Boundaries sometimes overlap when categorizing Southern Europe as many of the countries listed in this part of the continent are also listed in other broader regions. However, the one unifying factor in this group of sixteen countries that make up this part of Europe in the Mediterranean Sea. Quite predictably, the food and culture are influenced by the climatic conditions of the region, as is the landscape. Visitors head to Greece’s Santorini or Croatia’s coastline in droves to experience first-hand the wonders of the Mediterranean lands. While Spain and Italy are the most industrialized countries in Southern Europe, the rest of the countries in the region rely greatly on agriculture.
Southern Europe too is dipped in history, and the remnants of great civilizations and cultures are visible in the ancient ruins and great monuments. The grand Colosseum of Rome, the Alhambra in Granada, and the San Giovanni Fortress in Montenegro are a testament to the region’s glorious past. Southern Europe’s fascinating present is reflected in the well-heeled cities of Milan and Barcelona and in the gastronomic centers of San Sebastian and Bilbao.
For hundreds of years the houses of the tiny village of Júzcar in the Spanish province of Andalucía, were whitewashed. Nowadays it is the World’s first Smurf Village. [booking_product_helper shortname=”juzcar”] In 2010, Júzcar was chosen by Sony Pictures as the setting for the premiere of their new film “The Smurfs 3D”. Sony Pictures made a terrible movie, but did one…
Up in the highest mountain ranges of Portugal resides a mysterious giant hole at Covão dos Conchos, Serra da Estrela, that looks like it opens up into the very core of the Earth. Although we would love to let our imagination dream up what could possibly be lurking down inside that hole, Covão dos Conchos…
Imagine quiet wooded luxury just 20 minutes from the exciting sights and streets of Florence – that’s how our stay at Villa San Michelle, Florence, was. One of Florence’s most expensive hotels, this hotel, which sits in a former monastery, was the perfect love nest for us. The peaceful wooded hillside location, the magnificent views…
Verona, located almost halfway between Venice and Milan in Northern Italy, is a picturesque city filled with Roman ruins, Renaissance palaces and medieval buildings. Many of which belong to the UNESCO World Heritage and reflect the turbulent history of the city. Verona is known as the city of Romeo and Juliet and for its Roman Arena but there are…
Also known as Lefkosia, Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus and it is split in half, the northern side filled with Turkish Cypriot communities, and the southern side home to Greek Cypriots. Nicosia is a great vacation destination with a beautiful Old City, fascinating museums, bustling pedestrian streets and great restaurants. There’s something magical…
Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most magnificent walled cities with its sublime location, fronting the calm blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. It is the highlight of any Croatian holiday with festivals, beaches, galleries and islands, Dubrovnik is the Mediterranean’s most unmissable sight at any time of year. Now a Unesco world heritage site, the Old Town and its…
This small landlocked country borders Spain and France is nestled high in the eastern Pyrenees mountains. Andorra is a good destination for those interested in outdoor activities, offers jaw-dropping scenery, high-quality hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. The nation’s warm hospitality coupled with Andorra’s low tax and duty-free prices makes it one…
Zagreb, a true European treasure, is the largest city of Croatia and an important hub placed at the crossroads of Central Europe, the Mediterranean and the Balkans. It started as a small village named Andautonia 2000 years ago and it is now a fast-growing city and an important economic center. Most of the electric machines…
It was founded in the early 17th century and despite Albania’s efforts to appeal to more foreign visitors, Tirana, both the largest city in and the capital of Albania, is not a well-known destination. Tirana boasts a heritage dating back to the Ottoman Empire and is surrounded by lush green hills and has colorful streets…
Sarajevo is the proud capital of the emerging democratic country known as Bosnia and Herzegovina. A small yet vibrant balkanic city filled with history, gorgeous architecture, spectacular scenery and welcoming people. Every corner of this beautiful city has a story to tell, their streets and homes hosted for centuries adherents of Islam, Orthodoxy, Judaism and…
