If you had asked me who or what Cerave was this time last year I wouldn’t have had a clue. I first came across the cult US brand when it started appearing in Boots. It then started popping up on my feed and I could see it had a lot of (good) attention around it. People seemed to be flocking to the shelves in the shops.
Cerave is popular for a number of reasons. The most popular being that all of the products are enriched with ceramides. Ceramides help to repair and strengthen the skin’s barrier helping it to retain moisture. This means that Cerave’s products are all about hydrating the skin and maintaining the moisture throughout the day. They are fragrance-free and free of ingredients that irritate the skin.
The price range for Cerave is mid-level. It’s more affordable than La Roche-Posay but not as cheap as high street brands like Simple. The brand has a small range of roughly eight products that work for the body and face.
I finally gave in to my product junkie urges after I decided to simplify my skincare to help improve my skin— which of course started with some new products as an incentive. I’m currently on acne medication and needed something gentle on my skin. I saw that Cerave is often recommended when you're on acne medication. If you like, you can read more about my acne journey here.
I picked up the Foaming Cleanser and Moisturising Cream to see if they were worth the hype. The Foaming Cleanser is suited to normal and oily skin which is exactly my skin type. Since I have been dealing with very dry skin, I wanted a strong moisturiser that could penetrate the flaky patches I got.
I’ve almost finished both bottles and I really like them. The cleanser is really soft and light. It foams up well and is good at keeping my skin hydrated. Especially since when I use the prescription cream I can’t put anything on my face for 15 minutes. My skin feels a lot lighter, softer and plumper from all the bonus moisture.
The moisturiser is lovely, thick and enriching. It doesn't cover up my pores or trap dirt and allows my skin to breathe. Normally, I'm a little apprehensive on applying such a thick cream with oily skin. I'm not sure if it's these products specifically or a combination of everything I'm using in my routine, but my skin has been a lot less oily.
Cerave is a basic, no-frills brand. It is one of those brands that reinforce the main purpose of skincare- to clean and hydrate the skin. From what I’ve used, it’s very gentle on the skin and definitely hydrating. You can see a difference in your skin within a week of using them regularly. When it comes to the hype around skincare products I expect big things. Personally, I’m not sure Cerave fits my criteria of a hyped product. But I will say that it is incredibly soft, gentle and hydrating without making you look greasy.
Love, Aoife xo
If you had asked me who or what Cerave was this time last year I wouldn’t have had a clue. I first came across the cult US brand when it started appearing in Boots. It then started popping up on my feed and I could see it had a lot of (good) attention around it. People seemed to be flocking to the shelves in the shops.
Cerave is popular for a number of reasons. The most popular being that all of the products are enriched with ceramides. Ceramides help to repair and strengthen the skin’s barrier helping it to retain moisture. This means that Cerave’s products are all about hydrating the skin and maintaining the moisture throughout the day. They are fragrance-free and free of ingredients that irritate the skin.
The price range for Cerave is mid-level. It’s more affordable than La Roche-Posay but not as cheap as high street brands like Simple. The brand has a small range of roughly eight products that work for the body and face.
I finally gave in to my product junkie urges after I decided to simplify my skincare to help improve my skin— which of course started with some new products as an incentive. I’m currently on acne medication and needed something gentle on my skin. I saw that Cerave is often recommended when you're on acne medication. If you like, you can read more about my acne journey here.
I picked up the Foaming Cleanser and Moisturising Cream to see if they were worth the hype. The Foaming Cleanser is suited to normal and oily skin which is exactly my skin type. Since I have been dealing with very dry skin, I wanted a strong moisturiser that could penetrate the flaky patches I got.
I’ve almost finished both bottles and I really like them. The cleanser is really soft and light. It foams up well and is good at keeping my skin hydrated. Especially since when I use the prescription cream I can’t put anything on my face for 15 minutes. My skin feels a lot lighter, softer and plumper from all the bonus moisture.
The moisturiser is lovely, thick and enriching. It doesn't cover up my pores or trap dirt and allows my skin to breathe. Normally, I'm a little apprehensive on applying such a thick cream with oily skin. I'm not sure if it's these products specifically or a combination of everything I'm using in my routine, but my skin has been a lot less oily.
