Showing posts with label Best Beaches in the Mediterranean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best Beaches in the Mediterranean. Show all posts

Interesting places to visit in Ireland

Ireland is perhaps most famously known for the capital city of Dublin, home to three of the most interesting places to visit in Ireland - the Guinness Brewhouse, the Old Jameson Whisky distillery and the ‘Book of Kells’.

Ireland  boasts ancient ruins, plenty of hiking opportunities as well as dramatic coastlines such as the rugged coast of Bantry.


There aren't enough words to describe Ireland and you must come to here to feel and explore Ireland's hidden treasures. Ireland is a true hidden gem in Europe and one of the top ten vacation spots in Europe this year.

Here it is a run-down of must see places and things to do in Ireland, I hope you enjoy it!


Kinsale

Kinsale is located on the southern coast of Ireland and it’s a one of the most beautiful and charming towns that you’ll come across in Ireland.

Kinsale is on my list of interesting places to visit in Ireland because of the colorful houses along the lovely cobblestone narrow streets, and general atmosphere.

As you walk the streets, you’ll be able to explore the beautiful buildings and you’ll find many small bakeries and shops selling all kinds handmade crafts such as glassware and pottery items.

Kinsale also has a stunning walk-able harbour you don't want to miss. The Kinsale Market House Museum and the Charles Fort and James’s Fort are a few other interesting attractions that you can also visit.

If you’re wondering how feasible a day trip to Kinsale is from Dublin, the town is around 3hours drive south west, while the city of Cork is only a short 20 minute drive from Kinsale.

Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula is located on the eastern coast of Ireland and it's a great place to explore on an organized excursion. If you’re looking to soak in Gaelic culture as well as the beautiful Irish landscapes, be sure to add the Dingle Peninsula to the list of interesting places to visit in Ireland.

Interesting places to visit in Ireland
During the day, you can explore the town of Dingle, and in the evening you can visit one of the pubs and enjoy traditional Gaelic music.

Nearby Dingle town, you'll find the famed Beehive Huts ancient ruins that have stood there for over 3000 years.If you’re using car rental, you can also take a scenic trip along Slea Head Drive to check out the spectacular views as well as other attractions such as the Ogham Stones and Gallarus Oratory (pictured).

Dublin

The capital of Dublin, is without a doubt, a great introduction to a vacation in Ireland because of the many museums, historic sites and vibrant atmosphere. If you’re a history buff, Dublin is one of the best places in Ireland to learn and soak in some culture, and you’ll love taking a guided tour of Dublin Castle to check out the governmental offices.

The Kilmainham Gaol is another of the interesting places to visit in Ireland and a very good place for an educational tour.

During the tour of the Gaol, you get to explore the prison’s old wings and learn about past events.

Other interesting attractions in Dublin that you don’t want miss are:

- The Guinness Factory and Old Jameson distillery
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Christ Church Cathedral
- Book of Kells at Trinity College

Dublin is also on of my favorite spots in Ireland as it’s a great connecting place between Ireland to places in the United Kingdom such as north of Wales, Isle of Man and Liverpool.

Cork

The city of Cork is located south of Ireland, just a short drive south to the port town of Kinsale. Cork is a cultural city which boasts many art galleries, theaters and dance schools, as well as other many other interesting attractions and things to do to keep you occupied if you decide to base your vacation in Cork.

For instance, Cork’s city center boasts many Victorian, Georgian and Medieval style buildings such as the Red Abby Cathedral, Cork City Hall, and the St. Finbarre’s Cathedral.

Be sure to also add Cork’s Huguenot District to the list of the most interesting places to visit in Ireland also.

The Huguenot District is mostly a pedestrian-only place so, you can wander along the streets and squares while enjoying a bit of shopping and listening to the street baskers.

Galway

Galway is the third largest city in Ireland and it’s a great place to base your vacation if you intend to explore Ireland’s west coast. Galway travel is also characterized by the strong artistic scene with many art galleries and theaters, as well as a lively night scene.

There are loads of things to do and see in Galway and monuments that you can check out such as the “Two Wildes Sculpture” honoring the famous Irish writer, Oscar Wilde and famous Estonian writer, Eduard Wilde.

Interestingly enough, the “Two Wildes Sculpture” is replica of the one that sits outside the Wilde Irish Pub in Estonia.

Other must-see places in Galway include:

- Eyre Square Park where the John F. Kennedy memorial is located.
- Spanish Arch
- Galway Cathedral
- Galway's Magdellan women sculpture
- The Two Wildes Sculpture

County Antrim

If you're a fan of natural wonders, another of the must see places in Ireland is the Giant's Causeway, which is located in County Antrim (Northern Ireland), not far from the town of Bushmills.

The Giant's Causeway are a collection of basalt columns right at the edge of the sea, as well as other strange rock formations that resemble a giant boot.

By the way, these amazing rock formations aren't the only rare attractions. In fact, the plants that grow in the Giant's Causeway are incredible unique and rare.

See.Interesting places to visit in Austria
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Places to visit in Moldova

Moldova is a true hidden gem in Europe and one of the top 10 Eastern European destinations to visit this year. Moldova is renowned for its vineyards, beautiful natural scenery and old Soviet-style architecture.

Moldova is a picturesque country with a calm and friendly atmosphere where traditional way of life still prevails. If you’re looking for a unique destination in Europe that offers unspoiled treasures and a chance to connect with nature, look no further than Moldova.

If you need ideas on places to add to your itinerary, here it is a suggested list of places to visit in Moldova:

Chisinau

Chisinau is the largest city in Moldova and being the capital city, Chisinau is a great starting point for a first-time vacation in Moldova.

Chisinau is characterized by its beautiful architecture and the best way to appreciate the beautiful buildings, parks and monuments is on a walking tour of the city center.

Some of my favorite places to visit in Chisinau include the National Opera House, the Nativity Cathedral of Chisinau, President Palace, Cathedral Park and Gradina Publica Stefan Cel Mare which is a stunning city park.

