Best Round-The-World Travel Blogs
Posted October 23, 2009 , comments closedBest Round-The-World Travel Blogs
Here at BootsnAll, we’ve been trying to inspire and help people plan round the world (RTW) trips for over a decade now. We also host thousands of travel blogs ourselves, with many of them being RTW journals and sites. You might already realize that there are so many thousands of travel blogs out there that finding the best of the best is just about impossible, but that hasn’t stopped us from at least trying to point out some excellent sites that we consider to be among the finest.
First off, what makes a great travel blog?
If you are interested in just keeping track of your journey for your own sake and the interests of friends and family, then it’s totally fine to use an existing template and just cover whatever you prefer. But if you want to put together a site that will appeal to people who’ve never met you, it’s a bit more complicated. Everyone has their own preferences, but generally speaking these are the things that will make your site stand out and appeal to a wider group of people:
- Use lots of photos, on almost everything.
- Make sure your site is easy to navigate, so people who enter on any one post can easily find posts on the same topic or different topics.
- Create an “About Me” page that is easy to find (If random readers can’t tell if you are a 22-year-old female backpacker or a 51-year-old man on a temporary retirement, it’s much harder to feel a connection with you).
- Be opinionated.
- Use lots of photos (seriously).
Here are some RTW blogs that we feel stand out:
Gobackpacking.com
This started out as a standard RTW blog written by a guy in Virginia, USA, who spent 20 months on the road, but now it’s being expanded into a helpful resource for independent travelers. It’s nicely designed and easy to read and navigate, but the content itself is the key. His article describing the actual costs of a RTW trip is a great example of the practical advice he dispenses. And it seems he is looking to expand through outside collaborators now too, so check the site if you are interested.
Nomadicmatt.com
If you follow the online travel and social media community, chances are you’ve heard of Nomadic Matt. He’s another who hit the road a few years back and has barely slowed down since. His site is filled with really helpful tips, and he isn’t afraid to be opinionated, which is refreshing. On his site you might miss his actual blog, but it’s worth a look, especially for solid entries like this recent post called Everyone Say I’m Running Away.
Everything-everywhere.com
Gary Arndt brings a fresh perspective to his site. He’s an entrepreneur who has evidently done well enough to afford a life more or less on the road since 2007. Most RTW blogs concentrate on hostel dorms and barely-existent budgets, so it’s nice to read posts by someone who isn’t forced to travel as a backpacker. Gary is also a good writer who has lately become a key player in the travel social media community, including as the host of a new weekly podcast called This Week in Travel. His site also features a stream of great photographs, so it has the distinction of also making our Best Photo Blogs list.
Alittleadrift.com
This site is the work of a 25-year-old Florida native who says she had a “quarter-life crisis” and decided to hit the road in 2008. She’s a good writer who does an excellent job organizing things so the site is easy to navigate, and there are always plenty of great photos too. She also puts together articles that are meant for a broader audience, including her budget tips and declaration that RTW travel can be cheaper than you might realize.
Ottsworld.com
Sherry Ott was in her 30s when she decided the corporate world just wasn’t for her anymore. She traveled around for around two years and has been based in Vietnam for about a year, teaching English. Now she’s on the road again, but she’ll continue to write and try to help others break away from the corporate grind. If you are unsure whether you can or should hit the road yourself, have a look at her section on taking a career break.
Wherethehellismatt.com
You already know this guy, Matt, from his amazingly inspirational and successful videos of him doing the same goofy dance in some of the most picturesque places on earth. His first trip and video got him so much attention that Stride Gum sponsored a second one and then a third one. He’s now been to 80 countries, at last count, and does actually have a proper travel blog/journal on his site, in addition to the videos and such.
Forksandjets.com
Some colleagues and I discovered this one a few months ago, and we were immediately hooked. It’s written by a pair of “amateur foodie traveloguers” who left Los Angeles in 2008 for a nomadic lifestyle, and the moment the page loads you’ll see they also have a definite sense of style. Once you get past that cool retro look and font you’ll notice that the site is filled with great photos and stories on the food and culture everywhere they go. Check out their observations and frustrations with Morocco as a good example.
Nodebtworldtravel.com
Brian described his mission as “One guy’s attempt to travel as far around the world as he cheaply can” and he’s another who has made a name for himself in the online travel social media circles. It’s not so much a travel journal anymore as it is a useful hub for travel information and advice. He’s recently put together an ebook, in which he’s compiled some of his best stuff. One great example of his style is his article discussing just how much can you save by staying in hostels instead of hotels.