Cerave is a basic, no-frills brand. It is one of those brands that reinforce the main purpose of skincare- to clean and hydrate the skin. From what I’ve used, it’s very gentle on the skin and definitely hydrating. You can see a difference in your skin within a week of using them regularly. When it comes to the hype around skincare products I expect big things. Personally, I’m not sure Cerave fits my criteria of a hyped product. But I will say that it is incredibly soft, gentle and hydrating without making you look greasy.
Love, Aoife xo
Over the last six months or so, my acne has gotten much worse. It went from a few pimples on my cheeks to having a full beard of red marks and occasionally painful spots. It's been so itchy and I couldn't even cover up the redness with makeup. It got so bad that I didn't like looking at my face in the mirror and seeing all the inflamed redness. They say not to pick your spots because that could make things worse but let's be honest, we've all picked a spot at some point in our lives. The good news is I've managed to curb that habit and I'm just hoping it'll clear in its own time.
I thought I could sort it without the help of a medical professional but even my Effacular Duo couldn’t save me.
What I’ve tried:
What haven’t I tried! I went through a list of things that could possibly be making the acne worse; I changed my diet and stopped using certain products that I thought were harsh on my skin.
I went through this list, cutting out dairy completely, eating anti-inflammatory foods only, cutting out sugary foods, and only noticed a slight difference in the redness of my skin but the acne didn’t go away. I tried cutting out meat entirely which didn't make much of a difference either.
I've also tried using different products that have worked for other people. I stopped using the Pixi Glow Tonic (read my review) in case it was too harsh. I applied Sudocrem which seemed to reduce some of the redness but didn't do anything to my acne. Additionally, I also tried an over the counter 5% Benzoyl Peroxide gel, Acnecide. It worked on a few spots but I ended up having an allergic reaction to the gel so I had to stop that treatment. My face swelled up so much to the point I couldn’t even suck in my cheeks. My face was extremely dry especially on my neck and around my eyes which hadn’t even come in contact with the cream. It took me about two months and plenty of Aveeno to improve my skin texture.
Where I am now:
My doctor first thought I could be suffering from hormonal acne and prescribed me the combination pill Lucette to help regulate my hormones and Epiduo, an acne treatment cream. Epiduo contains 2.5% Benzoyl peroxide and 0.1% adapalene. Both those chemicals together target the spots on my skin and those forming underneath. The adapalene, according to my Doctor, also irritates the skin and makes it quite sensitive to the sun. I try to keep out of the sun where I can and wear plenty of SPF.
After speaking to another doctor two months later, he prescribed me with a course of antibiotics called Lymecycline. From what I know, these are only prescribed to those suffering from acne. I’m only on day 8 so I’ll share another update when I finish the course.
Love, Aoife xo
Over the last six months or so, my acne has gotten much worse. It went from a few pimples on my cheeks to having a full beard of red marks and occasionally painful spots. It's been so itchy and I couldn't even cover up the redness with makeup. It got so bad that I didn't like looking at my face in the mirror and seeing all the inflamed redness. They say not to pick your spots because that could make things worse but let's be honest, we've all picked a spot at some point in our lives. The good news is I've managed to curb that habit and I'm just hoping it'll clear in its own time.
I thought I could sort it without the help of a medical professional but even my Effacular Duo couldn’t save me.
What I’ve tried:
What haven’t I tried! I went through a list of things that could possibly be making the acne worse; I changed my diet and stopped using certain products that I thought were harsh on my skin.
I went through this list, cutting out dairy completely, eating anti-inflammatory foods only, cutting out sugary foods, and only noticed a slight difference in the redness of my skin but the acne didn’t go away. I tried cutting out meat entirely which didn't make much of a difference either.
I've also tried using different products that have worked for other people. I stopped using the Pixi Glow Tonic (read my review) in case it was too harsh. I applied Sudocrem which seemed to reduce some of the redness but didn't do anything to my acne. Additionally, I also tried an over the counter 5% Benzoyl Peroxide gel, Acnecide. It worked on a few spots but I ended up having an allergic reaction to the gel so I had to stop that treatment. My face swelled up so much to the point I couldn’t even suck in my cheeks. My face was extremely dry especially on my neck and around my eyes which hadn’t even come in contact with the cream. It took me about two months and plenty of Aveeno to improve my skin texture.
