Things to Do in Krabi Thailand: The 19 Best Places and Highlights to Visit So, You’re planning to  visit Krabi   during your next trip to the amazing Thailand ? Well, here's our list of THE BEST places to visit in Krabi to make your next visit magical, amazing, all of the above. And we know, because we've visited Thailand as Backpackers in 2008 (just a couple, in true budget hostel style), then for a month in 2015 with our 8 year old daughter, and right now as I write this as a family of 4 that are now full time travellers / digital nomads that are currently living in Thailand and speak from experience not from AI generated content that many blogs churn out - we really have done all of THE BEST things in every destination that we visit. And some not so good things! So that we can share with you so you don't waste your precious time doing things that could be left off your itinerary and filling that space with amazing memories forever. If you're new here, please Subscribe to our brand new YouTube channel here - that we are currently growing. We're quite small right now so really appreciate every subscriber. In order  to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you detailed itineraries in Thailand, that range from 1 week to 1 month . To make things even easier for you, I deep dive into each destination specifically so you will find within each place your detailed go-to-guide, such as this  guide of the 19 best things to do there , with all points of interest and must-see attractions. To help you plan easy and make your next trip to Thailand the best. So, where to go in Thailand? Well, today we're in Krabi. For us it's a month exploring everything this part of the world has to offer. For you, it's the 19 best best best must do things in Krabi (The Bucket List). Top Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand: Nature, Adventure & Pure Chill Krabi offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Thailand and it's known for being a beauty hotspot. And it does not disappoint. It's location too means it's so easy to travel out to the worlds most beautiful beaches by way of a day trip or boat hire. Now that you've landed in paradise, it’s time to experience everything that makes Krabi one of Thailand’s most beloved destinations. Whether you’re here to chase adrenaline, soak in some sun, or explore hidden gems, Krabi serves it all up with postcard-perfect views. Here’s our curated list of the **best things to do in Krabi** that capture the essence of this magical province: Visit Ao Nang We based ourselves in Ao Nang to be able to island hop and explore the whole Krabi area and we were not disappointed with our choice. Ao Nang is one of the must-see spots during a stay in Krabi. It 's  one of the most popular and convenient beach towns in Krabi. Many people choose to stay there to be near the sea rather than in the city.The Ao Nang area itself still has  several beautiful beaches: Ao Nang Beach:  The main large sandy beach with numerous bars, restaurants and tour / boat desks. All the tourist activities of Krabi and the surrounding area are mainly concentrated there. We didn't book anything down there as it was so bust, opting to book any trips we did online via our favourite Klook or Get Your Guide . This is where you can buy tickets to take a longtail boat to Railay (I’ll tell you a bit more about that soon) and many other beautiful islands and beaches. The sand is nice and soft but the sea isn't super clear because of the many boats daily. There's also lots' going on at Ao Nang Beach and is a good spot to head to around 4pm onwards as you get an amazing sunset from this beach, lot's of people watching and can catch a free fire show from 7pm onwards where you can watch from the beach. We came down to the beach with the kids with some shop bought beers and drinks in our cooler bag and set up our blanket to watch a free sunset followed by fire show by the young Thai boys. A feast for the eyes all for free. Well, apart from a tip for the boys who go round with a tip box. We live as full time digital nomad travellers so a lot of the day-to-day things that we mention on our blog are budget friendly. So we can splurge on the things that matter. Because we are not 'on holiday' for example we don't tend to visit the bars along the beach front and this is more of a holiday thing. There are plenty to choose from for your holiday and if you want to carry the party on and dance the night away there are many places to choose from. Noppharat Thara Beach:  another big beach with fewer people than Ao Nang. Also very pretty and wilder. However, there are no boats leaving from this beach. Take a walk across Monkey Trail at the end of the beach and eat at a nice cafe for lunch, visit a night market for street food and so much more. Explore Railay Beach Only accessible by boat, Railay Beach is a world of its own. Famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, jungle paths, and world-class rock climbing, it’s also home to some of the softest sands and clearest waters in Krabi. Don’t miss the **Phra Nang Cave Beach**, where a shrine to a mythical princess adds some local legend to your beach day. 2. Take a 4-Island Tour One of the most popular day trips from Ao Nang, the 4-island tour hits **Phra Nang Cave, Chicken Island, Tup Island**, and **Poda Island**. You'll experience snorkeling, sandbars, and stunning limestone landscapes all in one trip. Longtail boats or speedboats make for a scenic and easy way to explore. 3. Visit the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Head inland to the **Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve** to swim in the vibrant **Emerald Pool**—a warm, mineral-rich natural spring. Just a short drive away, the **Klong Thom Hot Springs** offer a perfect spot to relax, with water flowing through smooth rock pools in the jungle. 4. Climb the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) For panoramic views and a bit of a workout, climb the **1,237 steps** to the top of the Tiger Cave Temple. The journey is sweaty but worth it—breathtaking views of the surrounding limestone karsts and forest await at the summit, along with golden Buddha statues and sacred relics. 5. Island Hop to Koh Phi Phi Use Krabi as a launchpad to visit iconic islands like **Koh Phi Phi**, famous for Maya Bay (made famous by *The Beach*), or head to **Koh Lanta** for a quieter, more laid-back vibe. Both offer snorkeling, diving, and beach-hopping opportunities galore. 6. Go Sea Kayaking in Ao Thalane For a peaceful way to connect with Krabi’s natural beauty, try sea kayaking through the mangrove forests and limestone canyons of **Ao Thalane**. You’ll glide past hidden coves, monkeys, and dramatic cliffs—a must for nature lovers and photographers. 7. Take a Sunset Cruise There’s nothing quite like watching the sun melt into the Andaman Sea from a boat. Many companies offer **sunset cruises** with dinner, snorkeling stops, and even plankton night swims that make for a truly magical experience. 8. Dine on Fresh Seafood at the Night Markets Back on dry land, don’t miss **Krabi Town’s night market** or the beachfront stalls in **Ao Nang**. Feast on grilled fish, spicy papaya salad, mango sticky rice, and fresh coconut ice cream. It’s cheap, authentic, and full of flavour. 9. Island Hop to Hong Island An alternative to the more popular and busier Phi Phi Island trips but that's equally as beautiful and we think is better! Check out our Hong Island Vlog here 🛏️ 11. Stay in a Hotel Long-Term (Yes, It’s Possible!) We spent an entire month living in a hotel in Krabi  — and it wasn’t as expensive as people think! With no utility bills , free housekeeping , daily water , and sometimes even breakfast included , it was a simple, stress-free way to stay. ➡️ Read our full post: Hotel Living in Krabi – What It’s Really Like + Budget Tips 🐠 12. Snorkel in Crystal-Clear Waters You’ll find amazing snorkeling around Krabi and some of our favourite snorkel spots were on Hong Island or Koh Poda. The kids loved spotting colourful fish, and the water’s calm and shallow in many areas. 🧗 13. Try Rock Climbing in Railay One of the world’s best climbing spots! Guided climbs are available for beginners to pros — all with incredible sea views. 🔥 14. Soak in Krabi’s Natural Hot Springs Just 10 minutes from the Emerald Pool, the hot springs offer a relaxing soak in naturally warm mineral water 🛕 15. Climb 1237 Steps at Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) Climb 1,237 steps for panoramic views and a peaceful mountaintop Buddha. Go early to beat the heat — and bring water!  🌅 16. Catch a Sunset at Ao Nang Beach Ao Nang offers some of the most dramatic sunsets we saw in Thailand. Grab a coconut or cocktail and enjoy the natural sunset show, followed by nigh time fire show. 🛶 17. Kayak Through Ao Thalane Mangroves A peaceful paddle through mangrove forests and canyons. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, birds, and hidden lagoons. 🏝️ 18. Spend the Day on Koh Lanta Take a ferry to this laid-back island with quiet beaches, cute cafes, and a perfect vibe for slow travel. We stayed a month and loved it! 🧋 19. Try Local Thai Street Food You don’t need fancy restaurants — some of the best meals we had were under $2 at local stalls! Try mango sticky rice, satay skewers, pad Thai, and roti. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Activities in Krabi 🦎 Krabi Elephant Sanctuary  (ethical and no riding) 🛶 Private longtail boat ride  to a quiet beach (kids love it!) 🍦 Ice cream at Icy Bar  in Ao Nang 🦀 Explore low-tide beaches  to find shells and crabs 🚍 How to Get Around Krabi 🚖 Taxis & Private Transfers : Best for families with luggage 🛵 Scooter Rental : Cheap but not ideal with kids 🚐 Songthaews : Shared trucks for short trips — very budget-friendly 🚶 Walking : Easy in towns like Ao Nang or Krabi Town 📍 Where to Stay Ao Nang  – Best for easy beach access and tour options Krabi Town  – Budget-friendly and local feel Railay  – Great for a few nights in a tropical escape 👉 We stayed in a budget-friendly hotel with a pool for the month ! Look for long-stay discounts and book direct when possible. Bonus Tips 💡 Best Time to Visit : November to April (dry season) Transport : Songthaews, longtail boats, and Grab are the easiest ways to get around Family Tip : Always carry sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water — Krabi is hot year-round! 🌟 Final Thoughts Whether you’re here for just a few days or planning a longer escape, Krabi’s combination of adventure, natural beauty, and local charm makes it impossible not to fall in love. Krabi truly is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and diverse regions . Whether you’re hopping islands, hiking to temples, or simply soaking up the sunset from the sand, you’ll find magic around every corner. It’s also a great place to slow travel — especially with kids — and discover the joy of tropical living without breaking the bank. Got a favourite thing to do in Krabi I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments—this list could go on forever. Want help planning your island-hopping adventure from Ao Nang? Let me know in the comments & I can help you create the perfect itinerary for you. I hope you found this post helpful. In the meantime keep up with our daily updates below: On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR THAILAND TRIP 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS -  Check your dates and flight costs to on our Flight Planning Page fore more 🏨   - ACCOMMODATION -  We use this to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Thailand now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - THAILAND TOURS & GUIDES -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Thailand. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

When you think of Ibiza , vibrant nightlife and clubbing may come to mind, but the island also offers a host of family-friendly experiences. We've visited the Island 15 times, since the ibiza clubbing days in the 90's right up to current day with kids. We know all the best places to visit as a family and a couple for date weekends, and solo trips with our Aura Photography Business + Si's Music. Si Dj'd there over many years and trips were taken as part of his work. There was a point in time when we thought that maybe we'd move there. But the Universe had other ideas. For now. But the feeling is that Ibiza will always have a special magnetic pull for us . One unexpected gem that stands out to visit (with kids too) is Time and Space - The Speed of Light, Ibiza, Spain BY Andrew Rodgers . A site on the West Coast of the Island, 13 proud Basalt columns, 29l x 16w x 10h m (95' x 53 ' x 33') in Ibiza, Spain (38°56'50.39"N    1°13'44.07"E). But what's interesting about this place is the meaning and concept behind it. Something that groovy kids can really get behind. And our kids loved it. AS would any free thinking spiritual awakening adult. We sat there and had our usual baguette, cheese and meats picnic on the site, under the shade of an olive tree. Took in the breathtaking sites, got VERY hot - the sun is blazing up there - but connected to the energy that's up there and had a great day. A must visit off the beaten track for solo travellers, couples and families! Go Go Go!!! Check out our YouTube video of our visit... 13 basalt columns with the tallest column highlighted in 23-carat gold to reflect the message with the setting sun on the day of the Winter Solstice. The sequence is laid out around the circumference of an ellipse alluding to the trajectories of the planets moving around the sun. It is a vision of time and space and the interconnectedness of humanity. At the site is some interesting rock formations as you'll see in the video and we found a sweet little wishing tree where we left our own wishes up on that cliff top. Watch the video for a story about the crazy demonstration of this interconnectedness! Involving social media and the person that actually planted this BELOW olive wishing tree! Time and Space in Ibiza Cultural Experience : Ibiza offers a unique blend of time and space where the fast-paced nightlife contrasts with serene beaches and picturesque landscapes. This juxtaposition invites visitors to reflect on how time feels different depending on the environment. Natural Beauty : The island’s stunning sunsets can make you feel as if time stands still, allowing families to enjoy quality moments together against a breathtaking backdrop. The tallest column is highlighted in 23-carat gold to reflect the message with the setting sun on the day of the Winter Solstice.The sequence is laid out around the circumference of an ellipse alluding to the trajectories of the planets moving around the sun. It is a vision of time and space and the interconnectedness of humanity.  