First Time in ATHENS – Beyond the Acropolis

Yes, I’ve travelled the seven seas – at least metaphorically – but only recently I visited Athens for the first time. This is ironic since basically all of Greece is located on the seaside. With 13,676 kilometers of coastline – that’s roughly the little something of 8,498 miles – and 3054 islands and islets, Poseidon definitely is boss.

Not the only amazing facts. Next to Golgota and the Capitol, the Acropolis is one of the hills on which Europe was founded. So there is no excuse that I haven’t visited the cradle of our civilization before.

Cat at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece
Although Greece is basically sea-girt, besides lots of water, there are many rocks. As well as cats.

So as we got nearer to Christmas and the holy days became holidays, the question of where I would spend them was quickly answered. Athens – for the first time.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Best Street Art in LISBON – Part I: Graça And Beyond

Each time I write a post on the supposedly best street art in some place, I’m a bit hesitant. Can I rightfully claim to present the best pieces? Most of the time, I haven’t seen each and every mural a city has to offer. And even if I show a broad selection – who’s to judge what’s best, anyway?
Now, when it comes to Lisbon, I find my claim to introduce you to the best street art particularly preposterous as this city is just bursting with urban art. There are murals by the greatest of the greatest street artists everywhere. Also, the art festivals that flood Lisbon’s walls with dozens of new artworks every year don’t make the choice any easier. Yet, not only did I travel around the hotspots in the city center, I also made my way to the housing projects in Lisbon’s suburbs which are embellished by international superstars such as KOBRA, Shepard Fairey, and GLEO.
I tried hard to see as many murals as possible so that I could rightfully assert: In this post, I’m introducing the best pieces of street art Lisbon has to offer!

Mural by VHILS and Shepard Fairey in the Graca district of Lisbon.
It took two superstars of urban art to create this mural: Portuguese artist VHILS created the right side while the one and only Shepard Fairey painted the left half of the lady’s face.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Best Street Art in PORTO

Some of the worldwide most recognized muralists like Mr. Dheo and Daniel Eime are based in Porto, the vibrant Northern Portuguese city on the river Douro. Hence, it’s no wonder the façades and walls of Porto serve as canvases for some of the best street art.

Best Street Art in Porto by Mr. Dheo
Mr. Dheo’s tribute to his hometown alongside the Escadas dos Guindais.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

EL COTILLO – the Most Beautiful Village of Fuerteventura

El Cotillo is particularly popular among surfers. The long beaches and the surge of waves are just perfect for lazy bathers and avid sportsmen alike. However, El Cotillo is also Fuerteventura’s most beautiful village and the perfect destination for a day trip.

El Cotillo
The cherry on the cake is El Cotillo’s ingenious urban art.
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MALLORCA – the best easy hikes

Yes, Mallorca does have beautiful beaches, but since the hinterland is not to be missed, follow my footsteps on some of the best – and at the same time very easy – hikes.

Hiking Boots
These boots are made for walking – and highly recommended even for Mallorca’s easy hikes.
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Best Street Art in BRUSSELS

Brussels is famous for many things: The European Parliament, the Atomium, beer, waffles, and comic books. Belgium’s capital celebrates the latter even in a beautiful street art project called Parcours Bande Dessinée. I’ve introduced many of the walls decorated by beloved comic book characters in my former post The Best Murals Along Brussels’ Comic Book Route.
But how about other murals that are not comic-themed?
What a question!
In Belgium, you’ll find grand street art even in the smaller cities.
So of course there are amazing powerful murals all around the country’s capital – and in this post, I’m telling you where to find the best street art Brussels has in store.

Charm of Uniform by Jaune, one of the best pieces of street art in Brussels.
Charm of Uniform by Jaune.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

MORRO JABLE – the South Gate to Fuerteventura

While most visitors are landing at the island’s international airport, I entered Fuerteventura through its south gate at Morro Jable.

Lighthouse of Jandía.
The endless beach of Morro Jable in the South of Fuerteventura.

This way, I found myself in one of the most intriguing spots the island has to offer: A pleasant small town, the island’s largest nature reserve Parque Natural de Jandía, as well as some of the broadest’n’best beaches the entire archipelago has in store.

This Way to the Whole Story ->