Europe Explored » view from the top 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 A Brief Guide on Barcelona Holidays and Vacations https://europeexplored.com/2012/08/01/a-brief-guide-on-barcelona-holidays-and-vacations/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/08/01/a-brief-guide-on-barcelona-holidays-and-vacations/#comments Wed, 01 Aug 2012 21:14:47 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=10328 Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia is a beautiful tourist attraction of Spain. The place is the sixth most populous city in European Union after places like Ruhr, Madrid, Paris, London and Milan. City of Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Winters are dry, while summers are warm and humid. Barcelona beach, Spain by David Spender How to […]

The post A Brief Guide on Barcelona Holidays and Vacations appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia is a beautiful tourist attraction of Spain. The place is the sixth most populous city in European Union after places like Ruhr, Madrid, Paris, London and Milan. City of Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Winters are dry, while summers are warm and humid.

Barcelona beach, Spain
Barcelona beach, Spain by David Spender

How to reach the destination?

Barcelona is well connected trough airways, railways, and waterways. The Barcelona EI pray airport is at a distance of about 17 kilometers from the city center. This second largest airport of Spain connects major parts of world to the city. Sabadell airport is another major airport near the city.

Popular tourist attractions of the city:

Barcelona is the best place to spend summer vacations. Some of the popular locations including the giant temple, Barcelona aquarium, Columbus monument, Tibidabo, monastery of pedaled, Santa Maria del mar, and many other exotic locations, add to the beauty of the city.

  • Tibidabo: It is 512 meters above the sea level, and it surrounds the city and used to protect it from enemies from the north. The view from the top of the mountain is simply spectacular. Large Ocean, valleys and greenery adds to the scenic beauty of the mountain.
  • Amusement park: A beautiful amusement park is established at the slope of mountains few years earlier. This amusement park has been extended up to 70,000 square meters.

National palace of Barcelona is one among the popular historical monuments of the town. Many other attractions like magic fountain, Mies Van De Rohe pavilion, and many others are located near the monument.

Popular hotels and resorts located in the city

Many five star and four star hotels have been established in the town for providing an unforgettable experience to the visitors. Easy access to metro and other facilities has increased the demands for these hotels.

Some popular hotels of the city include Casa Fuster Hotel, Arts Hotel Barcelona, Euro Stars Grand Marina Hotels Barcelona, Claris hotel Barcelona, Le Meridian, Grand Florida Hotel, Melia Hotel, Majestic Hotel and Spa, and many others.

The luxurious facilities offered by these hotels attract a lot of tourists every year. It is better to book a room for two or family well in advance, in order to avoid any kind of inconvenience.

  • Casa fuster hotel: It is a 100 years old building providing five star services to their customers. The exterior, infrastructure and every other little thing is designed in an artistic way. The floors of the hotel are designed with shiny black mosaic. Common facilities offered by the hotel include sauna, terrace area, spa, modern gym, Galaxo restaurant, and many others.

Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain
Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain by Leonora Enking

How to plan a travel to Barcelona:

Many tour agencies provide all paid vacation packages to this magnificent city. They help you plan your trip within your budgets. They make all the arrangements for you, from your stay to your food, and for visiting the popular attractions. They also arrange your air tickets.

Author’s Bio: Wilson has been blogging about various travel destinations from across the world. If you are planning on holidays to Portugal, then you might want to check out his posts on cheap flights to Portugal with Jet2.com.

The post A Brief Guide on Barcelona Holidays and Vacations appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2012/08/01/a-brief-guide-on-barcelona-holidays-and-vacations/feed/ 0
What to See on the Costa Brava | Spain https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/13/what-see-costa-brava-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/13/what-see-costa-brava-spain/#comments Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:20:12 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=8339 Have you planned a trip to the Costa Brava? If this popular region is on your travel wishlist, here are a few places you really must see. Most people fly into the region via Barcelona airport and that’s a city you don’t want to miss. It’s got atmosphere by the bucketload, whether you want to […]

The post What to See on the Costa Brava | Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
Have you planned a trip to the Costa Brava? If this popular region is on your travel wishlist, here are a few places you really must see. Most people fly into the region via Barcelona airport and that’s a city you don’t want to miss. It’s got atmosphere by the bucketload, whether you want to walk along the seafront, browse the stalls at Las Ramblas, or pop into a tapas bar and enjoy local delicacies washed down with a cold beer or two. There’s constant entertainment from street performers as well as interesting shops in the older part of town. And of course, there’s the most famous sight of all – Antonio Gaudi’s still incomplete Sagrada Familia. The view from the top is well worth the climb.