Kiwifamily
This is one of the busiest travel blogs hosted here at BootsnAll, and it should be inspirational to anyone thinking about long-term travel with kids. In their own words, this is about “A Kiwi family with eight kids and a grandpa chronicle their pilgrimage from Singapore to London and beyond…..overland all the way.” You don’t see many large families on the road, so it’s interesting to read about some of the unique challenges, like this post from Bulgaria.
Theworldeffect.com
Here’s another one that is new to us, but caught our eye quickly. It’s written by a couple who obviously have a great sense of visual style. Right now they are in Africa and they have posted some of the finest pictures we’ve seen on a travel blog. An excellent example is this fairly recent post from Serengeti National Park.
Livingspree.wordpress.com
This site is also written by a couple who thought about dropping out of the rat race, and then went ahead and did it. They’ve been a lot of places, and this one isn’t the easiest to navigate, but it’s filled with good writing and useful information. Folks thinking about going to Southeast Asia might especially appreciate the way they break down their exact expenses. Particularly interesting is this post called Wish I Knew It Last Month, where they collect their best tips and insights from the road, after plenty of experience.
Roundtheworldticket.com
This one isn’t a RTW blog in the traditional sense, but we’ll forgive that since it’s part of our own travel network. It’s a site that is loaded with RTW-specific advice and resources, and even though it’s not as active as it once was, you’ll still find some interesting stuff here. In particular you might be interested in Places You Should See on your RTW Trip and Not So Obvious Reasons to Go on a RTW trip.
Do you know of any great RTW travel blogs that we didn’t include? There are lots of fantastic sites out there, so if you know of a site that deals with circling the globe, let us know in the comments.
Photo by aranarth on Flickr
Madrid’s Top 5 Day Trips
Posted , comments closedThe Spanish capital, Madrid, isn’t exactly short of things to do. But for those who have got a little more time to explore, there are some awesome day trips from Madrid available. There are a series of interesting cities that are either a short distance away or can be reached in surprisingly quick times via high speed train. Whether it’s mosques, cathedrals and castles or a carnivorous feast on local specialities, these cities have plenty to offer. And then there are the royal and literary hang-outs that are just on Madrid’s door step…
We could have gone for more, but here are five of the best Madrid day trip options in central Spain.
Madrid day trip: Córdoba
Inside the Mezquita, in Cordoba
High-speed rail has opened up amazing possibilities in Spain – especially for those who want to see a lot but have limited time. Seville is often cited as a major beneficiary – the high speed train journey takes two-and-a-half hours, meaning it’s possible to do a day trip there from Madrid (click here for Madrid Toledo tours on Viator.)
But don’t overlook Córdoba. It’s closer (around one hour and 45 minutes on the train), and there’s a reason that it often crops up on Best Destination lists when readers vote in travel magazine polls.
Córdoba is packed with history – it was once the seat of an all powerful Islamic caliphate, and was regarded as the most advanced, enlightened city in Europe.
In the 10th century it was arguably the biggest city in the world, with an estimated 500,000 inhabitants. Architecture spans the ages – from Roman times to when there was a thriving Jewish population. The Jewish quarter is hugely atmospheric, and it leads to what is undoubtedly Córdoba’s star attraction.
The Mezquita is a cathedral that was once a mosque – and it’s a must-see, even for people who hate touring around cathedrals. Inside is an eye-popping series of red and yellow archways. There are hundreds of them, and it has a mesmerising effect as you wander through. (Note Viator has a highly rated 4-day tour of Spain from Madrid that includes Cordoba.)
Madrid day trip: Segovia
Segovia is another city that has benefited from the high speed connection to Madrid – it’s now just over half an hour away from the Spanish capital. It’s a spectacularly located city, sitting above the parched, dusty plains, and it’s loveable from the moment you first set eyes on the aqueduct.
The Roman-built aqueduct is Segovia’s most iconic image, and an astounding feat of engineering. It’s made entirely without cement or concrete, and consists of a series of narrow, spindly archways towering over the rooftops.
Segovia, from the top of the Alcazar
The second major attraction is the Alcazar, which can be found at the other end. The tale goes that this was the building on which the castle for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty was based. It certainly has fairytale looks, and the views from the top of the tower are awesome.