Where I am now:
My doctor first thought I could be suffering from hormonal acne and prescribed me the combination pill Lucette to help regulate my hormones and Epiduo, an acne treatment cream. Epiduo contains 2.5% Benzoyl peroxide and 0.1% adapalene. Both those chemicals together target the spots on my skin and those forming underneath. The adapalene, according to my Doctor, also irritates the skin and makes it quite sensitive to the sun. I try to keep out of the sun where I can and wear plenty of SPF.
After speaking to another doctor two months later, he prescribed me with a course of antibiotics called Lymecycline. From what I know, these are only prescribed to those suffering from acne. I’m only on day 8 so I’ll share another update when I finish the course.
Love, Aoife xo
In times of crisis, I turn to baking. It is a well-known fact that baking is good for the soul and it’s even better when you get to eat something tasty after. I don’t enjoy baking the same things over and over, so I tend to seek out new recipes. I came across this one by the lovely Rachel Ama. For those of you who don’t know, she’s a vegan YouTuber who also has a book aptly named Vegan Eats. It’s my favourite ever cookbook and I’m constantly flicking through it finding new meals to make.
You can read the original recipe here. I had to adapt the recipe a little bit to what I had in the cupboard as I didn’t have apple puree on hand. I ended up making my own and it’s very easy. The pastries turned out absolutely beautiful and are perfect if you want them as a snack or for breakfast. Oh, and 100% vegan too.
For the puree, you'll need:
- 2/3 Royal Gala apples (or any other apple e.g Granny Smith etc)- Cinnamon (optional)
Start by peeling your apples and cutting them up into little chunks. Then place in a small saucepan and add a little bit of water to the pan- enough to be able to create steam. Leave on medium heat for around 15 minutes. You’ll know when it’s done because the apple should be able to slide off the fork and there will only be a tiny amount of water left. Pour apples into a blender and add a teaspoon of cinnamon before blending. I kept my puree a little chunky rather than completely pureed. Leave to cool.
For the pastries, you'll need:
- Puff pastry (you can use pre-rolled, I used the block instead)
- 3 sliced apples (I stuck to the Royal Gala)
- Plant-based milk
- Maple Syrup (the original recipe asked for maple syrup to crisp up the edges, but I didn't have any)
- 3 sliced apples (I stuck to the Royal Gala)
- Plant-based milk
- Maple Syrup (the original recipe asked for maple syrup to crisp up the edges, but I didn't have any)
Pre-heat the oven to 200C, or what the packet says. Cut the pastry into 6 even squares. Brush down the sides of the squares with your plant-based milk of choice. In the original recipe, I think Rachel added a little maple syrup to the milk. Drop a teaspoon of apple purée into the centre- you may want to spread it around a little. Then place the pieces of sliced apple on top. Grab two corners of the square and press together, do the same to the other side so the apples are "undercover". Place on a baking tray and brush some more milk over the top to stop the pastry from burning. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Love, Aoife xo
In times of crisis, I turn to baking. It is a well-known fact that baking is good for the soul and it’s even better when you get to eat something tasty after. I don’t enjoy baking the same things over and over, so I tend to seek out new recipes. I came across this one by the lovely Rachel Ama. For those of you who don’t know, she’s a vegan YouTuber who also has a book aptly named Vegan Eats. It’s my favourite ever cookbook and I’m constantly flicking through it finding new meals to make.
You can read the original recipe here. I had to adapt the recipe a little bit to what I had in the cupboard as I didn’t have apple puree on hand. I ended up making my own and it’s very easy. The pastries turned out absolutely beautiful and are perfect if you want them as a snack or for breakfast. Oh, and 100% vegan too.
For the puree, you'll need:
- 2/3 Royal Gala apples (or any other apple e.g Granny Smith etc)- Cinnamon (optional)
Start by peeling your apples and cutting them up into little chunks. Then place in a small saucepan and add a little bit of water to the pan- enough to be able to create steam. Leave on medium heat for around 15 minutes. You’ll know when it’s done because the apple should be able to slide off the fork and there will only be a tiny amount of water left. Pour apples into a blender and add a teaspoon of cinnamon before blending. I kept my puree a little chunky rather than completely pureed. Leave to cool.
