We stayed in the Valamar Diamant Hotel in Poreč, Croatia during our family heritage trip in the summer of 2018. This family-friendly and sports-forward property is a huge complex, with residence-type units and regular hotel rooms, a large buffet restaurant, several pools, a beach, and tons of sports facilities and activities for children.
Kiddie beach part of the hotel
This is not a luxury property. It looks like it was built during the communist era and hasn’t been updated since. We weren’t huge fans (especially due to one specific dining experience – read more below!), but I’m reviewing it so that you know what to expect if you decide to stay at the Valamar Diamant Hotel!
Valamar Diamant Hotel’s Location
Sunset view from the beach area
Our family chose the Valamar Diamant Hotel for its location and proximity to the town of Poreč (pronounced “poor-ETCH”), where there are a lot of things to do for those visiting Istria. Poreč is one of Istria’s larger towns and a great home base for exploring the region. The purpose of our trip was to visit our great-grandmother’s house in Nova Vas, about an hour’s drive away. So, it made sense for us to stay in Poreč, where things were a bit livelier.
The Valamar Diamant Hotel is one of the more highly-rated hotels and my cousin had stayed here on a previous trip, and has similar taste to me, so we also stayed here. It was a good choice for such a large group (16 of us, all adults) with various room types for all. There are regular 4-star hotel rooms and there are 3-star one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent, too.
I can’t take credit for choosing the Hotel More in Dubrovnik, as my uncle picked it for our trip to Croatia last summer. But oh my gosh, I’m so glad he did. The Hotel More in Dubrovnik, Croatia was everything we could have wanted and…well… more!
Location, Location, Location.
Hotel More’s Location in Dubrovnik
Located in the slightly more suburban area of Lapad (just north of old town), Hotel More is about a 15-minute bus ride directly from the Old Town main gate, plus a 10-minute walk. It’s actually a lovely walk, where you stroll the coastline of Lapad and pass lots of little shops and restaurants on the way to the hotel.
Walking from the hotel to the bus stop to take us into the Old Town.
You’ll likely arrive at the hotel by street, though, if you come by taxi and you actually arrive at the top of the hotel in the lobby. The hotel offers a pre-booked airport transfer service (for a charge), and we arranged for a minivan to pick us up from the airport and bring us directly to the hotel. The driver was on time, professional and very kind. Nika, the hotel concierge who helped me arrange the transfer and our dinner plans, recommended that we use the minivan since we were 4 adults with 4 big bags.
The hotel is built into a cliffside, so it doesn’t look like much of anything from the street. But once you enter the lobby, the floor-to-ceiling windows show the beautiful coastline behind you and you’re immediately transported into vacation mode.
The view from the hallway outside our room.
Arriving at Hotel More in Dubrovnik
The bellmen were really helpful and sweet, and the front desk/reception folks were friendly and professional. We got our room keys and set off in search of our rooms.
The South Shore of Iceland in one neat little day-long (ok, maybe 18 hours) Iceland road trip. If you have a bit more time and can spend a few days in Iceland, then this is the route for you! You’ll cover waterfalls, glaciers, glacial lagoons, national parks, black beaches, lava fields and much more on this unforgettable route.
WHY DRIVE THE SOUTH SHORE YOURSELF?
After figuring out that we didn’t want to do an organized coach tour (see also: Road Trip of the Golden Circle), we opted to wake up at the crack of dawn and drive ourselves out to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, at which we had a 1pm reservation for a Zodiac boat tour.
We also wanted the freedom to be able to stop wherever we liked if something looked interesting. From everything we’ve read, the south shore of Iceland has so much to offer, it’d be crazy to just drive right by it all.
Pro-Tip: Make sure you have a chip-enabled credit card with pin with you if you’re on an Iceland road trip – you’ll need it to buy gas at gas stations along the way.
HITTING THE ROAD
We set out from Reykjavik after a quick stop for breakfast and coffee at Sandholt Bakery in Reykjavik’s city center (more on that later – about $14 US). We stocked up on snacks (fresh-baked soft pretzels from the bakery and bottled waters) and made our way east, out of the city. Our plan was to just go to the glacier lagoon and then spend the rest of the day sightseeing on the way back at our leisure. It worked out really well.
