Adventurous Family Trip To Crete: All You Need To Know

by | Dec 8, 2024 | Travel

Know Before You Go

 

• Language: Greek / English

• Currency: Euros

• Transportation: It’s best to rent a car so you can take advantage of exploring the entire island.

• Lodging: We stayed at several AirBnB’s.  Please see below.

• Best Time To Go:  The best time to travel is between mid-May to June, or September to October to beat the summer heat & crowds.

• Plugs: As with most European countries, be sure to bring an international travel adapter.

What Must I Take

 • Water shoes (lots of rocks)

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Sun hat

• Snorkeling gear

• Sneakers/shoes with good grip, marble is slippery.

• Car charger if renting a car or battery bank

• Euros

Why & When to Visit Crete

If you’re looking to travel beyond Athens, Mykonos, or Santorini, look no further!  From breathtaking beaches, stunning mountains, rich history, and an inviting atmosphere for kids—Crete should be at the top of your list.

Crete isn’t just one of Greece’s largest islands – it’s a whole vibe!  Whether you’re a beach lover, a history buff, or just looking for an unforgettable family vacation, Crete has something for everyone.

Aside from the stunning, beautiful beaches, I was surprised to experience how kid-friendly it is.  

Photo of Marathi beach dock with waving Greek flag

Day 1: Exploring Chania's Old Town

My dad and Brian woke up bright and early to pick up our rental car.  They picked Levi and me from our AirBnB and made our way to Chania’s Old Town.

Here, you can stroll through the colorful streets filled with souvenirs, and restaurants, and walk along the port.

We also found a hidden gem called Tamam.  The food was delightful, the service was impeccable, and the prices were very reasonable.

two images of strolling through Chania's Old town
Photo of Brian and Levi strolling through the harbor during sunset

Be sure to stay for a mesmerizing sunset.  Venture and walk along the port towards the Light House of Chania for magical pictures during this golden hour.

A picture of a prickly pear being cut

We finished our day having a homemade meal at our AirBnB where our host’s parents treated us with prickly pear straight from their front yard!

Day 2: Seitan Limania & Falassarna Beach

We started our day heading towards Seitan Limania.  This is one of the beautiful beaches that is hidden in a cove.  It is a must-visit beach but you must be prepared for the following:

• Steep, narrow hills to drive down towards the “parking space”

• Steep, rocky, and slippery climb both ways. Brian and my father did it.  They reassured me it was not safe to take our toddler, as they were also struggling a bit.  The other way to get there is to rent a boat (That’s exactly what we did the following day!).

I waited in the car for roughly 30 min while Levi napped.  They went down, took a dip, and climbed back up.  At least I was in the company of goats who climbed cars >__<

Photo on the left is of a church before going down to the beach. Clear royal blue skies. Photo on the right is a mountain goat who climbed on top of a car. (lol)

On to our next stop! 1hr20min car drive to Falassarna Beach

This slice of paradise is located on the western side of the Island.  Unlike our hidden gem (Seitan Limania), it’s an organized beach with plenty of parking, umbrellas, and lounge chairs for rent.  it is very accessible and family-friendly indeed.  They also have bathrooms which are cleaned constantly and beach showers.

If you rent a cabana, you can choose whether you want full delivery service from the bar or pick a spot on the beach.

As far as the beach itself, there are waves, but I felt pretty safe by the shore with Levi.

Levi Jumping in the water
Myself and Levi by the seashore in Falassarna beach
Myself on Falassarna beach

Day 3: Boat Rental (Seitan Limania & more)

We were up bright and early to catch our rental boat in Marathi Beach!  It was about a 20-minute ride from our Airbnb.

You have the option of either riding the boat yourself or hiring a captain; we went with the latter (lol).

Seitan Limania was our first stop.  We parked the boat and splashed into the water to swim to the shore.  It was a beautiful landscape of turquoise water and rocky mountains.

We made a few more stops where we were able to snorkel and they were able to jump from cliffs.  As far as Levi, we splashed around in the water, and he even drove the boat for a bit! (Obviously, right next to me)

Photo of fish underwater with turquoise clear water
Parked boat
Photo of Brian jumping into the water from a cliff

After we returned the boat, we laid down at Marathi Beach to hang out and have a bite (homemade sandwiches). This was one of Levi’s favorite beaches, as the waters were calm and shallow, with practically no waves.

