most desired surf destinations

The Best Time of Year to Surf in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, known as the heart of Central America’s surfing scene, is a favorite destination among surfing enthusiasts around the globe. With more than 800 miles of spectacular coastline touching the Pacific and Caribbean seas, Costa Rica provides endless opportunities for surfing. But before you pack your board and sunblock, consider the best times of the year to surf in this tropical paradise.

Understanding the Seasons

Seasons in Costa Rica consist of “dry” and “rainy”.

  • The dry season (December to April) offers plenty of sunshine, making it a popular time for tourists.
  • The rainy season (May to November) is characterized by afternoon showers but leaves the mornings generally sunny and free for perfect surf sessions.

Pacific Coast Surfing

The Pacific coast is divided into three main surfing regions: Guanacaste, Central Pacific, and South Pacific.

Guanacaste Region

Dry Season

The northwestern region of Guanacaste is famous for its consistent offshore winds during the dry season. This area boasts numerous beautiful beaches with excellent waves for surfing:

  • Tamarindo
  • Playa Negra
  • Playa Avellana
  • Playa Grande

Surf schools and rental gear are plentiful in Tamarindo, making it a popular destination for beginners and tourists.

Rainy Season

In Guanacaste, the rainy season supplies powerful South Pacific swells, offering impressive waves for intermediate and advanced surfers. Destinations like Nosara and Marbella become hotspots during this period.

Central Pacific Region

Dry Season

The Central Pacific coastline features a variety of surf breaks suited for all skill levels:

  • Hermosa Beach
  • Jacó Beach
  • Playa Esterillos

These beaches receive ample swells from the northwest, providing great surf opportunities during the dry season.

Rainy Season

During the rainy season, the Central Pacific experiences consistent swell from the south, resulting in perfect waves for all surfers. Hermosa Beach, in particular, is a well-known spot for its powerful surf throughout the year.

South Pacific Region

Dry Season

The South Pacific region is less populated and can be more difficult to access. However, this allows for uncrowded beaches and pristine surfing conditions. Some popular surf spots in this region include:

  • Dominical
  • Uvita

While the dry season offers excellent surfing opportunities, the South Pacific truly shines during the rainy season.

Rainy Season

With the arrival of the South Pacific swells, waves are larger and more consistent in the South Pacific region. Pavones, famous for its long left-hand break, and Matapalo become increasingly popular destinations during this time, drawing experienced surfers from around the world.

Caribbean Coast Surfing

The Caribbean Coast, though less known to tourists, offers some unique surfing experiences.

Dry Season

Throughout the dry season, the Caribbean sees less consistent surf conditions compared to its Pacific counterpart because the North Atlantic cold fronts are less frequent.

Rainy Season

In contrast, the rainy season (especially September and October) corresponds with hurricane season in the Atlantic. This leads to larger and wilder waves, perfect for adrenaline-seeking surfers. Top spots include:

  • Salsa Brava
  • Playa Cocles

Considerations for Different Skill Levels

Choosing the best time to surf in Costa Rica also depends on the surfer’s skill level.

Beginners are advised to take advantage of the dry season when the waves are not as powerful, providing a safer learning environment.

Intermediate and advanced surfers might enjoy the challenges introduced by the rainy season with its larger, more potent waves.

For a deeper dive into the best spots to surf in Costa Rica, check out the Discover Pura Vida travel blog, and find the perfect location for your next adventure. Read about them here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, no matter the time of the year, Costa Rica always has something to offer to surfers. Whether you’re an expert seeking killer waves, or a novice looking to ride your first wave, Costa Rica promises an unforgettable surfing experience.

Tourist Attractions in Cordoba

Journey Through Cordoba

Tourists can experience a variety of adventures in Cordoba, which is frequently described as Moorish Spain. The capital of Al-Andalus, the city was once the biggest in Europe and the center of learning and culture, it was referred to as the Mecca of the West. Anyone would be in for an unforgettable experience in the city, with all of its sights and attractions, nightlife, cuisine, and festivals.

Cordoba is one of the places that you should include in your “Must see cities in Spain.” You would never go wrong in deciding to visit the wonderful city. The city of Cordoba has a lot to offer to its visitors. It has a wide array of tourist spots for anyone to enjoy. From garden and parks for nature lovers, old churches and synagogues for those interested in religious architecture, to vibrant festivals and a dynamic nightlife for the party goers. Cordoba has all these.

Cordoba with a historical legacy of singular beauty

The city of Cordoba is the capital of the province of Cordoba. Its rich culture and architecture that is still evident today is proof of the city’s very rich culture. During the later part of the 10th century the city was inhabited by about 500,000 people and was the most populated city in the entire Europe and was thought to have also been the most populated city in the entire world. It has now decreased in population and as of 2008 had an estimated number of 325, 453 inhabitants.

Rich Culture Cordoba has been witness to a lot of changes and transformations throughout centuries. Originally the city was predominantly Catholic until the Islamic conquest it then was home to a number of Islamic rulers. Each occupation resulted to a different mark in the city’s history and the city’s culture.

The different changes that the city underwent resulted to a number of architectural marvels. One of this is the Great Mosque of Cordoba which is now known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. There are a number of old churches that you can still see today. Among these are San Nicolás de la Villa, San Miguel, and Santa Marina church.

Things to do in Cordoba

Attractions and Sights in Cordoba

The architectural structures of the city that date hundreds of years ago are something that would really enthrall and fascinate visitors. Mezquita, the city’s Great Mosque and one of the world’s largest, should not be missed by anybody. 785 years old, the structure is by far the most beautiful and biggest construction of the Moors in Spain. For tourists, a visit to the place should be among the highlights.

Cordoba History

The city of Cordoba is the capital of the province of Cordoba. It is a city that is 2000 years old and it is a city that is packed with a very rich culture. The city was home to Moors at one time, then to Romans at another time. These settlers left their respective marks in the city of Cordoba which up to this day can still be very much seen around the area.

Roman Rule

In 206 BC, Cordoba was ruled by the Romans. During the time of Julius Caeser, it was the city of Cordoba that was named the capital city of Hispania Ulterior Baetica, a Roman province. At this time, there were a lot of notable people in history that were produced from the great Roman Cordoba. The poet Lucan and the great Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus were among those that originated from the Roman capital city of Southern Spain.

Islamic Rule

The Moors’ rule over the city of Cordoba began in the year 711. Cordoba was then witness to a lot of changes. First it was named as the provincial capital of the Damascus Caliphate. This happened in 716. Then 50 years after in 766, it became the provincial capital of Al-Andalus, an independent Muslim emirate. It finally became a Caliphate in 1000 AD.

It was said that during this time of the Islamic ruling over the city, Cordoba was considered as the biggest city, one that had the most developed administrative system and the city that had the most refined culture in the entire Europe.

The reason behind the city’s great progress and recognition during the earliest part of the tenth century was due to the three grand rulers Add-ar-rahman III, who was the first Caliph; Al-Hakam II, his son; and Al-Mansur-Ibn Abi-Amir, also known as Almansor.

The fall of the city began when the mini states surfaced. Their leaders lacked the leadership skills and this paved way for the city of Cordoba to be recaptured by the Christians in 1236. This happened after a several months of cordon. It was King Ferdinand III of Castile that led the capture. He then divided the city to 14 barrios and also added a number of churches all over the city.

After Renaissance

Cordoba declined after the renaissance period. During the 18th century its population dropped to 20,000, a huge difference from the time of the Islamic rule when it had up to 500,000 inhabitants. The economy also dropped after during this time.

It was only during the 20th century that the city’s economy as well as the population began to increase. Now, the city is a thriving tourist spot that gives its visitors a peek at its rich culture through the architecture and the various festivals that were left by their early settles.

Top Cordoba Attractions

Cordoba holds a lot of history, when you go on a site seeing tour on Cordoba’s top tourist spots, be captivated by its wonderful sceneries, great views and historical landmarks. Your Cordoba vacation would never be complete without a tour on Cordoba’s finest sites.

Mezquita / Cordoba Cathedral

Go down on a spiritual journey on Cordoba’s grandest and most beautiful mosque. The Mezquita was constructed by the late Moors during their occupation on Cordoba. You can easily find it for it is located upright at the heart of the city. Don’t be confused with the name; the Cordoba Cathedral is also a mosque. It was said so that after the Christians chased the Moors off the city, they were awestruck by the mosque’s elegance that they were reluctant to tear it down. So instead of destroying it, they built a cathedral within its walls.

Alcazár de los Reyes Cristianos

Christopher Columbus himself walked the gardens of this fine vicinity. It was here that he requested the funds for his voyage all over the world. The gardens of Alcazar serve as a memorabilia of this fine event. The building founded now were formerly where the Inquisition dwell. In the present time, it hosts Cordoba’s finest mosaic collection.

Gardens of the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos

Judería

Cordoba has a lot of spiritual quarters from the past history that is preserved until today. When you walk the length of the streets where the old Jewish quarters lie, it is where you will see a few of the remaining synagogues of Spain. Only three stand in the present and Cordoba is proud to own it.

Plaza del Potro

The old square of Cordoba is a special place, even now, it is still a preferred place to hang out and socialize. It is a pleasant place for afternoon strolls or even just for drinking coffee.

Plaza de la Corredera

The Ayuntamiento or the present town square is busy and always teeming with life. It has undergone a couple of reconstructions and now it hold a Roman amphitheater, a bullring for those who want to witness an actual bullfight and it is also the Time Square of Cordoba where people flock to celebrate important fiestas and occasions. It is also where they countdown the seconds to New Year. Amongst its quaint architecture it is also a shopping and bazaar site where you can make great deals and find souvenirs for your Cordoba expedition.

Architecture in Cordoba

Cordoba, a World Heritage site, is also a Mecca of great architectural finds. Because of its rich history it has a number of religious monuments and other structures that will surely leave you at awe.

Religious Structures

The Mosque-Cathedral with the buildings and streets that are surrounding it has been named as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. In its different sections you will be able to see the Omeyan style of the building. While in other parts you will also see the different styles of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque incorporated. The building served as a Mosque at one point in time and a Church in another time. The most notable feature about the Mosque-Cathedral is the huge arches that comprised of red and white columns. These were made up of marble, onyx, jasper and granite.

The Synagogue that was built by architect in 1315 Isaac Moheb follows the Mudejar style. This is another great architectural edifice in Cordoba that you shouldn’t miss. In the entire Spain, it is one of the most preserved Medieval Synagogues. Aside from the Mudejar-style plant patterns that are decorated all over its main hall, the Synagogue also has three arches that are filled with decorative plasterwork in the women’s tribune.

Other Monuments

The other monuments in Cordoba that you will be in awe of its architecture are the Royal Stables with its sandstone pillar-supported vaulted ceiling, the Castle of Christian Monarchs with its solid defensive walls and its fortress that is almost rectangular shaped, the Medina Azahara, and the Calahorra Tower.

Cordoba Has Something for Everyone

Cordoba is considered as one of the best places to visit in Southern Spain. From its rich history and architecture, to its abundance of tourist spots and festivals it surely would be a place that will make your trip a most memorable one.

A Place for Everyone You would never run out of places to see in Cordoba. If you like visiting historical sites, there are a lot to choose from. Among the many historical places in Cordoba, the Palacio de Viana is one that you shouldn’t miss. It is a National Monument that welcomes more than seventy thousand visitors to its doors every year.

For the nature lover, there are also a number of places where you could spend your time in when in the city. Alcazar Gardens is one of these places. Its lush garden includes a walkway adorned with tall green plants with a fish pond at the center, different varieties of botanical species and several water fountains that are spread all over the place.

The city also has a lot of places to go where you can witness its rich architecture. One of the best places to visit is the Great Mosque of Cordoba. Originally, the building was erected as a Christian Visigothic Church. When Cordoba was conquered by the Arabs, it was converted into a mosque and underwent a lot of restorations.

Now, it has been turned back again into a church and is known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. The giant arches that which have columns that are made of marble, onyx, jasper and granite is what the structure is most known for.

Festive Celebrations Cordoba is also home to a lot of festivals that keep the town alive and busy all year round. The month of May though is the most visited time of the year as it is when three of the many festivals in Cordoba are celebrated.

The Crosses of May Festival which happens at the start of May lasts up to four days. It is a competition for best adorned and the best flower decorated cross. During this time tourists will be able to see beautifully decorated crosses placed in squares and streets of the city.

Busy Nightlife The city’s dynamic nightlife is another thing to any tourist can enjoy when in Cordoba. Nightspots that showcase Flamenco dance performances and bars that serve the local wine are some of the places to visit during nighttime.

Shopping in Cordoba

Whether you are a shopaholic, window shopper or hunting for bargains and memorabilia, then get ready for the Cordoba shopping spree.

Cordoba is a good shopping city for a spending spree, from cheap buys to posh signature items. At the suburban area of downtown Cordoba is the home of the shopping malls. The most active shopping district is at the Mercado Norte, here you will find bargain prices and cheaper goods.

There are also modern shopping malls which are huge and in fact offer you all the varieties of what you would which to find.

The Patio Olmos and Garden Shopping found at the center. The Dinosaurio Mall and Cordoba Shopping located at the northwest and the Nuevo Centro Shopping found westward. Here you will find all sorts of stuff from souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, bags; branded or not; you’ll find it here. You can roam around the malls for endless hours and always find something interesting that you would wish to buy.

If you’re the sophisticated type, there are boutiques that sell designer items from both local and international designers. For those who are more casual then there are shops also to fit your budget without compromising your style.

Here are some helpful Spanish words for shoppers: “liquidacion,” “traspaso,” and “rebajas”, simply means that they are on sale so watch out for these words on the store windows and glass.

Local arts and crafts are also made available and sold to the public at Paseo de Las Artes, recommended during Saturdays and Sundays. If you’re the one who appreciates the value of art and crafts, then the place to go is the Parque las Heras, especially on the weekends.

You will see here hand crafted accessories, decorations, vases and paintings; they make great souvenir items and are unique.

At Guemes District, you can do your food shopping for local delicacies like alfajores, sweet hams, honey and of course, tapas. That’s if you want to bring home some of Cordoba’s best foods or if you want to try and cook a delicacy yourself.

There are other shops and malls located at the city square and also the pedestrian malls even after 8 PM. Night markets and shopping is also made available, the prices are much cheaper and you can even bargain for the items that you wish to buy. This is especially true on weekends where the streets are oiled with shoppers going on a spree.

Cordoba Festivals

Cordoba, being a city that is rich in culture, has a lot of festivals that are celebrated all the year round. From the religious festivals that have become tradition to Cordoba to the modern festivals that attract a multitude of tourists, these festivals are truly a thing to experience.

Religious and Traditional Festivals

The Carnival. Singers dress up in comparsas and parade the city’s streets then go to the Grand Theatre to showcase their talent in singing comic pieces. There is also a parade that can be participated by the public and it too is done throughout the city’s streets. This is celebrated annually on the second fortnight of the month of February.

Holy Week. This is observed annually and a venue where Christian’s can publicly pronounce their faith. Processions are done in the city’s streets and during this time the city is unusually solemn.

The May Crosses. Celebrated at the start of May, this festival includes the competition on the best flower-adorned crosses and also the Battle of the Flowers which is for the best flower decorated floats.

Modern Festivals

The White Night of Flamenco. This is celebrated for one whole night every June. Different artists like Jose Merce, El Pele, and Miguel Poveda perform at the different streets and squares throughout the city. It is considered as the largest Flamenco event in the world with 200,00 people attending just in the firs year.

Nights of Charm. Every July and August, Cordoba holds this festival which is a celebration of the rich culture of the city. All the nights of these two months are filled with theatre, music and dance performances as well as other artistic events.

Cordoba Dining

You can never go wrong with dining in Cordoba, with their exotic and fresh food, spicy flavors and appealing taste and aroma which just fills your stomach and make you content without feeling guilty about your diet.

Savor the delicacies and scrumptious foods of the Cordobans and taste the grand flavors of Cordoba’s finest dishes. You can go to bars, restaurants and even simple cafeterias if you want to taste their local cuisine.

If you want a sunny luncheon with a pleasing atmosphere, then the Taberna Pepe de la Juderia is the perfect cozy place for you to dine out. It’s a delightful little café located at the old Jewish Quarter not far off Mezquita. The shops’ location at the corner of the sidewalk gives you a glimpse of the streets if you just want to observe the outside activity. The inside of the restaurant has that diner’s feel to it, complete with a Hall-of-Fame, photos and memorabilia of famous patrons lining it’s wall.

They pride themselves with great service, all smiles on customers and really prompt service whatever the weather. They offer the tastiest sandwiches with olives and Iberian Ham that just tingles your taste. They also have the favored Flamenquin, both loved by tourists and customers. If you’re the one to follow the guidebooks of the best restaurants in Cordoba, then this one will surely appear in the list.

