Raise your hand if you haven’t already visited Rome…. If we believe the motto that says: “All the roads lead to Rome”, there will be a time that the road will lead you to the magnificent city of Rome.

I had my chance in Christmas and I’ve make a list of things to do, see and try in Rome.

1. Vatican City

Vatican City is a walled enclave within the city of Rome. With an area of approximately 44 hectares, and a population of 842 persons, it is the smallest sovereign state in the world by both area and population. It is an ecclesiastical or sacerdotal-monarchical state (a type of theocracy) ruled by the Bishop of Rome – the Pope.

Why to visit Vatican City?

The Vatican Museums, the St. Peter’s square, the Basilica di San Pietro are pure art! The sure thing is that you will never see again so many artifacts gathered in one place. The ticket for the Vatican Museums costs 16€ and if you book online you must pay 4€ more. The extra charge allows you to enter quicker and save time waiting rather than standing on the other queue.

2. Colosseum – Roman Forum – Palatine Hill

These two places require at least half of your day. Colosseum is a great arena but it is not so special from the inside. However, you are in Rome and it would be a great miss out if you don’t enter. That place hosted battles, duels and beast fights.

The Roman Forum is a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city of Rome. Citizens of the ancient city referred to this space, originally a marketplace, as the Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum.

The Palatine Hill is the centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of the city. It stands 40 meters above the Roman Forum, looking down upon it on one side, and upon the Circus Maximus on the other. The city’s view is Spectacular!

These three sightseeing share the same tickets that costs 12€.

3. Pantheon

This temple was originally dedicated to all gods of the ancient Rome. Now, it is a Christian Church. The most characteristic feature of this temple is its dome that is open to the weather conditions. It’s fascinating that despite the eons and the damages that Pantheon suffered, it still stands!

4. Fontana Di Trevi

A visit to the most popular fountain of the world is necessary! Don’t forget to throw a coin into the fountain! This action, according to locals, guarantee your return to Rome.

5. Piazza Di Spagna

After the most popular fountain, we visit the most famous stairs! These steps connect Piazza di Spagna and Trinità dei Monti church. Climb the steps and the view will reward you!

6. Piazza Del Popolo – Piazza Venezia – Piazza Navona

Each square has its own unique story to tell. I choose 3 squares that I really enjoyed and admired. Photograph the city’s view from the top of Piazza Del Popolo, take a break in Bernini’s fountain in Piazza Navona and pay your respects to the unknown soldier in Piazza Venezia.

7. Tiber River

Tiber runs the old city. Don’t miss the chance to walk by the river and visit the only island in Tiber, Tiberina.

8. Castel and Ponte Sant’Angelo

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, usually known as Castel Sant’Angelo is a towering cylindrical building in Parco Adriano, Rome, Italy. It was initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The building was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum. This Castle was once the tallest building in Rome.

Ponte Sant’Angelo is a bridge located in front of Castel Sant’ Angelo. It completed in 134 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian, to span the Tiber, from the city center to his newly constructed mausoleum. The bridge is solely pedestrian, and provides a photogenic vista of the Castel Sant’Angelo. Spent some time observing the “angels” on the bridge.

9. Villa Borghese Gardens

These gardens are perfect for relaxation. Walk or take a bike and ride through the park. If you have time visit the Galleria Borghese, the zoo and the beautiful lake.

10. Shopping in Via Del Corso

Shopping time and there’s no other place like Via Del Corso! There you can find well-known brands and normal priced items. On the other hand, if you are into expensive brands such as Prada, Gucci, Armani etc, prefer the Via Condotti.

11. Eat traditional Italian food

Pizza, Spaghetti, Panini, Focaccia, Τiramisu, are some of the MUST EAT foods in Rome!

12. Drink the original Cappuccino and taste the authentic hot Italian chocolate.

There is always time for a traditional cappuccino made by the experts! Also, try the authentic hot chocolate! It is thicker than the ones you are used to and certainly tastier!

By Danai Aimatidou

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If you haven’t been in those places, book your tickets and get ready to come face-to-face with spectacular wonders!