If you’re looking to learn more about the country’s history, the Pushkin House Museum and the National History Museum are two great places in Moldova to do this.

The History Museum has many great exhibitions and an extensive collection of interesting memorabilia items such as old photos and rare books, while at the Pushkin Museum you can take a guided tour of the house and learn more about Aleksandr Pushkin.

Tiraspol

Tiraspol is one of the top eastern European cities to visit and the second largest city in Moldova.

Tiraspol is located southwest of the country, near the border with Ukraine, and remains largely unchanged from the Soviet-era days.

Today, Tiraspol is one of the best places to visit in Moldova if you’re interested in marveling at soviet-style architecture and landmarks.

If you do intend in visiting Tiraspol from Chisinau, the train is the most cost-effective and quickest way to get to Tiraspol.

Once in Tiraspol, the best way to explore the streets of Tiraspol is on trolley bus which is also inexpensive.

Tiraspol's 25 October Street is where you’ll find many of the interesting landmarks such as the statue of Alexander Suvorov, the statue of Lenin and Soviet armored tanks on display.

Soroca

Soroca is located in northern Moldova, close to the Ukraine border also, overlooking the beautiful Dniester River.

I'd have to say that a visit to Moldova wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Soroca as it is home to one of the most stunning places to visit in Moldova – the Soroca fortress (pictured) - which is a great example of medieval-style architecture in the country.

Places to visit in Moldova
Must see places in Eastern Europe
While in the town of Soroca, don’t miss also a visit to the Candle of Gratitude Monument which is the symbol of the Moldovian people.

The Candle of Gratitude is located on a hill overlooking the river, and from the landmark, you can get amazing views of the area around.

Saharna

The village of Saharna is located around 60 minutes drive north of Chisinau and it’s an excellent place to enjoy a relaxing day trip from the capital.

Saharna is also on my list of interesting places to visit in Moldova because of the Saharna Monastery and the stunning natural scenery surrounding this village.

If you’re a nature lover or are looking for a place to escape the crowds, don’t miss a visit to Saharna to check out the famous monastery and the beautiful waterfalls.

Moldova Wineries

As mentioned earlier, Moldova is home to many wineries and enjoying wine tasting at one or two vineyards is a popular thing to do in Moldova.

If you’re basing your holiday in Chisinau, two of the nearest places to enjoy a fun winery tour are Cricova and Milestii Mici, where you'll find two of the most popular wineries in Moldova.

Cricova is located 20 minutes drive north of Chisinau, while Milestii Mici is located 30 minutes south of Chisinau (It's also the largest wine producing ion the world).

Ivancea

Ivancea is located on the beautiful Moldavian countryside, and it is another place worth adding to the list of interesting places to visit in Moldavia.

Ivancea is located near the Codrii National Park, so it is also a great destination for a day trip from Chisinau.

Ivancea is probably one of my favorite villages in Moldova because of the beautiful and colorful houses, the wells and crosses which are very characteristic of most Moldavian villages.

Old Orhei

If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Moldova near Chisinau, the Old Orhei archeological site is another of my suggested places to visit in Moldova.

The Old Orhei archeological site is located 20 minutes drive north from the village of Ivancea, and around 90 minutes drive north of Chisinau.

You can spend a fun and a pleasant day at Old Orhei Site checking out interesting sights and ruins dating from the middle ages.

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Interesting places to visit in Sweden

Interesting places to visit in Sweden
Tourist Attractions in Scandinavia
Sweden is perhaps most famously known for its green park areas, beautiful coastline, pristine forests, and glass factories, so it’s not surprising that Sweden is one of the top ten vacation spots in Europe.


If you’ve never been to Sweden before and are planning a trip this year, you’ll be glad to know that most people in Sweden speak English fluently and temperatures aren’t as cold as you may imagine, although northern Sweden can get rather chilly indeed!

In a nutshell, Sweden is home to friendly natives, beautiful buildings and streets as well as home to many natural and urban attractions.

There many interesting places to visit in Sweden, though, summer (July-August) time is perhaps the best time to experience it all because of the pleasant weather. However, no matter when you visit, you’re bound to have an amazing time and a memorable experience.

Here it is a list of things to see and do in Sweden:

Stockholm

Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and the ideal starting point for a first time vacation in Stockholm Sweden.

As soon as you land in Stockholm, you’ll fall in love with the city and beautiful paved streets, and many things to do on offer. Stockholm boasts some of the most interesting places to visit in Sweden, and if you’re interested in museums and beautiful architectural buildings there are many you can visit.

Stockholm is actually rather interesting in itself, as the city is built on islands which gives the city such a unique character.

As I mentioned earlier, Stockholm boasts many museums so knowing which ones to visit is key, especially if you’re on a budget and are planning on exploring other places in Sweden. Two of the best museums in the city that you can’t afford to miss are the Vasa Museum and the National Museum.

The Vasa Museum boasts an original 17th century ship that you can spend a good few hours marveling at because of the stunning woodcarvings and ornaments decorating the ship, and the National Museum which is a great place to learn about Swedish people and traditions.

The Stockholm Royal Palace is another of my favorite places to visit in Sweden because of the changing of the guards’ ceremony.

If you’ve been to the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace London in England, you’ll enjoy seeing the interesting display by the Swedish Armed Forces.

Uppsala

Uppsala is next on my list of interesting places to visit in Sweden because of the ancient royal burial remains found in Old Uppsala.

Next to the burial grounds, you’ll find a museum that houses interesting exhibits depicting Uppsala during the 11th century.

Uppsala also boasts many museums, beautiful architecture and stunning gardens that you can visit which include the Old Uppsala Cathedral, the Uppsala Art Museum and the Linnaean Botanical Gardens which are the oldest gardens in the Sweden.

If you’re on a budget, the town of Uppsala is a more affordable alternative to base yourself in Sweden, and the best part is that Uppsala is just an hour’s drive north of Stockholm.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is located on the west coast of Sweden, around 300 miles west of Stockholm, and it's the second largest city in Sweden.