The Hotel and Restaurant Vallina at the back of Mezquita, offers you fine dining at it’s best. It has a classic interior owing to the fact that the building is 1600-years-old but with some renovation and refurbished walls and décor, the place is just grand. The place is decorated with huge wine barrels, tile work and wine storage. As always, with Cordoban hospitality, the service is outstanding but the menu is even of greater significance to the diners. The house specialty is Salmorejo, an cold gazpacho soup with sliced ham and hard-boiled egg and they are always complimented for their great dessert selection.

If you want a comfortable place with a great view, then the Rincon Bar is the perfect place for you. If you want a hearty meal or just a light snack, then opt for this bar. Rincon means “corner” in Spanish. It’s a lovely place but with just enough space, they have comfortable chairs and low tables with couch-type seats along the sides. From their extensive menu, you cant try out for their “Menu del Dia”, a complete meal set to satisfy your hunger. If you just want some snacks or a quick place to stop by for some refreshments, then of course, they offer tapas with beer in their menu.

Nightlife in Cordoba

When in Cordoba, you wouldn’t want to miss out all the fun, day or night. During the day, you get to visit all the must see sights and photograph all the way. At night, it’s the time to unwind, socialize and just continue wit the fun, Cordoba style. Cordoba night outs are fun, colorful and just to put it simply, party till you drop.

There are a variety of bars, pubs and restaurants to choose from in Cordoba. You can choose from different locations, if you want it to be in the confines of the city where you can hop on bars and clubs. If you are more adventurous, there are also beach parties that you can go to. Then there are the classy bars that offer you fine dining, great wine selection, classical music; where you can just relax but still socialize with others.

They say, the real party starts at midnight. As most Cordobans tend to roam around the night, enjoying drinks and tapas, it is a golden opportunity for you to befriend them, it’s best to go out on weekends where there are day-offs for the locals.

Here are a few of Cordoba’s best night out locations:

The Taberna Casa Salinas, is one of the oldest and established pubs in Cordoba. Located at Puerto de Almodóvar, this pub has an air of nostalgia for both locals and tourists alike. They offer glasses of sherry’s, fresh tapas with spicy Andalusian sausages and buckets of olives for good measure. This pub has ran for a good four decades and still up and running. Sometimes, they stage flamenco shows and that’s something any tourist would want to see.

If you’re the type who wants to dance to the beat of independent music then you can go to Soul at Calle de Alfonso XIII, located near the city hall. Within the vicinity, there are also other clubs that you can go to such as Moloko (Alfaros 29) and la Communa (Calle Caño 1), they offer great food, great music and overall, you get to have a great night.

There is also Soho, located near the river of Calle San Fernando. They play modern and indie music too.

When you get to visit Cordoba during summertime, there is always a buzz around Vial Norte at El Brilliante. If you want to party till dawn then Chinales is the place to go. During summer, it’s the time where the bars and clubs get to be pretty crowded with all the after school parties, locals and tourists enjoying the food, drinks and social highlights brought about by the summertime heat.

Cordoba Transportation

Going around the city to visit its many tourist spots is not even difficult for any tourist. There are a number of transportations available for everyone which makes it very easy to travel for the non-locals. There are a lot of taxis available that can take you anywhere you want to go.

Just come prepared with a ready Spanish words or phrases or carry with you a Spanish-English dictionary as some of the drivers don’t speak English fluently. You can also use the coaches to get around the city. The city buses that are highly noticeable because of their vibrant hues is also another transportation option.

The best things to do in Athens, Greece

Discover the History and Beauty of Greece’s Athens

Athens may just be considered to be among most enchanting and magical cities in the world. It is for this reason why many people from various parts of the globe put the city on their bucket list as a must-visit place.

Greece’s capital and largest city, Athens has been known to be where civilization was born; the birthplace of democracy and of the wise men in ancient times. Because the capital is where the most important civilization of ancient times flourished, Athens therefore holds some of the world’s marvelous and significant structures.

The top activities in Athens, Greece

One of the famous faces of the city is the Acropolis of Athens. Europe’s most famous archaeological monument, the edifice, which is also referred to as the “Sacred Rock” is ancient Greek culture’s most significant reference point. The history and magnificence of the place have gotten itself a nomination to the 7 Wonders of the Modern World – and many have taken it as a favorite.

Athens, Greece offers tourists with many different interesting sights and experiences. Its old neighborhood’s present a coexistence of the city’s different eras. Its famous historic triangle which comprises Psyri, Thission, and Plaka, will put any visitor in awe with the wonderful and picturesque setting. Its old mansions, whether those that were well-preserved or those that have already worn out in time, will not fail to impress and interest everyone.

Athens Architecture

Athens is filled with neoclassical buildings that will impress even those who do not have knowledge in the field. Among the favorite architectural sights in the city include the National Library, the Archaeological Museum, and the Athens Academy. The streets of Patission, Athinas, Stadiou, and Panepistimiou are also surrounded with many interesting historical structures.

Beaches in Athens

Athens is not just about history and structures. The city is also home to a number of beaches that will delight the beach buffs. Outside the city limits are the coasts of Attaca peninsula where you can bask in the sun and the beaches of Athens. You can choose from private beaches but there are free and public beaches where you can spend some time getting some sunshine and way from the hectic life in urban Athens.

Some of the frequented beaches in the city and around Attica Peninsula are Varkiza, Kavouri, Vouliagmeni, and Glyfada. These beaches are located in the south suburbs of the city which makes them very accessible with public transportation.

Transportation in Athens

Speaking of public transportation, this Greek capital boasts of a very good transport services. Tourists can take on trolley tram, metro, bus, and taxi at reasonable prices. What makes exploring the city better is that because most sights are not far from each other, travelling on foot is very much recommended. With the many sights and attractions in the city, one should make it a point to visit Athens longer.

City Guide to Athens

If you are a fan of Greek mythology, you might have noticed the city’s name’s resemblance to that of the goddess of wisdom, Athena. An etiological myth explains that the city got its name the Athenians chose the goddess over the god of the sea, Poseidon. The two were said to have competed with each other to become the patron of the city.

Poseidon produced salt water spring for the people, while Athena made the olive tree to symbolize peace and prosperity. Because it was the olive tree that the Athenians accepted, Athena became their patron and had the city’s name in her honor.

Athens is basically surrounded with mountains. On its east is Mount Hmettus, Mount Penteli on its northeast, Mount Aegaleo to the west, and Mount Parnitha to the north. Of this four, the last is the tallest and is also recognized as a national park.

Athens is known to have a subtropical Mediterranean climate. It receives annual precipitation just enough to avoid being classified under the semi-arid climate. A dominant feature of the city’s climate though is the alternation of its warm and dry summers and wet yet mild winters (perfect for a vacation getaway!).

Travelling to Athens may sound to be very, very exciting. It is. But it isn’t that easy, especially for first timers. For one, English is not the main language in the city. Second, Greece has a pretty different culture as compared to other European cities. Thus, before packing your suitcase and booking that flight to the capital of Greece, reading some city guide will come very handy.

Getting a good map and informative pamphlets is important when visiting Athens, particularly for those who intend to travel the city without getting the service of tour guides. Independent travelers can make their way to Athens by first dropping by the information desk of the Greek National Tourist Organization. There, tourists will not only get pamphlets and maps, they will also be provided with accommodation list, ferry boat schedules, and useful numbers among others. The best thing about all these is that these services are all provided to tourists for FREE!

Cash is of utmost importance when travelling to Athens. But if you run out of it while exploring the city, the banks and ATM’s in the city will be at your disposal. Spread all over the city and available 24 hours, getting cash from ATM’s in the city will not be a problem so long as your bank account is all right. If you prefer to use credit cards than cash though, then it’s still fine as most of the shops, hotels and restaurants in the city do accept credit card.

A point noteworthy to remember is the city’s currency: Euro. If you are a European, this won’t be much of a hassle; however, if you are travelling with dollars, you would have to go exchange your money at any banks in the city as well as in Post Office, travel bureaus, and foreign exchange offices.

If you want to stay connected with your friends while you are away from home but has not activated your roaming number, you can easily purchase a new sim card in the city which costs around 40-50 Euros (a relatively cheap price considering the high cost of living in Athens). If you need your pals to call you while in Athens, you just have to inform them of the city’s area code, which is 210 followed by your number in the city.

In case of emergency, these numbers will be very helpful: 100 for police, 176 for emergency medical assistance, 199 for the fire department, and 171 for the tourist police.

Athens may just be everything you need for a tourist destination, but doing some research before you head to the city will just increase the fun and enjoyment you will have in the Greece capital.

Athens, Greece Top Attractions

Mysterious. Magnificent. Mystical. Marvelous. These could be the 4M’s (and probably more) to describe the top attractions in Athens – reasons that make thousands, if not millions, of people from all over the world visit it year after year. Below is a list of just a few of the many attractions you should not miss when in the Greek capital.

Athens beautiful views on the Acropolis

Acropolis

From the words Acro which means edge and polis meaning city, the Acropolis, also called Athens’ “Sacred Rock” is considered to be the city’s most important site and constitutes to be the one of the world’s most recognizable monuments. This site also manifests Greek’s flourishing civilization in the ancient times.

The entrance to this area is called the Propylaea which is dedicated to the patron goddess of Athens, Athena. This futuristic designed structure was built through the ingenuity of architect Mnesicles using Pentelic marble.

The Pnyx

Often referred to as the rendezvous of the Athenians for their meetings, The Pnyx is a large theater-like area located on a hill on the west of the Acropolis. Here you will get a glimpse of the city’s past and re-live the moment where the important males in the city convene to discuss important issues. This is also the spot where great political struggles in the city’s Golden Age had been fought out.

Herodeion

Built in 160AD, the Herodeion, which is a theater surrounded by monuments, serve as a venue for many performances and concerts in the city. It goes past the pedestrian of Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. It is also referred to as Odeon of Herodus Atticus.

Kerameikos

Stretching along Ermou Street, the Kerameikos is Athens’ most important and biggest necropolis. If you think it somehow sounds like the English word “ceramic”, well that is because the word has been derived from the place’s name as it once been the quarter of the potters in the city. Here, numerous funerary sculptures and an important cemetery are also situated.

Ancient Agora

The heart of the city’s politics, administration, and commerce, the Ancient Agora, also known as the Roman Agora, has also once placed as the core of the ancient city’s religion and culture. Measuring 111×98 meters, the Agora was once the location of the city’s court of justice. When exploring the area, you will notice the traces of a civilized community which can be traced in the Late Neolithic period. In 6th Century BC, under the rule of Solon, the area has been declared a public area.

Olympieion

Lying on the south-east part of the ancient city, the Olympieion’s establishment goes back from the mythical Deucalion time. It has been inhabited in the prehistoric period where the cult of Zeus is said to be attested. The monumental temple was erected thru the order of Peisistratos the Younger in ca. 515 B.C., however, it was not finished because its tyranny in the city fell. Its construction was finished under the order of Roman emperor Hadrian. Inside the temple one will be in awe with the colossal statue of Zeus which is made of gold and ivory.

Traveling to Athens will surely make you out of positive adjectives to say. So be prepared to be impressed in this wonderful city.

Athens, Greece History

One of the world’s oldest cities, Athens has already been inhabited for 7000 years. It was built in the Attika Plains between Hymettos Mountains and Parnitha, Penteli. It is the leading city of Ancient Greece and the home of one of the world’s flourishing civilization in the ancient times.

The city’s name was taken after Athena, the goddess o f knowledge after the Athenian people chose her as the city’s patron over the god of the sea, Poseidon. According to tradition, Athens was founded when then King Theseus has united several Attica settlements. The city’s last king, Kodros was said to have sacrificed himself to save the homeland.

After the kings in the ancient Athens, came the nobles who ruled the city through the consul called the Arios Pagos (Supreme Court). From this consul, 9 rulers were elected. This was also the time when the assembly of the Athenian citizens, the Eccelia of Demos, was established.

When the period of colonization ended and trades in the city expanded, many Athenians became wealthy in the fields of shipping and trade. However, the lower classes still faced poverty that it resulted to a riot after the latter demanded lands for themselves and more social justice.

After years under tyrants, democracy was born in Athens, a constitution that gives all the Athenians the right as well as the duty to participate in the state’s governance – a significant achievement of the ancient Greeks that has been practiced in many countries even until now.

Under the reign of Pericles in the 5th century BC, Athens lived its most glorious period. During this time, the city’s Golden Age of Athens Parthenon was erected. The fields of drama, arts, and philosophy have flourished during this time too. Unfortunately, the war between the Sparta and the Athenians in the Peloponnesian War ended these days of glory. But even then, the city still remained to be the heart of culture and intelligence in the Roman times.

Athens became the capital of the country in 1833 after the Greek War of Independence. And the rest, as they all say, is history.

Museums to Visit in Athens

Athens, Greece will be a paradise for history buffs! Being one of the world’s oldest cities, with one of the longest histories, Athens is definitely loaded with museums – old and new. Here are a few of the interesting museums in the city.

Athens Acropolis Museum

The Benaki Museum

The Benaki Museum is considered by many to be among the best museums in Athens as it features both ancient and modern Greece, particularly in arts and culture. Its bottom floor starts with a display of pieces from the ancient times then goes up with a showcase of various memorabilia from the different periods of the country’s history. Its third floor presents the many heroes of the Greek Revolution. The National Gardens is located here to give you more interesting views.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is one of the world’s most important archaeological museums being home to the historical past of the greatest civilizations in the world. One can find here rare and breathtaking collections from ancient Greece, which include religious items from Neolithic times, vases, jewellery, statues, sculpture, and weapons.

Agamemnon’s golden mask and other treasures from the Mycenae period is also found here which make every visit very worthwhile. Be in awe with the statues of gods and goddesses which include that of Poseidon of Artemision, Zeus holding a thunder from Dodona, Demeter and Persephone, and that of Aphrodite and Pan among others.

Athens City Museum

If you think you’ve toured enough from the ancient times, then try to stop by the Museum of the City of Athens. This modern museum features the modern history of the city (from the time it became the capital of the country). Among the collections displayed here are paintings, artifacts, and individual artworks from local artists. The museum has an admission fee of 3 euros per person.

War Museum of Athens

Inaugurated in 1975, the War Museum showcases collections from the Greek Army, including materials from the Greece’s war history since the prehistoric times up to the modern days. Aside from war mementoes, the museum also documents studies from war history. With its interesting displays, it’s more interesting to note that the museum does not charge any admission fees.

The Acropolis Museum

This new Acropolis Museum contains breathtaking pieces, such as pediment sculptures and statues found on Acropolis Rock and were part of the buildings’ decoration as part of the dedicated to Athena, the city’s patron and goddess of wisdom. You will also be in awe with the statues of female figures from the archaic era referred to as “Korai”.

Athens will not run out interesting and fascinating museums, so get ready to be in magnificence exploring these breathtaking museums.

Architecture in Athens

Arguably, Athens, Greece has one of the world’s most magnificent architecture. As the city’s life has mainly dominated by religion, it is not surprising that the city’s temples are one of the biggest and most beautiful in the world. Additionally, these temples celebrate pride and civic power, which made them really stand out.

If you have any background in architecture, you would’ve probably known that it was the Greek who came up with three architectural systems known as orders – Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian. The first is elegant with its thin posts and decorated with scroll-like designs; the second is sturdy at its top with design more plain than the first; the last order has designs more elaborate, with acanthus leaves decorations.

Among the architecture in Athens with Ionic order are the Erechtheum, Temple of Apollo in Didyma, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The Erechtheum is a middle classic period temple built on the Acropolis between 421 and 405 BC. Sanctuaries to the gods like Posideon, Athena Polias, and Erechtheus are found here. The Temple of Apollo at Didyma on the other hand features a design known as dipteral – two sets of columns which surround the interior section. The Temple of Athena Nike is part of the Acropolis. The ruins of this temple suggest its former grandeur.

The Parthenon is an example of architecture in the Doric Order. Dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and patron of the city, this temple has stood still despite much damage from the time of its construction in the 5th century BC.

For the Corinthian Order, the temples of Apollo at Bassae and Zeus at Athens are the best example. Being the most ornate among architecture’s classic orders, the Greeks did not seem to really make use of this particular order.

Athens Syntagma Square

Other interesting architecture in Athens are the Syntagma Square which is also referred to as the Constitution Square, the Theatre of Dionysos which was built of dates and timber, and the Hadrian’s Arch which first served as the entry point in Athens.

The architecture in Athens should be on top of your list as you visit Athens. You may just be for a weekend in Athens, but these structures should never be missed no matter what as it shows not just the beauty and magnificence of the city, it also tell a lot of stories to its visitors – something that will make anybody want to visit them again and again.

Theatres in Athens

Theatres in Athens come in two forms: as places to go for alternative entertainment, such as ballet, plays, and classical concerts, and as places to head to for movies.

For the first, the Lyric Theatre and the National Theatre are top of the list when it comes to theatre performances and the like. The Lyric Theatre is known in the country as the Lyriki Skini. It is the only lyric theatre in the country where many operas perform, which often includes foreign artists. The National Theatre on the other hand was the Hadrian’s Library’s inspiration for its façade. Built between 1895 and 1901, the theatre served as the King’s guests’ official Royal Theatre.