For the pastries, you'll need:
- Puff pastry (you can use pre-rolled, I used the block instead)
- 3 sliced apples (I stuck to the Royal Gala)
- Plant-based milk
- Maple Syrup (the original recipe asked for maple syrup to crisp up the edges, but I didn't have any)
- 3 sliced apples (I stuck to the Royal Gala)
- Plant-based milk
- Maple Syrup (the original recipe asked for maple syrup to crisp up the edges, but I didn't have any)
Pre-heat the oven to 200C, or what the packet says. Cut the pastry into 6 even squares. Brush down the sides of the squares with your plant-based milk of choice. In the original recipe, I think Rachel added a little maple syrup to the milk. Drop a teaspoon of apple purée into the centre- you may want to spread it around a little. Then place the pieces of sliced apple on top. Grab two corners of the square and press together, do the same to the other side so the apples are "undercover". Place on a baking tray and brush some more milk over the top to stop the pastry from burning. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Love, Aoife xo
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary is the cutest book I have read in a long time. A really long time! Like most romcoms, you could see how it was going to pan out from the beginning but that still didn’t stop you from enjoying the ride.
Goodreads Sypnosis:
“Tiffy and Leon share a flat
Tiffy and Leon share a bed
Tiffy and Leon have never met…
Tiffy Moore needs a cheap flat, and fast. Leon Twomey works nights and needs cash. Their friends think they’re crazy, but it’s the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy’s at work in the day and she has the run of the place the rest of the time.
But with obsessive ex-boyfriends, demanding clients at work, wrongly imprisoned brothers and, of course, the fact that they still haven’t met yet, they’re about to discover that if you want the perfect home you need to throw the rulebook out the window…”
When I first started reading the book, I instantly loved Tiffy. She’s your typical chatty narrator who seems to get herself in a pickle, making it a fun read. It took a little while to connect with Leon since his narration had a lack of pronouns which made him seem quite detached. He’s quite an aloof character. Not in a dark, mysterious and handsome way but more of an introverted character. I soon got over the differences in narration and ended up quite liking the difference in personalities between the two main characters.
The chapters alternate throughout the book between Tiffy’s POV and Leon’s. The book doesn’t drag on and has a quick pace. I like that it keeps moving forward rather than going back over things like some books can. I also liked how there was more going on in the book than just the story between the two main characters. Such as Tiffy's obsessive ex, Leon's brother in prison and both of them trying to locate an ex-partner of one of Leon's patients. You were rooting for them to be together but also that rooting for other things too like getting Leon's brother out of prison etc.
One of my favourite parts of the book was reading the notes between Tiffy and Leon. Tiffy’s are always long, chatty and oversharing while Leon is on a more need-to-know basis.
Overall, I really liked this book and it was a fun read. I can imagine sitting by the pool, soaking up the sun rays, drinking a mojito and reading this book.
Love, Aoife xo
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary is the cutest book I have read in a long time. A really long time! Like most romcoms, you could see how it was going to pan out from the beginning but that still didn’t stop you from enjoying the ride.
Goodreads Sypnosis:
“Tiffy and Leon share a flat
Tiffy and Leon share a bed
Tiffy and Leon have never met…
Tiffy Moore needs a cheap flat, and fast. Leon Twomey works nights and needs cash. Their friends think they’re crazy, but it’s the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy’s at work in the day and she has the run of the place the rest of the time.
But with obsessive ex-boyfriends, demanding clients at work, wrongly imprisoned brothers and, of course, the fact that they still haven’t met yet, they’re about to discover that if you want the perfect home you need to throw the rulebook out the window…”
When I first started reading the book, I instantly loved Tiffy. She’s your typical chatty narrator who seems to get herself in a pickle, making it a fun read. It took a little while to connect with Leon since his narration had a lack of pronouns which made him seem quite detached. He’s quite an aloof character. Not in a dark, mysterious and handsome way but more of an introverted character. I soon got over the differences in narration and ended up quite liking the difference in personalities between the two main characters.
The chapters alternate throughout the book between Tiffy’s POV and Leon’s. The book doesn’t drag on and has a quick pace. I like that it keeps moving forward rather than going back over things like some books can. I also liked how there was more going on in the book than just the story between the two main characters. Such as Tiffy's obsessive ex, Leon's brother in prison and both of them trying to locate an ex-partner of one of Leon's patients. You were rooting for them to be together but also that rooting for other things too like getting Leon's brother out of prison etc.