But it’s just as impressive inside – the rooms are lavishly decorated, and the one that is ringed by busts of Spain’s kings and queens is particularly intriguing.
For foodies, however, the Alcazar and aqueduct will be of secondary importance. Segovia is renowned for its suckling pig and lamb. Vegetarians will not be too impressed, but the more carnivorously inclined should brace themselves for huge plates of some of the most tender meat they will ever encounter.
It’s a good job that it’s a fair walk from the aqueduct to the Alcazar – it’s possible to walk off some of that extra bulk on the way. (Note: Viator has a popular day trip from Madrid to Segovia and Avila.)
Madrid day trip: Alcalá de Henares
Part of Madrid’s surrounding area (or Comunidad), Alcalá is essentially a suburb of the Spanish capital. It’s an instantly likeable place of cobbled, winding streets and large public squares. In terms of architecture, its grand cathedral and university buildings are enough to draw in the punters who aren’t there for literary reasons.
Segovia’s famous aqueduct
For the book lovers, however, the major reason to visit Alcalá de Henares is that it is the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. The famous Spanish author is often regarded as the second greatest of all time after William Shakespeare, and his classic Don Quixote is regularly cited as the best book ever written.
Those wanting to find out more about Alcalá’s most famous son can visit the Cervantes birthplace museum but a better bet is to turn up in April.
Cervantes died on April 23rd, 1616 - coincidentally the same date Shakespeare died - and this has been declared UNESCO World Book Day. In Alcala, it becomes a major event, coinciding with the awarding of the Cervantes Prize. This is given out by the King of Spain to the author of the best book in the Spanish language from the preceding year. It’s all highly prestigious, and the satellite town takes on a whole different air.
Madrid day trip: El Escorial
Approximately 45km to the north-west of central Madrid, El Escorial is arguably Spain’s most impressive royal site. It’s in the Sierra de Guadarrama, the mountain range that forms the natural boundary for the community of Madrid. The range is excellent for walking in (and even skiing in winter) but El Escorial is the high point for most.
It’s split into two parts – a huge monastery and a royal hunting lodge – although it’s the monastery that most associate with the name. Inside are some fabulous artworks, including the Hall of Battles where frescos commemorate memorable Spanish military victories.
Statue at El Escorial monastery
The most important part, however, is the Pantheon of the Kings. This is where all Spanish kings and queens are buried, and it looks suitably grand. The marble walls are adorned with gold-plated bronze. The monks – an Augustinian order – still live at El Escorial and help to maintain it. (Check Viator’s tours from Madrid to El Escorial for more day trip options.)
Madrid day trip: Toledo
Madrid may be the current Spanish capital, but Toledo used to be. And for heritage junkies, Toledo makes a perfect day trip from Madrid. It has strong Jewish, Muslim and Christian heritage, with the synagogues, mosques and churches being amongst the more obvious sights. The cathedral, in particular, is a highlight. It’s an enormous Gothic structure, and lavishly decorated inside.
The Alcazar (or fortress) is the other big set piece. It has been, in turn, a royal palace and an infantry training academy. It’s now home to the army museum.
For art fans, the place to go to is the Museo El Greco. Although born in Crete, El Greco is widely considered to be the finest Spanish artist of all time, and the museum plays host to much of his work.
The most endearing thing about Toledo (providing you don’t arrive on a day when it’s crammed with tourists), however, is simply ambling along the narrow, winding streets. The city is a little maze-like, but tremendously atmospheric.
-David Whitley
Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Madrid tours & things to do in Madrid and Madrid day trips.
7 must see places when visiting Bournemouth
Posted , comments closed7 must see places when visiting Bournemouth
Each year Bournemouth welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. People come to Bournemouth for numerous reasons; to view the world record firework displays, to attend a show at the Bournemouth International Centre or to relax on the eight miles of golden beach – weather permitting of course. The Hermitage is one of the best hotels in Bournemouth and is located just next to the famous beach and has put together a comprehensive list of sites to see when coming to Bournemouth.
1. Bournemouth Gardens
Bournemouths glorious Gardens consist of the Upper, Central and Lower Gardens, which run from the seafront to the town centre. They have won three Britain in Bloom Awards and they have also received several Green Flag Awards. While walking around the gardens, you will also have the opportunity to test yourself on the ever popular crazy golf course and take a trip high in the sky on the Bournemouth balloon.