1. Colosseum – Rome, Italy

2. Chichen Itza – Yucatán, Mexico

3. Machu Picchu – Cusco Region, Peru

4. Taj Mahal – Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

5. Christ the Redeemer – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

6. Petra – Jordan

7. Great Wall of China – China

 ——

By Danai Aimatidou

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Are you ready??? 

1. Athens is one of the oldest capitals in the world.

2. 40% of Greece’s population resides in Athens.

3. Greece is one of the sunniest countries in the world with 250/365 days of sun.

4. Greece is considered to be the most sexually active country in the world.

5. Every year 17 million tourists visit Greece.

7. Greek language is one of the oldest languages in the world and it’s spoken for over 3000 years.

8. In Greece we have more than 2000 islands! But only 170 of them are populated.

9. Greece is the world’s third leading producer of olive oil.

10. Greece has one of the largest varieties of wildlife in all of Europe.

11. Greece is the country where philosophy, democracy and other principles were thrived.

12. The actual name of the country is Hellas or Ellada.

Read more here

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The majestic city of Poland is an open-air museum, with palaces, cathedrals and historic homes.

Krakow has been the capital of the country for more than 500 years and was a cradle of medieval commerce and a great center of arts and sciences in the 16th century.

The gem of Poland with its inexhaustible history is a dynamic European metropolis with youthful culture and passion for the arts.

According to the legend, the first inhabitants of the city lived in the cave of a dragon that killed the mythical King Krak.

The myths around the city do not stop there, as it is said that once, the Hindu god, Shiva, threw seven magic stones in seven different parts of the world. And since then, every place where a stone fell is considered to have a separate energy. Krakow was one of these places.

The Old Town is a true architectural masterpiece of great historical monuments and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Basilica of Virgin Mary is built in the 13th century and overlooks its twin bell towers on the central square of the Agora.

The rocky Wawel hill rises 20 meters above the center of the city and has been for centuries the seat of the Polish kings. The visitor will see the homonymous 16th-century castle and a national identity for the Poles. Next to the castle dominates the Royal Cathedral, with a history of 900 years.

Kazimierz Jewish Quarter experienced the devastating consequences of the Second World War and became known to the general public through the Sidler List.

The traveler will find today the most bohemian neighborhood of the city with stone paved alleys and numerous old synagogues, and hosts the Jewish Museum of Galicia dedicated to the Holocaust and the Jews of Central Europe.

It is worth visiting the historic Schidler’s Factory Museum, which is housed in the old enamel factory of the legendary Oscar Sindler and the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology, on the banks of the Vistula River.

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Amsterdam is definitely a city that knows how to offer you unlimited beauty. Its buildings are invaluable, dating back to the 17th century, as it was well preserved since Rembrandt’s time. Of course, if you are a tourist who likes modernity, this city also has countless luxury hotels, refined restaurants and stylish shops.

Many young tourists come to Amsterdam primarily for the smell of marijuana and the Red Light District, where they can take a peek at all the legal prostitutes here. This city is much more than that, because the places you can see and the feelings you can live here are countless. Therefore, whether you choose to meet Amsterdam by walking, biking or boat, you’ll find the best destinations below.

Van Gogh museum is probably the most famous and most visited tourist attraction. Although you will often find it very crowded, this museum will familiarize you with Van Gogh’s most beautiful artistic creations, along with the story of his life. Everything is so beautiful that you stand for hours to look at paintings. Besides his works, the museum also has other valuable works, such as those of Monet, Manet, or Matisse.

Immediately next to Van Gogh Museum there is another unique destination: The Rijksmuseum, which is now remodeled and ready to receive tourists. This place has an incredible collection of classical art of different painters, but above all, Rembrandt lovers can see his work here. Besides all the beauties painted by him, here you can find “The Night Watch”.

Of course, you can find out more about Rembrandt at The Rembrandt House Museum.

The next destination – Anne Frank House – is extremely crowded. Here you will know Anne’s interesting life by referring to the Holocaust. In my opinion, The Jewish History Museum is a much more complex museum than this one. Here, curious and thirsty tourists will be able to study the lives of the Jews and their influence in Amsterdam. The museum expresses perfectly what it was like during the Second World War.

