Munich, Germany

Anyone who has seen Bayern Munich’s €240 million stadium fully prepared for action for a night match will know just how impressive the luminous shell can be.  Ground sharing is commonplace in many European countries, but the Allianz arena is the only one that physically changes appearances to accommodate the current occupying team. When Bayern Munich are playing, the outer panels radiate a bright red light, while their local rivals 1860 Munich light the stadium blue. The unique ‘bubble’ outer shell is comprised of 2,760 panels, 1,056 of which are illuminated in either red, blue or white – white being used when the national team play at the stadium, or when it hosts neutral competitions, such as the 2012 Champions League final. The Allianz Arena actually boasts the largest LED display in Europe, with 100,000 individual lights making up the impressive display.

Alianz Arena in Munich, Germany by Steenbergs

Estadio Municipal de Braga

Braga, Portugal

€83 million may seem like quite a lot for a stadium with only two stands, but once you glimpse at the innovative design of the Estadio Municipal de Braga, you will instantly understand the cost. The Estadio AXA (as it is now known) was built on the site of a quarry, overlooking the Portuguese city of Braga. The stadium was actually carved into the quarry, required massive quantities of rock to be shifted during construction. The really unique feature of the stadium is that all of it’s 30,286 capacity is achieved using only two stands, as the ends behind the goals feature the solid rock face of the quarry, while the other overlooks the city. The innovative design has earned multiple architecture awards and it has been a popular tourist destination since it’s construction for the EURO 2004 finals.

Estadio Municipal de Aveiro

Aveiro, Portugal

Another stadium built for Portugal 2004, the Estadio Municipal de Aveiro can only be described as something out of a child’s imagination. The multi-coloured stadium is comprised of blocks of different shapes and sizes, looking not too dissimilar to a Lego construction built using all manner of assorted toys from a child’s toy box. Even the roof lends itself to the ‘toy box’ quality, with red and white spires holding the bright blue roof aloft over the multicolour seating arrangements. The jovial, kidlike quality the eccentric stadium creates makes for an extremely unusual and certainly entertaining atmosphere.

Vesturi á Eiðinum Stadium

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Whereas the other stadiums on this list are easily reachable for the football tourist, this one will require slight more planning thanks to its extremely remote location and the limited transport available to the Faroe Islands. Home to FC Suðuroy, the Vesturi á Eiðinum has a capacity for 3,000 people, with seating room for only 330 of the crowd. Situated so close to the edge of the land means that the ball often ends up in the North Atlantic Ocean, with a boat dedicated to fishing the ball out and returning it to the game.  A far cry from the multi-ball system so many clubs now utilise!

Vesturi á Eiðinum Stadium, Faroe Islands, Denmark (will you find that on the picture? ) / Photo by Eileen Sandá

Thanks to Harry Lee for this post. Harry writes on behalf of Travelbag.co.uk – a UK-based travel company that offers holidays to Australia, America, Thailand and hundreds more top destinations.

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Lindos beach, Rhodos, Greece by Ana Raquel S. Hernandes

1. When we go on our summer vacation we want to spend some time relaxing on a beach. The problem is that everybody else has the same idea and the best beaches are usually crammed to the breaking point. Well, when you travel to Rhodos, try to take a trip to Ladiko Bay as it rarely gets overcrowded. Also known as Anthony Quinn Bay this is a great place to swim, snorkel and relax by the sea. You probably will not be the only people on the sand but there will not be the crowds found in other places.

2. If you hire a car, then you want to explore the island. So travel up into the mountains to Petaloudes. This is known as the valley of the Butterflies because there are lots of them about. The admission fee into the park is pretty reasonable and the drive up to it is worth it alone. The air is cooler up here which is sometimes a relief in the warmer months and you can enjoy the beautiful walks along the trails, where butterflies and moths flutter around you.

3. When you visit Rhodos town you will want to see the old section. Start your tour at the Avenue of the Knights where the protectors of the city used to live. The cobblestone road is over half a kilometre long and surrounded by spectacular foreboding buildings that are made from golden stone. The history and culture of the area can be felt in the atmosphere although many of the original inns are now offices.

4. Whilst you are in Rhodes Town you have to see some ruins so make your way to the Acropolis of Rhodes. This is where the ancient town used to be sited and it is on top of a hill so the views are spectacular. From here you can enter the Temple of Pythian Apollo, which has seen some reconstruction work and is truly outstanding. When you travel to Rhodos you are never far away from history and that makes the trip an absolute must.

