Madrid is one of the friendliest cities for gays in the world and is home to Spain and Europe’s largest gay population. Madrid’s native annual gay parade MADO, or Orgullo Gay de Madrid, is one of the world’s biggest pride parades today. Gay neighborhoods in Madrid like Chueca is where the LGBT community has lived…
Spain has some of the top gay destinations in Europe such as Madrid, Sitges, and Ibiza but Barcelona is not far behind. With its gay friendly spaces, Barcelona is also a popular destination for the gay community. Eixample fondly referred to as Gaixample or Gayxample is where most of the LGBT community head to in…
From sun-kissed stretches of white sand to majestic mountains, Albania has it all. Its beaches on the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines are some of the most amazing places in Albania. They’re arguably just as gorgeous as those in neighboring Montenegro and Greece, but nowhere near as crowded. And it is in this lack of unfettered…
It’s no surprise that the top 10 things to do in Thessaloniki encompass history, culture, and nature. Dating from 315 BC, this capital city of Central Macedonia in Greece is teeming with ancient buildings. Old and new traditions are alive and well here, and the arts and culture scene is ever vibrant. It’s the second-largest…
Perched on the hills of northwestern Spain, Salamanca is a feast for the eyes and soul. It’s home to stunning sandstone buildings, a lively arts and culture scene, and an indomitable nightlife. And as a university city since the 13th century, it isn’t surprising that Salamanca exudes an intellectual vibe. More than 180,000 people call Salamanca home. Yet…
One of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Umbria, Italy is the medieval town of Assisi, renowned as the birthplace of Saint Francis, who founded the Franciscan order. Assisi dates back to the 7th century as an early Umbrian settlement which was conquered by the Romans four centuries later. Traces of its Roman past are…
Sometimes referred to as the ‘City of Stones and Saints,’ the spiritual city of Ávila located in the Autonomous Community of Castile and León about 111km north-west of Madrid, boasts of having the highest number of Romanesque and Gothic churches per capita in the country. Founded in the 11th century to defend the Spanish territories…
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…
Most people travel to Italy to marvel at the historic sites of Rome or to soak in the beauty of Florence and Venice, or marvel at the fashion in Milan, but not many actually go off the tourist track to explore Italy’s hidden gems; its beautiful villages. Nestled between majestic mountains, perched on the edge…
Less than a hundred kilometers from the northeast of Barcelona is the Catalan city of Girona. It is an ancient city, having originated during the time of the Iberians and later known as the Roman city of Gerunda. In the 12th century, the city had a flourishing Jewish community and had one of the most…
Italy’s leading port is a land of contradictions; its past grandeur sometimes shadowed by its dark side. Once a city of great wealth, the decayed glory of Genoa’s past is sometimes quite astonishing. Grand palaces are tucked away inside small and sometimes scruffy alleyways, surprising the unsuspecting visitor with their grandeur. Genoa was an autonomous…
The ancient city of Modena on the south side of the Po Valley in northern Italy is a ‘foodie haven.’ The birthplace of balsamic vinegar and the creative force behind the giant tortellini, the backstreets of the city have little known restaurants which serve up gastronomic delights. Modena is also home to the ‘best restaurant in…
Crete, the largest and most populous of the islands of Greece, is located 318 kilometers south of the port Athens. It is the most southerly outpost of Europe with its southern coast extending to the Libyan Sea. The island is steeped in tradition and history; being the birthplace of the Minoans, the first advanced civilization…
The city of Benidorm located in the province of Alicante in eastern Spain has been a popular tourist destination since the 1950s. This coastal resort attracts many visitors throughout the year. Besides the various attractions that make up Benidorm, it has a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. What sets Benidorm apart from the…
The westernmost tip of the Spanish landmass is grand, with lush green vegetation, picturesque mountains, and an electrifying coast. Vigo, in the Galician landmass, used to be a village whose mainstay was fishing! But now, it is one of the most populous cities in Spain owing to the large area it covers. This city has…
The elegant city of San Sebastian or Donostia (Basque) is one of Spain‘s most sought after beach resorts. Located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, the beautiful beaches coupled with the lovely sunny weather attract people from all over. A stroll through the Old Town (Parte Vieja), a lazy day at the beach,…
Catania is the second-largest city of Sicily which is located on the east coast of the Italian southern island. This beautiful place is most popular among all the tourists as it happens to be a perfect place for a holiday. From its enthralling scenic views to an amazing culture and historical background, Catania surely catches…
The Greek island of Rhodes is the largest and most historically important of the Dodecanese islands. The historical city of Rhodes (Rodos) is located on the northern tip of Rhodes Island. The city is distinctly divided into the ancient and the modern. It’s easy to see the clear demarcation of the town as the Medieval…
The popular coastal town of Sitges referred to as the Saint-Tropez of Spain is located about 35 km southwest of Barcelona. This former fishing village has grown in popularity because of its natural beauty and also because of its world-renowned Film Festival and Carnival. The climate in Sitges is also another key factor in drawing…
Pula, the largest city in Istria County, Croatia is renowned for the number of ancient Roman buildings and structures that it has. The city has been around since ancient times with plenty of historical evidence to prove it. Remnants of the Roman influence on the city are also found in many places. During the Roman…
Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque region in northern Spain was once a main industrial hub and a minor beach destination. However, the inauguration of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997, brought the tourists flocking to this part of Spain. The deindustrialization of Bilbao began in the 1990s when many of the industrial areas were…
Polignano a Mare perched on a limestone cliff off the azure waters of the Adriatic is southern Italy’s most enchanting place to enjoy sun and sea. Endowed with a medieval look and feel, the picturesque town exudes a historical charm dating back to Greek and Roman times. Once called “the pearl of Adriatic,” Polignano a…
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…
Located in northwest Italy, Turin is the only state in Italy that has a direct connection with true royalty. The first King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II of the Savoy dynasty was born here. Today the city is an important cultural and business center. However, when it comes to tourism, Turin is probably one of…