Category: EUROPE

Best Things to Do in CHANIA – And the Finest Beaches Just a Short Walk Away

Posted onAuthorRenata20 Comments

The glorious city of Chania is located rather in the west of the island of Crete and unites all the best features every visitor is looking for: There is the everchanging history that’s reflected in magnificent structures from different epochs and cultures and showcased in grand museums. There is the joy of life that you feel even in the smallest alley, that you taste in Crete’s delicious cuisine and enjoy with every sip of Retsina’n’Raki. However, one of the best features of Chania are the beautiful beaches which are just a short walk away from the city center.

Chania on the island of Crete
View of the famous Venetian harbor of Chania.

Hence, if you are looking for the perfect base to explore’n’enjoy the island of Crete, look no further, you’ve found it in Chania.

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LUBECK – a guide to Germany’s most ravishing city

Posted onAuthorRenata Green48 Comments

Somehow, Lubeck, Germany’s most ravishing city, has always reminded me of Venice. An innocently cute and relatively small city that used to possess such political influence and economic power, reaching all over Europe and beyond.

Lubeck Germany's most ravishing city: Holstengate
There are quite a few lions in Lubeck – honoring Henry the Lion, the Bavarian King who, after Munich, also founded Lubeck in 1159. In the Backdrop, the iconic Holstentor and right next to it, the ancient salt warehouses.

Although Lubeck has incredibly beautiful buildings and alleys, seven church towers, three Nobel prize winners, and world-famous marzipan, it does not suffer from destructive over-tourism. Therefore, let me show you around one of Germany’s most captivating cities.

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The Best Beaches in Guadeloupe You Can Easily Visit by Public Bus

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Contrary to all assumptions, many of the best beaches lining the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe can be conveniently and very inexpensively reached by public bus.

One of the best beaches in Guadeloupe: The city beach in Sainte Anne.
The city beach of Sainte Anne.

In this post, not only am I listing ten of the most beautiful beaches, I’m also adding some tips and, of course, I give you all the details for a smooth and secure bus ride.
So, what are you waiting for?
Pack your swimsuit, your snorkeling mask, and let’s hit the beach – our bus is already waiting!

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The Amazing Murals of the Hotel Ruins of Alyko

Posted onAuthorRenata4 Comments

The secluded cape of Alyko in the southwest of Naxos island is surrounded by the most beautiful coves and beaches. But Alyko is not only famous for its idyllic secluded bays. It has actually a real landmark. Pretty much in the center of the peninsula is a long-abandoned and uncompleted resort. Today, these hotel ruins of Alyko are decorated with murals by street artists from all over the world. 

Mural at the Ghost Hotel in Alyko Beach in Naxos
This mural that basically bursts through walls was created by Indonesian street artist Wild Drawing – or in short WD. It is definitely the most famous and most photographed of the works at Alyko’s open-air gallery.
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Best Street Art in GUADELOUPE

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After having searched for street art in many different places around the world, after having spent long hours of thorough research about the enigmatic artists, taken tons of pictures of amazing murals, and pinpointed them on maps for you to find, I must say, that putting together a post about the best street art in Guadeloupe was one of the most difficult tasks in this field. The amount of murals on the island is just overwhelming: You’ll find amazing pieces not only on façades in the capital Pointe-à-Pitre. No, walls alongside country roads and even houses in tiny hamlets are decorated with outstanding art.

Best Street Art in Guadeloupe
Yes, bold colors seem to literally pour down on you in Guadeloupe.

You might think I’m exaggerating when I call Guadeloupe a gigantic outdoor gallery, but I’m sure that after you’ve read this post, you’ll agree.

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A Self-Guided Bus Tour to Naxos’ 5 Most Beautiful Mountain Villages

Posted onAuthorRenata9 Comments

Yes, there are those paradisiac beaches lining the island of Naxos. But the true travel connoisseur makes sure to explore also Naxos’ hinterland for at least one day. Don’t wanna drive up those crazy serpentines yourself? No problem since Naxos’ 5 most beautiful mountain villages can be conveniently visited on a self-guided tour by public bus. All you need is an elaborate timetable which I put together for you in this post.

Alley in Chalkio, one of the Mountain Villages on Naxos
The village of Chalkio- where in some corners the time seems to stand still.

This way, not only do you save a lot of money. Travelling by bus also spares you driving the crazy serpentines and searching for a secure parking spot. Hence, let the driver do the job while you enjoy the scenery to the fullest.

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GUADELOUPE: Complete Guide And Perfect Itineraries (also for travels by public bus)

Posted onAuthorRenata8 Comments

Its unique shape of a delicate butterfly makes Guadeloupe one of the most beautiful and outstanding islands in the Caribbean. But the fact that Guadeloupe consists of two separate wings is not only charming. These two parts, which are only separated by a narrow strait, are also geologically very different.
In this post, I put together itineraries including all the information and tips that will help you plan your own trip to Guadeloupe. Especially if you prefer to explore this tropical paradise by public bus.

Parade in Sainte Anne in Guadeloupe
They certainly know how to throw a grand parade in Guadeloupe.

On the one hand, there is the eastern part of Grande Terre, which is best known for its flat and pleasing terrain. To the west lies Basse Terre, the larger of the two wings. Its center is characterized by untamed and mountainous wilderness.

Oh yes, Guadeloupe has many sides’n’sites worth discovering, and I’m taking pleasure in introducing them all in my posts.

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Guadeloupe: What Not to Miss on a Visit to the Island of Marie Galante

Posted onAuthorRenata2 Comments

Apart from the main double-winged island, Guadeloupe actually consists also of four smaller isles that are absolutely worth at least a day trip. The most famous of those gems scattered around the main, butterfly-shaped island is certainly Marie Galante, and in this post, I’m telling you what you should not miss on your visit – even if you’re going there only for a day.

What Not to Miss on a Visit to the Island of Marie Galante: City beach Grand Bourg
Marie Galante’s Plage du Bourg.
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The Best and Most Beautiful Beaches of Naxos

Posted onAuthorRenata10 Comments

There is this grand history. There are those picturesque mountain villages. You can hike for hours alongside those Mediterranean olive groves and climb mountains from where you’ll have majestic views of the Aegean sea. All this is fine and dandy. But Naxos’ strongest suits are undeniably the beautiful long golden beaches hemming turquoise crystal clear waters. In this guide, I show you how to get to the best beaches of Naxos comfortably by public bus.

Agios Prokopios Beach in Naxos
Please, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the view of Agios Prokopios Beach.
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Guide to the Island of FEHMARN – Where Plan B is the Best Plan

Posted onAuthorRenata Green41 Comments

Beaches, Breezes, Birds, and endless fields of Brassica Napus – I don’t really have to explain why on the Baltic island of Fehmarn Plan B is the Best Plan, do I?

Renata Green riding a bike on the island of Fehmarn
Cycling along rapeseed fields – the basic activity of our stay on Fehmarn. (Photo: Mimi Green)

Therefore, I’ve had a soft spot for the Northgerman Island of Fehmarn for the longest time.

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