The weather was a little iffy – drizzling, light rain, then sunshine, some wind, and basically everything but snow. So, be prepared for a few different seasons if you’re visiting in the summer! Then it was onward to our first stop: the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon! Continue reading →
I really think I would have loved Prohibition. Why? Not because I think alcohol is evil – that would probably be the opposite of the truth. No, it’s because I am obsessed with speakeasy themed bars (or actual speakeasy bars) and Cahoots in London is quite possibly one of my favorite bars in the world.
How to Find CAHOOTS and Getting In
Set in an abandoned tube station just off Carnaby Street in Kingly Court (a great area anyway for eating and drinking in the evening), Cahoots is hidden away. A sign simply saying “To the Trains –>” with a small, bricked alcove and a nondescript door is the only indication that it’s nearby. The door is manned by a gentleman dressed oddly like it’s 1945, in suspenders.
In Cahoots.
You can only get in if you know the password – or, in this case – who to ask for. (It’s the Captain.) The doorman is in on the whole thing, and plays along in character completely. The Captain may not be taking any more visitors that evening, or is the Captain expecting you? Do you have an appointment to see the Captain this evening?
Reservations are for two-hour blocks, since it’s usually quite busy. Definitely book ahead if you want to be sure you get in during your trip!
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME
Propaganda Posters and subway tiles
Walking down the narrow steps after the Captain agrees to see you, you’re transported to London during WWII’s Blitz. The staff are all dressed in gear from the era, the music is jazz and swing, the only things on the menu are things that existed back then. There’s no wifi (“What’s wifi?” replies the waitress, “This is 1945!”) or Continue reading →
The Golden Circle basically covers the highlights of Iceland in one neat little day-long road trip. If you’re pressed for time and can only spend a day or two in Iceland, then this is the route for you! You’ll cover waterfalls, geysers, national parks and much more in a very short period driving the Golden Circle.
Firstly, I’d like to give a huge shout-out to Auður at IHeartReykjavik for the inspiration for this Golden Circle road trip. We used her map and suggested stops to get us from Reykjavik to Gulfoss and back, and it was super handy!
Why drive The Golden Circle yourself?
Rather than take a guided coach tour, we opted to rent our own car when in Iceland so that we could do the sights our own way – freedom to explore and choice far outweighed our need to be chauffeured around. Plus, being in our 30’s we didn’t want to be crammed into a coach bus with a bunch of old people. No offense to old people, but overhearing conversations about retirement plans, medication and grandchildren wasn’t on our list of experiences to be had.
Road trip! On our way out of Reykjavik, heading east…
It was summer when we went so we did not need to worry about snow on the roads. Although I was a bit nervous about renting a car abroad, I was assured by friends that driving is easy and safe, so long as the weather cooperates. They were right – it was really, really easy to drive there and there’s nearly zero traffic.
Hitting the Road
We set out from Reykjavik after picking up our rental car at around 730am, which included Continue reading →
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Iceland is also known for being a pretty outdoorsy place to visit, so balancing sturdy activewear with city threads for a night out can be a challenge. Hopefully these tips will help you figure out what to pack for an Iceland summer and what to leave at home.
Without further ado, here are my:
Iceland Summer Packing Tips
1. Hiking Shoes
I had read up before we left on our trip about what sorts of shoes I should bring and thought to myself, “I don’t own any hiking shoes, why would I buy any now? Just for a vacation? I don’t even like hiking.” Let’s just say I was glad I took a last-minute trip to DSW to pick up some Merrell shoes, because I wore them every single day of our trip. I got the Siren Sport 2s, but not in waterproof. In hindsight, I should have gotten the waterproof ones, as they’re only $20 more. Here are the waterproof ones:
I still don’t like hiking (or, as I like to call it, “walking uphill in dirt”), but we sure did a lot of it on our trip. The amazing views usually made it all pay off in the end. Still, I’m so glad I was wearing those shoes. Especially when I took a tumble down the Kerid crater. True story.