Crystaline, clear blue water in Marathi Beach

We wrapped up our day by heading home, changing quickly and going back into town to have a delicious souvlaki from Oasis.

Day 4: Road Trip to Rethymno

Nestled between Chania and Heraklion, Rethymno is a charming town that perfectly blends Crete’s rich history and vibrant culture. After driving for 1hr30min we reached our destination of Melodini, Rethymni.

Our second Airbnb was located in this small village.  Our host, Johanna, was raised in Alabama and decided to return back to her and her family’s roots in Crete.  Needless to say, she was amazing.  There were refreshments in the fridge, cookies on the dining table, along with fresh fruit.  She also surprised us with a delicious home-cooked meal!

They also run a family-operated Olive Oil Factory and offer other accommodations.

Rooftop views overlooking Melidoni Village with an overcast of clouds and big mountains
Picture of a quite street in Melidoni. There's a wheel and barrel with cascading pink flowers on top
Photo of a well with the sunsetting in Melodini

We walked around the village before heading into town at the Old Venetian Harbour (30-minute drive).

Rethymno is a University town, and there’s no denying it.  The Old Venetian Harbour is a beautiful place to walk no matter the time of day.  There are blocks upon blocks filled with restaurants featuring different cuisines, lively tavernas, and tons of shopping everywhere you turn.

We had a quick bite and a few drinks at this restaurant called The Whistler.  We ordered a steak platter to share and chicken fingers for Levi.  Everything was tasty, but the music and vibes stole the show! (great throwbacks)

Photo of the moon surrounded by dreamy clouds, overlooking melodini.

We went back to the house, where we enjoyed a nice bottle of Rose while listening to salsa and moonbathing.  

Day 5: Kalypso & Plakias Beach

When it comes to Crete, breathtaking beaches are a given—but if you’re looking for unique experiences off the beaten path, Kalypso and Plakias should be at the top of your list.

The drive to Kalypso was magical, as you can see below.

The only way to get down is using some run-down stairs.  There are no bathrooms.

Picture of the scenic road to Kalypso beach surrounded by beautiful larger-than-life mountains

We arrived around 3:00 pm; it was super windy for Levi and me to swim in the shallow water.  The waves were hitting extremely hard against the rocks, and truthfully it wasn’t as hot and sunny as the previous days.

However, if your cup of tea is diving or snorkeling, then this is the place for you! Brian and my dad jumped off, and honestly, I was petrified because of the crashing waves, but I’m thankful they made it out okay

Photo of sunbeds at Kalypso Beach

Just a short drive from Kalypso lies Plakias Beach, a long stretch of golden sand that offers a more laid-back vibe. There is a tikki bar right on the beach, perfect for sitting around during golden hour.

By the time we arrived, it was incredibly windy, and once again, the waves were hitting hard against the shore.  I recommend going here first, early in the day, then taking your dip in Kalypso, especially if you are traveling with children.

Photo collage of Plakias beach during sunset. On the right there are three small polaroids of the food we ate and a picture of Levi smiling.

We finally had a late lunch in Paligremnos Taverna and it did not disappoint! It was super fresh and tasted like a delicious meal made at home.

Day 6: Livadi Beach & Heraklion

The last town to explore was Heraklion.  We started our day with a Freddo Cappuccino (as we did every day), and off we went!

Before making our way to our last Airbnb, we made a pit stop at Livadi Beach!  We had sunny skies all morning, and soon after we rented our pedal boat, it started to get gloomy.  

We made it halfway, jumped in the water, and returned to shore.  Even though it was short-lived, thanks to the storm, this was so much fun!

Photo taken from the boat. Cloudy, stormy skies and turquoise waters

Let me tell you one thing: driving in Crete, I mean Greece overall, is a nightmare.  The roads are narrow, steep, and snake-like, and to top it off, they have no barriers.  Thank God for Brian taking the wheel because I couldn’t have done it (no really,, it was a manual car foot-in-mouth).

Our Airbnb was atop a mountain.  It was a beautiful home but nonetheless a bit intimidating to get there.

Two photos. (left) Brian and I sitting down in front of our Airbnb. (Right) A picture of the living room featuring a plant.

Day 7: Paleokastro & Voulisma Beach

This was our last beach day and we made it our goal to make the best of it.  These two beaches were my absolute favorite from the entire trip!