One of my favourite parts of the book was reading the notes between Tiffy and Leon. Tiffy’s are always long, chatty and oversharing while Leon is on a more need-to-know basis.
Overall, I really liked this book and it was a fun read. I can imagine sitting by the pool, soaking up the sun rays, drinking a mojito and reading this book.
Love, Aoife xo
Who remembers the Micellar water craze a few years ago? When everybody was raving about how amazing micellar water was. Or was that just me? I’ll admit, I was part of that craze. I loved sprinkling the holy water on a cotton pad and watching all my makeup disappear from my face. But what if there’s a better, more effective, way of removing makeup? Like, oil cleansing?
In the last month or so, I have been obsessed with Nay (@LABeautyologist). Her Twitter is filled with skincare advice, tips and tricks. As a licensed esthetician, she also provides scientific explanations so you can understand more about what each ingredient or step in your skincare routine does and make your own informed decision. One night, I ended up in a YouTube black hole and watched all her YouTube videos. I learnt about double cleansing, toning and all about oil cleansing.
The Oil Cleansing Method...
I have oily acne-prone skin and so the thought of adding oil to oil and spots can be a little daunting. However, it has been tried, tested & shouted from the rooftops that using an oil cleanser can help the skin’s oil balance and won’t make it more oily. The oil cleanser itself doesn't leave any residue behind and is not drying.
The way oil cleansing works is by gently massaging a few drops of oil onto your face for at least 60 seconds. Remember to keep your palms and face dry when you apply it so it can work properly. The oil lifts the dirt from clogged pores, excess sebum and removes dead skin cells from your face. You can read more about the science here or watch Nay's video here. Once you've massaged the oil around your face, you gently wipe the oil off with a wet face cloth. It's a really good method of clearing out build up from your pores and has really helped with my acne.
What I found...
In this experiment, I used Simple’s Hydrating Oil cleanser (recommended by HeyitsMorgan). It's made with 100% grapeseed oil and is incredibly soft and gentle on my skin. I use a 1p coin-sized amount of oil and massage it around my face for at least a minute. I follow the #60secondrule so whenever I cleanse my face I rub the cleanser in for at least 60 seconds.
The fun part of oil cleansing is the longer you massage the oil in, the more dirt it picks up from your skin. I think the longest I've oil cleansed is 4 minutes. You can often feel gritty bits coming away from your skin and see little beige dots on your palms; these are the oil plugs that have been lifted from your skin. It’s the most satisfying part of oil cleansing.
The Results are in...
Out of the two cleansing methods, I prefer oil cleansing. I feel like it's more suited to my skin. It’s a much gentler and cleanses more than just the surface. This is evident by the grit you can see on your palms. It's not as drying as Micellar Water and my skin looks a lot less red. I’ve noticed a big difference in the past month on the appearance of my pores and the regular facial massage has helped improve my blood circulation, so I am practically glowing.
I love that you can spend more time cleansing and massaging your face than with a face wipe or micellar water. The massage really helps me to unwind in the evening and is perfect for when I need to escape the chaos of my flatmates.
I love that you can spend more time cleansing and massaging your face than with a face wipe or micellar water. The massage really helps me to unwind in the evening and is perfect for when I need to escape the chaos of my flatmates.
What are your thoughts of oil cleansing? Do you think you'll try it?
Love, Aoife xo
Who remembers the Micellar water craze a few years ago? When everybody was raving about how amazing micellar water was. Or was that just me? I’ll admit, I was part of that craze. I loved sprinkling the holy water on a cotton pad and watching all my makeup disappear from my face. But what if there’s a better, more effective, way of removing makeup? Like, oil cleansing?
In the last month or so, I have been obsessed with Nay (@LABeautyologist). Her Twitter is filled with skincare advice, tips and tricks. As a licensed esthetician, she also provides scientific explanations so you can understand more about what each ingredient or step in your skincare routine does and make your own informed decision. One night, I ended up in a YouTube black hole and watched all her YouTube videos. I learnt about double cleansing, toning and all about oil cleansing.
The Oil Cleansing Method...
I have oily acne-prone skin and so the thought of adding oil to oil and spots can be a little daunting. However, it has been tried, tested & shouted from the rooftops that using an oil cleanser can help the skin’s oil balance and won’t make it more oily. The oil cleanser itself doesn't leave any residue behind and is not drying.