2. Swimsuit
Icelanders love a good hot swim, no matter the weather outside. No trip to Iceland is complete without a dip in one of Reykjavik’s hot pots or a trip to the super-touristy-yet-bucket-list-item Blue Lagoon. Or, you can find a fabled swimming hole described in an Icelandic saga, instead, like on our Snaefellsnes tour. Don’t be caught without your bikini or trunks and be forced to miss out on a truly Icelandic experience!
I’m obsessed with swimsuits from Cupshe. I have this exact one, and it’s a great compromise between a bikini and a one-piece. The butt (er…bum) is full coverage and I love the print.
3. Sunscreen
Just because it’s cold or cloudy outside doesn’t mean that you won’t get a wicked sunburn. Make sure you slather up your face and other exposed body parts during the daytime (remember, the sun during an Iceland summer is out nearly 24 hours a day) to avoid looking like a cooked lobster come dinnertime!
This sunscreen by Sun Bum is paraben-free, gluten-free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), cruelty-free, reef-friendly, broad-spectrum and SPF50. That’s a winner in my book!
4. Sunglasses
Did you know that if you have light-colored eyes, it’s even more important for you to wear eye protection from the sun? These baby blues rarely see the summer without a nice dark lens between them and the outside world. Most of the amazing experiences Iceland has to offer include being outdoors. Remember, the sun shines nearly 24 hours a day during an Icelandic summer (see above). Bring some sunglassesto avoid paying crazy prices once you land in Reykjavik (clothing and other items are much more expensive there than in the U.S.). The glare off of the glaciers in the sun can be blinding – snow blindness is a thing. Sunglasses usually help a photo op, too, so you’re not squinting in every photo!
5. Water-resistant hooded windbreaker
You’ll be so glad that you brought a water-resistant or waterproof hooded jacketif you get up close and personal with a waterfall (which are like churches in a European city – everywhere!). The weather can also change fairly quickly or be a little rainy – and sometimes windy. Keeping your hands free and your body dry, one of these babies will help you really enjoy your beautiful surroundings without being uncomfortable or getting sick later.
I bought a cheap number from Target, and hubs got a great lightweight shell from The North Face that rolls up into a little ball. After our trip, I found the Venture jacket online in an XXL (the XL was snug on me) and I practically have lived in it in the shoulder seasons and rainy weather for years, now.
6. Water-resistant pants/Trousers
The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Trousers
Being sprayed by waterfalls and riding around a glacier lagoon in a Zodiac boat means that you won’t want to wear jeans. Plus, pants with some stretch but water resistance are good for hiking around, being outdoors in the rain and keeping your rental car somewhat dry. Quick-drying pantalones are essential. I picked up some North Face Aphrodite pants in black Macy’s before leaving for the trip (same shopping trip as DSW) and I am so glad I had them. The bonus is that they have pockets and everything.
7. Wicking long-sleeved shirts for layering
Cooler mornings and evenings in the Iceland summer mean you’ll want a little something extra to layer between your tshirt and your windbreaker. A moisture-wicking long-sleeved top can be just the ticket. And, with near-24-hours’ daylight, you can spend 18 hours in a day in the Iceland summer seeing the sights, so you WILL be out and about at a waterfall at 9pm (if you’re up to it!).
8. Wicking t-shirts or tank tops for layering
My number 1 favorite item I brought with me was a moisture-wicking, loose-fitting t-shirt. The material is cool in the heat and warm enough in the cooler morning, and if you work up a sweat hiking up to Svartifoss, you won’t be gross all day long. Layering is key in a climate like this!
9. Jeans
A pair or two of jeans is great for trekking around Reykjavík in, and you can dress them up a bit to go to dinner at Kol, Dill, or any other cool restaurants in town.
10. Nice tops
Again, for dinners in town it’s a good idea to have something resembling fashion with you. Plus it’s a nice balance after wearing athleisurewear all day to be able to dress up a bit. Pack one or two tops that you can wear out to dinner and wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen in by a friend. And let’s face it, with Iceland becoming such a popular destination, the odds are becoming greater that you actually WILL see someone you know while there.