Paleokastro Beach was only a 15 minute ride from our AirBnB so we started our day here.  It was smaller than other beaches, but parking was rather easy and there were only a few locals by the time we arrived.

It is a great swimming spot for the entire family as the waters are calm and crystal clear (don’t be surprised to find a shoal of fish swimming next to you as well).

Photo collage of Levi and I sitting at the beach. Crystal clear water surrounded by rugged rocks

After a morning/ afternoon full of sun, off we went to our final destination, Voulisma Beach! (1hr drive from there)

Located on the northeastern coast of Crete, Voulisma Beach boasts a long stretch of golden sand and breathtaking turquoise water.  

When we arrived (4 p.m.), it was fairly packed, but the water was the warmest we had experienced on the island.  Parking was easy (along the main road).  There is an “adult only” tikki bar before you head down to the beach as well.  

Before taking the stairs to the beach, there was another bar/restaurant open to the public, where we bought food and drinks to enjoy downstairs.  

 

We loved everything about this beach from the calmness and warmth of the water to the music from the bar that can be heard down at the beach.  The atmosphere was great and was very clean overall!

We headed back towards Heraklion, where we made reservations at Athali.  This restaurant specializes in Authentic Cretan Cuisine. Everything we had in Crete was delicious, but this was the absolute best.  We ordered lamb chops, feta cheese saganaki (obsessed), meat pie, kebab athali, and lamb souvlaki.  

A photo collage of Athali restaurant.

Day 8: Last Day in Crete

For the most part, we spent our time walking around Heraklion Old Town, buying last-minute souvenirs and grabbing bites of food.

If you want to do some shopping, the inner streets have a great variety of stores and even better sales!

One thing you must try before you leave, is the cheese Bougatsa (filo dough pastry filled with either spinach, cheese or sweet cream) from Kikor! hand down, it’s one of the best ones I’ve had!

Photo collage showing a water fountain on the left. And three pictures of food on the right. (Bougatsa, Caprese crepe, and Greek burger)

To wrap it up, we had an incredible time in Crete, and if I could, I would do it all over again! It’s not just a destination, but memories in the making.  From splashing in crystal turquoise waters to indulging in local flavors, this is one of the perfect places to relax in Greece without the chaos of Mykonos or Santorini.  Gather your crew, pack your bags, and let this incredible island show you the time of your life. <3

A very last minute trip to korea/philippines

A very last minute trip to korea/philippines

by | Apr 5, 2024 | Travel

“As I’m eating dinner on monday night, Brian mentions the idea of going to the Philippines the following day, as crazy as it sounded to me, I was ready to pack my bags and leave!”

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What to expect

    • Language: Tagalog/English
    • Currency: Philippine peso
    • Plugs: Bring converter
    • Passport/Visas: US Passport OK / check the Philippine Tourism website for more details
    • Best time to visit: Peak season is from mid-December to mid-April being the hottest and driest season.  Rainy season is between June and October.

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In This Article

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Planning Our Trip:

We didn’t. We had been speaking of taking a long haul flight somewhere in the weeks to come but that was it.  Nothing was set in stone, nothing was booked. As I’m having a nice dinner at home on Monday night, Brian approaches me and we start playing with the idea of going to the Philippines. Next thing you know, we’re pulling an all nighter packing to catch a 5am flight and make our connection to Seoul, South Korea. All within less than 24hrs!! If last minute was a person/people then we would be it. This is not for the faint of heart, but if what you like is taking risks then I say go for it and make it WERK!

 A lot people will have their personal opinions about this and that’s alright but this is ours.  We have always loved traveling and exploring new cultures, places and hidden gems. As soon as we welcomed our son, we got his passport and continued on with the adventures. He has now been to 5+ countries and counting, we don’t regret a single trip. Yes he will not remember but you are opening up his eyes to the cultures of the world and igniting a passion for travel. Yes it might be hard at times but take it for what it is, these are memorable memories you are making together.

With this being said, preparation is key when traveling with children! I have a few nuggets of wisdom but if you have other tips and tricks please do make sure to comment so we can all stay in the loop as well!

Preparing for a long haul flight with a toddler:

•Snacks! (This will keep those tantrums at bay for a little while)

•Inflatable foot rest–  set this DIY “first class bed” up and they’ll have some decent sleep for a good few hours.