5. Alright, there might be plenty to do already, but if you are still looking for more, then you will have to visit The Red Lion pub in Rhodes Town. This might not seem like one of the best places to see on the island but for those that like to learn about where they have travelled to, it is a very useful place to be. The pub is loosely based on the English Pub theme and the atmosphere is relaxed and easy going. The best bit is the owners Ron and Vasilis as they know everything there is to know about the island. Buy a drink and tap their knowledge and you will find all the information you need to make your stay a great one.

So when you travel to Rhodos (Interesting information for you could be that the Danish term is rejser to Rhodos) try not to spend all day on the beach and get out and see some sights. It really will make your holiday a much better experience.

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New Year, fireworks in Zurich, Switzerland by Zürich Tourismus

Scintillating Switzerland

With a population of less than 7.5 million, Switzerland borders with Austria, Germany, France, Italy and Lichtenstein. The excellent positioning of the country makes it one of the most easily accessible locations from any corner of the world. Among the most fascinating countries, Switzerland has been a famous tourist destination courtesy of its scintillating snow-covered mountains, dense forests and sparkling lakes. The scenery is perfect postcard material, and one of the main reasons why the country is so popular among tourist groups is skiing. Medieval cathedrals, museums and castles are the ones you can’t afford to miss when on tour. Swiss chocolate and cheese is world renowned, and a trip to the scenic paradise can be finger-licking good.

Fabulous France

Located on the West of Europe, France is one of the most diverse countries that make for a fantastic destination regardless of what you like or dislike. Filled with culture and seeped in history, the country has everything you need for an exhilarating vacation. While the north of France has Paris – the most visited and the largest city in the country, the south boasts of sensational scenery that changes dramatically on your way to the French Alps. Mountain activities and winter sports are in full swing during the season, making Chamonix a household name. Over ten million people visit France each year, and the nation delivers a fabulous time. Champagne hails from France, and the country is also home to some of the most exotic dishes. The nightlife is exuberant, to say the least, and an evening in Paris will certainly stick long in your memory.

Astonishing Austria

Mozart is probably the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of Austria. The country is located in the heart of Europe and boasts of some of the finest works of architecture. Vienna, its capital city is filled with medieval museums, cafes and imperial palaces. Austria is an ideal destination for those who like to soak up nature and relax as it is considered an eco-friendly location. With phenomenal scenery, you can find a large number of lakes, flowers, mountains and fields. The country possesses endemic species and preserves them. The Austrian Alps is the perfect place for those who like to have their share of fun in the snow. Skiing and other mountain activities thrive in this region, and an Austrian vacation promises to serve as a reinvigorating getaway.

Andy Butler is an expert associated with Burger Davis Sotheby’s International Realty, dealers of property available for rent and sale in the French Riviera.

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Platja de Sant Sebastia, Barcelona, Spain by Alexander Johmann

Barcelona has a wonderful art collection in it’s Picasso Museum. As is evident form the museum’s name, it houses numerous works of Picasso. It is easily accessible by Metro as well as Bus. If you are taking a metro, the stations Arc de Triomf, Liceu, Jaume I on Line 1, Line 3, Line 4 respectively are closest to the musuem, whereas the bus stops Via Laietana, Pla de palau, Princesa, Passeig Picasso are closest to it depending on your route. The museum is closed on monday so plan accordingly. You have 2 ticket options with prices ranging from 6 euros to 11 euros.

If you do not like museums and are visiting Barcelona just to relax and have a good time then head to Platja de Sant Sebastia. This beach is equally famous among tourists as well as natives. You have over 1km of sand filled beach to your use with plenty of water sports activity. So whether you just want to sun bath or want to opt for some adventure, it is entirely up to you. The easiest way to reach the beach is to catch a metro on Line 4 and alight at Barceloneta station.

There is nothing better to relax than sipping some coffee in a roadside cafe in Barcelona and watching the city unfold before you. If that’s your idea of having a good time then head on to Barri Goti. Barri Goti is like a huge maze with shops all around which sell everything from veges to antiques to cafes which serve you local as well as international delicacies. The Jaume I and Liceu station on Line 4 and Line 3 respectively are the closest metro stations to Barri Goti.

