Explore Europe

Explore Europehttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europeExplore Europehttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/italy/northern-italys-olympic-regionA Traveller’s Guide to the Landscapes Behind the Winter Games2026-01-08T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/italy/northern-italys-olympic-regionhttps://www.worldnomads.comYou may tune in to the Winter Olympics to see your favorite skier or ice skater, but the scenery has a way of sharing the spotlight. Between medal runs and record-breaking moments, each broadcast doubles as a visual tour of mountains, lakes, and villages that linger in your mind long after the competition ends. Northern Italy has that effect: while athletes fly down slopes and glide across the ice with remarkable precision, the camera also captures pink-glowing peaks, frozen lakes, and quiet alpine towns nestled beneath the ridgelines, making it hard not to imagine seeing it all in person. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/olympic-regions-one.jpg" alt="Alpine wilderness at its most dramatic" /> <figcaption> Alpine wilderness at its most dramatic. Photo credit: Gabriel Mungarrieta</figcaption></figure> This guide isn’t about the sports. It’s about the places you’ll see in the background, and how to experience them once the cameras stop rolling. These five Italian regions sit in or around the <a href="https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026">Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic</a> zones. They’re wildly different from one another: some dramatic, some peaceful, some built for adventure, others made for slow mornings and long meals. What they share is that unmistakable northern Italy blend of alpine scenery, culture, and food. <ul> <li><a href="#livigno">Livigno, Lombardy</a></li> <li><a href="#bormio">Bormio & Stelvio National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#cortina">Cortina d’Ampezzo</a></li> <li><a href="#val-di-fiemme">Val di Fiemme</a></li> <li><a href="#milan">Milan & Lake Como</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="livigno">Livigno: Italian Alpine Wilderness</h2> If you’re watching freestyle skiing or snowboarding clips during the Olympics, there’s a good chance the dramatic white bowl behind the athlete is somewhere near <a href="https://www.livigno.eu/en/">Livigno</a>. The whole valley sits at 1,816m, which gives it one of Italy’s longest and snowiest winters. Locals nickname it “Little Tibet” because the wide, open landscapes feel almost otherworldly. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/olympics-two.jpeg" alt="Livigno’s broad, sun-lit slopes — the kind of alpine calm that keeps skiers coming back." /> <figcaption>Livigno’s broad, sun-lit slopes — the kind of alpine calm that keeps skiers coming back. Photo credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@madmartigand?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Dario Morandotti</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-person-standing-on-a-snow-covered-slope-9ZHkE1BLT88?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a> </figcaption></figure> But Livigno is more than just a snow-sports hub. It’s one of Italy’s best places for high-altitude hiking, especially in late spring when the snow melts, and the peaks open up. Trails into the <a href="https://www.nationalpark-stelvio.it/en/stelvio-national-park.html">Stelvio National Park</a> begin right in the village, and the views extend across Lombardy to the Swiss border. Other things to do in Livigno: <ul> <li>Explore the valley on <a href="https://www.livigno.eu/en/bike-tours#cat=Bicycle%20Ride,Mountainbiking,MTB%20Transalp,Road%20biking,Long%20distance%20cycling,E-Bike&filter=r-fullyTranslatedLangus-,r-openState-,sb-sortedBy-0&zc=13.,10.13652,46.53289">fat bikes</a> (winter) or mountain bikes (summer); there are hundreds of kilometres of trails.</li> <li>Visit the frozen <a href="https://www.livigno.eu/en/lake">Lake Livigno</a>, which becomes a mirror on calm winter days.</li> <li>Try <a href="https://www.livigno.eu/en/livigno-food">Italian alpine food</a> that’s completely different from what you find in the south: pizzoccheri, sciatt, polenta taragna.</li> </ul> Livigno feels remote, raw, and peaceful, the opposite of Milan’s pace. If you want a taste of Italy shaped by altitude and cold air, this is it. <h2 id="bormio">Bormio & Stelvio National Park: Thermal Waters & Peak Italian Alpine Culture</h2> Just across the mountains from Livigno is <a href="https://www.bormio.eu/en">Bormio</a>, a town that looks like it was carved perfectly into a valley between three huge ridgelines. It’s famous for steep ski slopes, but it has something else: <a href="https://pirovano.it/en/activities/bormio-thermal-waters/#:~:text=Since%20Roman%20times%20Bormio%20is,Bagni%20Nuovi%20(New%20Baths).">natural thermal waters</a> that have been flowing here since Roman times. When you see downhill skiing on TV, you might not know it, but just below those cliffs are hot springs steaming in the cold. This region is ideal for travellers who want a mix of adventure and relaxation. <a href="https://www.bormio.eu/en/activities-and-attractions/ski-winter-outdoor">Ski</a> in the morning, wander the medieval old town in the afternoon, and sit in <a href="https://www.bormio.eu/en/activities-and-attractions/wellness">thermal pools</a> at night while snow falls around you. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/olympics-three.jpeg" alt="Stelvio pass, one of italy’s most iconic mountain roads, twists its way toward the sky." /> <figcaption>Stelvio pass, one of italy’s most iconic mountain roads, twists its way toward the sky. Photo credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@michaelarimakova?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Michaela Římáková</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-view-of-a-winding-road-in-the-mountains-9PsXR802VEA?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure> Things to do in Bormio: <ul> <li>Drive or hike part of the <a href="https://www.stelvio.net/english/">Stelvio Pass</a>, one of Italy’s most iconic alpine roads with 48 hairpin turns.</li> <li>Explore Stelvio National Park, the largest protected area in the Italian Alps, home to ibex, eagles, and some incredible glacier viewpoints.</li> <li>Discover Bormio’s small but atmospheric historic centre, with stone buildings and quiet piazzas.</li> </ul> If Livigno feels wild and remote, Bormio feels rooted, a place where Italian alpine culture has been lived for centuries. <h2 id="cortina">Cortina d’Ampezzo: The Dolomites’ Crown Jewel</h2> <a href="https://www.italia.it/en/veneto/cortina-dampezzo">Cortina</a> is the postcard everyone knows, the town cradled by jagged, pale peaks that turn pink every sunrise. The Dolomites’ <a href="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250331-italy-dolomites-the-magic-of-the-legendary-enrosadira">Enrosadira</a> phenomenon (the alpenglow caused by the mineral dolomite) is one of Italy’s most photographed moments, and you’ll definitely spot it during Olympic broadcasts. But what makes Cortina special isn’t just the scenery; it’s how accessible the <a href="https://cortina.dolomiti.org/en/winter/">wildness</a> is. Five minutes from town, you’re already in landscapes that feel untouched. Even people who don’t ski end up falling in love with this place. Things to do in Cortina: <ul> <li>Ride <a href="https://cortina.dolomiti.org/en/pagina-altri-servizi/cortina-skyline-en/">cable cars </a>into the heart of the Dolomites for easy-access panoramas.</li> <li>Snowshoe or hike around the <a href="https://auronzo.info/en/tre-cime-di-lavaredo-dolomites/">Tre Cime di Lavaredo</a>, one of Italy’s most iconic mountain formations.</li> <li>Wander the town’s pedestrian streets for a dose of Italian alpine charm.</li> <li>Explore WWI tunnels and open-air museums hidden in the cliffs, with history carved directly into the rock.</li> </ul> Cortina is glamorous but still rugged. It’s where Italian elegance and mountain drama collide. <h2 id="val-di-fiemme">Val di Fiemme: Slower Italian Mountain Life</h2> Unlike the sharp Dolomite peaks, <a href="https://www.visitfiemme.it/en/area/val-di-fiemme/explore-the-valley">Val di Fiemme</a> offers a softer, greener style of mountain landscape. It’s known internationally for Nordic skiing, but what makes this region fascinating is its connection to music. For centuries, the valley’s forests have produced the highly <a href="https://www.visittrentino.info/en/guide/nature/beautiful-places/the-violins-forest_md_2248">resonant spruce wood</a> used for Italy’s finest violins. Craftspeople (luthiers) still come here to select wood by hand, a quiet tradition woven into the culture. This valley is quieter than Cortina and less remote than Livigno, making it ideal for slower travel. Things to do in Val di Fiemme: <ul> <li>Walk through the Paneveggio Forest, also called the “Forest of Violins.”</li> <li>Try winter or summer family-friendly trails near <a href="https://throneandvine.com/lago-di-carezza-karersee-guide/">Lago di Carezza</a>.</li> <li>Explore small alpine villages like <a href="https://www.trentino.com/en/trentino/val-di-fiemme/cavalese/">Cavalese</a> and <a href="https://www.trentino.com/en/trentino/val-di-fiemme/tesero/">Tesero</a>.</li> <li>Visit the Latemar mountain range, which has some of northern Italy’s most unique rock formations.</li> </ul> In summer, this region transforms into a massive hiking playground; in winter, it becomes a cross-country skiing paradise with world-class tracks. <h2 id="milan">Milan & Lake Como: Italy’s Fastest City to Its Quietest Lake</h2> Milan might host several Olympic events, but it’s much more than a sports backdrop. It’s Italy’s creative engine, fashion, design, galleries, and a modern skyline that feels totally different from the mountain towns. Even in winter, the city buzzes with life. But the real magic of Northern Italy is how quickly the atmosphere changes. One hour north of Milan, everything softens. Lake Como appears, still, deep, and surrounded by snow-tipped mountains. The lake reaches a depth of 410m, making it one of the deepest in Italy, and winter gives it a calm, reflective quality you rarely see in summer. Things to do around Milan & Lake Como: <ul> <li>Explore Milan’s museums and winter exhibitions, from the world-class <a href="https://pinacotecabrera.org/en/">Pinacoteca di Brera</a> to the futuristic halls of the <a href="https://www.italia.it/en/lombardy/milan/museo-del-novecento">Museo del Novecento</a>.</li> <li>Take the train north for day trips to lakeside towns like <a href="https://lakecomotravel.com/varenna/">Varenna</a> or <a href="https://www.bellagiolakecomo.com/en">Bellagio</a>, where narrow stone laneways climb between pastel houses and every corner looks like a postcard. The regional trains run often and make the lakes surprisingly easy to reach.</li> <li>Ride the <a href="https://www.italia.it/en/lombardy/como/funicolare-como-brunate">funicular above Como</a> for panoramic views of Italy’s winter lakescape. At the top, you can follow short walking trails leading to scenic overlooks, forested ridges, and classic alpine viewpoints without needing any special gear.</li> </ul> This combination, fast-paced Milan and peaceful Como, gives you a full picture of Northern Italy beyond the mountains. <h2>Before You Go: Quick Italy Travel Notes</h2> <ul> <li>Northern Italy is extremely well connected by <a href="https://www.italia.it/en/italy/rail-transport">trains</a>, and Milan makes a perfect base.</li> <li>Winter is one of the quietest and most beautiful seasons for the Alps and lakes.</li> <li>The Dolomites’ Enrosadira glow is best around sunrise or sunset.</li> <li>Many of these regions are just as enjoyable in summer, when the snow melts into hiking trails and turquoise lakes.</li> <li>Each area has its own version of Italian cuisine, and Alpine dishes might surprise you if you’re used to southern Italian food.</li> </ul> The Winter Olympics will spotlight some of the most beautiful corners of Italy, but they’re worth exploring long after the closing ceremony. Whether it’s the wild altitude of Livigno, the ancient hot springs of Bormio, the pink light of the Dolomites, the quiet forests of Trentino, or the lakes and modern streets near Milan, Northern Italy is filled with landscapes you’ll see once on TV and then spend years dreaming about. If you ever catch yourself watching the Games and thinking, “I wish I could go there,” you can. And it’s even better in person.Gabriel Mungarrieta 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/albania/exploring-albanias-new-vjosa-wild-river-national-parkThe newly designated Vjosa Wild River National Park is the first in Europe. Find out why it’s so special, and what to see and do here.2023-09-07T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/albania/exploring-albanias-new-vjosa-wild-river-national-parkhttps://www.worldnomads.comThe Vjosa River has something of a split personality. It emerges from the Pindus mountain range of northern Greece and flows, rude and robust, sparkling and spirited, through the gorges and canyons of southeastern <a href="/explore/europe/albania/hiking-in-albania">Albania</a> before finally slipping quietly through a flat, marshy delta and into the waters of the Adriatic Sea in the west. Or maybe it’s just exhaustion. It’s been quite a journey, after all – and one that collected Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio on the way. It was in 2021, on Instagram, that DiCaprio joined a chorus of voices calling for the protection of the Vjosa River as one of the only remaining free-flowing river systems in Europe. Humanity, in general, cannot seem to see a stretch of water without wanting to shove a dam, weir, or ford across it – a tendency that has made Europe one of the most obstructed river landscapes in the world, and one from which Albania was not immune. At one point, dozens of hydropower plants were planned across the Vjosa region. Luckily, sane heads prevailed, and in March 2023, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stood in the grounds of Ottoman-era Tepelene Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Vjosa, and announced the formation of the Vjosa Wild River National Park, the first in Europe. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/albania/vjosa/view-from-tepelene.jpg" alt="View of Albania's Vjosa River from the ramparts of Tepelene Castle." /> <figcaption>View of the Vjosa River from Tepelene Castle. Image credit: Keith Austin</figcaption></figure> What this means is that all 170mi (270km) of the Vjosa will be preserved as a free-flowing wild river, never to be dammed, mined, dredged, or otherwise fiddled with. The new park covers 31,500 acres and the river system, if you count its tributaries, includes more than 248mi (400km) of waterways. It’s also a biodiversity hotspot with more than 1,100 species of wildlife, including 257 species of birds, 70 species of mammals, the endangered Egyptian vulture, and the critically endangered Balkan lynx. <h2>Permet and the thermal pools</h2> There are air-conditioned buses between all the major towns in Albania, and furgons (private minibuses) plying the smaller routes, but to get to the more remote areas you need a car. So, I drive to the <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">rafting</a>, kayaking, <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/camping-travel-insurance">camping</a>, <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/cycling-travel-insurance">cycling</a>, and <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hiking</a> region around Permet, which perches right on the edge of the Vjosa, from Saranda in the country’s south. It’s a journey of about two hours on well-signposted and well-maintained roads. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/albania/vjosa/rafting-the-vjosa.jpg" alt="A group of people rafting on the Vjosa River in Albania." /> <figcaption>Rafting on the Vjosa River. Image credit: Getty Images / Wirestock</figcaption></figure> A few miles before Tepelene, where the national park announcement was made, I turn off the highway where the river flows down out of the east and executes a sharp right-hand turn to head north. Going, as it were, against the flow I start criss-crossing the Vjosa via the sort of single-lane bridges that the Allies are always trying to blow up in WWII movies. The road here dips and turns, sometimes hugging the edge of steep, forested mountainsides and at others crossing open plains where the river flattens out and performs wide, languid arcs that look like some giant, mythological snake has rested there in the past. Passing the occasional group of cyclists, I am reminded that UNESCO’s new 675mi (1,086km) official Cycle Route, from Tirana to Saranda and back, crosses the Vjosa both here (on the way down) and by Tepelene (on the way back up). Permet, where many such cyclists overnight, is a pleasant town with an expansive main square, ample, flower-bedecked roads, and wide, bicycle-friendly streets. After coffee and a lunchtime burek (filo pastry pie filled with cheese and spinach, and a popular Albanian snack) I buy a map from the tourist information office and head back out of the city to follow the river east. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/albania/vjosa/permet-river-bank.jpg " alt="The town of Permet, Albania, on the banks of the Vjosa River." /> <figcaption>The town of Permet. Image credit: Keith Austin</figcaption></figure> The road, still well maintained even this far out, is dotted with companies offering the gamut of outdoor pursuits. Business, say the ones I talk to, is booming thanks to the wild river declaration and the ensuing publicity. I follow the road along the river for another 10 or so miles before stopping for a local Korça beer at a riverside diner and watching a clutch of happy rafters in red dinghies drift past on the waters below. I could go on and follow the river all the way to the Greek border, some 17 zigzagging miles away, but there are only so many hairpin turns a chap can execute in one day and I am won over by the pull of the natural thermal pools and humpbacked Ottoman-era bridge at Benje-Novosele, just four miles away up the Lengarica River. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/albania/vjosa/ottoman-bridge-and-hotsprings.jpg" alt="An Ottoman-era bridge at Benje-Novoselet, Albania." /> <figcaption>The Ottoman-era bridge at Benje-Novosele. Image credit: Keith Austin</figcaption></figure> Eventually, I head back and rejoin the main freeway where the river worms its way past Tepelene and then saunters north and west through vast white, pebble-strewn valleys overlooked by angular, hostile-looking mountains. The views from the ramparts of Tepelene Castle are, by the way, worth the slight detour. Just beyond here, though, the river and the road part company and it’s time to head home. <h2>Vlore and the Delta</h2> The next day, I drive north from Saranda (taking the longer, slower but prettier and more panoramic coastal road) to explore the other end of the Vjosa – the mouth of the river where it flows into the Adriatic. From where I abandoned it the previous day, the river turns away from civilization for many miles, flowing through a landscape with little human habitation. Eventually, it wends its way to the outskirts of Vlore, Albania’s third largest city and a popular seaside destination, where it forms the northern edge of the 48,000-acre Vjosa-Narte Delta Protected Area. After an idiot driver-driven detour through the traffic-snarled but pretty-in-pastel streets of Vlore old town, I finally follow the SH8 freeway past the little towns of Skrofotine and Novosele before fetching up at an abandoned bridge just before Ferras. It is here that the Vjosa trundles gently under the freeway, wide and deep and a stark contrast to the vertiginous drama and excitement of its southern reaches. Locals fish from the old bridge and my map shows that there’s no point in going any further north. Instead, I follow a gravel road into the northern reaches of the delta in the hope of accompanying the river to its end. Instead, I find a maze of remote, rickety communities (Fitore, Bishan, Poro, Delisuf) surrounded by corn fields and conjoined by roads that lead, quite literally, nowhere. It is here, at the end of one such road, that I accept that the Vjosa, thankfully unmolested for its entire length, must flow to the sea without any further help from me. <h2>Trip notes</h2> <h3>Getting to and around the Vjosa</h3> As befits a wilderness area, the Vjosa Wild River National Park isn’t easy to get to. Coming from the north it’s best to fly into the capital, <a href="/stories/discovery/riding-the-pyramid">Tirana</a>, and drive from there. Alternatively, you can fly to Corfu and take the ferry across to Saranda, on the Albanian riviera. Ferries from Italy also call in at Vlore. There is no train network to speak of and while there is a bus system, and the informal, privately-run furgons for short trips, it’s best to explore the Vjosa by car. Be aware that Albanians drive like lunatics. Let them. I have concluded that ‘double white lines’ translates as ‘go on, I dare you’ in Albanian. The new UNESCO Cycle Route does cross the Vjosa at various points but the whole 675-mile trip, given Albania’s geography, is for experienced riders only. <h3>When to go</h3> Albania tends to start gearing up for tourist season in May, with July and August the busiest months. April-June and September-October are ideal as July and August can get very hot. If you’re visiting the Vjosa, avoid the winter unless you are Wim Hof.Getty Images / Mathias Calabotta 01458041145 Getty Images View of the Vjosa River near Kanikol, Albania, with snowcapped mountains in the background.