Tossa del Mar, Costa Brava, Spain
Tossa del Mar, Costa Brava / Jay Cross

Going Back in Time

The Costa Brava is an ancient region and nowhere is this more evident than in Tossa del Mar, where the Vila Vella is an amazing sight. The name means old town. It’s a well preserved walled city, part of which was constructed in the 12th century. Later additions included the fortifications, completed some time in the 14th century. There are other sights to see nearby (such as the Sant Vincenc Gothic Cathedral and a striking lighthouse) so it’s worth planning a day trip to this area.

Going even further back in time, you can also explore the area’s medieval history. Ulla is worth a look and you can also visit the medieval ramparts of the Torroella de Montgrí in La Bisbal. Summer offers a surreal experience as you listen to the sounds of a modern music festival in this ancient setting. And the time travel experience doesn’t end there. The early Iberians left traces of their passage on the Sant Andreu mound – find out more about these 7th century settlers in the archaeological museum in Ullastret.

La Bisbal d'Empordà (Costa Brava), Spain
La Bisbal d’Empordà (Costa Brava) / Jean Robert Thibault

Exploring Natural Beauty

While there’s plenty of natural beauty on show as you walk or drive along the Costa Brava region, there’s one more must-see for nature lovers – the Santa Clotilde Gardens. These exquisite gardens are done in an Italian Renaissance style with fountains and ornate sculptures set among the beautiful flora. The gardens’ location on a hillside give access to gorgeous views and if you look carefully, you might be able to spot Fenals beach, which makes a nice place to relax after your visit.

There’s lots more to see on the Costa Brava, but these attractions make a good starting point for a memorable and enjoyable visit.

Marian Jaime writes for Suntransfers. She recommends the company’s’ low cost airport transfers from Barcelona to get your holiday off to a wonderful start.


View What to See on the Costa Brava Spain in a larger map

The post What to See on the Costa Brava | Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/13/what-see-costa-brava-spain/feed/ 0
In-Seine-ly Romantic – A river cruise after dinner, Paris, France https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/01/in-seine-ly-romantic-a-river-cruise-after-dinner-paris-france/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/01/in-seine-ly-romantic-a-river-cruise-after-dinner-paris-france/#comments Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:36:39 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=8185 There is something indescribable about Paris. The way the light filters through the city creates an atmosphere unlike any other place on earth. Whether you are simply taking a walk down one of its famous streets or soaking in the culture at a museum or cathedral, the highlights of Paris will stay with you long […]

The post In-Seine-ly Romantic – A river cruise after dinner, Paris, France appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
There is something indescribable about Paris. The way the light filters through the city creates an atmosphere unlike any other place on earth. Whether you are simply taking a walk down one of its famous streets or soaking in the culture at a museum or cathedral, the highlights of Paris will stay with you long after you leave the city.

Paris, river, France
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Patrick Nouhailler

Of course, there is nothing more symbolic of Paris than the Eiffel Tower.  If you are looking to create a romantic evening for you and that special someone, consider basing a dinner date and tour of Paris around the Eiffel Tower.

Dinner at the Eiffel Tower is an experience that no one will ever forget.  The tower boasts of two restaurants.  One is on the ground level and offers traditional French cuisine; plan ahead and make reservations because there is usually at least a two week wait.  The décor is eclectic, and the dress is somewhat formal.  Patrons should wear something nicer than jeans and trainers.

The second restaurant is located on the second level of the tower and is also a level higher in cost, atmosphere and attire than the ground floor restaurant.  Expect to pay a premium for everything from drinks to entrees.  However, if you are looking to create an unforgettable evening, it will be worth every penny.

The second level of the Eiffel Tower offers a view just as magnificent as the view from the top, yet you are protected from the strong winds and other elements that a visit to the top brings with it.  Not to mention, there is almost no wait to reach the second level, whereas the wait to attain the highest level can knock the romance out of the most elegant pair.  Therefore, visitors will not be missing out by staying closer to the ground.