Movies in Athens are enjoyable as the city has a number of air-conditioned theatres. There are also open-air cinemas that are just pleasant to be in to let the evening pass. Although a few of these cinemas have already closed, there are still plenty left, mostly family-owned and run, that offer a great venue to watch Athenian films (cross your fingers that you catch one with English subtitles).

If you are travelling with your family, this is the perfect place to bond with them – the kids included. You can drop off the area and enjoy munching snacks and sipping cold drinks while watching a good movie. Among these open theatres are Dexameni in Dexameni Square, Kolonaki, Cine Paris in Plaka (which is also the oldest in town) and Thission in Apostolou Pavlou.

Plays and movies are the perfect bonding means. When in Athens, do not just enjoy the top attractions of Athens or just be in awe with the architecture in Athens, take time to also enjoy the time you have with your family and/or friends in these theatres in Athens.

Athens Festivals

If you are in the city, whether for a short or long vacation, do not just stop by top Athens attractions, do take part too in its many festivities to truly experience what it is to be in the capital of Greece.

Among the major festivals in the city are the Hellenic Festival, the International Jazz and Blues Festival, the International Dancing Festival, and August Moon Festival.

The Hellenic Festival would probably be one of the city’s biggest and most celebrated festivals. It is celebrated in Herodes Atticus theatre and highlights several interesting performances, like ancient and modern theatre, opera, jazz, ballet, dances, and symphonic music. It is celebrated from the 2nd of July to the 28th of September (yes, that long!).

The International Jazz & Blues Festival on the other hand is held in the city every June with a kick off activity at the Lycabettus theatre. Several music, dance, and theatrical performances come with the event.

For dance enthusiasts, the International Dancing Festival would be a great event to take part in. opened for the first time in 2003, the event has soon become one of the most famous international events, not just in the city, but throughout Greece as well. It is headed by the Cultural Organization of Athens and usually takes place in the first two weeks of July.

Annually, the city Athens also celebrates the August Moon Festival. On the night of the full moon of the month, when the Athenians believe the moon is at its brightest and most beautiful for the year, the August Moon Festival marks many opera performances, classical music, and Greek dances. It is also during this time when many of Athens architecture and other top attractions are offered for free; among these are the Roman Agora, the Acropolis, and the Odeion of Herodes.

The Epidaurus Festival is also one of the city’s well-known festivals. It is an annual arts festival held from May to October. Among the activities in the festival are the theatrical and dance performances happening in several top venues in the city.

You may not have come to the city for it, but Athens festivals are surely worth experiencing.

Restaurants in Athens

Curious about tasting Greek delicacies in a Greek city? Let these restaurants treat you for a great Greek dining!

Alatsi

Alatsi, which is owned by journalist Stavros Theodorakis, is a favourite among top journalists and politicians in the – the so-called crème-de-la-crème in Athens. It serves Cretan delicacies, including kaltsounia which are small pies with beef and wild greens slowly stewed in Cretan pasta and wine. This Syntagma Square-located restaurant is expectedly for those are willing to splurge for their meals. It is open daily, except on Sundays and mid-August.

The Butcher Shop

This upscale restaurant is like a paradise for the carnivore as it serves meats in the most superb way. Among their customer favorites are their gigantic hamburgers, sausages, and steaks. The crispy home fries and cold cuts are worth the try as well. You will also get a wide wine selection in the restaurant which is just perfect for your meaty meal.

Fatsio

Despite the Italian-sounding name, Fatsio is an old-fashioned restaurant which boasts of its home-style Greek delicacies. Don’t miss to try their soufflé which is a variation of baked macarani and piece made more interesting with beef slices, ham pieces, and eggplant and tomato sauce topping. Although meals are a bit expensive, Fatsio assures the dining experience is worth every cent you spend.

O Skoufias

While the first three restaurants cater for the upper class, O Skoufias does for the middle class. With dishes served for affordable prices, this restaurant is considered by many to have some of the best food in town. It’s a pretty taverna with menus looking like those of Greek school children – royal blue lined notebooks.

To Kainari

To Kainari is another mid-range restaurant in Athens. Aside from its good-tasting Greek dishes, you will also be fascinated with the restaurant’s odd collection of mementos and photographs adorning its walls. Bouyiourdi, which is spicy sausage with peppers, tomato sauce, and peta cheese, is among the many favourites in the restaurant.

Bairaktaris

Perfect for those looking for an economical yet great-tasting meal, Bairaktaris will thrill diners with its painted wine barrels, still photos of Greek film stars, and pictures of politicians who dined in the restaurant. Try their magirefta (dish cooked on top of the stove) and beef kokkinisto (beef stewn with red sauce) for something interesting.

To Steki tou Ilia

To Steki tou Ilia is ideal for those who are into thick-cut fried potatoes and fresh-grilled lamb chops! This classic taverna, aside from serving sumptuous meat dishes, is budget-friendly as well making them a favourite among those who are travelling in a budget.

Whether you are in Athens for the first time, or are just coming back, these restaurants and the rest not listed here will be a great way to enjoy the gastronomy of the city.

Shopping in Athens

The impressive architecture in Athens, the great delicacies served in Athens restaurants, and even the warm people of Athens are not the only reasons to visit this Greek capital. Shopping in Athens, too make one’s tour extra special with the city’s wide of shopping options.

Cooking? Most of those who visit Athens for at least a week make it a point to drop by the Central Market which is located in Odos Athinas. Open from Mondays through Saturdays from 8am to 6pm, the market is where many locals head to to buy meat, vegetables, and fish among others.

You can also take advantage here all of the great bargain prices, such as two sheep’s heads for the price of one. Also, if you are thinking about cooking a Greek cuisine, this is the place to get hold of Greek herbs and spices.

Looking for antiques? Then Athens’ Antiqua is the place to be. Situated just off the Syntagma Square, this shop holds a wide collection of first edition prints of 19th century Athens as well as amber worry beads, silver sword, and ancient coins. It is open from Mondays through Saturdays from 10am through 3pm; they stay open until 6:30pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays though.

Fashion forward? Drop by Kolonaki. As one of the most posh clothing stores in the city, this is where you’ll easily find the latest and hottest trends in both American and European fashion. Boutiques of famous Greek designers can also be found here.

If you are looking for a cute pair of shoes, you can go stop by Tsakalof which many Athenians find hard to resist with their many shoe displays. Just a note for those travelling in a budget, most apparels here are sold at very expensive prices, so if you are not ready to splurge, stick to just doing window shopping.

Feeling cold? Grab heavy-knit sweaters at Nick’s Corner which are sold at bargain price. There are plenty of these cheap yet warm sweaters too in stores along Odos Adrianou in Plaka.

Bookworm? Eleftheroudakis and Rombos are your best options. Eleftheroudakis has one of the city’s widest selection of books written in the English language and a good CD selection, including that of Greek music. If you are thinking about reading the books right away, you can take a seat in the bookstore’s café for your convenience. Rombos on the other hand which is located in Kolonaki specializes in selling English-language books too.

Shopping in Athens will not be boring, thanks to this wide array of choices that will sure suit your needs and taste.

Athens for Kids

Despite being known for its “ancient” history, Athens will not only interest those who have fetish for the old and the past; it too will entertain even the kids and kids at heart. The top Athens attractions are not just breathtaking in the eye of the expert; they are also mesmerizing and enjoyable even to the little ones.

The National Gardens for one, which is located off the Syntagma Square, features a playground, a small zoo, and several duck ponds that are ideal for the kids to play in. You can also drop the kids in the Children’s Library for a fun learning experience with them – don’t worry, there are many books and learning materials in English!

If the small zoo in the National Gardens is not enough for you and your kids, you can head off to Attica Zoological Park. This privately-owned zoo is home to over 2000 birds from 320 species and a butterfly garden. The zoo is open daily from 10:00am to 7:00pm, with admission of 8€ for adults and 4€ for the kids. You can also bring your kids at the Dexamini Square for them to run and play around. The square’s small playground and cafés will make it easy for both you and the kids.

To give your kids a sense of thrill and adventure (of course in a child-friendly way), you can take them on a cable-car ride up Mount Likavitos. During summer, rides happen every 20 minutes for a roundtrip fare of 6€. From the ride, you and the little ones can have a good ice cream at the café located in the area.

Children who are interested in the arts can have a great time at the Museum of Greek Children’s Art. Here, several workshops and special activities are being held for the kids, however, most of these are in Greek so it would not be that fun for kids who only speak English. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday with an admission fee of 2€. Athens’ Children’s Museum will also interest the kids with their workshops, which include chocolate-making; the Karaghiozis Puppet Shows, with their shadow theatre, will entertain the kids as well.

Travelling with the kids has never been this fun, exciting and interesting! Athens for kids will prove that the city is not just for the history buffs. So whether you are in the city for only a weekend, or are for a week in Athens, there’s just a lot that you and the little ones can experience.

Weather in Athens

If you are planning on spending a vacation in Athens, Greece, one of the things to research on is the city’s weather. Not only will the information help you plan your activities in your stay in the city, it will also serve as a guide on what and what not to bring, in terms of clothing, in the capital of Greece.

The good thing with Athens weather is that it does not come unpredictable. Temperature that goes over 20degrees is actually not uncommon in the city, especially during the months of January and February.

Between June and October, the weather can become scorching hot that if you intend to visit the city during this time, you will need to book in a hotel with air-conditioning. The temperature may be fine in the early morning and in the evening, but during the day, it can get very warm you need to don on very comfortable clothes.

In fact, you can enjoy wearing a simple t-shirt while dining in some of the cool restaurants in the city at night. This warm weather in the city stays so until the end of November and winter comes. But unlike in other cities, winter in Athens is actually pretty mild.

In both autumn and spring, the weather get wet and chilly yet there isn’t much that you would need to have other than an umbrella and a warm sweater. Every year, the city experiences an average of 55 days of rain.

Snow? Well it does happen once or twice in the city’s winter season but it does not stay for long so skis are not famous to do in the city – which could be either a good news or bad news to some.

Athens weather is not complicated at all, so just check your calendar and see what season it is in the city to guide you with your itinerary.

Athens for Free

Traveling in Athens promises a fun and learning-filled experience; however, it does not come cheap. For people who are intending to visit the city with budgetary consideration, it would be a pleasure to know that not all top attractions of Athens require admission fees, in fact, there are a number of places in the city that’s free for everyone to explore. Here are some of these places:

Plaka

A village within the city, walking around Plaka would not cost you anything – unless you decide to drop by the shops and buy some souvenirs. There are a number of museums, shops, and restaurants around Plaka, but if you are in a budget, you must resist the temptation to spend. There are several museums though that’s free for everyone to visit. One of these museums is the Museum of Popular Musical Instruments.

Located near the ancient Agora, the museum is a three-floor building with four sections of collections that back in the 1700s until the present day. Here, you will enjoy seeing more than 200 musical instruments that, up to now, are still popular in the country – and you can do this for free!

The streets may be quite chaotic, but somehow shows another side of Greek life.

Monastiraki

Like Plaka, this vibrant shopping district is worth exploring even if you are flat broke already. Its swirling streets are nice to take a break in, including watching the people on the streets. However, try to visit the district on weekdays instead of weekends, especially on Sundays as they get very crowded.

Beaches

Soaking under the sun in the beaches of Athens would be another great (free) way to do in the city. Alimos Beach for instance, despite being quite far from the major attraction in the city, is an attraction in itself with its picturesque setting. The beach is also large enough for you to find your own spot and enjoy the crystal-clear water without being distracted by crowds of people.

Piraeus Port

The Piraeus Port is the largest of all ports in Europe. If you arrive in the city by boat, do not head to your hotel right away. Instead, spend some time walking around this beautiful port. Take a snap of the ships or enjoy the live music in the restaurants located in the port. The Piraeus Port is chaotic in nature, but it’s something you will appreciate.

Mars Hill

Climbing Athens’ Acropolis Hill and visiting the world-famous Parthenon temple will cost you money. Thus if you are in a budget, you might have to consider an alternative ‘hill’. The Mars Hill, which is located just next to the Acropolis will be an interesting place to visit in lieu of the Acropolis. If you are a Bible fanatic, this hill is the place where Paul the Apostle gave his speech on the “Identity of the Unknown God”. If your legs can still take more hike, try to also climb Mt. Lycabettus which is Athens’ highest peak.

Traveling to Athens may be quite expensive, but with a little resourcefulness, you’ll find that there are still a lot of places in the city that are free to explore.

Athens’s Public Transportation

The public transportation of Athens provides tourists with a wide variety of routes, which features a combination of different means, which include buses, trolleybuses, trams, railway, and the metro. For a ticket worth 1,40€, you can already move from one public transportation to another in an hour or less.

Transport tickets in the city can be availed in all train and metro stations. Street kiosks also sell tickets to make getting in and around the city easier and more convenient. If you intend to stay long in the city, there are weekly passes that you can avail in public transport offices at discounted rates. Buying weekly passes, aside from saving you a few Euros, is a convenient and quick way to get around the city as it eliminates the need to buy tickets every now and then.

Just a quick reminder for those exploring the city via public transport: validate your tickets after you’ve purchased them and before you board on the city metro, bus, tram, or railway. This is something you should not really forget because the city fines non-validated tickets up to 40 times its value!

If you want to avoid the hassle and the sky-high fine, make sure to go to the validation machine in trolleybuses and buses (they’re those that come in ORANGE boxes). If you are taking the metro, validation machine is located on the station lobby, while those taking trams can locate the machine which is in beige on the platform and some inside the car. Enjoy exploring Athens by getting yourself familiar with its transport system.

A trip to Athens is both an excursion into history and a place where you can relax. There are a lot of things to do in the city that were not mentioned in this article. You can ask the locals about other things to do when you get there. Make most of the time you spend in this ancient city that is lined with flavors of modernity.

La Coruna Attractions and Activities

Why Travel to Coruna Galicia?

La Coruña, also known in the municipality of Galicia as A Coruña, has been the regional capital from 1833 to 1982 before Santiago de Compostela took its place. Its name is also the same as the province’s name, and is a provincial capital. It is part of Galicia which is an autonomous community in Spain.

Galicia is a region where one will marvel at its lush greenery and spectacular landscapes. On the east of La Coruña is Lugo, Pontevedra on the south, and the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean on the west and north.

The Nature Park islands of the Atlantic islands are also part of the province. It is a hectic port which serves as the point for distribution of agricultural goods coming from the region. “A Coruña”, the Galician name, is currently the official name of the city.

“La Coruña”, the Spanish name, is still known across Spain and is the traditional name approved by the Real Academia Española for texts published in Spanish. It is also the name used by speakers of Spanish in their conversations and in legal or official documents. La Coruña has a moderate temperature with occasional rainfall.

The climate can be compared to an Oceanic climate since it is moderated by the Atlantic Ocean. Autumn and winter, that go with strong winds and heavy rainfall, are erratic. Since the ocean allows the temperatures to remain mild, snow is hardly experienced.

It is sunny and dry during the summer, although it rains occasionally. Spring is calm and cool. With this climate, beach lovers would surely enjoy the province. It is also a perfect place for water sports such as diving, fishing, sailing, surfing and a lot more.

Nowadays, La Coruña is considered a modern city where fishing and agricultural industries coincide with renowned and successful industries in fashion. Shops from the city of La Coruña have been known across the globe. It also has an international airport that offers flights to neighboring Spanish and European cities.

Portugalia, Iberia and Spanair are some of the famous airlines in the city. Deportivo de la Coruña is the city’s football club included in the country’s top division.

Another city in La Coruña that will capture the hearts of many visitors is Santiago de Compostela. It is a town that warmly welcomes a multitude of pilgrims annually. “Camino de Santiago” or The Way of St. James served as a pilgrimage route during the medieval times and is famous for its cathedral.

Sights to see in La Coruna

Explore La Coruña City in Spain

The city of La Coruña being the provincial Capital of Galicia has a number of interesting things to offer a tourist. One of these would be a district of old churches and buildings which highlights different architectural designs. Another would be the alluring new promenade which actually runs the city’s seaside perimeter.

You can walk along the promenade and enjoy the view of the city at a different perspective or the view of the ocean while enjoying the cool sea breeze. The promenade also has allows you to walk through the different tourist spots of the city as the roads that lead to these tourist attractions are connected to the promenade.

If you’re not fond of walking it will not be a problem because you can take advantage of the tram system that runs along the sea front as well. It moves along the sea front center of the “Puerto de A Coruna” and to the middle of the “Ensenada del Orzan” and it passes several stops some of them are the city’s different attractions as well such as the Tower of Hercules, Domus and Castle de San Anton, the ride would cost one euro one way.

Coruna’s large harbor is also a marvelous sight if you pass by Marina Avenue you would be able to witness one of the highlights of Coruna architecture the galleria; a term for used for a balcony that is enclosed in a glass frame.

The best time to visit this side of the city would be during a clear day or on a clear evening because it is when you would be able to enjoy the beautiful reflection of light brought about by this architectural design. This is actually the reason why the city is also called “glass city” or “crystal city”.