As you probably already know, Holland is the tulip country, so of course, in Amsterdam you will also find a museum of tulips. The Tulip Museum has a small number of tourists, it’s not crowded, and it will tell the history of tulips in Netherlands and many other interesting things.

As for the cuisine in Amsterdam, we can say that they are just delicacies. They focus on organic and local food, made up of meat, fish, seafood, and many vegetables cooked in all kinds. In addition to local food, Amsterdam also has various Moroccan, Turkish, or Indonesian restaurants. If you’re looking for a place to eat, TripAdvisor will help us with Some of the Best Restaurant from Amsterdam.

This city would need an entire book to describe all its beauties, but it is best to see it with your eyes… Nothing compares to a boat trip along its historic buildings and marvelous parks. If you get here, you certainly won’t want to go back home.

The post AMSTERDAM – A Traveler’s Best Destination! appeared first on TouristSpot .

Shocking is the 163 or Amalfitana road with the spectacular view that leads to it and covers the entire length of the coast.

Since the 1960s, and alongside the nearby and most popular Capri, the Amalfi coast has evolved into one of Italy’s top tourist destinations but also a favorite place for both jet setters and couples looking for romance. Fortunately, because of the geomorphology of the area, tourist development was at a slow pace.

Therefore, it is still an earthly paradise that combines tranquility with cosmopolitan reputation: you will find quiet fishing villages next to cosmopolitan towns and secluded beaches next to lively and organized beaches.

In Sorrento, where Kazanova and Goethe were taking part, you will be impressed with the old villas on the hill slopes overlooking the emerald waters, Mediterranean gardens with olives and citrus, the lively cosmopolitan harbor where they breed expensive vessels and life in Coffee of Piazza Tasso, which was loved by both Nietzsche and Ipsen.

Positano is the most expensive and scenic area, a city with countless stairs and narrow streets, a settlement-terrace in the endless blue. Amalfi is the most popular proposal for a day trip from there and Ravello stands high up on the hill as if to watch what’s happening … Even Salerno, however, which plays the role of the transport hub, has a beautiful Old Town With narrow alleys.

Where to eat

In Positano, at Don Alfonso 1890 (Corso S Agata 11, tel .: +39 081 8780026) the organic materials come from the owner’s farm while the most famous dish is pasta with sardines, green peppers and oregano. (http://www.donalfonso.com/home.asp?lingua=ing)

In Amalfi, Caravella (Via Matteo Camera 12, tel .: +39 089871029) serves homemade pesto with anchovies, capers and lemon (http://www.ristorantelacaravella.it/?lang=en).

In Ravello, exciting dishes will be served at Rosselini, such as lemon sardines (Via San Giovanni del Toro 28, tel .: +39 089 818181) (http://www.palazzoavino.com/en/Dining/Rossellinis).

Where to stay

One relatively cheap and good option is to stay at the hotel: La Casetta Nel Bosco. Hotel Doria Amalfi is also a very nice 3 star hotel with a magnificent view (http://www.hoteldoriamalfi.it/en/). If you afford something more expensive we would recommend: Hotel Aurora (http://www.aurora-hotel.it/) and Hotel Luna Convento (http://www.lunahotel.it/)

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Halkidiki has a unique nature, with secluded coves, clean sea, beautiful islands and villages with remarkable traditional architecture. It combines mountain and sea, serenity and intense nightlife, ancient history and modern life. Each city has its own history and its own ancestral glory.

The level of tourism quality in Chalkidiki is at a high point, with luxurious hotels, beautiful apartments and rooms, camping, country cottages and a lot of fun. Despite the large number of tourists, the visitor can enjoy all kinds of tourism. Cosmic beaches and beaches waiting to be discovered. The sun, the sea and natural beauties harmoniously blend in the peninsula of Halkidiki in the southeast of Thessaloniki.

Magnificent beaches, expanded general organization, archaeological treasures and historical monuments, all these make Halkidiki an ideal choice for your vacation.

Beaches

Kalithea

A crowded beach with white sand and crystal clear waters, while a verdant hill is in the background. It features bars, restaurants and water sports facilities. From here starts Toronaios Crossing, the well-known bathing games.

Nea Fokea

The beach, in front of the settlement, is sandy and idyllic. It has restaurants and taverns. The picturesque harbor of Nea Fokea while imposing stands on the hill by the Byzantine tower of St. Paul, built in 1407.