The way oil cleansing works is by gently massaging a few drops of oil onto your face for at least 60 seconds. Remember to keep your palms and face dry when you apply it so it can work properly. The oil lifts the dirt from clogged pores, excess sebum and removes dead skin cells from your face. You can read more about the science here or watch Nay's video here. Once you've massaged the oil around your face, you gently wipe the oil off with a wet face cloth. It's a really good method of clearing out build up from your pores and has really helped with my acne.
What I found...
In this experiment, I used Simple’s Hydrating Oil cleanser (recommended by HeyitsMorgan). It's made with 100% grapeseed oil and is incredibly soft and gentle on my skin. I use a 1p coin-sized amount of oil and massage it around my face for at least a minute. I follow the #60secondrule so whenever I cleanse my face I rub the cleanser in for at least 60 seconds.
The fun part of oil cleansing is the longer you massage the oil in, the more dirt it picks up from your skin. I think the longest I've oil cleansed is 4 minutes. You can often feel gritty bits coming away from your skin and see little beige dots on your palms; these are the oil plugs that have been lifted from your skin. It’s the most satisfying part of oil cleansing.
The Results are in...
Out of the two cleansing methods, I prefer oil cleansing. I feel like it's more suited to my skin. It’s a much gentler and cleanses more than just the surface. This is evident by the grit you can see on your palms. It's not as drying as Micellar Water and my skin looks a lot less red. I’ve noticed a big difference in the past month on the appearance of my pores and the regular facial massage has helped improve my blood circulation, so I am practically glowing.
I love that you can spend more time cleansing and massaging your face than with a face wipe or micellar water. The massage really helps me to unwind in the evening and is perfect for when I need to escape the chaos of my flatmates.
I love that you can spend more time cleansing and massaging your face than with a face wipe or micellar water. The massage really helps me to unwind in the evening and is perfect for when I need to escape the chaos of my flatmates.
What are your thoughts of oil cleansing? Do you think you'll try it?
Love, Aoife xo
I’m pretty sure Venice is on most people’s bucket list. If it isn’t, it definitely should be a place you visit before you die. It’s a phenomenal city built on stilts over the Adriatic Sea in northern Italy. There are more than 100 small islands that make up Venice and they are all connected by bridges. There is almost like a one-way system as you often have to go around other islands. Through the middle of Venice is the Grand Canal which is what the river Thames is to London. There are only three bridges that cross the canal so be sure to plan your journey when navigating the islands. It's not as simple as crossing the road.
Venice is a beautiful city and is absolutely stunning during the day and night. There is something calming about being surrounded by water and watching the current bob. The Venice film festival was on so we took the boat out to Lido where it is held. Timothée Chalamet was there for his screening of The King. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see him.
Where to stay in Venice…
Venice can be really expensive, but it can also be done affordably. Mestre is located on the mainland and is at the end of the road that’ll take you to the Venice islands. It is often cheaper to stay here and travel into Venice will cost you no more than €3 on the bus or train. My friend and I stayed in a small one bed AirBnB not far from Mestre station.
Travelling in Venice…
Travelling around and between the islands can get quite expensive. I'd recommend buying a three-day pass at the train station. It came to €30 each. The pass allows unlimited travel around Venice and access to all the museums. You can ride the Vaporettos (water buses) and have a mini-tour of the main islands and surrounding islands.
What to do…
There are lots to do in Venice. Expect lots of walking around, exploring and getting lost. When you first arrive, take your time getting to explore what’s around you. There are lots of narrow passageways but they all have signs pointing you in the direction of the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square.
Doge’s Palace is stunning not only from the outside but inside too. The palace dates back to 1340 and was residence to the supreme authority of the former Venetian Republic (Doge). It can get really busy during the day but the crowds lighten in the evening. We went in the evening and it felt like we were the only ones there. You can get in free under the travel pass I mentioned above or pay for entry.
During your stay, I’d recommend visiting the Murano and Burano islands. They are about 20 minutes from Venice and are definitely worth the trip. Burano is the furthest island so I’d suggest going there first. You’ll probably recognise it from all the pictures of multi-coloured houses. I read that the houses are in different colours so the fishing men could locate their houses better. Burano has a rich history of lace and there are plenty of shops where you can pick up some lace. Murano is famous for its glass and is something you’ll see all over Venice. When I went, we visited the glass museum. Just a warning if you’re not sure whether to go or not- it mostly contained numerous cabinets of glass.
