Europe Explored » exotic plants 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 Exploring the UK’s World Heritage Sites https://europeexplored.com/2012/04/14/exploring-the-uks-world-heritage-sites/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/04/14/exploring-the-uks-world-heritage-sites/#comments Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:38:24 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6808 There are almost thirty world heritage sites in the UK. Wherever you base your stay, there’ll be at least one within easy travelling distance. For example, if you’re based in the London area, here are a few suggestions on places you might like to visit. Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by OwenXu In […]

The post Exploring the UK’s World Heritage Sites appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
There are almost thirty world heritage sites in the UK. Wherever you base your stay, there’ll be at least one within easy travelling distance. For example, if you’re based in the London area, here are a few suggestions on places you might like to visit.

Westminster Abbey, London, UK
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by OwenXu

In London itself, you’ll probably want to see all the popular attractions, like The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Palace. But, make time to visit London’s other world heritage sites, Maritime Greenwich and the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew.

Maritime Greenwich is the centre of Britain’s great naval heritage. Greenwich defines the Prime Meridian, or longitude zero, making it the centre of global time and navigation. You’ll be able to visit the Royal Observatory, and see the world’s most famous tea clipper, the Cutty Sark.

At the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew, you’ll find the finest collection of exotic plants, in one of the most beautiful settings. By London’s standards, Kew is a relatively quiet day out. It’s a good opportunity to give yourself a break from the fast pace of the city.

If you’re willing to venture a little further, no more than an hour or two from London, there’s a way to experience four very different ages of Britain.

Stonehenge, England, United Kingdom
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by mari

Stonehenge represents Britain’s ancient past, and it’s shrouded in mystery. Despite lengthy debate, nobody really knows what it is, a tomb, a temple, or huge calendar? It also seems incredible that it got there, the giant stones are from many miles away, in Wales. How did the ancient Britons transport them so far across land and sea?

The City of Bath was a major Roman settlement, and its many attractions include some well-preserved Roman buildings. The Roman Baths will be the highlight of your visit, especially the open-air courtyard bath. In addition, Bath is a very attractive city, one of England’s most overlooked beauties, and well worth a day spent exploring.

Canterbury Cathedral, Kent, United Kingdom
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Steve Evans

Canterbury Cathedral is a medieval masterpiece. Possibly the greatest cathedral in England, Canterbury is a true architectural wonder. It’s also a chance to see the county of Kent, known as the Garden of England. Wherever you go in the UK, you’ll see beautiful countryside. But, most would agree that Kent exemplifies rural England.

Blenheim Palace is where Sir Winston Churchill was born. It’s probably the finest of all the great country houses of England. Inside, the collections of art and antiques are world renowned. Blenheim is also well-adapted for modern tourists, with its visitor centre, ‘Blenheim Palace: the Untold Story.’ And, the surrounding landscaped parkland, and formal gardens are just as impressive as the palace itself.

All the world heritage sites in the UK will provide an excellent day out. If you’re going to the far north, you’ll be able to visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. If you find yourself in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a real adventure. Or, in the south west of England, the tin mines of West Devon and Cornwall will be an eye-opening experience for you. But, remember not to rush yourself too much. There’s a lot to see, so try and enjoy it at your own pace.

Written by CompleteTravelGuide.co.uk


View UK’s World Heritage Site – the whole list in a larger map

The post Exploring the UK’s World Heritage Sites appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2012/04/14/exploring-the-uks-world-heritage-sites/feed/ 0
Scalea – one of the most visited sea-site resorts in Calabria, Italy https://europeexplored.com/2011/08/26/scalea-one-of-the-most-visited-sea-site-resorts-in-calabria-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/08/26/scalea-one-of-the-most-visited-sea-site-resorts-in-calabria-italy/#comments Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:29:43 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4797 Scalea is an ancient town situated on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the ​​Cedar Riviera (Riviera dei Cedri). It is located about 110km from the regional capital city of Cosenza. Scalea has about 9000 residents. Thanks to its seaside location, in the Middle Ages, Scalea was predetermined as a defensive fortress town to […]

The post Scalea – one of the most visited sea-site resorts in Calabria, Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
Scalea is an ancient town situated on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the ​​Cedar Riviera (Riviera dei Cedri). It is located about 110km from the regional capital city of Cosenza. Scalea has about 9000 residents. Thanks to its seaside location, in the Middle Ages, Scalea was predetermined as a defensive fortress town to prevent the cost from intruders. There are still several monuments from that time that survived in the city. You can find there Romanesque castle ruins, lots of documents and other ruins of the historic Roman houses.

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.


View Scalea – one of the most visited sea-site resorts in Calabria, Italy in a larger map

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.


View Scalea – one of the most visited sea-site resorts in Calabria, Italy in a larger map

The post Scalea – one of the most visited sea-site resorts in Calabria, Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2011/08/26/scalea-one-of-the-most-visited-sea-site-resorts-in-calabria-italy/feed/ 0
Lago Maggiore – beauty on the shores of lake, Italy https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/06/lago-maggiore-beauty-on-the-shores-of-lake-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/06/lago-maggiore-beauty-on-the-shores-of-lake-italy/#comments Fri, 06 Aug 2010 04:24:26 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=945 While known only as the second largest Italian lake, Lake Maggiore is none the less the most infamous lakes in the country. Situated along the southern foothills of the Alps, Lake Maggiore almost completely covers the 70 kilometre distance between the cities of Arona and Locarno. The lake is 68 kilometres long and is three […]

The post Lago Maggiore – beauty on the shores of lake, Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
While known only as the second largest Italian lake, Lake Maggiore is none the less the most infamous lakes in the country. Situated along the southern foothills of the Alps, Lake Maggiore almost completely covers the 70 kilometre distance between the cities of Arona and Locarno. The lake is 68 kilometres long and is three to five kilometres wide. However, at the natural bay between Stresa and Pallanza, Lake Maggiore is almost ten kilometres wide.

Lago Maggiore, Italy
Lago Maggiore, Italy by Falk Lademann

While Lake Maggiore is situated more than 193 meters above sea level, the lake is very deep with some points of the lake bed exceeding 179 meters below sea level. The basin of the lake is said to have been formed by a mix of both glacial and tectonic means. There are many rivers that flow into Lake Maggiore and even more rivers that flow out of the lake.

The weather surrounding the giant lake is traditionally very mild all year long. Since Lake Maggiore is so large, it creates a micro-climate that is entirely unique to the region. During the summer months, the temperature of the lake generally helps to keep the region cooler than the surrounding areas. At the same time, during the winter months, the lake helps to warm the surrounding areas.

Isola dei Pescatori, Lago Maggiore, Italy
Isola dei Pescatori, Lago Maggiore, Italy by kkmarais

Every year, millions of people make their way to the shores of Lake Maggiore. There are countless hot spots located all around the shorelines of the lake. You will even find the Borromean Islands in the western portion of the lake. The Borromean Islands are a very popular tourist attraction which features some of the finest gardens in the region. Countless people make their way to these privately owned islands every summer. From rest and relaxation to some of the most popular of water sports, there is so much to see and do around Lake Maggiore.

The post Lago Maggiore – beauty on the shores of lake, Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/06/lago-maggiore-beauty-on-the-shores-of-lake-italy/feed/ 0