•A magic coloring book!

•A few magnetic tiles and let their imagination run

•One or two changes of clothes of course

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Transiting through Seoul, South Korea

Surprisingly, Levi behaved so well during our 16hr flight from Detroit to Seoul.  We decided to stay for one day on our way there, and our way back to the states, just to mitigate the chaos a bit and rest as much as possible.  With a total of two days in South Korea, we were able to explore a bit but not as much as we would have liked to. Below are some of our recommendations.

 

A Taste of Seoul

As much as we wanted to try Korean BBQ, sorry to disappoint but we didn’t.  The first night we just wanted to have a light bite and on our way back, I wasn’t feeling really well by the time we decided to try it.  All of that being said, the packed streets of Myeong-dong were filled with the delicious smell of street food everywhere we turned.  We encountered everything from cheese pancakes to octopus, and even fried oreo churros.  I wish I would have tasted each and every cart to give a better review but my gut was not having it.

We did get a chance to eat a these two places which were excellent!

 

  1. Hwangsaengga Kalguksu – Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

Aside from a cozy semi-private setting upstairs, this Michelin star restaurant offers dishes such as dumplings, noodle soups, boiled beef, and one of our favorites were the fish and vegetable pancakes.

 

2.  Korean BBQ Restaurant (뱃터양꼬치)

This was a small place we randomly walked into, our first night in Seoul.  It was in Incheon, not too far from the airport. I loved everything we ordered, especially the egg fried rice, yummy! Their specialty are lamb skewers!

WHERE TO SHOP

The only place we really explored was Myeon-dong, and let me tell you that was all I needed for everything I needed to shop for.  You might know by now, Koreans are known for their skin care products and what better place to get all the goodies at?

Our first stop was at Olive Young, which is basically a really big store just dedicated to skin care, make up, scalp care etc.  You can find thousands of products here, especially the viral tik tok products people rave about.  Below was some of the “splurging” I did.  Wish I could have bought more but we’ll see how my skin reacts to these first.

You can visit the Olive Young website  and use my code VIASARANGO20 to get 5% off your purchase / or click the links below to find them on Amazon!

 

Vitamin C serum

COSRX Retinol

Peripera lip tint

Eyebrow pencil

Cuticle pen

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1 Day in Manila

Where to stay in Manila:

Makati is a bustling metropolis which we can safely say it’s the central business district of the Philippines.  It is a great place to stay for first-time goers, since it is vibrant, full of life and overall safe.  We stayed at the Citadines Benavidez hotel and they were beyond accomodating.  It is fairly new and everything from the amenities to the food was fantastic.

WHERE TO SHOP

Philippines take pride in their malls and let me tell you, it shows!  This was the biggest and most dynamic shopping center I’ve been to. You can find Everything from a movie theater, dentist, hair salons and more.  Interestingly enough, even with my major in Fashion design, I don’t really enjoy shopping, but let me tell you this, their department store called The Landmark, is all my shopping dreams could ever be. I wanted to take every single item on the shelves. Not only because they had really pretty things but the price was unbelievable. Two tops and a pair of pull on bottoms for $15!  The department store is located inside Glorietta Mall, you can find everything from high-end luxure stores, to the department store I mentioned above and more. 

What to eat:

Ok now to the real fun part. I’ve never really had Filipino food other than the occasional lumpia and jolibee spaghetti. Everything was about to change with my first bite of Sisig.

MANAM 

Comfort Filipino food. The first sip of that Ube shake and a bite of their homemade crispy sisig blew my tastebuds out! I didn’t know what to expect and I think that’s what made it even better.

•House crispy sisig (like small pieces of chicharron with delicious mayo based sauce)

•Beef Salpicao

•Lumpia

•Beef tapsilog (thinly sliced sweet-salty peppery beef with crunchy garlic rice and a fried egg) this is a Filipino breakfast which I honestly ate at any hour of the day. 

Budget: All of this for $36 USD!

WILDFLOUR RESTAURANT

We decided to head here right before catching our flight to Palawan. Pretty scenery inside the Glorietta mall with perfect weather to sit outside and enjoy a nice brunch.

•Assorted pastries (my favorite was the cronut)

•Blue dreams shake

•Hong Kong milk tea (Brian rates 5 of 5)

•Beef tapas (so yummy even our picky eater ate it!)