The city also has its own medieval district just like other cities of Galicia. It is usually referred to as “the city”. The first noticeable thing would be the remnant of the Roman walls that used to protect and enclose the ancient Roman city in this place. It has old structures and buildings that you could also view as you walk along the area.

Aside from all those mentioned you could also visit the city’s main plaza The Maria Pita Square derives its name from the local town heroine. The main entrance of the square is located at the harbor’s side.

The plaza displays an attractive façade in all of its sides and you can also visit the Town Hall and Council building known as Palacio Municipal which in the area as well including some bars and restaurants.

History of La Coruna

La Coruna is believed to have been the dwelling of the Celtic tribe Artrabians prior to the Roman occupation o 2nd n century BC. It encompasses the Tower of Hercules and onto the mainland. The oldest part of which is the High City or the Cidade Alta which is built on an ancient Celtic castro.

As mentioned the Romans had this place as part of the great Roman Empire in 2nd century BC. The colonizers used this as a strategic position to control the maritime trade within the area during that period. Julius Caesar also visited this historic place in pursuit of metal trades of the region. Due to the increase in commercial activity the town began to grow. The Norman incursion caused the decline of population and commerce.

The subsequent demise of the Roman Empire did not abandon the trade routes which became the continuous source of commerce for people who took advantage of the strategic trade position of the country during that time.

After the rush and different attacks by the Norman raiders the local tribes which was what characterized the middle ages for this region. It was not clear if the whole region was also included in the short Muslim rule that occurred in the Iberian Peninsula in the latter part of the middle ages. This is of course notwithstanding the constant threats and raids by the Normans and the AL-Andalus to the south.

In the 9th century Vikings also began to attack the city. This led to the construction of several defense structures such as the fortress made in Faro.

In the 15th century the city became popular for its manufacture of textiles no other than Charles I of Spain visited La Coruna and due to this important commercial fact a port in the area was made and was also protected with the creation of the castle of San Anton.

A La Coruna was also the site of important battles during the Peninsula war the Battle of La Coruna on January 1809 was a war between the French and British troops to cover the embarkation of the Brtish troops after their retreat. This is the battle that killed Sir John Moore and in that particular war La Coruna was the only Galician city that achieved success against the French troops.

At the start of the 20th century La Coruna was greatly affected by several major events namely: The Great Depression , the Spanish Civil War and it shattered the economy of Coruna. Luckily during the 1960’s and 1970’s La Coruna became recipient of what they now call the Spanish miracle but the steady increase in the economy was disturbed by the international oil shocks.

Coruna Things To Do

La Coruna presents numerous destinations to see, adventures to experience and activities to do. The city is blessed with rich environment. Plus, the locals are friendly people who are always glad to welcome tourists and friends.

When you come for a visit, make sure to stay longer so you will experience more fascinating things the city has in store for you. If you are finished strolling around some of the best tourist destinations, here are more things to do to maximize your stay.

Museums

There are a lot of ways to learn about the culture of La Coruna but the best way if you’re travelling is to visit the nearest museums. Museums in the city contain a variety of information. It gives you the history of La Coruna as well as it narrates how its practices evolved from one period of time to another.

In La Coruña there are several museums that you could go to some of these are the Archaeological museum, Domus, House Museum Picasso, The Fine Arts Museum, Emilia Pardo Bazán Museum, Eugenio Granell Foundation and Contemporary Art Museum.

Architecture

La Coruña is complete with fascinating architecture recognized throughout Spain. La Coruña architecture is marked by the excellence of their structural design, facade and functionality. Some of the known architecture in the city includes Tower of Hercules, Castillo de San Anton, galerias, Obelisk, Castro de Elviña, and The Dome of Coal. Visit Architecture in La Coruña .

Festivals

Generally June to August is the occasions of the rich and colorful celebration and festival for the whole Galacian region. The fascinating La Coruña festivals include Hogueras de San Juan, Fuego del Apóstol, and Maria Pita. Visit La Coruña Festivals for more information.

Night Life

Other than eating and dining, the city also offers wide range of night activities that you surely don’t want to miss. This La Coruña Night Life, La Coruña Bars and La Coruña Clubs sections are committed in providing you the things you want to know about the A Coruna’s very active night life. Visit La Coruña Night Life for more information.

Shopping

La Coruña will not be left behind with the latest technology, fashion and other commercial products found in the market today. You will be amazed with the wide selection of products found only in La Coruna. It will truly be a different shopping experience for you. Some of the shopping destinations in the city includes Marineda City Leisure, Shopping & Business Centre, Los Rosales Shopping Centre and Cuatro Caminos. Visit Shopping in La Coruña .

Top Attractions in A Coruna

La Coruña is a city that enables every visitor to reminisce the past, and enjoy the fabulous sceneries and festivities. The Battle of Coruña occurred in the city during the Peninsular War. In the 19th century, Coruña was the seat of anti-monarchist conviction.

The city also played a significant part in the “Rexurdimento”, where the Galician Royal Academy was founded in 1906 and the Brotherhoods of the Galician Language in 1916. In 1804, a workers’ movement was formed after the establishment of the National Cigarette Factory.

Tourists cannot miss the promenade which is one of the main attractions in the city. It measures 10 kilometers and considered as the longest in Europe.

The city is also the site of a lighthouse, the Roman Tower of Hercules, which has been declared a Human Heritage by the UNESCO. It has gallerias or balconies with glazed windows. During the summer, Orzan and Riazor beaches are famous destinations and are located opposite the city’s port.

After the daytime walk, visitors still have a lot to look forward to during the night. Nightlife in Coruña has been booming with bars and clubs located at Calle Orzan that is parallel to Paseo Maritimo. Most of the clubs at Orzan open at 11 pm and close at 3 or 4 am. Another famous destination is Los Jardines or The Gardens which is a park near El Puerto mall and Calle Real.

Tourists dare not miss the city of Santiago de Compostela, a World Heritage City and Galicia’s capital. It is also widely known for it is the last stage of St. James’ pilgrimage route or “El Camino de Santiago”. Pilgrims head straight to the cathedral then to the city center. The cathedral is a place for rites and traditions that visitors may love to witness.

Visitors will also notice how pilgrims manifest their faith by embracing the image of St. James the Apostle. There is also Botafumeiro, a big incense holder that is raised high enough in the ceilings of the cathedral while a mass is being held.

After visiting the marvelous St. James Cathedral, tourists can head towards the fascinating 12th century streets such as Rua Nova, Rua do Vilar, Rua Franco and the square Obradoiro. Extend one’s sightseeing activity and visit the region of Costa da Morte or the Coast of Death. It is the area of cliffs hanging over the Atlantic and lighthouses. This zone was once believed as “the end of the known world”. There is Cape Finisterre, a peninsula that is 5 km long.

The lighthouse was built on the cape’s end in 1853, and is now referred to as the “cow of Fisterra” since it is a siren warning the nearby ships. The peninsula ends at Mount Facho which is the best place to witness the sunset. If one wishes to go to fishing villages, head south to Rias Baixas where villages like Muros and Noia can be found.

Other destinations worth visiting are Rias Altas where you can visit Ferrol, Viveiro, Betanzos, Ribadeo and Pontedeume. Os Bergantiños and As Mariñas are also ideal destinations.

La Coruna Museums

There are a lot of ways to learn about foreign culture but the best way if you’re travelling is to visit the nearest museums. Museums contain a variety of information. It gives you the history of the place as well as it narrates how the practices of one place evolved from one period of time to another. In La Coruña there are several museums that you could go to.

Archaeological museum. The first is the archaeological museum which is located on what used to be an old fort The Castle of St. Anton. This is where you will find and learn about La Coruna’s history and prehistory. They have artifacts that would show you records of settlements by the early Celtics tribes.

Domus. The House of Mankind or Domus as it is popularly named is a museum fully dedicated to the study of man, his nature and his activities. It’s an interactive museum meaning you can participate in the different modules to help you learn and reflect on the different characteristics of men as a species.

For the art lovers, La Coruña would be the refuge you have longed for, because the place has five great art museums. They are dedicated to commemorate and display the works of famed and prestigious artists these are: House Museum Picasso, The Fine Arts Museum, Emilia Pardo Bazán Museum, Eugenio Granell Foundation and last but not the least The famous Contemporary Art Museum.

For the pure seekers of wisdom and knowledge La Coruna also offers the perfect spots for you the House of Sciences which is the first public owned interactive museum in Spain. It has a small planetarium and different exhibition halls devoted to Physics and of course the Aquarium Finisterrae which is a center for the Marine Sciences.

La Coruña Architecture

La Coruña is complete with fascinating architecture recognized throughout Spain. La Coruña architecture is marked by the excellence of their structural design, façade and functionality. If you want to be amazed with the city’s architectural heritage, you may visit the following venues.

The Tower of Hercules is perhaps the real symbol of A Coruna. It is a magnificent piece of architecture (a lighthouse) that predates to the second century and is in itself a source of many wonderful legends. It was built during the reign of Emperor Trajan and rebuilt throughout the years to withstand the challenges of time. It is now declared as a National Monument.

Another very interesting historical architectural work is the Castillo de San Anton. It is a fort but not of the ordinary kind it is one of the famed star forts, an architectural innovation which became popular in the sixteenth centuries. It is situated on a small island and is artificially joined to the mainland.

Other than that the city also boasts of its gallerias which are glazed window balconies a form of architecture derived from the naval practice. This was originally designed for the back of a war ship. Other famous architectural sites are The Obelisk, Castro de Elviña, and The Dome of Coal.

After marveling at the wonderful architecture and their different historical background you might want to visit the Edge of the Earth or what used to be believed by the Celtics as such where the Aquarium Finisterrae is located. It is a marine research center which studies the sea in general. However, If you want to skip the learning part and just stick to a worry-free stress free vacation you can work on your tan, read a book, surf, or swim at these famous beaches Orzán and Riazor.

Theaters in La Coruna

La Coruña has a rich custom with different cultural and artistic expressions most predominantly music. The city is also the home of renowned contemporary artist of the region. Consequently, contemporary theaters have mushroomed all over the place, giving the people of La Coruna another wonderful source of entertainment. Here’s an overview of the city’s theater and some venues.

The local music scene is vibrant and most of the genres are well represented by local artists. The place celebrates classical music which is very understandable because it is considered a place rich in culture and heritage and music is an integral part of a place’s heritage. Several orchestras have played in the city’s theaters.

One of the famous events that celebrate this type of Music is the Mozart festival. The festival is usually held between the months of May and July and usually features the Baroque opera or music played in the pre-romantic period basically dominated by Mozart and Rossini however, the festival also plays other classical music and artists.

Teatro Colón

This classicist aesthetic theater is situated at Avenida de la Marina. According to its history, the man who founded the building is the popular show master, Emilio Rey Romero. His idea was to provide optimal seating comfort and host a variety of stage performances and films.

Consequently, by the year 1945, Jacobo Rodríguez-Losada Trulock began with the architectural design of the building, projecting the set accurately described classicist aesthetic safe bet for a building so unique in size and position. From then on the building has under gone remodeling over the years which made it the beautiful structure that it is today.

Teatro Rosalia de Castro

This magnificent theater is located at Irrigation Water, 37 under. The building is now considered as a cultural institution owned by the municipality and managed by Instituto Municipal Coruña Shows of the Council of A Coruña. It has now been remodeled and can now fit about approximately 700 seats. Not to mention, the theater is now equipped to accommodate different variety of performing arts.

Festivals in La Coruña

June, July and August are the busiest months in A Coruna. Not only that these three are summer months and the best time to visit the city’s astounding beaches, it’s also the occasions of the rich and colorful celebration and festival for the whole region. In this segment, you will be given an overview fascinating La Coruña festivals that you might find interesting and helpful for your visit.

Hogueras de San Juan

The San Juan Bonfires is celebrated on the 23rd day of June. This feast is commemorated in all European countries but only in La Coruña that is it celebrated in a more traditional manner. It coincides with the Sardine festival so as the locals performs a rite by lighting bonfires with what they call aguardiente or firewater before spending the night jumping over the fire and eating sardine. It is said to ensure fertility as well.

Fuego del Apóstol

Apostle’s Fireworks is the highlight in the celebration of the feast of the patron saint of Spain, Saint James. At exactly 12 noon of the 24th day of July, the cathedral bells rings as a mark of the launching of the feast and Plaza del Obradoiro gets crowded by locals and tourists to witness the colorful fireworks display.

The locales and devotees also give tribute to the saint through their prayer processions and presentation of different exhibitions, theatre performances, street theatre and concerts. Another fascinating event during this feast is called “Botafumeiro”, large ceremonial incense burner that is swung vigorously over the smaller crossing, filling the cathedral with the smell of incense.

It is believed that the discovery of the remains of the first martyr led to the announcement of Santiago de Compostela as the capital of the Galician region. It is to be considered as the holy land next to Jerusalem and Rome. The city is recognized up to this date as a pilgrimage site and now gained its World Heritage status.

Maria Pita

La Coruña honors the greatest event in their history by commemorating the brave act of their heroine, Maria Pita and the people to save the port during the English attack led by Sir Francis Drake that took place in 1588.

The celebration includes the spectacular re-enactment of the English invasion, complete with parade of costumes throughout A Coruna. There’s also the re-creation of the medieval market place and the procession of the colorful floats at the sea.

La Coruña for Kids

La Coruña is not just a place for adults, the city offers your kid’s exciting adventures and experiences he surely doesn’t want to miss. Here are some activities your kid will surely enjoy during his stay in A Coruna.

Surf Camp

Your kid may wish to spend his holiday surfing. You can visit the sandy beach of Razo where waves are fit for surfing.

Your kid can join the surf camp, situated only 20 meters from the Razo Beach. While at the camp site, the campers will enjoy the beautiful view to the sea. On top of that, the house that accommodates campers is complete with facilities and wonderful amenities to ensure their comfortable stay.

After the surf sessions, the campers can also enjoy bonding through some extra activities like playing racket, beach volleyball, football, ping pong, body tonic and yoga.

Moreover, your kid can enroll to surf courses also available in A Coruna. The surf school offers fundamental to advance surfing teaching and techniques which fits all ages and surf levels, with the aim to help participants learn or improve their surfing prowess. It takes pride in achieving official titles in Galician Surf Federation.

English/ Spanish Language School

If you want your child to learn to begin speaking English in an early age, the city has a lot of good English schools suitable for all ages. They offer you quality short-term or long term language courses. The Spanish schools in La Coruña on the other hand, are the some of the best in the country. They provide basic to intensive courses as well as other activities to make learning enjoyable for you and your kid.

Football Camp

The city takes pride in its leading football team, Real Club Deportivo. The team was founded in 1906 and now playing in La Liga. Consequently, La Coruña offers football camp for kids who enjoys or love to play the sport.

Make your vacation fun not just for you but most importantly, for your kid as well. Engage him into activities that he will not just enjoy but would also develop his talent and skills. La Coruña is truly a placed to be, for you and your family.

Restaurants Coruña Cuisine

Your trip in the city of La Coruña wouldn’t be complete without trying its delectable Spanish cuisine. The following are some restaurant suggestions you may want to pay a visit.

100 Montaditos

It’s a Spanish fast-food getting popularity for the quality of food that it offers the famous of which is the Tapas a variety of Spanish sandwiches. You can easily find this establishment in the newly opened mall El Puerto.

Artabria Restaurant

This restaurant is situated at Fernando Macías street and close to the Riazor beach. It is especially popular for its exceptional traditional and international à la carte. The place is decorated with many beautiful paintings of some Galician artists, making its ambiance very cozy for dining.

Restaurante Domus

For a sample of the local and traditional cuisine, schedule your lunch while visiting this place. The Restaurante Domus offers a wide choice of local dishes which would entice your appetite. It’s a typical travelers choice greatly situated just in front of the House of Men museum and the cost for the good food they offer is very reasonable.

El Coral Restaurant

This venue is also a nice seafood place located just in the centre of the city their specialty includes seabass, turbot, hake, prawns, mussels and scallops and you can either have them cooked with thick, rich, creamy sauce or have them steamed or grilled.

Adega o Bebedeiro

This rustic restaurant is located at Ángel Rebollo street stands out because of its reasonably priced yet very delicious authentic Spanish Cuisine. The place resembles a local farm house. The interior is adorned with stones and attractive pine-made furniture, farming tools and antiques.

Casa Pardo

This place is the first in the city to be awarded with a star in Michelin Red Guide, a classic guide to oldest and best-known hotel and restaurants in Europe. It is a double-decker dining venues situated between the port and the commercial area of the city of A Coruna. This restaurant offers Galician cuisine with a twist. They serve variety of sea products mixed together in one delicious recipe. Their Rape a la Cazuela is also a must try food.

La Penela

This place is the best venue to feast on fresh sea foods and wine. The restaurant occupies a contemporary building on a corner of the lively Plaza de María Pita. The dining area has some tables facing the harbor to get a nice view and some in a glasses-in terrace on the square.