If you're looking to escape and the crowds and want to relax on the beach, take a Vaporetto to Lido. It has a long strip of soft sand and looks out into the Adriatic sea.
Where to eat…
We indulged ourselves in dairy-free ice cream and stuffed our faces with pizza. A lot of restaurants around the Venice islands are accommodating to different dietary requirements. We were quite fortunate in being able to buy dairy-free ice cream and also eat a gluten-free pizza and pasta. Just look out for ‘senza glutine’ on the signs. On most days, we would share a pizza for lunch and head back to the flat to make dinner.
Katie Bucknell wrote a post called Gluten-Free Venice and it was really helpful in finding restaurants we could eat at. Restaurants in Venice can be quite expensive but there are tons listed in the post including ones tucked in little alleyways.
Enjoy your holiday and I hope this post has helped
Love, Aoife xo
I’m pretty sure Venice is on most people’s bucket list. If it isn’t, it definitely should be a place you visit before you die. It’s a phenomenal city built on stilts over the Adriatic Sea in northern Italy. There are more than 100 small islands that make up Venice and they are all connected by bridges. There is almost like a one-way system as you often have to go around other islands. Through the middle of Venice is the Grand Canal which is what the river Thames is to London. There are only three bridges that cross the canal so be sure to plan your journey when navigating the islands. It's not as simple as crossing the road.
Venice is a beautiful city and is absolutely stunning during the day and night. There is something calming about being surrounded by water and watching the current bob. The Venice film festival was on so we took the boat out to Lido where it is held. Timothée Chalamet was there for his screening of The King. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see him.
Where to stay in Venice…
Venice can be really expensive, but it can also be done affordably. Mestre is located on the mainland and is at the end of the road that’ll take you to the Venice islands. It is often cheaper to stay here and travel into Venice will cost you no more than €3 on the bus or train. My friend and I stayed in a small one bed AirBnB not far from Mestre station.
Travelling in Venice…
Travelling around and between the islands can get quite expensive. I'd recommend buying a three-day pass at the train station. It came to €30 each. The pass allows unlimited travel around Venice and access to all the museums. You can ride the Vaporettos (water buses) and have a mini-tour of the main islands and surrounding islands.
What to do…
There are lots to do in Venice. Expect lots of walking around, exploring and getting lost. When you first arrive, take your time getting to explore what’s around you. There are lots of narrow passageways but they all have signs pointing you in the direction of the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square.
Doge’s Palace is stunning not only from the outside but inside too. The palace dates back to 1340 and was residence to the supreme authority of the former Venetian Republic (Doge). It can get really busy during the day but the crowds lighten in the evening. We went in the evening and it felt like we were the only ones there. You can get in free under the travel pass I mentioned above or pay for entry.
During your stay, I’d recommend visiting the Murano and Burano islands. They are about 20 minutes from Venice and are definitely worth the trip. Burano is the furthest island so I’d suggest going there first. You’ll probably recognise it from all the pictures of multi-coloured houses. I read that the houses are in different colours so the fishing men could locate their houses better. Burano has a rich history of lace and there are plenty of shops where you can pick up some lace. Murano is famous for its glass and is something you’ll see all over Venice. When I went, we visited the glass museum. Just a warning if you’re not sure whether to go or not- it mostly contained numerous cabinets of glass.
If you're looking to escape and the crowds and want to relax on the beach, take a Vaporetto to Lido. It has a long strip of soft sand and looks out into the Adriatic sea.
Where to eat…
We indulged ourselves in dairy-free ice cream and stuffed our faces with pizza. A lot of restaurants around the Venice islands are accommodating to different dietary requirements. We were quite fortunate in being able to buy dairy-free ice cream and also eat a gluten-free pizza and pasta. Just look out for ‘senza glutine’ on the signs. On most days, we would share a pizza for lunch and head back to the flat to make dinner.
Katie Bucknell wrote a post called Gluten-Free Venice and it was really helpful in finding restaurants we could eat at. Restaurants in Venice can be quite expensive but there are tons listed in the post including ones tucked in little alleyways.
Enjoy your holiday and I hope this post has helped
Love, Aoife xo
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