Europe Explored » beautiful landscapes 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 Top Things to Do in Tuscany, Italy https://europeexplored.com/2013/01/04/top-things-to-do-in-tuscany-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/01/04/top-things-to-do-in-tuscany-italy/#comments Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:10:23 +0000 chris1 https://europeexplored.com/?p=12821 Tuscany is rich in heritage, just like the rest of Italy. Its rolling, beautiful landscapes covered in fields make it one of the most attractive spots for holiday apartments in Italy. Resisting an Italian apartment holiday in such a gorgeous place, with so much to see and do, is nearly impossible. If, however, you are […]

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Tuscany is rich in heritage, just like the rest of Italy. Its rolling, beautiful landscapes covered in fields make it one of the most attractive spots for holiday apartments in Italy. Resisting an Italian apartment holiday in such a gorgeous place, with so much to see and do, is nearly impossible.

If, however, you are stuck for things to do, we’ve prepared this little guide on what is there to do in Tuscany, to help you make the most of your holiday.

Crete Senesi area, Tuscany, Italy
Crete Senesi area, Tuscany, Italy

If you’re interested in history, you can hardly go wrong. Tuscany is the home of some of Italian’s most beautiful historic cities. Florence, Siena, and Pisa are all located in the heart of Tuscany. Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is one of the most visited cities in the world and is home to some incredible art and architecture. There is so much to see and do there that it could take up pages by itself; whether you’re looking for the incredible sculpture of Michelangelo or want to spot some fashionable designs, Florence is an excellent choice.

David by Michelangelo in Florence, Tuscany, Italy
David by Michelangelo in Florence, Tuscany, Italy

You also simply can’t miss the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of the trademark images of Italy. Despite the fact that the tower is lopsided, you can still climb right up to the top and look at the nearby city and landscapes. The tower’s lean is stable, making it safe for you to enjoy its famous slant and the view of one of Italy’s many beautiful cities.

If history, art and architecture don’t really suit you, there is still plenty to do. Hiking and walking are both great activities; you can go on a day’s hike to mountains just on the edge of this beautiful region, or walk along the rolling farmland. There are a number of cycling tours, both mountain biking on those same peaks or leisurely bike rides through the countryside.

Shop in San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
Shop in San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy

Finally, if neither of those are your style and you’re seeking pure relaxation, there is plenty of that to be had in a Tuscan villa in Italy. You might choose to enjoy a wine tasting in Chianti or spend your evenings enjoying delicious local food in a series of cafes near your villa. With an abundance of local markets, you’ll find plenty to cook yourself in addition to enjoying elsewhere.

Don’t forget the shopping either; in addition to the shopping destinations in the city centres, you’ll find quite a few outlet shops to net bargains on Italian goods. Moreover, there are quite a few hand-crafted products that you can only get in Tuscany.

Tell us, what do you look forward to most from a Tuscan holiday?

Photos provided by cottagestocastles.com

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Great Yarmouth – one of the most diverse vacation destinations in England https://europeexplored.com/2012/11/07/great-yarmouth-one-of-the-most-diverse-vacation-destinations-in-england/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/11/07/great-yarmouth-one-of-the-most-diverse-vacation-destinations-in-england/#comments Wed, 07 Nov 2012 09:35:39 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=12096 Great Yarmouth is one of the most diverse vacation destinations in England. There is something here for everyone to enjoy regardless of age. It is the perfect place for young lovers, families, and those who are young at heart. An area called Regent Road is a shoppers paradise. At the top of Regent Road, die […]

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Great Yarmouth is one of the most diverse vacation destinations in England. There is something here for everyone to enjoy regardless of age. It is the perfect place for young lovers, families, and those who are young at heart.

An area called Regent Road is a shoppers paradise. At the top of Regent Road, die hard shoppers begin their quest to find the best deal on clothing in high-end shops and department stores to finding that perfect one of a kind gift in a small boutique filled with charachter.

Great Yarmouth, England, UK
Great Yarmouth, England, UK by stephen jones

The town centre consists of a large permanent market, many independent shops, a shopping mall, and plenty of cafes to refuel on tea while watching the people pass by. A true shoppers paradise.

