Mediterranean Sea / Photo by admin

Spain

Since its days as a Roman outpost, Spain was a Moorish settlement before evolving into the contemporary European country it is today. Its historic sites celebrate the full breadth of its heritage, but none captures its Moorish past more than the breathtaking, Andalucia. On the left bank of the River Darro and occupying a strategic hilltop overlooking the city of Granada, this breathtaking palace and fortress complex was constructed during the mid 14th century by the Berber rulers of the Emirate of Granada. The Moorish architecture, shady courtyards and beautiful gardens, with views of the Sierra Nevada mountains have visitors from around the world flocking there on a daily basis. The areas open to the public are the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, the Mosque baths and the Generalife gardens. Since entrance is strictly controlled, visitors should purchase tickets in advance, to avoid disappointment. To arrive in Granada and not be able to visit the Alhambra, would be a tragedy.

France

Languedoc Roussillon in southern France has one of the most well preserved Roman aqueducts in existence. The 1st century Pont du Gard is just part of an extensive water system designed to carry water from the River Eure to Nimes, some 30 miles away. The half mile long and 165 feet high tri-level aqueduct was originally constructed without the use of mortar, and its stones are held together with iron clamps. The stones, some of which weigh more than six tons, were hoisted into place by a human-powered treadmill block and tackle winch. The aqueduct was restored during the 18th century, and visitors today can now walk across it.

Italy

Known as the “Eternal city,” no visit to Italy is complete without a visit to Rome, which abounds with historical sites, Roman architecture and masterpieces of art, spanning the different historical layers which have built this amazing city through the centuries, from the remains of the Roman empire, through the Medieval and Renaissance periods to the modern day site of 21st century architectural statements. The city’s quintessential spectacle has to be the, commissioned by Vespasian in 72 A.D. and inaugurated by Titus in 80 A.D. Elliptical in shape, its 76 entrances allowed 50,000 spectators to enter and watch gladiatorial battles. Built from brick and concrete, and faced with travertine and marble, the amphitheatre boasts three levels of arcades in Doric, Ionic and Corinthian styles. The Coliseum deteriorated into little more than ruins, until 1750 when it was saved by Pope Benedict XIV, who declared “this is a holy place, where Christian martyrs’ blood was shed..”

Greece

Athens may be a modern day nightmare when it comes to traffic and getting around, but this should not deter visitors from seeking out the Acropolis, atop of which sits the Parthenon, commonly known as the Temple of Athena. Constructed between 447-432 BCE, the Doric temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena, also known as Parthenos (virgin) and housed a monumental statue of her which was made from gold and ivory by Pheidias. Mathematicians will be interested to learn that with eight columns at the front and seventeen columns at the flank, the temple conforms to the ratio of 9:4, which its builders used to govern the vertical and horizontal proportions of not only the temple structure, but many other proportions within it, such as the height of the columns and the space between them.

Israel

History and archaeology lovers, as well as pilgrims from around the world have plenty of sites to visit in Israel. One of the most visited is the fortress of Massada, built in 30 BCE by King Herod. It sits on top of a steep mountain overlooking the desert to the west and the Dead Sea and Jordan to the east. At the start of the revolt against Rome in 68 BCE, Massada was conquered by a group of Jewish zealots and was to become their final stronghold, before the Romans besieged the fortress, having constructed an earthen rampart on the western side of the mountain. Built on three rock terraces, the most impressive structures still standing are Herod’s northern palace, a large bath house with a mosaic floor and walls decorated with murals.

Egypt

The oldest and only of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to remain largely intact, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis. Built as a tomb for fourth dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu, over a 20-year period from around 2540 BCE, the pyramid, which originally stood 480 feet tall, and comprises more than 2.3 million stone blocks weighing two and a half tons each, remains an amazing feat of construction that still has engineers, archeologists and scholars in awe of its magnitude. Erosion has reduced the pyramid by around 30 feet in height, but it remained the tallest man-made structure for 3,800 years.

Hannah writes for medwelcome.

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Mountains

Over 80% of Greece consists of mountains. It is one of the most mountainous regions in all of Europe, third only to Norway and Albania. It is located in South-Eastern Europe at the convergence of three continents, Europe, Asia, and Africa. What makes this country unique is the view of the sea from almost any mountain top. The mountains are not very high, the tallest being just less than 3,000 meters, but the sea is never more than 100 Km. Mount Olympus is the tallest mountain and contains over 52 peaks. It also is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

Peninsula

Greece offers a unique combination of largely mountainous regions, but also a peninsula. Peninsulas are characterized as being projected into a large body of water but connected to a mainland. Often a peninsula is surrounded by almost 75% water. Greece is located at the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula on the Peninsula of Haemus.  This peninsula is connected to the mainland by the canal of Corinth Isthmus.