Photo of Barri Goti, Barcelona by AodhGraem

One of the most entertaining tourist attraction of Barcelona is the magic fountain more popularly known as the magic fountain of Montjuic. It is not just a fountain it is light and water show and is free for all, as they say best things in the world are free.

Photo of Majic fountain Montjuic, Barcelona by Paula Funnell

These were just a few of the most famous tourist attractions of Barcelona, but once you start exploring this ancient city, it will show you it’s lesser explored parts, which are a treat for ancient arhitecture lovers.

Rob Russell is an avid traveller and has explored many unknown parts of Europe & Asia. You can visit his site: Lonavala Hotels or How to Reach lonavala to get in touch with him.

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Colosseum, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

Europe offers endless ways to be explored, and every ‘flirtation’ has nothing to do with the other just like every destination, so the only tough choice standing in your way is which way to go.

And since every journey has to start glamorously and also has to end up this way, Italy is probably the best introduction to Europe’s fascination and splendour being the most convincing representation of an ancient civilization that reached the peak of human abilities. And modern Italy knows how to cherish its rich historical legacy and how to integrate it into the contemporary vision of the country.

Rome is captivating with its fast paced daily life of a capital city and renowned remnants of ancient times scattered through the whole city. Roman culture made one of the greatest and indisputable contributions to the rich cultural life of the continent, and exploring its basis can only give us an idea on where the foundations of this culture lay.

Rome is the place to indulge yourself with la dolce vita pleasures: top notch food, wines and wardrobe renewal – exquisite boutiques of the Italian designers; fluffy ice-cream and foamy cappuccino are just a small part of the things that you can try out. The eternal city, as they call it, possesses eclectic mix of stupendous landmarks and dynamic lifestyle being among the most majestic and romantic places on earth. Similarly to the Ancient Rome, today’s Rome is also built upon seven hills. The central area is called Campo Marcio (named after the god of the war – Mars) and it is the place where the training of the army has been held centuries ago; currently the area is a treasury chest of some of the most eminent sights. Rome’s historical center is part of the cultural heritage of UNESCO with its splendid castles, Roman ruins, refined statues and centuries old basilicas.

Fontana di Trevi, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

What makes Rome more unique than other cities is its incomparable number of landmarks; besides the gorgeous remnants of the Roman Empire, Rome preserved several Medieval neighbours, intricately projected squares, vivid markets and, last but not least – Saint Peter Basilica in Vatican city, being the biggest, richest and most flamboyant church in Italy. Keep in mind that in order to enter its premises, you need to be dressed properly.

The Roman Coliseum is the biggest amphitheater in the Antiquity; it has been opened in 82 AD with festive games proceeding for 1000 days. The Coliseum is an architectural and engineering miracle, symbol of both Roman majesty and cruelty and a present for the Roman citizens. The spectators sat in accordance with their rank, social status and sex. The emperor himself had his own marble box on the first row; the senators used to take the seats with the best view around him. The next most attractive seats had been occupied by the richest and most influential citizens followed by the ordinary men; the women from the populace took the worse places in the upper sectors. The games started out as glorification of the gods but quickly lost their religious twang, and only the spectacle remained, often a bloody and a fierce one. Among the most popular were the battles between gladiators and between animals. There are also fights where animals tear criminals to pieces.

https://www.vacationhomes.net/vacation-rentals/italy/a8062.htm

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St Johns Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta

St Johns Co-Cathedral, Valletta

The first destination you’ll want to beeline for out of a Malta hotel is St Johns Co-Cathedral, an ancient wonder over 500 years old. The history of Malta and Catholicism in Europe is intrinsically linked to Valetta with St Johns Co-Cathedral marking one of the most important destinations or piece of property in Malta’s rich history. It was the noblemen of Europe charged with defending their faith against invading forces that led to Malta being a strategic centre in the Mediterranean and after the Great Siege of 1565, Valetta was established, fortified and made a holy place. A mere 12 years later St Johns Co-Cathedral was completed as a destination; no doubt the perfect Malta weather aided this rapid completion. Today St Johns Co-Cathedral acts as a cultural centre for Valetta with many traditional events taking place here which makes it a must-see site in Malta.