Image credit – World Heritage Coast
2. Bournemouth Oceanarium
Bournemouth’s Oceanarium is home to approximately 2000 fish. The Amazon, the Mediterranean Sea, the Ganges and Africa are only a few of the many themed displays in the aquarium. And, there are a lot of other things you can explore during your visit, such as the Marine Research Lab, the Interactive Dive Cage, or the Global Meltdown Experience.
3. Bournemouth Pier
From Bournemouth Pier, you have a fabulous view of the Bay and the adorable coastline. It also provides souvenir shops, a theatre and a bar and restaurant. The main pier is visible from points along the beach but if you walk East from the Hermitage, you’ll eventually get to the smaller Boscombe pier. Each year Charity walks and swims take place between these two piers in aid of charity, bringing many more thousands people into the area.
Image credit – BBC Dorset
4. Corfe Castle
The ruined castle dates back to the 11th century and has a connection to William the Conqueror. It was a royal stronghold for over 500 years, but, unfortunately, it was destroyed during the civil war by the Parliamentarians. For visitors, the ruins offer an impressive picture of the countryside and Purbeck Coast.
5. Old Harry Rocks
Old Harry Rocks, which are part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, are chalk stacks and located between Studland and Swanage. One legend says, that the rocks were named after Poole’s pirate, Harry Paye, who kept his contraband close-by. Few people who live in Bournemouth have visited Old Harry Rocks, so when visiting, make sure you don’t miss out!
image credit – Information Britain
6. Durdle Door
This rock formation, which is situated 0.6 miles westerly from Lulworth Cove, is the most famous and most photographed attraction along the Jurassic Coast. Getting to Durdle Door from the Hermitage Hotel in central Bournemouth will take you around 45 minutes but will allow you to see some of the most breath taking coastline in Dorset as well as seeing one of the most memorable naturally occuring sites in the UK.
7. Sandbanks
Sandbanks is the fourth most expensive place to live in the world and by many described as Britain’s Monte Carlo. Its main attraction is the beautiful beach, which is known as one of the best in the UK. Sandbanks is home to some of the most wealthy and famous people from all walks of life. Many millionaire business owners live in the area as well as celebrities from sport, film and television. Sandbanks can be reached by car within 30 minutes from of Bournemouth and offers visitors a chance to visit one of the most exclusive areas in the UK, if not the world.
Image credit – Guardian.co.uk
Alta, Utah – The Comfort of Familiar Places
Posted , comments closedAlta, Utah – The Comfort of Familiar Places
It’s not always about the new destination; it’s the comfort of familiar places
Last winter, the big fireside talk at the infamous Chateau Apres Lodge in Park City was Alta. Skiers say it’s the place to go for deep powder. If Deer Valley is the venue for those with deep pockets, Alta is for the ski purists because snow is the only thing there and skiing is the only thing to do.
It’s only September and I haven’t even finished my last race of the season, but I’m already filled with excitement about winter (I skipped autumn) and the skiing possibilities. I’ve already booked my air and hotel, so I’m good to go for my Christmas ski holiday.
But this trip is more than a birthday and Christmas gift to myself; it’s a time to reflect upon the year’s race season and a time to take a break and simply play (without any odometers, lap counting, fueling, speed training or racing). This trip is necessary as brushing one’s teeth; it’s a preventive measure.
How do you feel about your racing season? For me, it meant surpassing bike accidents and learning to keep going and re-defining my race goals a week before the race, being honest with myself about my true abilities, not making any race all encompassing and bigger than others and learning how to be less self-critical while learning from mistakes.
I’ve learned that racing is a very personal journey, as in many of life’s pursuits. As one grows from the novice level, improvement comes with each season. Each season has a theme, a feel that enables you to look back at each racing season and be objective, true and kind to yourself. As a novice skier, while I have yet to learn how to properly tackle the moguls, deep powder and all mountain terrain, I already have an idea of what I want for next year’s races. I want to qualify for the Boston Marathon and my local bike club’s A-level spring training program, which means I have to work on speed on foot and on the bike.
But I’m not type A by any means; I pride myself on being more grounded, so I look to the year-end after I finish all the year’s races as a time to retreat. Do you have such a place that you escape and retreat to? If not, you owe it to yourself to find your own personal haven. It could be a wellness spa that you go to once a year, a weekend program at your yoga center, the woods behind your home, but it’s a place that you can call home, that evokes the feelings of comfort and security.
