Seek and find
Put a holiday to Madeira on your bucket list! This beautiful Portuguese island is located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 700 kilometers west of Africa and 850 kilometers from the Portuguese coast. Together with Ilhas Desertas and Ilhas Selvagens, Madeira forms the archipelago known as the Madeira Islands. The island's wonderful weather and stunning location make it a wonderful holiday destination year-round. Every season has its own charm! And did you know that Madeira is also known as the Hawaii of Europe? You can enjoy the sun, but also the tranquil nature and mountains. There are several beaches where you can sunbathe for a day, but there are also plenty of activities for an active holiday. Stay in one of the unique boutique hotels in Funchal or a traditional Finca surrounded by nature. In this new guide, I'll give you fourteen reasons why you really want to book a holiday to Madeira this year. Read on and have fun planning your trip!
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The most important things to do are done by the community through this Nederland and in Amsterdam?
The May holidays have begun, and that means: quality time with the kids. From creative workshops and fun playgrounds to new museums, kid-friendly festivals, and adventures in nature.
On 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲, you will find two comprehensive guides with more than 50 tips! Believe me, you won't be bored anymore ;-).
Take all tips via the line in my bio. Have fun!
I'm curious: what do you have planned for this holiday?
PS: We are doing a road trip from Barcelona to Valencia this year and you can travel along via stories.
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟲, 𝟭𝟳, 𝟭𝟴 & 𝟭𝟵
Your Amsterdam weekend, sorted. 🖤
Baby lambs, spring markets, new restaurant openings and more events not to miss, this week's Amsterdam Weekend Guide is packed.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 81 tips straight to your DMs.
Have fun making plans!
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
| PS: Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in the Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
PUUR YONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer.
Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese.
I spent the whole evening reading and flipping through the pages.
WHAT A BOOK.
What stories.
WHAT AN ODE.
Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being.
Everything passes by, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert.
With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043.
Thanks for the lovely afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚
PURE JONNIE,
From 14 April
at your local bookstore
(and online)
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢
@tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality.
It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3.
In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds.
Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
{ one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟵, 𝟭𝟬, 𝟭𝟭 & 𝟭𝟮
This is one of those weekends that's packed with cool events!
Catch the last cherry blossoms, hunt for vintage treasures or feast on oysters.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 71 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… vintage, culture, markets or a new hotspot?
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in the Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆?
@eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember.
Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤
Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here!
📍 Eetcafé de Reiger
Jordaan, Amsterdam City Centre
Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam.
And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too!
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A cookbook from Grandma. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home.
The Sühring brothers do not cook based on trends; they cook from memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations.
@relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care.
This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception.
Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly?
🍴 Labskaus with caviar
🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar
🍴 Game pie
🍴 Dry aged Duck
TIP: If you go to Sühring, reserve the seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work!
Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust.
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux
In this reels I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three Michelin starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the nicest free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself in various places in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can, we’ll go again.
📍In this video, I show where you can fill your bucket.
Comment oester for the comprehensive guide with all details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules.
Important to know:
– Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket)
– For personal use only
– Do not scoop or scrape the soil
– Go at low tide
Handy to take with you:
Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes and garbage bags (for the oysters and dirty clothes).
And of course: also bring an oyster knife, lemon and champagne 🍋🥂Because you want to taste something right away!
The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing.
In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them without much effort. Leave a comment and I'll send it to you right away!
Who do you want to go oyster collecting with soon?
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Happy weekend in Amsterdam! I made a list with 79 (!) fun 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟯, 𝟰, 𝟱 & 𝟲. This week's guide is packed because of Easter weekend and I saved the best tips for you in the guide on 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with all 79 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend? Markets, Easter lunches, or a festival?
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is the time to make plans for Easter in Amsterdam 👀🐣🐰
Are you team lunch or dinner?
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Ps: More tips for Easter in Amsterdam, from restaurants to markets, on WWW.YOURLITTLEBLACKBOOK.ME
Anti-Guide, going around to God that a good thing is!
So close and perfect to go by train, with endless great places to visit.
Think: delicious food, nice hotels, coffee shops for your matcha ;-) and wine bars you actually don't want to leave. During our last trip, we added a few new favorites to the Antwerp Little Black Book once again.
Save this guide for your next city trip to Antwerp. Have fun!
