Santiago de Compostela, Spain by Mário José Martins

I had been invited to meet friends from Canada who were taking their two year old daughter to Spain to meet her maternal grandparents for the first time, and be christened.  I was spending Christmas in Szeged, Hungary with family friends, so I planned on arriving in Santiago de Compostela by train a few days before New Year’s Eve.  It was a long trip with 3 nights spent sleeping on trains.  I loved sleeping on trains even though the motion, which allowed me to sleep deeply, didn’t do anything to stop my bizarre nightmares.  Just before the porter brought continental breakfast, as we zipped toward my first layover in Zurich, I woke from a dream that I had arrived at my destination, and as it dawned on me that I’d left my daypack somewhere, it arrived on the doorstep looking like a skinned animal.  What?  I had stops in Geneva, Barcelona, and Madrid before arriving in Santiago.

Is It A Law Or A Suggestion?

Peter and Pili met me at the train station, and we took the scenic/most indirect route to Pili’s parents’ house.  They wanted to drive up to A Coruña to hunt for old coins in antique shops and this way my introduction to Peter’s obsession with looking for coins.  Not only did he buy several coins, he also admitted that he had a list of castle/ruins that he wanted to visit on the way to the house, and a metal detector in the trunk of the car!  So there weren’t any actual signs posted anywhere forbidding people from using a metal detector and shovel to locate and dig up artifacts, but it seemed like a no-brainer.  So Pili and I had to stand watch while Peter hunted and dug.  He didn’t have any luck finding coins because we wouldn’t let him spend tons of time at it, we found it too stressful.  It was certainly a different way of looking at ruins.  One of our stops was at Castillo de Vimianzo which was built in the 13th century and is considered to be one of the best preserved castles in Galicia.  We also stopped at Castillo del Cardinal which was built as a fort right at the water’s edge to protect the mouth of the estuary.

Seafood Paella by avlxyz

The Freshest Seafood

When we finally reached Pili’s family’s home I was treated to first of many feasts.  Every night that I was there we ate mountains of wonderful fresh seafood.  The town also had a cannery, so even the canned scallops and mussels were fantastic.  Pili’s mom was alternately offended by and concerned for the health of, anyone who lacked appetite.  My favorite was the Calamari Romana, and she let me help prepare it one evening.  The instructions couldn’t be simpler.  Dredge cleaned and salted squid in a mixture of flour and baking powder, then into beaten egg.  Fry in small batches in shallow oil until browned.  Squeeze lemon over and serve.

Elizabeth Evans left her backpacking days to join a multinational focused on SEO in latin america, she is fluent in Spanish, French and Italian.

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With the following affordable and indeed unique backpacker hostels and the current cheap flights to Glasgow that are available, it doesn’t have to cost you and arm and a leg.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Laszlo Ilyes

Budget Backpackers, Edinburgh

Budget Backpackers is one of the most popular hostels in the UK, and for good reason. Not only is it located in the heart of Edinburgh, but its facilities and atmosphere are second to none. The hostel’s chill out room is colourful and inviting with comfy sofas, a widescreen TV and views of Edinburgh Castle. You can snag a dorm bed for as little as £7, while private twin rooms are still very cheap at £23.

Glasgow Youth Hostel, Glasgow

Glasgow Youth Hostel offers a beautiful mixture of traditional architecture and modern features, with a Victorian exterior and décor complimented by comfortable accommodation, internet access, entertainment facilities and a laundry. There are three large lounges for kicking back and socialising as well as a popular coffee shop. Expect to pay around £15 a night here.

Skye Backpackers, Kyleakin

This quaint hostel is nestled between the mountains and the ocean in the charming fishing village of Kyleakin, on the Isle of Skye. It offers quirky accommodation, clean and comfortable facilities, a large garden and cosy fireplace. Around the Kyleakin area you can go hiking in the mountains, visit local distilleries and breweries, explore castle ruins or simply relax with a good book in the peaceful garden. Dorm beds at Skye Backpackers start from £15 a night.

Loch Ossian Hostel, Corrour

Nature buffs and adventurers will love the serenity and remoteness of Loch Ossian Hostel in the Scottish Highlands. Positioned next to a picturesque loch in the middle of nowhere, this hostel is completely eco-friendly – so much so that the only way you can access it is by walking 2km from the Corrour railway station. Don’t expect the usual luxuries like showers or electrical applicances, but rather the luxuries of nature like breathtaking scenery and utter tranquillity. If you’re feeling particularly active, why not have a crack at joining the Ossian Hour Club by running around the loch in under an hour.