Gothenburg is second close on my list of interesting places to visit in Sweden for a couple of reasons.

First, Gothenburg is located within close proximity to the archipelago where you can explore absolute pristine natural scenery, get amazing views from the cliffs and spot wildlife such as seals.

Second, Gothenburg boasts some of the most interesting period architecture in the whole of Sweden as many of the buildings where built along canals.

Gothenburg is a beautiful family-friendly city boasting many parks and green areas such as Slottsskogen Park where you can enjoy picnics and fun activities.

There are also interesting cultural attractions in Gothenburg but one of the most popular places to visit has to be Liseberg Amusement Park which is one of the biggest amusement parks in Europe.

Universeum is another place to visit in Gothenburg if you're traveling with kids, and it is both an animalarium and planetarium so you get to see fantastic wild and marine life.

While in the city, you can also check out the Älvsborg Fortress, which is another interesting place to see in Gothenburg as it's a beautiful reconstruction of a period fortress. Also, from the barracks of the fortress you can get lovely views of Gothenburg Harbor.

If you’re a history buff, you may want to also visit the East India House which houses the Gothenburg City Museum.

If you’re interested in cars and automobiles, you can add a visit to the Volvo Museum and see all kind of cars from the past and present as well as Volvo race cars.

Lastly, I’d like to add that if you’re basing your holiday in Gothenburg, there are daily ferry services to Frederikshavn in Denmark and Kiel in Germany.

Mariefred

A visit to Sweden wouldn’t be complete without visiting a traditional Swedish village town such as Mariefred.

The village of Marifred is actually located around 40 miles west of Stockholm so the village is another great possibility for a day trip from Stockholm.

Mariefred is a great place to escape the crowds wondering along the streets while marvelling at the wooden and colorful houses.

Marifred also boast a fantastic attraction that you can miss - Gripsholm Castle - The castle is open to the public and boasts interesting period décor interior as well as an extensive collection of portraits.

See. Top tourist attractions in Germany
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Pacific Ocean Destinations

Pacific Ocean Destinations
Best Beaches to Visit in Hawaii
Are you looking for a list of Pacific Ocean destinations to getaway this year? Here it is a list of top destinations that you could consider for your next Pacific Ocean adventure:


Hawaii, United States

Home to Pearl Harbor in Honolulu and the beautiful islands of Big Island, Oahu, Maui and Kauai, Hawaii is one of the most popular Pacific Ocean destinations and one of the best places to vacation in the USA.

Hawaii is not only home to gorgeous beaches and fantastic scenery but also home to fascinating volcanoes and lava flows.

Victoria, Canada

The city of Victoria is located in the southernmost part of British Columbia Canada, just a few miles from Washington State border and the city of Seattle.

Victoria BC has actually the warmest climate in Canada and a beautiful outdoors, ideal for hiking trips, fishing, sailing and golfing activities.

Trujillo, Peru

Located on the beautiful Peruvian coastline, Trujillo Peru is one of the top Pacific Ocean destinations in the South America.

If you’re looking for a destination with a unique vibe, you won’t only love the beaches here but also Trujillo’s beautiful colonial houses, archeological sites, ruins and temples.

Dunedin, New Zealand

If you’re looking for a Pacific Ocean destination with a Scottish flare, Dunedin New Zealand is the vacation spot for you.

Dunedin NZ has its fair share of 19th century landmarks and architecture such as Dunedin Railway station and Larnach Castle.

Apart from exploring the city’s Scottish heritage, Dunedin is an excellent place for enjoying outdoor activities like kayaking trips and winery tours.

Island of Tasmania

Tasmania is often referred as an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, and that’s exactly what this little island located off the coast of Australia is about.

From hikes through the Hartz Mountains to exploring underwater caves on a diving trip, you’ll have a fun time exploring what Tasmania has to offer.

Cairns Australia

If you’re looking for a Pacific Ocean destination with glamor beaches, upscale shopping and exciting nightlife, Cairns Australia is home to the beautiful waterfront filled with restaurants and even a saltwater lagoon great for a refreshing dip.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is one of the great vacation spots in Asia, but it's usually overshadow by destinations like Japan and China.

Taipei is truly a shoppers’ paradise with shopping malls that you can visit during the day, and night markets that you can explore at night, this city is truly 24/7 on the shopping front.

Okinawa Islands, Japan

The Okinawa Islands are home to some of the finest crystal clear water beaches in Southeast Asia.

If you love scuba diving, the main thing people get up to on a vacation to the Okinawa Islands Japan is enjoying sailing trips that include diving trips.

Surabaya, Indonesia

Surabaya is essentially the gateway to East Java, and a city with a strong and proud heritage as it was here where the battle for independence started.

Surabaya has many interesting historic places to visit such as the Monument of Hero and the Old Quarter, and the food is some of the best in Southeast Asia.


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Top 10 Eastern European Destinations


For those of you getting away this year to Eastern Europe, I have made a quick top 10 list to give you an idea on Eastern European destinations worth considering. Without further ado, I present to you my top 10 Eastern European destinations for this year:

1. Pula Croatia

Pula Croatia is for me one of my top 10 Eastern European destinations this year, and one of the pearls in the Adriatic Sea simply because of Pula's stunning Roman remains such as the Roman Amphitheater overlooking Pula’s lovely harbor. Apart from Roman remains, Pula offers a wealth of things to do outdoors such as taking diving trips off the coast of the Brijuni Islands to explore old ship wrecks, and exotic wildlife.

2. Trabzon Turkey

If you’ve been to touristy destinations in Turkey such as Istanbul, Izmir or Kusadasi and are looking for a destination in Turkey with a difference, you’d love Trabzon’s distinctive flavor and cultural diversity. Trabzon is one of the most diverse cities in Turkey and a melting pot of Turkish, Russian and Georgian influences. The main attractions in Trabzon are the shopping district (Bazaar district) and the Aya Sofia Museum which is a smaller version of the one found in Istanbul Turkey.

