south is wonderfully quiet, popular with windsurfers, and you will also find beautiful beaches here. The sea does get a bit rougher here Also, this area is known for the numerous pink flamingos that you can spot here including around the capital of the island of Cagliari.
• West: The coast gets a lot rougher here and is the place to go for surfing. In addition, the west is still relatively undiscovered so you will find numerous deserted beaches.

Sardinia itinerary 2, 3 or 4 weeks

We had no set itinerary for Sardinia and we can recommend it to anyone. No plan is the best plan, right! That way you can decide on the go whether you want to stay somewhere longer or jump back into your camper van as soon as possible and look for something new. The Sardinia itinerary below was perfect for us! During our road trip, we were greatly surprised by the island’s hospitality and diversity.

In total, we were on the road for almost 4 weeks. But along the way, we also worked a few days and sometimes could have stayed in one place a little shorter or traveled further. The speed of our old van didn’t help much either ;p Take a quick look at our Sardinia itinerary.

Route Sardinia 4 weeks

• • Olbia – 3 nights
  • La Maddalena or Palau – 3 nights
  • Spiaggia di Porto Ainu – 1 night
  • Orosei – 2 nights
  • Villasimius – 3 nights
  • Cagliari – 2 nights
  • Chia – 1 night
  • Buggerru – 2 nights
  • Oristano – 1 night
  • Putzu Idu – 2 nights
  • Bosa – 2 nights
  • Alghero – 2 nights
  • Sassari – 1 night
  • Porto Torres – 2 nights
  

  Route Sardinia 3 weeks

  • Olbia – 2 nights
  • La Maddalena or Palau – 2 nights
  • Spiaggia di Porto Ainu – 1 night
  • Orosei – 2 nights
  • Villasimius – 2 nights
  • Chia – 1 night
  • Buggerru – 2 nights
  • Oristano – 1 night
  • Putzu Idu – 2 nights
  • Bosa – 2 nights
  • Alghero – 1 night
  • Porto Torres – 1 night
  

  Route Sardinia 2 weeks

  • Olbia – 2 nights
  • La Maddalena or Palau – 2 nights
  • Spiaggia di Porto Ainu – 1 night
  • Orosei – 1 night
  • Villasimius – 2 nights
  • Chia – 1 night
  • Buggerru – 2 nights
  • Bosa – 1 night
  • Alghero – 1 night
  • Porto Torres – 1 night
  

  Olbia (North/East)

  Our trip to Sardinia began on the mainland where we took the ferry from Livorno to Olbia. Just outside Olbia, we found campground Tavolara. A nice neat campground about a 30 minute drive from Olbia and within walking distance of a very nice beach. The area around Olbia is immediately one that should be on your bucket list. In addition to bounty beaches, you will also find stunning landscapes. So we stuck here for a few days, taking the Tomos out every day in search of a new beach. Enjoy! Our favorite beaches:

  • Spiaggia Porto Taverna / La tavernette beach. This is the beach near the campground and is well worth a visit. In the off-season, the parking lot is a popular spot for wildlife campers.
  • Capo Coda Cavallo: This was definitely my favorite. In fact, on the way to the beach you can already enjoy the beautiful azure water.
  • Cala Brandinchi: this beach is very popular, so it is also a little busier, but certainly not without reason. The beach is snow-white and the water crystal clear.

  Aren’t you with the motor home? View all hotels in Olbia here.

  Also read:

  >>> By ferry to Sardinia

  

  Maddalena archipelago

  La Maddalena or Palau is also called the Italian Maldives and we fully concur. Unfortunately we had some bad weather, but even without sun in it was a gem to visit. The La Maddalena archipelago consists of about 20 islets. We were on the bus not on one of the Maddalena Islands, but in the small town of Palau. Here you will find 2 RV sites where you can easily visit the ferry to the main island of La Maddalena. Almost every hour a boat leaves and takes about 20 minutes. It is also possible to book a boat trip to Maddalena archipelago. This way you will discover the most beautiful places in 1 day.

  

  Spiaggia di Porto Ainu

  Although Spiaggia di Porto Ainu is a beautiful beach, we especially recommend it because you can be FANTASTIC with the bus here. In fact, you are right on the beach among the pine trees. And yes totally for nope, nothing and nada! It was that work had to be done and the wifi was terrible but otherwise we would definitely have stayed here an extra night.

  
  

  Orosei

  Orosei is one of the most beautiful places in Sardinia and is about an hour from Olbia. The center is very charming, you will find beautiful historic buildings and numerous churches, and the coastline is absolutely breathtaking. You also have several sea caves and vineyards. Therefore, it is a good combination of history, nature and beach.

  Most beautiful beaches of Orosei

  • Cala Liberotto
  • Marina di Orosei
  • Cala Sisine
  • Cala Goloritzè
  • Cala Birìala
  • Su Barone
  • Cala Ginepro
  

  Villasimius

  Our itinerary through Sardinia went from to the south where we decided to stay a few nights at Villaggio Camping Spiaggia del Riso. A very fine campsite right on the beach. The beach itself was a bit disappointing, but is perfect for windsurfers. From our incredibly nice German neighbors at the campground, we were allowed to borrow a supboard. Super fun, but holy crap in the waves though a pot of heavy say. If you walk a little further, you will reach the beach Spiaggia di Porto Giunco. This beach is an absolute gem. You can also have a drink or dinner in the town near the campground. We really loved the atmosphere here and stayed here for a few days.

  Prefer to stay in a hotel? In Villasimius you will also find wonderful hotels and vacation rentals.

  
  

  Chia (South)

  We read on several Sardinia blogs that in Chia you can find one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. So hoppa into the camper and off to Chia with the whole gang. We decided to spend the night at a simple RV stop Area Sosta Camper to visit the popular Su Guidi Beach, just a little past Chia. The RV stop was terrible, 20 euros for a parking space and a dirty squat toilet. But oh we are 5 minutes from the beach, so who cares. Sometimes you don’t need much for a top time. A picnic blanket, a few beers, beautiful beach and an amazing sunset ensured that we had one of our finest evenings in Sardinia.

  Don’t you get so excited about our camper stop experience? You also have lots of other options for accommodation near Chia.

  
  

  Buggerru

  Buggerru is the place to go surfing and should definitely be added to your Sardinia itinerary. You have several simple RV stops here to spend the night. The nearest campsite is campeggio ‘Ortus di Mari’ and you will also find several hotels near the village. We stayed at the campground in 2019, but found the distance to the beach just a bit too far to walk. In 2022 we went back to Sardinia and Buggeruru and then we decided to book a few nights at Area Sosta Camper San Nicolò. This place gets incredibly bad reviews, but we really loved it! It is right on the beach where you can surf great.

  Read more about Buggerru
  >>> Also read the article “Buggerru: the surf town of Sardinia”
  >>> Also read the article “Buggerru Surf School”

  
  

  Oristano & Torre Del Pozo

  On the west coast of Sardinia you will find the town of Oristano. HEt is a medieval city of about 75,000 inhabitants. In the city you can still find several remnants of medieval buildings. It’s a nice stop to add to your itinerary.

  To the west, we found IS arena. A super nice campsite right by the sea run by lovely people. The man could not speak a word of English but always made small talk. In the area you can do various things, for example, Mari Ermi is a deserted beach that is very popular among windsurfers. The town of Oristano is also worth visiting. Great Gelato too!

  

  
  

  Putzu Idu

  Putzu Idu is a long and narrow sandy beach in Sardinia which is mainly known for windsurfing. You also have several places where you can do good wave surfing, but this is a little more for the experienced surfers due to the many rocks you find here. You have to be a little lucky with the weather, because if the wind is strong then the beach is also a little less bounty-like. But it is still a fun place to visit, especially an absolute must for the windsurfers among us.

  

  Bosa

  By chance we ended up at Bosa and it was really nice. HEt town is in fact incredibly cozy, colorful and charming. Slide into one of the many cozy restaurants for a delicious Italian meal or stroll up along the Temo revier. If you want to spend a day at the beach, spiaggia di Bosa Marina is the place to be.

  

  
  

  Alghero (North/West)

  Alghero is one of the nicest towns in Sardinia. The city is not very big, but there is always something to do there. You will also find numerous nice restaurants to eat at. Also, go eat at Trattoria Tipica Sarda | La Saletta, a big tip! The tiramisu is truly divine. The best campsite is Village Laguna Blue. From here you can catch the bus to the city for about 2 euros, which stops right in front of the campsite. Spend the night in the middle of town? View all hotels in Alghero here.