The Grandmaster’s Palace, Valletta

The most important modern spot in Valetta also happens to be one of the most important in its history. Travel to this Malta destination if you want to experience the definition of opulence in architecture, because The Grandmaster’s Palace fits many roles. As a tourist destination there is more than enough to awe at, as is houses the House of Representatives and the Office of the President of Malta it is the most important governmental structure in Malta and as a historical building it was once simply the home of Eustachio del Monte built in 1571. Antique weapons and halls of empty knights line the corridors and it’s not uncommon to see a chandelier more elegant and opulent than the last. The Grandmaster’s Palace is amazing to behold and should be a priority to visit in Malta.

It’s clear from these two very good examples, that Malta is more than enough to sate the curiosity of the historic enthusiast. Malta destinations are among the most important in existence with numerous World Heritage Sites dotting the island; it truly is a place of unique importance.

Eugene Calvini has been on enough Malta holidays to know the island is a special tourist spot and enjoys exposing the best the country has to offer.

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Holy Monastery of Rousanou, Kalambaka, Greece by Dennis Jarvis

Affordability

Because of the declining tourist market, there has been an increase in the sale of holiday homes in Greece due to dwindling interest and falling rental incomes, often at a loss. This has also had the effect that there has been an increase in interest for people looking to buy a holiday home. At the moment, there has been an influx of property sales in northern Greece from people from neighbouring Bulgaria. The city of Thessaloniki is a popular tourist destination for many Bulgarians, so people are snapping up the chance to purchase their own holiday home at a lower price. Us Brits are starting to take notice too; although many are employing a ‘wait and see’ tactic when it comes to Greek holiday homes, there has been a steady increase in interest.

Know your turf

If you’re thinking of taking advantage of the situation and you’re looking to buy your dream holiday home, make sure you do your research. If you can, talk to locals and ex-pats to get a feel for how the financial crisis is impacting the area. This will also put you in good stead when navigating the sea of red tape that comes with buying a second home in another country. It could be that what you see as a potential honey pot is actually going to cost you more in the long run.

Financing the dream

If you think you’re onto a winner, then you should look to protect yourself in the event that things take a turn for the worse. The current big worry is that Greece will secede from the EU and renounce the Euro as its currency, reverting back to drachma. If you borrow Euros in order to buy a Greek second home, then you will still owe Euros even if the country reverts to drachma. With fluctuating exchange rates, this could potentially put you out of pocket.

One of the most classical photos from Santorini: the boat at Firostefani by Klearchos Kapoutsis

With the current tourist market the way it is, it is likely that any holiday home you purchase will be left unoccupied for a while until things stabilise a little more. With that, it’s a good idea to look into holiday home insurance, which protects the house during periods of vacancy and can also help during times when your rental income is in jeopardy.

Depending on which area of Greece you’re looking at, going for a second home as a source of rental income isn’t going to be the best short term objective. If you’re willing to wait out the crisis, you can grab a potential bargain and enjoy a few weeks or months soaking up the Greek sunshine in your new Greek home.

Written by J. R. Gibbs,  armchair explorer and writer at large for holiday home insurance comparison site Confused.com

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by gaudiramone

Now I assume that you have noticed that Paris is a desired tourist destination for millions of tourists all over the world. The reason for this is the fact that the city has a lot to offer to everybody. It is great during any time of the year.

Now a few words about Halloween in Paris… well, first of all you need to start with finding the proper accommodation. Of course there are literally hundreds of hotels in Paris but the question you need to ask yourself is whether is worthy to spend a small fortune on accommodation rather than spend the same amount of money for fun. This is why I can offer you to rent a Paris apartment. I know it may sound silly but believe this is the best decision. Anyway you should know that they can be a little bit more expensive than Apartment in Berlin or even apartment in Rome but the investment is worthy. After finding the best you can afford you should go and take a walk on the city.

You will see many interesting things. Even some of the buildings are decorated. It is great because the city transforms into one amazing place and even if you are currently living in Paris you will have troubles recognizing the places you walk through daily.

Anyway like every major festival in a big city there are some troubles. For example crowds. So my advice to you is, if you don’t like crowds, to avoid places like downtown because they are pretty crammed up. Plus you might become a victim of pickpockets and believe me festivals like those are the perfect time for crime. Not that the police is not doing its job but you can imagine what it is to protect thousands of people dressed in different costumes.

As a whole Halloween in Paris is one great experience and if you have a chance you should certainly go and spend a few days there. The atmosphere is really great and I’m pretty sure that you will have a great time there. Enjoy your stay!

