(France) - Bonifacio - star attraction in Corsica

Bonifacio is a star attraction in Corsica, drawing visitors from all over the island and overseas to marvel at its medieval houses precariously teetering on the edge of the imposing limestone cliffs. Bonifacio's Old Town, with a labyrinth of narrow streets and historic buildings, was built by the Genoese and is a fascinating place to wander around.

Bonifacio - star attraction in Corsica - France

Bonifacio also boasts a busy marina filled with impressive yachts and lined with chic bars, restaurants and hotels, enhancing the vibrancy of this fashionable coastal resort.

Bonifacio - star attraction in Corsica - France

 

Add to this the fact that Bonifacio is close to several idyllic, unspoiled Corsican beaches as well as staggeringly beautiful mountains, and you have a near perfect, varied holiday destination.

Bonifacio - star attraction in Corsica - France

 

Surrounding Area

The fine white sandy beaches of Southern Corsica are a must for any beach lover with the tranquil azure waters ideally suited to swimming, snorkeling and diving. The more energetic can make use of the consistent winds at the tip of the island that attract windsurfers and kite surfers alike.

Bonifacio - star attraction in Corsica - France

 

Boat trips from the marina are very popular and destinations include the wild nature reserve islands of Lavezzi (with great snorkelling), the stylish town of Porto-Vecchio or the Italian island of Sardinia. Day trips inland can easily incorporate mountain walks in the breathtaking peaks of the Alta Rocca, visits to traditional Corsican mountain villages and towns, or exploring the prehistoric sites at Pianu di Levie.

Bonifacio - star attraction in Corsica - France

 

(Bonifacio Corsica)

(Yemen) - Al Hajarah - Walled city in the mist

Yemen is a country in the Middle East which individualizes itself through its one of a kind architecture. Al Harajah is no exception when it comes to that as it is usually called the “mysterious walled city”. The secluded charm combined with the Yemeni vernacular architecture makes Al Hajarah a unique spot in the world and one of the strangest places to live in.

Al Hajarah - Walled city in the mist - Yemen

 

You can find the strange shapes and the bizarre aspect of Al Hajarah which seems to rise from the ground surrounding the top of a cliff in Western Central Yemen, in the San’a’ Governorate. The enigmatic city appearing like it has been forgotten in time, is located in the Haraz Mountains, at 2,402 meters (7883 feet) altitude. In fact the spectacular and peculiar Al Hajarah has been surviving ever since the 12th century, nowadays counting a small number of inhabitants, counting approximately 2500. Not only that the region is one of the best trekking areas, but is also has spectacular panoramic views and Al Harajah dominated the sight with its incredible mud brick architecture with Islamic influences.

Al Hajarah - Walled city in the mist - Yemen

 

Al Harajah is built in traditional Yemeni vernacular architecture which represents the main style incorporated in houses, buildings and structures. From the “skyscrapers” of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shibam, nicknamed the “Manhattan of the Desert”, Al Hajarah preserves the heritage and aesthetics of the praiseworthy Yemen, Arabic architecture with multi-storey buildings with Islamic detailing. AL Hajarah is one of the great architectural evidence that the Yemen culture has promoted over generations, a true connection with nature by using the oldest building material on the planet in a creative way. The mixture of mud and bricks for high-rise buildings clustered in wall mass is specific here and it is exceptional that even made of such ephemeral, accessible material; the buildings of the ancient times have survived in time.

Al Hajarah - Walled city in the mist - Yemen

 

Connect with nature and try hiking across the Haraz Mountain chain. Observe the appeal of Al Hajarah from underneath the cliff it was built on or from the nearby summits. Spot de cultural difference in the way the city was projected in the 12th century and feel impressed with the lack of modernism which has maintained and will always possess infinite beauty. Compare a city with small population to the capital of Sanaa which is another expression of mud brick architecture but does not include the secluded charm. Photograph and immortalize a sight that is rare, bizarre and exclusive even in this country of the Middle East where mud brick architecture is something specific.