  

  

  Porto Torres / Sassari (North)

  Our trip ends in the north, as we take the ferry back to Spain at Porto Torres. This time we will not spend the night in a campground, but in the brand new Antica Villa Colonica. What a wonderful and peaceful place to end this trip. The surroundings also managed to surprise us. Le Selopa is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and was even voted the most beautiful beach in Italy in 2017. A visit to Stagno di Pilo is also recommended, as here we were able to admire a large group of flamingos at very close range.

  We look back on an incredible road trip across the island. The nature here is incredibly beautiful and the people so friendly. How much we enjoyed. And although 4 weeks was very long, there are still places we would have loved to have added to our trip, such as:

  • La Maddalena: The area around La Maddalena has been described as the Italian caribbean.
  • Monte Ortobene: this is the largest mountain on the island and you are said to be able to hike beautifully.
  • The caves of Neptune
  • Cala Goloritzé: high bounty level
  
  

How to build your VAN bed

The bed is the most important part of your van, rv or mothorhome. This is the place where you spend most of your time. The remaining time, if all goes well, is spent outside, which, after all, is what vanlife is all about. Do you sleep poorly? Then your trip is just really less enjoyable.

Our Mercedes 508 will be the third motorhome project we will be working on, and this time we can start from scratch entirely. YESSS! So we decided to start with the van bed and adjust the rest of the camper accordingly. We are really happy with this choice and even more excited about the end result! Curious then read on quickly to see what it finally turned out to be and what the bed making cost.

We are definitely not handymen and sometimes fiddle around a lot, but we always succeed in the end. The most important tip we can give you: just start and do it. Get inspiration, but also be sure to make it your own project.

Are you already convinced about our camper bed. Then scroll down for all the steps and cost summary.

This is how we slept before

With our first van, a 1983 Citroen C25, we chose a seating area with a table that we could fold as a bed. The bed took up almost the entire camper when unfolded. During the day we could then work at the table or have dinner when it rained, and in the evening we could have a nice spacious lie down. After 5 months of roadtripping, we had used the seat maybe once and went completely mad changing the bed in and out. Also, the loose pillows were really terrible and slid every time. So we decided to add a topper as well. Not at all convenient when space is already so scarce.

After this bus, we decided to go for a bigger model a Fiat Ducato Alkoof camper.

The idea was to sleep comfortably in the alcove. In fact, this bed was very spacious. But an alcove soon turned out to be nothing for us. Rolling yourself out every time you had to go to the bathroom at night, and on hot days, it was impossible to sleep here. After several nights in the alcove, we decided to sleep downstairs anyway and use this part of the camper as extra storage space. This bed was fine, but very cramped and again we lay on several pillows with slots. So not ideal.

Then we came across our newest bus a gorgeous 1985 Mercedes 508. In terms of size, exactly between the Fiat camper and the Citroën Bus. 1 thing was certain we were going for a semi-solid bed. Ideally we would have opted for a complete fixed bed, but unfortunately, because Leroy is a giant, we cannot lie across the width. Before photos, see below.

Fixed bed or collapsible bed seating

Almost everyone I talk to who have built a bus before all say the same thing; CHOOSE A FIXED BED. If you can choose to do this, do it. Don’t hesitate, just do it. After 2 years of roadtripping, we have used the seat maybe 3 times and then often only to take nice pictures of the interior. And Yes we also work while traveling and cook and eat in the RV. Most of your time is spent outside and if it does rain or you have to work, we chose the bed every time. Therefore, this time we opted for a semi-solid bed that we can easily extend.

Of course, we listed all the options and the pros and cons for each bed type before finally making a choice. Of course, we are happy to share those with you:

Sofa bed or fold out van bed

Many people choose a sofa bed or fold-out van bed for their first project. After all, this way you have a seat and a bed in one. For very small buses where a fixed bed is not possible, such as in our Citroën C25, this is ideal. However, if you have the option of installing a fixed bed, we still recommend choosing this.

Cons Sofa bed or Folding bed:

• From my own experience, you hardly ever use the seat
• Folding in and out the van bed becomes tedious at some point
• When the bed is unfolded it is impossible to reach your things under the bed
• You lose storage space
• The seating is often huge, even though you need very little seating space
• Your bed consists of loose pillows which is less comfortable
• You have to store your bedding each time which takes up a lot of space

Advantages:

• You have a lot of living space
• You can easily exit the camper through the back

If you do choose a bed that you can unfold then we recommend the following:

• Choose a super simple system. 1 a 2 steps max, making this process easy.
• If you have enough storage space, get an extra topper so you don’t have to deal with slits in the mattress
• Choose drawers instead of flap cabinets so you can access your stuff even when the bed is unfolded

Fixed bed

If you have the option of installing a fixed bed, we definitely recommend it. The only drawback is that your living space is a bit less and you have no or a small seating area. We think this is a little less serious. We spend most of our time outdoors and sometimes work on location. If it does rain, then a day’s work in bed isn’t so bad either.

Disadvantages:

• You sacrifice living space
• Little to no seating space to eat or work, for example
• It is not difficult or not possible to exit the camper through the back

Advantages:

• You can choose a good mattress (VERY IMPORTANT)
• Extra storage space
• No hassle of folding in and out

Almost everyone who has ever chosen a sofa bed eventually opts for a fixed bed. Especially if you are going on a longer trip, we definitely recommend this.

Lift bed

Another option that combines the above types is a drop-down bed. The bed then hangs from the ceiling during the day, so to speak, and you can lower it in the evening. That way you have a seat during the day and in the evening you can quickly dive into your bed. No more fussing with making your bed or awkward bed constructions either. Why doesn’t everyone do this? It’s often quite pricey and you can’t install hanging cabinets. It also looks a little less attractive and most people don’t want too much weight on the roof.

Disadvantages:

• Duration
• No more upper cabinet options
• Less storage space
• Looks a little less pretty (but that’s mostly taste)

Advantages:

• You can choose a good mattress (VERY IMPORTANT)
• Extra storage space
• No hassle of folding in and out

Semi fixed bed in your motorhome

We ended up choosing a semi fixed bed that we could easily slide out. Ideally we would have chosen a fixed bed, but unfortunately sleeping widthwise is not an option for us because Leroy is quite tall. Therefore, we came up with our own bed construction that fits perfectly in our bus.

We placed the bed at the back of the bed. Thus, on hot days we can throw open the doors and wake up to the most beautiful views. Most of the bed is fixed. This section is about 180 cm wide and 120 cm deep.

For some people already a complete bed, but we can extend the bed even further. This extension runs up past the kitchen and over the seat. Therefore, we can just leave the seat for what it is. The extension part is another 130cm wide and 70cm deep. So in total we almost have a 180×190 bed.

This way we have a bed lengthwise, without having to sacrifice a lot of space for this or rebuild everything every time. We just need to extend the bed slightly and put the extra mattresses and that’s it! So it’s a snap.

A custom mattress for the motorhome

An important reason why we also chose a semi-solid bed is that it allowed us to install a good mattress. Because the bed consists of a unique construction and we needed three mattress sections for this, we looked for a provider that specializes in custom mattresses for RVs. Soon we ended up at Seminautic. A custom mattress within 1 hour and a review score that would scare any competitor.

The service from Seminautic was really far beyond expectations. What a well-oiled machine this family business has set up. Everyone is equally friendly and the concept is really great. Within 1 hour we drove away with a new mattress in our motorhome that also laid great.

Roadmap Camper Bed Customization

In sketchup we made a rough plan of what our RV layout would look like with the most important part being the bed. After quite a bit of research, we decided to start with the fixed part first and only then start with the extension part.

We decided to work in 2 steps, namely first making 2 equal frames that we could place on the right and left and then connecting both frames with beams. So we make a modular bed frame that we don’t have to install in one go.

It also allowed us to install 1 side already, so we could continue with the kitchen and cabinet. Once we had everything in the camper, the bed frame could be secured.

We used the following for this purpose:

• 9x beams of 44×44 mm
• 14x beams of 33×44 mm
• 20x beams for the slatted floor
• 1 MDF board for the front
• Corners
• Screws
• Primer
• Lacquer paint

Tip! Have all the beams for the frame already cut to size at the hardware store. Saves a lot of work and often goes with tremendous precision.

There was a lot of consultation and drawing and 100 changes to the plan, but we are extremely happy with our enom luxury bed.

Step 1 Frame Left and Right

We started with the frames placed to the left and right of the bed. Both frames have the same dimensions and are joined together at the next step. We joined the beams together with long torx screws and wood glue. We also used corner profiles in a few places for added strength.

Tip! Pre-drill the beams with a wood drill bit to prevent cracks in the beams.

Once both frames are assembled, they can be secured in the camper. We attached the frames to the bottom. You can then put some sealant on your screw just to be sure in case of moisture or leaks.

Step 2 Connecting both frames together

Now that both frames are attached you can connect these 2 parts to each other by placing intermediate beams. Because an RV is never completely straight, it is difficult to determine the outside dimensions in advance. We connected most of the intermediate beams using corner profiles.