Islands

Greece includes over 1600 islands and islets that are grouped into clusters. There are on 227 of the islands that are actually inhabited though. Five of the most popular and well known are: Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, the Dodecanese and the Cyclades. An entire vacation alone could be spent exploring this vast region of islands. Potentially the most famous is Crete. It is the largest island in Greece and fifth largest in the Mediterranean. It serves as a large tourist hub so much of the economy and business caters to travelers.  The other islands are lesser known than Crete but still have much too offer. With less tourism traffic it is possible to get around easier and more efficiently yet still enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Grecian islands.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Ronald Saunders

Hot Springs

One significant hot spring has been the site of many battles of centuries due to its valuable location on the Balkan Peninsula that is a necessary passage route from the north to the south. This was the site where the Persians and Spartans battled and the oft repeated saying “Go tell it to the Spartans” was ignited.

Forests of Greece

Up to one quarter of the land area of Greece is covered by forests. They are considered to be of significant value to the natural landscape and tourism industry so they are widely protected. Housed within these forests are many national parks where afternoons picnicking can be a delightful treat. These parks tend to be located deep within valleys in between gorges so an afternoon dining provides quite a sight to see as well.

The landscape of Greece is truly amazing and you should definitely explore it yourself if you have the chance.  Villa holidays in Greece are ideal for people of all ages and with villas located throughout the country you can stay somewhere beautiful and unique depending on your tastes.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hector Garcia

Canary Islands also feature rocky volcanic peaks. The one on the island of Gran Canaria is called Pico de las Nieves. Its slope descends to the ocean and is cut by numerous canyons. The island is divided into two climatic zones. North is more fertile and wetter, while south is more dry and warmer. Actually, we can say that the whole island is quite diverse.

Gran Canaria is the third largest island of the Canary Islands, it is also one of the most popular and therefore most vibrant tourist destinations in this area. The capital is Las Palmas. Varied landscape consists of sand dunes which you can enjoy from the camel back, palm and pine groves, and also of inland mountain forests. Thanks to the favorable climate the island is also suitable for banana trees. Very famous is spectacular botanical garden Palmitos Park – an artificial oasis in the canyon near Playa del Inglés.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cristian Bortes

The next stop you should certainly do in a picturesque port of Puerto de Mogan. It is indeed a picturesque town where you can meet with genuine Canarian residents and taste some of the local specialities in one of many nice restaurants. It is an island full of souvenirs and Spanish specialties. People in Gran Canaria are very hospitable and respectful.

Do not miss also the botanical garden Jardin Canario in the town of Alta Tafira (southwest of Las Palmas). Admission is free and you can see all the original flora here.

There are two famous ports suitable for Yachtsmen – Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan. You can find here both a school for sailors, as well as for divers. Puerto de Mogan is also a paradise for fishermen, because there are strong ocean flows that bring a food for fish. Grand Canaria offers ideal conditions for golf fans, you can even organize your own golf tournament here.

The hot favorite for accommodation on this island are well-furnished caves.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Juan Sosa

Best beaches in Gran Canaria Island

Playa Amadores – Beach with white sand lined with various shops and restaurants, has a reputation as one of the most beautiful in the whole of Gran Canaria. Playa Amadores is located near the center of Puerto Rico. Interesting is, that the beach which is located among the rocks has been created artificially to meet the requirements of even the most demanding clientele.

Playa del Ingles – The longest beach on the island, located in the middle of Maspalomas. Playa del Ingles with its charms is the most visited beach of Gran Canaria. Jumbo Multifunction Center located directly on the coast provides a wide range of services.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Alberto Garcia

Other places worth visiting in Gran Canaria

Las Palmas When you visit Las Palmas you should definitely pay for a sightseeing tourist bus. It runs from the city station and take you to all the places that are worth seeing. Additionally, you can easily get off the bus any time, and later get in (with the same ticket) the next bus.

The historic city of Telde
About 13 km south of Las Palmas you can see the second largest city on the island – Telde. There is a picturesque Basilica of San Juan Bautista. There is also the widest coastal strip on Gran Canaria with many diverse beaches (such as Hombre, Melenara etc.).

Artenara
Artenara is a beautiful place with Canarian atmosphere and beautiful nature, situated in the mountains and the valley are. It offers stunning views of the surrounding forested hills and small mountain lakes.

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