The Fibonacci sequence is demonstrated both in terms of height and spacing. It’s totally worth a visit. See below how to get there. Why Time and Space Ibiza is Great for Families Educational Fun : Time and Space Ibiza combines entertainment with learning. It sparks kids curiosity about science, art, and the universe. We had a whole host of questions about aliens, ET life, energy.... you know, only the kind kids ask. Brilliant! How to Get There Address : Time and Space Ibiza, [Insert Specific Address Here], Ibiza, Spain By Car: From Ibiza Town : Head west on Carrer de la Marina towards Avinguda d’Espanya. Take the N-1 towards San Antonio. Follow signs to your destination; it’s about a 20-minute drive. From San Antonio : Take the PM-803 towards Ibiza Town. Follow the signs and it will take approximately 15 minutes. We took the car and it was a nice scenic drive. By Public Transport: Bus : Regular buses connect Ibiza Town and San Antonio. Look for the line that stops near Time and Space. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and it’s an affordable way to travel with kids. Taxi : Taxis are readily available throughout the island and are a convenient option for families with children. Just ask the driver to take you to Time and Space Ibiza. 🗺️ A Tour that includes a Time + Space Visit If all this is a bit too much. You could join a tour that allows you to experience the Time + Space site plus these other Ibiza: Hidden Wonders too ( Space + Time the Ibizan Stone Henge, Abandoned Festival Club , and Es Vedra View point)   Book Now at Get Your Guide. Tips for Visiting Check the Schedule : Before you go, check the website for current events, workshops, and opening hours to ensure you don’t miss any special activities. Pack Snacks : While the café offers food, bringing some snacks can help keep little ones energized throughout the day. It gets HOT . Take hydration, sun protection. There's not much shade for long periods of walking time. Wear Comfortable Shoes : With various activities and play areas, comfortable footwear will make your visit much more enjoyable. Conclusion Get off the tourist trail! Time and Space Ibiza is a fantastic destination for families looking to experience the more tranquil and educational side of the island. Off the beaten track. The energy, vibe and soul of a place. The Ibiza that we love. LOVED THIS? YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS>>> I hope you found this post helpful. Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: This post includes affiliate links below that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR IBIZA TRIP WITH KIDS 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Ibiza flights. 🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS -  For Europe Train Travel   ⛴️ - FERRY TICKETS -  We use 12Go for all of our ferry tickets. You can get the Ferry from Barcelona  to Ibiza check out dates and best prices at 12Go here   🏨   - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS -  Check our Accommodation Planning Page for more   for best price hotels, hostels and longer term rentals for Barcelona 🧭🗺️👣   - IBIZA TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS -  We use Get Your Guide  for all trips. But we also  Klook sometimes. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. Trips in Ibiza This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! You'll know that we absolutely love to explore the hidden gems and the things that not all the tourists do. If you do too go check out our Ibiza section where we share the best things to do in Ibiza . And today on the blog we share our day exploring the street art and graffiti at the abandoned Ibiza Festival Club . One of our most unexpected and unforgettable adventures in Ibiza didn’t happen on a beach or at a viewpoint—but in the slightly haunting, graffiti-covered ruins of an abandoned nightclub, hidden in the hills above San José. This is the Ibiza Festival Club —a place where echoes of 70s disco lights and late-night laughter now mix with the sound of birdsong and the crunch of leaves underfoot. It’s a crumbling time capsule of Ibiza’s legendary party past, and for us, especially Si , it felt like uncovering a forgotten treasure. 🎶 Why This Spot Was So Special to Us This family all share a love of street art , and this place is a living (well, decaying) canvas of wild, creative expression. Every wall, tunnel, and doorway is covered in graffiti —some thought-provoking, some hilarious, some just raw, colourful chaos. Si, being a DJ and music lover, was especially captivated. Entrance to the club Walking through this place was like stepping into the soul of Ibiza’s underground scene. This wasn’t a polished tourist attraction. It was raw, real, and absolutely epic . Si on the main stage at Festival Club Ibiza (the abandoned club) 🏛️ A Bit of History: What Was the Ibiza Festival Club? Originally opened in 1972  as the Festival Club , this was one of Ibiza’s very first superclubs—long before the days of Ushuaïa or Pacha. It hosted flamenco shows, live music, and international DJs, attracting jet-setters and locals alike. But due to a combination of financial issues and overambitious plans, it closed just a few years later  in 1974 and was left to the elements ever since. What remains today is a graffiti-covered ghost of its former self: an amphitheater, tunnels, stage areas, and crumbling walls—each echoing with decades of forgotten stories. 🗺️ How to Get There 📍 Location:  Just outside San José (Sant Josep de sa Talaia)  in southwest Ibiza. 🚗 By car:  Head towards San José, then take the PM-803  and look out for a small, unmarked dirt path off Carrer de sa Talaia . It’s easiest to find via Google Maps—just search “Ibiza Festival Club.” We parked right outside and were able to just walk straight in. But i'm reading all over the place online that it's now cordoned off and that you have to park at the bottom and walk the 10 minute uphill walk. Even so it's worth the walk! 🗺️ A Tour that includes The Abandoned Club Visit If all this is a bit too much. You could join a tour that allows you to experience the abandoned club plus these other Ibiza: Hidden Wonders too ( Abandoned Festival Club, Space + Time the Ibizan Stone Henge and Es Vedra View point)   Book Now at Get Your Guide. Must-Know Tips: 🧢 Wear sun protection and bring water—it can get next level extremely hot, especially mid-day. It's very exposed up there. 🚫 It’s technically private property, so visit respectfully and at your own risk. 🧽 Don’t add graffiti—leave no trace except your footprints. 📸 It’s a photographer’s dream—bring your camera or phone fully charged! 🎨 What We Loved Most The kids loved picking out their favourite graffiti characters, and we spent ages wandering the tunnels and open-air stages. Si was in his element, imagining the crowd, the beat, the vibe this place must have once had. The acoustics in some of the spaces are still incredible—you can almost hear  the music. We even had a little impromptu dance moment (no audience, just birds and trees)—because when you're in a place like this, you kind of have to. 🧭 Is It Worth Visiting? If you’re into street art, music history, urban exploration, or just love weird and wonderful places , absolutely yes. I'm surprised it's not been made into a tourist attraction and charged to get in tbh. So visit before this happens as I can totally see this in the future. It’s not polished. It’s not safe in the conventional sense. But it’s an unforgettable, off-the-beaten-path slice of Ibiza that most people never see. And for us, it reminded us that some of the best travel moments are the ones that aren’t in the guidebooks—they’re the ones where you get lost, climb a dusty hill, and end up dancing in an abandoned club in the middle of a forest. When you see this... carry straight on up the hill - you're almost there Ibiza might be known for glitz and glam, but places like the Festival Club show there’s so much more to this island —layers of history, rebellion, art, and music that go far beyond the beach. If you go, go with curiosity, respect, and an open mind. You never know what kind of story an old, broken-down place might tell you. I really hope this blog inspires you to take a trip out to Festival Club LOVED THIS? YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS>>> I hope you found this post helpful for your next Ibiza Holiday? Let me know in the comments if you've been to Festival Club. Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR IBIZA TRIP WITH KIDS 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Ibiza flights. 🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS -  For Europe Train Travel   ⛴️ - FERRY TICKETS -  We use 12Go for all of our ferry tickets. You can get the Ferry from Barcelona  to Ibiza check out dates and best prices at 12Go here   🏨   - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS -  Check our Accommodation Planning Page for more   for best price hotels, hostels and longer term rentals for Barcelona 🧭🗺️👣   - IBIZA TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS -  We use Get Your Guide  for all trips. But we also  Klook sometimes. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. Trips in Ibiza This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

Nestled on the northern coast of Ibiza , Benirras Beach is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant boho hippy atmosphere. And in our opinion Benirras Beach Ibiza has THE best sunset on the island... and we've seen a lot of them! What makes the sunset at Benirras Beach so mesmerisingly better than any other on the whole island is 2 things actually. Firstly it's all about the lay of the land - it's location. It's on energy lines (well as is the whole island, hence that magnetic pull that we all feel). And secondly it's the drums! Those vibrations change the energy around them and it makes that sunset quite simply VIBE. La cala Benirràs is one of the must see in Ibiza. In this blog post we'll tell you all about the most magical sunset on the island and why you must make an effort to visit at least once on your next Ibiza holiday. We'll tell you how to get to Benirras and everything else you need to know. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! Use these handy links to skip to the relevant section or read on... 🌞 Which side of Ibiza does the sunset? 🌅 Where is the best sunset in Ibiza and why is it the best? 🥁 The Drumming Rituals 🏖️ Where to watch sunset in Benirras? 🏝️ What to Expect at Benirras Beach 🍽️ Is there anywhere to get food and drink at Benirras Beach? 🚗 How to Get to Benirras Beach 🏨 Best Places to Stay Near Benirras Beach? 🗺️ Benirra's Beach Tour Benirras is a picturesque cove, that is framed by pine-covered hills and has the notable rock formation known as "Cap Bernat" or the "Finger of God," it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and culture. But beyond its physical beauty, this stunning location is intertwined with ley lines—mystical alignments of energy that connect sacred sites around the world. Read more about that here . We feel this every time we visit Ibiza and I think that's what draws people to the Island. But this blog isn't really about all that stuff - it has to be felt to be believed. Rather, this post is a helpful guide to get you there so you can FEEL IT for yourself and give you everything you need to know about the best sunset Ibiza has to offer (in our humble opinion). Also to note: it's kid friendly too. Even though it has an adult theme (drinking as the sun goes down) it's friendly and everybody is just there to soak up the ambience and the last of the days sun. We visited this special beach with kids to visit the Benirra's hippy market and later soak up the hypnotic drums to watch the sunset. A dramatic climax to mark the day. We felt the vibes. The kids felt the vibes and we knew Benirra's was a very special place that we would share on this blog (because not everything we do on our travels hits this blog - only the best stuff makes the blog cut). 🌅 Why Benirrás Offers Ibiza’s Most Magical Sunsets in Ibiza An Ibizan sunset is always a magical thing. And it's always celebrated. We love the reverence that the sun has on the island and a sunset at Benirras is about as special as it gets. Why? Well, as the sun goes down behind Cap Bernat, the sky transforms into a canvas of colour, always a spectacle to behold. But at Benirras there is the tradition of drumming sessions during the sunset. These gatherings used to be held just on Sundays, they now occur on most evenings, excluding Sundays, due to crowd management considerations. So there's really no reason to not see a Benirras sunset and feel the magic for yourself on your next visit. It's a vibe and because of that reason it's an absolute must! Watch my video to feel those drumming vibes.... 🥁 The Drumming Rituals Locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate the sunset with rhythmic drumming, dancing, and community spirit. As the afternoon draws on, the left side of the beach becomes a magnet for people, dancing, drummers drumming the tampini to a rhythmic beat as the sun goes down and reaches it's climax at sunset, where the sun says it's final goodbye to the clash of drums and euphoric clapping. This event has become a cultural phenomenon, amplifying the beach’s energetic atmosphere. The collective energy generated during these gatherings resonates with the earth’s energies, further enhancing the spiritual experience. This is an absolute MUST SEE when in Ibiza. For all my spiritual folk, you'll understand this energy. For those new to energy or spirituality, you may have a moment. Either way, there's no mistaking that something special happens on this beach. It's like nothing you'll have ever experienced. 🌞 Which side of Ibiza does the sunset? The sun sets on the West side of the island. The most famous spots for watching the sunset are along the Sunset Strip in San Antonio (Cafe Mambo has a legendary spot - the famous sunset cafe in Ibiza ). Other popular locations include Cala Comte, Cala Tarida, Cala Vadella (our favourite beach) and Es Vedrà. Even though Benirras beach is up north, its western orientation means you can enjoy the sun all afternoon and get an amazing sunset each evening. 🚗 How to Get There By Car Benirrás is approximately a 30-minute drive from Ibiza Old Town, accessible via the town of San Miguel. The route offers scenic views of Ibiza’s northern countryside. However, parking can be busy, especially during peak times but you can quite ofetn get shuttle buses from nearby towns. By Public Transport Several bus routes serve Benirrás during the summer months: L23 from Ibiza Town L23A from San Antonio L23B from Santa Eulalia L23C from Portinatx All of these buses stop at Sa Plana, where a shuttle service operates to the beach. On Sundays from June to the end of September (busy season), a bus connects from the Sa Plana car park, in San Juan, to Benirràs cove. By Taxi or Scooter Taxis and scooters are the best alternatives, especially during busy periods. Scooters, in particular, offer easier parking options closer to the beach. 