BLOG ARCHIVE (2020-2024)
The town of Atrani is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. It is the smallest municipality in Italy, located just East of Amalfi. It bears the designation of 'I Borghi più belli d'Italia', given to beautiful towns in Italy. Its traditional characteristics are well preserved and its most notable attraction is the Collegiate Church of St Mary Magdalena.
The town of Amalfi is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. As a famous former trading post, it is known today for its Limoncello liquor and central location along the coastline, providing port access to other coastal towns. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its Cathedral, the Duomo di Amalfi.
The town of Maiori is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. Founded by the Etruscans, it was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC. It was originally called Rheginna Maior by the Romans in relation to the river that runs through the town. It is located close to the neighboring town of Minori on the Amalfi Coast.
The town of Minori is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. It is known as the 'City of Taste' for its culinary tradition. Minori means 'small' in latin, referring to the La Rheginna river running through it. It is the oldest inhabited site on the Amalfi Coast, dating back to the 1st century.
The town of Ravello is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. It was founded in the 5th Century as a shelter against barbarian incursions at the end of the Roman Empire. The town is nestled in the Amalfi Coast cliffside and has been a popular destination for artists. Its most popular attraction is certainly the historic Villa Cimbroni.
Rome is the capital city of Italy whose history spans over 28 centuries. The historical center of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage site and its name comes from its founder, Romulus. Referred to as the 'City of Seven Hills', some notable attractions in Rome include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and the Roman Forum.
The city of Dublin has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Today, it is the capital of Ireland and is an Alpha minus Global city. My time here took me to the Guinness Brewery, the Jameson Distillery, as well as other landmarks like Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, Trinity Library, Phoenix Park, Grand Canal Square, and Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedrals.
The Åland Islands are an autonomous region of Finland, located in the Baltic Sea. The capital city is Mariehamn and the official language is Swedish. The islands are perfect for hiking, sailing, and other outdoor activities and are easily reachable by ferry from Sweden. Notable places to visit include Kastelhomn Castle, Nåtö and Espholm Nature Reserves, and the city of Mariehamn.
Aarhus is the 2nd largest city in Denmark whose origins date back to the 8th century. This city is full of history, green spaces, cafes, museums, and all around good vibes. I visited here in May and saw such cool places like the Aarhus Art Museum (ARos), Aarhus Cathedral, Our Lady Church, Aarhus Customs House, Marselisborg Beach and Castle, The Infinite Bridge, Mejlborg, and Mølleparken.
The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world comprising much of Northern Africa near the Mediterranean Sea. One of the best places to see it is in Morocco, specifically in the village of Merzouga. The village sits near the famous Erg Chebbi, a large area of sand dunes. Merzouga can be seen on a 2 day trip from either Fez or Marrakech.
Chefchaouen is located in the north of Morocco and is most known for its nearly entirely blue facade of its buildings. Initially founded as a military outpost, it is known as the 'Blue Pearl' of Morocco and its name roughly translates to 'look at the horns', referring to the two mountains on its perimeter. The highlight of the city is its medina, where the alleyways are too narrow for cars to pass.
Essaouira is a port city on the western coast of Morocco. Originally called 'Mogador' until the 1960s, it is characterized as a late 18th century fortified town and therefore listed as a UNESCO World Heritage city. The abundance of blue fishing boats makes it quite obvious that this industry dominates the city. The abundant winds the city receives is perfect for windsurfing and kite surfing.
Marrakech is the fourth largest city in Morocco, situated west of the Atlas Mountains. The city was founded in 1070 and is called the "Red City" due to the red sandstone material used in the construction of its early buildings. The city is a UNESCO world heritage site and has plenty of great sites to check out such as Jemaa Al-Fna, Koutoubia Mosque, Souk Semmarine, Bab Agnaou, and Bahia Palace.
Madeira is an autonomous zone owned by Portugal, situated off the coast of Morocco. Its population is nearly 250,000 with most situated in the city of Funchal. The entire zone is actually an archipelago, which also includes Porto Santo, the Desertas, and the Savage Islands. Great places to see include Ponta de São Lourenço, Pico do Arieiro, Ponta do Sol, Achadas da Cruz, Ponte Moniz, and Seixal.
Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous zone of Madeira, owned by Portugal. With a population just north of 100,000, it is the 6th largest city in all of Portugal. Some great places to check out include the Funchal-Monte Teleférico, Forte de São Tiago, the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, Jardim Quinta Magnólia, Palácio de São Lourenço, and Fuerte De Madeira.