**
⦁ @osakaantwerp
⦁ @mea.antwerp
⦁ @glouglouborgerhout
⦁ @le_pristine_antwerp
⦁ @hertog_jan_at_botanic
**Illegible**
⦁ @hotelfranq
⦁ @viaantwerp
⦁ @hoteldewittelelie
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @millesime.antwerp
⦁ @dogmacocktails
⦁ @cafe.bobby
⦁ @cafezeezicht
⦁ @billiesbierkafetaria
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 & 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗦
⦁ @bakkerijfunk
⦁ @polly.antwerp
⦁ @cafe.betty
⦁ @tinsel_antwerp
⦁ @caffenation_coffee
I
⦁ Roof farm @paktantwerpen
⦁ For thrift store finds: Antwaarpe Goeiemorgen
⦁ Shop at @frnchparisofficiel
⦁ For all fashion lovers @momuantwerp
⦁ Must-visit museum @rubenshuisantwerpen
💌What is your favorite hotspot in Antwerp that I absolutely have to visit next time?
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up.
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it)
📍 Rijksmuseum
📍 Fruittuin van West
📍 Westerpark
📍 Jozef Israëlskade
📍 WG grounds
📍 Nelson Mandela Park
📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen
📍Amstelpark
By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment.
I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over.
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
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🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸
14 Reasons to Take a Bucket List Trip to Madeira
European Hawaii just a 3,5 hour flight away
With a direct flight from Amsterdam, you can fly to Madeira in just 3,5 hours. Several airlines fly to the island both directly and with a stopover. Examples of direct flights are Transavia and Tui. Tap Air Portugal, EasyJet, and Iberia fly with a stopover in Madeira. TIP: You can also save money on your flight by taking the train to Brussels Airport and flying from there. Websites like Skyscanner make it easy to compare flight prices.
| GOING ON A TOUR? Also check out the 8-day road trip itinerary for Madeira here >>
Madeira, the Hawaii of Europe
Combine Madeira with Porto Santo
Did you know you can combine a holiday in Madeira with one of the other islands in the region? For example, discover the lesser-known Porto Santo! This place is incredibly special, thanks to its golden beach and azure sea. The sandy beach is nine kilometers long! Here too, temperatures are pleasant year-round, between twenty and twenty-five degrees Celsius.
From Funchal, the capital of Madeira, you can travel to Porto Santo by ferry in about two hours. You can also choose to reach the island by light plane. In that case, the journey takes only fifteen minutes!
Porto Santo
Visit a festival in Madeira
One of the great things about Madeira is that it hosts fantastic festivals all year round. So, do you already know when you'd like to plan your next vacation? Then check if there's a festival you can attend:
– February and March – Carnival: During Carnival people dress up beautifully and you can participate in various parades.
– April and May – Flower Festival: At the beginning of spring you can enjoy tropical and unique flowers during the Flower Festival.
– June – Atlantic Festival: At the beginning of summer, the Atlantic Festival is held where you can enjoy music and performances on the beach in Funchal.
– August and September – Wine Festival: Enjoy the wine made in Madeira or help harvest the grapes! I would absolutely love to visit Madeira again during this time. But don't worry: you can visit Blandy's Wine Lodge all year round for a tasting tourA must for foodies!
– September – Columbus Festival: Historical recreation takes center stage during the Columbus Festival. There are concerts, a 16th-century-inspired market, dance performances, games, and street entertainment.
– October – Nature Festival: During this festival you can enjoy many sporting activities, such as hiking in the mountains, sailing or even paragliding!
© Blandy's Wine Festival, Madeira
Best kept secret for Christmas and New Year's Eve
In December, Madeira is completely enveloped in festivities. There's a grand display of Christmas decorations and markets, lights, entertainment, and stunning fireworks. You can also experience the local culture by enjoying all the beautiful things this holiday has to offer together with the locals. Fun fact: the fireworks display is even listed in the Guinness Book of Records as one of the largest in the world. It's an absolute must-see! Several evenings in the fall are organized where locals can vote for the most beautiful fireworks display during NYE. I happened to be there during one of these evenings, so I know from experience that they go all out! I can imagine Madeira isn't the first destination that comes to mind for a Christmas or New Year's trip, but for those who love these days (like me!), it's a bucket-list destination.