Such a place for me are the mountains of Alta during the winter. While my ambitious side would prefer to leave no mountain range unexplored and no vantage point unviewed, the vast landscape makes that goal impossible to meet even if I decide to move to this old mining town.
I’ve learned that skiers return to Alta because it provides the comfort of home – warmth, connection, the inviting mountain and nature all around that makes you think you’ve found solace. Families congregate like clockwork at the hotel lounges and they know to line up early in the morning to get their desired dinner reservation time. Their children have grown up skiing at Alta and only have holiday recollections at their particular hotel. As strangers sharing the lift, one of the first questions tends to be, “Which hotel are you staying at?” And each skier is almost always a devotee to his/her hotel.
Since I carry my digital camera everywhere, I’ve had to stop a few times to try to capture the post card scenery of greenery peppered with real, wild, pure white powder. I’ve learned that expert, adventurous and even not-so-smart skiers love to discover new trails and go off-piste.
I am an avid solo female traveler who tends to seek others, yet I also revel in my own company. I rise early and am on line as the lift opens. I carb-up during lunch and waste no time so I can head out for the next half of my ski day. Sometimes I’ll stop along the mountain to catch my breath, take a break or more likely, to figure out the curves I will make to get to the bottom of a challenging slope. While I’m familiar with the main trails of this mountain, the variable snow and weather ensure that each familiar run never feels the same. Although I’ve never felt alone and was never one to return to the same destination, I have found the comfort, safety and security of returning to this familiar place.
There are lessons and tricks I’ve learned through my travels. As a runner, I never leave home without my running shoes. They’re a security blanket for me because I know I can work out whenever I want to, and in my travels I’ve discovered a certain beauty to early morning explorations. Some of my fondest running explorations include the Sahara desert and Christchurch, New Zealand (I discovered the Cadbury factory where I scored some free chocolates to take back to my roommate at the hotel). I always carry a water bottle with me when I travel to remind myself that I constantly need to drink. Since I’m all about traveling light, my travel clothes are those that I hardly wear at home. I wear them during my trip and donate them to the hotel after use.
My travel tradition has always been to spend my last day alone to let it all soak in. On my last day at Alta, I let myself be guided as I glided over all the fluffy snow underneath. I was surrounded by snow-capped peak mountains, the native trees and my heart lightened. I knew this is how it’s supposed to feel; I knew this is how I’m supposed to feel.
8 Small and Beautiful Italian Islands You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Posted , comments closed8 Small and Beautiful Italian Islands You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Italy has few, if any, unexplored corners. Places like Capri or Taormina can sometimes seem like a caricature of themselves, their natural beauty suffocating amidst tourist hoards and souvenir shops.
Yet, many spots are still as authentic and pristine as they were some 50 years ago. Italian islands that have escaped the trap of mass tourism are fascinating in their rugged beauty. Some of these islands have only limited tourist facilities, and you may find yourself the only English-speaking person around. Others are more developed, have their own airports, and can get very busy in August – the peak season. Their popularity ranges from unpolished and virtually unknown to non-Italians to those that are frequented by the rich and the famous. What these unique islands have in common is unspoilt nature – and total absence of package tourists.
Giglio
The island of Giglio belongs to the Tuscan Archipelago, famous for the bigger and much more crowded Elba and the uninhabited Montecristo Island. Giglio is basically a granite rock with only a few patches of cultivated land and a wild untouched feeling about it.
It has a handful of hotels and restaurants, which are quite modest, but offer very good value for money. Giglio is a good base to explore other Tuscan islands. However, keep in mind that the Tuscan archipelago is a marine reserve and access to some islands, notably Montecristo and Pianosa, is restricted to protect the environment. Besides, the island of Gorgona is a site of a penal colony, and no tourists are allowed to disembark on it.
Getting there: By ferry from Porto Santo Stefano in Tuscany. Ferries run several times each day throughout the year.
Pantelleria
This arid and incredibly windy volcanic island has been a favourite retreat of many celebrities, including Gérard Depardieu, Sting and Madonna. Pantelleria is an enchanted place, with steam spraying from the rocks, with mud baths and sauna caves, fumaroles and thermal sources. The emerald Specchio di Venere lake has healing waters that are fed by thermal springs.
