Tag: City Break

The Best Places to Visit in SICILY in One Week

Posted onAuthorRenata Green2 Comments

Ma certo, one week is quite tight when it comes to a trip to Sicily, even if you limit your visit to the very best places. The island at the southern tip of mainland Italy has more to offer than you would find in many entire countries! Did you know that Sicily has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites? These excellent locations are so different that there is something for everyone. Whether it is the ancient archaeological sites in Syracuse, the artistic mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale near Armerina, the baroque center of Noto, or the Aeolian Islands – you will be amazed!

Palermo's Kalsa district
Palermo’s Kalsa district.

But in addition to these fantastic sites, you should, of course, also make time to laze on the beach in Taormina and enjoy a delicious aperitivo in the evening during the sunset. After all, the Dolce Vita is as much a part of Italy as pizza and pasta.
So that you don’t lose track of all these fantastic options, I have put together an itinerary for you with the best places that you should definitely visit in one week in Sicily.
If you have more time, even better – you won’t be bored for a second, believe me!

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One Day in CATANIA, Sicily’s Building Ground of Grand Palaces

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Although often overlooked and definitely underrated, Catania is a city full of beauty, history, and, on clear days, magnificent views of Mount Etna. In particular, the palaces constructed during the Baroque period after the city was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1693 reflect the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. Although there is no generally accepted exact number, there are certainly around 50 notable palaces in and around the city.

Fontana dell’Amenano in Catania.
Waterbearer at the Fontana dell’Amenano, a Baroque fountain with mythical figures created by Tito Angelini.

Apart from the famous palaces such as the Palazzo Biscari, the Palazzo degli Elefanti, and the
Palazzo Minoriti, there are numerous smaller and lesser-known ones scattered throughout the city. Many of these are privately owned and have been converted for business purposes. That’s why, even as a self-proclaimed Poverty Jetsetter, I was able to spend a restful night in a real Italian Palazzo!
More about that – and all the other marvels of Catania – in this post.

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SYRACUSE Unveiled: A Trip to the Ancient Wonders and Coastal Charms of Sicily

Posted onAuthorRenata Green2 Comments

In this post, I’m taking you on a trip to Syracuse to explore the ancient wonders and coastal charms of Sicily. However, this city on the island’s southeastern coast isn’t just for history buffs! Its markets burst with local flavors while its sun-soaked piazze invite leisure’n’pleasure. And as the sun slowly sets, bathing the historic buildings in a burning golden light, the coast of Syracuse shines in its radiant splendor, waiting for you with a delicious dinner by the sea.

Piazza del Duomo on the Ortigia peninsula of Syracuse - not to miss on a day trip.
Piazza del Duomo on the Ortigia peninsula – probably the most iconic square in Syracuse.

Few places can match Syracuse’s ability to captivate both mind and heart. It’s not just a destination—it’s a journey through time and an invitation to experience Italy’s legendary dolce vita at its most enchanting.
Syracuse is Sicily at its finest!

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SPAIN – A Complete Travel Guide

Posted onAuthorRenata39 Comments

In this complete travel guide to Spain, I’m supplying you with all the basic information as well as some tips and hacks that will make your travel to the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula smoother and therefore even more enjoyable.

Flamenco Dancer in Granada - introduced in a Complete Travel Guide to Spain
Pride and passion: A beautiful flamenco dancer in Granada.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to CORDOBA – the Moorish Center of Andalusia

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As my circular road trip to the most beautiful places in Andalusia slowly came to an end, I finally arrived at the marvelous city of Cordoba – so yalla yalla, let me guide you through what was once Andalusia’s Moorish Center.

Renata Green at the gardens of the Reyes Catolicos in Cordoba
Queen of the castle: Checking out some unusual real estate at the gardens of the Reyes Católicos.

Well, could it be that unintentionally, I had saved the best for last?

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Guide to CADIZ – the Oldest City in Europe

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I’m so happy to guide you to Cadiz, according to archeological founds, not only the oldest city in Spain but in all of Europe.

However, it’s difficult to define the date of its founding as there were no written records at past times. According to historians, Phoenician traders founded Cádiz as their first settlement in Europe over 3,000 years ago.

Panoramic view of Cadiz, oldest city in Europe
A picturesque old town, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.

Yet, at the same time, it’s one of my personal favorites in modern Spain – due to its charming and laid-back atmosphere.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

BUENOS AIRES – from the must-sees to the hidden gems

Posted onAuthorRenata33 Comments

Buenos Aires and me – from the must-sees to the hidden gems: It was love at first sight. The stately baroque architecture like in Barcelona, the elegant cafés – even a bit more charming than those in Paris. Old-fashioned gelato parlors like in Rome. The powerful street art of Bogotá next to the picturesque decay of old Havana, and an entire neighborhood named after Palermo.
In short: This city simply has it all.

Couple dancing Tango at the Cafe Tortoni in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tango – that’s what Buenos Aires stands for. But it’s only a fraction of what Argentina’s capital has to offer.

The beauty and energy of Buenos Aires took me by storm – and was definitely the highlight of my trip to Argentina.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

24 hours in LISBON

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This is a completely revised, updated, and expanded edition of one of my first 24 hours in… posts. This series was created because, like most travelers, I’m always on the hunt for the cheapest flights possible. The downside is that this often includes connecting flights and, especially on transatlantic flights, I have a longer stopover in a city. Instead of killing time at the airport in annoyance, I venture to the center and this way, enjoy an extra city break. Funnily enough, my first two visits to Lisbon were stopovers: once on the return flight from Miami and the second time on the outbound flight to Santiago, the capital of Cape Verde. This inspired me to summarize in a short guide what you can see and do in Lisbon in 24 hours.

Trams in Lisbon
Even trams can get into a traffic jam.

By the way, I now deliberately postpone connecting flights to include short stays like this when my schedule allows it. Hence, I recently booked the flights on my flight to the Azores so that I could spend time in Porto on the outward flight and in Lisbon on the return flight.
I hope I can inspire you to make a virtue out of a supposed necessity.

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Best of LISBON – also for solo-travellers

Posted onAuthorRenata Green6 Comments

I’m back in Lisbon. It’s been far too long – you know, with the pandemic and all. But now I’m back, and as I take a good look around, I realize how beautiful this city is and how much I’ve missed it: The steep cobblestone alleys, the past glory of the palaces alongside the boulevards, and the shabby charm of the houses in the backstreets. The majestic views from countless outlooks, and of course, the lovely ring of the rickety trams.
Come on, follow me down memory lane, and let’s rediscover the best of Lisbon!

Asian Tourists Painting the Best of Lisbon
The contra-selfie culture: Asian tourist painting Lisbon’s Church and Monastery of São Vicente de Fora.
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24 hours in PORTO

Posted onAuthorRenata4 Comments

Although Porto is certainly not a major hub, it’s still Portugal’s second-largest airport with many connections all over Europe and also to remote Portuguese territories such as the Azores. Since Porto is such a mesmerizing city full of beauty and wonders, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to get a taste of the city during a short visit – I’m sure you’ll come back soon for more. But now I’ll show you how you can have a perfect stay of up to 24 hours in Porto.

View of Porto and the Dom Luís I Bridge
Grand view of amazing Porto.
This Way to the Whole Story ->