Kryopigi

The beach in front of the village, also called Pigadakia, has fine sand and crystal clear waters. There is a refreshment room and water sports facilities.

Fourka

Large sandy beach stretching in front of the cosmopolitan village. The Scala of Fourkas during the summer months is full of life! The beach is sandy, fully organized, which hosts some of the most in beach bar of Halkidiki. And when the decibels rise, the joy takes off!

Siviri

Huge beach with sand in the homonymous picturesque settlement. You will find crystal clear water that smooths up.

Huge beach, one of the most beautiful in Kassandra, with fine sand and gravel. At the end of it there is a lagoon. The beach has a refreshment room.

Pefkohori

Large, sandy and fully organized beach, in front of the homonymous village. During the summer it gathers a host of visitors. It has all kinds of restaurants, bars and facilities for all water sports.

Kavourotripes

Perhaps the most exotic coast of the second leg, with white sand that is in complete contrast to the turquoise sea. Her trademark is a huge mermaid that an anonymous artist has cast out on the rock.

Kalamitsi

Lovely sandy creek, in front of the seaside settlement, with a few sunbeds and umbrellas, two three bars, taverns, mini markets, rooms to let, camping and a few hotels. At the end of the beach, if you pass the rocks, you reach another cove, which is preferred by nudists.

Sarti

Beach in the settlement, with sand, organized and clean waters, beach bars, taverns, parks, sea shops etc. At 4.2 km from Sarti dirt road leads to a picturesque bay with a wonderful view of Mount Athos. There is a beach bar club.

Hotels in Halkidiki

There are plenty of options for your accommodation. One relatively cheap choice is Heraion Hotel in Nea Kalikratia. (http://www.heraionhotel.gr/en/index.htm)

If you wish a 4 star, luxurious hotel, you can choose Mendi Hotel in Kalandra (https://www.mendi-hotel.gr/) or Alexander the Great Beach Hotel in Kriopigi (https://alexanderthegreat.reserve-online.net/about).

Enjoy your time in Halkidiki,

TouristSpot team.

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The city’s scenery complements with Roy Lichtenstein’s and Claes Oldenburg’s unique artworks at its streets, fabulous music festivals, stunning hotels, amazing restaurants and many cultural and sporting events.

All of these make Barcelona an ideal. tourist destination.

Must see in Barcelona:

• Gaudi’s architectural constructions, exceptional examples of Catalan Art Nouveau, resembling modern sculptures and still impressing every visitor.
• Sagrada Familia and the famous Casa Mila or La Pedrera (on Passeig de Gracia in the hip neighborhood of Eixample). In addition, you should definitely visit the eccentric Casa Batlló with its colorful mosaics, one of the most special buildings in Europe.

• The Parc Guell, the psychedelic park designed by Gaudí to the west of the city.

• Placa de Sant Felip Neri, one of the most romantic squares in the Gothic Quarter, as well as the Gothic temple of Santa Maria del Mar.
• Black Cat, a statue of Botero in the alternative neighborhood “El Raval”.
• The Columbus statue at Old Harbor with a height of 76 meters.

Parks to visit in Barcelona

• The Parque Central de Poblenou opened for the public in 2008 and is the creation of the French architect Jean Nouvel. Combining modern design with nature, the 55,000 m². Are an oasis in the city center. The meeting point is Plaça de la Sardana in the center of the park, with benches and metal chairs where guests can relax.
• The Botanical Garden of Barcelona is located in the Montjuïc Hill park, while the gardens at Parc del Laberint and Parc de Cervantes are equally impressive. Information here.
• Diagonal Mar is a 35-acre urban park with paths, lakes, green spaces, sports facilities, children’s playgrounds, such as the “Magic Mountain”, and even a special sports venue for dogs.

Thing to do in Barcelona.

There are many happenings, street events that you will certainly love. Here is a website with information about the upcoming events in this spectacular city.

Tip: You certainly have to see a flamenco show in Palacio del Flamenco. You can also visit the Camp Nou, the popular sports arena and the home stadium of FC Barcelona.

Check information here.

Where to stay in Barcelona.