🗺️ A Benirra's Beach Tour If all this is a bit too much. You could join a tour that allows you to experience the sunset at Benirras as well as some other hidden Gems too ( Can Marca caves, Las Dalias Hippie Market + Benirras) Book Now at Get Your Guide. 🏖️Where to watch the sunset in Benirras Beach Ibiza? Right on the beach! There are restaurants set back that get the full sunset too if you prefer a sandless experience with cocktail in hand ;-) 🏝️ What to Expect at Benirras Beach The sand at Benirras is a mix of sand and pebbles; water shoes are recommended for the kids but that said, ours didn't have them and they were absolutely fine. Facilities : Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent; toilets are located at the beach entrance. We just took our usual beach blanket and when we wante to get up close to the drummers we just walked through the crowds. The drums can be heard all over the beach so you won't need to get up close. Water Activities : Kayaks and pedal boats can be rented for exploring the calm waters during the day. Safety : Lifeguards are on duty during the high season. 🍽️ Where to Eat and Drink Elements Ibiza : A beachfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood, healthy options, and live music events. It's advisable to book in advance, especially on Sundays.  Restaurant 2000 : Offers traditional Ibizan dishes like "guisat de peix" and paella in a family-friendly setting Overall you can spend the day at the beach and have a lovely day. We bring a picnic but there are a few restaurants set back serving lovely (all be it at Ibiza prices - not super expensive but standard and as a family of 4 we're looking at 100 euro's for a lunch so we don't bother) so if you're budgeting don't forget that picnic! 🛍️ Shopping and Local Culture At the entrance to Benirra's beach, you'll pass a local hippie market featuring handcrafted items, clothing, and accessories. I bought a stunning silk dress from there. It's a great place to pick up unique souvenirs and experience the island's bohemian culture. 🏨 Accommodation Nearby We hired a car and so drove from Potinax , but for those wishing to stay close to Benirrás, there are several options here . Our Top Picks Can Sastre - A dults-only country house with swoon worthy decor Dreamy decor at Can Sastre Can Quince : A rustic retreat located in the northern hills, offering a peaceful atmosphere and traditional charm just 6km from Benirras.  📝 My Top Benirras Tips Arrive Early : To secure a good spot on the beach and avoid parking issues, especially during peak times. Accept that after sunset the carpark will be busy : We usually hang around until the queues have died down in the car park. But beware the car park does get dark if you do leave it. Bring Essentials : Water shoes for comfort, a flashlight for navigating after sunset as the car park can get quite dark, and a reusable water bottle. Respect Local Customs : Join the drumming sessions if you feel inclined, but always be respectful of the traditions and fellow visitors My Top Tips On How to Experience the Energy at Benirra's Visit at Sunset : Timing your visit for sunset will enhance your experience. The vibrant colours of the sky and the calming sound of waves create a perfect backdrop for reflection and connection. Join the Drumming Circle : If you’re there on a Sunday, participating in the drumming circle is a must. Bring your own drum or simply join in the energy of the moment. Don't be shy and just do it. We felt like this place was a place to leave all doubts about yourself to one side. Any negative speak, self sabotaging thoughts can be left outside of this area. This is a place where energy is the universal language and it's loud enough for even the not so attuned to hear/feel. This is why I feel that a few visits during your stay is good here. First, to get the vibe and understand the place. Second to be taken away by the energy, knowing that everything is ok and that you've not just completely lost your mind. Meditation and Reflection : Take some time to meditate by the water. Ground your feet into the sand. Feel the salt water envelop your feet / legs. Sit quietly, close your eyes, and allow nature to immerse your thoughts. Let the natural sounds and surroundings envelop and hold you. You are safe here. You are supported. Many find this practice enhances their connection to the land. Explore the Surroundings : Take a hike along the cliffs or explore nearby natural landmarks. Connecting with the landscape can deepen your understanding of the energies at play. I really hope this blog inspires you to take a trip out to Benirras Beach to catch the best sunset. You won't regret it. Let me know in the comments if you have visited Benirras? LOVED THIS? YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS>>> I hope you found this post helpful. Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: This post includes affiliate links below that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR IBIZA TRIP WITH KIDS 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Ibiza flights. 🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS -  For Europe Train Travel ⛴️ - FERRY TICKETS - We use 12Go for all of our ferry tickets. You can get the Ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza check out dates and best prices at 12Go here   🏨   - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS -  Check our Accommodation Planning Page for more   for best price hotels, hostels and longer term rentals for Barcelona 🧭🗺️👣   - IBIZA TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS -  We use Get Your Guide  for all trips. But we also Klook sometimes. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. Trips in Ibiza This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

Nestled on the northern coast of Ibiza, Benirras Beach is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant boho hippy atmosphere. Beyond its physical beauty, many believe that this stunning location is intertwined with the concept of ley lines—mystical alignments of energy that connect sacred sites around the world. We feel this every time we visit Ibiza and I think that's what draws people to the Island. We visited this special beach with kids to visit the hippy market and later soak up the hypnotic drums to welcome in the sunset. A dramatic climax to mark the day. We felt the vibes. The kids felt the vibes and we knew Benirra's was a very special place. Children can feel energy. Here's Bertie mesmerised by the beats and the vibe of Benirras beach. He's a sensitive soul and can feel energy before seeng the person. He totally got what Benirra's was about and I think you can see this in his eyes. In this post, we’ll delve into the energy ley lines associated with Benirras Beach and explore what makes this destination truly special. What Are Ley Lines? Ley lines are alignments that energy workers believe connect ancient monuments, sacred sites, and natural features across the landscape. These lines are thought to carry energy and hold spiritual significance, often linked to various earth energies and ancient wisdom. While scientific validation for ley lines is limited, they have captured the imagination of many who seek a deeper connection to the earth and its mysteries. And as someone who feels specific energy of a place, which is amplified at ancient sites or religious spaces. This is something that doesn't need Scientific explanation for me personally). Some places have a healing energy to them. Ibiza and Bali are no exception. And I think this is why the Universe has brought us here. Benirra's Beach: A Spiritual Sanctuary Natural Beauty and Serenity Benirra's Beach is not just a feast for the eyes; it also offers a serene atmosphere that many visitors find rejuvenating. The beach is framed by rugged cliffs and lush greenery, creating a tranquil environment perfect for meditation and reflection. The natural beauty here often inspires a sense of peace, drawing visitors to connect with the land on a deeper level. Benirras is actually a Natural Heritage site which stops the development and building of hotels. Hence why it's kept is sacred feel. Watch my video to feel those drumming vibes.... The Drumming Rituals One of the most iconic aspects of Benirras is its famous Sunday drumming gatherings. Locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate the sunset with rhythmic drumming, dancing, and community spirit. This event has become a cultural phenomenon, amplifying the beach’s energetic atmosphere. Many participants believe that the collective energy generated during these gatherings resonates with the earth’s energies, further enhancing the spiritual experience. This is an absolute MUST SEE when in Ibiza. Once you visit once, you'll want to go again and again. Ley Lines and Their Connection to Benirras Theories suggest that Benirras Beach sits on or near significant energy points mapped in Ibiza. These alignments may connect to other sacred sites on the island, such as Es Vedrà and the ancient churches scattered throughout Ibiza. The notion that Benirras is part of a larger energetic network attracts those who are spiritually inclined and curious about the island's mystical properties. But if you know - you know! If you're a feeler of energy, and have ever been to The White Isle. You just know. Energy doesn't lie. Personal Experiences Many visitors report feeling an intense energy at Benirras, whether during the drumming rituals or while simply watching the sunset. And we felt this. Driving into the area, I could already feel the vibration of energy in my tummy, which is how I start to feel energy before knowing what it actually is. The collective experience of sharing the beach with like-minded souls creates an electric atmosphere, fostering a sense of unity and connection. Music brings people together! For those attuned to energy, these moments can feel transformative, as if they are tapping into something much larger than themselves. Video here of My Top Tips On How to Experience the Energy at Benirras My Top Tips On How to Experience the Energy at Benirra's Visit at Sunset : Timing your visit for sunset will enhance your experience. The vibrant colours of the sky and the calming sound of waves create a perfect backdrop for reflection and connection. Join the Drumming Circle : If you’re there on a Sunday, participating in the drumming circle is a must. Bring your own drum or simply join in the energy of the moment. Don't be shy and just do it. We felt like this place was a place to leave all doubts about yourself to one side. Any negative speak, self sabotaging thoughts can be left outside of this area. This is a place where energy is the universal language and it's loud enough for even the not so attuned to hear/feel. This is why I feel that a few visits during your stay is good here. First, to get the vibe and understand the place. Second to be taken away by the energy, knowing that everything is ok and that you've not just completely lost your mind. Meditation and Reflection : Take some time to meditate by the water. Ground your feet into the sand. Feel the salt water envelop your feet / legs. Sit quietly, close your eyes, and allow nature to immerse your thoughts. Let the natural sounds and surroundings envelop and hold you. You are safe here. You are supported. Many find this practice enhances their connection to the land. Explore the Surroundings : Take a hike along the cliffs or explore nearby natural landmarks. Connecting with the landscape can deepen your understanding of the energies at play. Conclusion Whether or not you subscribe to the concept of ley lines, Benirras Beach undeniably offers a unique energetic experience. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant community rituals, and serene atmosphere, it serves as a sanctuary for those seeking connection—both to nature and to one another. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or simply looking for a beautiful place to unwind, Benirra's Beach is sure to leave a lasting impression. Embrace the energy, and let the magic of Ibiza inspire you! Further Reading around energy, ley lines, vortexes, Ibiza: Here are some resources to explore the concepts of healing energies and ley lines and energy vortexes in Ibiza: https://www.lofficielibiza.com/ibiza/the-mystical-energy-of-ibiza-s-ley-lines https://www.ibiza-selected.com/en/the-healing-energy-field-ibizas-experience-the-magical-places-of-ancient-legends-myths/ https://micasatucasaibiza.com/ibiza-news/6-magical-spots-in-ibiza-that-are-straight-out-of-a-fairytale/ https://tapasibiza.com/2024/04/22/explore-the-seven-wonders-of-ibiza/ LOVED THIS? YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS>>> I hope you found this post helpful. Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: This post includes affiliate links below that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR IBIZA TRIP WITH KIDS 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Ibiza flights. 🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS -  For Europe Train Travel   ⛴️ - FERRY TICKETS -  We use 12Go for all of our ferry tickets. You can get the Ferry from Barcelona  to Ibiza check out dates and best prices at 12Go here   🏨   - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS -  Check our Accommodation Planning Page for more   for best price hotels, hostels and longer term rentals for Barcelona 🧭🗺️👣   - IBIZA TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS -  We use Get Your Guide  for all trips. But we also  Klook sometimes. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. Trips in Ibiza This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