Great Yarmouth has 15 miles of clean, soft, sandy beaches to claim your spot and soak up the sun while reading a book or watching the children build sand castles. Those who don’t mind their water a little cool can spend hours jumping in the waves or riding them in on their surf board.

The beach is also home to arcades, rollercoasters, beach shops, candy stores, pubs, restaurants, and donkey rides. The Golden Mile is definitely the place to be if you enjoy all the hustle and bustle of a tourist hot spot. Day or night, there is always something happening on the Golden Mile.

Even amongst the chaos of a busy tourist spot, there is still the opportunity to take a nice leisurely walk along the beach under the starry skies listening to the waves crash on the beach as you steal a kiss from your true love.

Great Yarmouth Beach, England, UK
Great Yarmouth Beach, England, UK by Jeremy Thompson

For those that prefer the quiet, calm, relaxing type of vacation, Great Yarmouth offers that to in the form of sleepy little inland villages, seaside villages, boating, and fishing. There is nothing more relaxing than taking a nice leisurely walk, breathing in the fresh air while admiring beautiful landscapes and architecture or relaxing on a boat, rod in the water, patiently waiting for the bite as the boat gently sways to the flow of the water…

Both children and adults can enjoy an afternoon of admiring the sharks, creepy crawly reptiles and insects, feeding animals, learning about history and culture, and expanding their minds in any one of 12 museums and wildlife attractions.

To find out further information about this excellent UK seaside town and popular holiday destination visit the Great Yarmouth and Norfolk information portal at the following link: https://www.YarmouthNorfolk.co.uk

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A quick tour of Corsica | France https://europeexplored.com/2012/03/21/a-quick-tour-of-corsica-france/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/03/21/a-quick-tour-of-corsica-france/#comments Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:59:23 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6424 Corsica is one of the most interesting islands in Europe thanks to its interesting association with France and Italy. A province of France in many ways Corsica has a much more distinct Italian feel and has been battling for independence from France since 1974. The island has an incredibly rich and verdant landscape with stunning […]

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Corsica is one of the most interesting islands in Europe thanks to its interesting association with France and Italy. A province of France in many ways Corsica has a much more distinct Italian feel and has been battling for independence from France since 1974. The island has an incredibly rich and verdant landscape with stunning natural beauty, beautiful beaches and an incredible historical legacy. With that in mind I decided to take you on a quick tour of Corsica and everything it has to offer.

Ajaccio bay, Corsica, France
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

Ajaccio

Ajaccio straddles a gorgeous bay and is very much a Riviera town with its spacious squares and elegant, upmarket marina. The towns are beautiful and tasteful with some fantastic restaurants and cafes. The 15th century Genoese citadel is a great place to wander and the muse Fesch is home to an incredible collection of renaissance paintings by Botticelli, Titian and Poussin. Of course the town’s beaches are a firm favourite with travellers and the Plage Trottel is the better of the two.

Le Golfe de Porto

Le Golfe de Porto region contains Corsica’s most beautiful landscapes and the blue bay and red cliffs make the area dramatic to say the least. The rock formations of Calanches de Piana are well worth visiting and the surrounding mountains and vast pine forests are a fantastic place to hike and enjoy yourself. Diving is also incredible here if you are feeling adventurous.

Calvi

Calvi is perhaps the most impressive town of Corsica and it certainly has the most impressive history and architecture. The 6km sandy beach is the biggest draw for many but beyond that the town is incredibly impressive. The imposing citadel of Calvi against the mountainous backdrop is an incredible sight to behold. The town itself plays home to the Haute Ville full of twisting cobbled lanes and stairways and the medieval architecture and beautiful street cafes are a fantastic place to stroll and relax. Villas line the outer reaches of town as you head to some of the most beautiful countryside and the mountains.

Calvi, Corsica, France
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Pierre Bona

Corte

Corte lies at the base of a mountain range with stunning views and is one of the most idyllic locations of Corsica. The citadel and museum of Corsica make a great day trip and you can stroll the castle’s ramparts and enjoy a fantastic view. The town’s main street is a fantastic shopping and street café area with plenty of pokey boutiques and places to rest.

Bonifacio

Bonifacio’s location is what makes it so incredible. Its perched along an isolated peninsula at the most southerly point of the island. The town has a unique identity and the huge citadel is a great place to explore before walking along to the marina. The beaches along the coast are incredible and well worth exploring.