Al Hajarah - Walled city in the mist - Yemen

 

Al Hajarah is an impressive, unique site, bizarre and mysterious, so far from the modern world. It exposes the Yemeni culture with multi-storey buildings and a combination of mud brick buildings which accentuate the connection with nature.

(Travel Nut)

(United States of America) - Hawaii island – also called the Big Islands

The island of Hawaii comprises over half of the area of the state of Hawaii in the United States of America. To avoid confusion with the state, it is almost universally called the Big Island.

Hawaii island – also called the Big Islands - United States of America

Hawaii’s Big Island isn’t just big, it’s still growing. The Island of Hawaii is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain and is also by far the biggest, providing a vast canvas of environments to discover a variety of unrivaled natural wonders.

Hawaii island – also called the Big Islands - United States of America

This is the home of one of the world’s most active volcanoes (Kilauea), the tallest sea mountain in the world at more than 33,000 feet (Maunakea), the most massive mountain in the world (Maunaloa) and the largest park in the state (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park). All but two of the world’s climate zones generate everything from lush rain forests to volcanic deserts, snow-capped mountaintops to beautiful black sand beaches.

Hawaii island – also called the Big Islands - United States of America

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a journey off the beaten path, you’ll discover it all on Hawaii’s Island of Adventure.

Hawaii island – also called the Big Islands - United States of America

(Go Hawaii)

(Spain) - Fuerteventura island – Ideal place for quiet life

Fuerteventura, the island with the oldest history, has the longest beaches of all the archipelago, of wonderful fine sand.

Fuerteventura island – Ideal place for quiet life - Spain

 

Only a narrow channel separates Fuerteventura from the African continent.

It is a paradise equally for spending holidays at the beach as for fishing. There are great beaches even very close to the islands capital, Puerto Rosario.

Add captionFuerteventura island – Ideal place for quiet life - Spain

Fuerteventura is an ideal destination for surfers (the island has an important place on the windsurfing World Cup circuit) and for diving fans, thanks to the caves, tunnels, overhangs and rock formations to be found on its ocean beds.

Fuerteventura island – Ideal place for quiet life - Spain

 

(Red 2000)

(Spain) – Gran Canaria island – Great Island of Dogs

Gran Canaria, originally meaning “Great Island of Dogs” is the most populous island of the Canary Islands, with population of 829 597 which constitutes approximately 40% of the population of the archipelago. Also, it is second most populous island in Spain after Majorca. Located on the Atlantic Ocean about 150 kilometers off the northwestern coast of Africa and about 1350 km (~838 miles) from Europe.

Gran Canaria island – Great Island of Dogs - Spain

The capital of the island, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is also the largest city and capital autonomous community of the Canary Islands.

Gran Canaria island – Great Island of Dogs - Spain

Below is 10 reasons to return to Gran Canaria
1. Fly over water
2. Enrol on a marine mission
3. Feel the beauty of the Maspalomas sun
4. Swim in a strange jungle
5. Be an astronaut without leaving the ground

Gran Canaria island – Great Island of Dogs - Spain

 
6. Catch the secret of Pozo Izquierdo
7. Learn to surf
8. Let yourself in for the surprise of a changing beach
9. Leave rush behind
10. Watch the sunset at Puerto de Mogán

Gran Canaria island – Great Island of Dogs - Spain

(Wiki and Gran Canaria)

(Spain) – Majorca island – Welcome to exotic spanish island

Mallorca (also known in english as Majorca), known as one of the most beautiful and exotic spanish islands with the best party atmosphere in the mediterranean is a paradise for the tourist that seeks to enjoy a vacation full of sun, beach and parties.

Majorca island - Spain

 

It is the largest of the Balearic Islands, off the eastern coast of Spain (Lat 39.688, Long 3.010). Many resorts are more family orientated, particularly the northeastern resorts of Puerto Pollenca (Port de Pollensa) and Alcudia Bay. This whole area is very popular with cyclists, walkers and bird watchers.