3. Constanta Romania

Constanta Romania is one of the top Eastern European cities to visit and a popular beach destination along the black Sea coast. Constanta Romania is not only a great destination because of its stunning beaches, but also because of its cultural attractions such as the Natural Science Museum Complex where you’ll find a planetarium, a wildlife reserve and an aquarium.

4. Tirana Albania

Albania is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe by many travelers but if you’re looking for an affordable destination to Europe, Tirana Albania is one of the cheapest summer destinations in Europe. The city of Tirana boasts interesting places such as a national museum where you can see ancient artifacts, as well as a national park where you can enjoy hiking and wildlife spotting. If you want to enjoy the beach, Tirana is just 30 minutes drive from the beach town of Durres.

5. Sochi Russia

Sochi Russia is known as the French Rivera of the east because of its pleasant weather, palm trees lined along the promenade, upscale restaurants and expensive designer boutiques. However, Sochi Russia is in my top 10 Eastern European destinations because of Sochi’s outdoor opportunities. Sochi is located within the stunning Caucasus Bio reserve and not far from the Caucasus Mountains where you can enjoy hiking and climbing.

6. Bratislava Slovakia

If you’re looking for an affordable city vacation in Europe, they don’t come more affordable than the capital city of Slovakia. The city of Bratislava is known for its palaces, many of them turned into museums housing interesting exhibitions, as well as castles such as the Hrad which offer amazing views of the majestic Danube River. Apart from marveling at Bratislava’s landmarks, other great things to do in the capital include visiting a theater and taking a cruise along the River Danube and visit other cities such as Budapest and Vienna.

7. Varna Bulgaria

If you’re looking for other affordable beach destinations in the Black Sea, you shouldn’t overlook the city of Varna Bulgaria. Varna Bulgaria is not only affordable but easily accessible since Varna international airport is only minutes away from the city. Apart from beach activities, Varna is also home to a great shopping scene, many museums as well as ancient remains such as a Roman Bath.

8. Brno Czech Republic

If you are planning a trip to Czech Republic this year and want to avoid the large crowds the city of Prague brings, I would suggest heading to Brno instead. In Brno, you’ll truly get a true Czech experience since the city enjoys a slower pace than its counterpart Prague. The main attractions in Brno are the open air markets, the architecture and landmarks such as the famed Spilberk Castle, which is built on a hill and offers amazing views of the city of Brno.

9. Budapest Hungary

Budapest Hungary is one of the largest cities in Europe and offers a myriad of things to do and places to visit such as Heroes Square and Statue Park where you can see statues from the Communist era. Taking a cruise along the River Danube and visiting Budapest Citadel are other interesting attractions not to miss. The Citadel is home to the Liberation Monument and at night they're both lit up offering a beautiful sight. During the day, you can get panoramic views of the city from the Citadel.

10. Hvar Croatia

The Island of Hvar is located off the coast of mainland Croatia, a short ferry away from Split, and it is one of the top ten vacation spots in Europe. Hvar Croatia boasts lovely weather all year round and most people that travel to Hvar Croatia are looking to enjoy the cocktail bars, vibrant nightlife and Dalmatian cuisine. Having said this, Hvar Croatia is one my top Eastern European destinations because of the outdoor activities that you can do such as taking organized trek excursions through Hvar island exploring old villages and vineyard fields.


See. Must See Places in Russia
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Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Europe
Must see places in Eastern Europe
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Things to do in Trabzon Turkey

Things to do in Trabzon Turkey
Trabzon Turkey is located along Black Sea coast, east of the capital city of Ankara Turkey and Samsun Turkey.

When compared to other popular Turkish tourist resorts like Izmir Turkey and Kusadasi Turkey, the city of Trabzon offers a chance to experience a different part of Turkey where rural traditions are very much alive.

Despite being a very conservative city, the people of Trabzon are friendly and welcoming to tourists.

In fact, one of the most popular things to do in Trabzon Turkey it’s to mingle with the locals and experience their way of live. The best way to do this it’s to catch a game of football, or visiting a Turkish bath.

Flights to Trabzon

The city of Trabzon Turkey is serviced by the Trabzon International Airport which is located 5 miles east of Trabzon's city center (around 10 minutes by car).

Airport transportation options once you land include:

- Taxi. A typical taxis ride to town costs around 10 Euros so it’s not the cheapest.

- Airport Shuttle. Hotels normally offer free airport shuttle transfer.

- Car Rental. Car rental is very convenient but airport prices are very steep. If you’re planning on using car rental, you’ll find cheaper rental companies once in town.

Best time to visit Trabzon

Just like other destinations in the Black Sea coast like Varna Bulgaria, Constanta Romania and Sochi Russia, Trabzon has temperatures relatively warm all year around, with June and July being the peak season.

If you’re on a budget, head to Trabzon Turkey in late spring (May) or August-September for a late summer vacation as you'll find cheaper flight tickets and hotel accommodation.

Places of Interest: Trabzon tourist attractions, nearby excursions and day trips

Trabzon Tourist Attractions

Taking a stroll along Trabzon city center is a great way to experience the city’s attractions. These include:

- The stunning Hagia Sophia Byzantine church
- Trabzon Museum
- Boztepe Park
- Ataturk Museum

Having said this, if you haven’t got much time in Trabzon Turkey, there are a few tour operators in the city which offer coach tours within Trabzon province, including visits to Sumela Monastery and Uzungol.

Day Trip

If you are visiting Trabzon Turkey for the first time, most travelers add a day trip to either Samsun or the Amasya District to their itinerary.

In Samsun Turkey you’ll be able to visit some important archeological museums such as the Ataturk which is both a museum and an archeological site which displays ancient artifacts of the area.

The main points of interests in the Amasya District are the Ottoman Turkish mansions, the Archaeological Museum of Amasya and the tombs of the kings of Pontus.