Join us as we visit the hippy market at Benirra's Beach , Ibiza, Spain . And explore the history of the hippy markets in Ibiza's history. Ibiza , the stunning jewel of the Mediterranean, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and picturesque beaches. However, beneath the surface of its party island reputation lies a rich history that intertwines with the hippie movement of the 1960s and 70s. This blog post explores the legacy of the hippies in Ibiza, their cultural impact, and the iconic markets that continue to celebrate this free-spirited lifestyle. AS we take a shopping trip to the hippy market on Benirra's Beach . What to expect from this blog: A historical overview of the hippy movement Our Trip To Benirra's Ibiza Hippy Market with kids Opening times of Benirras Markets 6 Reasons why you must visit The Benirras Hippy Market Other Famous Hippy Markets of Ibiza that are worth a visit The kids got a wave from the coolest hippy in Ibiza in their painted retro VW Beetle with smiley. How cool is this Car!?! Thanks for the wave - you made our kids day!! A Historical Overview The hippie movement blossomed in the mid-20th century, fuelled by a quest for peace, love, and freedom. By the late 1960s, Ibiza became a refuge for those seeking an escape from societal norms. Attracted by the island's stunning landscapes, warm climate, and welcoming atmosphere, many young people flocked to Ibiza, drawn by the promise of a new way of life. In 1969, the island hosted the first-ever International Festival of Music, attracting artists and musicians from around the globe. This event solidified Ibiza’s reputation as a creative haven. The early hippies embraced communal living, self-expression, and a connection to nature, creating a unique subculture that flourished on the island. There is still a strong hippy community in Ibiza and the boho vibe runs throughout as can be seen in the clothes shops around the island as well as the hippy markets that we love to visit every time we're there. The Hippie Markets One of the most tangible remnants of this era can be found in Ibiza's famous hippie markets, where the spirit of the 60s and 70s lives on. These markets are not just places to shop; they are vibrant cultural hubs filled with artistry, music, and a sense of community. The cool guy at the stall Si bought his meditation beads from. Thanks amigo! A Day At Benirras Ibiza Hippy Market Today, we visit Benirras Ibiza Hippy Market - Mercadillo de Benirràs - On the same on the same beach in San Juan. Benirras hippy market has over 3 0 stalls with arts and crafts such as handmade pieces of jewellery, boho clothes. Whilst there, I bought a gorgeous silk dress, the kids bought bracelets and Si bought meditation beads (that you'll see him wearing daily on al of vids / photos - loves mandala beads that boy!). Come see what we bought below WE think Benirra's is the best hippy market in Ibiza for 6 reason s: It's pretty big. It's not overly busy - there's space to move around with kids. And it's right near the beach (like a few metres up from it) where you can then get to have a cooling drink after your shopping at one of the front bar / restaurants (it's not overcrowded / overbuilt there too so the drink is relaxed) You can make the whole day of it, by spending the day at the beautiful beach - perfect for kids as it's calm waters and soft sand. Sand is stoney at shore line but not so bad that the kids need water shoes. The beach gets an amazing sunset. One of the best You'll ever see in Ibiza and the world. Bold statement I know! But it isn't known as ' The Finger of God' for no reason. And And double and, as you're right on the beach, you might see the hippies drumming as the sunsets which is A MUST SEE. Check out our Benirra's Drumming Video on YouTube. It's a double date here! Other draws but they're not going on my reasons to go list, beacsue it would be quite embarrassing if I got excited about these things. BUT they certainly help life situation: The Benirra's market is right next to the parking , with a quick walk to beach. Once at the Benirràs hippy market you won't get hassled to buy. We HATE this. You will find a hippie laid back atmosphere where you can wander around at leisure. And even in your bikini if you like. No pressure here. Come as you are. Good vibes. The ibiza way. Opening Times of Benirra's Hippy Market: Opens approximately from 12 up to 24 hours ( depending on the weather). Only open in t he summer months - May to October, every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00. WE visited on the Sunday, which we whole heartedly recommend. In fact INSIST. In fact FORCE YOU TO GO because you will not be disappointed! Go check out the Hippy Market Beach Drums video here for what vibe to expect. And drop me a comment on the video - I want to know that you are going / went / and what you thought! Enjoy!! Our top 3 Other famous hippy markets that are a must visit in IBIZA include: 1. Las Dalias Hippy Market Founded in 1985, Las Dalias Hippy Market is perhaps the most iconic of them all. Nestled in the heart of San Carlos, this market is a treasure trove of handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing, and art. Visitors can find everything from bohemian fashion to unique home décor. The market's atmosphere is electric, with live music, performances, and delicious food stalls offering a taste of the island's culinary delights. 2. Pueblo de Sant Jordi The Pueblo de Sant Jordi market, held on Saturdays, is another hotspot for those looking to embrace the hippie lifestyle. Known for its eclectic mix of stalls, it offers vintage clothing, artisanal crafts, and a variety of local produce. The laid-back vibe and friendly interactions create a welcoming environment where you can soak up the essence of Ibiza’s hippy culture. 3. Es Canar Hippy Market Every Wednesday, the Es Canar Hippy Market brings a splash of color and creativity to the island. Located near the beach, this market features over 500 stalls brimming with crafts, jewellery, and clothing. It’s a great place to mingle with local artisans and discover unique pieces that capture the island's bohemian spirit. The Legacy Lives On While the original hippie movement has evolved, its influence is still palpable in Ibiza today. The values of peace, love, and sustainability resonate with many of the island's current inhabitants and visitors. Eco-friendly initiatives, wellness retreats, and art festivals continue to honour the legacy of the hippies who once called Ibiza home. The modern Ibiza is a blend of the old and the new—where cutting-edge nightclubs coexist with yoga retreats and holistic practices. The hippie markets serve as a reminder of the island's history, offering a space where creativity and community thrive. Conclusion The hippie movement in Ibiza was not just a fleeting trend; it was a cultural phenomenon that shaped the island’s identity. The hippie markets continue to celebrate this legacy, providing a platform for artisans and visitors to connect with the island's vibrant past. Whether you're a traveler seeking unique souvenirs or someone eager to soak up the creative energy, these markets are a must-visit. As you wander through the colourful stalls, let the spirit of the hippies guide you—a reminder that Ibiza is, at its core, a place of freedom, creativity, and love. In the meantime keep up with our daily updates on social media below. And let me know if there is anything specific you would like me to cover on the blog about our Bali life. Follow us on Instagram: On YouTube: LOVED THIS? YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS>>> I hope you found this post helpful. Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: This post includes affiliate links below that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR IBIZA TRIP WITH KIDS 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Ibiza flights. 🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS -  For Europe Train Travel   ⛴️ - FERRY TICKETS -  We use 12Go for all of our ferry tickets. You can get the Ferry from Barcelona  to Ibiza check out dates and best prices at 12Go here   🏨   - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS -  Check our Accommodation Planning Page for more   for best price hotels, hostels and longer term rentals for Barcelona 🧭🗺️👣   - IBIZA TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS -  We use Get Your Guide  for all trips. But we also  Klook sometimes. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. Trips in Ibiza This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

Ahhhh Ibiza . It’s my favourite place in the world. Perhaps it's nostalgia - but Ibiza in the 90's holds a really quite visceral space in my very being. It has been my favourite place in the whole world ever since my first ever trip there in 1999. And we travel a lot. In fact we're full time travel family, building our home on beautiful Bali right now and while that happens, we're slow travelling the world with our kids showing them the world - and that's why this blog started in the first place - to document our journey. You can read more about us here . If I’m honest Ibiza was my favourite place before all that. I know that sounds mental, but it was. Or rather, I knew it would be. There's not much evidence of my first trip to Ibiza, as this was a time before camera phones. I love to look through this amazing Ibiza_past account on instagram , so head here for some amazing old school Ibiza images. Cafe Mambo + the sunset strip, looking a bit different in the nineties I started getting into house music when I was 18. I totally fell in love with it, that and going clubbing. It consumed me. I literally lived for the weekend and going out dancing to amazing DJ’s. I spent all of my spare time getting immersed in this scene; listening to music and reading clubbing magazines, Mixmag, DJ, Muzik mag, Jockey slut. Anything I could get my hands on. It wasn’t that easy in those days as there was no internet. So I’d spend all of my lunch hours in WH Smith, reading magazines for free. Then on payday, I’d buy them… although I didn’t ever have any money left as I’d spent it clubbing. Obvs. I loved to read about Ibiza. This magical island, where the sun always shone, everyone was welcome and it was house music 24/7. A non stop party. As someone who grew up in a place that was a polar opposite to this laid back Balearic heaven. East Manchester, where it rained all of the time and being different was frowned upon it looked like another world, a world where I wanted to be. Trust me I looked different, I remember being on my way out, stopping off for a drink in the local pub waiting for my taxi to the club, ready to go, dressed in some of the nineties finest club wear, think orange Paul Smith velvet pants, a skin tight John Richmond Destroy top, with see through strips on and some natty Patrick Cox wannabes….. You soon find out that standing out was not the done thing. So I dreamed of going to the island and being allowed to be free, to be me. This was a time before the minimum wage and I was working in the proper low end sports shop, JJB sports at the time. For those that don’t remember it. It makes Sports Direct look positively chic. It was cheap, the main fare was 5 year old football kits from Austria’s 2nd division. We had a good laugh though. The biggest laugh was the weekly pay. I remember the usual weekly wage was about 80 quid. Take out £25 for keep. £10 quid on my bus fare and it only leaves £45. Now I know that people make jokes about being able to go out with a fiver, drink all night, go for a curry after and still have change left and all that shit. But that wasn’t the case in the clubs. My taxi home was £15, although I used to try and stay out till the busses were running the next day, many times I’d walk the 6 miles home so I didn’t waste any money that could be spent in the club. Now this lifestyle and terrible wage didn’t leave much left for saving. So foreign holidays were just not an option. Some of the images from the Old Ibiza Clubs - Clubbers guide to Ibiza 1999 CD I had to make do with pictures and dreams. I used to get the Ministry of Sound – Clubbers Guide to Ibiza albums as soon as they came out. These were compiled by my fave DJ at the time Judge Jules. They were his guide to what tunes would be big on the White Isle that year. The music was amazing. Just listen to some on our Ibiza 1999 Spotify playlist here . It wasn’t just about the music, they had an amazing sleeve in them, with a booklet, full of amazing images of Ibiza, superclubs, beaches and villages. All so bright and vibrant, bathed in sunshine and hedonism. The bright blues of the seas and skies contrasting with the sun bleached land. I honestly used to stare for hours at these photos daydreaming about being there. Images of ibiza vibes Fast forward to my 21st in 1999. I was living with my Ex and eldest Son Joe, who was only 4 at the time. I had got promoted at work, to a supervisor, so was earning more money, but we had a mortgage, toddler and nursery fees to pay. So there was still no money for hols. We still went clubbing whenever we had a babysitter, so that didn’t help with budgeting. I was given money for my 21st. in all honesty, this was probably to buy a car, put towards my future and do something sensible with. I remember thinking…. Errrrrm sack that. I went shopping for some summer clothes and went in the travel agents. 2 for Ibiza please. As soon as possible. I booked us a week. It cost us something mad like £200 quid each, imagine that nowadays. This was it. I was going to Ibiza . You really could not imagine my excitement. I’d never actually been on a plane. I’d been to France with my parents, but that was ages ago. I didn’t even have a passport though ! So after a last minute trip to the passport office in Liverpool to get a speedy service. It was game on. I probably expected a bit too much from the off. I honestly thought that the flight to Ibiza would be wild. I thought it would be full of full on clubbers all dancing in the aisles in crazy outfits and that the party would start in the airport. In all honesty, it was pretty full of old people and families. Still, I was in the mood for a party. I got a bottle of vodka from duty free, you could take it on the plane then, so that helped. We had spotted one other couple that were clearly clubbers as we boarded. We made eye contact as we sat down, with a knowing glance. We knew what each other was going for. We got chatting to them on the transfer coach, they were called Phil and Vicky. They worked as entertainers in clubs all over Europe. Doing fire shows and carrying snakes and all that kind of stuff. So we clicked. They said that they weren’t going mad that night as it was already quite late. So they said we should just have a few, down the West End. I had only heard snippets about the West End. If you ever see Ibiza Uncovered, Brit abroad style programmes, showing what are basically pissed up nob heads, with no respect or self control on holiday, acting like idiots. Then this will be in the West End. It’s like one street that contains every single absolute whopper, absolutely smashed on free shots and shit lager. They are all there and they are wild. I later realised that this is a good thing. As they are contained, kind of like in a zoo, which allows the rest of the island to live free of their shit. At the time, I didn’t see it like that. I thought this was it, it was like any town centre on a weekend, but warmer. I had dreamed of this moment for years…. And there I was, stepping over a fat Geordie, who lay on the floor, with his pasty arse hanging, shouting obscenities and covered in sick. I couldn’t take it. It was hell. I was so sad, I started to cry. A few consoling words of reassurance from Phil and Vicky later, I felt a bit better. They assured me that this was not Ibiza at all. Don’t worry, it will all look better tomorrow. Well I felt a bit happier. So I had a few more drinks, headed to Mambos, started getting the taste for it. I felt the vibe a bit more, soon enough as the sun came up, things had got a bit looser I ended up skinny dipping. There was no point in going to bed, so we went straight to the beach in San Antonio. As the day wore on the music started at Bar M, the sister bar to the crazy place that was Manumission. I started to feel it a bit more and thought OK, this could be more like I hoped. That night, we were going out, for our first Ibiza clubbing experience. It was a big first night. It was Cream at Amnesia. We started with the pre party at Bar M. This was crazy enough as all of the big DJ’s playing the club, also used to play the pre parties, so the line ups there were better than most clubs back home. I don’t remember that many details about the night, but I know it was amazing. Ibiza was turning out to be every bit as good as I had hoped. We had an amazing night in Amnesia, flitting between the harder trance sounds in the main room and the more Balearic housey vibes of the terrace. Ibiza had well and truly delivered. Cream at Amnesia 1999 - Club poster We went from the club straight to an afterparty. We thought it was a good idea to go straight to a moped rental place and get a couple. Now, in hindsight, this was not the most sensible thing. If my kids read this, don’t do it. Daddy was a fucking idiot. I rode straight into a bush. We parked that idea. Got our towels and headed to Kanya. At the time it was on the outskirts of San An, so wasn’t that well known. The vibe was amazing. It had a pool and a DJ, playing amazing vocal house during the day, that got a little more pumping as the day turned into evening. I absolutely loved the place and swore I’d be that DJ one day. (I did get to be that DJ one day too and play at that very same place - more on that some other time maybe). Kanya bar in the nineties It was now Friday. Back in the day, weekends were usually the transit days. Meaning the clubs did not have their best nights on at the weekend so we decided to save ourselves over the weekend, for what was the biggest night on the island, or actually the world. Mondays in Ibiza meant one thing, Manumission at privelege. We were going to save ourselves, but my fave DJ Judge Jules was on at a night that was known for being a bit crazy, Sundissential, was a Sunday party in Birmingham. They hosted Sundays at Pacha and Judge Jules was on. This was my chance to make those hours spent daydreaming over the Clubbers Guide a reality. No way was I missing that. So we headed to Pacha and had an amazing night. 