Surprising few things are known for this stable country, which gave birth to one of the first European cities and whose early painters have the merits for the inventing of the oil painting. Probably the lack of passionate nationalist feelings is result from the various cultures that have been melting for centuries. You will enjoy and incomparable vacation if you choose to visit Belgium and have a great stay at any of the vacation rentals here.

Belgium has a population of over 10 million people; it’s bordering with: Germany, Netherlands, France, Luxemburg and the North Sea on North West.

Bruges, Belgium by Coy!

Without even trying to be ostentatious, Belgium is able to enchant the visitors with a number of things: from the historically rich cities and the serene hillocky Ardennes to the wonderful cafes, bars and charming vacation home rentals which will make you feel at home. The official languages are three: Flamand, French and German. The capital of Belgium is Brussels- 80 % of which are French- speaking. Antwerpen is the world’s diamond trade center.

Bruges is the Flanders’s capital. Preserving its authentic medieval architecture, the city is one of the most visited places in Belgium. It has been announced as the European cultural capital in the year of 2002. The city’s central square is a colourful palette of flags, depicting lions and lilies- ancient families’ coats of arms. The square is surrounded by antiques and shops for the world famous needle lace.

Another popular sight is the Notre Dame Cathedral, whose construction took two centuries- from 13th to 15th – with a tower 122 meters high. It is the home for the Michelangelo’s Madonna of Bruges statue made out of white marble, depicting Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus; as well as the sarcophagus of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold. There are plenty of hospitable apartment rentals located near it offering an excellent view of the Cathedral.

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a unique edifice, consisting of two chapels, built one over the other. It is believed that the legend for the Holy Grail- the grail form which Jesus Christ sipped and which contained his blood after his dead, starts namely from here. Similarly to many other European cities, the City Hall is the oldest building- the Gothic edifice built between 1376-1420, stands proudly impressing with the facade of a stone lace.

Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges, Belgium by raider of gin

Bruges’s channels, also called The Venice on the North, offer tourist tours, combining in one splendid panoramas and the encounter with the medieval looking city, being a significant part of the world historical heritage. Let’s not underestimate the chocolate shops at every turn, which fragrance acts like a magnet for the visitors. No matter the occasion, which brings you in Belgium, the season or the vacation rental types accommodation you have choosen for your stay, you will surely enjoy a profound and unforgettable holiday with a scent of chocolate.

Article has been written by https://www.vacation-rentals.com/blog/.

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Koufonissia form one of the eleven island complexes of Cyclades islands.

The only inhabited island is mountainous Pano (Upper) Koufonisi. According to archaeological findings, the islands were inhabited since prehistoric times. Excavations have revealed significant findings of Cycladic culture. It was a Bronze Age civilization, which developed here in the years around 3000 and 2000 BC.

Later, it was merged with the Minoan civilization. In the historical development Koufonissia followed the way of the whole Cyclades. The islands were first attacked by the Venetians and later by Turks. The residents then joined the pirate rebels and sailors.

Pano (Upper) Koufonisi island covers an area of 5.7 square kilometres. The population of the island did not exceed 400. Their main livelihood is fishing and sheep farming. Buildings on the southwest coast of the island are typical examples of the remarkable architecture of Cyclades.

Kato (Lower) Koufonisi island is smaller one, covering the area of 4.4 square kilometres. There was a village before, but today only a few, especially fishing families stay here. On this island you can find small picturesque Virgin Mary’s church..

Keros island is uninhabited as well and covers an area of 10 square kilometres. The highest point of the island is in 432 metres.

On the islands you can stay in several quality hotels. The most luxurious is the Hotel Koufonissia (just 150 meters from the beach) or Christinas House.

View Koufonisia – the most popular islands in the Aegean Sea Greece in a larger map

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