Majorca island - Spain

Majorca island - Spain

Majorca island - Spain

Majorca island - Spain

Majorca island - Spain

(Majorca Spain and VR Majorca)

(Spain) – Menorca island - The Island of Pleasant Breeze

Smaller and quieter than its neighbor Mallorca , Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic islands. Situated just 34 km / 21 miles from Mallorca , the island of Menorca has many family-friendly resorts and almost as many beaches as Mallorca and Ibiza combined. Peaceful holiday resorts line the south coast of Menorca and a string of quiet fishing villages are along the island s rougher northern shore. There are plenty of tourism and tourist information offices situated in the towns of Menorca , providing current information about local Menorca tourist attractions, beaches, museums, local events and festivals, sightseeing and general Menorca tourist information.

Menorca island - Spain

 It has a current population of around 68,000. Compared to its neighbor island Mallorca , it is of course lesser in size and has a more hushed environment. This is probably the main reason why many wholesome family holidays are geared towards this tranquil island. It follows that a lot of family-friendly resorts are situated in the island, most of them at the southern shoreline. Ironic as it may seem, despite its smaller size among other Spanish islands, the number of beaches that Menorca has equals the number of beaches that can be found in Mallorca and Ibiza combined. Over the years, Menorca has undergone very minimal changes. It has certainly been sheltered from the effects of development. It has successfully avoided becoming a full-blown urbanized and tourist-stricken land mass.

Menorca island - Spain

How to get there

The best way to access to each place in Menorca is driving a car. We propose you to maintain the camp base in Ciudadella or close to this village because from here you will be able to access quickly to the best beaches.

Menorca island - Spain

The main highways are very good but they are one way roads. The secondary ones are very narrow and do not have marked the dividing line of both senses. As for the highways of access to the beach they are made of land, very narrow, with pot-holes and stones, so be careful with the car.

Menorca island - Spain

The places

CIUDADELLA: Until the end of the English domination, this city was the Menorca capital: the cathedral, palaces and the, lordly houses will show it to you. Also, until the end of the XIX century, the city preserved the medieval wall that was protecting it from the assaults of the Turkish pirates. Still it is possible to to see part of the old wall in the Bastió de Sa Font and in the Town Hall.

Location: West side of the island. 48 km far away from Mahón.

Menorca - Ciutadella - Spain

FORNELLS: The port is beautifull but the most important thing to do there is to eat 'Caldereta de langosta' (lobster stew).

Location: North of the island.

Menorca island - Fornells - Spain

MAHÓN: The continuos pirate attack and the Barbaroja sacking was the reason of the Mahón destruction in 1535. With the second more big in the world after Pearl Harbour , this city is the current Administrative capital of Menorca, and of course, it is good to know it walking, after a good day in the beach.

Location: East of the island

CAP DE FAVÁRITX: After visiting Mahón, you will enjoy seeing the sun going down in this place. It looks a moon landscape with a beacon at the end of the road. The sand and the rocks are black. It is a must

Location: Northeast, close to Mahón.

CAP DE CAVALLERÍA: There , it is possible to enjoy of the sunset while lookig at the beacon. Close to this site it is the nude and solitary Cavallería beach.

3 km far away there is a bar between high pines where to drink something an relax yourself will be very pleasant.

Location: North of the island. Close to Fornells.

NAVETA DES TUDONS: The funeral 'Navetas' are perhaps the prehistoric element more characteristic; it is the oldest building with roof in Spain and dates from the Age of the Bronze. The 'navetas' could be an evolution of 'dolmenes' or tombs, because they present some characteristics in common with these.

Location: Mahón - Ciudadella highway. 4 km far away from Ciudadella.

MACARELLA AND MACARELLETA COVES: Macarella cove is accessible by car and paying 5 euros (per car). At the end of the road, you must leave the car in teh parking and the you will walk during 3 minutes. There is a restaurant and a bar. Also you can have a shower paying 1 euro.

Location: Southwest of the island. It is accessible from Ciutadella, taking the Sant Joan de Missa way. It is close to Galdana beach.

TURQUETA COVE: The beach is at the end of the car parking, but again, don't hesitate to walk 2 minutes though the way on the lef side to go to a beautiful cove. As Macarella beach, the sand is white. It hasn't got a restaurant or a bar.

