Chamonix, France

The North of France is a very popular area for skiing trips; it does not matter whether you already know how to ski or you just want to have fun and try something different, this could be fantastic for you. This destination is chosen as a skiing destination by many people.

Athens, Greece

Athens is an extremely historical city in Europe. It is the city where the Olympics began and is the home of Greek Mythology involving the Gods and Goddesses. Athens, the capital city of Greece, is a big tourist destination due to its historical and fascinating background.

Rome, Italy

Rome is the capital of Italy and is also a very historical city. It is famous for many things and is one of the most famous cities in the world; Rome is visited by many people from all over the world. Rome is probably best known for the Roman Empire and Claire Caesar, who was a Roman General in the years before Christ (B.C).

Pantheon, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a beautiful city in Germany and has a lot of history to it. It is often associated with Hitler and the Nazi’s due to the power they had in Berlin; due to the association with Nazi’s, Berlin is a huge historical city. It has many historical sites, including the Reichstag and the Berlin Wall. The Reichstag is an extraordinary parliament building that is well known for the Reichstag fire in 1933; the Reichstag is still in use now and you can have a guided tour inside.

Milan, Italy

As well as its historic background, Milan is known as a huge fashion capital. Many celebrities visit Milan for shopping purposes. If you are looking for a weekend away in a city somewhere in Europe, then Milan is perfect for that purpose.

Faro, Portugal

Faro is a beautiful city, which is the capital of the Algarve region in Portugal. It is the most southern city in Portugal and is a very popular destination for people who love the beach. It is a great holiday for families, for friends and even for romantic getaways.

Moscow, Russia

Moscow is the capital of Russia. Russia is the largest country in the world and there are so many places that would be fantastic places to visit, but Moscow is one of the most famous cities in Europe and even in the World. However, if you do plan on visiting Russia, then you have to make sure you are eligible to go there. A visa is required to go to Russia.

Barcelona, Spain

Like Milan, Barcelona is another great weekend shopping holiday. There are many places to visit in Barcelona, for example Camp Nou (this is Barcelona’s football stadium). If shopping and football is not your thing, then there is also a beach close by; the beach destination near Barcelona is Costa Brava.

Many popular destinations in Europe have a lot of history to them, but even if history is not something that interests you, there are always other things to do; for example, Milan is a historic city in Italy, but it is renowned for fashion and shopping. No matter what you enjoy, Europe has it all.

Sarah regularly writes about her previous travels and likes to refer to https://www.visasandpassportservice.co.uk for more information about visas.

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Nafplio, Greece by Jeanhousen

What to See

• Mystras. This once majestic fortress town, after experiencing a spill from the Taÿgetos Mountains is now home of Byzantine palaces and churches in ruins. Today, this Unesco World Heritage Site deemed as one of the most important sites in the region.
• Nafplio. This is a beautiful port that is made of Venetian houses and narrow streets. It is also home of the Alexandros Soutzos Museum which features 1821 Greek War of Independence exhibits.
• Stemnitsa. This village is the starting site for the walks to the Lousios Gorge. Walks of various lengths start in this place, ranging from hour-long to day-long.
• Epidavros. This region is very popular for its miraculous cures. It also hosts theater and drama performances during July and August.
• Olympia. This region is home to a number of museums such as the Archaeological Museum of Olympia which features a statue of Hermes made by Praxiteles.

Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, Greece by Fingalo

Where to Eat and Drink

• I Stemnitsa. This is a tavern open year-round in the village. Its tables lie under big umbrellas with a tasty Greek menu to boot. Their dishes are made up of generous and quality meat cuts.
• Restaurant Elysse. Its hearty cooking is what makes this a favorite in Sparta. It menu has Lakonian specialties, right from the south-central region. One fine example is the bardouniotiko, a chicken recipe with feta and onions.
• Omorfi Poli. This restaurant serves traditional dishes with their own original twists. They also have wine selections produced locally.
• Fishermen’s Tavern. Located in a seaside village, this restaurant is run by a family of fishermen, serving dishes featuring whatever was caught for the day. The most common ones include mullet, beam, and sardines.
• Hotel Kyrimai. Situated in the Gerolimenas harbor, this restaurant has a tasty menu. One of their highlights is the shrimp stuffed zucchini with saffron.