Palavea

If you’re not into the exotic and experimental food you can pay a visit to a popular restaurant in Palavea and savor the familiar taste of pizza cooked in a traditional oven.

Cambalache Pizzerias

This is another good pizza place in Plaza de Maria Pita where you can enjoy a great quality of service and munch on their superb pepperoni.

Coruña Food

The Spanish cuisine is a product of a number of influences that has molded it through the years. The variety of dishes that form part of it has been affected by several factors such as geography, culture and climate not to mention the inputs brought about as a by-product of different conquests throughout history.

The composition of the Spanish cuisine is mainly composed of seafood which is primarily due to the abundance of the sea which actually surrounds the country. In addition to this since Spain was once part of the Roman Empire it has adapted a lot of food recipes from it. The prevalence of meat and bean products were said to be influences of the Empire to the contemporary popular recipes of the Spanish cuisine.

Here’s a list of recipes that are common in almost all the regions of Spain: Paella, Various stews, Potato omelet, migas , chorizos, embutidos, morcillas, jamon Serrano and cheeses. The geographical location of the different regions actually paved the way to different variations in the preparation. The variations are not so common among the well known Spanish desserts and cakes.

Other common recipes are: Arroz con leche, Calamares, Cocido, Chorizo, Chulletillas, Gazapacho, Salmorejo, Percebe, Merluza, Fabada Asturiana, Fideua, Butifarra, Lechazo , Shellfish, Marmita, Peladillas , Pescaito frito,Turron, Polvoron, Tortas de aceite, Olla podrida and Gofio

For the beverage the common Spanish beverage would be Sidra or cider which originates from its vast apple groves what makes the Spanish cider unique is that there is a larger proportion of acidic apples in it rather than the sweet ones as compared to the French’s manner of preparation.

Shopping in Coruna

La Coruña might be an old city but it will not be left behind with the latest technology, fashion and other commercial products found in the market today. Plus, you will be amazed with the wide selection of products found only in La Coruna. It will truly be a different shopping experience for you.

Marineda City Leisure, Shopping and Business Centre

This shopping centre is the largest complex in whole Spain and holds the title as 3rd largest in whole Europe. It is situated few minutes south from downtown the city. “The city” as it is usually called is the home of the most important financial, textile and distribution companies, which makes La Coruña one of the richest areas in Galicia.

It is also located in the most accessible part of the city where it is close to the international airport, bus terminals and one of the ports in Europe. Los Rosales Shopping Centre. This shopping mall is located only 5 minutes away from the heart of the city. It offers wide range of activities for all ages. Its main attractions include its contemporary movie theather, over 60 shops and restaurants.

Cuatro Caminos

Located near the bus station, this huge centre is one easily reached shopping destination. It accommodates around hundred boutiques and shops plus a lot of restaurants. There are more reason to shop in La Coruña because its region, Galacia is actually the home of World’s prominent clothing lines which includes Zara, Massimo Dutti, Bershka and Pull and Bear. You will never go wrong shopping here because you will surely be in style at great costs.

Moreover, if you want to have great finds that is truly only in La Coruna, Calle Real is the place to be. It offers the best luxury shops for antiques, fashion, jewelry and ceramics. This place is also the venue for some Galician artists to hold their exhibits for their paintings, handmade crafts and the like. Here you’ll surely find some souvenir surely worth keeping.

Weather in La Coruna

La Coruña is blessed with a mild climate that has relatively generous amount of rainfall. The city’s climate is not very diverse throughout the year. Basically, there are two noticeable weather condition namely the warmest average max/ high temperature is 23 °C (73 °F) in August and the coolest average min/ low temperature is 7 °C (45 °F) in January & February.

The best time to make a trip to La Coruña is during the summer months. The warm weather is a good opportunity to make a tour around the city and to enjoy its beautiful beaches. The average temperature during July and August is about 19º C however, the warmest average maximum or high temperatures ranges between 20º C and 25º C. Mornings are usually cloudy and misty, but afternoons normally have sunny and fair weather.

Meanwhile, there are months that travelers are advised to take caution. July and December are months that have the most unpredictable condition. The month with the driest weather is July when on balance 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, sleet, hail or snow falls across 8 days. The month with the wettest weather, on the other hand, is December when on balance 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, sleet, hail or snow falls across 19 days.

Moreover, it is important to learn that La Coruña is one of the European cities where the sun sets later. The city offers you long leisure time under the sun. Also, the hot month of August is the best time to visit the city if you want to experience colorful festivals, fiestas carnivals and processions.

During this month there is some sort of activity every day that you will surely enjoy. If you love to party under the summer heat, visiting La Coruña at this time of the year is the best way to spend your vacation.

longest suspension bridge

5 Underrated Sights in San Francisco

San Francisco, the City by the Bay, is known for its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Lombard Street. However, there are many lesser-known gems scattered throughout the city that are worth exploring. Here are five underrated sights in San Francisco that you should add to your itinerary.

Sutro Baths

Located at the edge of the city, the Sutro Baths are the remains of a once-grand public bathhouse that opened in 1896. Today, visitors can explore the ruins and imagine what the baths were like in their heyday. The Sutro Baths are part of the larger Lands End area, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and numerous hiking trails.

The Wave Organ

Tucked away on a small jetty in the Marina District, the Wave Organ is a unique, interactive art installation that uses the power of the ocean to create music. As the waves crash against the jetty, they push air through a series of pipes, creating a melodic and soothing sound. The best time to visit the Wave Organ is during high tide when the sounds are most pronounced.

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps

These beautiful mosaic steps, located in the quiet Sunset District, are a true hidden gem. The 163 steps are adorned with a colorful mosaic depicting the sea, the sky, and the stars. The project was a community effort, with local residents contributing to the design and creation of the steps. Climbing to the top rewards you with a fantastic view of the city and the ocean.

The Presidio Pet Cemetery

This small, hidden cemetery is the final resting place for the pets of military families who once lived in the Presidio. Established in the 1950s, the cemetery contains over 400 graves, each adorned with a small headstone and often a heartfelt message. The Presidio Pet Cemetery offers a quiet, contemplative space to remember the love and companionship that pets provide.

The Vulcan Stairway

The Vulcan Stairway is a charming, hidden staircase that winds its way through a series of lush, terraced gardens in the Castro District. The stairway, which connects several residential streets, is lined with beautiful plants, flowers, and trees, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling city. The Vulcan Stairway is a perfect example of the many secret gardens and stairways that can be found throughout San Francisco.

There are many more hidden gems in the city, as you can see from B On The Run travel blog, which is full of great travel tips and advice. B On The Run is a great resource for people who are planning their next trip. Their articles are full of useful information and tips about how to make the most out of your vacation, whether you’re traveling around the world or just exploring your own backyard. Whether you’re looking for things to do in San Francisco or want some advice on where to stay, B On The Run has plenty of ideas for you.

In Conclusion

While San Francisco’s most famous attractions are certainly worth visiting, the city also offers many lesser-known sights that are just as fascinating. From the haunting beauty of the Sutro Baths to the melodic sounds of the Wave Organ, these underrated sights provide a unique and memorable experience for visitors and locals alike.

Discover Costa Blanca Benidorm

Things To Do in Benidorm on the Costa Blanca

With its fine sandy beaches and rich in entertainment nightlife, Benidorm is one of the most sought after places by tourists of all ages. Its cultural activities, festivals, water sports activities and especially its quality of life is what makes Benidorm the perfect place to enjoy the holidays.

Benidorm has three major beaches: Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas, all having a blue flag since 1987, the highest quality standard recognized by the European Union.

Things to do in Benidorm, top attractions and destinations

Set on the Mediterranean coastal area called Costa Blanca, in the province of Alicante, Benidorm is the center of the bay that bears its name and thanks to this exquisite geographical position is provided with a special microclimate, which makes the winters mild and moderate and summers tempered by sea breezes.

In this way you can enjoy a nature that has been mixed with the emergence of a modern and pleasant city. It is surrounded by mountains: the Tossal de la Cala to the west, the Natural Park of Sierra Helada, on the east part, Sierra Cortina and Puig Campana, to the north, protecting the city from the cold north winds, which could alter its pleasant climate. As a result, Benidorm has 3400 hours of sunshine a year.

History of Benidorm

Benidorm was little more than a tiny village until the Moors (Arabian Muslims) arrived from the Iberian peninsular and North Africa in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Moors were dominant in Benidorm until King Jamie I conquered the area in 1245 and pushed the Moors out for good. Christians soon moved into the area and became the dominant population.

The following years were very tough on the village as the whole area was subjected to attach after attack from pirates and the Turkish in particular. A fort was built in order to repel these regular raids, however, it was destroyed more than once and in the end the locals abandoned it and the population soon dwindled.

The construction of an irrigation system vastly improved the area’s prosperity in 1666. The town became a very popular producer of lemons, oranges and olive oil. Work began in the church of St Jaime in the 18th century and the town prospered with the newly found trade. It was in the early 18th century that a boat was found on the sand of Playa Poniente by some of the locals.

People were wary of the plague at the time, so the town’s residents decided to set the ship alight. A statue of the Virgen del Sufragio was discovered in the burnt out remains of the ship and to the locals amazement, it was completely undamaged. The Virgen became a patron saint of the town and the event is still celebrated to this day.

Benidorm quickly became a huge fishing port with famous fisherman based there for many years. The catch of the time was tuna and the locals had perfected the art of ‘almadraba,’ a complicated maze of fishing nets placed to catch the tuna as they migrated across the Mediterranean. The local agriculture and fishing industry allowed the town to flourish during the 18th and early 19th centuries.

The dawn of the 19th century saw the start of the tourist boom in Benidorm. A railway was built to the town which brought tourists from Alcoy and Madrid. A road also linked Benidorm with Alicante. World War Two and the Civil War temporarily halted the growth of the town, however, that was soon to change in the 1950s.

The fishing industry was in decline and the town’s planners gave the go-ahead for development plans designed to make Benidorm the Spanish capital of tourism. Alicante Airport opened in 1967 and tourists from all over Europe made their way to Benidorm for their annual holidays.

The 1970s saw Benidorm become the biggest tourist resort In Europe. 12 million people visited Benidorm in 1977, which is still a European record!

Benidorm Population

Benidorm is easily the largest tourist destination anywhere on the Mediterranean coast, with 4 million visitors every year. There is a tourist trade all year round with many elderly people staying in the resort for several weeks in the cold winter months.

The exciting and vibrant nightlife attracts younger groups, families and couples. The autumn and winter months see a large influx of older couples from northern Europe. There are 70,000 permanent residents of Benidorm, of which a very high proportion are British.

Benidorm Playa del Mal Pas

Places to Visit in Benidorm

Benidorm enjoys fantastic weather all year round and one of the biggest attractions is the nightlife and entertainment found all over the area. However, Benidorm is much more than that and there are plenty of places to visit.

Parque de L’Aiguera

Used widely for concerts and festivals, the Parque de L’Aiguera consists of beautiful sea front promenades, lined with palm trees.

La Isla de Benidorm

This tiny, uninhabited island attracts swimmers and snorkelers to enjoy the clear, warm waters. The island can be reached by a regular glass bottomed boat service.

Castillo Mirador

Standing on the site of the former Benidorm Castle, this is now a picturesque square surrounding by fantastic coastal views and beaches.

Iglesia de San Jaime

The blue tiles used on the domes of St James’ church make it one of the most recognised symbols of Benidorm.

Aqualandia

This water park is a great day out for families and is located just outside the town centre. There are plenty of scary water slides and more sedate attractions for mum and dad. There are also a number of shops, bars and restaurants meaning there is something for everyone.

Terra Mitica

Designed along the lines of the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean, this is a huge theme park, packed full of white knuckle roller coasters and attractions for all the family. This is a great way to spend a day as the park also includes more gentle rides, restaurants, bars and shops.

Mundomar Marine Animal Park

Just a short distance from the centre of Benidorm, Mundomar is well known for its dolphins and is a great way to see some of the Mediterranean sea-life close up.

There are also a number of other local attractions including the Terra Natura Safari Park. Hundreds of animals are housed in the park including elephants and python snakes!

Benidorm Monuments

Church of San Jaime – Plaza de San Jaime

It is situated at the top of the old part of the town, on the peak of Canfali hill. It was built between 1740 and 1780 after the discovery of the Virgen of the Suffrage, patron saint of Benidorm. The Church of San Jaime, patron of the city, is of a neoclassical style refined with a blue dome in the Mediterranean style. Inside lies another symbol – the Virgin of the Suffrage, the patron saint of Benidorm. The Virgin has a chapel there, where it can be visited the small sculpture that was found, as the story tells, in a boat adrift at sea.

Punta del Cavall Tower – Natural Park of Sierra Helada

Relic of the past declared good of Cultural Interest, Punta del Cavallo Tower is a watchtower from the 18th century, from where the guards were watching the horizon to avoid the numerous pirate raids. Located on the Punta de les Caletes or Punta del Cavall, the tower is also known as de les Caletes (Tower de les Caletes).

Tossal de la Cala – At the end of Poniente beach

At the end of the Poniente beach, is the Iberian settlement of Tossal de la Cala. Built between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC, is a late Iberian settlement that falls within the activity area of Benidorm as a commercial trading point and a dock used since ancient times. You can see the restored area by going up at the end of the Poniente beach and looking for the intersection of La Cala and from there you can follow the signs leading to the area.

Benidorm Balcony of the Mediterranean

El Mirador de la Punta del Canfali – El Castillo

On the big rock that divides the two beaches stood the fortress that was used to guard against invasions from the Algerian and Barbary pirates, between the 14th and the 16th centuries. After that, the castle was abandoned, currently remaining only a few ruins of the walls, which linger on the lookout rocks, also called by the name of “Balcony of the Mediterranean.”

Maritime Cultural Centre Paseo de Colón – next to the Port of Benidorm

The Maritime Cultural Centre of Benidorm is a permanent exhibition of model ships and other nautical motifs. It is also a memorandum to shipping companies carried out by the Benidorm people in the past.

City Council – Ayuntamiento Plaza SS.MM. los Reyes de España, s/n

The City Council is located at the entrance of L’Aigüera Park and is a very different building with its modern architecture. Its unusual structure has attracted the attention of architects and for that reason receives multiple visits. This bridge – building serves as a door to the green area of L’Aigüera. The construction is elevated and travelers can go under it. The atrium of the building was covered with thick blades in which are written the names and surnames of more than 60.000 citizens.

L’Aigüera Park – Avenida de L’Aigüera, Plaza de SS. MM. los Reyes de España

If you travel to Benidorm, you cannot miss a visit to the park L’Aigüera. It was designed by architect Ricardo Bofill and displays the purest neoclassical style. This park divides the extension of a recently built area. It has two amphitheaters, serving for cultural celebrations throughout the summer and also has an area that is specially prepared for the fairs that are held together with different parties. The long tour of the park serves to value the old valley and below ground are water pipes that channel the runoff water.

Benidorm Cuisine

There is a truly international flavor to the cuisine in Benidorm with so many choices, no one will feel left out. The Calle De La Palma has a number of fine dining restaurants together with many more ‘run of the mill’ restaurants, including several places serving traditional ‘pub grub.’ There are also Spanish, Italian and French restaurants all within a short walk.

As will all Spanish resorts, Spanish cuisine is alive and well and amongst the healthiest in the world. The use of fresh local seafood, locally grown fresh vegetables and the liberal use of olive oil provide a nutritious and very tasty cuisine. There are also Irish, Indian and Chinese restaurants in the town, making Benidorm the Spanish town for international cuisine.

Benidorm Accommodation

Benidorm sometimes suffers from an image problem with people making the assumption that the town only offers a cut-price holiday with no frills. The town isn’t just tower blocks and skyscrapers however; the old town offers a quaint and pretty alternative for accommodation – ideal if peace and quiet, away from the busy bars and parties is required. Whilst some people will revel in the party atmosphere of Benidorm, those looking for a more laid-back and quieter time should look no further than Playa Poniente.

Benidorm offers a huge selection of accommodation for absolutely every budget. While the tall tower block hotels offer the majority shelter, there are also a huge number of apartments and villas in the outlying areas of Benidorm. There are also a number of campsites for those on a budget holiday. The five star Hotel Don Pancho, surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, offers holiday-goers some real luxury.

Benidorm Weather

The weather in Benidorm is pleasant all year round. The Sierra Helada Mountains protect the town from the cool winds and rainfall is sporadic, consisting of mostly showers. The light breezes from the ocean provide a little relief from the heat of the summer months.

Summers in Benidorm are very hot with very little rain. With an average temperature of around 30C, temperatures go well beyond this at times and reach the high 30s regularly. Blue, cloudless skies are the norm with humidity peaking in the summer months.

The mild winter temperatures in Benidorm bring in many visitors during the off-season. It is rare that temperatures drop below 12C and there are usually still cloudless blue skies. Rainfall is highest in January during the winter, although any rainfall is usually only in the form of showers and blue skies follow closely behind. Visitors can expect around 5 hours of sunshine per day in the town.