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Albert Dock, Liverpool, UK / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Ronald Saunders

Tourists often stick to the most well-known places such as London, Oxford and Cambridge, but there are some fantastic gems in the north of England. If you love looking around cities, which have a mix of old architecture and new, then you must plan some time to explore the northern cities of Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool. All three have very relevant history within very different industries, but are often overlooked as a tourist destination. This is a great shame, as they all over some fantastic sights.

Liverpool

Birthplace of the Beatles, Liverpool, of course, gives you the opportunity to explore the legend of this fantastic band. The Cavern Club, where they first started out, still has live bands playing, so you may get the chance to see the next big group live at the Cavern. The Albert docks of Liverpool provide some very unique shops, which focus on vintage styles as well as the style of the town. For a more modern shopping experience, head to the city centre in particularly towards the new Liverpool One shopping mall, and enjoy the sights of old architectural buildings inhabiting modern stores along the way to it.

Leeds

Leeds became what it is today through its cotton industry, but now it’s a hot spot for fantastic architecture and great nights out. If you’re a fan of cabaret and stand-up then you must go to the famous City Varieties. Although small in size city Varieties are constantly pushing the boundaries of known theatre, and did so successfully last winter with their Rock n’ Roll pantomime. But there’s plenty to see in Leeds in the day, too. Just opposite some very stylish city flats of Clarence dock is the Royal Armouries Museum. The museum will take you on a journey through the history of Anglo-Saxon warfare and weaponry. You can witness some live-action sword fights in this museum, while looking at the largest armoury collection of the country.

Leeds Castle, England, United Kingdom / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Dimo Dimov

Manchester

Although Manchester is renowned for its successful football team, it is giving Liverpool a run for its money in terms of being the hottest place for music hits. The music scene of the city is referred to as “Madchester” and has been the beginning of bands such as Oasis and The Stone Roses. It’s also held an annual Jazz festival for 17 years and counting. Architecture-wise you will discover some of the most beautiful red-brick buildings of the UK as well as some of the most contemporary ones. The  Lowry centre, for example, not only shows off the masterpieces of one of England’s most famous artists, but is a work of art itself.

These are just three hidden gems of the UK, and this is just sticking to cities. There’s plenty of unique countryside to discover on your way to each, so be sure to plan enough time to explore it all.

This article was written by Sarah Oxley on behalf of ONE UK, your key to trendy flats in Manchester and the north of England.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Adam Jones

I think April will be a good time, before it gets too hot. The closest major city is Granada. I’ll be flying there, maybe with a break in Barcelona. Granada looks to be stunningly beautiful. I am staying two nights in the city and it will probably be in the Parador de Granada, although the Hotel Casa 1800 Granada is supposed to be very picturesque.

From Granada I could head by bus to Capileira, which is a small town that sits at the foot of Mulhacén, the tallest mountain in Spain. There is a Microbus service there. It takes travelers up the mountain on days with good weather. It’s actually becoming a rather popular tourist destination, so I’m not concerned about it being too isolated. I’d rather walk up the mountain, though. Apparently it’s not that difficult and doesn’t require any climbing equipment, just normal hiking gear.

I could take the bus to Beas de Granada (east of Granada). There is a fantastic one-way walk that leads back into the center of Granada. It’s supposed to be one of the best hiking experiences to be had in the Sierra Nevada. The route is about 30 kilometers atop a broad ridge, which might be a little long for me. I’ve also been warned to hike this path in May at the latest due to the heat.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Andrew Hurley

Another option is to travel in June or July. I could go from Granada to Trevélez (which is on the eastern side of Mulhacén) to climb the path to the Seven Lakes, but any earlier in the year and there’s too much snow. Most of the climb isn’t too difficult and I’ve heard that the waterfalls are amazing. It leads up to a place called the Seven Lakes (Siete Lagunas). I’m probably going to choose this one.

There’s actually quite a few other hikes, like a hard one called Vereda de la Estrella. I could also hike from Capileira to Trevélez, but not in winter. There’s so many choices!

One of the other great activities that you can do around the mountainous countryside of Spain is mountain biking. The hilly terrain and dry conditions lend themselves perfectly to this pursuit and there are no rules against doing this.

This article was written by John Davies who enjoys blogging for Thomson Al Fresco holidays. He has travelled around most of Europe, camping with his family most of the way and he enjoys nothing more than sharing his experiences with other bloggers and travellers alike through guest posts.

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