Hiking the Circular Trail Around PUIGPUNYENT

A circular hiking trail that starts and ends at Puigpunyent, a picturesque village located about 16 kilometers west of the island’s capital Palma, is one of Mallorca’s most intriguing yet easiest hikes.

View of the Tramuntana Ridge while Hiking Circular Trail Puigpunyent
One of Mallorca’s most rewarding hikes goes in a circle from and back to Puigpunyent.

In some aspects, I’m kind of a traditionalist. For instance, I do like the idea of a classic Sunday outing to the countryside. Wandering through beautiful sceneries, whistling a joyous tune, having a cheerful dialogue with birds and beasts.

Yes, you basically do find all that around Puigpunyent, but before I get carried away by my own cheesiness, let me introduce the real thing – which is charming enough even without my sugarcoating.

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From PORT d’ANDRATX to SANT ELM – Hike With a View

Crossing the Tramuntana Mountains from Mallorca’s posh yacht harbor Port d’Andratx to the secluded port town of Sant Elm, you’ll find yourself surrounded by all those breathtakingly beautiful sceneries – definitely a hike with a view.

Andratx to Sant Elm Hike: Woman resting on a bench at Sant Elm
Taking a break on the shore of Sant Elm.
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FORNALUTX – the Most Delightful Village in the Tramuntana Mountains

There are many intriguing settlements on the island of Mallorca, however, Fornalutx is definitely the most delightful village – located in the heart of the Tramuntana ridge close to the Puig Mayor, the island’s highest mountain.

Stairs in the center of Fornalutx
Brick by brick, stone by stone: Fornalutx architecture is incredibly beautiful.

With its winding streets, narrow stairs, and picturesque stone houses, the village is an architectural gem. The moment you get there, you’ll understand why Fornalutx has already been named Spain’s most beautiful village twice!

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From FELANITX to SANT SALVADOR – an Uplifting Day Trip

The charming town of Felanitx is nestled at the foot of the Serres de Llevant mountain range, from where you can climb the slopes of Puig Sant Salvador to the homonymous monastery, statue, and cross on a lovely day trip.

View of the cross of Sant Salvador close to Felanitx on Mallorca
After a sweat-breaking hike way up high a very rewarding view.
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One Day in SOLLER, DEIA, and VALLDEMOSSA – Famous Places for Famous People

Although Soller, Deia, and Valldemossa are three of the most beautiful towns and therefore secondary residences of many rich and famous, they can be conveniently visited on a self-guided day trip by public bus. All you need is an elaborate timetable which I put together for you in this post.

Soller Deia Valldemossa, famous places on the Westcoast.
Pleasingly arranged buildings’n’bushes at the center of Deía.

As a matter of fact, there are two versions: One includes a ride on the historic Tren de Sollér, and the other one even a couple of relaxing hours on the beautiful beach of Port de Sollér. All that’s left to do for you is to choose.

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24 hours in BRUSSELS

I was on the very early morning flight to Brussels which was actually my final destination. That’s why I was completely relaxed when they said we couldn’t take off because of fog. The only thing that annoyed me was the idea that I could have slept a good hour longer. Other than that, I didn’t care too much.

However, things looked completely different around me: passengers were nervously shifting back and forth in their seats, checking their phones, and pestering the stewardesses about what their connecting flights looked like.

Grande Place, visited during 24 hours in Brussels
The most beautiful architectural treasures surround the Grande Place, Brussels’ precious centerpiece.

This was how I discovered that I was pretty much the only one who didn’t have a connecting flight to Madrid or Nice, Kigali or Abuja. Hmm, Brussels seemed to be an important hub for international air traffic, interesting. Hence, I should definitely add it to my 24 hours in… series. No sooner said than done!
Of course, I hope that your layover is planned and not because of air traffic disruptions.
Whatever the reason for your extended layover might be, with this post, I have you covered.

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Best Things to Do in BRUSSELS, the Capital of Europe

Brussels is not only the amazingly vibrant capital of Belgium, it’s actually the historic, political, cultural, and gastronomic epicenter of Europe, for that matter. Breathtakingly beautiful historic architecture, fantastic museums, mighty street art, powerful international organizations, and last but not least beer, fries, and chocolate: This cosmopolitan city truly holds something for each and every one in store.
Therefore, it was quite a challenge to put together a list of just the very best things to do on a visit to Brussels.

Guide Capital Europe Brussels: Chocolaterie Manneken Pis
Different strokes for different folks: World’s most famous wee-er made of chocolate. Bon appetit.

If it hadn’t been for my daughter studying in Brussels, it probably wouldn’t have come to my mind to visit Belgium’s capital. Or Belgium at all, for that matter.

But Christmas came and families and loved ones were expected to get together. So I packed a couple of warm sweaters, threw in some fun presents, and hopped on the late flight to Brussels.
Just to find out that this European capital with all its old architecture and new street art, its pralines and beers, surrealist art, and political reality is not only for me but for everyone.

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solo travel – PROs and CONs

When I started my blog in the Spring of 2017, it was mainly because I got asked so often about travelling by myself. Obviously, solo travel comes with PROs, but there are also what might be considered CONs.

illustrating the pros and cons of solo travel: Renata Green walking through the Museu Niemeyer in Curitiba
This picture was just too congruent to illustrate solo travel. However, you do not always walk alone! Just so you know, I’m walking all by myself through the Museu Oscar Niemeyer in Curitiba in the South of Brazil.

Therefore, I decided to share my experience not only with my friends. Actually, I hope to inspire, inform, and encourage as many of you as I can. Follow my example and give solo travel a try.

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RIJEKA, a Place to Enjoy Life

The other day at a party, I overheard a conversation. Two people were talking about travelling, and the girl said: “You know, when travelling, I also enjoy just being in a place”. She could have been talking about Rijeka, a place where the visitor can indeed just enjoy life.

Port of Rijeka Istria Croatia
Port of Rijeka – the gateway to the paradisiac islands.

Actually, I’ve found that great – just being. No racing through cute alleys full of historic buildings. No waiting in line at museums. No pushing on boats and squeezing in vans. Just being in a place.

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