Another popular day trip in Trabzon, it’s to take a ferry ride to Sochi Russia. There are frequent ferry connections to and from Sochi Russia, and the boat rides costs about 120 Euros.

Excursions

Sumela Monastery

The Sumela Monastery is located 15 miles south of Trabzon Turkey, within the Altindere National Park.

Visiting this majestic landmark is, perhaps, one of the most popular things to do in Trabzon Turkey.

If you’re planning on visiting Sumela, most people visit the monastery with an organized tour.

However, if you want to drive there yourself, there are a few car rental companies in Trabzon such as ‘Vip Rent A Car’.

If traveling by car, take the E97 route (south) and follow directions to the Altindere National Park.

Uzungol

Uzungol is located 30 miles southeast of Trabzon Turkey. The main attractions in Uzungol are the lovely alpine lake and the beautiful scenery surrounding it, which offer many recreational opportunities such as boating and hiking.

It is also worth nothing that Uzungol has accommodation options like hotels and cabin rentals by the lake, should you decide you want to spend the night there.

Shopping: shopping centers, open-air markets, shopping streets

Exploring the shopping scene is also one of the most popular things to do in Trabzon Turkey.

The main shopping hang out in Trabzon is the Bazaar district with its distinctive long narrow back streets reminiscent of the Medinas in Morocco in North Africa

If you want to buy traditional hand-made items like bracelets and scarves, head to Semerciler Sokak in the Bazaar district.

For local produce, head to Bedesten Street which is a street filled many vendors selling tasty foods like vegetables, meats and cheeses.

For retail shopping, you can head to the nearby Forum Trabzon Shopping center which is located on the way to Trabzon Airport, near Katu University.

Nightlife & Dinning

If you’re visiting the city for the first time, one of the most popular things to do in Trabzon Turkey it’s to explore the nightlife.

Trabzon is, indeed, very lively at night, and the heart of the nightlife it’s set around Trabzon’s port which is filled with many cafes, restaurants and bars.

Other places where you can hang out at night are in Turkish tea houses like the ones found on Ataturk Square, and sample some of the finest Turkish teas.

The dining scene in Trabzon is actually very diverse and you can expect to find different types of food outlets catering to international travelers.

However, eating out at a Turkish restaurant is the best way to experience the local cuisine of the region and try the popular spicy lamb meatball and Turkish sausage.



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Things to do in Bratislava

Looking to getaway to Bratislava Slovakia this year?

Must see places in Eastern Europe
The capital city of Bratislava is definitely one of the top Eastern European cities to visit, and it's popularly known for being home to the impressive Danube River running through the city.


Bratislava is also known as a crossroads city between the cities of Vienna Austria, Brno Czech Republic and Budapest Hungary.

Best time to visit

There isn’t a bad time to visit the beautiful capital city of Bratislava, although if you want to avoid the big crowds, avoid late July and early August.

One of the best times to have a better experience in Bratislava it’s in late spring and late August.

If you can travel during this time, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and cheaper hotel accommodation.

Having said this, during the summer season you’ll find great airfare deals from many airline companies offering many charter flights to Bratislava during this time.

Bratislava Airport Transportation

The city of Bratislava is serviced by the M. R. Štefánik Airport, which is just 4 miles from the heart of the city center.

The airport has the modern amenities you’d expect like duty-free shops and restaurants. Once you land in M. R. Štefánik Airport, the airport transportation options consists of airport shuttles, car rental, trains, taxis and buses.

If you’re not too much in a rush, and want to save a bit of money, I would suggest getting the bus (No. 61), which will take right into the city center.

If you’re planning on renting a car to get around in Bratislava, I would also suggest renting from one of the city’s car rental companies rather than from the airport itself because they tend to be fairly pricey.

Getting around in Bratislava

The city of Bratislava has adequate and affordable public transportation system that consists of buses, trams and trolley buses which make getting around Bratislava and enjoyable thing to do.

Things to do in Bratislava: Outdoor Activities

Recreational Activities

One of the best places to enjoy some fun outdoor activities it’s at Zlate Piesky recreation area.

The recreation area boasts an artificial lake where you can enjoy beach activities like swimming, paddle-boating, fishing and canoeing.

The area also has a few accommodation options like hotels, and campgrounds right by the lake where you can spend a couple of days.

Danube River

Admiring the majestic Danube River from the city’s bridges is a sure nice thing to do, but you’ll certainly enjoy taking a tour ride along it.

One of the most popular trips you can take along the Danube River includes taking a trip to Vienna Austria, or Budapest Hungary.

Things to do in Bratislava: Places of Interest

The main point of interest in the city, it’s Bratislava's Old Town district which contains most of the city’s important landmarks and main attractions.

A bus tour is a popular way to explore the city, but one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the city’s attractions is on a walking tour (guided tour).

Attractions in Bratislava’s Old Town

Bratislava City Museum

The Bratislava City Museum (Múzeum Mesta Bratislavy) is an excellent place to find out more about the early history of the city.

Church of the Assumption

If you’re interested in baroque architecture, the Church of the Assumption (Kostol Nanebovzatia Panny Márie) is a must during your tour of the city.

The church actually got destroyed twice due to fires, but the church still features the original vault made in the late 15th century.

Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall (Stara Radnica) is the oldest building in the city and a popular focal point for many tourists. The Old Town Hall now serves as a walking museum where you can see old dungeons and old weapons.

Slovak National Gallery

If you’re interested in art, the Slovak National Gallery features a beautiful collection of art ranging from the 13th century to the present.

Bratislava Castle

The Bratislava Castle (Bratislavský Hrad) is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city offering spectacular views of Danube River, and visiting it it’s one of the most popular things to do in Bratislava.

You can tour the inside of the Bratislava Castle and see the rooms, halls with beautiful paintings and a well that is said to be bottomless.

Things to do in Bratislava: Shopping

One of the best things to do in Bratislava is to visit one of the city’s many open-air markets to mingle with the locals.