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Palawan Island

Day 1: Puerto Princesa

Palawan is known to be one of the worlds most beautiful islands, and trust me, it is everything people boast about and more.  We have decided to stay one day here and explore as much as we could so we could have more time around El Nido and its beaches in the coming days. 

where to stay:

This AirBnB apartment was our go to. It is a spacious 2BR duplex right near the city center, and it was also just a few minutes from the airport. Everything was walking distance, from bars, supermarkets, pharmacies and even a crossfit gym right across!

where to eat/drink:

J1 KTV & BAR: Around the corner from our Airbnb we had a fun bar, where even Levi was welcomed ! We left shortly after 8pm when the crowd started to arrive.  Good drinks and finger food, as well as great music!

EIGHTYNINE CAFE:  Right before we left for El Nido, we had breakfast at this small but mighty cafe and it did not disappoint.  We ordered tapsi, a traditional breakfast, lemon sour spritz , matcha latte, and a Bailey’s coffee pictured below. 

Budget: All of this totaling roughly $20 USD.

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El Nido

 

Getting to paradise

Stay with me here, after all these flights and jet-lag, this is the last stretch. Palawan, if you didn’t know, is named as one of the top islands of the world.  If we were able to manage with a two year old, so can YOU!

From Puerto Princesa to El Nido, you have to take a 4.45 ride either in a shared van or rent a car and drive at your own pace (like we did) we paid roughly $67 USD to rent a car for 4 days, meanwhile the ridesharing starts at about $9.  You can also book a flight from Manila to a private airport (ENI) which starts roughly at $250 roundtrip.

The roadtrip sounds long, but you can see so much of the people from Palawan, their culture and interact with them.  Our favorite was chatting up with a group of young kids and their parents while making a quick stop, and the minute we offered them milkshakes (which is what the store was known for) their eyes lit up.  It was such an unforgettable experience for all of us.

 WHERE TO STAY

High Chaparral Cottages :   

This is THE place to stay.  “Far enough from the crowded streets, but still 5 min. away from the center of town”. The best way I can describe it, it’s like being in a mini farm which my son and myself absolutley loved.  There were baby goats roaming around, chicken, hens, roosters, dogs, even a cow! Safe to say they have them under control and they are lovely animals overall! This was definitely a plus for us.  Hospitality from the heart goes a long way, and they were truly exceptional.  Everyone from Nita, Hans to Arleen and Boisy were wonderful, it was one of the best customer experiences I’ve had since they make you feel like family the minute we walked in (give them a warm hello from us if you go!).

Budget : Roughly $160/ night

 WHERE TO EAT

 

This part of the island is where you will find all the tourist, so naturally they cater more to tourists therefore offering a variety of cuisines to chose from.  We had everything from Thai to Italian, Japenese and local food! Below are some of the ones we visited.

Gorgonzola Pizzera –  A family style setting where you sit wherever you find a seat.  Lovely cozy place with tons of options from pasta to pizza and more.  We opted for the 16″ half 5 cheese / half tropical w/ no jalapenos.  I also enjoyed a refreshing glass of frozen mint lemonade!

AP Kala Beach Bar  and Modern Cafe – One of our favorites due to the spacious setting and open concept.  One of the many places to lounge in a sofa, while sipping your favorite drinks and having appetizers.  We ordered the calamari, turkey sandwich, fried pork belly and shrimp.

Big Bad Thai- YUM! very crowded but mighty place.  I was craving some thai and we ended up here and let me tell you everything was delicious! Started off with shanghai lumpia, and chicken skewers as appetizers.  As far as entress, Brian and I shared the cashew chicken which was enough for both of us.

High Tides – Stumbled upon this bistro on our last night in El Nido and safe to say it was a fun night.  Filipinos love karaoke so of course there was a band doing karaoke downstairs which I personally jammed to because I loved all of their song choices.  That night we opted for sushi (really good) and fries as appetizers, beef bulgogi and the tempura platter.  They did have a happy hour (buy one and get one free) which we definitely took advantage of.

Hama Cafe – A very simple, yet aesthetic looking cafe, with plenty of good choices for breakfast.  Our favorites were the fruit bowl, and beef tapas.  Brian was also obsessed with their matcha latte.

Budget: All meals with appetizers and drinks included range from $37-$60USD max.