11. Camera
If you go to Iceland without a camera, you’re just an idiot. One of the most beautiful countries of the world deserves to be photographed. My iPhone 5 took some decent ones, and I had purchased a Sony DSC-QX10 to turn my phone into a better camera. Hubs used our Canon DSLR. I really liked the DSC-QX10 but I’m not sure that it takes better photos than my iPhone 6 did. I now have the iPhone X and my phone is better than this. However, as an attachable lens, it was great to travel with as it was fairly small and set up easily. I got lucky with mine as it was an open-box item, so I got it for about $130 US.
The plus side is that the DSC-QX10 has its own WiFi signal and works remotely. So, I was able to use the Sony app as a viewfinder on my phone and set up the lens somewhere else, which is great for selfies, landscape shots, and silly jumping photos.
If you want to trick out your current phone, these Moment lenses are a great option. You’ll need to buy a compatible phone case to go with it, but if you want to cut down on the photo equipment you have to haul around, it may really be worth it! There are some travel cases available for the lenses if you buy multiple types, and the cases come in regular case and wallet case options, too.
12. Flats
Reykjavik is hilly in some areas and after a full day of hiking, I don’t think most women want to put on high heels. Reykjavik is also a very walkable city, and you’ll likely be able to walk from your hotel or AirBnB anywhere. Throw a pair of flats in your luggage for a night out, even though a night in the Iceland summer looks like the day! I live in my crocs Women’s Rio Ballet Flats
13. Comfortable socks
Make sure you have dry-fit or other comfortable socks to wear under your hiking shoes that will stay relatively dry to prevent blisters. You may walk much more than you do at home, and foot pain is the worst when traveling!
14. Ziploc bags
In case you missed the theme here, Iceland can get pretty wet. Having a Ziploc baggie to put your phone in when you’re hiking isn’t a bad idea, and you can even use your touchscreen through the bag, so it will be protected from rain, spray, water and sand. Gallon-size Ziploc bags are great for temporarily storing wet bathing suits after a swim and transporting pastries from Sandholt bakeryas roadtrip snacks. They take up almost no room in your suitcase and you’ll be prepared! I feel like Ziploc bags are the duct tape of travelers. Don’t you think?
15. Beach towel
Hitting up the hotpots, swimming holes or Blue Lagoon is great but having a beach towel with you or to sit on in your rental car afterward will come in very handy. You can also use it as a blanket to sit on if you’re hiking and want to stop to relax for a while. This microfiber quick-dry beach towel from Zavabay is perfect. It has a hidden zipper pocket, where you can stash your smartphone and other valuables while you’re enjoying the water.
Take it to the beaches in Vik and sit for a few hours to watch the waves hit the shore and think about how lucky you are to be enjoying an Iceland summer!
Have I missed a must-bring for Iceland summer packing? Let me know by leaving a comment!
An Iceland summer may have the sun, beach and waves, but what it doesn’t have is any heat that is not in a geothermal pool. It’s COLD, y’all. Although it’s in the northern hemisphere and it’s technically the summertime, temperatures in Reykjavik and beyond don’t normally rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit/21 degrees Celsius. As I write this post, it’s currently 55 degrees Fahrenheit in Reykavik, and a boiling 93 degrees in New York City. I think I’ve made my point.
I bought a cheap number from Target, and hubs got a great lightweight shell from The North Face that rolls up into a little ball. After our trip, I found the Venture jacket online in an XXL (the XL was snug on me) and I practically have lived in it in the shoulder seasons and rainy weather for years, now.
Being sprayed by waterfalls and riding around a glacier lagoon in a Zodiac boat means that you won’t want to wear jeans. Plus, pants with some stretch but water resistance are good for hiking around, being outdoors in the rain and keeping your rental car somewhat dry. Quick-drying pantalones are essential. I picked up some 
Hitting up the hotpots, swimming holes or Blue Lagoon is great but having a beach towel with you or to sit on in your rental car afterward will come in very handy. You can also use it as a blanket to sit on if you’re hiking and want to stop to relax for a while. This microfiber quick-dry beach towel from 