Location: Southwest of the island. It is accessible from Ciutadella, taking the Sant Joan de Missa way. It is

PREGONDA COVE: The contrast between the green colour of the vegetation and the sand orange colour is incredible. The walk during 15 minutes from Biminel-lá is worth due to the beauty.

Location: North of the island.

LA VALL (ALGAIRENS): While lowering the stairs, two twin beaches appear, however, again the saying 'If you can walk a little, it would be better', here is applicable; at the end of this double beach a way on the left goes to one second beach much more calm with better sand.

Location: Northeast of the island.

ES TALAIER: The small and virgin beach, very close to Son Saura beach, is a paradise due to the calm, the turquoise water, the pines and the white sand.

Location: South of the island, between Son Saura beach and Turqueta cove. The easiest way is leaving the car in the Son Saura parking and walk during 10 minutes.

CALES COVES:

Location: South of the island

(About Menorca and TravelPod)

(Greece) – Rhodes islands

This is one of the best known Greek islands and holidaymakers have been coming here for many decades. It is a beautiful island, but the many years of tourism has definitely taken its toll. Everywhere in Lindos and Rhodes town you will see bars, discos, and restaurants with food from all over the world. On the one hand this might take away a bit of the "Greekness" of the island, but on the other hand you have everything you want here. Struggling to find somewhere to exchange money or trying to communicate through bodylanguage on a small island might be charming, but sometimes it is wonderful to have all the facilities, especially if you are travelling with children, or just want to have a fun holiday by the sea.

Rhodes Island - Greece

 

Many locals are involved with tourism in one way or the other, but there is also a lot of farmers on the island. They grow grapes and keep goats. Because it is a large island, many also have "ordinary" occupations: civil servants, shopowners, office clerks etc. There is also a large military base on the island.

Rhodes Island - Greece

What to see in Rhodes:

The capital, Rodos, is in itself very beautiful. Just walk around in the Old Town and see where the streets take you. Mandraki is a nice area, and from the hill of Monte Smith you get a wonderful panorama view. It is in the harbour of Mandraki the two famous bronze deer stand where the colossus of Rhodes once was. The old part of the town is from the Middle Ages and you can visit the castle of the Grand Master as well as walk on the road of the Knights and visit the Castle of the Knights.

Rhodes Island - Greece

The white town Lindos is well worth visiting. The acropolis here was only surpassed by the acropolis of Athens, and you can still see its ruins.

Rhodes Island - The white town Lindos - Greece

The healing baths of Kallithea are on the Eastern side of the island.

Rhodes Island - Kallithea - Greece

On the West side of the island there are several picturesque villages. If you like ancient history the "Pompey of Greece", Kamiros, is definitely a place to go. The monastery of Filerimos is also a place worth a visit.

Rhodes Island - Monastery of Filerimos - Greece

Sianna is often considered the most picturesque village.

Rhodes Island - Sianna - Greece

The Valley of Butterflies (Petaludes) is full of butterflies and is very pretty.

Rhodes Island - Valley of Butterflies - Greece

What to do

Rhodes has many options for grown ups as well as children. There are lots of watersports, as well as tenniscourts, golf and horseriding. In Afandou there is a Casino which is Greece's third in size. You can also dive in Kallithea. The island is also great for exploring on your own.

Rhodes Island - Castle of the Knights - Greece

Rhodes Beaches

The best beaches are situated on the east coast. It is not too windy there and most beaches there are suitable for families with children. Surfers prefer Prasonisi in the South. At Cape Ladiko there is a small bay with the incredible name Anthony Quinn which is very nice. This is where The Guns of Navarone was filmed. There are also many, many more beaches.

Rhodes Island - Castle of the Knights - Greece

Rhodes Nightlife

You'll find loads of bars, pubs, discos and clubs here on Rhodes. There is something for every taste, both foreign and Greek. The wildest partying goes on in Rhodes town mainly at the new town and Lindos, but there are also many nice places in the quieter parts.

Food

The local wine and sparkling wine worth a try. The Greeks call the latter champagne, but it is much cheaper than the real thing.. There is also a local drink called Soima made of grapes, as well as a special kind of honey. There are taverns all over the island. The real traditional Greek taverns are in the smaller villages, and in Rhodes town and Lindos there is a wide range of international as well as Greek restaurants.

