Tag: Canyons&Mountains

CROATIA – Complete Guide to a Bus Road Trip

Posted onAuthorRenata Green69 Comments

Everybody who has been to Croatia is just raving – about the food in general and the special treats such as extra virgin olive oil and big, aromatic truffles in particular.

About the beautiful sceneries and the clear waters that are one of Europe’s last dolphin refuges. But I was stubborn. When everybody tries to talk me in one direction, I turn my head and walk the other way. My mental age is 13.

Croatia - Riva Promenade in Split
A stroll on Split’s Riva Promenade

And then, I had to face a very stressful Autumn and therefore, I needed a destination somewhere in Europe. A place that would save me from culture shock. Hence, I renounced my plans on going around half the globe to Japan and decided to spend September in Croatia.

Since it’s much closer. Since it’s much cheaper. And a teeny tiny bit since everybody who has been there being just raving about it.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Day Trip to GALDAR and PUERTO de las NIEVES – enticement in rocks

Posted onAuthorRenata14 Comments

Our second day trip from our base in Gran Canaria’s capital Las Palmas took us to Galdar and eventually to Puerto de las Nieves.

After a day trip to Galdar enjoying the Pools at Puerto de las Nieves
The happy ending of a great day: Taking a refreshing dip in the pools at Puerto de las Nieves where the lava shields you against the crashing waves.

After awing at the historic and natural wonders of Galdar, we spent the rest of the day frolicking at the calm saltwater pools that rocks’n’lava have created on the outskirts of Puerto de las Nieves.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

LA SPEZIA and PORTO VENERE – Precious Gems on the Ligurian Coast

Posted onAuthorRenata83 Comments

Overshadowed by the world-famous Cinque Terre, the beautiful coastal town of La Spezia and the nearby village of Porto Venere tend to be strongly underrated.

View of Porto Venere from the Sea.
Beautiful Porto Venere, sean seen from the sea.

Yet these precious gems on the Ligurian coast are definitely worth the visit.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

ARTENARA and TEJEDA – a Day Trip to Gran Canaria’s Highest and Most Beautiful Villages

Posted onAuthorRenata17 Comments

It really doesn’t matter what else you are planning to do on the island of Gran Canaria – the day trip to Artenara, the island’s highest village, and Tejeda, one of the most beautiful hamlets in all of Spain will be the absolute highlight of your trip – literally.

Mirador de unamuno, one of Artenara's lookouts
View from the Mirador Unamuno.
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 ->

Best Places to Visit in Basse Terre, the Western Wing of GUADELOUPE (also by public bus)

Posted onAuthorRenata2 Comments

Its unique shape of a butterfly makes Guadeloupe one of the most beautiful and outstanding islands in the Caribbean. The fact that it consists of two wings is not only captivating. These two parts, which are only separated by a narrow strait, are also geologically very different. After having introduced the rather laid-back part of Grand Terre in my last post, it’s time to see the best places in Basse Terre, the western wing of Guadeloupe, that you can just as easily visit even by public bus.

Deshaies, one of the Best Places in Basse Terre you can easily visit by Public Bus.
Basse Terre, the lush western wing of Guadeloupe.
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.

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SANTORINI – a self-guided island tour by bus

Posted onAuthorRenata13 Comments

Picturesque villages of white-washed houses with blue windows and doors, overgrown by blazing red bougainvillea. White church domes against the bluest skies and at dusk, the iconic sunset over the southern Aegean Sea – who doesn’t dream of Santorini? In this guide, I’m showing you how you can tour the island and explore the most enchanting places in Santorini self-guided by a local bus.

View of the village of Oia, visited on a self-guided tour by public bus during three days on Santorini
It simply doesn’t get old: The iconic view of the village of Oia.

I spent three days on the island and got to see the most iconic places at a relaxed pace. If you want to add some hiking – which I didn’t since it was simply too hot – or spend some time on the beach – which is a bit pointless since Santorini’s beaches just aren’t that good – you might want to spend up to one week. However, I’d argue that less than two entire days on the island are definitely too short.

This Way to the Whole Story ->