Where to stay
There are plenty of accommodation options on the island from camping to all-inclusive resorts. The main towns have an abundance of hotels with some particularly good ones to be found in Calvi. Along the coast there are few large resorts but villas in Corsica along small bays and in small villages are fantastic. Camping lets you get into the heart of Corsican countryside and is a great option for hiking and walking.


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Costa del Sol – three hundred days of sunshine a year | Spain https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/13/costa-del-sol-three-hundred-days-of-sunshine-a-year-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/13/costa-del-sol-three-hundred-days-of-sunshine-a-year-spain/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:16:00 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5124 One of the most visited areas in the southern Spanish Andalusia is certainly Costa del Sol (Suuny Coast). It stretches from the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada to the Gibraltar and continue with the Costa de la Luz. Costa del Sol is about 300 kilometres long and is rightly proud of its name and […]

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One of the most visited areas in the southern Spanish Andalusia is certainly Costa del Sol (Suuny Coast). It stretches from the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada to the Gibraltar and continue with the Costa de la Luz. Costa del Sol is about 300 kilometres long and is rightly proud of its name and boasts at least three hundred days of sunshine a year.

The constant sunny weather is almost guaranteed here. There is subtropical Mediterranean climate with an average annual temperature of 18 °C and average summer temperatures above 30 °C. Tourism started to develop here in this area in the 60′s of the 20th century. Until then there were just small fishing villages on the coast with the quiet life.

Costa del Sol - three hundred days of sunshine a year | Spain
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Stephen Heron

Costa del Sol is still relatively sparsely populated in comparison with northern parts of the coast, such as Costa Brava or so. In addition to a wide range of accommodation there is also a wide range of entertainment and shopping options. You can taste the famous Spanish cuisine and meet with the locals who are very friendly.

The area features the long beautiful beaches, many of which have previously received the Blue flag of the European Union, which proves their high quality. These beaches boast not only for its cleanliness and grooming, but also a high quality of services. Costa del Sol consists of a large number of large and small beaches, most of which has a gentle access to the sea, which is especially appreciated by families with children. Swimming is offered in a crystal clean and warm Mediterranean sea, whose waves are also ideal for various water sports. It is a popular destination for the lovers of windsurfing, kiting, water skiing or riding on water scooters.

Costa del Sol is an ideal place to spend quality holiday full of sun. In addition to great swimming in the sea and sunbathing on the beaches here you can also find beautiful landscapes and many historically significant places. Top cities worth a visit are Malaga, Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Torremolinos, or resorts like Benalmadena, Fuengirola and last but not least is Gibraltar. Costa del Sol is also very close to African continent, it is not a problem to get for example to Morocco.


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National Park Thayatal in Austria – one of the most beautiful landscapes https://europeexplored.com/2010/09/28/national-park-thayatal-in-austria-one-of-the-most-beautiful-landscapes/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/09/28/national-park-thayatal-in-austria-one-of-the-most-beautiful-landscapes/#comments Tue, 28 Sep 2010 06:42:27 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=1532 The National Park Thayatal and its Czech side – National Park Podyjí, belong to one of the most beautiful, romantic and biodiversity rich valley landscapes. The park is famous for the narrow valley which the river Thaya runs through. It is situated on the borders with Czech Republic, north-east of Austria. There are not many […]

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The National Park Thayatal and its Czech side – National Park Podyjí, belong to one of the most beautiful, romantic and biodiversity rich valley landscapes. The park is famous for the narrow valley which the river Thaya runs through. It is situated on the borders with Czech Republic, north-east of Austria. There are not many places where such a diversity of flora and fauna can be found in a close space as in National Park Thayatal. It covers covers 1,330 hectares of land

Steep cliffs are covered with forests, and the geological bedrock (granite) affects both the landscape and vegetation. There are two castles at the borders of the national park, Burg Hardegg and ruined castle Kaja. You can find there about half of all plant species originating from Austria.

Animal World is so prominent and contains a large number of very rare species of vertebrates. In terms of sport, cycling and hiking are popular activities in the park.

At the Czech side there is one of the most beautiful water reservoir called Vranov. In the case of bad weather you can visit nice city of Znojmo and test the Czech wine.


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