Step 3 Slatted fixed part

The first part of the bed frame is now standing and you can start with the slatted base. We determined the distances of the various slats by simply placing a slat between them each time and then leaving a little space. In this way, the extension can later be easily extended and you will still have sufficient support.

Step 4 Make slide-out undercarriage

1 part of the bed frame leans/slides over the seat back and in the middle (against the kitchen) we made a u-leg. The easiest way is to make this part the very last. For example, we had started this before the kitchen cabinets were installed and had to change some things last-minute because the cabinet doors would not open.

Step 5 Attach extension with battening

When the base fits properly you can start attaching the slatted base for the pull-out. This also immediately attaches the pull-out to the fixed part of the bed. We placed felt on the bottom of the slats so that sliding is easy and the slats do not get stuck behind a beam of the frame.

The extension part basically leans loose on the frame, so we can pull it off completely if necessary. So far with my enthusiasm, this has happened 1 time. So that’s not too bad. The heaviness of the mattress keeps the slatted base firmly in place.

Step 6 Finishing

Finally, we finished the part in the camper with MDF boards and in the middle we placed 2 drawers for our clothes (first shelves, but we changed that later) and a table that you can slide out.

A lick of paint (sage green from Flexa) and VOILA our dream bed is ready.

What did building the camper bed cost?

Building the bed in our camper cost the following:

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RV / Motorhome Bathroom MAKEOVER

One of the main reasons for buying a new camper is that we really wanted a camper or van with its own toilet. In fact, when we purchased our Captain Vantastic, we knew for sure that we did not need a toilet. I’ll buy a bucket on the road or I’ll just dive into the bushes somewhere, I boldly proclaimed to people. Stupid me.

Our van was way too small to fit a bucket anywhere, and when we went wild camping we often had 10 campers lined up and there wasn’t a bush to be found. Ohhh and let’s not forget the stray dogs. Nope…. I wasn’t exactly eager to seek out a bush by myself at night. So requirement 1 of our new bus or camper there had to be room for a bathroom stall.

From “the bathroom will come some day” to a complete makeover

The bathroom of our Fiat Ducato motorhome was pretty standard. Ugly plastic cabinets, a terrible floor and dull walls. The previous owners had still tried their best to “pimp” this space a bit with sticky notes, but not really successfully.

Since the entire alcove suddenly needed to be addressed, we decided to leave the bathroom anyway. At least I maintained this for 1 week. In fact, that’s when we spontaneously decided to paint the bathroom door yellow and the project got completely out of hand. Before I knew it, I was standing with a black van, a roll of wallpaper and a gold mirror giving the bathroom in the camper a complete makeover.

Bathroom cabinet painting

We had some green paint left over from the kitchen cabinets, so I decided to give the upper cabinets a deep green color. Just with simple paint from praxis and this went amazingly well.

I sprayed the sink and cabinets with a spray can suitable for stoves black with the idea that if it is heat resistant I’m sure it can withstand some water. The spraying was really super easy and fast. You really have to tape everything, though, because the paint really gets everywhere. A mouth mask is also essential.

Now that we had colored the cabinets, the walls couldn’t be left behind. We chose a nice cheerful and colorful wallpaper. But what a hell of a job. After all, you have absolutely no space and you have to wallpaper around the cabinets and windows. Terrible! Especially when after the first strip – which took me about 1 hellish hour – I found out that I had placed the wallpaper the wrong way around. Yup I am an idiot Sandwich! I Whether I repurposed the wallpaper? Of course not! For an hour you heard nothing but swearing and whining from the RV bathroom, so I was pretty much done with it. Gold mirror over it and we pretend it’s a new trend.

Floor, chalk paint, accessories and you’re done

Hands, arms, face, legs and hair, after a day of painting I am really completely covered in paint. Yup…I am the world’s chaotic builder of all time. Unfortunately, the bathroom floor bore the brunt of this as well. It was one big green, yellow, black spot pallet. So the black brush went over this as well.

A small section of the walls got a coat of chalk paint, because I ran out of wallpaper 🙂 and I finally had a spot for my gold mirror that I’ve been wanting to hang for a year. I am totally happy with the bathroom.

Rammang Rammang

It is almost impossible to imagine, but about an hour’s drive from chaotic Makassar, you are in the middle of the Rammang Rammang nature reserve. Beautiful mangroves, gigantic limestone cliffs and lots of greenery. A fairytale setting absolutely worth visiting.

Rammang Rammang is part of the Batimurung Natoinal Park. It is a small village which is best known for its breathtaking scenery. The village can only be reached by boat because it is surrounded by gigantic karst mountains. In the village you will find traditional cottages (often on stilts on the water), many fishing ponds and caves. The area is huge, so big that it is among one of the largest limestone areas in the world.

Rammang Rammang ? . . #rammangrammang #makassar #sulawesi #indonesia #sulsel #folkindonesia #wonderfulindonesia #exploreindonesia #thisisindonesia #discoverindonesia #livefolkindonesia #wanderlust #adventureseeker #travelmore #wonderfulplaces #beautfuldestinations #lovetotravel #seekmoments #travelcouple #tropicalisland #lovetheocean #travelgirl #thattravelblog #TravelStoke #lonelyplanet #BBCTravel #justgoshoot #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #theculturetrip

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Rammang Rammang village

For us, Rammang Rammang was the beginning of our journey through Sulawesi and we were immediately surprised by its beauty. Sulawesi is still a piece of undiscovered Indonesia. Many areas are still untouched and pure. Even at Rammang Rammang one of the busiest sights in the area, we were almost the only tourists. We have had the opportunity to visit many beautiful places around the world, but sometimes national parks feel more like a museum than a livable area. That was absolutely not the case here. Daily life just went on quietly, and the locals actually cared pretty little about the few crazy tourists walking around here in the sobbing heat. Children playing, whole groups who were fishing and families seeking shade with little ones. Life in Rammang Rammang.

Rammang Rammang was our first place we visited in Sulawesi and the moment we realized how beautiful this island is . #rammangrammang #southsulawesi #sulset #sulawesi #celebes #indonesia #travel #travelholic #exploreindonesia #traveltosulawesi #exploresulawesi #indonesia_photography #travelblog

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How to get to Rammang Rammang

In Makassar, there are numerous people who are happy to take you to the area and also tell you a little about the area. Super convenient and still very affordable. You don’t have to worry about anything then. You agree on a time and they pick you up in front of your hotel. You will spend about 20 euros for this.

If you prefer to save some money, you can also grab a Grab for a few euros. You will then be dropped off at the port, where you can arrange a boat ride. Once you arrive at the park, you can explore the area yourself. It’s all pretty simple. Transportation is very easy to arrange in the Makassar area. And if there are no cabs there is always someone nearby who again knows someone to take you away.

Rammang Rammang, this place ? #rammangrammang #sulawesi #makassar #sula #celebes #indo #indonesia #indonesiagirl #travelgirl #discoverindonesia #exploresulawesi #ricefields #limestone #sulset #visitindonesia #visitsulset

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Taking a boat to Rammang Rammang

Once you have arrived at “the port” of the national park, you will be taken to the village by a small traditional boat. The boat ride down the Pute River is an experience in itself. The beautiful surroundings and gigantic limestone mountains make these a special experience. The boat ride takes about half an hour.

Caves, beautiful rice fields and viewpoints

Visiting Rammang Rammang is actually quite simple. When you have arrived in the village you find your own way. There are some small makeshift signs pointing to one of the caves. You can follow the narrow paths and enjoy nature. A must is to go to a viewpoint where you can admire the whole area. Although I’m not really the world’s biggest cave fan, the caves here are very unique. In fact, handprints and drawings dating back thousands of years have been found here. Fancy a kopi coffee or a tasty snack, a number of traditional cottages are available for a snack and a drink.

Our final verdict: a big fat 8.5! This area is really a beautiful surprise. Especially the contrast with the city of Makassar is bizarre. Highly recommended and a wonderful start to your journey through Sulawesi.

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Makassar – Starting point of our Sulawesi Trip

Tana Toraja: breathtaking landscapes and the most extraordinary rituals

Tana Toraja is the most visited and best known part of Sulawesi. This area is best known for its special culture and unique burial ceremonies. And although we had read up quite a bit about this part of Sulawesi, we were overwhelmed by its beauty. We had read some things about the beautiful surroundings of this region, but it was far beyond our expectations. At every 100 meters, we wanted to stop and enjoy the view. It is perhaps one of the most extraordinary, green and beautiful regions of Indonesia. If you are a nature or culture lover then Tana Toraja is truly a must-visit.