Getting Around Benidorm

The best way to get around Benidorm is by taxi. If a holiday doesn’t include a bus transfer, there are plenty of taxis waiting at the airport and like most Spanish taxis, they are very competitively priced. There are a number of buses but the affordability of a cab in Benidorm, particularly for groups and families, mean the flexibility and convenience of grabbing a taxi make for a less stressful holiday. There are a number of car hire companies for those that want to venture further afield, all at very affordable prices.

Walking

A good place to visit on foot would be the old town of Benidorm. Also, if it comes to enjoying the beach, a visit to Benidorm is not complete without a stroll along the promenade of Avenue d’Alcoy, Playa de Levante, which is 2 km long and is the site where there are located the majority of large hotels, restaurants and bars of the city. This promenade is full all the time, being the place to see and be seen.

On the other side of the old town is the Parque de Elche beach and Poniente beach, the most secluded beach, ideal for those who want peace in their walks and enjoy the serene spectacle of the sea.

Urban bus – city bus

To reach any part of Benidorm is very easy to catch the bus. The bus service is provided by the company Llorente Bus. The bus network has 17 bus routes and a tram line that connects the entire city. A single ticket is 1.25 €, but you have the possibility of getting a card that is valid for 24 hours and has unlimited rides on all bus lines.

Visitors who use the bus service on a regular basis may find it useful to purchase a ‘Bonobus 20’, instead of paying for each individual journey. The bus transportation in Benidorm is reliable and there are timetables located at each bus stop. Tourist buses are also available.

Taxi

Benidorm has a good taxi service at reasonable prices, although at night the price increases. Every taxi has a counter faced to the public that applies the exact fare in urban transportation. There are taxi stops throughout Benidorm and taxis are easy to spot because they are white with a blue stripe.

Train

The train service runs between Alicante, Benidorm, Altea, Denia and many other stations. The trains are in the Benidorm Train Station and the journey between Benidorm and Alicante takes about an hour. This is a nice way to travel and discover new places of interest in the area, while enjoying panoramic views of the coast.

A great day out can be enjoyed on the tourist train “Lemon Express” which travels from Benidorm along the coast of the Costa Blanca all the way to Gata de Gorgos, visiting natural places that would not otherwise be reached. On arrival at Gata de Gordos, visitors can enjoy a visit to a guitar factory. On the return trip back to Benidorm, passengers are invited to a glass of wine. These trips are very popular and advance reservations are recommended.

The “Trensnochador” travels the coast but only on summer nights. The FGV “Trenet de la Marina” travels along the coast, from Altea to Alicante, with its attractive route, there are many transport options to move around comfortably and the frequency of trips is high.

Boats

The city has a number of boat trips leaving from the port to nearby destinations along the coast, including the island of Benidorm.

Airplanes and the airports

Alicante International Airport (ALC) is the nearest airport to Benidorm, about 10 km from the city of Alicante and 60 km from Benidorm. The airport offers a wide variety of services including ATMs, exchange office, post office, duty free shops, food and drinks establishments, newsagents, a pharmacy and emergency services.

There is a wide range of car hire companies at Alicante airport including Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Europe Car and Record Rent a Car. The taxis are located outside the arrivals hall. Bus transportation is also available at the airport, the buses departing from in front of the arrivals terminal and, also, there is a transport service to Benidorm from Alicante’s bus station.

cottage with a touch of elegance and style

Aviemore – The Perfect Place To Stay And Explore The Stunning Scottish Highlands

Aviemore is a town in the Highlands of Scotland, located at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains and near the River Spey. It’s an ideal base for exploring the area, with many outdoor activities on offer. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants and pubs to visit during your stay.

Take a walk through the town centre and explore the many shops, restaurants and bars. Visit one of the nearby attractions such as Cairngorm Mountain or Highland Wildlife Park. There are also plenty of outdoor activities available in Aviemore, including adventure golf, quad biking and much more.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. Walk up to the summit of Ben Avon and enjoy panoramic views over Loch Morlich or take a hike through Glenmore Forest Park. Or why not try a spot of fishing on one of the many local lakes?

Aviemore Accommodation

Aviemore is one of Scotland’s most popular holiday destinations, offering a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. From luxurious lodges and country hotels to cosy cottages and self-catering apartments, Aviemore has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family holiday or a weekend break, you’re sure to find something special in Aviemore.

Luxurious Lodges

For those looking for a truly special stay in Aviemore, a luxurious lodge is the perfect choice. With spacious bedrooms, well-equipped kitchens and plenty of outdoor space, Aviemore lodges offer a comfortable and stylish base for your stay. With a range of sizes, styles and prices to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect lodge for your needs.

Country Hotels

For a more traditional stay in Aviemore, a country hotel is the ideal choice. Offering comfortable, well-appointed rooms, delicious food and a range of leisure activities, you can be sure of a memorable stay at a country hotel in Aviemore. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs.

Cozy Cottages

For a more intimate stay in Aviemore, a cozy cottage is the ideal choice. With comfortable bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and plenty of outdoor space, a cottage offers the perfect home away from home. With a range of sizes and styles to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect cottage for your needs.

Self-Catering Apartments

For those looking for a more independent stay in Aviemore, a self-catering apartment is the perfect choice. With comfortable bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and plenty of outdoor space, you can be sure of a comfortable and convenient stay at an apartment in Aviemore. With a range of sizes and styles to choose from, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs.

Conclusion

No matter which type of Aviemore accommodation you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable stay. With its stunning scenery, vibrant culture and wide range of activities, there’s something for everyone in Aviemore. So why not explore and experience all that Aviemore has to offer?

Explore Bilbao Spain

Things To Do in Bilbao, Top Attractions and Destinations

The largest and liveliest city in the Basque Country is Bilbao, which is situated on Spain’s northern coast. This is one of the most exciting cities in Spain because of the numerous structures and historic sites, especially the Guggenheim Museum. The city of Bilbao is renowned for its stunning scenery, abundance of eateries and shops, exciting nightlife, and numerous sightseeing opportunities.

In Bilbao, there are many things to do. The Plaza Funicular, which is one of the attractions worth seeing, is accessible by taking the Funicular Railway up to Mount Artxanda. As you ascend above the city, the train, driven by a pulley system, soars up the steep hillside, revealing breathtaking views. It costs 85 cents one way and runs every 15 minutes.

Discover Architectural Bilbao through Amazing Art and Culture

From the recreation area at the top, you can see the entirety of Bilbao in breath-taking detail.There are many restaurants in the area where you can unwind and eat regional Basque food. Return through the lush hillside, either to the Abando neighborhood or Parque Extberri with its enormous chimneystack.

Additionally, visitors can use the elevator in Casco Viejo, which is located behind San Nicholas Church on Esperanza Street close to the sports center. Once you get to the top, proceed down the hallway and turn left into Park Extberri, where you can enjoy the view and the surrounding vegetation.

The Basilica de Begona, which has a lovely courtyard to sit in and unwind in under the shade of trees, is another location here worth a visit. You will arrive at the Plaza Unamundo in the Casco if you forgo the elevator and descend the stairs.

The Hanging Bridge, which connects Portugalete and Gexto, is another popular tourist attraction. The bridge is accessible by train from Aband or San Mames to Portugalete. A small ferry for cars and people hangs from this massive structure via cables. You board and are lifted above the river as the cables slide along to the other side. It is open every day of the year, twenty-four hours a day.

Bilbao's charming old town

History of Bilbao

The growth of Bilbao started in 1315 when King Alfonso included the town along the Camino de Santiago path. Bilbao was able to vastly improve its economic output and developed into a major trading port, trading heavily with northern Europe and the rest of the Mediterranean countries.

More and more shipyards were built in the following years and the town grew in both trading terms and cultural terms with the arrival of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.

During the 1400s, the town became a city and a network of new roads and the famous Cathedral de Santiago were built. Trading with the entire world opened up over the following two centuries.

Bilbao has an unfortunate military past over the years. Its strategic importance as a commercial and naval port made the city a prime target in the French occupation, the War of Independence, and the Spanish Civil War of 1936. Any civil or international conflicts always affected Bilbao significantly.

It was in the 19th century that industrial expansion in the city spiraled out of control and the whole area became choked with pollution. Bilbao was known as a city of industrial ugliness, despite its cultural past. Thankfully, Bilbao has long since shed this industrial image and is once again considered a cultural city, particularly for its artistic presence.

Bilbao Population

Bilbao lies within the autonomous community of the Basque Country, in the far north of Spain and has a population of around 360,000. Bilbao is very much an international city with around 10% of the population being foreigners, only a third of those living in Bilbao were actually born there.

127 different nationalities are represented in Bilbao with large Bolivian and Columbian communities and many Chinese, Moroccan and Romanians living in the city as well.

Attractions in Bilbao

Bilbao Attractions

Bilbao is bursting with places to visit and see. The city’s cultural and artistic heritage is evident in both the architecture and the many museums. Here are just a few of the places to visit.

Gran Via

This is the city’s main thoroughfare as well as a very important shopping and business area. The start of this beautiful promenade is marked by a statue of Don Diego Lopez de Haro, who founded the city. This is a great place for a stroll, to browse the stores or grab a quick bite to eat.

Plaza de Miguel de Unamuno

The plaza is name after the prominent Bilbao writer and philosopher, Unamuno. His statue sits atop a large column and the square in which it stands is a popular venue for concerts and festivals.

Plaza Nueva

Plaza Nueva

This is the city’s main meeting area and has a vibrant and exciting atmosphere, particularly in the evenings. There is a wide selection of bars, restaurants and cafes and the plaza is the venue for the annual Mercado Rural de Santo Tomas, a traditional market opened every December.

Casco Viejo

This is the place to be for nightclubs, bars and a vibrant nightlife. Situated on the banks of the River Nervion, Casco Viejo is sometimes referred to as the old quarter.

Saint James Cathedral

Catedral de Santiago

Built during the 16th century, this is truly the very epicentre of the city of Bilbao. It is situated within the narrow streets of Casco Viejo and surrounded by the shops and bars that make the area such a clash of the ages. From the cathedral, the original seven streets of Bilbao stretch down to the river.

Guggenheim Museum

Guggenheim Museum

Architect, Frank Gehry designed this amazing looking structure in a free-form sculptural style that is the talk of architects all over the world. It was funded and constructed by the Basque government in collaboration with the Solomon R. Guggenheim foundation and is visited by thousands of people from all over the world every year. The museum is the home to several modern artists including Picasso, Cezanne and Kandinsky. This is truly a world symbol on a par with the Sydney Opera House.

Bilbao Cuisine

One of the most famous Basque dining customs can be enjoyed all over Bilbao. The passion for food in the Basque Country is amongst the most vociferous anywhere in Spain and this is evident in the local’s love of pinxtos. Very much like tapas, pinxtos is a very small appetizer like food.

It is not uncommon to see the locals bar hop and try a traditional pinxto in every bar. The ritual of ‘tapeo’ is similar to the British ritual of a bar-crawl only instead of beer, it’s tapas or pinxtos

The cuisine of Bilbao and the wider Basque country is like all of Spain. The abundance of freshly caught local fish, the very best fresh vegetables and a love for olive oil make the cuisine amongst the tastiest and healthiest in the world. Cod is particularly popular in the area, locally called bacalao.

Cooked in a Biscayan style or ‘pil-pil’ this is as authentic a Basque dish as can be found anywhere. The fantastic restaurants of Amboto, Zortziko and Urrejola offer authentic Basque style cooking in a fantastic atmosphere. A must-see is the annual pinxto contest held every year between the bars and restaurants of Bilbao.

Accommodation in Bilbao

As in most areas of Spain, Bilbao has a selection of accommodation that will satisfy any budget. The Lopez de Haro hotel is at the very top end, offering five star surroundings, service and food. There are also a number of four star hotels to choose from including the Carlton which is the original Basque government building.

Albert Einstein and King Alfonso XIII have stayed at the Carlton giving it a very historical feeling. Other four star hotels include the Hotel Ercilla and the Abando.

For those on a budget, there are other options including the three star Barcelon Nervion, the Duesto and the Barcelo Avienda. All of these hotels are in the city and only a few minutes’ walk from most of Bilbao’s attractions. Budget travelers will find a selection of hostels and low cost accommodation in the Casco Viejo area, which is a great place to stay to soak up the history of this great old city.

Weather and climate in Bilbao

Bilbao Weather

Bilbao is one of the more temperate climates of Spain, offering a typical maritime climate which is consistent all year round. Situated on the north Atlantic coast, it is a city which rarely experiences extremes of temperature.

The winter months are generally cool while the summer months are rarely uncomfortable and the influence of the ocean having a cooling effect, make it a great destination for sunbathing.

The spring months in Bilbao are very pleasant with average temperatures of 14C in February and 16C in March. There are plenty of cloud free, sunny days in spring although it is the time of year where significant rain is most likely.

In April and May, average temperatures quickly rise to around 22C with the summer months of July and August averaging out at around the 30C mark. It can get humid at this time of year but the refreshing breeze from the mountains cools things down slightly.

A great time to visit Bilbao is the autumn as temperatures tend to hover around the 20C mark with lots of sunshine and clear skies. Rain is usually in the form of quick, sharp showers in the autumn months, but these showers are usually quick to clear.

Winter temperatures usually stick around 12C with the odd snow shower is not unheard of.

Transport in Bilbao

The relatively new Metro system in Bilbao is efficient, clean and very reliable. Metro fares can be purchased on a one way basis but there are also Creditrans which are tickets for multiple journeys and start from only €5. There is also a light rail service, a tram system and a bus service that stretches to every part of the city.

The Bilbao public transport system is as good as anywhere in Spain or the rest of Europe. There are also taxis available to hail down in all of the city’s busy thoroughfares.

Discover the Breathtaking Mykonos Beaches

One of the most well-known Greek islands and frequently referred to as “the jewel” of the Aegean Sea, Mykonos receives thousands of visitors each year. Mykonos is regarded as the ideal vacation spot because of its “cosmopolitan vibe,” exciting nightlife, distinctive Cycladic architecture, wonderful Mediterranean climate, and lovely beaches!

Dream moments await you at Mykonos Beaches

Beaches on Mykonos

The beaches on Mykonos are well-known throughout Europe and are regarded as some of the best in the Aegean Sea.

Mykonos is known all over the world for the large number of sandy beaches, characterized by the green blue color. At Mykonos the visitor can find from lonely peaceful beaches (like Ftelia) to organized crowded beaches with beach bars (better lets call them beach clubs) which play all kinds of dance music, and many times with world famous DJ’s (like Super Paradise).

Even from the main port of Mykonos, the traveler is impressed from the small beach and gets a feeling of the types of Mykonos beaches. The golden and very light sand is the main characteristic of a big number of Mykonos beaches.

If you are interested to find peaceful lonely beaches in Mykonos for sure you will need a vehicle. Even if the majority of Mykonos beaches are ideal, for special places the road conditions are not so ideal but the final destinations deserve the effort.

For the more crowded beaches like (Super Paradise, Ornos, Elia) public transportation it’s nice, you can select to go either by bus or by small boats. Additionally Mykonos has a lot of Taxi’s which can take you 24hours per day all over Mykonos (but be prepared for high prices).

Agios Ioannis Beach

Best known as Shirley Valentine beach, because of the 1980’s English movie filmed on Mykonos, it is one of the best spots to watch the sunset, especially in September and October as the sun moves closer to the southern sky.

You can view the island of Delos from this pebble and sand beach or while floating in the blue sea. Let your imagination take you to mythical times and the birth of Apollo, the god of light and his twin, Artemis. This magical event is said to have taken place on Delos.

From the dock of Agios Ioannis you can view a point of light on a clear summer day. This is one of three places in the world where the sun is brighter than anywhere else. The sun shines on the water and you can view a current running across the sea, thus being a special part of the birthplace of Apollo (God of light).

Another legend associated with this beach, is the story of the mermaids. The story was created, during war times, as a scare tactic to try to keep people from coming to the beach at night, so that men arriving in boats carrying black market goods could unload their cargo at the dock. The story told was that these half female – half fish creatures would lure you to them and take you to their world at the bottom of the sea.

Agios Ioannis Small White Sand Beach

This is a small, rather tranquil Mykonos beach where you can relax under the sun or enjoy a meal at one of the tavernas just a few footsteps away from the sea. Agios Ioannis Beach is divided into two sections separated by a large, rocky area.

On the right side is the dock, a beach, a bus stop and a large parking area. On the left side of the rocks is the longest section of the beach with a limited parking area and a bus stop.

On the longer section of the beach there are some umbrellas and sun beds available for rent or there is enough open space to lay a towel on the sand. It is a child-friendly beach with shallow water at the shore line to play in. Not extremely protected from the north winds, but is fairly calm on most days.

Surrounded by hill sides where you can find hotels, villas, rooms for rent, apartments and houses. This beach can be reached by public transportation or by rental car – motorbike.

Ornos Beach

This is a convenient, family-friendly beach where you can find a relaxing atmosphere, though sometimes it can be very crowded. Ornos is a large beach with many sun beds and umbrellas available for rent and also space to lay a towel. Shallow water along the shore line that is perfect for children to play in.