About the Author : Simon Byrne+ is a travel writer with a passion for exploring the unknown. From Piranha fishing in the waterways of Bolivia to exploring ancient tombs in Cambodia, Simon’s travels continue to take him to weird and wonderful places, uncovering unique experiences and fascinating local people.

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Spanish sighs and France’s finest

Spain’s most cosmopolitan and vibrant city, Barcelona is awash with art, culture, sport and music. Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, the extraordinary cathedral that is still being built today, is just one of the enduring symbols of this amazing city. Its other great cathedral is the Nou Camp, the home of Barcelona FC. Hop on one of the city’s tour buses to soak up as much of Barcelona as possible so you can make the most of any stop here.

Considered by many as the jewel of the Med, Palma de Mallorca is a stunning fusion of Roman, Spanish, Catalan, Moorish and contemporary culture. Its mighty cathedral dominates the city centre where cool bars and top-class restaurants are filled nightly with the rich, the famous and the ordinary holidaymaker. Its narrow, cobbled streets are a treat, particularly for shopaholics.

The romantic allure of the French Riviera remains undimmed after decades at the top of every celebrity’s holiday wish list. Nice has stunning beaches and shopping to die for but is also a cultural oasis, too – second only to Paris in the number of museums and art galleries it has. Make time for a stroll and a refreshment on the Promenade des Anglais.

The celeb count is always high in Cannes, too, particularly during its world-famous film festival in May. This once sleepy fishing village is now one of the most glamorous spots in the world and you simply have to perch at a street café by the marina to people watch. Explore the winding streets of the old town and enjoy a spectacular view from the castle ruins at the top.

Africa meets Europe in dazzling fashion in Marseille where the sights and sounds of that continent mingle with French natives, creating a tantalising mix just like the seafood that’s mixed to make this city’s famous fish broth, bouillabaisse. Explore Roman ruins and wander through markets selling local produce and more exotic sights, smells and sounds of North and West Africa.

La dolce vita

Mere words cannot adequately describe Rome, the Eternal City. It’s probably easier simply to list some of its outstanding attractions and give you a hint of why you must make the most of every single moment in this extraordinary place. St Peter’s Square and the Vatican, the Coliseum and Circus Maximus, the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps – history is literally around every corner. They say all roads lead to Rome. Make sure you’re on one.

The tiny island of Capri, off the west coast of Italy near Naples, is four square miles of stunning beauty. Take the funicular from the Marina Grande to the main town and enjoy the best Italian coffee at a café while people watching. Capri is renowned for its sky-high prices but sometimes you simply have to splash out!

The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is quite simply art, culture and architectural heaven. Its museums and art galleries are world class, particularly the Galleria degli Uffiz, which is so busy you’ll need to book in advance. Don’t miss the Duomo di Firenze, the city’s enormous cathedral – climb Giotto’s Tower next door for the best view of the cathedral dome.

Balkan beauty

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik’s magnificent city walls and Old Town survived the Balkan conflict and today this Croatian city is one of the must-visit stops on any Mediterranean cruise. Walk the city walls and marvel at the mediaeval fortress; take the cable car to the top of Mount Srd for amazing views over the city and the sparkling Adriatic beyond; and wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, shopping for bargains.

Greece’s capital, Athens is a sprawling metropolis where the monuments of Ancient Greece nestle alongside the trappings of modern life. The Acropolis and Parthenon remain proud symbols of Greece as the birthplace of modern civilisation, while the Monastiraki district is packed with cafes, restaurants, bars and shops.

Guest post provided by Bon Voyage one of the leading online suppliers of top quality Mediterranean cruises.

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Lagos

Known for its abundant nightlife and young crowd, Lagos has a reputation as a bit of a party town, but there is more to it than just the vibrant party atmosphere.  The stunning coves and beautiful, sweeping beaches attract surfers in to catch the amazing waves and then hit the clubs and bars when the sun goes down.  Picturesque homes and cobblestone streets, along with a rich history, are a must for sightseers, and Lagos is known for being an excellent destination for backpackers as well.