99 in the clubs was the year that trance went boom. So we danced to what are now classics such as Veracocha – Carte Blanche, Madagascar – Art of trance and what is total cheese, but is now my guilty pleasure. Alice Deejay – Do you think you’re better off alone. Listening to that euphoric trance, in Pacha in Ibiza was all a bit much. I cried again, but these were happy tears of pure joy. The scene of the Sundissential afterparty - Ibiza moments can be anywhere There was one particular song that I really liked on that years Clubbers Guide album, it was very girly house and I hadn’t heard it anywhere else ever. I still never do, apart from when I play it as many years later I managed to find an old copy on vinyl in a charity shop. It was called All I Need, by Angel moon. I said before I went, whenever it was on, that I would only really know I’d done Ibiza, when I heard that, in Ibiza. We went to the after party with Judge Jules, we’d been chatting to him in the club (we actually used to chat to him a lot when he played golden at Sankeys in Manchester, but I'm sure he was used to wide eyed clubbers bending his ear). I was chewing his ear off and told him all of this. I know he probably thought “what is he going on about”, but he played it for me anyway. I was dancing, in some random spot in Ibiza town, with a vodka limon as the sun came up. Job done, I had made it. As the after party wound down and the sun rose and got hotter, I soon realised that the plastic leather look pants I had chosen to wear, were far more suited to a Northern England climate than a Balearic one. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever sweated that much before, or since. Lesson learned… Ibiza fashion is different to home. The next day, we were hanging out at Kanya and we were approached by some people who told us that they worked for the promotions team for Godskitchen. A big night from Birmingham, that hosted Tuesday nights at Amnesia. They said they were looking for good looking, confident clubbers and that we looked good and would we like to join the parade on Tuesday. Flattery will get you everywhere, so we said yes. The parade was going to have to wait as we were told to meet at Kanya on the Tuesday to find out what we would be dressed as. But before that there was a small matter to deal with. Manumission at Privilege Ibiza 1999 flyer Now Mondays in Ibiza were very different to back home. In the nineties/early noughties Mondays meant one thing and that was Manumission. It was quite simply the biggest club night on the island, no, scratch that… The world, in the biggest club in the world. The night actually started in Manchester, in a club called Equinox in the heart of the Gay Village. Manchester at the time was a tough place to run a club as gangs were taking over. One particular incident saw the two brothers who promoted the night, heading off to Ibiza. It turned out to be something of a blessing. The brothers were Andy and Mike Mckay, who soon became know as Andy and Mike Manumission. The home of Manumission was a club called Privilege, formerly known as Ku and one of Ibiza’s legendary venues. Unless you have been to Privilege you just cannot comprehend the scale of this place. As you drive across the island, on the main road between Ibiza Town and San Antonio, you reach pretty much the highest point, near the village of San Rafael and you look out, you will see a crazy looking building on the hillside. It’s a strange looking place, with palm trees, a central block, with a terraced arch way and the huge dome. I remember being amazed by the size of the place the first time I rode past on a moped and saw it from a distance, I couldn’t believe that a place like this existed, for the sole reason of people going to dance to house music in. I couldn’t wait to get inside. Manumission at Privilege Ibiza 1999 The whole island was buzzing about Manumission and it was pretty much all most people were talking about. It had a crazy hype about the night. Manumission prided themselves on being different, in particular they didn’t promote the DJ side of things. I remember not actually knowing who was going to be playing that night, which for me as a massive music geek was a new thing. We jumped on the “Disco bus”, a coach which headed to the club from San Antonio. The bus was full of clubbers, it turned off the main road under an archway, into the complex that housed the club, with it’s own carpark and walkway to the doors, it felt more like entering a village than a club. It really shocked me. We walked in and I could not believe the size of this place. The main room is huge, like seriously huge. Palm trees line the sides, with a high ceiling and mezzanine floors. In the centre of the club is a swimming pool, at the time, the DJ booth was a mirror clad centrepiece on a bridge over the swimming pool. We wandered around, the club had outdoor gardens, a restaurant, and even a DJ in the toilets. I had to take a moment to take it all in and get my bearings sat in the open air of the dome looking up at the stars and the scenery around. As the night went on, things got more unbelievable, there were mime artists, people walking the tightrope above your head and even the sex show…. Which I never really got TBH. Too busy dancing to watch that. DJ booth Manumission at Privilege Ibiza DJ legend + pioneer of the Balearic sound - Alfredo We stayed there, dancing to Ibiza legend and one of the fathers of this whole scene, Alfredo till the sun started streaming through the huge glass windows. There’ something naughty feeling about dancing in the daylight. I remember dancing on the bouncy dance floor over the pool, looking at the time and thinking that I’d normally be starting work at about this time. I knew where I’d rather be. As time was getting on and we knew that we had to meet for the parade that afternoon, we decided it was best not to head to an afterparty, but headed back to get a shower and a freshen up ready to do the parade. The parades were always a big feature of promoting nights in Ibiza back in the day, not so much these days. All of the big nights used to host a themed parade, a group of dressed up reprobates parading through the town, playing music, dancing, carrying banners and just generally attracting a lot of attention for the upcoming night. They would snake through the town and finish up at the main pre party. Then they would move onto the club and spend the rest of the night/next day there. We met up at Kanya in the afternoon and were told what the plan was. The theme was savages and we were asked if we were ok to be body painted. Always up for some daft stuff, I said yes. I wore nothing but a grass skirt, afro wig and a pair of sandals. Body painted in black and red head to toe and carrying a skull on a spike. We were told that we were to walk through San Antonio, dancing around as we made our way to the pre party at Bar M. We were quite a group and people clapped, cheered and joined on the back of our line as we snaked our way through the town, down to the seafront. We headed into bar M and were told to go wild. All of the crowd were cheering as we all ran in, we headed up the steps to the DJ booth, which at the time was set up a tree in the bar. As security moved out of the way and let us all up, the DJ dropped Pete Heller – Big Love (The Dronez mix). This is such an Ibiza tune and it was certainly a bit of a “moment”. We carried on dancing, but my partner at the time was starting to feel the effects and wanted to go back. I had to walk her back to our apartment. Not wanting to miss out on my last night and also because my bag with all of my clothes in was with the promoters I headed back to Bar M. I had to leg it as I knew that the entertainments team was due to be heading up to Amnesia for the night shortly. I had to run through the backstreets of San Antonio, getting some strange looks. I took a bit of a wrong turn and came out bang in the middle of the west end, right at KFC. On my own, wearing a grass skirt and body paint. I legged it before the masses realised and set upon me. I made it back, but the promo team had already headed up, so I had to blag one of the promoters to give me a lift. He wasn’t happy about me getting body paint all over the interior of his hire car, so I had to sit in the boot. But, nothing was going to stop me making the most out of my last night, especially seeing as though the reward for taking part in the parade was VIP entry and free drinks. A great night was had, I even got to dance on the huge podiums where the professionals go in the Amnesia main room. God knows what I looked like up there…. But never mind, you only live once right. This experience lived on as i was actually photographed and appeared in a DJ magazine Ibiza special. I was well buzzing to see myself in the very magazine that i used to read as my inspiration to go. Little old me , in DJ magazine.... In body paint. Ibiza parade I rolled back to the apartment after a little after party. We had to checkout at 11 and so I had half an hour to try and scrub the body paint off. Not easy as that stuff had soaked into my skin after being on for god knows how many hours and mixed with dancing sweat and dry ice. I managed to catch up on a bit of sleep that afternoon in my last few hours in the Ibiza sun. We headed to the airport and on to the plane. I remember looking of the window as we took off, seeing the runway, the Salinas salt plains, Es Vedra and then the island all getting smaller. The thought of going back to grey old Manchester and peoples sweaty feet in the sports shop did not make me happy. I felt so sad… I was crying again. But I’d had an amazing time and I knew that this was just the start of a life long love affair. Let me know in the comments box about your first time in Ibiza. Was it in the 90's? I love all the old stories. Don't forget to Subscribe to our Blog to keep updated about our big travel plans LOVED THIS? YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS>>> I hope you found this post helpful. Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: This post includes affiliate links below that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR IBIZA TRIP WITH KIDS 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Ibiza flights. 🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS -  For Europe Train Travel   ⛴️ - FERRY TICKETS -  We use 12Go for all of our ferry tickets. You can get the Ferry from Barcelona  to Ibiza check out dates and best prices at 12Go here   🏨   - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS -  Check our Accommodation Planning Page for more   for best price hotels, hostels and longer term rentals for Barcelona 🧭🗺️👣   - IBIZA TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS -  We use Get Your Guide  for all trips. But we also  Klook sometimes. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. Trips in Ibiza This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

