Tag: Canyons&Mountains

TAGANANA – Over The Hills And Far Away in Tenerife

Posted onAuthorRenata1 Comment

Instead of joining the tourist crowds on large beaches, are you looking for small bays to swim’n’sunbathe? Do you prefer to enjoy local cuisine and homemade wine in a small tavern over wild party nights? Would you like to be enchanted by picturesque mountain ridges and dense fairytale-like forests?
Then, I have the perfect place for you: A bit over 20 kilometers north of the capital Santa Cruz, Tenerife keeps one of its greatest treasures, namely the mountain village of Taganana – a place over the hills and far away.

View of Taganana, the other side of Tenerife
Lush vegetation and rugged mountain ridges above blue waters: The secluded village of Taganana consists of pure beauty.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

An Easy Day Trip to the Hahoe Folk Village from Andong

Posted onAuthorRenata12 Comments

An easy day trip from Andong brings you to the Hahoe Folk Village where Korea’s traditional rural life remains unspoilt. Hahoe is a cute little village full of adorable crooked houses. You wouldn’t be surprised if you met Hansel, Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, and all the other fairy tale characters in the narrow alleys.
And, of course, a Queen.
In 2019, the time had actually come and none less than Queen Elizabeth II paid a visit to the picturesque village in the south-eastern part of Korea. I assume Elizabeth travelled in a pumpkin carriage, befitting her status. Not being a queen, I took the bus to Hahoe on my day trip from Andong – and what can I say, it was a cheap and comfortable ride, and most importantly, the coach didn’t smell like pumpkin.

Hahoe Folk Village visited on an easy day trip from Andong.
Village people at Hahoe.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

A Day Trip to the Haeinsa Temple the Easy Way

Posted onAuthorRenataLeave a comment

Although Haeinsa, the most significant Buddhist temple in all of Korea, is tucked away on the slopes of Mount Gaya, this architectural and spiritual gem can be visited on an easy day trip from various cities like Busan and Gyeongju even by public transport.

Gate at Haeinsa Temple.
Please, step into the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Seon Buddhism.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

One Day in SOLLER, DEIA, and VALLDEMOSSA – Famous Places for Famous People

Posted onAuthorRenata60 Comments

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.

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 ->

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 ->

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.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

NAXOS – Five Best Things in Five Days

Posted onAuthorRenata13 Comments

Exceptional beaches, picturesque mountain villages, hikes between sheep and olive trees, antique temples, and a mysterious hotel ruin: Here are the five best things not to miss on Naxos.

Chora of Naxos - One of the Five Best Things to do on the island
The Chora of Naxos seen through the eyes Gate of Apollo.

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 ->

The Island of IOS During Off-Season

Posted onAuthorRenata12 Comments

Right from the start, let’s put two things straight: Firstly, Ios is not a mobile operating system but one of the Cycladic Islands. And secondly, during the off-season, the island of Ios does not live up to its reputation as a notorious teenage rampage party destination. As soon as all those juvenile disco queens and kings return to their original realms, Ios becomes a very laid-back, even serene island full of natural beauty and tranquility.

The Chora of Ios from above.
The Chora of Ios from above.

To be honest, I don’t even remember exactly what made me come to Ios in the first place. I actually think that it was primarily the island’s convenient location halfway between Santorini and Naxos. So why not squeeze in a couple of days on yet another of the Cyclades? And I certainly didn’t regret it.

This Way to the Whole Story ->