Rhodes Island - Harbour of Mandraki - Greece

Shopping in Rhodes

You can get all kinds of things here. There are ordinary shops where you can buy clothes, shoes, books, things for the beach, glasses and so on. Then, there are the souvenir shops where everything Greek can be bought: leather belts, gloves, bags, icons, embroideries, copies of ancient art etc.

Getting Around

The roads on Rhodes are quite good, so you can get around easily with a car or a bike. There is also a good local busnetwork, as well as many taxis. Several boats can take you on excursions to beaches.

Getting There

There is an airport on the island of Rhodes where almost all charter flights land. The airport also has flights within Greece to both islands with airports as well as with Athens Greece and Thessaloniki. The island is also connected with the rest of the Dodecannese, as well as Crete, the Cyclades, Pireus and Alexandroupolis. There are also ferry connections with Cyprus and Israel

Facts about Rhodes

Size: 1400 sq. km

Population: about 100.000

Cashmachine: Yes

Internet cafe: Yes

Highest Mountain: Ataviros

Airport: Yes

Tour Operators: Argo,Libra, JMC, Apollo, Ving

Phone numbers

International code: 0030

Local code: 22410

Hospital: 8000

Port Police: 28666

Tourist Information:23655

Bus company: 36370

Tourist Police:2241023329

Airport: 2241083200

(In 2 Greece)

(Greece) – Santorini – 10 things you MUST do in

Santorini is the last of the Cyclades islands to the South. The closests islands are Ios, Folegandros, Sikinos to the North, Anafi and Amorgos to the East and Crete to the South.

Santorini Island - Greece

We refer to it as one, but actually it is a complex of five islands. Santorini (Thira) is the main island and around it Thirasia and Aspronisi (parts of the ancient Stroggili) and the two volcanic islands Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni.

Santorini Island - Greece

It was one island named Stroggili (circle in Greek) until about 1645 BC, when the volcano in the middle of the island erupted and Caldera was created. The two volcanic islands appeared much later from various eruptions starting from 157 BC until the last one in the 20th century (1950).

Santorini Island - Greece

Many reasons made this island famous worldwide and more or less we all have seen a picture of it (it was that picture the travel agency used for Greece). There is a talk about the connection between Thira and mythical Atlantis. Also Jules Verne made Santorini famous with its books "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "The mysterious island" where captain Nemo and his crew watch the volcano eruption. He was one of the visitors and scientists that came to Thira during the eruptions of 1866 - 1870 and wrote the well known book just after it. It is realy the mysterious island, the volcano rules, the caldera view is the most breathtaking one on the planet!

If you are after the caldera view have a look at Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Megalochori and Akrotiri.

For the best beaches check Perissa, Kamari, Perivolos, Vlihada and Red beach.

The unique caldera, the energy and the beauty of the island are the most important reasons for being ranked as the top island in Europe and one of the once in a life time must see destinations of the world.

If you want to know how to reach it, Santorini is connected to Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, Kos and all the major Cyclades islands (Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Sifnos, Milos, Tinos, Syros) by boat and Athens and many countries direct by plane.

Below are 10 things you MUST do in Santorini:

1. Go up the Caldera on a mule ride

One of the most authentic experiences is going up from the Old Harbour (or Ammoudi) on a mule. These friendly animals carry you through the 587-step winding path on the steep slope that designates the shortcut to Fira. The itinerary begins in a relaxing way with the orders given in the mule drivers’ anguage but soon enough, when the distance from the sea level becomes higher and higher and, the donkey gets closer and closer to the edge of the cliff, the adventure is on!

Santorini - Go up the Caldera on a mule ride - Greece

2. Dive into the sunset

The Caldera, generously embracing the Aegean, is the spot where the silence of the East meets the serenity of the West and creates a divine melody of colours. Colour nuances alternate so harmoniously as if overflown from the palette of the volcano. You needn’t run to Oia in the jam of people. Wherever you are in the Caldera, the sunset is magical!