Following your Eiffel Tower dinner, a lazy boat ride down the Seine will be the finishing touch to your night.  As the boat winds down the river, you will see locals dancing along the banks of the Seine as sumptuous music fills the air.  The dark river will stretch before you as you become ensconced in the atmosphere that is so uniquely Parisian.  As the boat winds back up toward the Eiffel Tower, the tower will erupt in lights that sparkle and twinkle before your eyes.  You will be breathless as you take in the symbol of love and romance that seems to light up just for you.

Nestling into the arms of someone you love will never feel as decadent as when you are gliding down the Seine on one of these Paris tours.  When your holiday is over, you can look back with joy and sigh, “We’ll always have Paris.”


View In-Seine-ly Romantic – A river cruise after dinner, Paris, France in a larger map

The post In-Seine-ly Romantic – A river cruise after dinner, Paris, France appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/01/in-seine-ly-romantic-a-river-cruise-after-dinner-paris-france/feed/ 0
Kaliakra Cape – watch dolphins at Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria https://europeexplored.com/2012/02/02/kaliakra-cape-watch-dolphins-at-black-sea-coast-in-bulgaria/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/02/02/kaliakra-cape-watch-dolphins-at-black-sea-coast-in-bulgaria/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:21:58 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6138 One of the most interesting places on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is Kaliakra Cape (Nos Kaliakra), located north of Varna and 12 km from the town of Kavarna. Kaliakra is a huge elongated limestone plate, protruding from the sea to a height of 70 meters. It is 2 kilometres long. Photo licensed under the […]

The post Kaliakra Cape – watch dolphins at Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
One of the most interesting places on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is Kaliakra Cape (Nos Kaliakra), located north of Varna and 12 km from the town of Kavarna. Kaliakra is a huge elongated limestone plate, protruding from the sea to a height of 70 meters. It is 2 kilometres long.

Kaliakra Cape, Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by alex yosifov

There are several legends about this place, the most famous is about 40 girls who in an effort to avoid the Turkish slavery together jumped off cliffs into the sea. This fabulous event is commemorated by an obelisk called the “The Gate of the 40 Maidens” at the entrance to the Cape. You’ll also find a small museum with archaeological finds here. There are remnants of Tirisis fort that was built before the advent of the Romans and served until the Middle Ages. Its location on the Cape was not accidental, the sea and high cliffs represented an ideal natural protection against invaders.

But the main thing that attracts tourists, is the overall scenery of the Cape and the local nature at all. The dramatic view from the top of the rocks of the turquoise sea is really worth it. There are many caves and photogenic corners here. Kaliakra Cape is a protected area since 1941, but since that it has increased its area three times and now reaches 687 ha.

Kaliakra Cape, Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria 3
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Marcin Chady

Fairly typical is to watch the dolphins while playing in the waves. Even relatively recently it was also a home to rare Mediterranean seal. This animal was in the past, very abundant and very common throughout the Mediterranean and the Black Sea including Bulgaria, but due to the pollution of their environment, hunting and development of the tourism industry they disappeared. The last Bulgarian seals could be seen in the early eighties of the 20th century. Today, Mediterranean seal is officially considered the most endangered mammal of the European Union and its future existence is uncertain.

Other places for nature lovers are 8 kilometres away, in Taukliman protected area and the subsequent reservation called Jajlata.

Kaliakra Cape, Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria 2
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by alex yosifov

Surroundings of Kaliakra Cape is interesting not only from the land but also from the sea. In August 1791, in the vicinity of the cape, there was a naval battle, during which the Russian fleet under the leadership of the famous admiral Fyodor Fyodorovich Ushakov completely destroyed the large Turkish fleet. That is one reason why the area attracts divers and wrecks seekers. On the seabed there are a number of objects and remnants of ships from various medieval periods and of the World War II.

Very interesting is also a restaurant situated in one of the caves in the middle of the Cape. It boasts an outdoor garden offering magnificent views of the surrounding area. However you will not find any accommodation right on the spot, most tourists come here on a trip from various places on the Black Sea, for example, from a well-known resort of Albena. If you go on your own, you surely find some bed in the vicinity.

So if you wandered into this region, just visit this place, where sea fights with the mainland and still make for an unusual beauty.


View Kaliakra Cape – watch dolphins at Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria in a larger map

The post Kaliakra Cape – watch dolphins at Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2012/02/02/kaliakra-cape-watch-dolphins-at-black-sea-coast-in-bulgaria/feed/ 0