EUROPE Archives | Page 4 of 20

The Valley of the Temples of Agrigento And La Villa Romana del Casale di Piazza Armerina: A Day Trip Not to Miss

Posted on2025-02-082025-08-18AuthorRenata GreenLeave a comment

One of the most memorable things I did on my recent trip to Sicily was an extraordinary journey through the island’s rich history on an excursion to two of its most iconic treasures. In fact, a day trip to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and La Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina perfectly blends Greek grandeur and Roman elegance.

Temple of Concordia in Agrigento with the broken statue of Icarus by Polish artist Igor Mitoraj seen on a day trip to Temples Agrigento Villa Romana — Temple of Concordia in Agrigento with the broken statue of Icarus by Polish artist Igor Mitoraj.

So, step back in time to ancient Greece as you wander through the valley that’s home to some of the most well-preserved Doric temples in the world. Set against a stunning backdrop of rolling hills and olive groves, it’s a feast for the eyes and the spirit. Eventually, immerse yourself in the luxurious world of Roman aristocracy by exploring the opulent Roman villa, famed for its astonishing mosaics. From the colorful Bikini Girls to the intricate Hunting Scenes, in this mansion, every room is a masterpiece brimming with vivid storytelling and unparalleled artistry.

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Best Things to Do in Two Days in PALERMO

Posted on2025-01-312025-08-18AuthorRenata GreenLeave a comment

Particularly in recent years, Sicily has developed from an insider tip into a holiday destination for aficionados of history, passionate nature lovers, but also the rich and famous – and not just since the second season of The White Lotus, which is set primarily in the incredibly picturesque town of Taormina. However, while places like Cefalú, San Vito Lo Capo, and obviously Taormina are groaning under the influx of visitors, life in the capital Palermo continues largely unaffected by this development. Actually, that’s not a bad thing. On a two-day visit, it allows you and me to experience the real, authentic Sicily from up close.

Chiesa di San Domenico in Palermo. — View of the Chiesa di San Domenico, the resting place of many significant figures in Palermo’s history, and the mountain range on the city’s outskirts.

Hence, in this post, I’ll show you the best things you definitely shouldn’t miss – even those that are a bit off the beaten path.

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SPAIN – A Complete Travel Guide

Posted on2025-01-302025-09-16AuthorRenata41 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.

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FAIAL – the Most Beautiful Island of the Azores

Posted on2025-01-282025-09-15AuthorRenata Green4 Comments

Our ferry slowly glided just off the coast of Faial’s capital Horta. Behind the marina, which was densely packed with sailing yachts, I spotted lavish townhouses and whitewashed church buildings in the Manueline style typical of the Azores stacked in rows up a slightly climbing hill. The place exuded elegance and noble serenity. Actually, already at first sight, Faial seemed to be the most beautiful island among the Azores.

View of Horta on Faial, the most beautiful island of the Azores — View of Horta, Faial’s main town, across the small murals yachtsmen from all over the world left behind.

And indeed, Faial is a stunning blend of volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and striking ocean views. Known as the Blue Island for its hydrangea-lined roads, Faial is a paradise for sailors and adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking serene sophistication.

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Guide to CORDOBA – the Moorish Center of Andalusia

Posted on2025-01-262025-09-25AuthorRenata13 Comments

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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ISLAND HOPPING in the AZORES

Posted on2025-01-262025-09-15AuthorRenata GreenLeave a comment

Two handfuls of volcanic rocks in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, far from basically everywhere: Although the Azores belong politically to Portugal, it takes more time and money to get there. This is one of the reasons why the Azores, despite their mesmerizing beauty, are still a rather hidden gem when it comes to tourism. However, for me, that was a perfect reason to check out for myself if you can rightly call the Azores the Hawaii of Europe.
In this post, I’m telling you all about my formidable island hopping and if I found the famous Azores High.

The crater lakes of Sete Cidades in Sao Miguel, the largest island of the Azores. — The iconic crater lakes of Sete Cidades in São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores.

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What Not to Miss in TERCEIRA, the Azore Island of History and Grace

Posted on2025-01-192025-09-15AuthorRenata GreenLeave a comment

Nomen est Omen: Terceira translates to third in Portuguese, and in fact, the second-largest island of the Azores was the third to be discovered in the early 15th century. Terceira belongs to the central group of the Azores and impresses with its breathtaking landscape, beautiful sandy beaches, and the mesmerizing town of Angra do Heroismo, which UNESCO has crowned as one of the World Heritage Sites. Hence, whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker, a lazy beach bum, or a history buff – Terceira unites all of the best things you don’t want to miss when visiting the Azores.

Rua de Jesus in Praia da Vitoria on Terceira Island in the Azores — The beautifully tiled Rua de Jesus is lined with colorful houses like something out of a Lego construction set.

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PICO – the Top of the Azores

Posted on2025-01-112025-09-15AuthorRenata GreenLeave a comment

…and of all of Portugal, for that matter. The island of Pico is not only one of the top destinations when it comes to the Azores. With Mount Pico, it also has the country’s highest peak.

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Guide to CADIZ – the Oldest City in Europe

Posted on2025-01-092025-09-16AuthorRenata28 Comments

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.