Santorini - Dive into the sunset- Greece

3. Try Vinsanto chocolates

Needless to say that it is a “must” to try the local sweet wine of the island, Vinsanto. However, when I tried a brand new product of the Argyros Winery, chocolates filled with Vinsanto, I got infatuated! The sweetness of the wine blends with the chocolate and the outcome is something that, believe me, you surely do not want to miss!

Santorini - Try Vinsanto chocolates - Greece

4. Visit a winery

There is no doubt that the uniqueness of Santorini has to do with the volcano and the Caldera. However, if you stick only there, you will have done injustice to such a multi-dimensional island! The volcanic land gives special features to the wines. A visit to a winery, so as to get acquainted with the traditional vine-cultivation and wine-making, and trying some of the OPAP wines of the island is a unique experience you should not miss!

Santorini - Visit a winery - Greece

5. Go to Ammoudi for swimming and eating

Among my most favourite moments on the island: walking along the dust road to reach the small beach with the cliffs, diving into the deep waters and swimming below the Caldera - above the sea bottom chaos (here there are no sunbathing comforts etc). Then going to the taverna with the yellowish colours on the walls for fish and sea dishes and waiting for the sunset. The sun vanishes behind Thirasia and from this spot you have the sunset with the longest duration!

Santorini - Go to Ammoudi for swimming and eating - Greece

6. Buy packaged tomato paste

It is in great demand and you will realize why, only when you try it. A spoonful of the “Anydro” or “Santo” tomato paste makes the difference in the food in sweetness, aroma and taste. The “Santo” of the Cooperative was awarded this year as the best Greek standardized food product, while the “Anydro” of Petros Oikonomakis is a biological product and has received many distinctions at a worldwide level. You will also find “tomataki-glyko tou koutaliou” (small tomato-sweet of the spoon), canned “tomatakia” (small tomatoes) etc.

Anydro, Megalohori, tel: 22860-81820

Santo Wines, Pyrgos, τηλ.: 22860-22596

Santorini - Buy packaged tomato paste- Greece

7. “Maria Kallas” and Caldera

Close your eyes and imagine: Lying-chairs upon white terraces above the Caldera. The volcano before you and the serenity of the landscape overwhelming your inner self. And suddenly classical music notes

caressing your ears and seagulls flying right before your eyes to the rhythm of a piano or the virtuosity of a violin! You are at Franco’s, the most famous bar of Santorini, playing only classical and opera music having the Caldera at the background. And what will you drink? A “Maria Kallas” cocktail, of course!

Santorini - “Maria Kallas” and Caldera - Greece

8. Vlyhada... as if in a moon landscape!

I fell in love with it at first sight! At the volcanic white rocks of Vlyhada reminding of a moon landscape you lose the sense of place and time! Just a tiny bit above the sea level, there is a small beach bar named “Theros Wave Bar”, which mystically drives you far away! It is really impressive how beautifully harmonized it is with the environment, for it is entirely made of the same natural stone. Lying-chairs on the beach, cocktails at the bar, relaxing music in a landscape that is absolutely “extraterrestrial”! Tel: 6974-348417

Santorini - Vlyhada as if in a moon landscape - Greece

9. Try the local cuisine with Santorini products

Looking at the volcano, escaping in the Caldera. So what? What is the importance of all this if you cannot feel it deeply inside yourself? And how is it possible to feel the power of this land, unless you sense its aromas through the products of its earth, cooked by a chef who really loves it? And , of course, by accompanying them with a bottle of “Santorini”, the Assyrtiko wine of our island with its metallic acidity and unique features.

Satorini - Try the local cuisine with Santorini products - Greece

10. Stay in a yposkafo

The architecture of Santorini is unique. The yposkafa, i.e. the plain dwellings the local islanders used to build within the rocks in order to protect themselves from the winds are one of a kind! Nowadays, in Santorini of today, they have been handed over to renowned architects who converted them into wonderful places to stay. It is worth experiencing even for one night the claustrophobic feeling of the yposkafo, the characteristic smell of the rock, the immediate closeness with the Caldera..

Santorini - Stay in a yposkafo - Greece

(Travel To Santorini and Santorini Island Guide)