Pantescan dammusi, unique lava stone houses with whitewashed cupola roofs, have been converted into chic hotels or solitary rented homes. A visit to Pantelleria is also a gastronomic delight. Highly recommended is the local Passito wine and dishes such as bitter ravioli, stuffed aubergines, fish couscous and the famous capers.
Getting there: Daily overnight ferries run from Trapani year round, with faster hydrofoil services available in the summer months. Planes fly in daily from Palermo and Trapani, with additional direct flights from Rome and Milan in the summer.
Lampedusa
Of all the Italian islands, Lampedusa is perhaps the most notorious due to its illegal immigrant problem. This southernmost Italian territory is situated just 113 km from Tunisia and is geographically in Africa rather than Europe.
It could have been described as bleak and arid, had it not been for some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches and lagoons. One of the cultural highlights of the island is on the 22nd of September, when a festival of Madonna di Lampedusa is celebrated with fireworks, processions, games and concerts.
Getting there: Siremar ferries from Porto Empedocle near Agrigento run all year, on most, but not all, days of the week.
Ponza
Ponza is a beautiful, narrow and long island with ragged coast, cliffs, hidden coves and beaches, and picturesque houses lining the slopes of the hills. It is a well known and well-visited, yet largely unspoilt island where life seems to flow as it always has, untouched by the rush of meodernity.
The downside of Ponza’s popularity is a certain lack of privacy, but the facilities are many and the hotels good. The most dramatically beautiful spot of the island is the beach of Chiaia di Luna, which can only be reached through a Roman tunnel.
Getting there: The easiest way to reach Ponza is from Naples by SNAV hydrofoil with a connection at Ventotene.
Panarea
The smallest of the fabled Aeolian islands, Panarea is the favourite of the jet-set crowd. However, this island with a population of just over 200 is too small to accommodate any substantial number of tourists, and has only a handful of unique hotels and rented homes. Boasting views of Stromboli, Panarea is a paradisical get-away-from-it-all island with a lifestyle as laid-back and relaxed as it can get in Italy. No cars are allowed, and the only modes of transportation are the electric golf buggies and a few scooters.
Watching the stars is a truly magical experience on Panarea. There is no electric street lighting, only Moroccan lamps and lanterns to light up outside stairs and terraces in the dark.
Getting there: Siremar and Ustica Lines have daily hydrofoil services from Milazzo and Messina. There is also a hydrofoil and ferry connection from Naples, Palermo and Cefalú several times a week.
Favignana
Favignana, off Trapani in Sicily, is a smooth, sun-drenched and wind-blown island. Accommodation is simple and family-run and the lifestyle is unpretentious. Favignana’s western part is dominated by Montagna Grossa which, despite its name, rises to a mere 302m.
The eastern part of the island, is flatter and the jagged coastline is interrupted, here and there, with short stretches of sandy beach. You can take a boat from Favignana to other Egadi islands, of which Levanzo is particularly beautiful, even if somewhat unkempt.
Getting there: there are ferry and hydrofoil services from Trapani every day, operated by Siremar and Ustica Lines, as well as additional ferry services from Naples during the peak summer months (June to September)
La Maddalena
Off the north-east coast of Sardinia, La Maddalena islands boast pink sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The main and the largest island that gave the name to the archipelago has a population of about 11 000.
La Maddalena is linked to the island of Caprera by a 600 metre long dam and together they are the only inhabited islands of the archipelago. The US Navy has a submarine tender stationed on the island of Santo Stefano, and consequently you will find many Americans living on La Maddalena. It is worth visiting the minor islands – Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria, which together form a beautiful lagoon of Porto Madonna.
Getting there: Year-round ferries from Palau in Northern Sardinia run frequently, up to four times an hour, 24 hours a day.
San Domino
The biggest of the Tremiti Islands off the Adriatic coast of Italy, San Domino is one of those hidden gems few people have heard of. Because of its isolated nature, in the year 1000 it was chosen as an hermitage for Benedictine monks, who subsequently moved to the neighbour island of San Nicola.
San Domino has a rugged coastline with secluded coves and beaches, where fragrant pine woods go right to the water’s edge. It is a diver’s paradise with rich marine life, underwater caves and even a Roman shipwreck. San Domino is the only of the Tremiti islands with tourist accommodation, even though San Nicola is the official administrative centre.
Getting there: Tirrenia Ferries operates daily services from Termoli year round (one hour by train from the nearest airport of Pescara in Abruzzo).