Tavira

Tavira is referred to as the Venice of Portugal, thanks to the Rio Gilao running through its center and the elegance of the homes and buildings within.  That’s not all that Tavira has to offer for those seeking beauty and history in architecture, there are castle ruins, 37 churches, and a multitude of 16th-18th century buildings to be seen.  Finally, the Igreja da Misericordia, a renaissance monument built in the 1540s, is a must see with its striking arched, carved doorway that is topped with magnificent statues.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cayetano

Monchique

This gorgeous town is centered in Serra de Monchique, Algarve’s forested mountain range.  It’s a nice contrast to the coastal regions that the Algarve is known for.  It is known to be a great region for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling, but it also features lesser known but no less rewarding experiences in hidden spas and a private zoo for endangered species.  It really is a great region to visit if you are looking for a more laid back and relaxing experience in the Algarve.

Silves

Silves’ two biggest attractions are the Castle and the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia.  The Castle, restored in 1835, has a fantastic view over the town and nearby countryside.  As you walk around its sandstone walls, you can see the site’s Roman past in the unfinished archaeological digs throughout.  The Castle is believed to have been built in the 11th century, and shows evidence of its Moorish occupation with its deep well and water cistern.

The Museu Municipal de Arqueologia was founded after a Moorish well, over three times as deep as the one in the Castle, was discovered, along with numerous archaeological sites in the area.  The museum displays pieces from prehistoric, Roman, and Moorish times, and has one glass wall that displays a supporting fort wall of the building.

Faro

Located on the southernmost end of the Algarve, the Faro is a great place to visit if you are looking for entertainment and nightlife, with a little sightseeing and history thrown in.  If you are a younger traveler, the Rua do Prior features multiple bars and clubs with students from the area keeping them going every night, especially on weekends.  The Taverna da Se is an in-crowd bar that you will also find to be going strong every night of the week.  If you are looking for a more low key bar, A Capelinha is a beautiful outdoor bar centered around a fountain where you can enjoy excellent sangria while browsing the internet on the computers they have supplied.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Greg Pye

As to the entertainment aspect, you can find drama, music, and dance at the Teatro Lethes, a building that was built in 1603 and adapted into a theater in 1874.  If football is your thing, Faro has its own team, the SC Farense, and you can catch one of their games at the 30,000 seat Estadio Intermunicipal do Algarve.

Finally, if you want to do some sightseeing, be sure and check out the Se.  The Se was finished in 1251 on the site of a former Roman temple and Visigoth cathedral.  It features several of the old chapels and gate, as well as beautiful tile work, a baroque organ, and beautiful carvings.  You also can climb on to the rooftop and get a magnificent view of the surrounding town and countryside.

As you can see, no matter what kind of holiday you have planned, the Algarve has something to accommodate you.  The Algarve villas are amongst the best type of holiday accommodation available in the region and the Owner’s Direct website has a lot for you to choose from.

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One of the best preserved and maintained monuments is a fortress Talao (Torre Talao). It offers a great view of miles of beaches and cliffs.

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In the historical center of town you can see a Norman castle from 11th century, monastery, ruins of Judas tower, Palazzo dei Principi from 13th century, Church of San Nicola in Plateis from the 8th century, Palazzetto Normanno from 12th century, a former prison Cimalonga tower from 15th century and many more.

You can see here a lot of exotic plants. For example, cedar. The whole region was named right after this slow-growing tree as Cedar Riviera. The tree grows up to a height of 40 to 60 meters with a trunk diameter of 80-200 centimetres.

If you don’t find something you are looking for right in Scalea, then go to the neighboring national park – Parco Nazionale del Pollino. Here you can see another amount of plants as well as protected animals, caves and several gorges, such as Argentino River Valley, the gap in Lao or Romito cave with the pre-historic graffiti.

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In Vilnius you can see the castle ruins, mosque, synagogue, and almost 40 churches. Old Town and the Cathedral Square form the heart of Vilnius. Three bronze statues on the shield of the cathedral are Saint Casimir on the south side, Saint Stanislaus on the north and Saint Helena in the centre. Chapel of Saint Casimir, located at the side of the ship was built in Baroque style. The tomb of Alexander Jagiello – Grand Duke of Lithuania, is located below the chapel.