NYE fireworks show in Funchal
Foodies will have a blast in Madeira
Even if you're a foodie, you'll feel right at home on a holiday to Madeira. In the capital, Funchal, you'll find several charming restaurants and bistros, as well as a lovely market with the most colorful fruit that's definitely worth a visit. The island is also known for its high-quality shellfish and fresh fish. I personally found the lapis (also known as Chinese hats) incredibly delicious, which you can slurp down with a little lemon, like oysters! Be sure to try the local dishes, such as the black scabbard fish, which you can also find at the market, and the local (and oh-so-delicious) bread you get in many restaurants: bolo do caco, made from sweet potato and with plenty of garlic. Thanks to Madeira's location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, many dishes are truly homemade. And you can taste it!
| MADEIRA FOOD GUIDE: View all culinary tips for Madeira in the comprehensive food guide >>
Mercado dos Lavradores, farmers' market
Relax in a natural pool
Fancy a swim or a paddle among the rocks? Madeira boasts natural pools. These are saltwater pools made of volcanic rock, where the sea naturally flows. Want to experience this unique experience during your Madeira holiday? You'll find these natural pools in Porto Moniz and Seixal. From these pools, you'll have stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, lush green landscapes, and the beach. Perfect for completely unwinding after a day of hiking or touring the island.
© ©Andre Carvalho – Natural pool,
City tripping in Funchal
Funchal is the capital of Madeira. If you're planning a holiday to Madeira, a day trip to Funchal is highly recommended. It's brimming with history, culture, and sights. For example, visit Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal's historic center, or take the cable car to the village of Monte and have lunch at Patio das Babosas. You'll also find street art in various places in Funchal! Discover more tips for Funchal here >>
Cable car to Monte
Dolphin and whale watching
Madeira may be known for its flowers, but you can also enjoy various sea safaris along the coast. You can book various excursions at the harbor. Dolphin watching is possible year-round! Whales also migrate past Madeira every year. The best whale watching season in Madeira is between April and October. I was there after whale season, but I was lucky enough to see wild dolphins. Magical!
Dolphin spotting off the coast of Madeira
Discover the beaches
Crystal-clear blue water, beautiful white sand or black volcanic sand, rock formations—every bay on Madeira is completely different and therefore a pleasure to visit. You can enjoy the sun or find shade under the palm trees. Not all beaches are equally suitable for swimming, but the views are magnificent. Want to swim? Then these are the beaches where you can: Praia Formosa, Faial Beach, Calheta Beach, and Ponta do Sol Beach.
Calheta Beach
Valhalla for water sports enthusiasts
Madeira is also a fantastic destination for water spotters. It boasts large waves, clear water, and can experience strong winds. So, you can enjoy surfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP. One side of the island boasts larger waves, making it ideal for surfing. The other side of the island boasts calmer waters but more wind, making it perfect for windsurfing and SUP.
© ©Andre Carvalho
Eat at unique restaurants
A holiday in Madeira doesn't mean you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to culinary delights. The island boasts delicious and unique restaurants. For example, visit Fajã dos Padres, an organic farm serving delicious local food. What's even more special is that this restaurant is only accessible by cable car! Looking for a meal in Fuchal? Then Kampo restaurant is highly recommended. The Nini Design Centre is also a great place to visit for a chic evening with spectacular views.
View from the terrace of Fajã dos Padres
Perfect destination for Digital Nomads
On Madeira, you'll find the Digital Nomad village of Ponta do Sol. Inspired by the pandemic, but now here to stay. Imagine working from your "home" in Ponta do Sol and then, after closing your laptop, heading out into nature, swimming, or doing yoga with a sea view. Sounds great, right? 3opReis made an episode about this unique village. which you can view here.
View of Ponta do Sol
Discover the Levada hikes
Madeira is known for its excellent hiking trails. The levada walks are unique. Levadas are irrigation channels still used by the island's farmers. This has created hiking trails that stretch almost across the entire island. You can reach the various levadas on foot during a breathtaking hike. Prepare for stunning landscapes, mountains, and tunnels. There are several companies where you can book guides for the walks. Of course, you can also explore on your own! View the various walks here >>
Levada do Alegrim
Magical sunrise at Pico de Arieiro
A must-do during your Madeira holiday? Pico de Arieiro! A mountain peak so high that it's one of the highest in Madeira. After an adventurous jeep ride, you can easily climb this mountain on foot. It offers stunning views of Funchal, Madeira, and the sea. Easily one of the coolest things we did during our trip to Madeira: watching the sunrise from Pico de Arieiro. Pack your breakfast in a backpack, find a rock to sit on, and enjoy the tranquility that washes over you. And don't forget to take a photo of the beautiful sky! TIP: wear windproof clothing, a raincoat, and sturdy shoes.
Pico de Arieiro
Have fun exploring Madeira on your next vacation! Curious for more tips? Then also take a look at the Visit Madeira website >>
With love,
Anne
In collaboration with Visit Madeira
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