Europe Explored » autumn and winter https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Maastricht – unique Dutch city with a medieval heart in Netherlands https://europeexplored.com/2010/09/26/maastricht-unique-dutch-city-with-a-medieval-heart-in-netherlands/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/09/26/maastricht-unique-dutch-city-with-a-medieval-heart-in-netherlands/#comments Sun, 26 Sep 2010 10:40:35 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=1538 The city of Maastricht, known as a city of history, culture, local folklore and education, is situated in the southern part of the Dutch province of Limburg. It is popular with tourists for its fine cuisine, excellent shops and multicultural atmosphere. The city has a large international student population. Maastricht claims to be the oldest […]

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The city of Maastricht, known as a city of history, culture, local folklore and education, is situated in the southern part of the Dutch province of Limburg. It is popular with tourists for its fine cuisine, excellent shops and multicultural atmosphere. The city has a large international student population.

Maastricht claims to be the oldest city in the Netherlands (a claim it shares with Nijmegen). There are some magnificent buildings, lots of old houses, lovely cathedrals and a spectacularly cobblestoned town centre.

What to see in Maastricht
City Center

  • Two town squares in the centre of the city
    • The Vrijthof, which features the massive St Servaas Church and St Jan’s Cathedral. It hosts large festivals also in autumn and winter. The Carnaval before Lent is an amazing occasion that everybody should see
    • The Markt, which features the Town Hall (Stadhuis) and on Wednesdays and Fridays, markets


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Aeolian Islands – unique volcano islands near Sicily, Italy https://europeexplored.com/2010/07/01/aeolian-islands-in-sicily-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/07/01/aeolian-islands-in-sicily-italy/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:34:59 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=426 Aeolian Islands (sometimes called shortly “Lipari”) lies at the northern coast of Sicily. Lipari consist of seven islands: Vulcano, Lipari, Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Alicudi and Filicudi. This archipelago is unique for a volcanic activity, which along with numerous geological attractions make these islands grateful to the tourists. Still active volcano on the island of Stromboli […]

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Aeolian Islands (sometimes called shortly “Lipari”) lies at the northern coast of Sicily. Lipari consist of seven islands: Vulcano, Lipari, Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Alicudi and Filicudi. This archipelago is unique for a volcanic activity, which along with numerous geological attractions make these islands grateful to the tourists. Still active volcano on the island of Stromboli offers a remarkable experience for observers, while sulphurous lakes on the island of Vulcano are attractive for their therapeutic effects.

Aeolian Islands, Volcano island, Sicily, Italy
Photo by admin – that’s me and my wife in Vulcano island : – )

It is not a secret that the Aeolian Islands are called the pearls of the Mediterranean. Surely you enchant their unique atmosphere, clear sea, white houses contrasting with the black volcanic beaches and agile life regardless of the presence of volcanoes. In the fertile areas off the coast of Sicily you admire growing vines, olive and fig trees in the wild mountainous inland countryside and smoking a volcano Mount Etna. In deep valleys you can see a beautiful cities with many ancient and Norman sites.

Due to its climate, beautiful landscape, exotic wildlife and beautiful coastline are Aeolian Islands looking forward a growing interest of tourists. They are suitable for lovers of nature and hiking, as well as for a sun worshippers and swimmers. Clean seawater and rugged coastline make these islands a paradise for divers and water sports operators.

Vulcano Island from volcano, Sicily, Italy
Photo by admin

Geographical location of the Aeolian islands guarantees a subtropical climate. Average temperatures are acceptable due to fresh winds that pleasantly cool hot air from the sea and bring soothing moisture. In summer the temperature reaches around 35 °C, annual average temperature is 14 – 16 °C. An important climatic factor is the distribution of annual precipitation. Rainy seasons are mainly autumn and winter. Rain is usually rare in summer, it is usual that six months are totally without rain.

You can get to Lipari by a ferry from Sicily (a town Milazzo), where you can be transferred with your car. It is possible to move between islands by fast ships Aliscafo. The most popular type of accommodation on the Aeolian Islands are bungalows or apartments.

Aeolian islands offer really a lot. Certainly you should not miss the greatest attraction of the islands – a trip to the active volcano Stromboli. In 2000, the Aeolian Islands were included in the list of UNESCO’s cultural and natural heritage sites.

Vulcano island, Aeolian Islands, Italy
Photo by admin – Vulcano island


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