Category: EUROPE

TORCELLO – a church, a bridge, and 15 residents

Posted onAuthorRenata27 Comments

If you are going on a day trip to Burano, the colorful gem in the Venetian lagoon, you should definitely spare an hour or two to cross the 150 meters to the island of Torcello. Here, a church, a bridge, and 15 permanent residents are awaiting you.

Chiesa di Santa Fosca on the island of Torcello where you can visit a church and a bridge
Chiesa di Santa Fosca on the island of Torcello.

While the islands Murano and Burano are beautiful yet still not that very different from the main island, the so-called Centro Storico, Torcello is a whole different world with very few landmarks surrounded by meadows and fields.

Enjoy the silence.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Day Trip to SIRMIONE – an Antique Holiday Retreat on the Shores of Lake Garda

Posted onAuthorRenata14 Comments

Sirmione is a small town located on the southern shore of Lake Garda and the perfect day trip destination if you are looking for a classic and classy retreat.

Historic Peninsula of Sirmione
Entering the historic peninsula of Sirmione.

The town’s historic center is picturesquely located on a peninsula protruding into the lake.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

A Day in BURANO: United Colors of Venice

Posted onAuthorRenata20 Comments

I know, I know: There is so much to explore in Venice’s Centro Storico, the historic center, that adding yet another beautiful place seems crazy. But believe me: If you set sail to spend a day on the island of Burano, you won’t regret it – since it will add some very unique colors to your visit to Venice.

Renata Green on a Day Trip to Burano from Venice
Life in bold colors.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

A Day on MURANO: It’s a Crystalline World

Posted onAuthorRenata27 Comments

Visiting Venice, you absolutely have to venture out on a day trip to discover the Crystalline World of Murano, located in the dreamy Venetian lagoon.

The Vetreria Ducale, adorned by a sign of Guerrieri pottery, and to the left the Ferro & Lazzarini glass factory. Murano Crystalline World
Some of the best places to shop for glass on Murano island: The Vetreria Ducale, adorned by a sign of Guerrieri pottery, and to the left the Ferro & Lazzarini glass factory.

Most visitors to Venice stay and explore only the Centro Storico, the historic center. However, there is a total of 120 islands in the lagoon of which only 11 are permanently inhabited. Of those islands, Murano is the third largest one – after the Centro Storico, obviously, as well as the Lido di Venezia. As a matter of fact, Murano consists of seven small islands divided by eight channels and connected by bridges.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Best Things to Do in CRETE in One Week

Posted onAuthorRenata1 Comment

Picturesque villages, exceptional beaches, enchanting gorges below rugged mountains – in this guide, I’m sharing with you the best things to do and the nicest places to see in Crete in one week.

The Venetian Port of Chania in Crete.
The waters, the mountains, the rich history – Crete has it all in abundance.

So pack your swimsuit as well as your hiking boots and follow me to Greece’s largest and arguably most amazing island.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Best of HERAKLION – Your Perfect Base in the East of Crete

Posted onAuthorRenata9 Comments

Bright lights, big city: Although Crete’s capital Heraklion has only 200,000 inhabitants – which still makes it the island’s largest city – it surely has some swag and its rough vitality can definitely compete with the fierce energy of Athens. Now, add some amazing history, the proximity of some beautiful beaches and major hubs like an international airport, a busy seaport, and a bus station from where you can get to all of Crete’s most captivating spots – and there you have it: Heraklion, your perfect base in the East of Crete.

View of Heraklion, the perfect base in the east of Crete
Welcome to Heraklion, Crete’s exciting capital city.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

BOOMTOWN BREMERHAVEN – Complete Guide

Posted onAuthorRenata Green45 Comments

The city of Bremerhaven was founded as Bremen‘s access to the North Sea, and after some ups and downs, the city is now evolving into a Boomtown – as I prove in this complete guide to this widely underrated city.

Seute Deern
The Seute Deern (which in Low German means Sweet Girl) was the world’s last cargo sailing ship made entirely of wood. In March 2020, one of Bremerhaven’s most iconic landmarks had to be scrapped. However, they are planning on building a copy.

After a changeful history, today the city is almost secretly evolving into a Boomtown.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Day Trip to RETHYMNO

Posted onAuthorRenata2 Comments

Located about halfway between the Cretan capital of Heraklion and the glorious coast town of Chania, idyllic Rethymno is kind of a smaller version of the latter: The same historic old town, a Venetian harbor, picturesque alleys, and fascinating Ottoman heritage make Crete’s third-largest city one of the most popular destinations for vacationers. But due to its favorable location, Rethymno is also the ideal place for a lovely day trip.

Venetian harbor of Rethymno
Today, Rethymno’s Venetian Harbor also serves as a fishing port
This Way to the Whole Story ->

SAMARIA GORGE – the Best Hike on Crete

Posted onAuthorRenata4 Comments

One thing every visitor to Crete should do is a hike into – or through – the Samaria Gorge. Not only do you get to see the most amazing scenery. If you cross the gorge hiking, you’ve also walked the longest canyon in Greece, the second-longest in Europe, and the third-longest in the entire world.
All in one go.

The Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete
The walls seem to be closing in.

And although you certainly won’t walk alone, it’s still a one-of-a-kind experience – no matter if you do it the hard way or opt for the easy one.

This Way to the Whole Story ->