WHERE TO BEACH / ISLAND TOURS

There are several tours offered in the island.  These often take you from 4-5 islands per day where you can explore beautiful beaches, see caves, kayak and even snorkle.  This is the one we chose and we couldn’t have made a better choice (Life’s simple pleasures).  They went above and beyond to make sure Levi and I were okay in the water, leaving and getting into the boat and I will forever be grateful with them.  You can check out the different tours on their FB account and see the pricing as well.

We chose Tours A and B.  They start roughly at about 8-9am each day and you get back into the docking area at around 5pm.  Be sure to bring a waterproof bag (like this one), a waterproof case for your phone, some snacks, plenty of water and tons of sunblock! The tour does stop at a beach and provides lunch which is already included, just be sure to bring cash to buy refreshments at some of the islands.

Lido Beach & Nacpan Beach

Just 45 minutes from El Nido, you can catch a ride to Nacpan Beach.  For some reason, this was by far our favorite beach, maybe it was the long stretch of white sand, the daybeds to lounge on or my pina colada served in a coconut.  Whatever it was, it was magical.  Levi loved being in the water as there are no waves, as well as making sandcastles and playing soccer with Arleen <3.

Note: Lido is only 10-15 min from El Nido “center” and it is a perfect place to watch the sunset.  There are many restaurants/bars/ lounges on the bar facing the beach and a nice long boardwalk on the water.

 

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Wrapping up our trip!

This has been a once in a lifetime trip that was much needed by our family.  We learned so much from one another and we grew closer than ever.  We are grateful to have met such beautiful souls, and despite their tragedies they still move forward and bring genuine smiles to the table.  Filipinos are welcoming, hardworking, warm individuals who are willing to go the extra mile to help you in any kind of way, or at least that’s the experience we were blessed with.  Thank you Korea and The Philippines for an unforgettable trip! 

If you’ve ever been and / or plan to go, please comment below for more tips, questions and concerns! 

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Ponta Delgada (Azores)

Ponta Delgada (Azores)

by | Jan 5, 2024 | Travel

“Despite this setback, we discovered that Ponta Delgada is a walker’s paradise, with its charming streets and convenient Uber services available.”

What to expect

  • Language: Portuguese
  • Currency: Euros
  • Plugs: Bring converter
  • Passport/Visas: US Passport OK / check this site for more details
  • Best time to visit: Peak season is from July-August, being the hottest season and the most popular.  October and November are the quietest but the sea is still warm enough for a quick dip.

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 DAY TRIP

 

Ponta Delgada (Azores) , located on the picturesque island of Sao Miguel, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored! As soon as we arrived, we were amazed to find a room near the heart of the city against all odds since we booked it as soon as we landed. However, our luck didn’t extend to the rental car, reminding us of the importance of booking all necessities in advance ( I cannot stress this enough).

Despite this setback, we discovered that Ponta Delgada is a walker’s paradise, with its charming streets and convenient Uber services available. Our visit in June felt like a breath of fresh air, with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and pleasant evenings. We had initially planned on hitting the beach, but obviously life is life and our plans quickly changed due to the weather.

As we strolled with no direction, we stumbled upon Jardim Botanico Jose do Canto, a mesmerizing botanical garden offering tranquil shade among the unique trees and species. Open year-round from 9 am to 5 pm (excluding Christmas and New Year’s Day), it provided a delightful escape from the sun.

Jardim Botanico Jose do Canto

As we continued our explorations on foot, we were captivated by the numerous squares, monuments, and plazas that adorn the city. Unfortunately, time was not on our side, and we could only scratch the surface of all the enchanting sights that Azores island has to offer.

Beyond what can be seen in pictures, the area surrounding A Tasca Restaurant is a shopper’s paradise, filled with delightful surprises, mom and pop shops, and of course great souvenirs to bring back home.

Speaking of delights, our friend Tatie recommended the perfect restaurant to satisfy our culinary cravings. A Tasca Restaurant offered a warm and welcoming ambiance, where we eagerly anticipated our order while enjoying the soothing melodies. I indulged in the mouthwatering Bife de Vazia, accompanied by homemade potato chips, while Carol savored the grilled tuna steak in a delectable sesame crust (Lombo de Atum).

