Tag: Islands

Take a Break: The Three Best Beaches You Can Easily Visit From VENICE

Posted onAuthorRenata4 Comments

There’s no question about it: Venice is absolutely magical. Strolling between the canals and over countless bridges. Losing yourself between majestic palazzi and gazing dreamily after the gondolas.
However, despite its ancient charm, Venice keeps you on your toes, and a visit can also get quite stressful. The masses of tourists, the queues, the pushing and the shoving at the jetties. In the summer there is also the heat.
Therefore, if you have the chance, it’s definitely worth adding one or two days extra to spend on one of the beaches off the Veneto shores.
Let me assure you: Pampering yourself with a day full of dolce far niente, hence, sweet idleness, will recharge your batteries and get you fit so that you can joyfully plunge back into the hustle and bustle of Venice.
Don’t know where to spread out your beach towel?
No problem: In this post, I’ll introduce you to the three best beaches that you can reach quickly and easily by public bus or the iconic water bus Vaporetto from Venice.

The Diga Faro Alberoni on the Lido di Venezia.
Taking a refreshing dip at the Lido di Venezia.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

CAPE VERDE – a guide to five amazing islands

Posted onAuthorRenata Green72 Comments

Cape Verde – a group of amazing islands scattered in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa.

Fishermen pulling boat on shore in Tarrafal, Cape Verde
Fishermen pulling boat ashore in Tarrafal.

I get asked quite often which was my best trip and which has been my favorite country so far. How can I possibly answer such a question? How can I compare let’s say Italy to Vietnam?
Well, the pizza is tastier and the language is prettier in Italy.
Then again, the Buddhist temples are bigger, and the variety at farmers’ markets is more abundant in Vietnam.
Got the point? How could I ever compare?
Fortunately, I don’t have to.

But if someone pointed a gun to my head and made me choose, I would say Cape Verde. Cape Verde, with its beauty, charm, and incredible variety, is the secret star on my personal globe.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to BRAVA, Cape Verde ‘s blooming little island

Posted onAuthorRenata Green47 Comments

They say that Brava is the most beautiful of the Cape Verde islands.

View of the ocean from the island of Brava, Cape Verde
View of the ocean from the island of Brava, Cape Verde.

Actually, it’s a cute, small jewel in the middle of the ocean encircled by tiny islets. You can hike around the island in just a couple of hours. There are colorfully painted buildings, surrounded by pretty flowers…and pure serenity. 

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to SANTIAGO – Cape Verde ‘s Main Island

Posted onAuthorRenata Green25 Comments

Cape Verde is often described as Africa light – and its main island Santiago, which I’m introducing in this comprehensive guide, is culturally closest to the African continent.

Men overlooking the Bay at the city of Praia on the island of Santiago, Cape Verde
Overlooking the Praia Negra in Cape Verde’s capital Praia.

Nevertheless, many places on the archipelago of Cape Verde will rather remind you of the Canary Islands than of an African country. Hence, although Cape Verde’s capital Praia is the most African city of them all, it has a familiar feel to it – with a dash of Caribbean vibes.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to BOA VISTA, the World’s Most Attractive Heap of Sand

Posted onAuthorRenata Green4 Comments

Consisting of nothing but deserts and beaches, Boa Vista is like a big heap of sand thrown into the ocean. It is Cape Verde’s second most developed tourist center after the Island of Sal.

Praia do Estoril on the island of Boa Vista, the world's most attractive heap of sand
Indisputably one of the most pristine beaches I’ve ever seen: Praia do Estoril.

The perfect destination for a couple of very lazy days laying on….the sand.

When I was sitting at my computer in rainy Hamburg planning my trip, I thought it was a brilliant idea to stay in Boa Vista for over one week. Beaches! Sun! Ocean! Sand!

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to SAL – from Salt Mine to Ocean Paradise

Posted onAuthorRenata Green24 Comments

The island of Sal and the beach of Santa Maria have the reputation of being super-touristy and overcrowded. While they certainly have more tourist infrastructure than other Cape Verdean islands – which tend to have close to none at all – it can be quite comfortable having some perks.

Boys playing soccer on the beach of Santa Maria on the island of Sal, Cape Verde
Some local guys play soccer since in Santa Maria the beach is by far not only frequented by tourists.

Would I spend an entire trip to Cape Verde at a hotel in Sal? No! Would I skip the island altogether? Neither – since there are some nice places to visit. And the beach is simply a dream made of sand, anyway.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

The Best Street Art in MARTINIQUE

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The French Antilles island of Martinique is so beautiful that, strictly speaking, it needs no further embellishment: cool blue and turquoise tones of the Caribbean Sea, the endless white beaches, the lush green of the lush vegetation – who can match this splendor? Well, some brave street artists have taken up the challenge and competed with nature with their outstanding works. They created fantastic murals. This gives me the opportunity to introduce you to the best street art in Martinique.

Mural in Fort-de-France.
Sadly, this beautiful mural is not only pretty battered, some vandal also left his mark. Nevertheless, the message is still clear: My religion is fraternization, is written on the top. Then there is a wild mix of backgrounds such as ethnicity and nationality. And always the word humanity in between. At the bottom, there is everything desirable for the future, such as respect, education, courage.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

The Best Beaches in Martinique You Can Easily Visit by Public Bus

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As I explained in my post MAGNIFICENT MARTINIQUE: Ten Places Not to Miss on Your Visit – even when exploring by public bus, this French Caribbean Island offers an incredible variety of cultural and natural treasures some of which are indisputably the pristine shores. What many visitors don’t know: Numerous of the most beautiful beaches lining Martinique can be conveniently and very inexpensively visited by public bus.

Two women on one of the best beaches in Martinique that you can reach by public bus.
Life is better on the beach.

In this post, you’ll find comprehensive info on which coach to take and how to get there.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

MAGNIFICENT MARTINIQUE: Ten Places Not to Miss on Your Visit (even when exploring by public bus)

Posted onAuthorRenata2 Comments

Martinique – doesn’t the name bear elegance and classiness but also exotism? Indeed, the French Caribbean Island of Martinique delights its visitors with golden beaches, turquoise waters, lush greenery in abundance, tropical vibes, and French savoir-vivre.
Undoubtedly, Martinique is a feast for all your senses.
In this comprehensive guide, I’m telling you which ten places – or more precisely: areas – not to miss during your visit to Martinique and how to get there even if you are exploring the island comfortably by public bus.

Martinique Places not miss public bus: Pier and beach of Anse d'Arlet.
One of Martinique’s most iconic views: Église Saint-Henri across from the pier in Anses d’Arlet.
This Way to the Whole Story ->