southern europe (28)

13758621297?profile=RESIZE_710xJosé Balido

 

In 2021, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) honoured Spain´s capital with its first World Heritage Site designation, elevating Madrid to the ranks of destinations with districts or monuments worth preserving for future generations (the larger Madrid community surrounding the capital already had UNESCO sites, including the royal sites of El Escorial and Aranjuez, which make marvelous day trips).

The city´s leafy Paseo del Prado boulevard,

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I've always had a fascinating for things mediaeval. Would never want to have actually lived back in the Middle Ages, mind you. But the architecture and atmosphere of the Romanesque and the Gothic have always captivated me. And while my adopted country provides more than enough to delight me on this front year after year, I've been enjoying my home town Madrid more for its marvelous architecture and monuments dating from the mid-16th century onward

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4 Delightful Day Trips from Madrid

13754418662?profile=RESIZE_710xSantiago López-Pastor

 

Spain's capital is of course magnificent and brimming with amazing stuff to see and do. But visitors should also make time for a daytrip (or if at all possible, and overnighter) to at least one of the marvelous destinations in the Madrid Community no more than an hour outside the city proper, full of history, culture, architectural gems of their own.   

Alcalá de Henares 

Its streets lined with majestic buildings and its rooftops full of stork nests, this city of 194,000

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Flamenco: The Soul of Spain?

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Ask many people around the world what comes to mind when they think of Spain, and chances are flamenco will land near the top of the list. The sinuous moves; the rapid, hypnotic shoe tapping; the staccato hand-clapping; the mesmerising guitarwork; the plaintive singing - if you've never witnessed a performance in person, your first time in particular will stay with you forever.

An art form and indeed a sensibility closely intertwined with the culture and traditions of Andalusia, flamenco grew o

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Nowadays better known to many as the gateway to Aegean Sea resorts, Bodrum (pop. 198,000) is also a fascinating ancient port city in southern Turkey, which we recently had the pleasure of touring. Its medieval castle and underwater museum are are just two of the many attractions we found to tell you about. But first, a captivating history.

Founded around 1,000 BCE as a Greek colony called Halicarnassus (and was the birthplace of among others the famous classical historian Herodotus), it came u

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Teatro_Romano_Merida_Extremadura-640x427.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710xMariaplr



Hugging Spain's upper border with Portugal, the autonomous community of Extremadura, composed of the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz, is well known to other Spaniards as a proud land of strong traditions; rich history; distinguished cuisine; and fascinating historic, architectural, and natural riches.

In fact, in particular this is considered one of the country's under-the-radar eco-paradises, with extensive and dramatic valleys, plains, and natural parks that attract nature-lovers

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Ever dreamt of being part of a crazy food fight with thousands of people throwing ripe tomatoes at each other — all in good fun? Welcome to La Tomatina, Spain’s most iconic and colorful street festival, where getting messy is the whole point!

Every year on the last Wednesday of August, the small town of Buñol, near Valencia in Spain, transforms into a red sea of joy, laughter, and tomato pulp. People from all over the world — including many adventurous souls from India — gather here to celebrate

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We are in the green heart of Umbria, between the hills of Orvieto and Lake Trasimeno. Here lies a place you don’t stumble upon by chance: you reach it, you discover it, and you remember it. This is Pomario, an organic vineyard/winery located in the namesake locality of Piegaro—a place of authentic experiences where wine is culture, the land is care, and hospitality carries the warmth of true relationships.

You don’t arrive at Pomario by mistake: you travel a road of white stones, pass through th

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Skip the crowds and discover Spain’s best-kept secrets with our insider travel tips.

I’ll be honest with you – I love Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid just as much as the next person. But let’s face it: sometimes the crowds can get a bit too long, the queues for tapas stretch longer than your patience, and those once-peaceful beaches? Swamped. 

That’s exactly why I started hunting down the hidden gems in Spain – those lesser-known Spanish spots that still feel untouched, where you can breathe easy

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Another Side of Lisbon: 4 Fabulous Boat Tours

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The city of seven hills, cobbled streets, and stunning views over the Tagus River, offers some of the most enchanting boat tours you can find. If you're looking to add a splash of adventure to your trip, you’re in for a treat with the best boat tours in Portugal´s capital, which you can reserve at SeaBookings.com. From tranquil sunset cruises to exhilarating dolphin watching, there’s a boat tour for everyone. Here’s a rundown of the top four:

Sunset Cruise with Music

Imagine cruising down the

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Malta sits in the central Mediterranean, blessed with mild winters and warm summers. This means yachting is possible throughout most of the year. However, each season brings different conditions that affect your time on the water. Understanding these patterns helps you choose the perfect time for your sailing adventure. Boat rental in Malta offers options in every season, but your experience will vary greatly depending on when you go.

Peak Summer: July and August

July and August bring hot, sun

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Nestled in the heart of Tenerife, Mount Teide is not just a stunning volcanic peak; it's a gateway to one of the most awe-inspiring astronomical experiences in the world. With its clear skies and minimal light pollution, the night time transforms Mount Teide into a perfect canvas for stargazing. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a casual observer, Mount Teide Night offers invaluable information on night tours, stargazing tips, and the best viewing spots.

Why Visit Mount Teide at Night?

Mou

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5 of Greece´s Best Islands for History

Apart from Greece´s rich history, culture, and cuisine, its 227 inhabited islands with their gorgeous beaches and other varied offerings from full-amenity resorts and hot nightlife to charming villages and secluded getaway coves are especially important on making this country one of the world´s top ten most popular for visitors. And for history lovers there´s also plenty out here as well, and a trio of islands 

Corfu

TK

Crete: A Beautiful Blend of History and Nature

Greece´s largest island offer

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Greece's ancient capital interweaves ancient history with modernity, where ancient wonders mingle with the hum of modern life, and every 

Historic and Cultural Marvels

The Acropolis: A Timeless Symbol

Acropolis, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage hill overlooking Athens, is of course a timeless symbol of classical Greek civilization, the Acropolis is crowned by the majestic Parthenon. a masterpiece of the Doric style dedicated to the goddess Athena. The architectural wonder has endured centurie

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10 Extraordinary Adventures in Turkey

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Turkey/Türkiye with its diverse landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty, offers a playground of thrilling outdoor activities for adventure seekers. From soaring mountains and pristine beaches to ancient ruins and deep valleys, the country's geography sets the stage for an adrenaline-pumping experience. Whether you're a hiker, a water sports enthusiast, or a nature lover seeking an adrenaline rush, Turkey has something to offer. In this blog, we will take you on a journey through some of the

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12754514854?profile=RESIZE_710xLaia Solanellas


The capital of Catalonia is a city that truly offers something for every taste - and in a very literal sense With its rich culinary scene, it offers an endless array of flavors and influences from all over the world. From traditional Catalan dishes to avant-garde creations to a wide variety of international cuisines, the city has something to please even the most discerning palate. So here´s a quick guide to navigating some of the city´s remarkable culinary scene.

Traditional C

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5 of Spain´s Special New Year´s Traditions

12335576059?profile=RESIZE_930xjacinta lluch valero


We Spaniards love to ring out the old and ring in the new as much as anyone else on the planet. And whilst we of course share many NYE practices with the rest of the world (at least the Western world, I guess), there are several which are fairly unique to our country – and here´s a quirky quintet of them:

Toasting with Bubbles - but with a Twist

Of course all of Spain raises a glass of cava (the méthode-Champegnoise sparkling wine – from sweet to dry – made in Catalonia) t

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