A Tasca Restaurant

Sightseeing

Before we let jet-lag get the best of us, we made our way back to the hotel for a quick cat nap before heading out for dinner.  I must say it was right then and there when the highlight of our night happened.  As she was stepping out into the balcony, she jammed her finger with the door so hard it sent her straight back to bed.  I’m in tears as I write this, just as I was when it first happened, just as she was but for different reasons to say the least. I also have footage of this but may need to ask permissionm first :D.

 Ponta Delgada left us yearning for more as we reluctantly bid farewell. We vow to return someday and truly immerse ourselves in all the hidden gems this captivating city and island have to offer.

    

 

Ultimate Guide to Puerto Rico: Everything You Need to Know

by | Feb 12, 2022 | Travel

Though we have been here numerous times, I don’t think we will ever get tired of going to this amazing island for the years to come.  In my opinion, this is one of THE places to go for delicious food, thirst-quenching flavorful mojitos, lovely, amicable people, hidden tropical gems all around the island, and last but not least, a great night of dancing.

What To Expect

• Language: Spanish / English

• Currency: US Dollar

• Plugs: No need to bring a converter. Puerto Rico operates on a 120V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.

• Passport/Visas: No passport is needed for Americans, please check all other countries

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit is right after the busy winter, from mid-April until June. Summer is rainy, with August being the month with the most rainfall.

In This Article

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WHERE TO STAY

Whenever we frequent, we tend to stay either in hotels or AirBnB’s in the neighborhoods of Condado, Carolina or right at the start of Viejo San Juan in Caribe Hilton (highly recommend).  Since we tend to rent a car everytime we go, we rather steer away from the busy, crowded streets of Viejo San Juan where parking and traffic can be really difficult.  One of the things we look for is if the hotel has parking on premises or if our AirBnB provides a parking space, and so far we have always gotten lucky thankfully.

SIGHTSEE

A very special landmark of Puerto Rico is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, or El Morro for short.  It sits at the very top of Old San Juan and once there you are able to witness unbelievable views.  Entrance is $10/ person and the hours are usually from 9:00am – 5:00pm.  The walk to the castle itself is a bit lengthy but worth the scenic views.

                                    

WHERE TO EAT
 Brunch

To start your day well-fed make sure you stop by Pinky’s and pick up a delicious breakfast to-go, do call ahead of times as the lines are long, but so worth it. On the other hand if you want to bask in the sun while eating tasty brunch head over to Numero Uno Beach House.

Lunch / Dinner

There are several amazing restaurants around the area but below are my two absolute favorite.

Raices Restaurant 

If you are craving classic Island dishes, with a side of spectacular service that’s walking distance within Old San Juan, then look no further. Each time we come, we have such an amazing time. Be sure to get there early because usually tables are fully booked. I suggest calling ahead of time.

La Casita Blanca

I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. For starters it feels like you’re walking right into your grandma’s living room as soon as you step in.  The food tastes as fresh and as local as it gets. They have something for everyone here,  I have tried almost everything on the menu and not once have I been disappointed.  Note: There is usually a long line so make sure to plan ahead.

       

    

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Day 2: Luquillo & Seven Seas Beach

 

LUQUILLO

Just a 30 min car ride from San Juan and right across the road from el Yunque, you will find the wonderful Luquillo Beach along with the amazing Luquillo Kiosks. A quick warning, during peak season and weekends, the small parking lot can get filled quickly. Be sure to arrive early to secure your parking space and start your day off with some Frituras.

Once you get pasts the kiosks where you can find almost anything and everything, you will find Luquillo Beach.

 

Here, you can find activities such as jet-skiing or fly-boarding.  I was hesitant to try the jet-skiing, but Brian insisted we go on it and I had such a good time I don’t regret it all.  Also note, if you are not able to book these activities or they are oversold, head over to 7 seas beach.  Here, you can jet-ski, kayak, fly-board and they even rent go-pros as well!

 

Before you leave Luquillo, you need to step foot inside Terrunos.  I have tried almost everything from here and it has not disappointed yet.  My go to’s are Piononos (sweet plantain and ground beef based dish) for appetizers and their seafood mofongo in white sauce.

Also, I’m always looking to taste mojitos anywhere and everywhere in Puerto Rico, if this also fancies you, I highly recommend Mojito Lab, it’s worth the stop.

