a travel blog by renata green
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.
Somehow Portugal also seems to be one of the countries overpowered by centralism. Everyone is flocking to the capital Lisbon, which is groaning under the masses of tourists and has to be careful to remain livable for the locals.
Hence, while others are stressed out, Porto pours herself a glass of amber-colored port wine and relaxes as she gazes down the Douro River.
Instead of overwhelming her visitors with innumerable presumably must-see landmarks, Porto invites her guests to take a relaxed stroll down picturesque streets and alleys and offers them a creamy Galão in one of the many charming cafés. The city impresses with cool street art and delights the eye with gorgeous church façades covered in exquisite Azulejos and what is probably the most famous bookstore in the world.
By now, you’ve probably noticed: Porto is one of my favorite cities in Europe and I’m excited to show you the best the city on the Atlantic coast has to offer – also if, just like me, you travel solo.
Let me guide you through Curacao, the Caribbean island that simply has it all: Idyllic coves and secluded beaches, a fascinating history, great contemporary art, amazing food, and a capital city that UNESCO put on the list of World Heritage.
But Curaçao has also some well-hidden gems that I’m introducing in this guide – and I promise that you will love all of them!
This Way to the Whole Story ->Technically speaking, Porec, Venice‘s little sister, was the fourth stop on my tour through Croatia.
My trip had begun in Hamburg from where I went by train and busses via Munich, Ljubljana, and Zagreb to the Adriatic coast.
Hence, I was looking forward to going to Poreč.
It has this Italian history and a very cute, atmospheric little town with incredibly beautiful architecture. Most importantly, it’s on the coast and has beaches.
This Way to the Whole Story ->I’ve seen a lot of beautiful places in my time – oceans, mountains, jungles, and also lakes. However, the Plitvice National Park is one of the most beautiful sceneries I’ve ever laid eyes on. So come on, let me guide you through the National Park of Plitvice and awe at lakes and pools in their dreamlike colors.
Krka, green paradise nestled between the hills and mountains of Central Dalmatia. Here, even the way can be the goal, since a picturesque trail connects the National Park with the idyllic small coastal town of Skradin. So let me guide you through impressively rich habitats full of endemic bushes, trees, grasses, and wallflowers.
Let me guide you to Split, another one of these many Croatian cities that seem to have it all: Rich history presented in a well-preserved, breathtakingly beautiful old town. Colorful farmers’ markets sell fresh produce to restaurants that prepare the most delish meals. Lush woods as well as nice beaches – and all that within the city limits. And a posh harbor – the gateway to splendid destinations beyond the sea.
Nevertheless, visiting Split, I had to check it out in a….split second.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Guide to Dubrovnik, the Lustrous Pearl of Dalmatia. It was the grand finale of my bus road trip along the Adriatic coast.
Despite the large crowds and the flaws that come with tourist sellouts that overshadowed my stay a bit.
This Way to the Whole Story ->I was on the very early morning flight to Brussels which was actually my final destination. That’s why I was completely relaxed when they said we couldn’t take off because of fog. The only thing that annoyed me was the idea that I could have slept a good hour longer. Other than that, I didn’t care too much.
However, things looked completely different around me: passengers were nervously shifting back and forth in their seats, checking their phones, and pestering the stewardesses about what their connecting flights looked like.
This was how I discovered that I was pretty much the only one who didn’t have a connecting flight to Madrid or Nice, Kigali or Abuja. Hmm, Brussels seemed to be an important hub for international air traffic, interesting. Hence, I should definitely add it to my 24 hours in… series. No sooner said than done!
Of course, I hope that your layover is planned and not because of air traffic disruptions.
Whatever the reason for your extended layover might be, with this post, I have you covered.
Brussels is not only the amazingly vibrant capital of Belgium, it’s actually the historic, political, cultural, and gastronomic epicenter of Europe, for that matter. Breathtakingly beautiful historic architecture, fantastic museums, mighty street art, powerful international organizations, and last but not least beer, fries, and chocolate: This cosmopolitan city truly holds something for each and every one in store.
Therefore, it was quite a challenge to put together a list of just the very best things to do on a visit to Brussels.
If it hadn’t been for my daughter studying in Brussels, it probably wouldn’t have come to my mind to visit Belgium’s capital. Or Belgium at all, for that matter.
But Christmas came and families and loved ones were expected to get together. So I packed a couple of warm sweaters, threw in some fun presents, and hopped on the late flight to Brussels.
Just to find out that this European capital with all its old architecture and new street art, its pralines and beers, surrealist art, and political reality is not only for me but for everyone.
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