At the open-air markets, you’ll be able to get cheap local produce, as well as bargain items and souvenir gifts that you can take back home.

A few flea-markets worth mentioning include: Trnavské mýto Market, and Centralne trhovisko Market.

If you’re looking to enjoy a retail experience, the city center has a few small shopping malls like the Aupark shopping mall where you can shop around.

However, to get a full shopping mall experience, you need to head a bit further out of the city.

For instance, Avion Shopping Park and Palace Shopping are just located 5 miles east of the city, near the Nove Mesto neighborhood.

Things to do in Bratislava: Nightlife & Entertainment

Bratislava is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for stag parties, but that is not to say that the nightlife in Bratislava isn’t sophisticated.

Depending on your mood or your scene, there are nightlife spots to suit all. For instance, if you’re looking to hit the club and bar scene, head to Mlynska Dolina which is a popular hang-out spot amongst students.

For a trendier hang-out, head to Laurisnka where you’ll find many small bars offering live music entertainment, as well as Latin clubs like the popular Malecon.

One of the biggest nightclubs in the city is perhaps Remix which plays mainly dance and trance music.

Things to do in Bratislava: Events & Festivals

The city of Bratislava boasts many fun events and festivals throughout the year. However, if you’re traveling to the city between June and August, you can catch many of Bratislava’s summer cultural events.

Other popular events happening in the city include:

Bratislava Music Festival

The Bratislava Music Festival is one of the top cultural events in the city happening in late fall. The event features ballet and opera shows performed by famed Slovak soloists and music productions.

Bratislava Jazz Days

If you love jazz, you may want to make your trip to Bratislava coincide with the Bratislava Jazz Days which happens in early October. The event brings some the best international jazz musicians.

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Things to do in Tirana Albania

Looking for cheap summer destinations in Europe? Why not travel to Albania?

Must see places in Eastern Europe
If you're considering a trip to the country and wonder where to go, Tirana Albania is a great starting point to your vacation, and one of the top eastern European cities to visit.


Find out below how to get there and popular things to do in Tirana Albania:

Traveling to Tirana Albania

One of the advantages about traveling to Tirana Albania it’s that citizens such as US citizens, Australians and Canadians don’t require a visa. In fact, one of the few requirements to get into the country it’s the entry and departure tax which comes down to around 20 Euros.

Booking flights to Tirana Airport

Tirana Airport (Rinas International Airport) is actually serviced by quite a few popular airlines like Virgin Travel, British Airways and Albanian Airlines, which offer charter flights during the summer season.

If you’re looking at booking a flight to the city of Tirana Albania, you’ll be landing at Rinas International Airport, the only airport in Albania. The airport is actually located just 9 miles from Tirana's city center (around 20 minutes by car).

Rinas International Airport has many modern amenities like free wireless internet, duty-free shops, restaurants and banks where you can exchange some money.

Getting to Tirana

Once you land at the airport, you have three transportation options to get to Tirana's city center:

- Airport Taxis. Which are yellow in color and cost around $15 (17 Euros) for a ride to the city center.

- Car Rental. There are around four car rental companies at the airport which include Europcar and Avis car rental.

- Buses. Buses run hourly to and from the airport and it is the most affordable way to get to the city center costing around $2 (4 Euros).

Things to do in Tirana Albania: Outdoor Activities

One of the most popular things to do in Tirana Albania it’s to explore the nearby Dajti National Park, as well as exploring nearby towns like Durres and Kruje where you can visit the Skenderbeg Museum.

Dajti National Park

Dajti National Park is an excellent place to hike and explore wildlife while enjoying some animal spotting.

The park has also many amenities like recreational areas, restaurants, cabin accommodation rental and picnic areas, which makes an ideal place for spending a couple of days close to nature.

When visiting Dajti National Park, you also don’t want to miss riding the popular Dajti Car Cable for amazing panoramic views.

Day Trip

Adding a day trip to your itinerary is something else worth considering. One of the most popular day trips from Tirana Albania, it’s to ferry out of Durres to southern Italy.

Durres Albania is just 15 miles for Tirana’s city center and can be reached either by car (around 35 minutes) or by train.

For instance, from Durres you could ferry out to nearby Bari Italy, Brindisi Italy or Manfredonia Italy.

Things to do in Tirana Albania: Places of Interest

Skenderbeg Square

The main focal point in the city it’s Skenderbeg Square which surrounds many of the city’s attractions. In the center of the square, you’ll also see Albania’s National hero Skenderbeg.

Et'hem Bey Mosque

The Et'hem Bey Mosque, located opposite the Municipality of Tirana, was constructed in the 18th century and it is a lovely example of Islamic architecture in the country.

Tirana National Museum

If you’re interested in history, the Tirana National Museum (Kombetar Museum) can easily be the highlight of your trip here.

The museum features around eight rooms with different exhibits such as a Middle-Ages room where you can see ancient artifacts like weapons, gold coins and documents.

Municipality of Tirana

If you’re visiting the city for the first time, a visit to the Municipality of Tirana (Bashkia e Tiranes) is one of the best things to do in Tirana Albania.

It acts as a visitor center, and you’ll be able to find out more information about the city, events, etc.

Outside of Tirana Albania

Petrela Castle

Petrela Castle is located just 5 miles (10 minutes drive) south of Tirana Albania, near Petrele. The castle used to be a fortified castle in the 13th century but have been now turned into a lovely restaurant.

Apart fro enjoying a nice meal, you can take amazing panoramic pictures from the castle and the castle itself, so it’s worth the visit.

Konti Castle

Konti Castle is located 5 miles northwest of Tirana’s city center, nearby Kristal University (10 minutes drive), and has been turned into a luxury hotel.

Whether you book yourself at the hotel or not, Castle Konti hotel makes for a wonderful picture-taking opportunity.

Things to do in Tirana Albania: Shopping

If you love retail shopping, there are plenty of shopping opportunities at the city’s shopping centers.