SEVEN SEAS BEACH

For some more fun in the sun, head over to Fajardo, Seven Seas Beach (appx 15 min ride from Luquillo).  Catch some rays, or continue with your adventurous water sports, and don’t forget to grab another snack on the way.  Here you’re able to do some more kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkel and they even rent out go-pros!!

We encountered “The House of Pastelillos” and I’m so grateful we did because it will become a new staple for me when we’re around the area. Freshly squeeze lemonade, fresh passion fruit lemonade and aside of pastelillos with fish tacos. (chef’s kiss)

     

    

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Day 3: Culebra & Snorkel

 

EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM

You are in Puerto Rico, even if you’re not a morning person, take advantage of this opportunity and take the morning ferry to spend a wonderful day at one of the world’s top beaches – Flamenco beach in Culebra island. Make sure to book your tickets in advance and get there with plenty of time to find parking and go onboard.  See ticket information here.  We caught the 6 am ferry and it gave us plenty of time to snorkel, have lunch, get some drinks, and come back just in time to do the bio-bay tour which I’ll talk about later.

CULEBRA ISLAND

I’ll start by saying, make sure to bring snacks, water and maybe some dramamine wouldn’t hurt if you tend to get seasick. Now that that’s covered, get ready to start your exciting day!

For snorkeling, and just about any other activity you want to participate in, make sure to book in advance! I cannot emphasize this enough.  This is the company we used to go snorkeling in Culebra and they’re professionalism is impeccable, I recommend it to everyone that visits.

I was a bit nervous since it was mine and my moms first time on a kayak and snorkeling but they made our experience so seamless and fun, she ended up wanting to stay longer in the water than we expected.

FLAMENCO BEACH

After an incredible morning spent with sea turtles, and beautiful coral reefs at Tamarindo Beach, the touring company’s last stop is Flamenco Beach.  Here, you will find serenity, tranquility and all things magic at once.  Pictures and words don’t do justice but at least you get to see a sneak peak of what to expect!

Right before you entere the beach you can also find kiosks, and bathroom stalls.  And remember, please always pick up after yourself,  no matter where you go.

BIOBAY TOUR (FAJARDO)

The Bioluminescent Bay is an extraordinary sight to see.  You can book your tickets with the same company previously used for the snorkeling or find another vendor and remember to always book ahead!

Following the ferry ride back to mainland, give yourself plenty of time to eat something, rest a bit and head off to the night time tour!

I must admit, I was scared, really scared.  We had to kayak through some waves into the lagoon in the dark. And my mom was my kayak buddy once again, so that’s two of us freaking out. Luckily if you’re not very comfortable rowing or if they see you are struggling, the guides will hook their kayaks to yours and guide you into the right direction which gives people like me a huge sense of relief.

Once we entered the mangroves I started to see the beauty and magic happening beneath us as the water splashed. Right in the middle of the darkness, you can see the “sparkles” and mixes of blue and green in the water with every splash. I almost felt like the little mermaid in the scene where she’s on a canoe singing with Sebastian.

This is one of the activities I highly recommend as it only takes place in a handful of places around the world and you happen to be in one of them! So please do yourself and your family a favor and give them this precious memory.

    

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Day 4: Cayo Icacos & catamaran

 

CAYO ICACOS DAY TRIP

A true beauty and hidden gem in Puerto Rico, the uninhabited island of Icacos.  It is literally a deserted island with nothing but sand and clear blue water.  Keeping this in mind, please be sure to bring plenty of water for hydration and food as there is nothing there for purchase.

GETTING THERE

The only way to get to Icacos is to take a water taxi or book a private Catamaran.  We have done both. The first time we went we got on a small boat (water-taxi) and it took roughly 20-30 min to get across.  This is a much cheaper option than renting a catamaran and I believe it’s also the most thrilling.  The second time we went, it was a small group of friends and decided to book a private catamaran.  We didn’t have to bring much as they provided water, snacks, and most importantly ,shade!  Also, something to keep in mind, if you opt for the water-taxi option, please bring an umbrella as this place has no palm trees or shade whatsoever.  We weren’t aware and ended up hiding under our towels until they came to pick us up.

BE EARTH FRIENDLY

As with anywhere you go, please make sure to leave the environment the same or better than you found it.  These are pristine beaches and we are counting on each other to keep them as clean as possible for ourselves but most importantly their eco-system.

Day Trips from San Juan