It is very easy to get lost in Vilnius thanks to the dozens of narrow streets and a number of squares. Thus you can miss some of the most architecturally interesting buildings, such as the church in the shape of a pyramid. The old Jewish quarter, ghetto, the presidential palace, the university and the observatory are among other city’s sights.

The presidential palace was originally the residence of general governors, in 1812 the residence of Napoleon and after his expulsion it was a residence of Marshal Kutuzov. University areal consists of several buildings, including the church, which are interconnected by courtyards.

Magnificent example of Lithuanian Gothic architecture is St. Anne’s Church from the 16th century. Next to it there is a church of the Bernardine Monastery from the same period. In front of this complex there is a statue of Adam Mickiewicz (Polish-Lithuanian poet, publisher and political writer of the Romantic period).

You can pass through one of eight city gates which are remainings of the city walls, which dates from the 16th century. If you get off the Hill of the Three Crosses, which still commemorates three monks that were allegedly tortured to death here, you will obtain a beautiful view of the city. More to the west, lies the new town, where you can find City Hall. In the past, it housed the Gestapo, then KGB and now it houses the Museum of Genocide of Lithuanian nation.

Less than thirty kilometres north of the city there is the geographical middle of Europe, which was established by the French National Geographical Institute. This centre symbolizes the pyramid, which contains the names of all major European cities and their distance from the center of Europe.

Vilnius was European Capital of Culture in 2009, together with Linz (Austria).

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Vastseliina castle was founded in the 14th century by German knights. It became the border point between the territories of the Teutonic Knights and the Russian area. Until the mid-19th century the area prospered. The castle is situated right on the road to Meremäe.

When you go to the castle away from the former Norman pub, on the left in the valley you will see Vastseliina Park, where a nice 15 km long circular hiking trail starts. This lead along the river up to the north to Suumremetse. Near the ruins there is a map with walking and cycling trails.

To Vastseliina castle you can get a regular bus connection from the metropolis Võru, which goes several times a day. Some buses then continue to the town of Missa.

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Spiš Castle is spread on an area of more than 4 hectares on a travertine hill at an altitude of 634 meters. You’ll find the castle located just outside the village of Spišské Podhradie, close to medieval town of Levoča. While it’s possible to walk the distance from the village the castle, the walk itself will take more than an hour to complete; which is why many visitors choose to simply drive up to the parking lot which is located just under the castle.

Spiš Castle, Slovakia by Ronnie Macdonald

The castle is situated on an ancient trade route so this place was inhabited since Palaeolithic Period. Sometimes around the beginning of the 1st century it was a place of a very large fortress called Púchov and since then the place underwent a rich history.

When it comes to visiting Slovakia, there are a number of excellent places to visit throughout the country. However, one of the most popular destinations for many travellers who make their way to the country is that of the Spiš Castle.

It was back in 1120 when the Spiš Castle construction first began. Back in those days, it was nothing more than a boundary fort and was used to protect the region during the old Hungarian feudal days. Later on, it was set as the head of the region for several centuries. As a result of the numerous attacks on the castle throughout the centuries, many sections had been destroyed. However, as early as the 15th century, reconstruction efforts were performed in order to convert the castle into a residence. It was Štefan Zápoľský who can be credited with turning the boundary fort into the castle it is today.

Spiš Castle, Slovakia – aerial view by Civertan

Unfortunately, back in 1780 there was a massive fire within the castle compound which just destroyed a large portion of the Spiš Castle. Since there is nobody living on the property or caring for the castle at the time, the Spiš Castle fell into disrepair. It was not until the 1970s with the help of conservationists, that extensive reconstruction and repair of the foundation, walls and other parts the castle were undertook. And while the castle today is still partially in ruins, it has long since been stabilized and many sections had been completely refurbished.

Today, the castle is openly accessible as a museum filled with multiple collections that date back through the centuries. Most of the political documentation back from the medieval days is also on display within the Castle Museum.

The Spiš Castle is a historically important castle not just in Slovakia, but also within Central Europe. It is a beautiful display of medieval architecture. It is also a picturesque, stately manor home which has been referred to by many as a palace which has inspired countless storybooks over the centuries.

So if you are heading to European Capital of Culture in 2013 – Košice, take some time for a trip and visit this castle, which is situated only 70 kilometres away.

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