The Azores islands consist of 9 islands and are owned by Portugal. The islands of the Azores are Flores, Corvo, Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, São Miguel, and Santa Maria. Created by volcanic activity, they boast incredible geographical landscapes and biomes. Considered the "Hawaii of Europe", it is one of two autonomous zones of Portugal, the other being Madeira.
Madalena is the largest city on the island of Pico, in the Azores (an autonomous region owned by Portugal). Mount Pico is the most recognizable backdrop that accompanies the city. It is home to 6000 inhabitants and sits on the Faial channel, just 7 kilometers away from Faial island. The city is small but exceptionally quaint and is worth seeing while being in this part of the Azores.
Horta is the largest city on the island of Faial in the Azores (an autonomous region owned by Portugal). It is home to 7000 inhabitants and sits on the Faial channel, just 7 kilometers away from Picol island. The city is known for being a usual stop for transatlantic voyages where all sailors are known to commemorate their journeys with murals presented on the Horta Pier.
Ponta Delgada (meaning "Thin Cape") is the largest city in the Azores (an autonomous region owned by Portugal), situated on the island of São Miguel. It was established in 1450 and is essentially the heart of the Azores islands economically, politically, and socially. Some notable places to check out include Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, Forte de São Brás, and Plantação de Ananás dos Açores.
Pico (Ilha Preta) is just one of the islands that make up the Azores Islands, formally owned by Portugal. Known as the "Black Island", it is one of three islands that make up the central Azores islands. Formed about 300,000 years ago, it is known for its volcanic history and its emerging wine industry. Places to check out include São Mateus, Madalena, Lajes do Pico, and Lagoa do Capitão.
Faial (Ilha Azul) is just one of the islands that make up the Azores Islands, formally owned by Portugal. Known as the "Blue Island", it is one of three islands that make up the central Azores islands. The island's geography is remarkable with notable sites to see such as the Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo, the Lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos, and the town of Horta.
São Miguel (Ilha Verde) is just one of the islands that make up the Azores Islands, formally owned by Portugal. Known as the "Green Island", it is the largest and most populated island in the Azores . The geography and biome of the island make it an amazing place to visit. Great places to check out include Sete Cidades, Mosteiros, Povoação, Furnas, Vila Franca do Campo, and Ponta Delgada.
The countries of Scandinavia include Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Despite being geographical neighbors, there is a long history among these countries. They are truly unique places in comparison to other countries of the world and are very much worth seeing. Use this guide for not just seeing their capitals (Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen), but also their cities as well.
The Nordics include Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. This part of Europe contains such awesome metropolitan capitals like Stockholm, Reykjavik, and Tórshavn (among others). Along with such iconic cities in these Northern European countries, you will also find gorgeous fjords, waterfalls, snow topped mountains, massive castle, and cool cathedrals. I have outlined all Nordic cities (including capitals), as well as the natural attractions in this part of the world and consolidated them into this ultimate guide!
New York City is one of the most famous cities in the world. As such, it should be seen over the course of days. If you just have a long layover there like me, you do what you can to see the sights. This is a guide to what to see in NYC including the Brooklyn Bridge, Ground Zero, Freedom Tower, Times Square, Central Park, Katz Delicatessen, and the viewpoint at SUMMITOne Vanderbilt Tower.
This guide to Norway breaks down several cities and natural areas within the country that are worth visiting. This includes the capital city of Oslo and the 2nd most populous city of Bergen, the most populated Norwegian city in the Arctic Circle at Tromsø, and the smaller city to Stavanger. If it is nature you seek, I also talk about places like Trolltunga, Preikestolen, and the Lofoten Islands.
Vatican City is a landlocked country, located within the confines of Rome, Italy. It is the smallest country in the world with a population of 453 and size of 49 hectares. It officially came into existence in 1929 with the Pope as its ruler. Some notable landmarks to check out include St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Apostolic Library, and the Vatican Museums.
Athens is one of the world's oldest cities and is the capital city of Greece. As a historical center for the arts, learning, and philosophy and current economic center in the Aegean, it is considered a Beta-status Global city. It is also known for its natural treasures and artefacts from the Classical Era. These includes the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Hephaistos.
Tirana is the capital city of Albania, founded in 1614, and has been inhabited since the Iron Age. It was part of the Roman Empire, and subsequent Byzantine Empire, and is today considered a Gamma World city. The city is fast growing and displays both traditional and modern influences. Notable landmarks include the Pyramid of Tirana, Archaea Tower, Bunk'Art Museum, and the Namazgah Mosque.
The beach of Fiordo di Furore is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. The village of Furore is located higher up on the cliffside, but the beach is the most notable attraction of the town. The beach is a ria, or coastal inlet, created by the Schiato torrent. It is a popular destination for swimmers with its aqua water and arched bridge facade.