First, it is important to note that the area is really huge. The area is hilly with an area of more than 2,000 km². You need at least a few days to explore the area. If you only have two days, then we recommend splitting North and South Tana Toraja.

Culture Tana Toraja

The Torajan religion has existed for more than 3,000 years. However, during colonization with the Netherlands, Christianity was also taught, creating a strange mix of the two since then.

The locals from Tana Toraja believe that people come from the sky sky and so also go to the next world, which they call Puya. Because of this, people are not buried underground after death, but are placed in a cave. The higher someone is buried, the easier the way up. Only people of high prestige are buried high in a cave.

Death plays an important role in the Torajan people’s religion. A funeral takes days and is very costly. Thus, many, sometimes hundreds of water buffaloes and pigs are sacrificed in honor of the deceased. The Torajenese do this because they believe the deceased can take their wealth or status with them to the next world.

Since burial is incredibly expensive for families, the deceased is first embalmed and kept in the family home. This can sometimes take years and gives the family time to organize the ceremony. The family also sees this as extra time to say goodbye to their loved one. Indeed, the Torajenese assume that the mind remains in the body. In some people, a tau tau is also made. This is an image that looks exactly like the deceased. These statues are often visible outside near the graves.

Although the funeral is an emotional time, it is also a time of celebration, laughter and dancing. Most people have been saying goodbye for months and still want to celebrate the last days on earth with joy.

Slowly more and more people arrived at the ceremony in Tana Toraja. Most funerals will be visited by hundreds of people and will last for a couple of days. An experience I will never forget! #tanatoraja #sulawesi #celebes #indonesia #indogirl #travelgirl #indonesiatravel #exploreindonesia #instatravel #travels #instatravel #instagram #sulsel #discoverindonesia #discoversulawesi #rantepao #toraja

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To do in Tana Toraja

Although you read mostly about the funeral ceremonies in Tana Toraja, which you also absolutely should not miss, there is much more to see in the area. In addition to the beautiful valleys and countless rice fields, you will find quaint villages and cemeteries.

Attending a funeral ceremony in Tana Toraja

It sounds a little crazy, but attending a funeral ceremony is actually a must when you are in Tana Toraja. Numerous ceremonies take place throughout the year, but most are held during the months of June, July and August. This can also make the area a lot busier. We chose to stay overnight with a mother and son in the area. The son took us out the next and to a ceremony. one of the most extraordinary experiences. More on the funeral ceremony in Tana Toraja soon.

Find the buleh (Leroy) ? . During the funeral ceremony, we visited in Tana Toraja the women and men had to sit in different areas. I could just see Leroy among all the men. An experience that I will never forget. #tanatoraja #buleh #sulawesi #celebes #travelcouple #travel #instatravel #foedsie #travelgram #instago #instagram

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Grab a scooter and explore the area

Sulawesi is not really a backpacking destination “yet.” Most people hire a driver/guide for a few days. However, this is not necessarily necessary. 1 of our highlights in Sulawesi was exploring the Tana Toraja area on our own by scooter. And while you’ll be bombarded to death with bike rentals almost throughout Indonesia, you won’t find them anywhere in Sulawesi. Therefore, find a homestay where you know this is an option. Many accommodations are available through Airbnb. Ask in advance if they have a scooter available for you. Indeed, many roads are not available to cars. And these very roads often took us to the most beautiful places. So do it!

Baby Graves

Yes you read correctly, baby graves. We too thought it was a little crazy to go here, until we heard the story behind these graves. Indeed, a baby cannot have had a sin according to the Torajenese. To protect them, babies are buried in a tree. This is how the tree helps them grow toward heaven. One of these trees is called baby kambira grave.

Burials caves

In the area you will find countless perhaps hundreds of burial caves. It is impossible to visit them all. We visited including:

• Lemo
• Londa (one of the most famous and largest caves. Visit Londa around 4-5 p.m.)

The impressive graves of a Tana Toraja village. We took our bike and explored the south of Tana Toraja and it was the best decision we made. It didn’t matter where we went, nature was mindblowing beautiful. #tanatoraja #sulawesi #celebes #indonesia #indogirl #travelgirl #indonesiatravel #exploreindonesia #instatravel #travels #instatravel #instagram #sulsel #discoverindonesia #discoversulawesi #rantepao #toraja

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Viewpoint

It took us almost 2 hours by scooter to reach the top, but then you had something. The view is breathtaking. During your visit in Tana Toraja, also plan a moment somewhere on top of a mountain.

Traditional villages

Throughout the area you will discover beautiful traditional villages with unique cottages. The houses here have an unusual shape with colorful roofs. You will encounter several villages along the way where you can take a look around. Kete Kesu i one of the largest and most famous villages. This village is especially worthwhile because here you can also see the inside of a traditional house.

Travel time Tana Toraja

Since most ceremonies take place from June t/ August, it is wise to go around this period. However, we were there in September. Although there won’t be a daily ceremony then, you can often visit one. Inform in advance so you can adjust your schedule accordingly. The rainy season begins from November.

Eating in Tana Toraja

In Sulawesi, they really do eat everything. From buffalo to snakes to even dogs. If you prefer to skip dog, always inquire about the dish. When you want to explore Tana Toraja, the best place to stay is in RantePao. This is a small village where you will find many accommodations, a few restaurants and some stores. Although it is not bursting with trendy hotspots here, we obviously have 2 great dining tips for you.

• Restaurant The House: for something a little different, head to The House. A super hip little restaurant with delicious (even Western) food and great Vietnamese Egg Coffee. The Gado Gado was also very good.
• Restaurant Aras: the menu features many traditional dishes. Here they serve Pa’Piong, among other things. A traditional Torajan dish. In a bamboo stick, meat is cooked together with spices and rice over fire. You do have to order the dish a day in advance.

Transportation in Tana Toraja

If you didn’t manage to get a scooter, you always have 3 options:

• Public bus: about 0.20 but only runs until about 6 and is pretty hard to spot. Some help from locals is often required. But then have a cheap elevator to your destination.
• Ojek: about 1 euro. If there are some men with scooters next to the road, they can often take you to your destination. Unfortunately, you can’t recognize them anywhere by it. However, if you get a little lost along the road, they often recognize you ;p
• Tricycle: about 1.50 euros. Always fun, a tricycle. Our favorite, but unfortunately not always the fastest option.

Practical information for Tana Toraja

What is important to know in advance is that Sulawesi is not the standard backpacking destination. Because of this, transportation and accommodation can sometimes be a bit difficult to find and you don’t have as many choices when it comes to nice restaurants. Also, arranging accommodations locally with your backpack on your back can be a bit trickier in this area.

How do I get to Tana Toraja?

From Makassar, the transportation to Rantepao is really top-notch. For example, super luxury night buses go every day. Buses leave around 10 p.m. and take about 9 hours. The most upscale option is Prima Donna and will cost you about 20 euros. We chose Litha which was also more than fine and the bus ride with this company costs about 10 euros. If you don’t feel like a broken night (like us), you can also catch a bus in the morning. Your options are then just a bit limited. You will then arrive in Rantepao in the evening.

I would not recommend renting a private car for this stretch, as the buses here are very luxurious and wonderfully organized.

The beautiful people of Tana Toraja. . . We were so grateful to have had the opportunity to visit a funeral ceremony. Yes I know it sounds really weird, but it’s one of the most important aspects of the Tana Toraja culture. They respect and honor their family members and friends in their own way. They balm them first and keep them close to their homes for months. After a couple of months its time for the ceremony visited by hundreds or even thousands of peoples. Pigs and cows will be offered and the ceremony will take several days. Eventually, the people will be placed in a cave, already a step to heaven. #sulawesi #tanatoraja #toraja #celebes #rantepao #indonesia #indonesiatravel #discoverindonesia #exploreindonesia #asia #travelblog #travels #instatravel #instago #instaindo

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Staying overnight in Tana Toraja

Don’t expect luxury resorts in this area. Most accommodations are simple homestays where you stay overnight in a traditional home. Although the offer on
Booking.com
is quite limited, Airbnb is full of choice. Be quick, however, because the nicest accommodations often fill up quickly. We found a homestay on the outskirts of Rantepao with incredibly sweet people, only the room was really terrible. So the two of us slept in a mini room on a single bed and let me remind you that Leroy is almost 2m. In itself quite doable, but in the room there were really dozens (to my mind hundreds) of gigantic cockroaches. We found them on the bed, by the clothes and even in bags. And no there was no mosquito net. Not so nice, then. After 2 nights we left for a hotel.

Tip! Hotel Airy Rantepao

After 2 nights of chasing cockroaches away, this was such a relief. Normally we are more of the homestays, but this hotel was so incredibly nice for a night of luxurious refueling. It was clean, large and also cheap. The hotel still had too few reviews for a grade, so a bit of a guess. But how pleased I am with this. Really a big tip if you are looking for a fine accommodation in Tana Toraja.

