Europe Explored » magnificent views 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 Nice – the largest resort of the French Riviera https://europeexplored.com/2012/03/29/nice-the-largest-resort-of-the-french-riviera/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/03/29/nice-the-largest-resort-of-the-french-riviera/#comments Wed, 28 Mar 2012 23:58:26 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6529 Well-known town of Nice is the largest resort of the French Riviera. It is famous thanks to the combination of sun, sea and luxury. In addition there are palaces and promenades and the city has a perfect seaside atmosphere. Its history comes back even to ancient times. Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by […]

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Well-known town of Nice is the largest resort of the French Riviera. It is famous thanks to the combination of sun, sea and luxury. In addition there are palaces and promenades and the city has a perfect seaside atmosphere. Its history comes back even to ancient times.

Nice, France
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by David Baron

Promenade des Anglais is the most popular promenade here which is situated along the coastline with azure sea. There is the vast majority of hotels, so if you are looking for accommodation in Nice, here you certainly find one, especially those luxurious.

The historic center is a jumble of narrow streets, taste and smell, restaurants, cafes and shops. When you walk through those places, you’d think that people do not spend their time differently than with a food.

Nice has also its own castle, situated on the hill, so it is worth to climb there especially in the evening when it offers great views of the illuminated city. The castle is a place of regular concerts and theater performances in the summer. Nice Cathedral built in 1650 – 1699 is a National Heritage Site of France located in the old town.

If you wish to enjoy the festival days you should come here in February, when the city holds an annual carnival. From museums you can visit Marc Chagall Museum, a national museum dedicated to the work of painter Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. The shops, bars and casinos can be found really everywhere.

Well, Nice is ideal for those who love lazing and luxury and want to spend their holidays with a drink in one hand and sun cream in another one. If you would like to see something around Nice, you can visit Saint-Paul – a medieval village with magnificent views of the coast, Cannes or Monaco.


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Powder Ski? Choose Chamonix in France! https://europeexplored.com/2012/02/18/powder-ski-choose-chamonix-in-france/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/02/18/powder-ski-choose-chamonix-in-france/#comments Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:51:28 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6268 Ski holidays in France provide great value for money because the resorts are often high up in the mountains and located conveniently near the slopes. One such resort is Chamonix, which is in the Rhône-Alpes region in the south east of France. Renowned all over the world for its natural beauty and loved by skiers […]

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Ski holidays in France provide great value for money because the resorts are often high up in the mountains and located conveniently near the slopes. One such resort is Chamonix, which is in the Rhône-Alpes region in the south east of France. Renowned all over the world for its natural beauty and loved by skiers and mountain climbers, Chamonix, which is on Mont Blanc, is one of the best all-round options for travellers eager to ski in Europe.

Chamonix, France
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Rob Alter

Chamonix provides skiing in a variety of central areas, which are linked by an efficient bus service, and because the resort shares its peaks with neighbouring Courmayeur, a full lift pass gives skiers access to nearby Italian slopes as well. Beginning with Les Houches and le Touchet, beginners can enjoy a broad variety of nursery slopes to find their rhythm before progressing to tougher pistes.

Intermediate skiers can make steady progress in the well-known Vallée Blanche (with a guide) and enjoy the variety and scenery in Flégère before moving on to off-piste, red and black runs. Advanced skiers can hone their skills at the Grands Montets in Argentière, at Brévent, Flégère and le Tour, while all the runs offer some of best powder skiing available in the country.

Not forgetting snowboarders; there are drag lifts in the beginners’ areas, and plenty of on and off-piste terrain for intermediate and advanced boarders at Brévent, Flégère and le Tour, providing opportunities for jumps and gullies.

Chamonix is also a part of France’s mountaineering heritage, perfectly situated for hikers and climbers to explore the local terrain. The untouched countryside, red squirrels, chamois and deer, and magnificent views across Mont Blanc, provide a harmonious atmosphere. Chamonix is also well-equipped with sporting and leisure facilities, including exciting nightlife, and comes highly recommended as one of France’s best-loved places to ski.