When we were planning the budget for our upcoming 3 months in Europe we had definitely NOT taken into account the new Tourist Tax that tourists now need to pay when visiting Spain. This is an additional expense that we didn't add into our monthly budget that is going to cost us an additional 100 euros to our monthly accommodation budget and potentially YOU TOO! If you're thinking about travelling to Spain soon, here's what you need to know about the Tourist Tax in Spain. And to be honest, there's a lot of mixed information out there. If you’re planning the budget for an upcoming trip to Spain, or a holiday to Spain, then make sure to account for the tourist tax as well as there's no getting around this tax. As part of our big Spanish and Europe adventure, we're planning on staying 1 month in the city of Barcelona and as such had to pay the Barcelona Tourist Tax - or the Impuesto sobre estancias en establecimientos turísticos as it's called for Barcelona. But this tax is Not just Barcelona, this affects other tourist destinations in Spain too. And it's an additional expense that should be included in your overall costs, but it’s a good idea to research it first to understand how it might affect your travel budget. The list it affects is changing ll the time, as is the amount you will need to pay. In true Spain style there's no one consensus place to find out exactly how much you'll be required to pay and we were told by the apartment owner that we need to pay on checking in. And rather than just blindly handing over the money, I took it upon myself to research and find out if we were being ripped off - or if what they were asking for was the correct amount. In this short post we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Tourist Tax in Spain , including how it works, how much it costs, who needs to pay it and how you pay it, centred around our experience of planning a 1-month stay in Barcelona and discovering the extra cost: 💶 The Tourist Tax in Spain: Everything You Need to Know Planning a trip to Spain? So were we — a full-time travelling family preparing for a one-month stay in Barcelona , only to discover an extra cost we hadn’t factored into our budget: Spain’s Tourist Tax . If you're visiting Spain , especially popular regions like Catalonia (Barcelona) , Balearic Islands (Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza , etc.) , or Valencia , you may be required to pay a local tourism tax  — often added to your accommodation bill. Here’s what you need to know so it doesn’t catch you by surprise like it did us. But it's not always added to your bill you need to check the fine print of your booking. 🏨 What Is the Spanish Tourist Tax? The Spanish Tourist Tax  is a daily fee charged per person, per night  by local governments in certain regions to help maintain tourist infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism. You’ll often see it referred to as: Impuesto sobre estancias en establecimientos turísticos  (in Catalonia) Ecotasa  (in the Balearic Islands) Or simply: Tourist Tax / City Tax 📍 Where Is It Charged? Not all regions in Spain charge this tax, but many major tourist areas do, including: Catalonia (Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona, etc.) Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera) Valencia (Valencia City, Alicante, etc. - starting in 2024/25) Madrid and much of inland Spain  do not  currently charge a tourist tax. 💰 How Much Is the Tourist Tax in Barcelona? This was the surprise for us! Here's what to expect per person, per night , depending on your accommodation type: Accommodation Type Rate (per night) Luxury Hotel (5-star) €3.50 + €1.75 city surcharge = €5.25 Mid-range Hotel (4-star) €1.70 + €1.75 = €3.45 Budget Hotels / Apartments €1.10 + €1.75 = €2.85 Hostels, Guesthouses, Campgrounds ~€0.65 - €1.00 Housing for tourist use: €8.50 €8.50 Barcelona charges visitors between €6 and €11 a night depending on the type of accommodation they are staying in. These fees rose from May 1 2025. And the prices are due to go up steadily over the next few years as the city authority raises its fee. As of 1 May 2025, those in hotels and apartments up to four stars in Barcelona pay €7.40. This goes up to €11 for those in five star hotels. Housing for tourist use, such as Airbnb are charged €8.50 a night with other, lower-ranked establishments costing €6 a night. And as mentioned this isn't a simple flat rate tax for Barcelona. Barcelona rates from May 1 2025: Hostels/camping/low level hotels: €6 Cruise passengers 12hrs+: €8 Cruise passengers under 12 hrs: €10 Housing for tourist use: €8.50 Hotels up to 4-star: €7.40 Hotels up to 5-star: €11 The above is purely for Barcelona. Outside of Barcelona, the rest of Catalonia charges tourist tax. Because this is only collected by the regional authority, this is cheaper than Barcelona but can still add up for a family staying for a week. To answer the Question: How much is the tourist tax in Spain? then the different regions also charge different amounts for the different type of housing / accommodation. Spain is as follows for the different regions: Spain tourist tax Here are all the Spain tourist tax charges as of 1 May 2025: Area/Accommodation Tourist tax (high season) Tourist tax (low season) Balearic Islands Camping €1 €0.25 Cruise passengers €2 €0.50 Hotels up to 3-star €2 €0.75 Housing for tourist use €2 €0.50 Hotels up to 4-star €3 €0.75 Hotels up to 5-star €4 €1 Barcelona Hostels / camping / low level hotels €6 €6 Cruise passengers 12hrs+ €8 €8 Cruise passengers under 12 hrs €10 €10 Housing for tourist use €8.50 €8.50 Hotels up to 4-star €7.40 €7.40 Hotels up to 5-star €11 €11 Catalonia (excl. Barcelona) Hostels / camping / low level hotels €1.20 €1.20 Cruise passengers 12hrs+ €4 €4 Cruise passengers under 12 hrs €6 €6 Housing for tourist use €2 €2 Hotels up to 4-star €2.40 €2.40 Hotels up to 5-star €6 €6 Tourist tax for Benidorm and Valencia Benidorm, Alicante and Valencia city itself, has now scrapped plans to introduce a tourist tax after uproar from local communities. Hooray well done citizens of the Valencia region! Note: Charged up to 7 nights max  per person per stay. Children under 16  are typically exempt . 💡 Our Experience: We booked a long-term apartment rental - 1 month in an apartment in Barcelona via Booking.com thinking we’d nailed the budget. Well not nailed it to be exact - because quite honestly this whole trip is turning into a big over spend of a miffer. After living in South east Asia for almost 1 year, we realise just how expensive Europe is and honestly if we had to do this whole full time travel life in Europe. Forget it. So the costs are mounting and we need to earn more money this month to cover things or dip into savings (something we really try to avoid doing). But on check-in, we were asked to pay €6.88 per adult, per night. Total €96.32 because stays are capped at 7 nights charge. But this 96 euro charge was something we definitely hadn't accounted for and it's a significant expense on top of the monthly rent we'd payed of €1700 (for a 2 bedroom flat). The kids were exempt from this as it's just adults. This charge can be paid by cash to the woner - but this all felt a bit scammy to me so I wanted to be sure we were firstly paying the correct amount. And secondly that once paid to the owner - we wouldn't then be asked somewhere down the line to pay again. And then we want to share this information for all our fellow visitors so you don't get over charged and know what to expect. Definitely something to budget for if you're staying longer than just a few nights! 🧾 How Is the Tax Paid? Usually collected by your accommodation  on arrival or check-in. Sometimes added to your final bill  or paid in cash. Must be listed separately  from the nightly rate on receipts. (so check this with your booking information) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who Has to Pay It? Everyone aged 16 and up . Children under 16 are generally exempt . Applies to both tourists and locals  staying in tourist accommodations. 📅 Is It Charged Monthly or Only on First 7 Nights? The tax applies to up to 7 nights per stay , even if you're staying longer. So for a 1-month stay like ours, you’ll only pay for 7 nights per person . Example:  2 adults staying 30 nights = 2 x 7 nights = 14 taxed nights total (kids under 16 are exempt although technically the 16 year old probably should be charged - but she'll be in UK for most of this time so if the landlord then asks for more money I'll let them know that). ✈️ Why Is There a Tourist Tax? These funds are used for: Tourism sustainability projects Infrastructure maintenance Environmental protection (especially on islands) Managing over-tourism in cities like Barcelona It’s not a scam or hidden fee — just an important budget line  to include! ✅ Tips for Budgeting Around the Tourist Tax Check if your destination charges it  before booking. Ask if it's included in your rate  when booking accommodation. Consider shorter stays  in cities with high rates to save money. Budget about €15–€25 extra per person  just in case. 🧳 Final Thoughts If you're planning a trip to Barcelona, Mallorca, or some parts of Spain this is a small but important expense to plan for. We learned the hard way — so now we'll always know to check in advance. For long-term travellers or families like us, it adds up quickly, but being prepared makes all the difference! It's a similar amount to a visa cost in some countries and this is a cost we budget for so this tax should be treated as no different. Please note: this info was true for the time we travelled May 2025 but as always please do your own research as this can change when it comes to local council / Government - it's of my opinion that they'll increase as time goes on. I hope you found this post helpful. Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR BARCELONA TRIP WITH KIDS 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Barcelona flights. 🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS -  For Europe Train Travel   🏨   - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS -  Check our Accommodation Planning Page for more for best price hotels, hostels and longer term rentals for Barcelona 🧭🗺️👣   - BARCELONA TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS -  We use Get Your Guide  for all trips. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. Trips in Barcelona This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! After two more magical months living in Bali , we packed our bags (all of them!) and flew into Singapore for the very first time as a family. We had no idea what to expect—but let’s just say Singapore didn’t disappoint. Clean, green, futuristic, and packed with history, this city had us hooked from the start. And we created a whole video on our first day in Singapore here: Arrival Adventures (and Airport Drama) We flew from Bali to Changi with KLM and landed at Changi Airport—a must see destination in itself—and hit our first travel hiccup: overweight luggage. Thanks to KLM’s strict policy on individual bag weight, we had to unpack and reshuffle everything right there in the terminal. Stressful? Absolutely. But we got it sorted without blowing our budget on excess fees. Use our flight checker below to get the cheapest flight prices. Where We Stayed We splurged big time on our stay at the Dorsett Hotel , trading our usual budget accommodations for a bit of luxury. With two rooms for four nights at £920, it cost more than a whole months rent in Bali (like I said we blew the budget!). But the location (right next to MRT, Chinatown , and Duxton Park), rooftop pool, and epic skyline views made it worthwhile—especially with kids in tow - and especially for a city break treat. And this was a treaty stay (not like our usual budget day-to-day travel life). We found accommodation in Singapore to be expensive for South East Asia, but the quality to be much better for the price point of say a Western city like London. Prices are much cheaper than London and the standard/quality far far higher. That said there are also many hostel options if on a budget as a solo traveller or couple where you can stay in a hostel for around £25 per night (but for a family of 4 hostels don't work out the best option as we're big in number). We are better of staying in a hotel for a similar cost and have the luxuries of a gym and pool. First Impressions: Clean, Calm, and Green Singapore really surprised us. The air smelled fresh. The streets were spotless. Crossing the road didn’t feel like a life-or-death decision (anyone who’s spent time in Bali will understand this). The city is filled with wide-open green spaces and shaded parks—perfect for families needing to let little legs run wild. Exploring Tiong Bahru On day one, we wandered around Tiong Bahru, the oldest districts in Singapore, a charming neighbourhood full of art deco buildings, artisan shops, and the best pastries in town at Tiong Bahru Bakery (where I'm told they bake fresh every 2 hours!). And very good coffee and fresh pressed juices. May I recommend to you their flaky croissants with Pastrami (perfection!) and our whole trip in Singapore was marked by these amazing pastries and carbs. And if you watch our Singapore videos it looks like all we ate was baked goods... I promise you we ate so many wonderful things in Singapore, but loved a lunch or brunch at one of the amazing bakeries because after almost a full year of SE Asian food (which we love) we have soooo missed our breads and cakes and all things bakery. And so everyday when in Singapore you must sample one of the many amazing bakery / coffee shops for the best outside France! No visit to Tiong Bahru is complete without a visit to the famous market. We loved Tiong Bahru and don't miss this Guided Tour of Tiong Bahru where you'll see Art Deco architecture, murals and local artisan stores and learn about the area's history by someone that truly knows the hidden gems. As you explore, you'll get a glimpse of the lifestyle and embark on a food crawl to try local flavours as well. The market is very cool, quirky, and steeped in history. It has beautiful flower markets and stalls downstairs. Be sure to go upstairs at the market for budget-friendly local eats—definitely the smarter option for future breakfasts, because these coffee shop breakfasts are killing any budget that we had marked out for Singapore. May I suggest this 6:35am early sunrise experience of Singapore where you'll visit the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site The Singapore Botanic Gardens at sunrise with a local guide, and then enjoy a local breakfast at a famous Hawker Centre, followed by experiencing the morning buzz in Tiong Bahru on this half-day walking tour to explore the quaint alleyways and experience the old world charm of Tiong Bahru with its bustling wet market, heritage street art, Art Deco architecture, disused bomb shelter, and more than a century old Monkey God Temple. A must if in Tiong Bahru! Local Life, Local Food From Tiong Bahru, we made our way into Chinatown and hit up the hawker markets for dinner. Here, we found Michelin-star-level dishes for just a few dollars , and meals for our entire family (drinks included!) came to just $25. Eating street food shoulder-to-shoulder with locals was a cultural experience in itself. This is how you should eat as a family on a budget in Singapore. And by gosh you will be spoilt for choice for the best food ever! We found a slow pace by just rambling around the streets of China Town and we liked it that way. But it's easy to miss things and next time we plan to go on this Chinatown and Little India Guided Walking Tour that sadly we just didn't have the time for this time around. Culture and Connection One standout moment? Visiting the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple , a sacred site in the heart of Chinatown. Watching monks in silent meditation while explaining the significance to our kids felt like one of those unforgettable homeschool wins—real learning, right in the moment. So much so that myself and Si returned the following day to meditate during the Awakening of The Tooth Ceremony (a daily opening ceremony that you can watch when the temple opens to the public) and a chance to take in the quiet as the city awakens. You may visit the temple on your own or join a guided tour like this one which incorporates a visit to the temple plus a guided tour around The China Town Complex for the best food we had above. Singapore’s Charm In just 72 hours, we fell hard for Singapore. It’s one of the most family-friendly cities we’ve explored—organised, walkable, filled with amazing food, and brimming with learning opportunities. And Get Your Guide Offers so many tours here that will make your trip easy and memorable. Coming up next:  More on Singapore’s incredible neighbourhoods, exploring Gardens by the Bay, the best way to see Singapore City and save your legs from walking, and how to experience this city on a budget (even with kids!). And why we plan to come back to Singapore in 2025 to live for one