We also heard only favorable stories about Sulawesi Castle. Unfortunately, this accommodation was fully booked during our stay.


Booking.com

Further travel

One of the longest journeys you will have to make during your tour of Sulawesi is the drive from Tana Toraja to Tentena. Most people take the bus here. This one doesn’t go until about 10:00 a.m. and takes as much as 13 hours, if you’re lucky.

We decided this time to ignore our budget (of course, we had already saved a bulk of money by sleeping among the cockroaches for 2 nights) and book a private driver to Tentena. The ride cost a whopping 80 euros, but was worth every penny. We were able to leave nice and early, our driver stopped at the most beautiful places and we were at our destination within 9 hours. This still allowed us to enjoy dinner with a beautiful view of Lake Poso.

The other guests who did catch the bus arrived around 11 p.m. after a hellish 13-hour drive, which unfortunately meant that no food could be ordered.

Best tip for your tour of Sulawesi. Forget the bus, go with a private driver from Tana Toraja to Tentena, leave nice and early, save 4 hours of travel time and you still have something to do on your first day in Tentena.

Sigiriya: meer dan alleen Lion Rock

Lion Rock is één van de must-visits tijdens je reis door Sri Lanka. Je vindt de iconische Lion Rock in het stadje Sigiriya. Maar ook buiten deze wereldberoemde trekpleister heeft Sigiriya nog veel meer te bieden, zoals de oude botanisch tuinen, het paleis en de prachtige omgeving.

Sigiriya behoort tot de UNESCO Werelderfgoedlijst. Het wordt door de lokale bevolking ook wel het ‘Achtste Wonder’ en wij snappen wel waarom. In dit artikel lees je alle tips voor een bezoek aan Sigiriya.

In dit artikel

• To do
• Hotspots
• Reistijd
• Budget
• Praktische informatie
• De leukste accommodaties
• Hoe kom ik er?
• Ons oordeel

Where to Eat in Ella

From the best kotu in twon to colorfull smoothie bowls. The charming town of Ella offers a nice mix of traditional restaurants and trendy bars.. Although we are big FAN of Sri Lankan cuisine, a good burger, poké bowl or pizza is quite nice for a change. So in Ella we tried every trendy food spot! These are our favorite restaurants, bars and coffee shops that you should definitely not miss during your visit to Ella.

CAFE CHILL ELLA

The food spot of food spots in Ella. You simply cannot miss this one. Literally! Because Café Chill is located in the middle of Ella’s main street. You will walk by it anyway. From the outside, it is already a trendy phenomenon, but the interior is also to die for. You can come here for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. So all day long. From hummus with vegetables to tasty pizza’s. If you want something a little different than a curry then this is the place to be!

Matey Hut

Of course, we also tried Sri Lankan cuisine in Ella and ended up at Matey Hut! A small restaurant just off the main street where the tables are always filled. This is certainly for good reason, because the food here is AMAZING! Unfortunately, there was no more Parata, as this seems to be fantastic here. So we went for a roti and kotu. We had a great diner here for not much.

Rainbow inn

Fancy a smoothie bowl or a vegan salad, Rainbow Inn is the place to be. The smoothie bowl were fantastic. You also seem to have great food there in the evening.

Ella Flower Garden Resort

Ella Flower Garden Resort is not only the starting point for the hike to Little Adams Peak, you can also have a drink with a spectacular view of the tea fields. The service was pretty mediocre and we skipped the food here, but the view is stunning and therefore definitely a recommended place to end your walk.

MozzarElla By Nero Kitchen

Pizza Lovers beware! At mozzarElla – great name – you’ll find perhaps the tastiest pizzas in Ella.

More great places to eat in Ella

• Jade Green Tea Center & Restaurant
• AK Ristoro
• Rose Cabin Mexican Restaurant
• Adam’s Breeze

Lees ook “Ella Travel Guide”

What is your favorite Ellarestaurant not listed? Let us know to add ylur favorite to the list.

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The Kingdom Ecolodge: the place to spot elephants in Sri Lanka

It is 6 a.m. when we are awakened by the words “Look Elephants.” From our bed we see a brilliant sunrise that provides a beautiful silhouette of a group of elephants walking by less than 100 meters away. We quickly race to the waterfront where this magical and imposing group of elephants moves silently through the water. Doesn’t sound wrong does it?

If you are going to Sri Lanka then an overnight stay (or several) at The Kingdom Ecolodge is an absolute must. No queuing in a safari park but spotting elephants from the comfort of your own bed! For us, the highlight of our trip through Sri Lanka.

Want to spot elephants without other tourists? With the assurance that the elephants have a fine and free existence? Where you wake up in the middle of nature? Then The Kingdom Ecolodge in Sri Lanka is a big fat tip!

In this article

• About The Kingdom Ecolodge
• The environment
• The elephant safari at The Kingdom Ecolodge
• Lodging at The Kingdom Ecolodge
• How to get there
• What Does The Kingdom Ecolodge Cost?
• What is included?

The Kingdom Ecolodge

The Kingdom Ecolodge is located in the middle of nature, just outside the famous Yala National Park. Because we had been told by several people that Yala National Park would be very crowded, we decided to look for an alternative and soon found ourselves at The Kingdom Ecolodge. We also decided to visit Willpatu National Park later in the trip.

The Kingdom Ecolodge is the ideal place for travelers seeking tranquility, nature and wildlife. As far as we are concerned, the best place in Sri Lanka to spot the wild elephant. But not just for wildlife, a visit to The Kingdom Ecolodge is an absolute must. The surroundings are stunning, the people incredibly friendly and welcoming, the atmosphere is top notch and the food is delectable.

Take a moment of rest or get out on the water

The Ecolodge consists of 30 acres and is located on a large lake. It is the pride of owner Dim. A Sri Lankan farmer who has made his dream a reality in this beautiful part of Sri Lanka.

Do not expect luxury, the lodge is simple but equipped with everything. Fruits and vegetables are grown ecologically and every evening you can enjoy a feast meal from their own garden. Helping out in the kitchen is allowed, so you can immediately upgrade your cooking skills.

In addition to a few open-plan accommodations, you will find several sitting areas and hammocks outside, and there is a general area/kitchen. The lodge has 4 rooms. As a result, the group is never very large, which is top for the atmosphere. So a big tip for solo travelers as well. You can also grab a canoe and take to the water. Swimming I would skip for a while myself since crocodiles also like to hang out here.

This is the place to escape the crowds and enjoy nature in its purest form. ‘

The elephant safari at The Kingdom Ecolodge

At the end of the day during sunset, the safari is scheduled. Temperatures begin to drop slightly during this time of day, increasing the chances of spotting elephants slightly. That’s what we come for, of course.

The jeep safari takes about an hour and you will stay on the edge of the official national park. This makes the safari not quite comparable to a “normal” elephant jeep safari in a national park. The chances of spotting elephants are a little lower, but if you do spot them you are often all alone and can stay with the jeep for a while to admire the group a little longer.

“After the first turn there is a huge group of elephants there including lots of inimical baby elephants”

After just 10 minutes, we are rewarded with a large group of buffalo and a breathtaking sunset. But of course we come for elephants. The surroundings alone are stunning and this is also an absolute valhalla for bird watchers. After hobbling in the jeep for a while, we suddenly see 2 elephants. 2 cozy freunden having a nice walk at a distance. My day already complete. After a while we decide to drive on, which turns out to be a top decision. Indeed, after the first turn there is a huge group of elephants including lots of inimical baby elephants. Our presence does them quite little and we continue to enjoy this spectacular view from the jeep for a while.

After a while, we decide to drive back. It is getting dark again and I must say that by now I am also looking forward to another ice-cold beer. We hobble back (don’t expect a smooth ride ;p) and while we think the day is already complete, there the next group of elephants is already waiting for us. In the middle of the road with zero intention of clearing it for us. We decide to pass quietly after a while anyway which some slightly less friendly giants are not entirely pleased with. With great noise and considerable speed, 3 elephants stormed toward the jeep. We both feel a lot of emotions in that moment! And yes there was also a little bit of fear involved ;p, but above all it was an incredibly fat experience. The message, by the way, was pretty clear. You are indeed bigger and stronger than us ;p The perfect cue to complete the safari.

Lodging at The Kingdom Ecolodge

Don’t expect luxury at the Kingdom Ecolodge, but with surroundings like this, you don’t have to. The accommodations are simple but fully equipped. For example, there is a nice outdoor shower and even a western toilet! You sleep in the middle of nature in the great outdoors. In fact, the room is semi-open with a large bed in the middle incl. mosquito net. Indeed, that means you can spot elephants from your bed. Believe me: will you! For example, we were awakened in the middle of the night by a group of elephants walking through the water. Wonderful to be able to admire this from your bed.