For instance, in the city center you have Galeria Mall and Casa Italia featuring a range of mid-size shops.

QTU and City Park shopping centers offer a better range of shops that include supermarkets. They are located outside of Tirana’s city center, along Tirana-Durres highway (around 10 minutes drive).

If you’re looking to grab a bargain, head to one of the city’s open-air markets like the popular Turkish Market.

The Turkish Market sells many leather goods like bags, jackets and shoes as well as electronics and that kind of thing.

Things to do in Tirana Albania: Nightlife & Entertainment

You’ll be glad to know that Tirana Albania has a lively night scene with discos and bars offering live entertainment like karaoke nights.

One popular street where you can find bars and restaurants is along Rruga Ded Gjo Luli.

Entertainment-wise, there are cinemas, and a couple of theaters near Skenderbeg Square. For instance, the Puppet Theater which features children’s shows, while the National Theater is a great place to catch interesting shows like dramas and musicals.

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Things to do in Varna Bulgaria

Here it's a list of some of the top pursuits and fun things to do in Varna Bulgaria:

Things to do in Varna Bulgaria
Must see places in Eastern Europe
Adding a day trip or an excursion to your Varna itinerary is one of the most popular things to do in Varna Bulgaria. For instance, you could explore the Kaliakra Nature Reserve, which is located on the Southern Dobruja region

It takes around 80 minutes to get to the reserve, but it’s worth every bit of the trip, as once you get there, you'll get to explore the wildlife and even old fortified ruins.

Tour of the Black Sea

Exploring the Black Sea in a boat or charter is something else you can do during your trip to Varna Bulgaria.

There is several tour operators located at Port Varna, which offer sailing trips of the Black Sea that also include snorkeling tours.

Beaches

The city of Varna Bulgaria boasts the lovely Sea Garden park on Varna Port where, you’ll also find the beach.

Sea Garden Park is a great place to visit, especially if you have kids with you. The park boasts a planetarium, an observatory, kid’s playgrounds, and a small zoo.

For a different beach experience, head to nearby beach resorts located along the coast such as the Golden Sands and Chayka resorts. These two resorts feature miles of beautiful sandy beaches and other amenities like bars, water rentals, etc.

Things to do in Varna Bulgaria: Places of Interest

To make the most of your experience exploring Varna’s many landmarks and attractions, I would suggest booking an organized walking tour or bus tour.

The center of Varna Bulgaria is home to many churches, orthodox temples, ruins and mosques.

Churches

- Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral
- St. Nikolai Cathedral
- St. Athanasius Cathedral
- Azizie mosque

Museums

Varna Archaeological Museum‎

The Varna Archaeological Museum‎ can easily be the highlight of your trip in Varna Bulgaria. If you’re interested in ancient artifacts and history, this one place not to be missed.

The museum boasts a variety of exhibits on Varna’s early history, featuring old artifacts and ancient items like gold coins, silver goods, etc.

The Aquarium and the Black Sea Museum

If you’re traveling with the family, the Aquarium and the Black Sea Museum is another place that you can add to your itinerary of things to do in Varna Bulgaria.

Other museums worth checking out in Varna Bulgaria include the Museum of National Renaissance, the Naval Museum, Museum of Nature and Science and the Museum of Art and History.

Ancient Remains

Roman Spa

The Roman Spa ruins are located near the St. Athanasius Cathedral, and it’s another popular tourist attraction in the city.

There is a small fee to enter the site but once inside, you can wonder off and explore the site on your own.

Petrich Fortress

Petrich Fortress (Petrich Kale) is a 5th century fortress, located in the town of Razdelna (around 30 minutes drive from Varna’s city center).

Pobiti Kamani

Pobiti Kamani isn’t quite an ancient ruin but rather a natural rock formation of stone columns between 6 meters high.

If you have time, it’s worth checking out the Pobiti Kamani rock formation site. It’s located 7 miles west of Varna’s city center, near the village of Slanchevo.

Things to do in Varna Bulgaria: Shopping

The city of Varna Bulgaria has a couple of small shopping malls like Pfohe Mall and Picadilly Mall, but Mall Varna is the main shopping center as it boasts a great variety of department stores and boutiques.

Apart from shopping, Mall Varna is an excellent place to hang out during a rainy day, as it features amenities like kid’s playgrounds, entertainment areas, a food court and a couple of cinemas.

If you want to grab a bargain and purchase hand-made goods, the city center is home to a few open-air markets like Kolhozen Pazar Market, located along Georgi Benkovski street.

Things to do in Varna Bulgaria: Nightlife & Entertainment

If you’re traveling to Varna Bulgaria during the summer months, you’ll be glad to know that the nightlife in the city is lively with many small bars and discos dotted along Varna’s sea side.

For instance, the area around Sea Garden is a popular hang out amongst local and tourists alike. A few discos located in the Sea Garden include The Zone, Ultra and Taifun.

Alternatively, you can head to one of the nearby beach resorts like Golden Sands resort to find more nightlife.

Entertainment-wise, the Varna Opera Theater is an excellent place to enjoy performing arts shows.

The Varna Opera Theater actually has some kind of entertainment event happening every month like musicals, symphony orchestras and Ballet shows.

Things to do in Varna Bulgaria: Events of Festivals

Whenever you visit Varna Bulgaria, it’s a good idea to make your vacation in Varna coincide with one the events in the city.

For instance, in early spring, you have the European Musical Festival in late march and the International Choir in mid May.

In the summer, the city gears for the International Jazz festival and the Varna Street Jam Session in June.


Introduction to Varna


If you're looking for an affordable summer destination, Varna Bulgaria is one of the most popular cheap summer destinations in Europe, being located just 200 miles east of capital city of Sofia Bulgaria.

In fact, Varna Bulgaria, Constanta Romania and the north coast of Turkey are popular tourist destinations on the Black Sea Coast.


What to expect

Varna Bulgaria is a vibrant seaside resort during the summer months, drawing many people to its shores to escape the hot summer months.