whole month in a quieter neighbourhood outside the city to get a feel for the real Singapore . Want help planning your Singapore adventure ? Let me know in the comments & I can help you create the perfect itinerary for you. I hope you found this post helpful. In the meantime keep up with our daily updates below and use our Singapore Planning Tools Below to get best flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR SINGAPORE TRIP 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS - We use this flight checker to search cheap flight tickets for our Singapore trip and got flights from Bali to Singapore for just £33 each! Amazing. Use to check dates and flight costs to Changi Airport Singapore now or go to our Flight Planning Page fore more 🏨 - ACCOMMODATION -  We use this hotels checker  to search hotels and accommodation for our Singapore trip. Use to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Singapore now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - SINGAPORE TOURS & GUIDES -  We use Get Your Guide for all of the trips in Singapore. But we also love Klook too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most enchanting cities—rich with history, culture, and a laid-back charm that captivates every kind of traveller. And what we love most as a family is that getting around Chiang Mai is relatively easy and affordable. From zipping through the city in colourful tuk-tuks to hopping in a red songthaew, and being able to walk is amazing for us. Whatever your chosen ride - there are so many ways to get around Chiang Mai. You will likely need some help navigating the city! We've spent 2 months in beautiful Thailand in 2025 (Check out Our Ultimate Chiang Mai Guide ) and here’s you guide to navigating Chiang Mai and the low down on how to get around Chiang Mai City with kids in tow. Handy links to allow you to Skip to the relevant section: 🚗 SONGTHAEW 🚶‍♀️ WALKING 🛺 TUK TUK 🚐 GRAB TAXI 🚴‍♀️ BICYLCLE 🚗 Getting Around Chiang Mai: A Family-Friendly Guide to Exploring Thailand’s Northern Gem Here are the best ways to get around Chiang Mai Chiang Mai is an ancient city, that can sometimes feel like a maze and that's it's charm. Within the old city, the best way to get around Chiang Mai is walking. Take a walk down any street and you’ll see cute lanes that look like cars could not fit (somehow they do!) but talking a walk down these cute streets called sois is the best way to make your own discoveries. And there really is a new discovery down every Soi. Chiang Mai Old Town is the best spent day with kids, pottering, soaking up the atmosphere, stopping by a coffee shop, swinging by a park, stumbling upon a shimmering temple, backing onto a wooden shack draped with bougainvillea and crumbling plaster, to turn around to sun drenched ancient walls with climbing plants and wooden temples to find yourself open up to a bustling market selling Michelin Guide food from the humblest of stalls. Pheweee. Discoveries round every corner on foot. But, Besides walking, there are a few best ways to travel in Chiang Mai.  🚶‍♀️ WALKING: The Best Way to Soak Up the Old City Chiang Mai’s Old City is compact, walkable, and full of character and that's what we love about it. You can spend a morning, afternoon or evening walking the streets to find new and charming things to look at. Bordered by ancient walls and a moat, this area is dotted with temples, cafes, street vendors, and boutique shops. Walking is not only the most budget-friendly way to explore but also allows you to stumble across hidden gems you might otherwise miss. Helpful Tips for you: Wear comfy shoes and bring hats/sunscreen. Chiang Mai is HOT. Early mornings and late afternoons are best to avoid the midday heat. Keep hydrated and take regular snack or smoothie breaks! 🛺 TUK-TUKS: Iconic, Quick, and Fun for Short Distances Tuk-tuks are a Thai travel classic. They’re great for short trips across the city and offer a unique local experience. Your kids will love the novelty! What to Know so you're in the know: No metres —so negotiate before you ride. Expect to pay around ฿80–฿150  for most short trips. Best used for quick rides, not long distances as they're not that comfy. You can often find tuk-tuks near markets and tourist areas. 🧒 My Biggest Tip: Always agree on a price before hopping in to avoid misunderstandings. Generally though to get around Chiang Mai you'll be wanting to take Grab Taxi's or Songthaews for serious journeys. And we recommend both for the following reasons. 🚗 GRAB: Reliable & Air-Conditioned Our favourite way to travel because this is mostly how we travel in Bali . Grab (Thailand’s version of Uber) is a game-changer for families. It's app-based, so you can book a car easily, see your driver’s profile, and avoid haggling. You know the price you'll be paying and don't need cash as this can leave your bank account straight away. Plus, you get AC—ideal for little ones who need a break from the heat. Benefits: Safe and cashless. Great for airport transfers and longer trips. Prices are usually fair and displayed upfront. My Best Tip: Download the Grab app and connect your bank details before you leave your country as they will need to send verification texts etc to get it set up that is easier when you have wifi and are in your home country. A Grab bike if you are a solo traveller will be cheaper still. Or a Grab taxi for more than one passenger (such as our fam of 4). 🚴‍♀️ BICYCLES: For the Adventurous Family For older kids or families who enjoy cycling, Chiang Mai’s flat terrain makes it a great city to explore by bike. Rent shops are available across the Old City. Costs & Tips: Rentals cost around ฿50–฿150 per day . Always wear helmets and ride defensively—traffic can be unpredictable. Best for quieter areas or early mornings when roads are calmer. The roads aren't as busy as many other SE Asian cities. 🚐 SONGTHAEWS: The Red Trucks of Chiang Mai Now let’s talk about the most authentic  way to get around Chiang Mai — the songthaew  (pronounced song-tao ), a red truck that’s part shared taxi, part local experience. You will see these red cab things everywhere - There are approximately 2,800 red bus songtaews operating in Chiang Mai and since Chiang Mai doesn’t operate a typical public transport system, these are the closest thing to that. 📜 What is a Songthaew? The name “songthaew” means “two rows” in Thai, referring to the two bench seats in the back of a covered pickup truck. These red trucks are Chiang Mai’s most iconic and affordable form of public transport. Songthaews are actually a great way to get around Chiang Mai because you can get the whole family in one. 🧭 How to Use a Songthaew Flag one down : Literally like when in New York - You simply wave your hand with palm down when you see one coming. Quite often just hang around on the pavement for 20 seconds and one will pass for you to flag. Tell the driver your destination : If it’s along the route, they’ll nod or invite you in. Hop in the back : You may share the ride with others headed in a similar direction. Press the buzzer when you want to get off . Pay the fare upon exiting . How to know when to get off? Once you reach your destination, the driver will yell at you to get off, or if you know your stop already, just ring the push / press bell on the ceiling. 💰 Costs: Standard rides within town: ฿30 per person | around 67p | US$0.90 | AUS$1.41 . Longer or private routes: negotiate, expect ฿200–฿400  for private hire or day trips. For a family of 4 it's quite often cheaper for us to get a Grab Taxi. But Songthaews are handy for short journeys where a Grab isn't suitable or available. 🚙 Hiring a Songthaew for the Day You can also hire a songthaew for a half or full day of sightseeing—ideal for temple hopping or heading up to Doi Suthep with kids. Half-day (3–4 hours) : ~฿500–฿800 Full-day (6–8 hours) : ~฿1,000–฿1,500 Be sure to agree on the itinerary and total cost up front. 💡 Tip: Red songthaews mostly operate within the city. For longer trips, look for yellow or white songthaews which go to suburban and rural areas. My Living in Chiang Mai Songthaew Tips for you: Make sure you are ready with your destination Speak loudly and clearly into the passenger window. Wait for a nod Then be sure to ask how much & confirm it that is per person or for the whole family  This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! 🚐 HIRING A CAR: For families you can hire a car Just like anywhere else, you can always hire a car for those longer distances. Driving in Chiang Mai is great. And having a scooter is not essential here. There are many great car hire company's around and you can use this comparison site to get the best prices for your next vacation car hire. 🧳 Final Travel Tips for Families Travel light : Tuk-tuks and songthaews aren’t ideal with bulky luggage—use Grab or taxis for hotel transfers. You can request a larger sized Grab (SUV etc) for airport trips if you have baggage like us as a family. Use a baby carrier  for younger kids, especially when walking or riding tuk-tuks. Avoid peak traffic hours  (8–9am and 4–6pm) if you're on a tight schedule. 🚏 Getting to Chiang Mai By air : Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has frequent domestic and international flights. The airport is just 15 minutes from the city. We flew from Chiang Mai to Barcelona in 2025. By train : An overnight train from Bangkok tickets Via Go12. A memorable experience for kids. We haven't used the train yet but plan to take the sleeper train in 2025 when we return from our Europe + New York adventure (because our daughter got her art work exhibited in a gallery in New York, which meant we moved our South East Asia tour around lightly as this was one thing we could not miss - stay tuned for more on that on the blog soon) By bus : Long-haul buses connect Chiang Mai to many northern and central Thai cities. We got the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (tickets via Go12 - read about that here with costs) Chiang Mai is a beautiful blend of ancient tradition and modern comforts, and getting around the city is part of the fun. With these local transport options, your family can explore the temples, markets, and neighbourhoods of Chiang Mai with ease—and make memories every step (or tuk-tuk ride) of the way. Next up: The Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai - Stay tuned for a roundup of the top things to do, from magical enchanted temples to markets that you will not be able to resist buying from. Want help planning your Chiang Mai  adventure? Let me know in the comments & I can help you create the perfect itinerary for you. I hope you found this post helpful. In the meantime keep up with our daily updates below: On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR THAILAND TRIP 💡 ✈️ - CHIANG MAI FLIGHTS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Thailand flights. We used this flight checker to get flights from Singapore  to Krabi   with the best prices at the time. Then we took the bus from Krabi to Bangkok. Then onwards to Chiang Mai via the bus also. Use to check dates and flight costs to Bangkok Airport (International and Domestic) now or go to our Flight Planning Page fore more 🚌🚆🚇 - CHIANG MAI TRAVEL -  We took the overnight bus from Krabi to Bangkok that left Krabi at 3pm and arrived in Bangkok the following morning at 6am. Then onwards from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via the day time bus that set off from Bangkok at 10am and arrived in Chiang Mai at 8pm. Both booked via 12Go .   🏨   - CHIANG MAI ACCOMMODATION -  Use our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - CHIANG MAI THAILAND TOURS & GUIDES -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Thailand. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! LOVE THIS? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THE FOLLOWING GUIDES

🛍️ The Best Markets to Visit in Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Local & Tourist Guide Chiang Mai isn’t just temples and mountains—it’s a market lover’s paradise . From the bustling night bazaars to creative artisan enclaves and fresh morning produce stalls, Chiang Mai’s markets are full of life, colour, flavour, and culture. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! As a full-time traveling family who spent an extended time living in Chiang Mai and Thailand , we explored every type of market you can imagine , from food havens to local craft villages. Whether you're after souvenirs, street eats, or just a taste of local life, here are the best markets to visit in Chiang Mai —complete with helpful tips, locations, and must-try experiences. These of my favourite day markets. 🤩 Details of each are listed below! And this list is being added to every time we stumble upon (as so happens in Chiang Mai) another beautiful and amazing market. So let's dive in... 🛒 1. Chiang Mai Sunday Night Walking Street (Tha Pae Gate) 📍 Rachadamnoen Road, Old City This is the biggest and most popular market  in Chiang Mai, and for good reason. Every Sunday evening, Rachadamnoen Road transforms into a lively, pedestrian-only street filled with: Handmade crafts Local street food (try the coconut pancakes!) Performers, buskers, and musicians Beautiful souvenirs 🕒 Open:  Sundays, 4 PM – 10 PM👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for families  but go early to avoid the crowds. 🌃 2. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar 📍 Chang Klan Road If you’re in the mood for some evening shopping and food-hopping , the Night Bazaar is perfect. This massive open-air and indoor market runs nightly and features: Bargain clothes and accessories Art, trinkets, and wood carvings Food courts and live music 🕒 Open:  Daily, 5 PM – 11 PM💡 Tip:  Head upstairs at Kalare Night Bazaar  for the food court with kid-friendly options and international dishes. 🎨 3. Baan Kang Wat Art Market 📍 Suthep area, near Wat Ram Poeng This hidden gem is an artsy village-style market  with a calm, creative vibe. It’s a wonderful weekend spot filled with: Local artist studios Indie cafes Handmade gifts Ceramics and prints Mini workshops 🕒 Open:   Tues - Sun (closed on Mon) 10am-6pm ✨ Why we love it:  It’s quieter, with many shaded courtyards and space for kids to explore. You could spend the whole day here. Plenty of coffee options, food options and classes and workshops as well as stalls and shops to potter around. Live music and performances at the amphitheatre daily. See Why We Fell In Love with Baan Kang Wat Art Market and why we think you will too ! 🍲 4. Warorot Market (Kad Luang) 📍 Chang Moi Road, near the Ping River One of the oldest markets in Chiang Mai, Warorot is where the locals shop . It’s chaotic, colorful, and completely authentic. Expect: Fresh produce and spices Dried fruit and Thai snacks Household items and local clothing Flower market just next door 🌸 🕒 Open:  Daily, 6 AM – 6 PM🛍️ Tip:  Great place to buy local herbs and teas to take home! 