This beachside community has many tavernas, cafes and restaurants right on the beach for easy access. At least one beach bar on the far left even has beach service. This beach community provides services for almost all your needs.

Either on the beach or within easy walking distance there are mini markets, super market, bakery, pharmacy, butcher and more. You can reach this beach by public transportation and there is some parking for rental cars – motorbikes.

Ornos ideal Beach for families

The Ornos Beach area is surrounded by hotels, apartments, rooms for rent and villas. There are even a few luxury hotels and private villas that attract celebrities and kings from around the world as guests. In this protected cove you can always find a wide array of private yachts, leisure boats and fishing boats anchored.

As there is rarely a south wind in the summertime, Ornos bay provides a safe haven from the ‘meltemi” (northwest wind that can be strong, blowing during the day and dying down in the evening).

Ornos Beach is one of the two starting points for the boats/caique taking you to or returning you from other southern beaches.

A unique experience not to be missed! Discover more natural, serene beaches on the island of Rhenia (known to the locals as big Delos). This island is located just to the west of Delos. Enjoy the crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches of this special place.

Arriving at this uninhabited location you nearly feel transported back in time to the ancient civilization. You are able to take a boat from Ornos Beach, leaving in the morning and returning in the afternoon.

On the left side of the beach is a dock with a boat launch where you can try your luck at fishing or watch the local fishermen repairing their nets. In early morning you can see the fishermen arriving back to shore with their catch of the day before loading on to transport for delivery to local restaurants, tavernas or the harbor fish market.

At the mouth of Ornos bay there is a large, slightly submerged rock to be navigated by boats, on which during quiet, less crowded periods you can view seals swimming or sunning themselves on top of the rock.

Psarou Beach

This attractive little beach offers protected, clear, tranquil waters at the bottom of dramatic rocky hill sides, located a short walking distance to the right of Platys Gialos Beach.

You can always find some fishing boats and private yachts anchored in the bay. Take in the view of fantastic colors in the early morning as the sun rises over the hilltops or late afternoon as it sinks behind the rocks. Stunning!

Psarou medium size sandy Beach

You can get there by public transportation (though by bus, you must walk from Platys Gialos or down the mountain path located approximately one hundred fifty meters from the end of the road).

You can also rent a car or motorbike and drive down the steep slope, parking in the lot near to the beach. There is a boat/caique originating from Ornos Beach to take you to Psarou Beach.

This is not a party beach, so come here to relax or socialize. There are sun beds and umbrellas available for rent and limited areas to lay your towel. You can find a restaurant, sushi bar, cafe and even a traditional Greek taverna on the far left. The restaurant does provide beach service.

An extensive scuba diving center is located behind the restaurant on the beach. Whether an experienced diver or a beginner you have the opportunity to discover the sea life or the mystery of a sunken ship.

Platis Gialos Beach

This is an extensive beach side community with places to lay a towel or sun beds and umbrellas available for rent. Protection from the wind is provided by the surrounding hill sides and the fact that most of the restaurants and some of the hotels are located right on the beach.

You will find plenty of hotels, rooms for rent, apartments, villas (private and rental), mini markets, tavernas, restaurants, souvenir shops and beach bars.

This is a convenient, family-friendly beach including several playgrounds. A sandy beach, equipped with a life guard on duty, offering a perfect shallow shoreline for children to play in. While lounging on the beach or around one of the swimming pools watch the sun glistening on the sea like diamonds. A wide ranging water sports area with water skiing, jet skis, all kinds of towable tubes, banana boat water sleds and parasailing is offered here.

Platis Gialos Beach

Platis Gialos Beach stays alive well into the evening. Watch the sun sink over the hill side and then take the opportunity to stroll along the beach or sit to enjoy a glass of wine or a meal under the stars watching the lights reflecting on the sea. If you are looking for traditional Greek dancing you might catch Greek Night offered by at least one of the tavernas or one of the hotels.

To arrive at Platis Gialos Beach you can take frequent public transportation, rental car or motorbike (though parking is somewhat limited). You can easily access most southern beaches via boat/caique that originate from or return to the cement dock on the right side of the beach.

Local fishermen bring in their catch of the day to this dock and if your timing is right you can see them unloading the fish from their nets before delivering their catch to the tavernas and restaurants on the beach. Plati Gialos Beach is an easy walk to the beaches of Agia Anna and Paraga, just follow the gentle footpath to the left. Next to the footpath is an outcropping of rocks to climb on or discover sealife.

Try your luck fishing at a beach bar or the water, if you are unable to catch anything… maybe there is something wrong with the bait.

Agia Anna Beach

This little beach has a traditional fish taverna and a restaurant, both offering their own parking. Because of its location and a bamboo fence this beach is protected from both the north and the south winds. It has sun beds and umbrellas available for rent on the right side of the beach.

On the right there is a small public parking area with a boat launch and a gentle footpath connecting it with Platys Gialos Beach. To the left you can continue walking on a footpath to Paraga Beach.

Agia Anna offers a few sun beds, umbrellas and rooms for rent. You can see the beaches of Platys Gialos and Psarou from here. This is the only beach on the southern side of Mykonos that is protected from the rare south winds.

The traditional, tiny church across from the boat launch is always open, where you are welcome to enter and light a candle.

Agia Anna is a somewhat hidden little beach but is just a few minutes walk from Kalafatis Beach.

In the area surrounding the beach there are restaurants, tarvernas, rooms to rent and a hotel. It may seem like it is a private beach because it is mostly occupied by guests of the hotel, but it is a public beach.

This area of the island is a change of pace from the cosmopolitan bustle of Mykonos Town. Very traditionally Greek, this grouping of fish tavernas, local fishermen’s houses and fishing boats to the left side of the beach, gives you a feeling of a village. Watch the locals bring in their catch of the day or sitting in the sun repairing their fishing nets.

Enjoy a meal in one of the tavernas and listen to the locals swapping stories of the sea over ouzo. Facing the north side of this small peninsula, watch the wind surfers of Kalifatis Beach. There is also a taverna and a pizza restaurant on the corner before you arrive at Agia Anna Beach.

On both ends of the beach there are lots of rocky areas to climb around on where you can discover shells and sea life. There are two craggy rock hills jutting out of the sea between Agia Anna and Kalafatis beaches known as Divounia (these mounds are also known as ‘Aphrodite’s tits’?).

Best reached by rental car, motorbike, taxi or public bus. The bus originates at the intersection near the old port behind the museum, getting off at the bus stop just before you arrive at Kalafatis Beach.

Paraga Beach

This is a popular beach with the locals as well as the tourists. Paraga Beach is one of the beaches originally made famous by the hippie generation, being one of the first clothing-optional beaches of Mykonos.

You can still find a laid back attitude mixed in with a party atmosphere. The music can get loud in front of the restaurant – beach bar, especially in August, when the Italian crowd flocks to Paraga Beach.

You can find sun beds and umbrellas for rent or a place to lay your towel on this sandy beach. Swim in the clear waters out to the rock, just a few meters from the shore and take a dive into the sea. This is one of the few beaches where you can find trees providing some shade.

The shore line has shallow waters safe enough for a child to play in. Part of the beach has a bamboo fence to offer some wind protection. There are nice, large, smooth rocks on the left side to lie on or discover small tidal-like pools.

Paraga Beach

If you find yourself needing a break from the beach, take a hike to the right and follow the footpaths up the rocky hill or out to the point of the rocky headland. It will give you a completely new view of the sea. You can also find a bit more privacy if you choose to spend some time away from the beach.

An alternative hike is on a footpath following the headland to the left of the beach, this is one of the ways you can reach Paradise Beach (ten minute walk) or just take in the view.

Paraga Beach offers lifeguard services, a restaurant – bar with beach service, a taverna with some tables on the beach and cafe beach bar also with beach service. A little to the left of the beach is a pool bar. Mykonos camping is just beyond this pool bar and extends out to the point of the headland. You can find rooms to rent, hotels and apartments around the perimeter of Paraga Beach.

You can get to Paraga Beach by public transportation, rental car – motorbike or boat/caique originating from or returning to Ornos or Platys Gialos beaches. Bus service directly to the beach is only offered during peak season, otherwise you have to walk from Paradise Beach bus stop. There is a footpath over the hill, just a short ten minute walk.

You can also walk from Platys Gialos Beach on a gentle footpath crossing over Agia Anna Beach (a small beach separating the two.) If driving, there is a small, free parking lot for the customers of the taverna or cafe beach bar on the left side of the beach and a large parking lot that charges a fee on the right side of the beach.

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is one of the ten most well known beaches of the world. This party beach was originally made famous by the hippie generation dating back as far as 1969. This is still the place to go if you are looking for a beach where ‘anything goes”.

Known for special events, such as Full Moon Parties and Bubble Parties, this can be a beach to relax on or die partying. Don’t miss the closing party if you’re on Mykonos in early September.

It’s mostly multicultural, young twenty something’s, but you can find a mix of all ages. Paradise Beach is a good place to sleep off a hangover in early afternoon with the throbbing music from several beach bars picking up at around 16:00 where you can start the party all over again. Bodies everywhere, dancing on the bars or on the sand, it’s amazing that after a few minutes you don’t even notice if people are dressed or undressed.

Paradise Beach

One of the most easily accessible beaches as it has the most frequent bus service from Mykonos Town, including special event shuttle buses. You can also reach the beach by catching a boat/caique originating from or returning to Platys Gialos or Ornos beaches, taxi or a rental car – motorbike.

There is a footpath over the hill to the right leading to Paraga Beach, approximately a ten minute walk. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for rent, there is also an area that offers wind protection behind a bamboo fence. Uni – sex toilets, so be prepared to share.

In general you will find a pool dance club, beach bar, self service restaurant, snack bar, croissanterie, mini market and boutique. Equipped with a lifeguard, this is one of the big water sport beaches offering a scuba diving center, jet skis, water skiing, snorkeling, parasailing, banana boats, tubes, canoes and pedal boats.

Paradise Beach also features beach volley, horseback riding and bungee catapult. Similar to bungee jumping except that you start on the ground. Catapult is also known as “Reverse Bungee” and “Bungee Rocket”. You shoot up into the air at approximately gazillion miles per hour, eventually stopping and continuing like you would any normal jump.

A big attraction for young, bohemian party people is Paradise Camping. This complex offers apartments, rooms, beach cabins, camping tents and community toilets / showers just a few meters behind the party scene and beneath the shade of the trees. There is a Paradise Camping shuttle service that can pick you up from the port or airport.

Last but not least grab a bottle and toast “to your health”. Be aware of the sea life (urchins, jelly fish) and the natural setting. Watch where you step!

Elia Beach

Elia is a busy beach and a favorite of many, especially the gay crowd, to spend the day chilling out or socializing. It has become quite the meeting place and many plans for the evening or holiday romances are formed here.

This beach offers some of the softer sand on Mykonos and is also one of the longest. The location provides a bit of protection, one of the best on a very windy day when the north wind is blowing.

Elia Beach

There are several places to eat, drink or relax out of the summer sun with beach service also available. Umbrellas and sun beds for rent, bathrooms – showers, and water sports, including parasailing can be found on Elia Beach.

Though predominately gay, everyone can feel comfortable here. The left side of the beach is more of a mix of people, whereas the right side is mostly clothing-optional and preferred by a lot of gays. Continue to the right, over the rocks toward Agrari Beach, to find two little beaches tucked away that are popular meeting places for the gay crowd.

Elia is the last stop for the boats/caique leaving from or returning to Platys Gialos or Ornos beaches. You can also get there by public transportation, the bus originating at the intersection near the old port behind the museum or rental car – motorbike.

Kalo Livadi Beach

You won’t find the music pumping here, what you will find are people relaxing in the sun or playing an impromptu game of paddleball in the shallow waters along the shoreline and yachts anchored in the bay.

Even though this is a southern beach, it is not extremely protected from the north wind. There is some bamboo fencing and a few bushes on part of the beach providing a bit of wind protection.

Kalo Livadi Beach is a quiet, long stretch of sandy beach that is popular with a mix of families and Greek tourists. You can find many sun beds and umbrellas for rent and possibly a bit of space to lay your towel. Enjoy water sports, paddle boats, kayaks where there is a lifeguard on duty.

Kalo Livadi Beach

Hillsides surrounding the beach provide hotels, apartments and rooms for rent. Across the road you will find a few beach bars providing beach service, a restaurant – lounge and tavernas where you can enjoy a meal, taking a break from the summer sun.

When coming down the hill to the beach or while lying on the beach, look out to the middle of the bay and see a rock formation known as Kalafakiona. This is a popular place with the local fishermen for trapping different types of lobsters as it has small sandy caves where they like to hide.

Best reached by taxi or rental car – motorbike, but you can also take the bus originating from the intersection near the old port behind the museum. Get off the bus at the top of the hill where it turns to go to Elia Beach and walk about ten minutes downhill to your left. If driving, you will find plenty of parking available along the whole stretch of the beach.

Houlakia Beach

The rounded stones that make up this natural phenomenon, unique to Mykonos, are known as Houlakia. You will not find this anywhere else.

You might find rounded stones elsewhere, but not with the composite, color or size of the stones forming this beach. These incredible, rounded stones have been formed, while tumbling around in the sea for thousands of years, some being reclaimed to create this beach. This is a natural, protected area where it is now prohibited to remove any of these special stones.

The shoreline of Houlakia Beach, divided into two parts, is made up only of stones. The left side does have a cove with a small sandy area just a few meters behind the rocky shoreline. On this sandy area you can find some umbrellas and sun beds near a family owned restaurant and hotel.

This isolated beach is never crowded, even during high season. If you choose to take a swim here, you can even feel the smoothness under your feet, as the stones also extend into the sea.

The right side has no place to lay a towel, but if you would like to view these stones, there is a footpath along the top side of the beach. There is only space for a car or two to park, right next to the main road, on this side of the beach.

Houlakia Beach is ideal to view the sun sinking into the sea behind Delos Island. The day lasts a little longer here. There are a few hotels, villas (private and for rent), apartments and a restaurant in this area. Because of the view many people have chosen to build houses and villas on this previously uninhabited part of Mykonos, even though it is not protected from the north wind.

The best way to reach this beach is by rental car – motorbike. Access to the left side is via a dirt path, off the main road leading to a parking area for Houlakia Beach. There is no bus service directly to this beach, but you can walk approximately one kilometer (0.7miles) from the Agios Stefanos Beach bus stop. If you take a taxi, the only way to return would be to call one from the restaurant.

Lia Beach

Lia is a small, peaceful beach made up of sand, pebbles and stones.

There is no bus service, but you can reach it by taxi or rental car – motorbike on a trip through the tranquil country side after passing by the village of Ano Mera. In recent years the road has been paved for easier access.

Being one of the furthest beaches from Mykonos Town makes this a place to escape to. This gem of a beach is very popular with the Greeks. You will find several tavernas, sun beds and umbrellas for rent and wind protection behind a bamboo fence. A beach bar provides beach service if you want to just relax on your sun bed or towel.

On the far right side of the beach there are nice, smooth rock outcroppings where you can lay and enjoy the sun or the view. As with most of the southern beaches, you are able to see the islands of Naxos and Paros.

Agios Stefanos Beach

Agios Stefanos Beach is located just around the corner from the new port of Tourlos. It is a sandy, family – friendly beach with shallow waters along the shoreline for children to play in. The water is so clean and clear, it creates a perfect swimming environment including a wonderful, sandy sea floor. When the north wind blows it can be somewhat windy on this beach.

Agios Stefanos Beach

You can find sun beds and umbrellas for rent, but there is also the luxury of a lot of open areas to lay your towel. There is a beach volley court, lots of space to play paddle ball or let your children run free. The Nautical Association of Mykonos provides morning swimming, small craft sailing and windsurfing lessons on this beach, for the local children.

Agios Stefanos Beach caters to many tastes. This beach is surrounded by many places to eat and drink, including a snack bar, tavernas and restaurants, some even provide beach service. Around the beach area and hillside behind, you will find many hotels, apartments, villas, rooms to rent and mini markets.

The wide, open view from this part of the island takes in Mykonos Town, the islands of Delos and Rhenia, a clear view of the sunset and boats/ships passing in the distance.

There is bus service, originating from the old port next to the dock where the ferries arrive. Alternatively you can take a taxi or a rental car – motorbike.

Discover the Charming Cities of France

Major French Cities to Visit

France has numerous cities of interest to travelers, some with Roman remains and medieval magic; others are contemporary chic; most have charming squares, bustling markets, majestic cathedrals, local industry, architecture, arts and sports.

The cities and towns of France all have their own unique character and attractions. And when it comes to beautiful and interesting French cities, Paris is just the start – there are 22 regional cities in France and each department also has a capital to explore.

Why You Should Travel to Some Beautiful French Cities

Paris, the capital and largest city, is on top of the list for most tourists in France, it is often as the “City of Light”, and known for romance and the Eifel Tower. Bordeaux is famous for its surrounding wine areas with traditional stone mansions and smart terraces, and is in itself a charming city. Lyon has a history from Roman times to the Resistance, and is a center for the world famous cuisine.