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/france/lille-and-lyon-france-gorgeous-alternatives-to-parisWe all love Paris – but if you enjoy French food, history, and culture and aren’t fond of crowds, make room in your heart for Lyon and Lille. Here’s why they’re worth a visit (or two).2023-06-08T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/france/lille-and-lyon-france-gorgeous-alternatives-to-parishttps://www.worldnomads.comWhen people think of France, their minds usually go to the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the lavender fields of Provence. But there’s much more to see and experience throughout the country. I've fallen in love with two French cities that we hear very little of outside France: Lyon and Lille. These second cities are both filled with art, culture, architecture, and French charm without the crowds (or the price tags) of Paris. They are also easily accessible from <a href="/explore/europe/france/cycling-la-seine-a-velo-from-paris-to-the-sea">Paris</a> if you want to take an impromptu escape during your travels. Here's a mini guide to both cities. <ul> <li><a href="#lyon">How to explore Lyon, the food capital of France </a></li> <li><a href="#lille">Lille, a lively French city with small-town charm</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="lyon">How to explore Lyon, the food capital of France</h2> France's third largest city, Lyon, in southeastern France, is known as the country's gastronomic capital. You can't deny it when you see murals across the city dedicated to the centuries-old culinary traditions of the region, especially of the beloved chef Paul Bocuse who amplified French cooking to the world. Start your trip with a <a href="https://www.lyonexplorer.com/">free walking tour</a> to get acquainted with Lyon. Volunteers host the walking tours, and love sharing the city’s monuments and history. Make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes and a fully charged phone or camera to take tons of pictures. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, dig into Lyon’s culinary side. Begin your experience at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, the city's premiere food hall. The atmosphere is lively, with stalls dedicated to Lyonnaise specialties lining the market. Cheese lovers will rejoice at booths filled with French varieties such as Comté, brie, and goat cheeses. Or satisfy your sweet tooth at the patisserie stalls with perfectly crafted tortes topped with colorful berries or decadent chocolate. Or take a leisurely lunch break at one of the many restaurants offering freshly shucked oysters and wines from the neighboring Cote du Rhone wine region. Lyon is home to a special style of restaurant called Bouchon Lyonnais. The government recognizes bouchons as keepers of the traditional Lyonnaise gastronomy, such as quenelle Lyonnaise, a mix of seafood and eggs shaped like an egg and doused in a creamy sauce, or saucisson brioché, a buttery brioche stuffed with handmade sausage. One of our most memorable meals was at the widely known <a href="https://danieletdenise.fr/bons-cadeaux/">Daniel & Denise</a>, where we feasted on one of my favorite Lyonnaise treats, the pate covered with a flaky crust. Beyond French cuisine, Lyon also has a thriving immigrant community offering many global dining options. We loved the Peruvian fare at <a href="https://barraceviche.fr/">Barracevich</a>e, probably the best Peruvian food I've had in Europe, with fresh ceviches, arroz chaufa, and delectable pisco sours. Another fun stop is Kafé Stockholm, a Swedish-owned café with freshly baked Swedish cinnamon buns and open-faced sandwiches. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/france/lille-and-lyon/lyon-riverfront.jpg" alt="Historic buildings along the Rhone River in Lyon, France." /> <figcaption>The Rhone River waterfront in Lyon. Image credit: Jessica van Dop deJesus</figcaption></figure> Lyon is a very walkable city and has excellent public transport options. Aside from the well-known museums such as Musée des Beaux-Arts, there’s plenty to explore just walking around the city. Head to the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière church for spectacular views of Lyon. Work your way down to the Rhône River, where you can catch locals sipping wine at the many cafes along the walkway. There are <a href="/stories/Love/providence">secret paths throughout the city</a> that you can learn more about on your walking tour of Lyon. During the summer, boat tours on the Rhône River are also available. Or acquaint yourself with the neighborhoods beyond Vieux Lyon for a taste of local life. We stayed in the Croix-Rousse neighborhood on the city's west side, filled with cozy wine bars, trendy restaurants, and a lively Sunday market. <h2 id="lille">Lille, a lively French city with small-town charm</h2> Less than an hour by train from Paris, Lille is a beautiful city with an interesting cultural mix. It’s located French Flanders, less than 12 miles from the Belgian border, and the Flemish influence is evident throughout the city, with quays reminiscent of Ghent and Bruges. The Grand Place, a picturesque town square with well-preserved buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, is a prime example of jagged-edged Flemish Renaissance Revival. Like any French destination, Lille has a robust culinary identity with a wide selection of restaurants in every price range. We started our trip to Lille with a Michelin-Guide tasting menu at <a href="https://lestoquees.com/restaurant-gastronomique-lille/">Les Touquees by Benoit Bernard</a>, served in the inn's dining room. We indulged in a five-course menu with wine pairing, followed by a short walk around the charming neighborhood, and then stayed at the inn by the same name. Although Les Touquees is not in the city center, we enjoyed being in a residential neighborhood adjacent to the Citadel of Lille, a former military fortress built during the mid-17th century. As you walk along the quays, there’s a sense of serenity with all the green spaces and quaint ivy-covered stone homes. Bring your walking shoes since the best way to get to know the city is on foot. There are plenty of independent shops along Rue de la Monnaie in Vieux Lille, where you can find handmade art, perfumes, and chocolates. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/france/lille-and-lyon/vielle-bourse.jpg" alt="The old stock exchange on the Grand Place in Lille, France." /> <figcaption>The Vielle Bourse (old stock exchange) in Lille. Image credit: Jessica van Dop deJesus</figcaption></figure> Take your time strolling around the Grand Place, especially early in the morning or late at night, to capture the perfect shot of Hotel de Ville de Lille (Lille’s town hall), as its belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the summer, a second-hand bookstore comes to life at the courtyard of the Vielle Bourse (old stock exchange), along with chess tables and dance performances. Fans of art will love the <a href="https://pba.lille.fr/">Palais de Beaux Arts</a>, whose architecture and interior design are as captivating as its art collection. Across from the museum is Place de la Republique, an ideal place for a little break from walking around the city. During the summer, you can also get to know Lille by water with <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">kayak</a> or boat tours along the quays. Lille has become a popular quick getaway from Paris, Brussels, and Luxembourg City. If you're traveling during a busy weekend, make restaurant reservations to ensure you can get into the local hot spots. Due to its proximity to the northern coast of France, seafood is widely available, and seafood towers of freshly shucked oysters and langoustines rule at most restaurants. One of the regional specialties is waterzooï, a hearty Flemish seafood stew made with cream, carrots, leeks, potatoes, and chunks of fish. Lille is also known as the “beer capital of France,” with more than 50 craft breweries plus plenty of selections from its Belgian neighbors offered on tap. Wine lovers will be happy with the comprehensive wine lists offered even at simple restaurants. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/france/lille-and-lyon/seafood-tower-lille.jpg" alt="A platter of assorted seafood in Lille, France." /> <figcaption>A seafood tower in Lille. Image credit: Jessica van Dop deJesus</figcaption></figure> Jessica van Dop DeJesus 0 Jessica van Dop DeJesus A charming square in Lille, France.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/croatia/eastern-croatiablah2001-01-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/croatia/eastern-croatiahttps://www.worldnomads.comblah 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/bosnia-and-herzegovina/visiting-bosnia-and-herzegovina-30-years-after-the-warThree decades after the start of the Bosnian war, Christine Retschlag explores the beauty, complicated history, and enduring spirit of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the eyes of the locals.2022-11-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/bosnia-and-herzegovina/visiting-bosnia-and-herzegovina-30-years-after-the-warhttps://www.worldnomads.comThe omnipresent Adele is crooning through the stereo how she set fire to the rain, but around this Bosnian Muslim dinner table, it’s more a case of extinguishing the flames of the past. I’m in a house built from scrap metal, high on the hill overlooking the lights of Sarajevo, as a guest of locals Mustafa and Mersiha, whose business – Bosnian Cooking Lessons – also stages hosted dinners. Here, you dine on organic food including their own plum brandy and the traditional burek, Bosnian pita bread made from flour, salt, sunflower oil, and lukewarm water, while wrapping your mouth around the alphabet soup of consonants this language commands. Mersiha, who was nine when the Bosnian war began in 1992, stretches the dough like an accordion player and explains how her mother tried to keep her entertained during the 3.5-year attack on Sarajevo by teaching her to cook. “It was a lot of pressure because if you got it wrong, there was no trying again as we didn’t have enough food,” she says. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bosnia/sarajevo-at-dusk.jpg" alt="The city of Sarajevo at dusk, seen from a hillside." /><figcaption>The view over Sarajevo. Image credit: Annapurna Mellor, Intrepid Travel</figcaption></figure> For Mustafa, who was 13 at the time, it was the years spent underground which he found most challenging. “It wasn’t the bombs or bullets but the darkness. Everything underground was pitch black. The light was something we used to dream about,” he says. “One night, I saw one-third of the city lights come back on and that’s when I knew the war was really over.” <ul> <li><a href="#tour">A tour designed to boost the local economy</a></li> <li><a href="#history">History, scenery, adventure, and wildlife in Bosnia and Herzegovina</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="tour">A tour designed to boost the local economy</h2> In May 2023, Intrepid Travel will launch its first tour dedicated solely to Bosnia and Herzegovina, made possible by a three-pronged partnership forged two years ago with USAID’s Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) program and the Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council. The trip is part of a five-year, US $20 million project which aims to enhance the quality and diversity of tourism products, create new job opportunities, boost employment, encourage the participation of women in the workforce, and drive economic growth. In 2019, the country had the third-highest tourism growth rate in the world, and the sector contributed more than US $1 billion to the economy. In 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic decreased tourism revenues by more than 85 percent and hampered the sector’s development. This eight-day Bosnia & Herzegovina Expedition is designed to showcase the best of Bosnia, including nature, soft adventure, war history, and local characters such as Mustafa and Mersiha and the city’s only woman coppersmith, Nermina Alic. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bosnia/market.jpg" alt="A smiling woman selling vegetables at a market in Bosnia and Herzegovina." /><figcaption>A seller at an open-air market in Sarajevo. Image credit: Christine Retschlag.</figcaption></figure> As a former newspaper journalist, I watched the nightly Bosnia bombings and Sarajevo under siege 30 years ago from the safety of Australia, so the invitation to come to visit the country on a preview tour is too great to resist. The tour begins on the still-scarred streets of the Bosnian capital where I encounter the <a href="/stories/connection/the-roses-of-sarajevo">Sarajevo “rose”</a> – a deep imprint left by mortar shells and painted red by locals – to mark the spot where around 100 civilians were killed on two separate occasions, and the Tunnel of Hope – a hidden pipeline dug to connect besieged Sarajevo with the outside world. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bosnia/sarajevo-rose.jpg" alt="The Sarajevo Rose, a memorial to civilians killed in the siege of Sarajevo." /><figcaption>A Sarajevo rose. Image credit: Annapurna Mellor, Intrepid Travel</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="history">History, scenery, adventure, and wildlife in Bosnia and Herzegovina</h2> But there’s much more than war to beautiful Bosnia. We wind through lush countryside painted in autumnal rusts, snake past rivers and into Jajce – the capital of medieval Bosnian kings – renowned for its inner-city 72ft (22m) waterfall and sparkling lakes reminiscent of Switzerland. In the back of a jeep on an off-road safari we encounter Bosnia’s wild horses who roam free as part of a herd of 1,000 at the base of the Cincar Mountain, before feasting on meats, cheeses, and beer in a mountain hut. Cobbled streets pave the way through magical Mostar, bustling with street stalls and stairs which lead to the iconic one-arc Mostar Bridge, while an inconspicuous road takes us to former Communist leader Tito’s secret nuclear bunker in which 80 percent of the items – placed to house 350 in the event of an attack – remain. Intriguingly, it’s now also a contemporary art gallery. Towards the end of this eight-day journey, there are opportunities to go <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">white-water rafting</a> down the Neretva River, and explore canyons and waterfalls, before returning to Sarajevo to take a cable car to the Dinaric Alps where the successful Sarajevo Winter Olympics were held in 1984 and are considered a golden era in the city’s history. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bosnia/rafting-bosnia.jpg" alt="White-water rafting on the Neretva River in Bosnia and Herzegovina." /><figcaption>White-water rafting on the Neretva River. Image credit: Annapurna Mellor, Intrepid Travel</figcaption></figure> Not part of this tour, but a must-do while in Sarajevo, is the War Childhood Museum which opened in 2017 and is the only one of its kind in the world which tells the experience of war through the eyes of children. Intrepid Tour Leader Muhamed Vlajcic was 10 when the war started. “For 3.5 years Sarajevo lived through hell on earth. 300,000 people lived without food and electricity, every day in continuous terror,” he says. “We pretended we had a life but trust me, it wasn’t a life.” Yet, Muhamed reminds us that art, school, clubs, pubs, bars, and more than 1,000 theater shows continued in underground basements throughout the siege. “The spirit of Sarajevo was never killed,” he says. USAID Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina Chief of Party Ibrahim Osta says the best thing travelers can do to help the continuing recovery is to come to the country, meet locals and support the economy. “Tourism has the power to create livelihoods for people in areas that no single industry can. With tourism you leave money everywhere [you] go,” he says. “It’s authentic, it has zero negative impact, and you have a true Bosnian experience.” <h2>Trip notes</h2> Intrepid’s new 8-day <a href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/bosnia-and-herzegovina/bosnia-herzegovina-expedition-144139" target="_blank">Bosnia & Herzegovina Expedition</a> will launch in May 2023 with five departures scheduled. The tour starts from AUD $1,995.Annapurna Mellor, Intrepid Travel 0 Annapurna Mellor, Intrepid Travel Iconic Mostar Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzogavina.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/bosnia-and-herzegovina/visiting-bosnia-herzegovina-30-years-after-the-war-cloneThree decades after the start of the Bosnian war, Christine Retschlag explores the beauty, complicated history, and enduring spirit of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the eyes of the locals.2022-10-31T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/bosnia-and-herzegovina/visiting-bosnia-herzegovina-30-years-after-the-war-clonehttps://www.worldnomads.comThe omnipresent Adele is crooning through the stereo how she set fire to the rain, but around this Bosnian Muslim dinner table, it’s more a case of extinguishing the flames of the past. I’m in a house built from scrap metal, high on the hill overlooking the lights of Sarajevo, as a guest of locals Mustafa and Mersiha, whose business – Bosnian Cooking Lessons – also stages hosted dinners. Here, you dine on organic food including their own plum brandy and the traditional burek, Bosnian pita bread made from flour, salt, sunflower oil, and lukewarm water, while wrapping your mouth around the alphabet soup of consonants this language commands. Mersiha, who was nine when the Bosnian war began in 1992, stretches the dough like an accordion player and explains how her mother tried to keep her entertained during the 3.5-year attack on Sarajevo by teaching her to cook. “It was a lot of pressure because if you got it wrong, there was no trying again as we didn’t have enough food,” she says. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bosnia/sarajevo-at-dusk.jpg" alt="The city of Sarajevo at dusk, seen from a hillside." /> <figcaption>The view over Sarajevo. Image credit: Annapurna Mellor, Intrepid Travel</figcaption></figure> For Mustafa, who was 13 at the time, it was the years spent underground which he found most challenging. “It wasn’t the bombs or bullets but the darkness. Everything underground was pitch black. The light was something we used to dream about,” he says. “One night, I saw one-third of the city lights come back on and that’s when I knew the war was really over.” <ul> <li><a href="#tour">A tour designed to boost the local economy</a></li> <li><a href="#history">History, scenery, adventure, and wildlife in Bosnia and Herzegovina</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="tour">A tour designed to boost the local economy</h2> In May 2023, Intrepid Travel will launch its first tour dedicated solely to Bosnia and Herzegovina, made possible by a three-pronged partnership forged two years ago with USAID’s Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) program and the Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council. The trip is part of a five-year, US $20 million project which aims to enhance the quality and diversity of tourism products, create new job opportunities, boost employment, encourage the participation of women in the workforce, and drive economic growth. In 2019, the country had the third-highest tourism growth rate in the world, and the sector contributed more than US $1 billion to the economy. In 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic decreased tourism revenues by more than 85 percent and hampered the sector’s development. This eight-day Bosnia & Herzegovina Expedition is designed to showcase the best of Bosnia, including nature, soft adventure, war history, and local characters such as Mustafa and Mersiha and the city’s only woman coppersmith, Nermina Alic. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bosnia/market.jpg" alt="A smiling woman selling vegetables at a market in Bosnia and Herzegovina." /> <figcaption>A seller at an open-air market in Sarajevo. Image credit: Christine Retschlag.</figcaption></figure> As a former newspaper journalist, I watched the nightly Bosnia bombings and Sarajevo under siege 30 years ago from the safety of Australia, so the invitation to come to visit the country on a preview tour is too great to resist. The tour begins on the still-scarred streets of the Bosnian capital where I encounter the <a href="/stories/connection/the-roses-of-sarajevo">Sarajevo “rose”</a> – a deep imprint left by mortar shells and painted red by locals – to mark the spot where around 100 civilians were killed on two separate occasions, and the Tunnel of Hope – a hidden pipeline dug to connect besieged Sarajevo with the outside world. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bosnia/sarajevo-rose.jpg" alt="The Sarajevo Rose, a memorial to civilians killed in the siege of Sarajevo." /> <figcaption>A Sarajevo rose. Image credit: Annapurna Mellor, Intrepid Travel</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="history">History, scenery, adventure, and wildlife in Bosnia and Herzegovina</h2> But there’s much more than war to beautiful Bosnia. We wind through lush countryside painted in autumnal rusts, snake past rivers and into Jajce – the capital of medieval Bosnian kings – renowned for its inner-city 72ft (22m) waterfall and sparkling lakes reminiscent of Switzerland. In the back of a jeep on an off-road safari we encounter Bosnia’s wild horses who roam free as part of a herd of 1,000 at the base of the Cincar Mountain, before feasting on meats, cheeses, and beer in a mountain hut. Cobbled streets pave the way through magical Mostar, bustling with street stalls and stairs which lead to the iconic one-arc Mostar Bridge, while an inconspicuous road takes us to former Communist leader Tito’s secret nuclear bunker in which 80 percent of the items – placed to house 350 in the event of an attack – remain. Intriguingly, it’s now also a contemporary art gallery. Towards the end of this eight-day journey, there are opportunities to go <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">white-water rafting</a> down the Neretva River, and explore canyons and waterfalls, before returning to Sarajevo to take a cable car to the Dinaric Alps where the successful Sarajevo Winter Olympics were held in 1984 and are considered a golden era in the city’s history. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bosnia/rafting-bosnia.jpg" alt="White-water rafting on the Neretva River in Bosnia and Herzegovina." /> <figcaption>White-water rafting on the Neretva River. Image credit: Annapurna Mellor, Intrepid Travel</figcaption></figure> Not part of this tour, but a must-do while in Sarajevo, is the War Childhood Museum which opened in 2017 and is the only one of its kind in the world which tells the experience of war through the eyes of children. Intrepid Tour Leader Muhamed Vlajcic was 10 when the war started. “For 3.5 years Sarajevo lived through hell on earth. 300,000 people lived without food and electricity, every day in continuous terror,” he says. “We pretended we had a life but trust me, it wasn’t a life.” Yet, Muhamed reminds us that art, school, clubs, pubs, bars, and more than 1,000 theater shows continued in underground basements throughout the siege. “The spirit of Sarajevo was never killed,” he says. USAID Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina Chief of Party Ibrahim Osta says the best thing travelers can do to help the continuing recovery is to come to the country, meet locals and support the economy. “Tourism has the power to create livelihoods for people in areas that no single industry can. With tourism you leave money everywhere [you] go,” he says. “It’s authentic, it has zero negative impact, and you have a true Bosnian experience.” <h2>Trip notes</h2> Intrepid’s new 8-day <a href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/bosnia-and-herzegovina/bosnia-herzegovina-expedition-144139" target="_blank">Bosnia & Herzegovina Expedition</a> will launch in May 2023 with five departures scheduled. The tour starts from AUD $1,995. Annapurna Mellor, Intrepid Travel 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/bosnia-and-herzegovina/visiting-30-years-after-the-warThree decades after the start of the Bosnian war, Christine Retschlag explores the beauty, complicated history, and enduring spirit of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the eyes of the locals.2022-10-31T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/bosnia-and-herzegovina/visiting-30-years-after-the-warhttps://www.worldnomads.comThe omnipresent Adele is crooning through the stereo how she set fire to the rain, but around this Bosnian Muslim dinner table, it’s more a case of extinguishing the flames of the past. I’m in a house built from scrap metal, high on the hill overlooking the lights of Sarajevo, as a guest of locals Mustafa and Mersiha, whose business – Bosnian Cooking Lessons – also stages hosted dinners. Here, you dine on organic food including their own plum brandy and the traditional burek, Bosnian pita bread made from flour, salt, sunflower oil, and lukewarm water, while wrapping your mouth around the alphabet soup of consonants this language commands. Mersiha, who was nine when the Bosnian war began in 1992, stretches the dough like an accordion player and explains how her mother tried to keep her entertained during the 3.5-year attack on Sarajevo by teaching her to cook. “It was a lot of pressure because if you got it wrong, there was no trying again as we didn’t have enough food,” she says. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bosnia/sarajevo-at-dusk.jpg" alt="The city of Sarajevo at dusk, seen from a hillside." /> <figcaption>The view over Sarajevo. Image credit: Annapurna Mellor, Intrepid Travel</figcaption></figure> For Mustafa, who was 13 at the time, it was the years spent underground which he found most challenging. “It wasn’t the bombs or bullets but the darkness. Everything underground was pitch black. The light was something we used to dream about,” he says. “One night, I saw one-third of the city lights come back on and that’s when I knew the war was really over.” <ul> <li><a href="#tour">A tour designed to boost the local economy</a></li> <li><a href="#history">History, scenery, adventure, and wildlife in Bosnia and Herzegovina</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="tour">A tour designed to boost the local economy</h2> In May 2023, Intrepid Travel will launch its first tour dedicated solely to Bosnia and Herzegovina, made possible by a three-pronged partnership forged two years ago with USAID’s Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) program and the Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council. The trip is part of a five-year, US $20 million project which aims to enhance the quality and diversity of tourism products, create new job opportunities, boost employment, encourage the participation of women in the workforce, and drive economic growth. In 2019, the country had the third-highest tourism growth rate in the world, and the sector contributed more than US $1 billion to the economy. In 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic decreased tourism revenues by more than 85 percent and hampered the sector’s development. This eight-day Bosnia & Herzegovina Expedition is designed to showcase the best of Bosnia, including nature, soft adventure, war history, and local characters such as Mustafa and Mersiha and the city’s only woman coppersmith, Nermina Alic. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bosnia/market.jpg" alt="A smiling woman selling vegetables at a market in Bosnia and Herzegovina." /> <figcaption>A seller at an open-air market in Sarajevo. Image credit: Christine Retschlag.</figcaption></figure> As a former newspaper journalist, I watched the nightly Bosnia bombings and Sarajevo under siege 30 years ago from the safety of Australia, so the invitation to come to visit the country on a preview tour is too great to resist. The tour begins on the still-scarred streets of the Bosnian capital where I encounter the <a href="/stories/connection/the-roses-of-sarajevo">Sarajevo “rose”</a> – a deep imprint left by mortar shells and painted red by locals – to mark the spot where around 100 civilians were killed on two separate occasions, and the Tunnel of Hope – a hidden pipeline dug to connect besieged Sarajevo with the outside world. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bosnia/sarajevo-rose.jpg" alt="The Sarajevo Rose, a memorial to civilians killed in the siege of Sarajevo." /> <figcaption>A Sarajevo rose. Image credit: Annapurna Mellor, Intrepid Travel</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="history">History, scenery, adventure, and wildlife in Bosnia and Herzegovina</h2> But there’s much more than war to beautiful Bosnia. We wind through lush countryside painted in autumnal rusts, snake past rivers and into Jajce – the capital of medieval Bosnian kings – renowned for its inner-city 72ft (22m) waterfall and sparkling lakes reminiscent of Switzerland. In the back of a jeep on an off-road safari we encounter Bosnia’s wild horses who roam free as part of a herd of 1,000 at the base of the Cincar Mountain, before feasting on meats, cheeses, and beer in a mountain hut. Cobbled streets pave the way through magical Mostar, bustling with street stalls and stairs which lead to the iconic one-arc Mostar Bridge, while an inconspicuous road takes us to former Communist leader Tito’s secret nuclear bunker in which 80 percent of the items – placed to house 350 in the event of an attack – remain. Intriguingly, it’s now also a contemporary art gallery. Towards the end of this eight-day journey, there are opportunities to go <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">white-water rafting</a> down the Neretva River, and explore canyons and waterfalls, before returning to Sarajevo to take a cable car to the Dinaric Alps where the successful Sarajevo Winter Olympics were held in 1984 and are considered a golden era in the city’s history. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bosnia/rafting-bosnia.jpg" alt="White-water rafting on the Neretva River in Bosnia and Herzegovina." /> <figcaption>White-water rafting on the Neretva River. Image credit: Annapurna Mellor, Intrepid Travel</figcaption></figure> Not part of this tour, but a must-do while in Sarajevo, is the War Childhood Museum which opened in 2017 and is the only one of its kind in the world which tells the experience of war through the eyes of children. Intrepid Tour Leader Muhamed Vlajcic was 10 when the war started. “For 3.5 years Sarajevo lived through hell on earth. 300,000 people lived without food and electricity, every day in continuous terror,” he says. “We pretended we had a life but trust me, it wasn’t a life.” Yet, Muhamed reminds us that art, school, clubs, pubs, bars, and more than 1,000 theater shows continued in underground basements throughout the siege. “The spirit of Sarajevo was never killed,” he says. USAID Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina Chief of Party Ibrahim Osta says the best thing travelers can do to help the continuing recovery is to come to the country, meet locals and support the economy. “Tourism has the power to create livelihoods for people in areas that no single industry can. With tourism you leave money everywhere [you] go,” he says. “It’s authentic, it has zero negative impact, and you have a true Bosnian experience.” <h2>Trip notes</h2> Intrepid’s new 8-day <a href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/bosnia-and-herzegovina/bosnia-herzegovina-expedition-144139" target="_blank">Bosnia & Herzegovina Expedition</a> will launch in May 2023 with five departures scheduled. The tour starts from AUD $1,995. Annapurna Mellor, Intrepid Travel 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/croatia/why-eastern-croatia-should-be-on-your-radarHead away from the crowded Dalmatian Coast and discover the region of Slavonia and Baranja, offering hearty, delicious food, world-class wine, Baroque architecture, and wetlands teeming with bird and animal life.2022-07-13T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/croatia/why-eastern-croatia-should-be-on-your-radarhttps://www.worldnomads.comPristine beaches. Shimmering blue waters. Parties. Red-tiled roofs. Island hopping. Wine. Seafood. Dubrovnik. Split. For many, that’s what comes to mind when thinking of <a href="/explore/europe/croatia/8-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-croatia">Croatia</a>. I get it, it’s a big draw. Having lived in Croatia for 15 months, I spent my fair share of time on the coast, too, and in the capital, Zagreb. The east of the country was always a mystery – until I finally got <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/road-trip">on the road</a> with a friend and was floored by how much I was missing out on. Never-ending vineyards brimming with exceptional wines. Rich, hearty cuisine. Monumental churches, fortresses, and Baroque architectural gems. Winding rivers and sprawling nature parks. History that's ever-present and stretches back to 3,000 BCE. On top of that, Slavonia and Baranja, a sort of catch-all name for a region with many subdivisions, is home to some of the nicest people in Croatia. <ul> <li><a href="#wine">Rolling hills of Slavonian wine</a></li> <li><a href="#food">What to eat in Eastern Croatia</a></li> <li><a href="#osijek">Osijek: Croatia’s eastern hub </a></li> <li><a href="#nature">Nature in eastern Croatia, from rivers to parks</a></li> <li><a href="#monuments">Festivals, folklore, and monuments</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="wine">Rolling hills of Slavonian wine</h2> There’s a quiet allure to driving through the patchwork of wineries that cover the Slavonian hills, with each winemaker telling the story of the land through their vintages. Although we’re visiting in November, the scenes are no less vivid with the typical greens giving way to autumnal colors that add a certain warmth. The three rivers that dominate and shape the region – the Drava, Danube, and Sava – create a microclimate that makes for some extraordinary wines. The area is known for two in particular – frankovka, a refreshing and fruity red, and gra&scaron;evina, a bright and floral white that’s one of Croatia’s most popular types. We winery-hop, sampling the best in far-flung towns. In Ilok, Croatia’s eastern-most town, surrounded on three sides by <a href="/explore/europe/serbia/7-things-to-know-before-visiting">Serbia</a>, we find Ilocki Podrumi winery resting atop a hill overlooking the Pannonian plains on one side and the Danube on the other. The dimly lit, cool cellar dates back to the 15th century and was originally part of the nearby castle. Behind well-aged gates, you’ll find dusty bottles of the same traminac wine that was served at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. In the wood-laden restaurant, I’d recommend trying a more recent (and less costly) vintage paired with poderane gaće, a sort of fried flatbread, and local cheese. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/croatia/eastern-croatia/ilocki-podrumi-dusty bottles.jpg" alt="A woman selects bottles from a huge wine cellar at the Ilocki Podrumi winery in eastern Croatia." /> <figcaption>Dusty bottles of wine stacked high in the cellar of Ilocki Podrumi winery. Image credit: Steve Tsentserensky</figcaption></figure> The sweeping Danube views continue in Erdut, where we come across the world’s largest, in-use barrel of wine: 75,000 liters of gra&scaron;evina stored inside luxurious Slavonian oak. Slavonia is also home to Croatia’s oldest winery, Kutjevo, which dates to 1232. Public transportation is spotty, to put it nicely, in eastern Croatia. If you prefer <a href="/travel-safety/europe/croatia/croatia-driving-tips">not to drive too much</a>, head for the wine roads of Zmajevac. Within minutes of both the Hungarian and Serbian borders, two roads of this tiny town are lined with the cellars of various wineries dug right into the hills. <h2 id="food">What to eat in Eastern Croatia</h2> What’s wine without food to accompany it? The same fertile soil that yields those fine wines also produces other delicious crops. Once the breadbasket of Yugoslavia, the Slavonian agriculture industry may be a shadow of what it once was but nonetheless continues to produce a bounty of vegetables to accompany the mouthwatering fish, meat, sausages and stews Slavonia is famous for. History ends up on your plate here, from the intermingling of Hungarian flavors in Baranja (such as spicy fi&scaron; paprikas and čobanac, a hearty meat stew) to the iconic kulen sausage that, similar to rakija, everyone seems to make their own version of. Kulen is so historically linked to the region that the UN even granted it Geographical Indication status. And what’s rakija? A local spirit that it seems you’re legally required to try and Croatians are legally required to offer. By far the best meal I sink into, though, is &scaron;aran u ra&scaron;ljama: an entire river carp, butterflied and skewered then cooked on an open flame. It’s as dramatic as it is delicious. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/croatia/eastern-croatia/river-carp.jpg" alt="Saran u ra&scaron;ljama, Croatian dish of river carp, butterflied and cooked on an open flame." /> <figcaption>Saran u ra&scaron;ljama, an entire river carp cooked over an open flame. Image credit: Steve Tsentserensky</figcaption></figure> It’s important to note that this part of the country isn’t especially vegetarian-friendly. I rarely eat meat but find myself making a lot of exceptions to get the full experience. As the late, great Anthony Bourdain said, “you learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together.” In eastern Croatia, it’s well worth your time to share a meal with locals – and that meal will likely be meat. <h2 id="osijek">Osijek: Croatia’s eastern hub</h2> Croatia’s fourth most-populous city, Osijek, is the east’s biggest and the ideal base for eastern explorations. While folks flock to the coast after flying into Zagreb, spending 4-plus hours driving to Split, a trip to the Osijek riverfront will take you less than three. Osijek lays claim to some fun Croatian firsts: first beer and brewery (Osječko, 1664), first public water supply (1751) and the first tram system (1884). Among the greenest cities in Croatia, Osijek is not only dotted with 17 parks but surrounded by nature and wetlands. The beating heart of any European city is its old town and naturally, this is where we’re staying. How often can you say you’ve lived among Croatia’s largest and most well-preserved collection of Baroque buildings? Known as Tvrđa, the old town is encircled by a Habsburg-era fortress dating back to 1715. It’s also where the action is. Although the Museum of Slavonia is here, this isn’t a place for solemn strolling. The cobblestone streets offer some of the city’s best bars, clubs, and restaurants. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/croatia/eastern-croatia/osijek-cathedral.jpg" alt="The massive Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Osijek, Croatia.." /> <figcaption>The massive Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Osijek. Image credit: Steve Tsentserensky</figcaption></figure> Heading out along the waterfront promenade that hugs the meandering Drava, or down Europska Avenija/Kapucinska Ulica to take in some regal architecture, you’re in downtown proper in about 20 minutes, looking up at the colossal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Ante Starčević Square. At 308ft (94m) it’s the tallest building in the east and was built with 3.5 million bricks. If you’re a morning person like me, do yourself a favor and take a sunrise stroll along the river. With the sun kissing the church tops and a mist on the water, it’s magical. <h2 id="nature">Nature in eastern Croatia, from rivers to parks</h2> At this point in our road trip out east, I’m well aware of the influence of the rivers – how they shape the cuisine, the wine, the borders of the country itself and ultimately the people. The Sava runs along the southern border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Danube draws the eastern line with Serbia, and the Drava cuts through Croatia but mostly marks the northern frontier with Hungary. There’s an easy peace that comes with wandering the quiet banks of these rivers, where you won’t find waterfronts lined with cafes or many floating bars, but rather an opportunity to be with your thoughts. In summer, however, temps in the 80s F (30s C) mean a dip in the Danube at Vukovar Ada or Osjiek’s Kopika beach (aka Copacabana) is recommended. Given how sparsely populated the east is, you’re never too far from nature and any road trip or long stay should include a visit to Kopački rit. Among Europe’s largest wetlands at 68mi2 (176 km2) and home to dozens of species of fish, more than 300 species of birds, and other wildlife, it offers a visual feast whether you drive, boat or walk. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/croatia/eastern-croatia/red-deer-kopacki-rit.jpg" alt="A herd of red deer running through sedge grass in the Kopacki rit wetlands, eastern Croatia." /> <figcaption>A herd of red deer running through sedge grass in Kopački rit. Image credit: Getty Images / Goran Safarek</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="monuments">Festivals, folklore, and monuments</h2> We’re only scratching the surface. Eastern Croatia holds so many more treasures. In Vinkovci, you’ll find Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited town, lived in since the Neolithic period. Their Vinkovačke Jeseni autumn festival is a celebration of the region; folkloric music, traditional dress and lots of Slavonian goodies to eat and drink. Vukovar isn’t just a place to take a swim; the city was essentially destroyed in 1991, suffering tremendously during an 87-day siege before falling to Serbia. (It was peacefully returned to Croatia in 1998). The heavily damaged water tower, visible from anywhere in town, stands as a living symbol of remembrance in a city shaping its new identity. Just a few miles from the water tower is the Vučedol Culture Museum, where recent history gives way to the distant past and an arresting look at the flourishing Vučedol culture from 3,000 BCE. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/croatia/eastern-croatia/vukovar-water-tower.jpg" alt="The heavily damaged water tower in Vukovar, eastern Croatia, a monument to the 1991 siege." /> <figcaption>Vukovar water tower. Image credit: Steve Tsentserensky</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> While our adventures east were in autumn, summer is also a great time to take it in. Longer days, warm nights, biking tours, more events and festivals, and verdant green landscapes – it’s a win all around. From Zagreb to Osijek is 176mi (283km) and that’ll be your longest drive. The reason Osijek is a perfect jumping-off point? You can essentially cover everything above in day trips: <ul> <li>To Kopački Rit: 7.5mi (12km)</li> <li>To Vukovar: 22mi (35km)</li> <li>To Vinkovci: 27mi (43km)</li> <li>To Đakovo: 33mi (53km)</li> <li>To Ilok: 50mi (80km)</li> </ul> The price of renting a car varies greatly – in summer it’s going to cost more due to demand. Depending on the car you use, you won’t need much more than a tank of gas for the entire trip. As far as accommodation, there are plenty of offerings from hostels to 4-star that can fit any budget.Getty Images / Marinela Kovac 11171104539 Getty Images The eastern Croatian town of Ilok, on a hill overlooking the Danube.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/france/cycling-la-seine-a-velo-from-paris-to-the-seaTamara Thiessen tackles France’s new cycling route, La Seine à Vélo, which unfurls along the Seine from Notre-Dame in Paris to the Normandy coast through a multitude of cultural and natural wonders. 2022-06-07T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/france/cycling-la-seine-a-velo-from-paris-to-the-seahttps://www.worldnomads.comAs I eye up Monet’s garden of nymphéas – his famous water lilies – at his home in Giverny at the end of a cruisy half-day bike ride, I am thinking how sweet freedom tastes. The Seine à Vélo will go down as the route that helped me keep my sanity through many long months of lockdowns. A cycling lifesaver. The route’s launch in mid-October 2020 fell in an interlude between pandemic lockdowns one and two. With just a fortnight to go, we grab our bikes and bags and run … or rather <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/adventure-sports-and-activities">pedal</a>. The 260mi (420km) itinerary snakes its way along the Seine from Paris to the sea, mapped out in 15 stages. If you are time-strapped, there are easily skippable stages. You can also customize it by difficulty level or the scenery you want to see. "Cycle along to your criteria" urges the website. These include “I cycle often”, “beginners”, or “family trip”. Given we live in the French capital, we decide to skip the first four legs through Greater Paris as we already know those sites – from the Canal Saint-Martin through to Empress Joséphine’s Château de Malmaison, which she inherited upon her divorce from Napoleon. Instead, we launch straight into mid-Autumn canal-side cruising in the footsteps of the Impressionists. <ul> <li><a href="#normandy">From Paris to the border of Normandy</a></li> <li><a href="#monet">From Monet’s heartland to Les Andelys’ mighty fortress</a></li> <li><a href="#rouen">Rouen: fantastic food, a famed cathedral, and Joan of Arc</a></li> <li><a href="#seaside">A change of air: Rouen to the seaside </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="normandy">From Paris to the border of Normandy</h2> After a 36-minute trip from Paris-Saint-Lazare station we arrive in Mantes-la-Jolie, still in the Île-de-France region. It’s a regional TER train, so we can <a href="https://www.sncf.com/en/passenger-offer/travel-by-train/ter/all-about-our-bike-offer" target="_blank">take our bikes on board for free without a reservation</a>, unlike many super-fast TGV trains. Nor do we need to pack them away. (Note: If you are <a href="https://www.laseineavelo.com/preparation/accueil-velo-services" target="_blank">renting bikes</a>, the best place to do so is the capital.) After fast-tracking it to <a href="https://www.laseineavelo.com/cycle-route/la-roche-guyon-vernon" target="_blank">stage 4</a>, we meander around the north bank of the Seine on well-marked tracks. It’s an Indian summer blue-sky day. After about an hour, on the outskirts of the village of Vétheuil, we pass an ochre-yellow house near a bend in the river. Monet lived here in 1878. The view over the water of the old winemakers’ houses on the slopes recalls one of his paintings, Vétheuil in Summer. The scene was captured from his floating studio – a boat. A couple of miles on, still hugging the river, we encounter a remarkable church, its spire surging from the chalky white cliffs. The troglodytic church of Haute-Isle was gouged into the rock in the 1600s like many of the earliest dwellings in the Seine River Valley. At our next stop, La Roche-Guyon, we see many troglodyte caves. The village and its splendid château sit on a forested bend of the Seine, presided over by a cliffside medieval fortress. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/france/cycling/roche-guyon.jpg" alt="The chateau and medieval fortress at La Roche-Guyon, France." /><a href="https://fondation-monet.com/en/" target="_blank"></a> <figcaption>The château and medieval fortress at La Roche-Guyon. Image credit: Tamara Thiessen</figcaption></figure> This is the only place in Greater Paris to make it to the <a href="https://www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org/fr/nos-villages/la-roche-guyon/" target="_blank">most beautiful villages of France list</a>. It lies right on the border with Normandy, so the charming half-timbered houses of that region make their first appearance. At the château, we visit the grand salon, gardens, and stables. Then we climb a troglodyte passageway to the top of the dungeon for a panorama over the town roofs and riverside. We are immersed in greenery and watery scenery, just as the route’s jingle promises. Au fil de l’eau – a journey along the water. <h2 id="monet">From Monet’s heartland to Les Andelys’ mighty fortress</h2> Next is <a href="https://www.laseineavelo.com/cycle-route/la-roche-guyon-vernon" target="_blank">stage 5</a>, a 12mi (19km) ride to Claude Monet's museum home in <a href="https://fondation-monet.com/en/" target="_blank">Giverny</a>. The stroll through the grounds and home where he lived for 43 years is one through art history. Monet's legacy comes to life among the weeping willow reflections and Japanese bridges of the Water Garden and the beautifully staged decor of the interiors, from the blue sitting room strung with brass pans to the artist's bedroom displaying many of his works. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/france/cycling/giverny-pond.jpg" alt="The famous water lilies on the pond at Monet's house in Giverny, France." /> <figcaption>The famous water lilies at Monet's house in Giverny. Image credit: Tamara Thiessen</figcaption></figure> On 16mi (26km) stage 6, <a href="https://www.laseineavelo.com/cycle-route/vernon-les-andelys" target="_blank">Vernon/Les Andelys</a>, we’re on dedicated bike paths for about 20% of the journey. The rest is a mix of minor roads, dirt, and grassy tracks. The fully bike-adapted "greenway" along this stretch is due for completion by 2023. Along the way, we skirt ancient Seine-side quays and watermills, built in Normandy style, with criss-cross wooden beams. The Vieux-Moulin of Vernon straddles the river precariously on the remnants of a medieval bridge. Overseeing a mighty loop in the Seine, the Château Gaillard at Les Andelys was built for Richard the Lionheart – English King, Duke of Normandy – in 1198. We call it a day at a lovely, ivy-walled farmhouse B&B with a view of the imposing Normand fortress ruins. Down the street, we enjoy fresh local produce, Normandy cheeses, salmon, and beer in a cozy, chic bistro. <h2 id="rouen">Rouen: fantastic food, a famed cathedral, and Joan of Arc</h2> After taking a few shortcuts on stages <a href="https://www.laseineavelo.com/cycle-route/les-andelys-poses" target="_blank">7</a> and <a href="https://www.laseineavelo.com/cycle-route/poses-rouen" target="_blank">8</a>, we arrive in Rouen. We are hungry, which is fortuitous in a city whose cuisine is flagged by UNESCO as a <a href="https://en.rouentourisme.com/gastronomy/" target="_blank">Creative City of Gastronomy</a>. The "city of 100 steeples" is laden with World Heritage history, fine art – and fine food. The cider is refreshing and dishes from scallops to the puff pastry dessert douillon d’Elbeuf are flavored with calvados, apple, and honey. Today, there are only 38 steeples left due to the destruction wrought by the French Revolution and World War II. The Gothic cathedral, with its 495ft (151m) spire, rockets up in the heart of the old town. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/france/cycling/rouen-cathedral.jpg" alt="The impressive facade of the Gothic cathedral of Rouen." /> <figcaption>The Gothic cathedral in Rouen. Image credit: Getty Images / Rosmarie Wirz</figcaption></figure> Passing through cobblestone streets and under the Gros Horlodge astronomical clock, we come to the historic market square, Place du Vieux-Marche. At its center is a church commemorating the city's heroine, Joan of Arc. The Saint was burned at the stake here by the English in May 1431. Her presence is everywhere – in butchers, bars, bakeries, bridges, schools, and streets named Jeanne d’Arc. We spend a couple of hours art-gazing at the <a href="https://mbarouen.fr/en/the-museum-4" target="_blank">Musée des Beaux-Arts</a>, the biggest collection of Monets, Sisleys, and Renoirs outside of Paris. Then it's time to return to the capital, with another lockdown looming like Darth Vader’s shadow. Loading our bikes onto the <a href="https://www.laseineavelo.com/preparation/getting" target="_blank">TGV Rouen-Paris</a> is a breeze. <h2 id="seaside">A change of air: Rouen to the seaside</h2> In the New Year, as the second lockdown eases, we hit the road again for a big breath of fresh air. On Saturday morning, we go by train to Rouen, ready to tackle <a href="https://www.laseineavelo.com/cycle-route/rouen-la-bouille" target="_blank">stages 9</a> and <a href="https://www.laseineavelo.com/cycle-route/la-bouille-jumieges" target="_blank">10</a>. The first 12mi (19.5km) is an easy riverside stretch, marked as family friendly. At the end, we climb aboard a free ferry, the bac de Sahurs, and cross the river to La Bouille. The charming village, nestled into forested cliffs, was loved by Turner, Sisley, and Gaugin. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/france/cycling/la-bouille.jpg" alt="Bicyclists pedal past half-timbered houses in the French village of La Bouille." /> <figcaption>Normandy-style half-timbered houses in La Bouille. Image credit: DDarault</figcaption></figure> 30 minutes on, we take another ferry from Yville-sur-Seine to reach Jumièges at the end of stage 10. Its Benedictine abbey was “the most beautiful ruin in France" according to Victor Hugo. From Jumièges, you can choose to head east to the UNESCO-packed port city of Le Havre, or west, as we do, towards the sweeping expanse of beach umbrellas and glamorous boardwalk at Deauville. But the thing I want to – must – see is the <a href="http://www.museevictorhugo.fr/en/home-2/" target="_blank">Victor Hugo Museum</a> in Villequier, which is part way along stage 11 towards Le Havre. We do some improvising to include that in our stage 13. The detour adds an hour and lots of cultural and scenic rewards to our journey. That's the beauty of the route – it’s totally tweakable to your time and fitness constraints, and your whim and fancy, as long as you plan to arrive in and leave from a town with good train connections. On our Sunday ride, the Seine lassos in a big loop through the forests and thatched cottages of the Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande. It’s peaceful pedaling and blissful bucolic biking the whole way. After 27mi (44km) to the wetland wonders of Marais-Vernier, we sleep over and fuel up for a grueling last day. The Honfleur/Deauville option is tougher. Both stages <a href="https://www.laseineavelo.com/cycle-route/marais-vernier-honfleur" target="_blank">14</a> and <a href="https://en.francevelotourisme.com/cycle-route/la-seine-a-velo/honfleur-deauville" target="_blank">15</a> come with a warning “it rises”. Again we deviate, to cut the 45mi (73km) course almost in half. We miss some lofty inland views but save our legs by sticking to the Seine estuary and the coast. If you want, you can take a TER train from Honfleur to Le Havre in 40 minutes and peak-bag, reaching both endpoints of the ride. Either way, you can be back in Paris in a couple of hours. But we've done enough cheating as it is, and we’re ready to return home. Over our two trips, we've accomplished about two thirds of the ride – and it's felt more like an amazing discovery than simply going with the flow of the Seine.David-Darrault-La-Seine-à-Vélo 0 David-Darrault-La-Seine-à-Vélo A group of cyclists pedal along the Seine near the village of La Bouille in northern France.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/italy/brisighella-foodie-heaven-without-the-crowdsThough its Emilia-Romagna neighbors Bologna and Parma get all the culinary fame, and nearby Tuscany gets all the tourists, the medieval village of Brisighella offers gastronomic specialties of its own, along with plenty of history and charm. 2022-05-10T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/italy/brisighella-foodie-heaven-without-the-crowdshttps://www.worldnomads.comThe warped and irregular Via degli Asini – Donkey's Way – meanders out of view behind a colorful tapestry of leaning homes in the medieval borgo (village) of Brisighella, Emilia-Romagna's unsung hero. In a region of Italy celebrated worldwide for renowned delicacies (balsamic vinegar, lasagna, ragù, mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, tortellini) and status-symbol sports cars (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani, Maserati), it's admittedly hard to find fame up against such a rich and established pedigree. This incredibly preserved passageway dating back to 1290 – it was originally the top of a fortification wall – sits elevated from current street level out of sight, out of mind, hobbling along on a slight curve framed by semi-circle archways on one side, a low-slung, wood-beamed ceiling above and ancient homes on the other. It's at once both one of the most interesting and photogenic sights in all of Emilia-Romagna and one of its most under-the-radar. That's Brisighella: a discovery seven centuries in the making. <ul> <li><a href="#medieval">Medieval treasures sans tourists</a></li> <li><a href="#morettis">Moretti mini-artichokes, a local delicacy</a></li> <li><a href="#olive-oil">Brisighella’s signature olive oil</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="medieval">Brisighella, Italy: medieval treasures sans tourists</h2> When Via degli Asini was built, Brisighella was a one-donkey town so to speak, with animals occupying first-floor stables above what was at the time the village's only street. Carts were stored at ground level while two floors of living space topped the stables. Above town, a fortified castle was constructed in 1310 by the Manfredi family (Lords of Faenza), which, together with the clock tower erected on square blocks of gypsum 20 years earlier, formed the defensive system of the village. On another nearby hilltop, the Santuario del Monticino, flanked by cypress trees, dates to the early 1600s. Together, this trifecta of Middle Age marvels looms over the red-hued rooftops of Brisighella, forming one of the most postcard-worthy scenes in all of <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/italy">Italy</a> – yet most folks have never even heard of this quaint little Romagna town. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/brisighella/via-degli-asini.jpg" alt="Via degli Asini, or Donkey's Way, a medieval passageway in Brisighella, Italy." /> <figcaption>Via degli Asini (Donkey's Way). Image credit: Kevin Raub</figcaption></figure> Brisighella straddles the slopes of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines in the beautiful Lamone Valley just nine miles (14km) northeast of the Tuscan border; in other words, the landscape is already transitioning into what is undoubtedly Italy's most celebrated region: the vineyard-strewn landscapes, castle-topped hillsides, and magical medieval villages of Tuscany. It would be remiss not to mention you can find less touristy versions of these things outside of Tuscany as well – in Umbria, Piemonte, Abruzzo, and here in Emilia-Romagna, among others. On a clear day, you can see Tuscany from the borgo’s 646ft (197m) clock tower, but the hordes of tourists don’t register from this distance. Brisighella remains undiscovered, and unaltered by the <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/how-to-avoid-the-masses-when-you-travel">downsides of overtourism</a>. It's the reason that I am here – along with an Irish couple I meet who have come four times a year, every year, for a decade – along with the artichokes, of course. <h2 id="morettis">Moretti mini-artichokes, a local delicacy</h2> Every May, Brisighella finds itself delightfully inundated with a rustic mini-artichoke that grows nowhere else: Carciofo Moretto (Moretto artichoke). Supply is limited – there are only a dozen or so farmers in town that cultivate these coveted culinary gems, one of which is 65-year-old Silvano Neri, who oversees about three hectares on a gently sloping hillside a few miles outside town. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/brisighella/moretti-artichokes.jpg" alt="A colorfully costumed tribal member performs a traditional dance at Crow Fair in Montana." /> <figcaption>Local farmer Silvano Neri displays some of his Moretti artichokes. Image credit: Kevin Raub</figcaption></figure> Neri picks about 1,000 artichokes an hour. The job is on-demand only – local restaurants and supermarkets don't mess about with anything but extreme freshness – which he then turns around and sells to the local cooperative for €0.30 each. As he demonstrates his technique plying the field and explaining his unique counting system, I do the math. I'm no numbers whiz, but that comes to €300 per hour, an extraordinary amount of money by Italian standards – nearly 12 times Italy's average salary. The work – backdropped by the idyllic storybook landscapes of our collective Italian dreams – is easy and efficient. "Moretti are the least work and the biggest payoff," he says with a wry smile, proudly dressed head to toe in his green and yellow canvas jumpsuit provided by Consorzio Agrario di Ravenna. “I make €18,000 in May alone!" The rest of the year, Neri farms strawberries, cauliflower, peas, and onions, but none of those are as special as Brisighella's Moretti. The origins of Moretti are unclear, but they started appearing after WWII, though nobody paid them much mind. Folks picked them for personal consumption and not much else. About 10 years ago, with the help of the cooperative, Neri and a few others began to commercialize the product, recognizing the hard local clay and gypsum-rich soil that is credited for the unique environment that spawned Moretti. Each May, every restaurant in town features special off-menu dishes showcasing this slightly sweet artichoke variety: sliced raw with olive oil, lemon, and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, in crunchy lasagna with guanciale (Framboise), showered in strichetti (butterfly pasta) with guanciale (La Grotta), and so on. It's a gastronomic marvel totally distinct from the region's usual suspects. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/brisighella/artichoke-lasagna.jpg" alt="A crispy dish of lasagna with cured pork jowl and Moretti artichokes." /> <figcaption>Lasagna with guanciale and Moretti artichokes. Image credit: Kevin Raub</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="olive-oil">Brisighella’s signature olive oil</h2> The other product unmistakably omnipresent around Brisighella is its remarkable extra virgin olive oil, produced in limited quantities and hard to come by in other regions of Italy. C.A.B (Cooperativa Agricola Brisighellese), a local cooperative born in 1962 to help organize and promote the area's wine and olive oil, was instrumental in obtaining DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) status for the town's olive oil in 1996 – one of the first Italian olive oils to achieve the European Union's most important local product protection status. As with Moretti artichokes, Brisghella's famed olive oil owes a major debt to the unique soil. Like a rechargeable battery, the high concentration of gypsum in the area creates a microclimate – it stores heat from the summer and releases it throughout winter, allowing olive trees to flourish despite its northern geographic location nowhere near a lake or a sea (most olive oil is produced farther south and/or near bodies of water). The olive oil production facilities of C.A.B just outside town fire up between October and December when olives are harvested. Other times of the year, it operates a must-stop shop for local products (marketed under the label Terri di Brisighella) both here and in a smaller shop in town. I've come not only for a tasting of the famed olive oil, but for C.A.B's version of carciofo moretto sott’olio (Moretti artichokes in oil). This tasty treat marries Brisighella's two culinary coups, which share a common aromatic base, along with wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Brisighella's signature extra virgin olive oil, Brisighello DOP, easily outshines the other two varieties I taste. But the artichokes never appear. "What about the carciofo moretto sott’olio?" I inquire. "They sold out," says Commercial Director Maria Cristina Tedesco. Of course they did. Planning a trip to Italy? Find out <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/italy">how travel insurance can cover</a> adventure activities, lost or stolen baggage, sudden illness and more. <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> <h3>How to get there</h3> Brisighella is in the Lamone Valley about 7.5mi (12km) southwest of Faenza, which sits along the Via Emilia, a 2,000-year-old ancient Roman road that connects Piacenza to Rimini. It's a little over an hour's drive from either of Emilia-Romagna's major airports in Bologna and Rimini. <h3>Best time to go</h3> In May, when Moretti artichokes are highlighted in all of the town's trattorias. Brisighella's artichoke festival, Sagra del Carciofo Moretto, is usually held mid-May. <h3>Types of accommodation</h3> Brisighella is home to a small handful of hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs. <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/agritourism">Agriturismi</a> (farm accommodations) pepper the surrounding hillsides around town.Kevin Raub 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/slovenia/food-wine-outdoor-adventures-sloveniaJoin nomad Bill as he bikes and kayaks at Lake Bohinj, goes rafting on the Sava Dolinka River, and samples local wine in the Vipava Valley. 