Because the lodge is spacious, there is more than enough privacy despite the open space.

How to get there

Traveling in Sri Lanka is often done by tuktuk or public transportation. But at The Kingdom Ecolodge, things are just a little different. After all, this place is in the middle of nowhere. When you make a reservation, the owner Dim will arrange a pick-up for you in Telulla. Although Telulla can possibly be reached by public transportation, we decided to arrange a cab from Tangallee. The bus trip would take almost 6 hours and we didn’t feel much like that this time. If you are with your own tuktuk then you can leave it in Telulla.

From Ella, it is somewhat easier to travel by public transportation. You can catch the bus to Wellawaya and from there a bus goes to Tellula. From tellula it is about another 30 – 45 minutes drive to the lodge.

What Does The Kingdom Ecolodge Cost?

An overnight stay at the Kingdom Ecolodge is not very cheap. We paid 110 euros per night per room. For solo traveler, it is slightly cheaper. Especially with other accommodations, this is a bit of a stretch. But, of course, you are paying for more than just an overnight stay. In fact, everything is included in the price. Not only breakfast, lunch and dinner, but also your pickup, the safari and you get to borrow the canoe for free and for nought. For a safari in Yala National Park, you will also easily spend 30 – 40 euros per person. Then the cost is actually not too bad.

Booking can be done here >>

This is included with an overnight stay at The Kingdom Ecolodge

For 2 people you pay about 120 euros per night:

• Overnight double room
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Jeep Safari
• Canoe tour
• Helping out in the kitchen
• Walk through the garden
• + an experience never to be forgotten! Priceless, of course.

We can really only conclude this aritkel with: DO IT! DO! DO! You don’t want to miss this. The absolute highlight of our Sri Lanka Trip.

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See more of Sri Lanka. Then you’ll probably like this reel, too.

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Unawatuna: complete travel guide

Unawatuna consists of a small cozy street packed with fun hotspots. It is one of the most popular and therefore quite crowded beach destinations on the coast of Sri Lanka. Therefore, do not expect deserted beaches and undiscovered gems. But is it really that bad? Sometimes it’s secretly quite nice to sit down at a hip coffee shop and end the evening with drinks and live music. Moreover, here you will find the beautiful Jungle Beach and that alone is well worth a visit.

TIP! If you find Unawatuna really too busy, you can also book an overnight stay in Hikkaduwa, Matara or Hiriketiya, for example, and visit Unawatuna from here. These spots are slightly less touristy and still within fine distance of other nice beach destinations. Rent a scooter and travel inland and you’ll also discover a Sri Lanka as few people know it.

In this article about Unawatuna

• To do
• Hotspots
• Travel time
• Budget
• Practical information
• The nicest accommodations
• How do I get there?
• Our opinion

Seville city break: the complete Travel Guide

Seville is the place for a city break in the sun. We too could not get enough of this lovely sunny city in Andalusia. From outdoor Flamenco shows, exploring the park on an electric scooter, strolling through the charming streets to visiting the beautiful historic buildings. A weekend is actually too short to explore this amazing city.

Planning a Seville city break soon? Lucky YOU! We’ve collected the best sights, accommodations and hotspots for you in our complete Seville Travel Guide.

In this article about Seville

• To do
• Hotspots
• Travel time
• Budget
• Practical information
• The nicest accommodations
• How do I get there?
• Our opinion

Ruta del Cares

The hike of the hikes of Picos de Europe: RUTA DEL CARES! A hefty walk of no less than 24 kilometers that goes from Poncebos to Cain de Valdeón and back again (or the other way around, of course). So you walk back along the same path. It also called the Divine Gap enough and we understand why.

The hike is FANTASTICly beautiful and is one of the most popular hikes in northern Spain for good reason. You will hike through the famous Cares gorge which means you are constantly surrounded by beautiful mountains some over 2000 meters high and babbling brooks. You can start the hike in Cain but so can Poncebos. From Poncebos, the first stretch is a considerable climb, making this starting point a little less desirable. Especially during a hot day, this can be a spirited start.

Ruta del Cares in Figures

• Distance: 24.3 kilometers
• Time: 8 hours
• Altitude difference: 500 meters
• Department: 500 meters
• Difficulty: medium

Although the hike is described as easy, some fitness is desirable. Of course, the distance and duration of the hike do not make the trip any easier. A few tips to make the hike a little easier:

• Put on good shoes
• Start early especially on hot days
• The first stretch (from Poncebos) is the toughest so don’t be discouraged by this. It gets better!
• Go to the restroom ahead of time, as there are few places along the way where you can quickly duck into a bush
• Don’t feed the mountain goats! They look cute, but are little bastards
• If you find 24 kilometers in 1 day too much, you can also book a hostel in Poncebos or Cain and only hike the route back the next day. It is even possible to take a jeep ride back, but you have to book it in advance.

Hiking from Poncebos to Cain – Ruta del Cares

Ruta del Cares is a popular hike and one of the longest hikes in Picos de Europe. From Poncebos, the first part of the hike in particular is immensely hard. It is a hefty climb of about 2 kilometers, but views from the top are breathtaking. If you leave from Cain then we recommend that you do not hike all the way to the end, as the beginning from Poncebos is not very interesting. It’s then best to turn around just before the climb.

After the first climb, most of it is flat and you walk along the gorge. The hike is not very kids friendly, as you walk along a considerable precipice. It is also better to keep dogs on a leash. The route is carved into the side of the mountain, and there are no handrails or fences to keep you away from the edge, so a little care is recommended.

As you near Cain, the hike turns into narrow tunnels and caves. You also pass several bridges. A spectacular part of the hike. From the highest part Los Calla’s you have the best views and sometimes you can even admire Mount Urriellu.

Tip! What you’ll probably also enjoy reading is the article on the hike to Bulnes.

When is the best time to do the hike Ruta del Cares?

Actually, you can do the hike all year round, but in spring everything is in bloom and the falls are at their most beautiful. In summer it can be quite hot, so then it is wise to leave early. In winter, you have the chance of snow, and because of the steep cliffs, this may not be the best option this time of year.

Hikkaduwa: surfing, surfing and more surfing

Hikkaduwa, also known as Hikka, moe you do yes ;p. This small surfing town can be found about 100 kilometers from Colombo just north of Galle. Hikkaduwa is hip, cozy and just incredibly nice! It is the place to work on your surf skills and hang out at hip hot spots.

In recent years, Hikkaduwa has experienced quite a transformation and went from mass tourism to quiet surfing town.Tip! Book an overnight stay near Narigama Beach. At this beach no big resorts but a nice quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

The costs from this article are based on exchange rates during our trip through Sri Lanka in February 2022. The Sri Lankan rupee then had a value of 0.0041 euros. That’s about 240 rupees for 1 euro converted.

In this article about Hikkaduwa

• To do
• Hotspots
• Travel time
• Budget
• Practical information
• The nicest accommodations
• How do I get there?
• Our opinion

Sulawesi: the most beautiful island in Indonesia

Sulawesi is perhaps the most beautiful island in Indonesia. This island really has everything: beautiful nature, impressive volcanoes, great beaches, culture, jungle and one of the most beautiful diving locations in the world. Yet this island is still relatively undiscovered which may make Sulawesi extra special. It is one of the few vacation destinations where you have the most beautiful beaches all to yourself.

It is possible to combine Sulawesi with several islands, but you must have the time. Sulawesi, also called celebes is in fact the second largest island in Indonesia after Kalimantan. From Makasar (south) to Manado (north) is 1,700 km and will take you at least 40 hours of driving if you are lucky, as road conditions are slightly different than in the Netherlands. We traveled from south to north in 4 weeks and still ran out of time. Although we still want to see an enormous amount of Sulawesi, we can already conclude that this is perhaps the most beautiful island in Indonesia.

24 days in Sulawesi in pictures

Last year we both fell like a block of concrete for the diverse Indonesia. 3 months we got to travel around here and still got the feeling that we had not seen enough of the country. Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok and Flores, each island was different. Sulawesi was high on the list, but alas the time in Indonesia was up. After our 6-month trip through Asia, we knew for sure, we have to go back to Indonesia. So that’s what we did! This time the beautiful island of Sulawesi. one of the largest islands in Indonesia (and even No. 11 in the world, so the Netherlands fits in about 4x :). By bus, plane and lots of boats, we travel from South to North Sulawesi in 28 days. Still too little time, but enough to be able to say that this is the most beautiful part of Indonesia we have had the pleasure of exploring so far. But enough chatter, images say more than words. So check out our 28-day journey through Sulawesi from North to South Sulawesi in pictures here.