🌙 5. Saturday Night Market (Wualai Walking Street) 📍 Wualai Road, just outside the Old City’s south gate A slightly smaller version of the Sunday market but still a must-do. It’s known for: Local silverware (Wualai is Chiang Mai’s silver district!) Quirky gifts and street performances Delicious grilled meats and snacks 🕒 Open:  Saturdays, 4 PM – 10 PM 🎵 Bonus:  Street musicians add a great family-friendly atmosphere. 🍜 6. Malin Night Market 📍 Near Chiang Mai University This is where Chiang Mai’s students hang out , making it a more youthful and trendy vibe. Expect: Cheap eats and bubble tea galore Affordable fashion and accessories Funky pop-up stalls 🕒 Open:  Daily, 5 PM – 11 PM 💸 Budget tip:  This is the most affordable  market for street food! 🧺 7. Jing Jai Farmers Market (JJ Market) 📍 Assadathon Road, North Chiang Mai Only 5 minutes away from Tha Phae Gate and just 10 mins from Chiang Mai International Airport. This weekend organic farmers market  is a great morning outing set within 3 zones, namely Jing Jai Village (a community space, with Lanna architecture and beautiful greenery, unique eateries & cafes, and office space and open space for artists) | Jing Jai Market (many shops selling handmade/heartmade products from local designers and artists. And cafes/restaurants offering homemade, seasonal and organic locally sourced ingredients. Home to the Jing Jai Weekend Market (open every Saturday and Sunday morning) , and Jing Jai Gallery (a gallery showcasing local art exhibitions from fine arts, music, and cinematic arts. Open daily). Overall expect loads of food stalls, coffee trucks and shopping stalls. Set in a laid-back, open green space, this market features: Organic produce and healthy food Artisan stalls Eco-friendly brands Local musicians and open lawns 🕒 Open:   open everyday 8:30am-9pm. Saturdays & Sundays, 7 AM – 1 PM 🌿 Great for:  Relaxed brunches and letting the kids run around. Check out their What's on Guide for weekly daily events here 🧺 8. Chamcha Market 📍 13, 16 หมู่ 2 ซอย 11, San Klang, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand A chic weekend market away from hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai’s tourist spots. Less crowded and more spread out with small stalls selling delicious snacks, cakes and homemade jam, handicrafts, clothes, souvenirs, and more. With lot's of shade, live music and street performances. 🕒 Open:   open Saturdays & Sundays, from morning until early afternoon 🌿 Great for:  Child friendly and relaxed pace Check out their facebook page for what's on. 🧺 9. The Coconut Market 📍 94 Soi Ban Tong 2 Mu 3, Fa Ham, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000 Located in the middle of a coconut plantation so is very naturally beautiful. The Coconut Market sells coconut snacks, foods and yummies, and also has lot's of clothes stalls, accessories, handicrafts and gifts. Well worth a visit if you are a coconut lover like us! 🕒 Open:   open Saturdays & Sundays, from morning until early afternoon. TIP: Go early as this market closes at 3pm 🌿 Great for:  Nature lovers and those wanting a laid back less full on busy market 🚶‍♀️ Final Thoughts: Market-Hopping Tips for Chiang Mai 🧴 Bring hand sanitizer and tissues —not all food stalls provide napkins! 🛍️ Bring cash  – most vendors don’t take cards. 🧢 Go early  for the best experience and cooler temperatures. 🧃 Stay hydrated  – many markets offer fresh coconut or fruit juices. Combine a market visit with a temple visit to pack out the exploration. Whether you're shopping for souvenirs, trying local food, or just soaking in the atmosphere, Chiang Mai’s markets are an essential part of the local experience . It's one of the best ways to support local artisans and businesses while making beautiful memories in this culturally rich northern Thai city. I'm going to share my top 4 fave markets in Chiang Mai on my instagram: 📌 Save this post for your trip to Chiang Mai! 1. Baan Kang Wat 🎨 A unique market selling handicrafts along with many DIY workshops. Definitely come here if you’re feeling crafty! Tues - Sun (closed on Mon) 10am-6pm 2. Jing Jai Market 🛍️ A larger market with loads of food stalls, coffee trucks, and shopping stalls. open everyday 8:30am-9pm 3. Chamcha Market 🌿 A more spread out market with lots to offer. It doesn’t feel as crowded as others, and everywhere you look is so beautiful! Sat & Sun 9am-2pm 4. Coconut Market 🥥 A coconut lover’s haven! This market is nestled right on a coconut farm. The place to go to try some coconut snacks. Fri - Sun 8am-3pm Have you been to any of these markets?! Let me know in the comments if you know of any great markets for us to explore that deserves a spot in this list. Want help planning your Chiang Mai  adventure? Let me know in the comments & I can help you create the perfect itinerary for you. I hope you found this post helpful. In the meantime keep up with our daily updates below: On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR THAILAND TRIP 💡 ✈️ - CHIANG MAI FLIGHTS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Thailand flights. We used this flight checker to get flights from Singapore  to Krabi   with the best prices at the time. Then we took the bus from Krabi to Bangkok. Then onwards to Chiang Mai via the bus also. Use to check dates and flight costs to Bangkok Airport (International and Domestic) now or go to our Flight Planning Page fore more 🚌🚆🚇 - CHIANG MAI TRAVEL -  We took the overnight bus from Krabi to Bangkok that left Krabi at 3pm and arrived in Bangkok the following morning at 6am. Then onwards from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via the day time bus that set off from Bangkok at 10am and arrived in Chiang Mai at 8pm. Both booked via 12Go .   🏨   - CHIANG MAI ACCOMMODATION -  Use our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - CHIANG MAI THAILAND TOURS & GUIDES -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Thailand. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

(note: This is not an ad, we were not paid to promote this. This is a recommendation to our readers of a place that we really enjoyed as a family. We only blog about the places we loved. If you book tickets through any of our affiliate links, we receive a small commission that we put towards paying the blog running costs. Thank you) We've been making the most of the gorgeous weather we've been having in the UK and trying to get out in nature as much as possible. At weekends and during half term holidays the focus for activities has been low cost / getting out in nature + sunshine / educating whilst we explore ( getting ready to world school ). And today we visited Mother Shiptons Cave . Getting the kids off their devices during half term get's harder each holiday as they get older, they could spend all day on them if allowed. Stopping only for snacks and a sleep. Then rinse - repeat. This is the easy option for parents all over that work for themselves. Especially where there is no family to help out. The struggle is real and the juggle is still on when it hit's half term especially - kids being off and still having to run a time hungry business. You'd think after 16 years of doing this I would be a super mum and have it all sussed. I'm not. And I don't. (wishing tree's - at Mother Shiptons) Always looking at areas of life improvement, I save Instagram + Pinterest posts in a folder labelled 'Days Out', which is jam packed with ideas of days out with kids. I look in on the folder from time to time, feeling proud of how much saving and pinning I've done - but then feeling lame again at JUST HOW MUCH PINNING I'VE DONE. Knowing that most of the days will never see the retina's of our real eyes. Like I said something has to give and this last year we decided to attack the juggle with a little more planning, time management than our past endeavours. This half term I resorted to my shortlist of ideas for things to do / days out with the kids. And Mother Shiptons Cave seemed perfect. An hours drive from where we were staying. Low cost and gets us out & about in nature (off devices + the other dopamine hits of modern fast life). There are lot's of very boring, expensive, crap days out when you have kids that leave us feeling a bit meh if we're honest. Half term holiday prices go through the roof and we can end up spending a small fortune trying to entertain these little terrorists. This one is a sharer though. Mother Shipton's Cave - in Knaresborough. A cheap day out with kids that I'd definitely recommend. Weather dependant however. We went on a beautiful sunny day, which was key for us. Since we worship the sun and everything is just better in the sun. Am I right. Mother Shipton's Cave Knaresborough Mother Shipton's Cave is England's oldest tourist attraction in Knaresborough UK. Near Harrogate, Knaresborough is a historic market town perched on the cliffs of the river Nidd, with lots of medieval streets, side streets with stone steps to explore. And on a trainline that passes over a beautiful grade ii listed viaduct that goes over the river. image of Knaresborough Viaduct from Visit Harrogate We didn't spend any time in the town, as this was a daytime visit - but driving through the town to get to Mother Shiptons looked so pretty and definitely somewhere that would be lovely to stay in an AirB&B for 24-48 hours. There's a Wednesday market opened by the Town Cryer, plenty of pubs, restaurant, tea rooms and cafes. With castle ruins, Nidd Caves and gardens to explore. The river Nidd with boats to hire. Enough to fill a 24 hour period or a nice weekend away. For Families: We recommend this 3 Bed Full apartment Berry's Loft on the Highstreet for a central location + this quirky cabin Hollins Farm Holiday Lodge for a unique stay. For Old English Luxury: We recommend the 5 star Goldsborough Hall Use the accommodation checker below to add your dates to find the best stays in the area for your budget: You may also like this free helpful itinerary guide if you are planning 24 hours in Knaresborough . Mother Shiptons cave itself is a historic site, listed in the National Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. The grounds are pretty magical. Beautiful woodlands full of mystery, tall Beech trees, pathways, with the river Nedd flowing through. a kids playground, waterfall with the mysterious Petrifying Well where items hung up underneath the waters ‘turn to stone’, a wishing well and cave (the birthplace of the prophetess, Mother Shipton) that you can go inside . With traditional ice cream vans and coffee vans scattered throughout. The trail ends with a museum. The legend of Mother Shipton is full of mystery and magic. You can buy a guide on entry (which cost £1) and worth it as a souveneir to take home which tells all about the history and mystery of Mother Shipton. Born in a cave in 1488, Mother Shipton became known as Knaresborough’s Prophetess, a witch if you like and known as Yorkshire's answer to Nostradamus. She foretold the fates of several rulers within her lifetime and after, and predicted the invention of iron ships, the Great Fire of London in 1666, and the defeat of the Spanish Armada long before the events happened. She made traditional remedies and potions, had premonitions, and could predict the future. Making her living telling the future and warning those who asked of what was to come. Mother Shipton lived in the cave with her Mother in her formative years until she was taken in by a local family. llustration from Mother Shipton Investigated (1881) by William Henry Harrison via Public Domain Review Mother Shipton's cave sits in a beautiful park with paths to walk and explore. Inside the cave at Mother Shiptons. Visit the Petrifying well where the high mineral content in the water turns objects into stone. Or shall we say covers the item in stone giving the appearance of turning to stone. Here you'll find objects left and hung by famous people, hanging like magical stone artefacts. The process to turn a small teddy bear into stone can take between 3-5 months. You can even buy your own petrified teddy bear from the gift shop. The water from the waterfall is thought to have healing qualities, and you can enter a cave behind this waterfall and make a wish by holding your hand in the water, setting your intention or making a wish and then letting the hand dry naturally in the air. We all left our wishes there - I wonder if they'll come true....! You pay to enter and the gates per car and plenty of parking spaces to park the car up and set out on the walk/trail. We wore sliders / sandals here, no special walking shoes required. It's a gentle easy stroll along pathways, with plenty of picnic spaces along the way. At time of writing we paid £33 entry for the car which gave us 2.5 hours inside. This is plenty of time to walk around leisurely, stop at each view point, spend time in the playground etc. If you are planning a picnic there, there are places to sit down and eat - whether thats grassy spot on the park with a picnic blanket or wooden booths and huts with tables and benches if the weather isn't as dry. We had our picnic in the park, but time ran away with us, so it may be worth saving your picnic until after you leave the park. There are so many public places outside of the site, along the river that you could picnic without it eating into your 2.5 hour time. They hold events throughout the year where they theme the park. We visited during the Spring half term where they had a Pirates and Mermaids event . We think it would be magical to visit at Halloween and Christmas - where they hold themed events there too. Wrapped up warm with a hot chocolate. Helpful Tips to know when visiting Mother Shiptons: - Dogs are welcome on leads. With dog friendly ice cream and pupaccino stations. - Online booking is recommended. - Winners of The Little Viking Awards 2023 (celebrating the very best of family-friendly activities and attractions in York and surrounding areas) - A very detailed background history of Mother Shipton : Divining the Witch of YorkPropaganda and Prophecy by Ed Simon - Read reviews at Trip Advisor of Mother Shiptons Cave here Getting To Mother Shiptons: 🚗 By Car. Need 🚗 car hire ? Add this address to the sat nav and it's a nice easy drive: 📍 Mother Shipton's Cave | Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8DD 🚆 By Train Get 🚆 train tickets . Knaresborough is on a train line. Also Check out these other things to do in the North Yorkshire area to jam cram your mini-break: Let me know in the comments if you plan to visit Mother Shiptons Cave or whether you've visited before. We'd love to go at Halloween / Christmas so please let us know your experiences. And wether your wishes came true! Follow our Instagram and subscribe to our new Youtube accounts to see videos and reels of our family visit to Mother Shiptons. Don't forget to Follow us on Instagram: And Subscribe to our channel On YouTube: And always leave a comment below if this page has helped you.  I only write and share stuff on the blog to help. So let me know. Does it help? Did you get something from it? And what do you want to know going forward? I am at your service, Fletchy McFletchface xx