2022-05-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/slovenia/food-wine-outdoor-adventures-sloveniahttps://www.worldnomads.comAtop Slovenia’s Mount Vogel, I watch a multi-hued array of paragliders swirling in the thermal winds of the Julian Alps. 1000ft (330m) below them, kayaks ply the dazzling blue waters of Lake Bohinj, paddling to small beaches bordered by vibrant pine-tree forests. From the grassy alpine meadows below me, I hear the faint rattle of cowbells. My hiking group descends from our viewpoint through a stunning panorama we share with wandering cows and mountain goats. It's just another glorious summer day in Slovenia, where I’ve come for outdoor adventures, with a bit of culture, wine, and honey added to the mix. Long underrated as merely a transit point for tourists en route to its more famous neighbors of Italy, <a href="/explore/europe/austria/7-things-to-know-before-going-to-austria">Austria</a>, and <a href="/explore/europe/croatia/8-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-croatia">Croatia</a>, Slovenia has come into its own, offering a full array of activities all packed into a country half the size of Switzerland but with just a fraction of the visitors. <ul> <li><a href="#green">The “Green Capital” city of Ljubljana</a></li> <li><a href="#lake">Mountain adventures around Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj</a></li> <li><a href="#peace">The Walk of Peace hiking trail</a></li> <li><a href="#food">Land of food, wine, and honey</a></li> <li><a href="#notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="green">The “Green Capital” city of Ljubljana</h2> I begin my journey in Slovenia’s capital city of Ljubljana, where I wander old town streets free from vehicle traffic, and cobblestone walkways lined with an interesting assortment of blunt Yugoslavian socialist government buildings, quaint Austrian-style churches, rough Bosnian diners, posh Western European cafes, all topped off with a medieval castle looming on a hilltop. Entering the downtown-adjacent Tivoli Park, with its ornamental gardens and access to a huge network of hill trails, it’s easy to see why Ljubljana won the annual “Green Capital of Europe” award in 2016 – 75% of the city territory is parklands. A guided city walking tour provides me with a helpful historical and cultural orientation, showing how the small puzzle piece of Slovenia fits into the patchwork of central and southeast European cultures. My guide quips that the country’s “combination of Austrian strictness and Balkan looseness” means that “you can drink wine all day long, but the buses still run on time.” Given the variety of cuisine in this culinary crossroads, I also take a guided food tour of the city, enjoying a smorgasbord of treats ranging from delicate Austrian-style pastries to finger-licking greasy Bosnian meat pies, along with tastings of local wines, cheeses, and honeys (for which Slovenia has historic fame). At night, I stroll along Ljubljana’s lively riverside district, with dozens of bars, cafes, and restaurants and entertaining people-watching, with city squares providing an ad-hoc stage for street performers and live music. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/pedestrian-street-ljubljana.jpg" alt="street in Ljubiljana" /> <figcaption> A pedestrian street in Ljubljana’s historic center. Photo credit: Ellen Hall</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="lake">Mountain adventures around Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj</h2> I take a public bus from Ljubljana to Lake Bohinj, allowing me to sit back for a couple hours to appreciate the incredible variety of landscapes in this small country. Flat farming fields make way for towering granite peaks as the apartment block-choked city outskirts dissolve into quaint mountain villages with small white church spires, and nearby foothills criss-crossed with vineyards. Arriving near the shores of Lake Bohinj, I stay at a typical Slovenian guest house, its basic rooms opening to stunning mountain views. Included breakfast (bread with honey, of course) comes with a bonus of local color, as a neighborhood senior-citizen posse descends on the area for their daily coffee, smokes, and chat. A short walk reveals the majesty of Lake Bohinj, an Alpine paradise with glassy waters disturbed in the early morning only with the ripples of a few paddling ducks. Lakeside watercraft rental options abound, a full navy of <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">kayaks</a>, paddleboards, rowboats, sailboats, and paddleboats launching to displace the annoyed ducks. I enjoy a paddle for a picnic on a nearby beach, walking some trails along the shore. The next day, I join a white-water rafting tour to the nearby Sava Dolinka River, a fun, splashing adventure. A side trip to the tourist-heavy Lake Bled, nearby, offers the highlight of a gondola trip to the Bled Island Church of Mary the Queen. From Bohinj, my adventures continue on land, renting a bike for a pedal through surrounding villages full of picture-postcard wooden homes with bouquets of flowers lining nearly every window and balcony. I bike along a well-paved path traversing fields of wildflowers, shaded riverside bends, and rolling hills, enough to make me want to yodel (assuming I ever catch my breath). The fresh mountain air inspires me to continue my adventures, this time by foot, hiking Mount Vogel overlooking the lake. Thankfully, the ski resort’s gondola takes me three-quarters of the way to the peak at 6300ft (1920m) elevation, but the rocky climb to the summit still proves to be a challenging hike, with a reward of jaw-dropping views. Despite my peripatetic sporting trips, I realize I’ve only scratched the surface of Slovenia’s many adventure options. Local companies advertise zip line tours, underground spelunking expeditions, paragliding lessons, horseback riding, canyoneering, and every manner of <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hiking</a> tour, including the recently inaugurated and expanded Walk of Peace. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/boats-lake-bohinj.jpg" alt="Boats on the lake in Bohinj" /> <figcaption>Boats and kayaks for rent on Lake Bohinj. Photo credit: Bill Fink</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="peace">The Walk of Peace hiking trail</h2> In 2015 – the 100th anniversary of the bloody WWI battles along the Isonzo Front between Italy and Austria-Hungary – a set of 15 hiking trails were linked to create the approximately 143-mile long (230km) Walk of Peace tracing a path from the Slovenian Alps to the Italian Adriatic Sea by Trieste, Italy. The trail memorializes the lesser known but still bitterly savage battles along the Soca Valley in what is now northwestern Slovenia. You can walk on multi-day guided tours and self-guided daily excursions past hundreds of historical markers, ranging from cemeteries to churches, memorials, preserved battle trenches and small museums – including the important Walk of Peace Visitor Center in Kobarid, near the northern end of the trail. Since its inauguration, the trail has expanded to cover many new spur trails exploring this spectacularly beautiful and tragically historic mountain region. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/church-soca-valley.jpg" alt="street in Ljubiljana" /> <figcaption> The Julian Alps tower over a church near Kobarid in the Soca Valley. Photo credit: Ellen Hall</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="food">Land of food, wine, and honey</h2> After all my adventure activities, I figure I’ve earned some of the epicurean treats of Slovenia. Meals around my Bohinj base range from savory wild boar roasts to light toasted veggie combos, towering strudels and juicy burgers, all washed down with inexpensive and tasty local wines and some noteworthy Slovenian microbrews. I rent a car to journey to further explore Slovenia’s wine and honey. The country has been famous for its honey since the 18th century when Hapsburg Queen Maria Theresa developed a taste for its product. Nowadays, apiaries line the hills and backroads, many offering visits with tastings, including Beekeeping Ambrozic, about a 40-minute drive from Bohinj. There I gear up in a full beekeeping suit to open the beehives with their traditional hand-painted panels and try some fresh-from-the-hive honey. Intrigued, with bee culture, I drive 15 minutes south to the Museum of Apiculture in Rodovljica to learn about the country’s love affair with honey-making. I continue my drive an hour south to the Vipava Valley to find some local wines to pair with my bread and honey. The town of Vipava has several tasting rooms, giving me tips for visiting some of the vineyards in the hills – some humble family farms, others slick Napa-style operations with visitor tours. My wine country excursion culminates with a late afternoon lunch and homemade fruit brandy tasting at the impossible-to-pronounce Sinji Vrh restaurant atop a scenic peak, where I watch more paragliders swirl in the sky, bookending my Slovenian mountaintop travels from rough hiking to sweet desserts. <h2 id="notes">Trip notes</h2> Public buses are readily available for cross-country trips, and as the guide mentioned, run on time. Renting a car is important if you’re branching out to explore more rural areas. My ride from Ljubljana to Bohinj (about 50mi/85km) took about 2.5 hours by public bus with many stops. You can cut the time in half by driving yourself – the roads are good, though care should be taken on winding mountain routes, particularly in winter. While some notable luxury lodging exists around the country, most guest houses are in the two- to three- star range, focusing on location and practicality, rather than luxury and services. The country has a wealth of tour operators, both for day trips and longer tours, with daily rentals of bikes, kayaks, and other gear easy to come by in tourist-friendly towns. Summer high season can be busy in tourist hubs like Lake Bled and Bohinj – consider visiting during spring and fall shoulder seasons for lighter crowds. Winter sports are hugely popular as well, with many ski resorts including Mt. Vogel at Lake Bohinj. For more info, explore the country’s <a href="https://www.slovenia.info/en">excellent tourism website</a>.<a href="https://www.slovenia.info/en" www="" slovenia="" info="" en="" a=""></a>Bill Fink 1

Pride and Prejudice | Berlin Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/pride-and-prejudicePride and Prejudice | Berlin Travel StoryWed, 13 Apr 2022 23:43:50 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/pride-and-prejudicehttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/germany/winter-adventuresGermany is especially charming in winter, with ice skating on frozen canals, hiking through forests, ice-wine tasting and crowd-free skiing.2021-11-30T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/germany/winter-adventureshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#wine"> Winter wine in the Rhine and Mosel Valleys</a></li> <li><a href="#skating">Skating Hamburg's frozen waterways </a></li> <li><a href="#skiing"> Inexpensive skiing in Bavaria</a></li> <li><a href="#hiking">Winter hiking and snowshoeing in the Black Forest</a></li> <li><a href="#markets">Christmas markets in Dresden </a></li> </ul> I came to love Germany quite by accident. A school friend’s family spoke German at home, and every time I visited them, I wished I knew what they were chatting about. So, I chose to study German at university and spent a year living in Germany, where I discovered a country filled with diverse traditions, storybook town centers, and adventures for every season. To my surprise, after all the times I’ve returned to visit, it was winter that really charmed me. Think of narrow, snow-dusted lanes between colorful houses, of the sound of crackling fireplaces inside jolly beer halls, of clutching a bag of warm chestnuts from street sellers while shopping for festive knickknacks. All of these sum up Germany in winter for me. When it comes to winter activities, there's a lot more to be experienced here than the usual loop around the Christmas markets. <h2 id="wine">Winter wine in the Rhine and Mosel Valleys</h2> Koblenz, located right on the two rivers’ confluence approx. 60 mi (96km) northwest of Frankfurt, is a great base to explore these two wine regions. When in town, I often head up the hill to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for the best view of the city below, as well as the surrounding valleys and vineyards. While the Mosel Valley is famous for its Riesling, there’s something very special about the winter vineyard tours in these parts – the Ice Wine (Eiswein) of the Rhine Valley. The Germans have been making this sweet, sticky dessert wine, made from frozen grapes, for centuries. A perfect day in the Mosel and Rhine Valleys would be a lunch cruise on the river for superb viewing of the many castles that line the banks and a chance to try the regional dishes – unlike a lot of “German” food served in restaurants outside Germany, it’s not all sausages and sauerkraut – before a winery visit (or two) in the afternoon to sample wines of the valleys. You can get to Koblenz on a direct train connection from Frankfurt that runs along the Rhine. Make sure to grab a window seat on the right side of the train for great views of the river and villages on your journey. <h2 id="skating">Skating Hamburg's frozen waterways</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/germany/Aussenalster river skaters.jpg" alt="“river" skating="" /> <figcaption> Skaters on the frozen Aussenalster River in Hamburg. Photo credit: Getty Images / Joern Pollex </figcaption></figure> Hamburg has come a long way from its industrial port city origins. This hip city, in the north of Germany on the River Elbe between the North and Baltic seas, has been an important trade route and port of migration to the New World since medieval times. Consequently, the city has always been more open-minded than other areas of Germany. Summer in Hamburg is sunny and warm, but in winter, the city turns into a frozen metropolis like something out of a cartoon – cool in every sense and ideal for activities that celebrate winter. At any other time of the year, Hamburg’s waterways bustle with shipping and cruising activities but in winter, when the temperature drops, the canals and lakes around the city can freeze over, creating a wintery playground. For me, there’s no better symbol of the season than a pair of ice skates. I’ll never forget my first experience of skating on the Alster Lakes: the feeling of freedom, with the shoreline serving as the only barrier, and the natural fear of skating on thin ice… it’s definitely a winter adventure worth visiting for. <h2 id="skiing">Inexpensive skiing in Bavaria</h2> A European <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/ski-snowboard-travel-insurance">ski holiday</a> often brings to mind expensive resorts and the international crowds of the French and Swiss Alps, and yet, just over the border, Germany has a good share of cheaper ski areas with equal quality snow and fewer crowds. The popular Garmisch-Partenkirchen, near the famed Schloss Neuschwanstein in Bavaria (the magical castle from which Disney drew its inspiration), is one of the most perfect ski resorts in Germany. The highlight here would be Zugspitze (“Top of Germany”) on the Austrian border – it’s a good starting point even for the non-skiers. Take the cable car to the peak for amazing views of the surrounding mountains before you tackle the runs down. Numerous walking trails are an additional pleasure, with walks along the river, behind frozen waterfalls, and over snow-covered rocks. There are plenty of other snow resorts along the Austrian border, but my favorite Bavarian ski area is Hoherbogen, northeast of Munich close to the border with the Czech Republic. Floodlit pistes make night skiing a spectacular experience, and the 8.6mi (14km) toboggan run always bring out the kid in my heart. <h2 id="hiking">Winter hiking and snowshoeing in the Black Forest</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/germany/Black forest snowshoeing.jpg" alt="“Back" forest="" snowshoeing="" /> <figcaption>Two snowshoe hikers on the Schauinsland mountain in the Black Forest. Photo credit: Getty Images / Patrick Seeger/DPA/AFP </figcaption></figure> For more than 100 years, Germany’s Black Forest, in the southwest of the country, has been a paradise for <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hikers and walkers</a> with its dense stands of beech, pine, and oak. The Brothers Grimm used the Black Forest as the backdrop to many of their fairy tales, and it was their images of the candy hut from Hansel and Gretel and the tower where Rapunzel was kept that first drew me to the region. Hiking along the countless, well-marked trails in winter heightens the fairy tale sensation, and the views of the valley from the top of the hills are worth getting out in the cold for. It’s best to hire a car and drive to the destinations as many trails are round trips where you start and end at a car park or a nearby village. From a short walk just under 2mi (3.2km) around the Überskopf peak, to a longer 5mi (8km) panoramic snowshoe tour around the village of Breitnau, or a 4mi (6.4km) sightseeing loop to visit charming mountain huts around Rinkenpass at the foot of the Feldberg, you could plan your day accordingly. A lovely village-based option is a 5.2mi (8.4km) track from the town of Schluchsee (with a lake of the same name) up the hill into the forest to end in the town of Lenzkirch, where you could choose to stay in Lenzkirch to enjoy more hiking on the surrounding trails the next day, or hike back to Schluchsee via another route. One of the benefits of winter hiking in the Black Forest region is the thermal spas. After a day in the cold, head to Badenweiler, Bad Bellingen, or Bad Krozingen to relax in the warm spring waters. What better way to end a winter hiking adventure? <h2 id="markets">Christmas markets in Dresden</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/germany/Historic-Christmas-Market-on-the-Neumarkt.jpg" alt="Historic Christmas Market on the Neumark." /> <figcaption>Historic Christmas Market on the Neumarkt. Photo credit: Getty Images / Robert Michael/dpa-Zentralbild/ZB</figcaption></figure> The eastern German city of Dresden is often missed by visitors but it’s one of the cities that I love at Christmas. No winter story on Germany can be complete without the mention of Christmas markets – a tradition that pre-dates tourism history which are found in almost every city, town, and village in the country – but it’s in Dresden where you’ll find the oldest, dating back to 1434. Dresden was one of the most beautiful Baroque cities in the world before being largely destroyed in World War II, and much of its architecture has been painstakingly rebuilt to its original features. Between mid-November and 24 December each year, this city is filled with Christmas delights. There are usually five Christmas markets dotted around the city with different themes. My favorite thing to do is to let the steam of a mug of hot Gluewein (mulled wine) warm my face as I stroll by each stall, browsing the handicrafts and sampling local snacks. Follow your nose to the baked goods and get a loaf of the traditional Dresdenerstollen, a pastry filled with dried fruits and nuts, that pairs especially well with mulled wine. Every baker has their own secret ingredients to their version of Stollen, so I always make sure to sample at least three. Pay a visit to the Christmas Garden, or to add to the festive cheer, go to a Classical Advent Concert in the impressive Zwinger Palace.Getty Images/Bernd März/picture alliance 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/germany/berlin-locals-guideThere is more to Berlin than "the Wall" – this city is alive with history, but also creativity, culture, and great food.2025-09-24T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/germany/berlin-locals-guidehttps://www.worldnomads.comMost people who visit Berlin know the city primarily for two things: its world-famous reputation as the clubbing capital of Europe, and its more sinister historical relationship to the <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/is-dark-tourism-ever-ok">Holocaust</a>. Both are certainly visible to anyone visiting the city for the first time. Combined, this atmosphere creates an interesting adjacency. It describes the tension in a city that was literally once split in two, and any memorable trip to Berlin should encompass a mix of these elements, among heaps of other things. No matter how long I live here, I continue to be surprised at the city’s historic, creative, culinary, and cultural offerings. It’s a place that manages to appeal to almost everyone, regardless of their individual tastes. Whenever I explore the city when friends are visiting me, I always tell them that the most important way to start their adventure is on a full stomach. <ul> <li><a href="#food">Start with the food</a></li> <li><a href="#art">Street art culture in Berlin</a></li> <li><a href="#memorial">Don't miss the memorial stones in Hackescher Markt </a></li> <li><a href="#bars">Bars, clubs, and music in Berlin</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="food">Start with the food</h2> Unlike some other German cities, such as Munich or Stuttgart, Berlin is an international city that attracts restaurateurs and culinary heroes from around the world. Thanks to a rich, diverse metropolis of immigrants, most types of foreign food have a presence in some way or shape, either as food trucks, small takeaway bars, or Michelin-starred fine dining experiences. The trick is, how do you enjoy as much of them as possible in a single visit? Head to Kreuzberg, the eastern suburb renowned for its elaborate street art, larger-than-life hand-painted murals, and impromptu summertime parties along the Landwehrkanal. It’s also home to Markthalle Neun, one of Berlin’s premier food halls that boasts irresistible delights from food vendors from around the globe. Sample freshly baked Italian bread and Pizza Romani, handmade local sausages and cheeses, regional wines, and delicious curries from all over Asia. While the market is most popular on weekends, my favorite time to go is Street Food Thursdays, when the market opens its doors to even more vendors who are tirelessly devoted to their passion for cooking. It’s almost impossible for me to leave without having eaten at least four different meals.  <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/berlin/graffiti.jpeg" /> <figcaption>People sitting on steps in Görlitzer Park, Berlin. Photo credit: Getty Images / Adam Kuylenstierna / EyeEm </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="art">Street art culture in Berlin</h2> It’s only a 20-minute walk from Markthalle Neun to East Side Gallery, the permanent open-air exhibition of murals painted onto the longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall. There are so many famous paintings on this half-mile (1.3km) strip of concrete that each one has become its own recognizable postcard. Many of the pieces are odes to former East Berlin, reunification, and the division that marred the country for 28 years. It’s also an extremely popular tourist destination, so, if you’re looking for street art that’s off the beaten path, I strongly recommend checking out the Haus Schwarzenberg Street Art Alley in Hackescher Markt instead. Hidden off the main street, it’s comprised of a series of complementary courtyards that feature various hidden shopping, food, and entertainment venues, decorated with some of the most spectacular outdoor street art the city has to offer. Be sure to thoroughly explore the area’s hidden doorways off to either side. I’m always personally struck by the painting of Anne Frank by world-famous street artist Jimmy C, one of the few pieces that remains untouched amidst the constantly self-replenishing murals. Haus Schwarzenberg is only a 24-minute ride from East Side Gallery on the S-Bahn train, but on a nice day, I prefer the 46-minute stroll along the Spree, the river that runs through Berlin. Along the way, I like to stop off at Holzmarkt25, the industrial landfill-turned-thriving-cultural-coop. Here’s where I check out my favorite locally made art, for which Berlin counterculture is particularly famous. <h2 id="memorial">Don’t miss the memorial stones in Hackescher Markt </h2> Today, Hackescher Markt is a trendy place to shop and dine out, but once upon a time it was the center of Jewish life in Berlin. There are still notable landmarks that attest to that, like the Jewish cemetery at Große Hamburger Straße, and the synagogue at Oranienburger Straße. There’s no shortage of memorials to the Holocaust in Berlin, including the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted under Nazism, and the Memorial to the Sinti and Roma Victims of National Socialism – all of which can be reached with a 30-minute walk from Hackescher Markt.  But don’t forget to look down – the Stolpersteine (or Stumbling Stones) are the largest decentralized monument anywhere in the world. These are small brass stones laid into the sidewalks all around Berlin and Europe at large. They feature the name, birthday, and date and place of death of a person who was murdered by the Nazis. Each one is placed in front of the building where that person chose to live before being deported and executed. The stones represent the agency that victims had over their lives before it was ripped away from them. Their shiny brass veneers are all over Berlin, and there is a striking concentration of them in Hackescher Markt that adds a somber dimension to this otherwise thriving cultural center – a juxtaposition that is, in so many ways, representative of the city as a whole. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/berlin/Berlin-synagogue.jpg" /> <figcaption>Cupola of the New Synagogue Berlin, Oranienburger Strasse. Photo credit: Getty Images / Santirf </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="bars">Bars, clubs, and music in Berlin</h2> If sex and fetish clubs aren’t necessarily your thing, then you’re in luck – there are also plenty of outdoor strips dedicated to live music, dance, street food, and performance. Many of them are located along the Spree in Friedrichshain. This district is known for its food and music festivals that showcase Berlin’s cultural diversity, from Jamaican jam fests to African food festivals, literary celebrations, and contemporary hip hop dance nights. YAAM, which stands for “Young African Art Market”, is an outdoor institution that features everything from standup comedy to live music performances and even night-time flea markets, which you're welcome to participate in while enjoying a plate of jerk chicken from the on-site kitchen. If you have time, I'd also recommend signing up for its street art courses. One of the biggest mistakes I think travelers make when visiting is coming to see Berlin rather than experiencing Berlin. They go to a club, take some selfies in front of Brandenburg Tor, and that’s all. But the city is built on a network of intersecting histories and present-day quirks. Engaging with them in a meaningful and memorable way requires <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/the-beauty-of-slow-travel">taking your time</a>, wearing comfortable shoes, a willingness to listen, and keeping cash in hand. If you can do that, then your trip can easily turn into an adventure. <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> <h3>Getting around</h3> If you don’t want to walk in Berlin, renting a bicycle is easy to do, and most neighborhoods have dedicated cycling lanes that are visible, safe, and well maintained – particularly around the city’s green spaces, such as Tiergarten, Tempelhofer Feld, and the Südgelände Nature Park in Schöneberg. The S-Bahn (Schnellbahn or rapid city rail) and the U-Bahn (underground train) are the most utilized transportation lines in the city. Tickets can be purchased on your phone using the BVG app. <h3>When to go</h3> Tourists are quite fond of Berlin in summer, but autumn leaf foliage is a sight to behold, especially in the city’s parks and around the monuments. <h3>Where to stay</h3> If you want to be in the center of everything, then set yourself up in one of the city’s many boutique hotels in Mitte or Friedrichshain. Many feature stunning Art Nouveau interior design and furnishings. <h3>Money in Berlin</h3> Berlin is famously known for being a cash city. Many trendy restaurants and bars don’t take cards, so make sure to keep notes handy, but keep an eye on your wallet in the more touristy parts of town (like the Eastside Gallery) because there are just as many <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/stolen-credit-cards">pickpockets</a> in the city as there are ATMs.Getty Images / spreephoto.de 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/switzerland/affordable-winter-adventuresJust outside the famous (and famously expensive) Swiss Alps ski resorts are a host of much more affordable and equally memorable adventures. Tim Neville shares his favorite winter experiences.2025-09-10T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/switzerland/affordable-winter-adventureshttps://www.worldnomads.comEven if you’ve never been to Switzerland, chances are you know a few things about it. They make great chocolate and cheese. The Matterhorn is amazing. The place is super expensive. That last one isn’t a cliché – one winter I was having coffee with a friend on Zurich’s hoity-toity Bahnhofstrasse when I suddenly realized I might not be able to afford my espresso. I’d only brought 10 Swiss francs, about US $11 to me, and it was barely enough to cover the bill. Switzerland continues to be one of the world’s most expensive places to live. In Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living City Ranking, four Swiss cities—Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern—secure places in the global top 10, holding the 3rd through 6th spots among the world’s priciest destinations. But that doesn’t mean the impecunious can’t enjoy Swiss riches, too. Here are four of my favorite, cheaper alternatives to the splashier winter attractions that won’t leave you begging for your beverages. <ul> <li><a href="#zermatt">Budget alternative to Zermatt </a></li> <li><a href="#grindelwald">Budget alternative to Grindelwald</a></li> <li><a href="#fondue">Sledding and fondue </a></li> <li><a href="#gstaad">Budget alternative to Gstaad</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="zermatt">Budget alternative to Zermatt</h2> After high school, I took a gap year to live with a Swiss family outside of Geneva who would go to Zermatt every year to ski. When they took me along, I was predictably blown away. With its storybook village of snow-capped chalets, the tidy warrens of alleyways, and, of course, the Matterhorn looming over it all like a fang, Zermatt is world famous for a reason. There’s no way could I have afforded to repeat that trip on my own, so a few weeks later I went with a friend to Bettmeralp, a much lesser-known ski area that sits about 45 minutes from Zermatt on the northside of canton Valais. The area is a collection of ski areas – Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiesch Eggishorn – that together form the Aletsch Arena. The 23km/14mile-long Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the Alps and a World Heritage Site, runs right behind the ridge. Like Zermatt, all three areas have car-free villages. Unlike Zermatt, you’re never below the tree line. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/switzerland/bettmeralp-tim-neville.jpg" alt="Skiers ride a T-bar at Bettmeralp, Switzerland." /> <figcaption> Skiers at Bettmeralp. Image credit: Tim Neville</figcaption></figure> The <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/ski-snowboard-travel-insurance">skiing</a> here is spectacular, with panoramas of Switzerland’s 13,100ft (4,000m) mountains filling your goggles, including the Matterhorn. You can fly down wide-open faces and tool through villages on skis, stopping for fondue and coffee, before clicking back in and completing your run. From the top of the 9,603ft (2,927m) Eggishorn over the village of Fiescheralp, you can hike a short distance for unforgettable views of the Aletsch Glacier. Your money goes further here than Zermatt in just about every category (food, lodging, activities, etc.). You also can find a wide range of accommodations to suit most budgets. <h2 id="grindelwald">Budget alternative to Grindelwald</h2> Years after my exchange student days concluded, I moved my family back to Switzerland, where I worked as a journalist. Being based in Bern, the capital, meant we could easily take day trips to places such as Interlaken and Grindelwald. It didn’t take us long to discover a little secret – if you go one valley over, you can avoid the crowds and cut your expenses by a lot. Lauterbrunnental is a glacier-cut trough of earth dotted with villages squeezed by towering rock walls that weep with no fewer than 72 waterfalls. Seriously. The area is so fantastically gorgeous that Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien modeled Rivendell after it. The poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, found inspiration there, too. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/switzerland/lauterbrunnen-marcobottigelli.jpg" alt="A man sits gazing at the Swiss village of Lauterbrunnen, set in a scenic valley." /> <figcaption>The impossibly scenic Lauterbrunnental. Image credit: Getty Images/MarcoBottigelli</figcaption></figure> Sitting on the valley floor, the town of Lauterbrunnen doesn’t have the expansive mountain views that Grindelwald does, but instead sits below 974ft (297m) Staubbach Falls, a wonder in its own right. From the town you can catch a train up to Wengen, a ski village at 4,180 ft (1,274m) that links directly to Grindelwald to the north thanks to a gondola. You can also continue on the train all the way up to the Kleine Scheidegg, a pass at 6,762 ft (2,061m), for unparalleled views of the Eiger. The whole region is a winter paradise, with skiing and sledding and winter walks. We’d make a loop out of it, leaving Lauterbrunnen in the morning, skiing down to Grindelwald, and then taking the train back to Lauterbrunnen. You can find hotels close to the falls for under $300 USD/night. <h2 id="fondue">Sledding and fondue</h2> A few winters ago, a magazine editor sent me on a dream assignment: go to Switzerland, buy cheese, and learn how to make fondue from a Swiss master. Soon, I was running around western Switzerland, the French-speaking part, where I happened to stumble upon something totally unexpected – awesome sledding. There are literally dozens of mountain towns across the country where you can rent a wooden sled, ride a chairlift or cable car, and come zooming down the mountain just like in the ol’ timey times. You’ll find one of the longest sledding runs at Les Diablerets, where a trail slips for 4.2mi (7km) down the Meilleret ski area. Twenty minutes west, Leysin offers a full-on toboggan park with banked curves created anew each winter by a Swiss Olympian. If cross-country skiing is your thing, the Jura Mountains that border France have 600mi (1,000 km) of trails across 17 areas. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/switzerland/fondue.jpg" alt="A man twirls Swiss fondue on a long fork." /> <figcaption>Swiss Fondue – a meal worth trekking for. Image credit: Tim Neville</figcaption></figure> But my favorite sledding experienced happened near a place I’d never heard of before: Les Paccots, a small mom-and-pop ski area (cheap!) near Châtel-Saint-Denis in canton Fribourg that a cheesemonger told me about in passing. This area of the country is littered with buvettes, or farming huts, high on alpine meadows that double as restaurants. The only way to reach them in winter is <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">on foot</a>. Buvette Le Vipuy, which has since appeared on Google Maps, sits at 4,850ft (1,478m) and takes about an hour or so to reach from a parking area called Le Radsy, following a trail marked by signs in the shape of fondue pots. Once there, you can order a fondue and then bomb back down to the road on a sled they’ll rent you. Bring a headlamp and dress warmly! <h2 id="gstaad">Budget alternative to Gstaad</h2> If there’s a place tonier than Zermatt, it’s Gstaad, a picturesque little German-speaking village 50mi (80km) south of Bern that’s long been popular among the furred and the fabulous. Madonna and Anne Hathaway have partied there, as have countless other movie stars. And the prices reflect that. Three nights at The Alpina Gstaad could cost you nearly $10,000 USD! But literally 10 minutes west you enter another world, where the people speak French, the vibe’s deeply authentic, and the skiing and winter attractions are just as lovely – if not more so – but come at a fraction of the cost. Welcome to Rougemont, another of my favorite winter Swiss gems hidden in plain sight. The skiing here is wonderful, with a gondola that takes you up to La Videmanette at 7,060ft (2,151m) where you can make your way all the way over to Gstaad if you like. Cross-country ski trails line the valley floor and in January you’ll find Chateau d’Oeux (pronounced “day”) and the international hot air balloon festival, a short 4.6mi (7.5 km) to the west. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/switzerland/rougemont.jpg " alt="Snow falls in front of colorful chalets in the village of Rougemont, Switzerland." /> <figcaption>Rougemont – all the charm at a fraction of the cost. Image credit: Tim Neville</figcaption></figure> Rougemont itself is super charming, with your classic smattering of chalets and churches, but look closely and you’ll notice delightful artwork hanging in windows made from intricate paper cut-outs. The artist Louis Saugy, born in 1871, hailed from here and his cutouts showcase the valley and culture. A self-guided, 1mi (1.5km) walking tour around the village takes you to his home, where Winston Churchill and the Spanish royal family came to watch him work. Rougemont has its own cheese, the lovely tomme fleurette, but my favorite cheese of all time would have to be L’Étivaz, from the town of L’Étivaz, 9mi (15km) southwest. Make a visit to the Maison de l’Etivaz to see the cellars where this cheese is aged after being made in copper vats from the milk of cows that graze on wildflowers at around 6,600ft (2,000m).Getty Images / AscentXmedia 01311827460 Getty Images A man and woman ride toboggans down an alpine sledding run in Switzerland.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/spain/ecotourism-in-the-canary-islandsNomad Emma shows us the sustainable side of this Spanish archipelago as she island-hops to go cycling, windsurfing, whale-watching, and sample the local food.2021-10-26T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/spain/ecotourism-in-the-canary-islandshttps://www.worldnomads.comThe Canary Islands wears its volcanic origins on its sleeve – but it has a green side too, both literally and metaphorically. Island-hopping around this Spanish archipelago by ferry, I discovered secret coves, scenic cycle routes, idyllic swimming spots, eco-friendly villas, and skies studded with stars. <ul> <li><a href="#cycling">Cycling on Lanzarote </a></li> <li><a href="#chilling">Chilling out on Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria</a></li> <li><a href="#nature">Getting close to nature on Tenerife and La Gomera</a></li> <li><a href="#local">Tasting local life on La Palma and El Hierro</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="cycling">Cycling on Lanzarote</h2> Maybe it’s the quiet roads and steady climbs. Or perhaps it’s the wild, arid scenery: a rare mix of volcanic peaks, rocky slopes and lichen-strewn lava fields, so otherworldly, they feel like the set of a sci-fi movie. Whatever the reason, hardcore cyclists – the sporting fraternity’s self-appointed elite – love Lanzarote. And the island loves them back, organizing training sessions and multiple events, from a bike week for fit over-50s to four-day mountain bike rallies and an Ironman so grueling, it counts towards qualification for the world championship in Hawaii. Me? I’m no athlete, elite or otherwise. But I <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/cycling-travel-insurance">love cycling</a>, so I’d hatched a plan to jump start my Canaries island-hopping trip by renting a bike and joining the spandex-clad enthusiasts who tour this rugged, multi-faceted island on two wheels. You need to watch out for the wind, they told me. They weren’t wrong. It was November, and while this is by no means the gnarliest month, the 15mi (24km) per hour Atlantic breeze certainly whipped me into shape. Pedaling northeast, against the blast, was tough. But fortunately, Lanzarote is blessed with some great spots to pause for breath – pretty villages, panoramic viewpoints, and hidden coves, along with intriguing 20th-century art centers designed by local creative genius César Manrique. And when at last I was zooming southwest with the wind on my back, I felt invincible. <h2 id="chilling">Chilling out on Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria</h2> Bidding farewell to my bike, I hopped on a ferry from Lanzarote’s southern tip to Fuerteventura, the next island in the chain. Here, the Atlantic breeze felt like a strong but friendly force, ready to be harnessed. Dotting the terracotta landscapes are historic, Castilian-style windmills that once kept the locals well-fed on gofio, Canarian flour made from grains that are roasted before they’re milled to enhance their flavor and shelf-life. Signing up for <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/surfing">windsurfing</a> lessons at one of the island’s laidback training centers, I spent my mornings riding the breeze and my afternoons on Fuerteventura’s long, lovely sands, cooled by the restless air. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/spain/canary-islands/wildmill-fuerteventura.jpg" alt="An historic stone windmill on Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain." /> <figcaption> An historic windmill on Fuerteventura. Image credit: Getty Images / Flavio Vallenari</figcaption></figure> I continued west by ferry to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the archipelago’s largest city and the capital of the island of Gran Canaria. Bustling and cosmopolitan, with modernist blocks rubbing up against elegant apartments with filigree balconies, it feels very much like a Spanish city that’s broken free from the mainland and floated gently southwest, picking up traces of other cultures on the way. Catching a bus out of town, I followed Gran Canaria’s northern shore to Las Salinas de Agaete, to swim in one of three natural swimming pools sheltered from the open ocean by battlement-like columns. After that, utterly refreshed, I settled down with a Tropical beer to watch the sunset. <h2 id="nature">Getting close to nature on Tenerife and La Gomera</h2> It’s only 80 minutes by ferry from Agaete to Las Palmas’ lively cousin, Santa Cruz on the island of Tenerife. In the run-up to Mardi Gras in February, the city thrills with whistles and the thump of carnival drums. It’s always fun to be in Santa Cruz, even out of season, but I was keen to head back out to sea, so jumped on a bus to Costa Adeje, where a whale-watching catamaran was waiting. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/spain/canary-islands/catamaran-tenerife.jpg" alt="A whale-watching catamaran sails along the coast of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain." /> <figcaption>A whale-watching catamaran off the coast of Tenerife. Image credit: Emma Gregg</figcaption></figure> The captain had promised us a sighting or our money back. It sounded like a lot to expect, but who was I to argue? Infected by his confidence, I scanned the middle distance for diving seabirds – a sure sign that whales or dolphins may be present. Ten different cetacean species are regularly spotted in the deep channel between Tenerife and its little neighbor, La Gomera, with pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins resident all year round. Sure enough, a pod of dolphins was soon slicing through the water just beyond our boat. With La Gomera beckoning, it was time for another ferry trip: from Los Cristianos to San Sebastián, Christopher Columbus’ last stop in the known world before traveling to the Americas. Climbing up to Garajonay National Park in a rented electric car, I <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hiked along the steep, misty paths</a> that weave through La Gomera’s UNESCO-listed laurisilva (or laurel forest), a mysterious, mossy pocket of green. <h2 id="local">Tasting local life on La Palma and El Hierro</h2> Throughout my trip, I stayed in casas rurales: characterful village apartments and villas outside the main tourist resorts. Some were <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/agritourism">former farm buildings</a>, spruced up with eco-friendly touches. Waking to views of age-worn lava or sapphire-blue seas, I would start the day by padding outside with a bowl of local figs, bananas, or pineapple, bought fresh the day before. Come lunchtime, I’d eat like a local, dipping papas arrugadas (salty little potatoes) into mojo, a piquant sauce rich in olive oil. On my sixth island stop, La Palma, where world-class chefs conjure up delicious dishes based on parrotfish and moray eels, I tucked into a vegan version of puchero canario, a classic island stew stuffed with colorful vegetables, pulses, garlic, cumin, and herbs. From La Palma, I sailed back to Los Cristianos for a ferry to the smallest and remotest of the seven main islands in the chain: El Hierro. It’s a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and Geopark, with big ambitions, sustainability-wise: its wind turbines and hydroelectric plant are designed to harness and store enough renewable energy to supply its entire population of around 11,000. On this clean-living island, light pollution is impressively low; so much so that, during my visit, the night skies seemed even more vivid than those over Tenerife and La Palma, both of which have international astronomical observatories. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/spain/canary-islands/orchilla-lighthouse.jpg" alt="Orchilla Lighthouse, on the edge of a tall cliff on El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain." /> <figcaption>Orchilla lighthouse on El Hierro. Image credit: Getty Images / Luis Davilla</figcaption></figure> Of El Hierro’s many <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/reach-for-the-stars">dark-sky spots</a>, the clifftop near Orchilla lighthouse is one of the best. As I gazed up at the infinite constellations, Taurus shone brightly in their midst: the bull, a symbol of Spain itself, strutting proudly across a star-speckled field of deepest blue. <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip Notes</h2> <h3>Getting there and around</h3> There are direct flights to the Canaries from European cities, and ferries from Huelva or Cádiz in Spain with <a href="https://www.navieraarmas.com/" target="_blank">Naviera Armas</a>, <a href="https://www.fredolsen.es/es" target="_blank">Fred Olsen</a>, or <a href="https://www.trasmediterranea.es/" target="_blank">Trasmediterránea</a> (27-55 hours, depending on where you depart from and which island you’re heading to). You can island-hop with the same ferry companies, or by plane with <a href="https://www.bintercanarias.com/eng" target="_blank">Binter</a> or <a href="https://www.canaryfly.es/">Canaryfly</a>. Sea voyages between adjacent islands take between 25-150 minutes. It’s easy to rent a car on any of the islands. <h3>Planning your trip</h3> The best times for cycling and walking in the Canaries are January to May and October to December, when the school holiday crowds have subsided and the weather is mild. For windsurfing and kitesurfing, April to September is breeziest and therefore best, but it’s not until later in the year that the surf picks up. Meteor showers peak in August. Casas rurales (rural self-catering accommodations) typically cost US $17-70 / €15-60 per person per night.Emma Gregg 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/portugal/5-ways-to-discover-portugal-by-bikeJoin nomad Katie as she e-bikes up the Sintra hills, rides a riverfront path in Porto, tours the backroads of the Douro Valley, mountain bikes in Viana do Castelo, and cruises the central coast.2021-10-20T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/portugal/5-ways-to-discover-portugal-by-bikehttps://www.worldnomads.comIf you ask me, the best way to explore the country that explored the world is by bike. Portugal’s mild climate means you can ride year-round, and its drivers respect cyclists to the point of reverence. Most importantly, traveling on two wheels allows you to experience every place – from the wine country to the coast – up close, at the perfect pace. <ul> <li><a href="#sintra">Castle-hopping by e-bike in the Lisbon region </a></li> <li><a href="#porto">Riding a river-meets-ocean path in Porto</a></li> <li><a href="#duoro">Downshifting for days in the Douro Valley</a></li> <li><a href="#viana">Climbing to the crown jewel of Viana do Castelo</a></li> <li><a href="#atlantic">Pedaling with pilgrims along the Atlantic </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="sintra">Castle-hopping by e-bike in the Lisbon region</h2> Older than Rome, Lisbon is the OG City on Seven Hills. In nearby Sintra, where Lisbon’s royalty had their summer residences, the higher the hill, the richer the family. Today, their palaces are open to the public – but visitors must navigate steep, narrow roads in the <a href="/stories/discovery/just-keep-running">Sintra Mountains</a> to reach them. For that reason, I like to castle-hop by e-bike. I take a 45-minute train from Lisbon and pick up an <a href="https://www.parkebike.com/">E-bike rental at Sintra statio</a>n. At first, my pride has me trying to rent a regular bike. An avid cyclist, I think my thighs can conquer any hill. My guide laughs – it’s an e-bike or bust. Within minutes I realize he’s right – the gravity-defying roads connecting the castles require real horsepower. We pass tour buses going painfully slow on the switchbacks, and leave rental cars, driven by white-knuckled visitors in search of scarce parking, in the dust. I like to think they envy the ease of our e-bikes. Meanwhile, I envy the people who lived in the palaces. They vary in style, from Medieval Moorish to Willy Wonka whimsical. Most boast bird’s eye views of rural Lisbon. On clear days, you can see the Atlantic. In between castles, we cruise by the Convent of the Capuchos. Here, in a compound of cave dwellings, 16th-century monks practiced vows of poverty, celibacy, and silence. <h2 id="porto">Riding a river-meets-ocean path in Porto</h2> Porto is built on the banks of the Douro River, 3mi (5km) from where it meets the mighty Atlantic. Discovering its riverfront bike paths is like happening upon New York’s Central Park – you’re in the city, but instead of blaring horns, you’re surrounded by people at leisure. Some jog, others push strollers, and many, like me, cycle. Fishermen are the only obstacles, often positioning their poles dangerously close to the path. It doesn’t bother me, though. It gives me a chance to brush up on my Portuguese and ask what’s biting. My bike is a two-speed beach cruiser I rent for € 2 (US $2.32) an hour from <a href="https://tricla.pt/">Biclas & Triclas</a>. The lovely older couple who own the business outfit me with a helmet, lock, and map, explaining how to catch the boat taxi across the Douro. There are miles of beachfront bike paths on the other side. After a 10-minute crossing, I’m flying with a tailwind, sneaking peeks at locals laying on the golden sand after swimming in the icy surf. <h2 id="duoro">Downshifting for days in the Douro Valley</h2> The world’s oldest demarcated wine region, the <a href="/explore/europe/portugal/5-things-to-know-before-visiting#wine">Douro Valley</a> should be a mandatory day(s) trip from Porto. I rent a road bike and shift into the lowest gear: my saving grace for tackling the steep, terraced hills where 2,000-year-old grapes still grow. The Douro Valley is three times the size of California’s Napa Valley. To really do it justice, I eventually join a mountain-biking tour led by <a href="https://www.portugalgreenwalks.com/douro-valley/">Portugal Green Walks</a>. Starting at the valley’s highest elevation, we work our way down toward the Douro River, riding dusty backroads that connect centuries-old, family-owned vineyards. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/portugal/biking/duoro-valley.jpg" alt="Terraced vineyards in the Duoro Valley, Portugal." /> <figcaption> Vineyards in the Duoro Valley. Image credit: Katie Jackson</figcaption></figure> It’s so quiet you can hear a grape drop. I ask our guide where the farmers are, and he tells me they’re inside, avoiding the summer heat and resting before the fall harvest when the grapes are picked by hand. To make the backbreaking work more enjoyable, the workers sing traditional songs as they pick. <h2 id="viana">Climbing to the crown jewel of Viana do Castelo</h2> Viana do Castelo is a medieval city just 20mi (32km) south of Portugal’s northern border with Spain. It’s the crown jewel of the Costa Verde: a rugged coastline of pine forests and windswept beaches worshipped by surfers. I stay at a sports hotel owned by an ex-professional kite surfer. Fortunately, his retirement hobbies include <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/mountain-biking">mountain biking</a>. I rent a mountain bike from the hotel and follow the bike mechanic’s directions to the town’s crown jewel: the mountaintop Basilica of Santa Luzia. I pedal down a forested lane, cross the Lima River via the .6mi (1km) bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel, and remember how grateful I am for shocks when my tires hit the cobblestone streets in town. I pause to marvel at the line wrapping around the block outside Manuel Natario bakery. It’s an unofficial national treasure, selling out of its Berlin balls (Portuguese donuts), which it makes by the thousand, twice a day. Fueled by a deep inhale of the intoxicating aromas, I begin the ascent to the Basilica – I’ve heard the panoramic views at the top are unreal. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/portugal/biking/viano-do-castelo-feelviana.jpg" alt="Two cyclists ride mountain bikes on the top of a hill in Viano do Castelo, Portual." /> <figcaption>Mountain Biking in Viano do Castelo. Image credit: FeelViana Sport Hotel</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="atlantic">Pedaling with pilgrims along the Atlantic</h2> There are direct flights from Lisbon to Porto. But skipping Central Portugal – the underrated countryside and coastline between the two cities – should be a cardinal sin. I borrow a bike from my Fatima hotel and pedal to the sanctuary. Millions of Catholics make the pilgrimage to Fatima each year, believing the Virgin Mary performed a miracle here in 1917. I witness a faith so unwavering it brings grown men and women to their knees as they make their final approach to the shrine. I also explore parts of the Atlantic Coast Route – a 5,087mi (8,187km) cycling path from Northern Norway to Southern Portugal. Because there are unpaved sections, my <a href="https://www.momentosnocentro.com/">Momentos no Centro</a> guide, Hugo, recommends hybrid bikes. My favorite stretch is through Nazare: a fishing village turned surf mecca after the world’s largest wave was surfed there in 2011. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/portugal/biking/cycling-to-nazare.jpg" alt="A cyclist rides the Atlantic Coastal Route near Nazare, Portugal." /> <figcaption>Cycling the Atlantic Coastal Route near Nazare, Portugal. Image credit: Katie Jackson</figcaption></figure> The cyclists we pass smile and nod, knowingly. We enjoy an unspoken camaraderie until a unicyclist invites us to try his ride. We have fun but fail miserably. Life may be like riding a bicycle, as Einstein once said. But, if you ask me, riding a unicycle is another thing entirely.Katie Jackson 0 A woman rides an e-bike up steep hill in Sintra, near Lisbon, Portugal.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/portugal/5-things-to-know-before-visitingPortugal is known for beaches, fado, and of course, Port. But that's just the beginning. Nomad Donna shares her favorite Portuguese wines, non-touristy Lisbon neighborhoods, and inland cities.2025-05-20T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/portugal/5-things-to-know-before-visitinghttps://www.worldnomads.comOn my first visit of many visits to Portugal, I was bowled over by its coast and carefree surf culture. But it didn’t take long to realize there’s a lot more to this booming European nation than summer fun. Pack your swimsuit, by all means, but also get ready to discover a mix of the historic, the fresh and innovative, the rustic, and the richly diverse. Here's what you should know about Portugal and why it's worth a visit or several. <ul> <li><a href="#diversity">Cultural diversity: Maritime power to post-colonial melting pot </a></li> <li><a href="#beaches">Beaches beyond the Algarve</a></li> <li><a href="#wine">Portuguese wine: it’s not just Port </a></li> <li><a href="#lisbon">Experience real Lisboeta life</a></li> <li><a href="#heartland">Don't miss Portugal's heartland cities </a></li> <li><a href="#around">Getting around</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="diversity">Cultural diversity: Maritime power to post-colonial melting pot</h2> As many of us were taught at school, Vasco de Gama sailed the ocean blue. His extraordinary voyage to India was the apex of what’s known as Portugal’s “<a href="/stories/discovery/just-keep-running">Age of Discovery</a>”, an era that saw the rise of the Atlantic economies, the slave trade that underpinned them, and Europe’s all-consuming colonial ambitions. This is a history that is both epic, in the true sense of the word, and disquieting. For visitors, it’s one that’s evident not just in the country’s museums and monuments, but also in its contemporary society. A significant percentage of Lisbon’s population is made up of immigrants from its former African, Asian, and South American colonies. Their descendants and the tastes and sounds of these distinct Lusophone cultures really bring this history to life. The music genre of fado might be Portugal’s most widely known musical offering, but in Lisbon’s vibrant bars and clubs I also discovered a constantly evolving contemporary music scene that includes kizomba (from Angola), funana (from Cape Verde) and hybrid Afro-electronic forms. <a href="/explore/south-america/brazil">Brazil</a>’s many and varied musical styles are on high rotation too, with the best live rondo-style performances to be experienced outside of Rio de Janeiro. Culinary reminders are also evident: Brazilian chicken pastéis and mojitos on every corner, the peanut-strewn coconut crab or rich lamb stews at Moçambiquan cafes, piles of Macanese chili tofu and eggplant at “clandestino” Chinese restaurants, and fragrant fish curries at either hole-in-the-wall or upmarket Goan places. <h2 id="beaches">Beaches beyond the Algarve</h2> There is much more to Portugal’s long coast than the English-speaking crowds of the Algarve. North, on the Spanish border, Foz do Minho – Portugal's most northerly beach – and its nearby counterpart Moledo are pine-fringed and pretty, with views to Spain’s not-so-distant hills. Wild and windswept, this is kite-surfing heaven. The spectacular Praia de Adraga has a looming headland and sweep of beach just an hour west of Lisbon. I always stay just along the coast at the beautiful village of Azenhas do Mar for the area’s most lauded seafood restaurants and sea baths beautiful enough to wow this Australian. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/portugal/6-things/parque-natural-do-sudoeste-alentejano-costa-vincentina.jpg" alt="Wildflowers on the Costa Vincentia in southern Portugal." /> <figcaption> Wildflowers in Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano on the Costa Vincentia. Image credit: Getty Images / Anders Blomqvist</figcaption></figure> Down on the Costa Vincentia, a wild, biodiverse national park hugs dramatic cliffs, stretching all the way to the Algarve border. The whitewashed village of Praia de Vila Nova Milfontes has both a wave-lashed sea beach and gentle riverfront dunes, although it’s the grilled seafood or arroz de peixe (claypot rice and fish) at waterfront fisherman’s shacks that I come for. Bring your <a href="/travel-wiser/practical/how-to-pick-travel-shoes-for-your-next-adventure">walking shoes</a> – there are spectacular clifftop paths all the way to Porto Barcas, with many secret coves, then more excellent seafood places in O Sacas. Further south, Praia di Odeceixe Mar’s river-circled beach is an extraordinary sight. <h2 id="wine">Portuguese wine: it’s not just Port</h2> I’d come across a few Portuguese vinho verdes in the well-stocked wine bars of Melbourne but was not prepared for how interesting the local wine scene is. A wonderful new world awaits, with a long and often obscure list of varietals and unusual blends that are rarely exported. Wine lovers might start with the simplest of questions: vinho tinto o vinho branco? (red wine or white wine?). Not a bad place to linger, but if you want to delve deeper, seek out wines with a DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada) or DOP (Denominação de Origem Protegida) classification, or vinho regionals (IGP). The ubiquitous Vinho Verde – a white blend of local grapes, such as Loureiro and Arinto – hails from the northwest and is most often fresh and spritzy, although you can find some with age and complexity. These northern regions are also known for their peachy, lemony Alvarinhos. Also in the north, the steep, terraced <a href="/explore/europe/portugal/5-ways-to-discover-portugal-by-bike">Douro Valley</a> is all about robust reds, often made from the same grapes as Port, such as Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo in Spanish), though they also produce some elegant, mineral whites too. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/portugal/6-things/duoro-valley.jpg" alt="Terraced vineyards in the Douro Valley, Portugal." /> <figcaption>Terraced vineyards in the Douro Valley. Image credit: Getty Images / Terry Eggers</figcaption></figure> Small producers have revitalized the once-maligned Dão red (the region’s name as well as the wine), while Lisbon and Tejo’s maritime climates lend themselves to fragrant whites and soft reds. Here the tiny region of Colores makes a herbaceous, salt-tinged white from Ramisco grapes, grown on some of the oldest pre-phylloxera vines in Europe. Lastly, look out for wines from Pico Island in the <a href="/explore/europe/portugal/sao-miguel-portugals-untamed-emerald-island">Azores</a>, made with grapes grown in volcanic soil on old vines, but in very modern rosé and pet-nat styles. <h2 id="lisbon">Experience real Lisboeta life</h2> The sheer number of visitors that come to take in Lisbon’s loveliness can make its famed Alfama and Bario Alto neighborhoods feel like a well-worn circuit and, when the bachelor and bachelorette parties hit town come the weekend, a circus. Instead, wind your way up the hill through Alfama’s picture-postcard maze to gently gentrified Graça, where there are regular grocers and bakers, a vibrant street art scene and some excellent <a href="/travel-safety/europe/portugal/portugal-tips-and-dangers">nightlife</a>. It’s leafy plaça are home to low-key bars with stunning views, too. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/portugal/6-things/terrace-in-graca.jpg" alt="People sit enjoying the view on a terrace in Graca, Lisbon." /> <figcaption>A terrace with a view in Graça. Image credit: Getty Images / Tinyevilhog</figcaption></figure> Likewise, if you’re not in town to swill Sagres beer from plastic cups at 3am in Barrio Alto or Cais do Sodre’s pink street (if you are, don’t worry, it is great fun), the elegant streets up in Príncipe Real may be more your style. Rua da Escola Politécnica and the smaller lanes that intersect it are full of stylish little bars and restaurants. During the day, locals browse Modern Brazilian design shops and grab a bica (espresso) or a beer in one of the quiosques in leafy Parc de Príncipe before a lie-down in its lush botanic gardens, full of fragrant exotic trees. <h2 id="heartland">Don't miss Portugal's heartland cities</h2> Lisbon and Porto are sufficiently interesting and distinctive to easily occupy an entire trip. But if you can make time, the interior is home to some fascinating small cities. I was lured by the well-preserved medieval plaça and tangled laneways of Guimarães, Portugal’s first capital, but as a university town with an interesting art museum, I found it as vibrant and unstuffy as it is historic. For those exploring the north on public transport, it’s included in Porto’s urban train system. Similarly, riverfront Coimbra, in the center of the country, has photogenically steep streets, some of them dating back to the Moorish empire, and as the site of the country’s oldest university, combines a distinct historical flavor with a youthful energy. My favorite inland destination, though, is Évora. Deep in the heart of the wine country of the Alentejo, it offers a glimpse of Portugal at its most serenely rural: a patchwork of pastures, cork forests, olive groves and, naturally, vineyards. The cobbled old town center still possesses its original medieval walls, and within lay a ridiculous number of historic treasures: a looming Gothic cathedral, an uncanny Baroque bone chapel and a Corinthian-columned Roman temple, to name a few. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/portugal/6-things/evora-square.jpg " alt="The charming old town center of Evora, Portugal. " /> <figcaption>The old center of Évora. Image credit: Getty Images / joe daniel price</figcaption></figure> But it’s the town’s rustic slow food that the Portuguese come for, with a staggering number of restaurants to choose from, most serving up Alentejo staples such as pig trotters, slow-braised lamb, and bread and garlic soup, alongside the bold, sun-kissed wines of the region. Base yourself here and strike out each day for tastings and lunch at one of the many nearby wineries, or head off to Cromeleque dos Almendres, a group of spectacular ancient granite megaliths, 9.5mi (15km) west. <h2 id="around">Getting around Portugal</h2> The national train network, CP (Comboios de Portugal) is efficient, comfortable, and good value. A number of bus companies take over where the trains don’t go (or provide a cheaper alternative if they do) and include Expressos and Rápidas and the longer distance Alta Qualidade services. Car hire is also reasonably priced, and all the usual rental companies can be found in bigger towns, though renting from the airport is often easier. The country’s national carrier TAP has domestic routes but unless you’re flying between Lisbon and Faro in the far south, it’s far easier and more scenic to take the train or <a href="/travel-safety/europe/portugal/transport-and-getting-around-portugal">drive</a>.Getty Images / Marco Bottigelli 1656711740 Getty Images Whitewashed buildings on a cliff above the sea in Azenhas do Mar, near Lisbon, Portugal.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/spain/finding-tranquility-in-the-balearic-islandsA ferry crossing from the Spanish mainland is a great prelude to an eco-friendly island-hopping trip, discovering the calmer, greener side of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. 2021-08-18T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/spain/finding-tranquility-in-the-balearic-islandshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#island-hopping">The joys of sustainable island-hopping</a></li> <li><a href="#ibiza">Exploring Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca, and Menorca</a></li> <li><a href="#food">Slow food, Balearic style </a></li> <li><a href="#ferry">An even greener way to visit the Balearic Islands: the Super Fast car ferry</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="island-hopping">The joys of sustainable island-hopping</h2> Pedaling along a sandy track close to the shimmering, indigo-striped sea, I paused, closed my eyes and sniffed the breeze. Pine trees, orchids, rosemary, and thyme. If scents had colors, the scent of Formentera would be green. This supremely appealing island – Ibiza’s laidback, low-key little neighbor – has green ideals, too. The track I was following was one of its 30 or so Rutes Verdes (Green Routes): intertwined pathways that invite locals and visitors to leave their cars behind and explore on foot or by bike. This pleasing network had led me past sun-drenched vineyards and ancient fig trees, and beckoned me to chiringuitos: friendly beach bars on sands so long and lovely that I never wanted to leave. Often, mini concerts called Aperitius Musicals (Musical Aperitifs) offered the perfect excuse to linger. Formentera doesn’t have an airport, so almost everyone arrives by sea. Opting for one of the swift little ferries that shuttle between Ibiza’s Estación Marítima and Formentera’s La Savina throughout the day, my crossing had taken just 30 minutes. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/spain/ferry-formentera-getty-177268460.jpg" alt="A ferry boat sails past the coast of Formentera, Spain." /> <figcaption>A ferry boat sails past the coast of Formentera. Image credit: Getty Images / LUNAMARINA</figcaption></figure> Less conventionally, I had arrived in Ibiza by sea as well, having traveled from Britain to Spain by train, rather than by plane. Instead of catapulting myself like a missile from rainy, autumnal England to the sun-warmed Med, I wanted to <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/low-impact-ways-to-see-the-world">travel lightly</a>, rubbing shoulders with the locals and arriving utterly relaxed. I could have hopped on a ferry in Barcelona or Valencia but opted for Dénia instead. Even though a thousand years have passed since this down-to-earth Costa Blanca town was the capital of a taifa (Moorish principality) that included Ibiza, its connections with the Balearic Islands – known in these parts simply as Les Illes – remain strong. <h2 id="ibiza">Exploring Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca, and Menorca</h2> Ibiza made the perfect starting point for my Balearic island-hopping trip. Its alternative, sustainability-conscious culture predates its party-animal reputation, and the island’s creative, caring side is more in vogue than ever. After sauntering around the Museu d’Art Contemporani d’Eivissa in Ibiza Town, I crossed the island in an electric rental car and treated myself to a room at an agroturismo – a beautiful rural hotel surrounded by succulents, wildflowers, and tucked-away coves. Instead of beats, I heard birdsong. From Ibiza, ferries carried me northeast to Mallorca, then on to Menorca. Once again, renting an electric car made it easy to explore off the beaten track. On Mallorca, I puttered around beautiful, secluded bays: turquoise Cala Llombards, cheerful Cala Mondragó. On Menorca, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, there were quieter coastal stretches to discover, with superb walking routes and birdwatching spots. I discovered, to my delight, that each island in the chain offers fresh opportunities to go sailing, swimming, and diving. Solar-powered catamaran excursions to peaceful lagoons and white-sand beaches launch from Ibiza and Formentera, both Mallorca and Menorca are superb for <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">kayaking</a>, and there are <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/scuba-diving-travel-insurance">scuba diving</a> sites dotting the seas around all four main islands. On Mallorca, boat trips visit the protected islets of Cabrera and Sa Dragonera, revealing hidden coves with sparkling water and some of the best snorkeling in the Med. As a water lover, I was in heaven. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/spain/balearics-cabrera-snorkeling-getty-148881641.jpg" alt="A snorkeler swims in the waters off the islet of Cabrera in the Balearic Islands of Spain." /> <figcaption>Snorkeling along the shore of Cabrera. Image credit: Getty Images / David C Tomlinson</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="food">Slow food, Balearic style</h2> I ate well during my trip, so was not surprised to learn that when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Balearic club scene to hit pause, local pleasure-seekers turned to the next best thing: food. For some, the switch from moonlit dancing to lantern-lit eating has been so refreshing, they’re not planning to go back. The Mediterranean climate is perfect for alfresco dining, after all. The islands’ leading restaurants – eclectic, eco-chic spaces adorned with driftwood and geometric art – serve ocean-inspired dishes such as gazpacho with smoked sardines. There are <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/eat-like-a-local-when-you-travel">slow food</a> specialities to sample, too, including Formentera peix sec (wind-dried ray), Menorcan lobster, and Mallorcan ovella roja sheep’s cheese. <h2 id="ferry">An even greener way to visit the Balearic Islands: the Super Fast car ferry</h2> My island-hopping experience left me longing to return to the archipelago – not least because the Baleària ferry service from the Spanish mainland has had an ultra-modern, ultra-green upgrade. Now in full service, the <a href="https://www.balearia.com/es/nuevo-eleanor-roosevelt/#page=1">Eleanor Roosevelt</a> is Baleària’s pride and joy: the world’s largest Super Fast car ferry, and the first with dual engines powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Launched in 2021 and named after the first president of the UN Commission for Human Rights, the Eleanor Roosevelt zips from Dénia to Ibiza in two hours flat, with up to 1,200 passengers and 450 cars on board. While LNG is not 100% green, it produces 30% lower greenhouse gas emissions than oil or diesel, and significantly less air, sea, and noise pollution. As such, it’s an important stepping stone on the path towards net zero. <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> <h3>Getting there and around</h3> <a href="https://www.balearia.com/">Baleària</a> runs fast car ferries from Dénia to Ibiza (2hr, from US $64 / €54 for foot passengers, one way) and Mallorca (5hr, from US $66 / €56), and between Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca, and Menorca. There are also ferries from Barcelona to all four islands, and from Valencia to Mallorca. Services reduce between November and April. There are bicycles, mopeds, and electric cars for hire on all four islands. Alternatively, get around by taxi or bus. <h3>Planning your trip</h3> Spring or autumn are lovely times to arrive in the Balearic Islands: the weather is mild and the islands have a relaxing shoulder-season vibe. Modest and mid-range guesthouses, rural hotels and agroturismos cost around US $70–235 / €60–200 per night for two, including the islands’ <a href="http://illessostenibles.travel/en/home-en">Sustainable Tourism Tax</a>, which supports environmental and heritage projects. For suggestions, visit <a href="https://illesbalears.travel/en/baleares/">Illes Balears</a>.Getty Images / Westend61 0149690140 Getty Images A man and woman ride bicycles beside a beach on Formentera, one of the Balearic Islands of Spain.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/italy/calabria-destinations-discover-the-wild-italyBlessed with vast areas of wilderness, ancient hilltop villages, and gorgeous coastline, this region at the toe of Italy’s boot is more rustic – but no less captivating – than more popular places up north.2021-08-05T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/italy/calabria-destinations-discover-the-wild-italyhttps://www.worldnomads.comCalabria is Italy’s often-overlooked, wild, and mountainous toe. Less sophisticated, less la dolce vita than its northern neighbors, Calabria’s appeal lies in its rugged hinterland, shadowy history, and an impressively long coastline bathed by a cerulean-blue sea. <ul> <li><a href="#mountains">Forests, mountains, and hilltop towns</a></li> <li><a href="#sea">Down by the sea: Tropea and Scilla </a></li> <li><a href="#bronzi">Bronzi di Riace in Reggio Calabria</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="mountains">Forests, mountains, and hilltop towns</h2> The Apennines form Calabria’s snaking, mountainous backbone, its wild interior dominated by three large national parks. As I drove towards the mountains of the Aspromonte National Park in the south, the rumored stronghold of the ‘Ndrangheta (the Calabrian Mafia), I felt I was heading for an adventure into the unknown. Instead of bandits and secrets, I found a landscape of forested slopes and pretty bergamot groves, steep twisting roads and hilltop eyries with stupendous views. These fortified hilltop villages grew from southern Italy’s bloody history of successive invasions dating from ancient days. Some defy gravity, like the deserted village of Pentedattilo that clings dramatically to soaring rocky spires. Others, like Gerace, are medieval beauties with spectacular views of the Ionian Sea. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/calabria/pentedatillo-olivia-pozzan.jpg" alt="The deserted village of Pentedattilo clings to a hilltop in Calabria, Italy." /> <figcaption>The deserted village of Pentedattilo. Image credit: Olivia Pozzan</figcaption></figure> In the heart of Calabria, Sila National Park is a rolling green landscape, a massive mountain plateau with several picturesque lakes. The spring weather was perfect for hiking but “La Sila” is also popular for winter skiing. As I zigzagged my way up Calabria’s spine, I stayed in rustic <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/agritourism">agriturismi</a>, welcomed with home-cooked meals and tumblers of red wine. Calabria’s mountain people are as fiercely proud of their untamed land as they are of their hospitality, and none more so than in the Pollino. Italy’s largest national park, the Pollino National Park, is a rocky, mountainous wilderness straddling Calabria and Basilicata. Once-isolated <a href="/explore/europe/albania/hiking-in-albania">Albanian</a> villages exist here, strangely suspended in time. Settled by Albanian refugees fleeing the Ottoman Empire between the 14th and 18th centuries, the villages maintain their Albanian language (actually a particular dialect of Albanian), dress, and customs. Also unique are the famous pino loricato trees, ancient towering pines that only grow here and in the Balkans. I followed <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hiking</a> trails beside deep river canyons, through dense forests of beech, fir and maple and across alpine meadows carpeted in wildflowers. I knew wolves and wild cats prowled the forest, but I sensed the Pollino was home to something far more ethereal and primal. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/calabria/pollino-gettyImages-1276507739.jpg" alt="Horses graze below mountains covered in fall foliage in Pollino National Park, Italy." /> <figcaption>Pollino National Park. Image credit: Getty Images / Antonel</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="sea">Down by the sea: Tropea and Scilla</h2> As a self-professed beach connoisseur, I was lured to explore Calabria’s 500mi (800km) coastline, from the sandy eastern beaches lapped by the Ionian Sea to the dramatic rocky shores on the western Tyrrhenian coast. The water along the entire coast is limpid blue and crystal clear – however, there’s a gritty feel to the long string of cheap summer resorts and ugly developments lining much of the coastline. It wasn’t until I reached the poetically named Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods) on the south-west coast that I found the seaside charm I was searching for. Tropea, crowned Italy’s most beautiful village in 2021, perched on a cliff top overlooking a powder-white beach fringing the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Legend names Hercules as the town’s founder, but its allure needed no celebrity endorsement. I strolled through the medieval town center, sampled a red-onion flavored gelato (a curious local delicacy), and gazed, bewitched, as a glorious rose-gold sun sank into the ocean. A little further south on the Tyrrhenian coast, and just north of Reggio Calabria, Scilla vies for the title of Italy’s most beautiful village. According to Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, Scilla was home to the mythical six-headed sea monster of the same name. Straddling a rocky promontory dominated by an imposing medieval castle, Scilla is divided into two parts. On one side, pastel-colored houses wind down the hill to a pristine sandy beach (safe now from monsters). But it was the old fishing port of Chianalea, with its jumble of stone houses and quaint restaurants lapping the seafront, that captivated me. I wandered down an enchanting maze of narrow alleys and cobbled laneways, stepping around fishermen mending boats and nets as they must have done for centuries. As evening fell, the village was transformed into a romantic, lantern-lit seaside enclave. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/calabria/scilla-main-beach.jpg" alt="A broad, sandy beach in Scilla, on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, Italy. " /> <figcaption>The main beach in Scilla. Image credit: Olivia Pozzan</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="bronzi">Bronzi di Riace in Reggio Calabria</h2> In Reggio Calabria’s national archaeological museum, the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia, I found perfection. The life-size bronze statues of two naked warriors, the magnificent Bronzi di Riace, are the world’s finest examples of ancient Greek sculpture. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from their stunning physiques and handsome, bearded faces. Were they gods or men? The bronze warriors, dating from around 450 BC, were found in relatively shallow water off Riace on Calabria’s Ionian coast in 1972. As the region was once part of ancient Magna Grecia (Greater Greece), it is believed they were shipwrecked during transport. But where were they going? And where did they come from? Nothing more is known about them. Their story remains a mystery. Other than a lively and pretty seaside promenade – which overlooks the Strait of Messina – there’s not much to see or do in the main port city of Reggio Calabria. But it’s worth a visit simply to gape and marvel at the exquisite Bronzi di Riace. <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> Lamezia Terme airport, south of Cosenza, has domestic and international flights. Reggio Calabria has a small domestic airport and a train station with services running to Rome, Milan and Naples. However, the best way to explore Calabria is to hire a car. There’s a decent autostrada (Autostrada del Sole) along the west coast and most interior roads are well signposted. An agriturismo (the plural is agriturismi) is accommodation on a working farm and can range from a single room to an entire farmhouse. In urban areas, B&Bs have become more popular than hotels and cover a wide range of options from seaside bungalows to restored palazzi, with prices to match. Calabria’s Mediterranean climate makes it a year-round destination. From April to June, spring wildflowers entice hikers, beachgoers bake in the sun during the summer party months of July and August, while March and October see mild weather and fewer crowds. Discovering this region is an adventure and it’s handy to know a smattering of Italian if you want to delve into its secret places.Getty Images / Nata Rass 1868159630 Getty Images The quaint fishing port of Chianalea in the town of Scilla, Sardinia, Italy.