Our journey through Sulawesi

15x things to do in Lisbon

Lisbon is charming, cozy and there is an enormous amount to experience. On every corner in Lisbon you can find a fine restaurant, hip coffee shop or busy café. Your days can therefore be spent strolling and terrace-hopping just fine. Or well can, it is actually a must at a minimum. Set aside 1 day for this. Old-fashioned strolling without a plan and eating yourself whole. Trust me! That’s what you want here.

Are you still looking for a cool activity or the best sights for Lisbon right now. No Worries, we have collected the very best Lisbon sights for you.

1. Visit a Fado Cafe in Bairro Alto or Alfama

Fado is the Portuguese life song. Everywhere in Lisbon you will find cafes where you can enjoy live Fado music during or after dinner. The cafes are often dark and small, making the concert super intimate. Plus there is always EATING!

A big tip is the fado restaurant Tasca do Chico. You do not have to pay an entrance fee, but it is mandatory to order min. 10 euros p.p. of food and drinks. You have a choice of full meals, but can also enjoy drinks. In addition, this café is known for its unique sausages. So special that even star chef Antoiny Boudain once visited this place for this purpose. The café may also be suitable for somewhat larger groups. Whether you are with a group or all by yourself, booking in advance is really a must.

Location: Tasco do Chico, R. do Diário de Notícias 39, 1200-141 Lisboa

2. Taste the most delicious Pasteis da Nata at Manteigaria

Yup in 2nd place you won’t find the popular Bairro Alto neighborhood, a ride on Tram 28 or the super hip XL Factory but GEBAK! Because for me, pastries always win over churches, cozy streets or beautiful views. After all, love goes through the stomach. So this was a must-do for me in Lisbon. Pasteis da Nata is a special pastry filled with cream which officially comes from the Belem neighborhood. The recipe is still held by the Fábrica dos Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon. Still, according to many (including me one), you can get the tastiest Pasteis Da Nata at Manteigaria. So do it! Preferably as often as possible.

Ps. Do not be afraid of the calories, in Lisbon you will walk off the pastry in no time thanks to the many slopes ;p

TIP: Also fun! Learn to make the most delicious Pasteis de Nata yourself with a cooking workshop.

Location: ManteigariaYouhave several locations in the city.

3. Visit Lisbon’s hotspot heaven: Lx Factory

Lx Factory is Lisbon’s hotspot heaven. Hipper is almost impossible! Once the old factory site under the Ponte 25 de Abril, LX Factory was transformed into a creative melting pot several years ago. Now you will find numerous hip concept stores, an awful lot of street art and fun eateries. Although we liked the food a little better in town itself, this is a great place to visit. Drink a beer here, score fun items at one of the many cool concept stores or admire the colorful street art.

Best dining spot can be found just outside LX factory at Village FOOD. For drinks, the Rooftop Bar is the place to be.

Location: LxFactorty, R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa

4. Have a drink (& dance) at Pinkstreet

Not long ago, the now super popular Pink Street was known as Lisbon’s noisy pink neighborhood. In 2011, Lisbon decided it needed to be different. The street was spray-painted bright pink and one hip bar and restaurant after another opened there. The street is not very big, but definitely fun to visit for a while. During the day it is quite quiet and you can have a drink or a bite to eat. In the evening, Pink Street is one of the best places to go out.

We loved sitting on a stool here around 4 o’clock and then admiring one insta shoot after another over a beer.

Recommended drinks on Pink Street:

• Sol e Pesca: seafood restaurant where you can also have a social drink
• Bookstore Bar Girl and Girl: snack, drink or score a nice book quickly
• Pink Wine Point

Location: Pink Street, R. Nova do Carvalho 24, 1200-161 Lisboa

5. Bairo Alto

In the evening, the Bairro Alto neighborhood comes alive. Stroll through cozy streets of Bairro Alto and plop down somewhere for bargain cocktails. An absolute must visit.

6. Streetcar 28

Take a ride on the world-famous yellow Tram 28. The streetcar runs through all of Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods. The streets are often very narrow and sometimes have a 14% slope. So hold on tight. The ride takes about 50 minutes and takes you past all the city’s major attractions. A single ride costs about 3 euros. You can also buy a hop-on-hop-off ticket.

7. Go Surfing!

When you think of a city break you might not think of surfing very quickly, but in Lisbon you can do it really tremendously well. This is because it is located by the sea and conditions are almost always good, especially for beginners. A surf lesson costs only 20 euros. Besides, the beach is just always a good idea. After your surf lesson, you can dive right into a trendy beach bar and reminisce with your feet in the sand.

8. Visit the oustanding Alfama neighborhood.

Alfama is not only Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, but also perhaps one of its most beautiful. This district is located on the seven hills between the Tagus River and Castelo Sao Jorge. So a little stretching before departure. The neighborhood is incredibly cute. You can wander around countless steep picturesque streets here.

9. Try the traditional drink Ginjinha

Ginja or Ginjinha is a traditional Portuguese liqueur made from ginja berries. The drink is served as a shot often with a cherry in it. It is a favorite drink of many Portuguese and I must say I was a real fan of it too. 1 of the most famous places to try the drink is at A Ginjinha. We decided to try one more at Ginginha do Carmo. Here you got the drink in a chocolate shot. Perhaps not quite the tradional way, but oh so divinely delicious. Besides, you were allowed to refill the shot once and that makes us stingy Dutch very happy ;p

Location: Ginginha do Carmo, Calçada do Carmo 37 A, 1200-090 Lisboa

10. Explore the city with a FOODTOUR

A food tour is always a good idea! It is the perfect way to explore a city. Do the food tour right at the beginning of your trip, that way you know right away exactly where to go, which neighborhoods are nice and what to order in a restaurant.

Book your food tour with WithLocals >>

11. Drinking special beers

You had me at beer! Take a seat on the stairs at specialty beer café the Brewpub and try some of Lisbon’s tastiest beers. Tip! Next to the little bar is also a nice record store. You also have several local brewers in town where you can do a tasting. Highly recommended is the Quimera Brewpub brewery. For 20 euros p.p. here you have a tasting of 6 beers and get a hefty burger to go with it.

12. Visit fairy-tale Sintra

Sintra is the fairy tale of Portugal. In fact, in this area you will find numerous magnificent castles. The town itself is also very nice to visit. From Lisbon you can easily reach Sintra and is therefore very nice as a day trip. By bus, it takes about an hour.

13. Explore the city on an electric scooter

You can rent an electric scooter anywhere in the city. Ideal, since there is quite a bit of climbing in Lisbon. Besides, it’s just a hilarious way to explore the city. WIe decided to ride the scooter from downtown to LX factory. In fact, on the outskirts of the city you have a bike path, which is ideal with the scooter.

14. Score tasty snacks at the Time Out Market in Lisbon

Visit the Time Out Market in Lisbon. This market consists of 2 halls. In 1 hall you will find the fresh market and in the other hall a food court.

15. Miradouro do Graça

Walk to Miradouro do Graça for great views of the city

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Ella

Ella is a must-visit during your trip through Sri Lanka. Not only because this is the starting or ending point of the world-famous train journey but also because the scenery is breathtaking. From viewpoint hikes, jungle, giant waterfalls to scooter rides through the tea plantations. It’s all possible here.

The town is also known for its fine climate and numerous hip hotspots. Fancy a poké bowl or a trendy oat Latté. Fat chance you can score it here. Unlike the crowded and chaotic cities like Kandy, Negombo and Colombo, Ella has a relaxed atmosphere. This is where you come to unwind and take in nature.

In this article

• To do
• Hotspots
• Travel time
• Budget
• Practical information
• The nicest accommodations
• How do I get there?
• Our opinion

Most beautiful beaches in Sardinia

A Sardinia road triphas been on our bucket list for years, because if there is one destination blessed with the beautiful beaches it is Sardinia. Just Google Sardinia for fun and you’ll think you’re looking at pictures of the Maldives.

Pearly white beaches and crystal clear waters. Yes really you just find it here in Europe. So as true beach lovers, it was quickly decided: We must add Sardinia to our Europe Roadtrip. Best decision ever! Because still Sardinia is our favorite vacation destination in all of Europe. Is a road trip through Sardinialready on your schedule? Then quickly read on to see which beaches you absolutely cannot miss.

La Maddalena archipelago

The La Maddalena Archipelago is not one beach, but an archipelago made up of 7 larger islands and 20 small islands and should definitely not be missed in this overview. This group of islands belongs to the national park the Maddalena archipelago which consists of 12,000 hectares. Because this is a protected area, you will find pristine beautiful sheltered beaches. It is not called the Maldives of Italy for nothing. Surely here you will find the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia and perhaps Italy. You can explore the archipelago with a day trip, by taking a boat trip or even better you stay there for a few nights. Beaches you absolutely cannot miss are: Cala Corsara, Pink Beach on Budelli, Spiaggia di Cala Coticcio, Spiaggia Bassa Trinita and Spiaggia Testa di Polpo.