Strasbourg is famous for its historical center, and home to many European institutions. Avignon is known as the “City of Popes,” and the Palace of the Popes is the city’s most famous architectural structure. Aix-en-Provence is built on hot springs and is where the renowned painter Cezanne lived and painted.

Reims is known for its production of champagne and its cathedral. Dijon has served as the capital for the dukes of Burgundy, and is home to some of the best wine yards in the world.

Marseille is France`s second most populous city and home to many wonders, setting alight the fires of any traveler`s heart. One of its most charming aspects is the many markets available for people of all persuasions including the Noailles market, featuring arts and crafts of African origin and design

Among the coastal holiday destinations, Nice, Cannes, and Montpellier are probably the most popular destinations. Nice is known for being at the center of Côte d’Azur, Cannes for its annual film festival, and Montpellier for its historic city center and universities.

Paris – Capital of France

Paris the capital city of France and is also known as the popular tourist destinations. The best time to visit Paris is in spring, because in rest of the seasons like winter Paris has all sorts of cultural events going on so it is advised to make a trip at this time. In summer the weather is warm and people avoid chilling in such season. Paris is all full of surprises.

Popular places in Paris include the Eiffel Tower one of the famous monuments ever built. You must not miss visiting “Louvre” which is one of the most impressive and well known museums in the world.

Another important Museum in Paris is the “Picasso Museum”, which displays the art of a famous artist’s such as “Picasso’s”. The beautiful churches in France are “Notre Dame Cathedral” and the “Sacre Coeur” which has the fantastic view of city around.

Paris Sights

The places for people to stroll around Paris includes the “Place du Tertre” and do not miss the chance of climbing the steps to the “Sacre Coeur in Montmartre”. “Saucy Pigalle” district is the must watch place in Paris.

Take a delightful walk around the Latin Quarter – St. Germain and Boulevard St. Michel and there you can even check out the street performers doing their act.

The popular places in and around Paris includes “Fontainebleau” and “Versailles” with its magnificent palace of Louis XIV, Vaux-le-Vicomte. Palace also has a water fall which is almost as high as Nigeria water fall.

Travelers in Paris, on a airy summer’s day can get into the cool of the water and float down the Seine in a canal boat which are available on rent. They can even participate in other sports activates like ice skating and bowling.

Avigon – World Heritage Site

Avigon is a village in southern France. It is the World Heritage Site and the City of Theater. Avignon’s architecture is marked by Papal History. The town displays ancient culture and is full of history, life, youth, art, music and activity.

In order to discover the town you should prefer walking the narrow streets inside the fortified walls, it has great shopping area. The Palace of the Popes built in the 14th century is the most popular sight in Avignon. The museums such as Petit Palais and Palais du Roure, are the famous places in Avignon.

The Avigon has ancient streets, the courtyards of the private mansions, the renovated facades which looks charming. One of the most elegant streets is the “Rue Joseph Vernet”, nearby to the “Calvet museum” and the “Requien Museum”. Avignon is big enough for people to wonder around and they may even find themselves being lost in the crowd.

Avigon

The places you must not avoid seeing on the streets of Avigon are “Place de l’Horloge” a long square which is situated in front of the “Hotel de Ville”. It has a terrace cafes on the both sides and the “Belle Epoque carrousel” at the top end. The streets at the top end of the Place d’Horloge lead to the Palace of the Popes.

The popular events and festival which takes place in Avigon are dance, music and theater. Among them theater plays an important role which was Started in 1947 by Jean Vilar, and it takes place every year between the 10th of July and the 5th of August. It is an international festival with 120,000 spectators with all over France and Europe who comes to discover new talent or admire those actors already known.

Bordeaux City

The City Bordeaux is one of the biggest cities of France with a population of over 900,000 people. It is situated along the bank of the Garome River. The city is known for its wines all over the world. It is located in west of France and the best time to visit Bordeaux is spring, though autumn is pleasant, too, but the days are really short at that time.

The climate of Bordeaux’s is mild as the Atlantic Ocean prevents from both freezing cold and excessive heat. Bordeaux provides with many sports activities such as soccer, horse ridding and racquet games.

The main events and festivals of Bordeaux are, “Fete le Wine” which means wine festival. It takes place in late June and early July and is an excellent opportunity to get to know the region’s famous wine. It carries out wine tasting art exhibitions wine-making exhibitions, wine tasting, and traditional music and dance performances.

The city has many worth seeing places for tourist like excellent museums and the nightlife is full of pomp and show. Bordeaux is also famous for its beaches. It has Wide avenues, neoclassical architecture and well-tended parks which gives the city a 18th-century splendor. Chateaux is a place to learn something about the Bordeaux wines. Other places worth seeing in Bordeaux are Quartier Saint-Eloi. It is one of the most picturesque districts in Bordeaux.

Cannes City

Cannes is a city in France and famous for the International Film Festival. The name Cannes is derived from “Canna”, which means a reed. It draws the maximum star tourist to the destination especially in the month of may and that too for 12 days.

Cannes has become a center of cinema hub with 30.0000 directors, producers, distributors and publist to buy sell or promotes movies every year. At this time you will witness foreign people and plenty yachts and cruise ships floating in the blue water, you can see the richer rich people ridding the most expensive car like ferrari for shopping trips.

Cannes has a pleasant temperate. Summers are warm without being uncomfortable, autumn are wet and winter brings cool days and chilly evenings but it hardly reaches freezing temperature. Spring is the nicest time of year, with sunny days with little rain.

Cannes

The city of Cannes is centered on the old port, with the central part quite compact. The most popular destination of Cannes is “Croisette” beach that extends around the bay to the east of the port, in the protected “Rade de Cannes”.

The other places spotted in Cannes old town are “Le Suquet” which is on the west end of the port. The oldest church such as “Notre-Dame-de-l’Esperence” dating to 12th-16th-century gives a touch of medieval flavor to the city.

The street of “Le Suquet” is narrow and moving up and around the hill, which gives a fine view from the top. There are many beaches along the “Golfe de la Napoule” or along “La Croisette” in the “Rade de Cannes” which are sandy as in Antibes and Juan-les-Pins.

Cannes provides with a facility of sport and adventurous activities like cycling, walking, swimming, water skiing and scuba diving.

Lyon

It is the third largest city of France. It is a major centre of business and is situated between Paris and Marseilles. Lyons is one of the most historic, fascinating, and exsiting towns to visit. Tourist can explore churches and historic museums, best restaurants around, and discover the famous silk industry and Lyons’ Roman heritage.

Lyon is a city with diverse culture. Lyon has an average temperature with 25 degrees. The famous Rhone river and the Saone river flow through Lyon which creates a peninsula called “Presqu’ile” and it is considered the modern center of Lyon.

Lyon

Other places to be spotted in Lyon are, “The Basilique de Notre-Dame” which was built as a result of the Franco-Prussian war in the 19th century. It is situated on a hill which has a striking white exterior, and a colorful, ornate interior with religious mosaics.

You can Climb up to Fourviere to get a spectacular view of the whole town from the gardens, you should preferably visit this place at night. The St. Jean Cathedral, started in the 12th century, has impressive columns and stained-glass windows, a 14th century astronomical clock plays a hymn at noon. All the bridges and the buildings have been enlightened in a very artistic way in Lyon which looks majestic.

Marseille

Marseille is the second largest and the oldest cities dating back more than 2000 years of France. The ancient name of Marseille is “Phocaea”. It lies on the coast of Mediterranean sea. The city attracts tourist from all over Europe for its status of complexity and superb weather.

Marseille is a great shopping place and also known as the second city of the most fashion conscious country on earth and there are plenty of varieties in clothes and accessories which you can find Marseille city of France. Well known designers have their exclusive boutiques in Marseille.

You will also spot high quality French and other international restaurants in the city. The National hymn of France was brought up in Marseilles. Marseilles is famous for its seafood. The most popular and world renowned seafood dish of Marseilles is Bouillabaisse.

Nineteenth century French author Alexander Dumas called “Marseille” the meeting place of the entire world. In Marseille 50 percent are French nationals and the other half are north and sub-Saharan African, Asian and non-French European.

The city has a lot of interesting sights such as OK Corral western themed amusement park and the Aqua City Water Park. Marseille has plenty of picturesque buildings and museums for visitors who can spend plenty of time in exploring.

Marseille is a city with diverse culture. There traditions in this old city are kept alive through cultural music, art and theatre. The Opera de Marseille is where maximum number of locals as well as tourists is spotted, they visit this place to listen to classical music concerts and sometimes a professional opera also take place.

There are theatres in Marseille that have a variety of performances throughout the year. There have been many silver screen movies filmed in the city of Marseille.

Dijon France

Dijon is located in southeast of Paris. It became the capital of the dukes of Burgundy around 1000 AD. The population of Dijon is about 150,000 while walking on the streets of Dijon you can discover some of France’s finest cuisine and drink Burgundy wines.

A mixture of white wine and cassis was invented by one of Dijon’s mayors which is known as the “kir” and is quite popular among the people of Dijon. It has variety of Food in menus such as snails in garlic butter, coq au vin, boeuf bourgignon and parslied ham.

Places to explore in Dijon are Saint Benignus Dijon’s cathedral of Saint-Benigne de Dijon and it is the crypt which is said to be one of the oldest Christian cathedrals existing in France. Dijon’s buildings are the ancient one which was built in 1365. “Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne” is an interesting structure to see in Dijon which was a home to the Dukes of Burgundy.

There is a Museum of Art and Musee de la Moutarde 48 quai Nicolas Rolin is a Museum of Mustard. Musee Archeologique 5 rue du docteur Maret is an archaeological museum which has some interesting things to display such as Celtic jewelry.

To get the best view of Dijon you can climb the Tour de Philippe le Bon. Jardin de L’Arquebuse Ave Albert 1er, is Dijon’s botanical gardens which is a must see place. The wonderful Place de la Liberation is across from the palace and where you can sit in a restaurant, wine bar or cafe and view the palace or the interesting fountains. Dijon’s Covered Market is also quit popular.

Dijon offers many cultural activities, and organizes annual festivals such as L’Ete Musical, a classical music festival in June which entertain tourist. To move around in Dijon, High speed TGV trains from Paris stops here and you can also hire a Car to explore the city. There are many hotels within a five minute walk of the station.

Nice France

Nice is the capital of Cote d’Azur or French Riviera on the south-east coast of France and second largest tourist destination. The waterfront of Nice is one of the most beautiful of the Mediterranean coast .Nice is known for its wonderful attractions and sights. Nice in France features long path on the beaches, and good weather.

Nice has a rich history and fascinating landscapes, there are large number of tourists each year, The buildings of nice are built in decorative style, some are Provencal, medieval and Genoese architecture.

Nice

Nice has a delightful markets and narrow lanes crossing the street. It has all the attraction of France where food also plays an important part. The Old Town in Nice is crowded with bars and cafes. Nice has many attractions for tourists to explore such as museums and cathedrals of ancient times.

One of the finest example which displays ancient architectural style is “The Cathedral Ste-Reparate”. It was built in the 17th century and is known for its bell tower, and a ceramic tile dome. “The Chappell de la Misericorde” is worth watching due to its structure as it has a half dome, cupolas, and frescos, faux marble and crystal chandeliers which makes it look wonderful.

The street Cours Salega is famous for the construction of houses in ancient style plane trees, and a daily market. Nice has striking buildings such as Lascaris Palace which was built in 1648. It is admired for its best features such as arched staircases, railings made up of stones and bay filled with sculptures, paintings and furniture.

Matisse museum is a must watch place as it displays the original art of Henri Matisse who made it as a dedication to the beauty of nice. This vast museum shows Matisse’s works from his early days to the end of his career.

Strasbourg France

Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region of France. It is located in France’s border and close to countries such as Germany, Italy and Spain. It has a population of approximately 650,000. In 19th century Strasbourg was a part of Germany, but reverted to France in 1918.

The climate of Strasbourg is generally dry, warm in summers with temperature 19 degrees Celsius and In January the average temperature is 1 degree Celsius. The suitable time to visit Strasbourg is during the summer.

Strasbourg is also known for its beautiful historical centre, the Grande Ile which is a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The city hosts some important European institutions as the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the European Ombudsman, the European Parliament and others. It is better to explore Strasbourg on foot or bicycle.

The attraction in Strasbourg’s brings tourists to the city throughout the year, with large tour groups. The city is known for its sandstone Gothic Cathedral which has a famous astronomical clock. The Cathedral is Europe’s most beautiful examples of gothic architecture.

The museums such as Musee d’Art Moderne et Contemporain which is popular for its Contemporary Art, and the Musee Alsacien with its exhibit covering the history and traditions of the region is the must watch places in Strasbourg.

Place Kleber is a crowded with popular shops and a hub of activity. Music in Strasbourg means more than just opera, the renowned Theatre National de Strasbourg and Opera National du Rhin feature high-quality shows which attracts maximum tourist to the city.

Toulouse France

Toulouse is located in, Southwest France on the bank of the Garonne River. It has population amounting to 1,117,000 and is the fifth-largest city in France. Toulouse’s lies, on the banks of the Garonne. Its name is inspired from a pre-Celtic word of Aquitain. It was once considered as a major metropolis of Western Europe, but in the 18th and 19th centuries, the progress went into slow pace, completely missing the Industrial Revolution.

The city was relocated in 20th century, by the French central government. In sports, it boasts a respected rugby team, Stade Toulousain, which has been a three-time finalist and two-time winner in Europe’s top club competition in the sport, the Heineken Cup.

Popular places to see in Toulouse are Les Abattoirs, Bikini, Cafe Rex, Centre de developpement choregraphique, Centre municipal de l’Affiche, de la Carte postale et de l’Art graphique, Fil a Plomb and Jardin de l’universite, Musee des Augustins, Cite de L’Espace, Basilique St-Sernin, Cathedrale St-Etienne, Church of Les Jacobins, Fondation Bemberg, Bazacle, Canal de Brienne, Capitole, Couvent des Jacobins, FNAC junior, Church St-Sernin, Parc du Ramier. In order to move around the city an extensive bus and a modern metro system is also available.

Toulouse has rich culture and is known as the rose red city, “La Ville Rose” in French as the buildings is made up of red brick-sand tiles. Toulouse is the home to legends like Antoine de Saint-Exupery who gain popularity for a book written by him which was called “Le Petit Prince”. A gallery in the Hotel du Grand Balcon displays his work. The city is rated as the 10 most dynamic cities in the world.

The city has 140,000 students from all over Europe and the world so it makes city pouring with recreation places such as cafes, restaurants, dance clubs, music and bookstores, artist collectives, and a place for public debates, concerts of every style and a world-famous rugby team. 20 festivals Takes place every year of music, dance, film, art and literature.

Amiens France

Amiens is a city in the Somme region of France. It is Located about 120 kilometers from Paris and worth visiting. It has a Population of 130,000. The city has become the victim of World War II, and the scar on the buildings still tell the tale to people who so ever visit the city. Amiens is a city which depicts rich historical tradition, and people gather here to experience its ancient cathedral.

Tourist has lot of thing to do in Amiens such as taking a cruise in a 12-person gondola-like boat from the riverside kiosk and admire the flowers garden that float throughout the waterway. The Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Amiens is the best monument of France. It is France’s largest cathedral and its 42 m-high. It was constructed in the 13th century and is among the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notre-Dame has picturesque architecture such as ornate doorways, beautiful stained-glass windows.

The other places to explore in Amiens are marshland canals which is a network of canals as well as cottages. This place was once the central hub for the textile industry. It has floating market gardens Hortillonages which covers a 330-hectare it have been created on little islands on the marshlands at the edge of the city, along the river Somne.

Visitors should not miss the Specialties of Amiens such as macaroons, chocolate biscuits, ficelle picarde, gateau battu. In order to move around the city train and bus stations are close together on the east side of the city centre and Bicycles can also be hired from the nonprofit Association Velo Service.

Metz France

Metz is the capital of the newly created region of Lorraine. It is 3000 years old city and in ancient time Metz was known as Divodurum. Metz is known for its wealth and natural architectural heritage. Metz is worth to visit as it has number of beautiful parks to stroll around, good Museums, Churches, Art galleries, Markets.

City Metz was the part of Roman era and remains can be seen in the oldest church in France, Museums or in certain places in the city like Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains.

The buildings of Metz are old and narrow streets, in order to explore city it is better to walk to find much more interesting architectures, doors, statues one the way. The famous cathedral St. Etienne is the must see place in Metz. It was built around 13th and 16th centuries. It is a gorgeous building and considered the third highest cathedral in France. The cathedral is also known as “Lantern God” because of its 70,000 square feet of stained glass windows. Metz is also one of France’s greenest cities.

The other places to see in Metz is Arsenal, which is former military building erected by Napoleon III. Its concert hall combining is a real combination of classicism and modernity. The Metz, always was a land of music. To move around in Metz one has to rely on bus as it does not have any streetcars or subways.