Where to Sleep

• Camping Diana. Right in the center of Olympia, this hotel is open all year and features a mini market, pool, friendly staff, and internet access.
• Hotel Marianna. This is one of Nafplio’s finest. Its rooms have terraces with traditional bedsteads and stone walls. It provides its guests with hearty breakfast meals.
• Mpelleiko. This is a stone house that dates back in the 17th century. Its rooms feature original Greek furnishings with large fireplaces. They also serve breakfast made from homemade produce.
• Ippoliti. This is a hotel that offers luxurious accommodations. The building features a grand staircase that lead to beautifully decorated rooms. It also has a gym and a small pool.
• Patra’s Primarolia Art Hotel. This hotel offers rooms with varying themes and styles, from baroque to minimalist. It also has an in-house sauna.

Resource Box:

Amy C. loves travelling to various cities and regions, particularly in the areas of the Mediterranean and the Pacific. She also performs office administration and blogging activities of World Climate, who also offers agent listing online. Want to know where she will take you next? Stay tuned for her next post.

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Paphos Mediterranean Coast / Anton S.

Ancient History of Cyprus

Humans have lived on Cyprus since the stone age, keeping animals such as cows, goats, and pigs for their milk and meat. The modern city of Lanarca stands on the site of an ancient bronze age city, Kition. Many of Kition’s treasures, including giant pithoi jars and beautifully decorated pottery, are preserved in the Lanarca District Archaelogical Museum. An ancient text describing the Assyrians’ rule over the Cypriots, who were forced to pay steep taxes to their conquerors, was found in this region in 1845. After the Assyrians left in 669 BCE, Cyprus enjoyed just one century of independence before being taken over by first the Egyptians and then the Persians. The Greek king Alexander the Great liberated the island from Persian rule in 325 BCE.

Cyprus and the Greek and Roman Empires

Cypriot culture flourished during the Hellenistic period of Greek rule. A temple to the Greek goddess of love and fertility, Aphrodite, was built just outside the city of Paphos on the south-west coast of the island. This sacred site still attracts many visitors every year, who come to learn about Greek mythology and browse through ancient artifacts in the nearby Palaipafos Museum. In 58 BCE, Cyprus changed hands once again to become part of the Roman Empire. During its time under Roman rule, Christianity became widespread in Cyprus, as evidenced by the large number of churches on the island. The painted churches of Troodos are fantastic examples of the architecture of the Byzantine period, which followed the break-up of the Roman empire.

St Lazarus Church in Larnaca / Martin Belam

Cyprus as a British Protectorate

Britain’s first interaction with Cyprus occurred in 1191, when Richard the Lion Heart landed at Limassol during a storm. After conquering the island, Richard held his wedding to Queen Berengaria of Navarre in Limassol castle. This is the only British royal wedding to have taken place outside of England. Cyprus returned to British control in 1878. Under the protection of the British empire, peace and prosperity reigned in Cyprus – until some groups of Cypriots began demanding independence for their nation, which was finally granted in 1960.

A Divided Nation

A conflict with invading Turkish forces in 1974 resulted in a still-disputed nation in the northern part of the island. Visitors to the capital city of Nicosia can see the border, known as the Green Line, that separates the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus from the rest of the island. Nicosia is a fantastic place to visit to experience the island’s long history, since many of the cultures that have ruled Cyprus are represented here. Visitors wandering through old Nicosia will see Ottoman mosques, Venetian city walls, and Roman architecture. A trip to the Byzantine Museum is a must for anyone interested in learning about the island’s culture and religion during this period.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Luca Sbardella

The whole peninsula is rocky, there are some impressive canyons, such as Androlikou and Petratis, both on the north side of the peninsula. There are many marked hiking trails and climbing routes here. It is worth to see also the water reservoir called Aphrodite’s Baths. According to Greek mythology this is the place where Aphrodite met Adonis.

Part of the peninsula is forested and include about 600 plant species, of which 35 are endemic. For example, you can see wild cyclamen, several species of orchids, the Cyprus tulip, rock roses and more.

The fauna is represented by bats, shrews, foxes, hedgehogs, snakes, vultures, and sea turtles.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by sunrisehomeland

Probably the most beautiful walk on the island of Cyprus, you can enjoy by following Aphrodite Trail – 7.5 km long. Along the way, you can see the remains of a Byzantine monastery of Rigena. The trail leads to the top of Mouti tis Sotiras (370 m). Expect heat and the fact that water can be found only at Castle of Rigena, or when you follow another Adonis Trail, then in the village of Kefalovrysi.

Another trail is Pissouromouttis Trail which is 3km long or Smigiaes Trail with a length of 5km. On both of them you can enjoy magnificent views of the bay Hrysohou and Polis.

All the trails are carefully maintained, marked and accompanied by didactic signs.

If you are just planning your holidays in Cyprus, you should also include this great part of this island.

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