The former home of the Byzantines, Macedonia, is a small Balkan nation that boasts a rich and diverse historical past that includes influences from the Roman Empire, Bulgarian Empire and the Ottoman Turks, which translates today in a unique architecture, diverse culture and delicious cuisine. Come here to experience not only Mother Nature’s wonders such…
Lisbon, the capital and largest city of Portugal, is a cosmopolitan city that offers amazing value and incredible sights, rich with history and filled with stories. It is loaded with an exciting atmosphere, charm, delicious food, wild nightlife and wonderful people. In a city that has been influenced by many different far-off cultures over time,…
Serbia is one of the hidden gems in Europe, situated between Central and South East Europe, and there is no better starting point than Belgrade, its capital city. This gorgeous and charming metropolis was built where the Sava River meets the Danube and where old-world culture meets the hip and modern. Belgrade is truly impressive, it…
Sits on the East coast of the Iberian Peninsula along the Mediterranean, Spain’s third-largest city is not getting the attention it deserves, and it is still a bit of a hidden gem with a wealth of things to see and do. From cutting-edge architecture and some of the most innovative and avant-garde buildings to excellent…
Built on three hills and surrounded by well-preserved walls, Siena is one of the most ancient cities of Italy and one of the few intact Gothic cities in Europe. The Piazza del Campo at the heart of the city along with the Siena Cathedral and its beautiful black and white Italian Romanesque façade are just two…
Mykonos is an island in the Cycladic region of the Aegean Sea and the second most celebrated Greek island after Santorini. Every summer it gets flooded by millions of tourists, who are attracted by its magnificent beaches, natural beauties, picturesque villages, cosmopolitan lifestyle and sophisticated nightlife. Some refer to Mykonos as the “Ibiza” of Greece based on…
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory on the south coast of Spain known for the Rock of Gibraltar, a 425 meter (1,394 ft) limestone ridge at its center. Despite covering an area of just 6.7 square km (2.6 square miles), the tiny nation of Gibraltar is an intriguing place, steeped in history. From the very beginning around…
Bologna is a medieval town located in Emilia Romagna, a region in the north of Italy that is known for its ancient architecture, rich food, and the seaside. Bologna doesn’t have landmarks as grand as Rome’s, picturesque canals as beautiful as Venice’s, or the great artistic wealth flaunted in Florence, but it has its own charm and it…
Split is the second-largest Croatian city (after Zagreb) and one of the oldest in the country with more than 1,700 years of history. Perched on the Adriatic sea and built around the Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, Split is a favorite of sun-seekers, foodies and history buffs alike with a combination of ancient history, contemporary…
Cordoba is famous for being the proud keeper of one of Andalucia’s three great architectural jewels: the Mezquita. However, Cordoba is more than that. Its rich cultural and religious history attracts millions of visitors every year. Cordoba is one of those places where the past is reflected everywhere you look and it is also in…
The Azores is at the top of very few lists but that’s because it’s one of Europe’s most unknown treasures. These 9 islands are a beckoning blip in the middle of the Atlantic whose emerald mountains merge into dazzling sandy beaches under a seemingly endless sun. Relaxing natural spas, friendly locals and unforgettable vistas dominate these islands…
The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is a must-see destination for lovers of history and for those who love picturesque panoramas. Surrounded by Italy on all sides, this high-GDP micro-state of only 35,000 residents is indeed an enclave of calm. The medieval architecture, the warm Mediterranean climate and the fantastic heritage are all a part of…
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, located at the tip of Italy. A crossroads of east and west, north and south, the Italian island of Sicily is endlessly enticing to visitors from across the globe. Come see the results of more than two thousand years of ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and native…
Rather surprisingly, hordes of tourists have not yet descended on Zadar, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia and the second-largest metropolis in Dalmatia. Zadar has a rich and varied history right from the Late Stone Age, to its Roman era and invasion by the Huns. In the early 15th century Zadar was sold by…