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Akamas National Park and mountains in Cyprus https://europeexplored.com/2011/12/12/akamas-national-park-and-mountains-in-cyprus/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/12/12/akamas-national-park-and-mountains-in-cyprus/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:30:44 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5575 Akamas National Park is situated in the north-eastern part of the island of Cyprus. It covers an area of ​​230 km2 and excels in a wild natural beauty. Its name was given by Athenian warrior and son of Theseus, the hero of Trojan War – Acamas. Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Luca […]

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Akamas National Park is situated in the north-eastern part of the island of Cyprus. It covers an area of ​​230 km2 and excels in a wild natural beauty. Its name was given by Athenian warrior and son of Theseus, the hero of Trojan War – Acamas.

Akamas National Park, Cyprus
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.

Aphrodite Trail, Cyprus
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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Valldemossa – a picturesque mountain town on the Spanish island of Mallorca https://europeexplored.com/2011/08/30/valldemossa-a-picturesque-mountain-town-on-the-spanish-island-of-mallorca/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/08/30/valldemossa-a-picturesque-mountain-town-on-the-spanish-island-of-mallorca/#comments Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:28:30 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4808 Valldemossa is a picturesque mountain town on the Spanish island of Mallorca. It lies on the western part of the island, near the town of Sóller. Valldemossa is situated in the middle of a wide green valley, protected by the Sierra de Tramuntana. This mountain area is rich in rainfall, so the city is surrounded […]

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Valldemossa is a picturesque mountain town on the Spanish island of Mallorca. It lies on the western part of the island, near the town of Sóller. Valldemossa is situated in the middle of a wide green valley, protected by the Sierra de Tramuntana. This mountain area is rich in rainfall, so the city is surrounded by terraced fields with growing fruits and vegetables.

The most important monument in the town of Valldemossa is certainly the Royal Charterhouse of Valldemossa from the 14th century. The lovers Frédéric Chopin – Polish composer and virtuoso pianist, and George Sand – French writer found a refugee here in winter 1838 – 1839. There are still the rare originals of Chopin scores and the manuscript of the book Winter in Mallorca by George Sand hidden in the cells number 2 and 4. In these rooms you can also see the pianos on which famous pianist composed their works. Every year the town of Valldemossa hosts an international Valldemossa Chopin Festival, where you can see and listen to the famous pianists from all around the world. Charterhouse includes also a church, the historic monastery pharmacy, library, museum and Royal Palace.


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The character of the town and its monuments
Valldemossa is characterized by winding streets and colorful houses. They surround another significant monument of Valldemossa – the church of Sant Bartomeu from 13th century. Its entire interior is devoted to Catalina Thomas, who was born here and was declared a saint.

The area is suitable also for hikers – you can go from the town of Valldemossa to the tops of the natural park of Son Moragues, from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding area.

The final advise!
If you decide to visit any of the local town cafes, do not miss the drink horchata de almendras, which is a popular Spanish drink made from almond milk.


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Penyal D’ifac – the smallest protected area in Europe | Spain https://europeexplored.com/2010/05/05/penyal-difac-in-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/05/05/penyal-difac-in-spain/#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 02:38:37 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=337 Peñón de Ifach is a rock formation and protected Natural Park situated above the bay of Calpe, in Valencia region. It is also a symbol of this seaside town and also of the whole Costa Blanca. In earlier times, this rock was, thanks to the excellent strategic location, used as a watchtower. Currently, the Peñón […]

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Peñón de Ifach is a rock formation and protected Natural Park situated above the bay of Calpe, in Valencia region. It is also a symbol of this seaside town and also of the whole Costa Blanca. In earlier times, this rock was, thanks to the excellent strategic location, used as a watchtower. Currently, the Peñón de Ifach is a great refuge for many plants and bird species. Unfortunately, due to the large number of tourists an access to this exceptional rock is limited. There is a marked trail leading to the top of the mountain, where you can get in 40 minutes. Peñón de Ifach in offering magnificent views of the surroundings, so it is worth visiting. During nice weather it is even possible to see the island of Ibiza from here.

Peñón de Ifach, Spain
Photo by admin

In 1987, the rock was declared a nature reserve and the smallest protected area in Europe, because it covers an area of ​​4,5 square kilometers. There is a number of endemic species of plant and animals such as sea gulls and falcons.

Peñón de Ifach is a distinct visual attraction on the Mediterranean coast, reaching a height of 332 metres.


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