Capo Cado Cavallo

Our first day in Sardinia was immediately a very beautiful one. After arriving in Sardinia by ferry in Olbia, we decided the next morning to explore the area immediately on our vintage Tomos. The first beach in Sardinia that we visited was also immediately one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, namely Capo Cado Cavallo. A beautiful beach with clear blue water and surrounded by extraordinary rock formations. The drive to the beach is already an absolute picture. Just before you reach the beach, you have a great view of the bay. Be sure to take a moment here to enjoy the view.

La Pelosa Beach

La Pelosa is one of Sardinia’s most famous beaches, and for good reason. The water here is so clear and the beach so white that you almost seem to float. Definitely a pearl of a beach, but its beauty does attract a huge number of people. But despite the crowds, we definitely recommend a visit to this beautiful beach in Sardinia.

Nice tip! Near Pelosa Beach you will find salt flats where Flamingos are regularly spotted.

Chia

From one of the most visited beaches to an undiscovered gem, namely Chia beach. In fact, we had this beautiful beach completely to ourselves, which is surely unique in Europe. The beach is golden and surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery. We decided to have a picnic here at sunset and this is still absolutely one of greatest travel moments ever!

Porto Giunco Beach, Villasimius

Porto Giunco Beach can be found near the charming village of Villasimius. A popular spot with windsurfers. On the west side of the village you will find rough somewhat austere sea, but on the east coast you will find pearly white beaches and azure waters. Yes can walk from one beach to the other in no time and it really is a bizarre difference. Porto Giunco Beach is the perfect place for a day of lazing. On the beach you will also find a beach bar where you can enjoy a snack and drinks.

Spiaggia di Porto Ainu

This beach is definitely a gem, but not the most beautiful beach on this list. Nevertheless, for us, this beach is among one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. Especially if you are with the motor home. In fact, you can stay here right on the beach among the pine trees. For us one of the most beautiful places in Sardinia that we have had the pleasure to stand.

Puntaldia

Around Olbia you will find several beaches that are absolutely worth visiting. After visiting the Capo Cado Cavallo beach, we decided to also stop at Puntaldia and it is truly unprecedented how many beautiful beaches you can find here.

#6 Porto Istana Beach

Another beautiful beach near Olbia to visit is Porto Istana Beach. On the northeast coast of Sardinia you will find numerous beautiful beaches. This is the ideal region for beach hopping by car, moped or bicycle. Not only the beaches are magnificent, but the surroundings and the roads are terribly beautiful.

#7 Dido Beach, Buggeru

The west coast of Sardinia is often somewhat underexposed. The beaches here are a little less white and the water a little less blue. Instead, the coast here is rugged and rocky, which is precisely what makes it the area so beautiful. It is also the place for wave surfers and water sports enthusiasts. Although the water here may be a little less tropical, Dido Beach is among one of our favorite beaches in Sardinia.

#8 Spiaggia Porto Taverna

Spiaggia Porto Taverna is a somewhat lesser-known beach near Olbia. We ended up here because we spent a few nights at nearby Taverna campground. From our campsite we could walk right onto the beach, which was secretly particularly beautiful. Spiaggia Porto Taverna is a vast beach with a beautiful white beach. The beach is not hugely famous, making it wonderfully quiet. Still, you will find several trendy beach bars where you can have a bite to eat or a drink. So a very nice place for a day at the beach in Sardinia.

More beautiful beaches in Sardinia

Despite having made a wonderful Sardinia road trip in 3 weeks, there are still numerous beaches we missed. These are the must-visit beaches of Sardinia that are still shining on our bucket list:

• Cala Goloritzè – Baunei
• Cala Mariolu – accessible only by excursion or boat
• Cala Brandinchi, also known as Little Tahiti
• Spiaggia di Li Cossi, beautiful hidden cove
• Spiaggia del Principe
• Tuerredda beach, near Chia beach

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Eten in Nepal: 7x favoriete gerechten van Foedsie

Al jaren stond Nepal op ons lijstje. In 2017, tijdens onze reis van 6 maanden door Azië, was het dan eindelijk zover, 4 weken Nepal met als hoogtepunt het Annapurna Circuit. Halsoverkop werden we verliefd op dit land. Zo puur. De mensen zijn enorm vriendelijk en gastvrij, de natuur adembenemend en het eten is er geweldig! Het klinkt misschien een beetje gek, maar goed eten tijdens een reis vind ik zo belangrijk en wat was het fijn om de Nepalese keuken te ontdekken. Reis met mij mee door de keuken van Nepal met mijn 7x favoriete gerechten uit Nepal.

>> English: FOOD IN NEPAL: 7X MY FAVORITE NEPALESE FOOD AND NEPALI DISHES

Dal Bath

DAL BATH POWER, 24H! De Dal Bath is het nationale gerecht van Nepal en ik ben er echt dol op. Overal in Nepal kun je Dal Bath bestellen. Er werd ons zelfs verteld dat ongeveer 80% van de bevolking iedere dag, 2 keer per dag Dal Bath eet en that’s it. Het gerecht bestaat uit rijst, een linzen curry (de Dal), vaak met papadum of broodje, een groente curry ( Tarkari). Toch is geen één Dal Bath hetzelfde. IEdereen maakt het op zijn eigen manier. Vooral in de bergen wordt er veel Dal Bath gegeten. Voor wandelen de perfecte maaltijd, want het geeft je inderdaad een flinke boost. Het beste van alles, je mag Dal Bath onbeperkt aanvullen. Wil je meer, dan komen ze gewoon langs met wat extra Dal. Dit was Leroy voldoende reden om tijdens onze trekking bijna 3x per dag Dal Bath te eten. Ik vond het heerlijk, maar dat ging mij zelfs iets te ver.

Dal is perfect voor na de trekking, heerlijk warm om een haardvuur.

Momo

Dit klinkt toch al meteen als een mega goed gerecht: Momo. Als je van dumplings houdt dan is dit gerecht iets voor jou. De Nepalese momo’s zijn gestoomde deegpakketjes gevuld met vlees, kaas of groente geserveerd in een pittig sausje. I love it! Ook dit gerecht kun je werkelijk overal bestellen. Dus zeker doen!

Knoflooksoep

Misschien niet het beste gerecht om te bestellen tijdens een eerste date, maar knoflooksoep is stiekem super lekker en mega gezond. Vooral tijdens je trekking is het verstandig om zo nu en dan een knoflooksoepje te bestellen. Hoewel de soep mega heftig klinkt, valt de knoflook smaak reuze mee. Absoluut een aanrader.

Jag Cheese

Als ik één ding mis tijdens het reizen door Azië dan is het wel Kaas. Ik ben echt dol op kaas. We hadden al 4 maanden geen fatsoenlijk stukje kaas gehad, toen we plotseling op 3500m hoogte, in een klein berghut de Jak Cheese ontdekte. Een Jak is een gigantische koe met lange haren die op grote hoogte leven. Alles van de Jak wordt gebruikt in de bergen: vlees, melk en zelfs zijn huid. Tijdens onze trekking bestelden wij regelmatig een chapati (brood) met wat Jak Cheese. Onze eigen samengestelde Nepalese kaasplankje. Wat was dit fijn zeg.

Appeltaart

Say What!! Ja echt appeltaart. Oké dit is misschien niet een typisch Nepalees gerecht, maar tijdens onze Annapurna trekking kwamen wij overal gebakjes of cake met appel tegen. Appelbomen in overvloed namelijk, waardoor de lokale bevolking van alles maakt met appels waaronder dus ook gebakjes. De gebakjes zijn echt goddelijk. Ze zijn er in allerlei vormen en maten.

Appeltaart of appelflappen eten op de mooiste plekken van Nepal. Overal vind je kleine kraampjes/winkeltjes waar je heerlijke gebakjes kunt kopen.

Hummus, falafel en een frietje kapsalon???

Het is natuurlijk niet Nepalees, maar je komt het overal tegen: de dönerzaak. Een van onze favoriete hotspots in Kathmandu was dan ook Thamel Doner, een piepklein zaakje waar je voor 1 euro döner of falafel kon bestellen. En ook bij de hotspots van Pokhara komt de döner terug. Het gerucht gaat zelfs dat het frietje kapsalon helemaal is overkomen waaien naar Nepal en hier super populair schijnt te zijn. Dus na een avondje stappen, kun je gewoon je oude vertrouwde kapsalon bestellen.

Alu Tama

Een traditionele Nepalese soep met aardappelen en bamboescheuten.

PIN & SAVE VOOR LATER