There are many hostels and hotels in Barcelona that offer the opportunity for every tourist to visit this city. If you want an economic solution you can check out the following hostels: Mambo Tango and Rocket Hostels Gracia.

Regarding the hotels: Sansi Pedralbes is a nice and relatively economic option. NH Barcelona La Maquinista and Hotel Ronda Lesseps are definitely good options.

Enjoy your time at this wonderful, vibrant city!

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Beautiful beaches, imposing green mountains and unique ecosystems “endow” the land of Skopelos with impressive landscapes that, combined with the mild climate, make the island an ideal holiday destination.

With thick forests covering almost 80% of its area, it is considered to be the greenest island of the Aegean, with good tourist infrastructure, but also with its traditional character. It is located in the Northern Sporades, northwest Aegean, north of Evia and east of Pelion.

The town of Skopelos, on the north side of the island, is a traditional island town with typical architecture and beautiful cobblestone streets, which has been declared a traditional settlement. Chora and the whole island are full of old traditional churches, chapels and monasteries. Climb to Panagitsa of Pyrgos, at the edge of the harbor in the castle and admire the wonderful churches, the picturesque streets, the steep cliffs and the view of the vast Aegean Sea.

Glossa is one of the three villages on the island, with the largest population, also known as the “tall village”. It is built amphitheatrically on a hill with houses of Macedonian architecture and magnificent sea views. It is of great archaeological interest since in many places there are ancient towers and buildings from antiquity.

Finally, the picturesque Agnontas in the south of the island, Panormos, Stafylos and Loutraki, the second largest port of Skopelos, with great tourist development, are the most crowded resorts on the island.

BEACHES

What characterizes the famous coasts of Skopelos is their unique diversity (long beaches, small bays and coves, sandy or pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks, coastal wetlands), their purity and the clarity of the waters, which have made them world-famous and therefore extremely popular and beloved.

The small beach of Limnonari with its crystal clear waters and white sand, the beautiful, small pebbled beach of Agnontas, 7 km from the town of Skopelos, the secluded beach of Panormos, as well as Milia, Kastani and Stafylos in the south And the impressive Hovolos with the green-blue waters, are just some of the choices you have.

WHERE YOU CAN STAY IN THE ISLAND

We recommend: Adrina Resort & Spa (http://www.adrinaresort.com), for guests with high demands, “Selinounda” (http://www.hotelselenunda.com), in Loutraki, Skopelos Village (http: /www.skopelosvillagehotel.com). Milia Appartments and Panormos beach hotel, in Panormos, (http://www.panormos-beach.com/) are also good choices.

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The attraction of so many visitors from all over the world is not accidental, as Chania combines incredible natural beauty with rich history and an important cultural tradition with excellent tourist infrastructure.

Chania is the capital of the prefecture of Chania and is located in northwestern Crete. It has an area of about 11 square kilometers and a population of 53,910 inhabitants (2011 census) in the city (the second largest city in Crete after Heraklion), 108,642 inhabitants in the Municipality of Chania and 156,585 inhabitants in the prefecture of Chania.

Main sights of Chania: the entire Old Town and the Venetian Harbor, the Naval Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Eleftherios Venizelos house, the Venizelos tombs, the War Museum and many other monuments of Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman and modern times Period.

The climate in the region is mild Mediterranean with normal temperatures throughout the year.

The prefecture of Chania has excellent beaches that will satisfy all visitors. The beaches can be categorized into three categories depending on the place that they are located. The northern beaches are generally more crowded, more elevated, with warmer waters and most of them are caught by the meltemia. Southern beaches, on the contrary, are generally more deserted, deepen more abruptly and their waters are colder. Finally, the western beaches are among the best in Greece and their morphology resembles the northern ones.

Among the top beaches are: Elafonisi, Balos, Falassarna, Holy Apostles Beach, Kalives.

In Chania, there are traditional Cretan nightclubs, with musicians playing lyre and lute or violin many times. There are plenty of cafes and bars, as well as clubs where harmonious music and jazz, pop and Greek music harmoniously coexist.

All in all, Chania is a great choice for the travelers offering excellent beaches and amazing nightlife. It also has many cultural places to visit such as the Old Town, that really astonishing.

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