However, apart from beach activities, one of the most popular things to do in Varna Bulgaria it’s to explore the city’s tourist attractions such as remains of Greek and Roman settlements, beautiful churches and museums.

Getting to Varna Bulgaria

The city of Varna Bulgaria is served by the Varna International Airport, located west of Varna's city center (around 10 minutes drive by car).

Most people traveling to Varna Bulgaria won’t usually need airport transportation because most resorts provide a free transfer service.

However, if you’re not staying at a resort, the airport transportation options include car rental, taxis and private transfer services.

If you’re wondering which one is cheapest, hiring a private transfer service will cost about the same as a taxi.

There are also a few car rental agencies at the airport such as Avis, Hertz and Vizivo which you can use.

However, if you’ll be using car rental for the length of your vacation, you can find cheaper car rental prices once you get to Varna's city center.

Getting Around Varna

Varna’s bus system is very affordable, and you’ll find yourself using it very often to explore the city, so it is worth purchasing a 7 day pass.

Apart from buses, you have mini-buses and trains that you can use to get to other Bulgarian cities.


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Things to do in Constanta Romania

If you are a first time traveler to Romania and are wondering what to expect in the port city of Constanta Romania, the city has a wealthy heritage that includes Greek, Turkish and Roman influences, similar to those found in the city of Varna Bulgaria.

These influences translate today in ancient ruins and historic landmarks such as the Lion House and Constanta Casino. If you’re wondering about ticket prices to Constanta Romania, flight tickets are very affordable making the city, one of the most popular cheap summer destinations in Europe.

You’re likely to land on the nearby Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport, which is located 12 miles northwest of Constanta’s city center.
Things to do in Constanta Romania
Must see places in Eastern Europe

Mihail Kogălniceanu Airport Transportation

- Car rental. There are around four car rental companies located at the airport, and they include Europcar and Avis.

- Bus. The airport offers a shuttle service from the airport to Constanta railway station where you can get train connections to Romania’s major cities.

- Taxi. Airport taxis are also present and a typical taxi ride to Constanta’s city center will set you around $24 (20 Euros).

Getting Around

Once in Constanta Romania, getting around the city is made easy and affordable (one-way tickets cost around $1) with Constanta’s distinctive bus system that includes over 10 bus lines and a couple of trolleybus lines.

If you’re planning to visit the capital city of Bucharest and are using car rental, the Constanta-Bucharest highway (A2) makes it very quick and convenient to get to.

Alternatively, the Romanian railway (CFR) is a good way to explore different parts of the region. Constanta’s railway station (Regionala CFR) is just 6 minutes away fro the city center.

Things to do in Constanta Romania: Fun Activities

Beaches

The city has a beach that you can visit, but for a great beach experience, It’s best you head to resorts along the coastline such as along Boulevard Mamaia where you’ll find many beach resorts and beaches such as Ipanera beach and Mamaia beach with lovely sandy beaches.

Apart from beach resorts along Constanta coastline, you’ll find campgrounds such as Camping Pescaresc, Camping GPM, Marina Surf and Camping S where you can enjoy beach camping.

Green Areas

There a few inner city parks in Constanta Romania such as Clubull Eleviror, Casei de Cultura park and Garii Park.

However, the lovely Parcul (Park) Tabacariei is by far the biggest and one of the best places to head to enjoy fun outdoor activities like cycling and picnicking, or take a relaxing stroll.

The park has plenty of green areas, and a few playgrounds where the little ones can burn off some energy.

The park is also overlooking the beautiful Lacul (Lake) Tabacariei, and you can also launch a canoe or kayak there.

Tour of the Black Sea

If you want to sail around the Black Sea, another of the most popular things to do in Constanta Romania for the first time, it’s to book a boat tour of the Black Sea.

You'll find a few tour operators on Tomis Port where you can book a guided boat trip, either for a half-day or full day.

Telegondola Ride

If you're looking for other touristy attractions in Constanta Romania, you can take the Telegondola cable ride along Mamaia beach resort to get amazing panoramic views.

Luna Theme Park

If you’re looking to add more fun activities, be sure to visit the popular Luna theme park where you’ll be able to enjoy high-speed roller coasters, karting and bumper cars.

Aqua Magic

Another popular amusement park in Constanta where you can enjoy fun activities during the hot months, it’s Aqua Magic water park located along Mamaia Boulevard.

Things to do in Constanta Romania: Places of Interest

National History Museum of Archaeology

The National History Museum of Archaeology is a great place to learn more about ancient Tomis through the museum’s guided tours, and marvel at beautiful ancient Roman mosaics.

Constanta Ruins

The Constanta Ruins are an archeological site, located on Primarie Park. Here, you can stroll along and see the ruins of century old Greek and Roman settlements.

Natural Science Museum Complex

If you’re looking to spend a day out with the family one of the most popular things to do in Constanta Romania, it’s to visit the Natural Science Museum Complex, which is located next to Gravity Park.

The complex includes a Microreserve where you’ll be able to pet and feed the animals there during feeding times, a dolphin center, an aquarium and planetarium.

Old Port

Another interesting point of interest, it’s to take a walking tours of the famed tourist attractions of Constanta Port which include:

- Bronze statue of Mihai Eminescu
- Orthodox Cathedral
- Constanta Aquarium
- Genovese Lighthouse
- Constanta Casino
- Maritime Museum

Things to do in Constanta Romania: Shopping

If you’re including a shopping outing during your trip to Constanta Romania, the city boasts two fairly large shopping malls with over two hundred department stores and shops between them.

These two shopping centers are Tomis Mall, located in the heart of the city, and City Park Mall, located opposite Constanta Soveja Theater (Teatrul de Vara Soveja).

Apart from shopping, these two malls feature cinemas, food courts and amusement parks for the little ones.

If you’re looking to buy souvenir gifts, or you’re simply after some traditional goods, head to one of the flea markets outside Constanta’s city center for real bargains.

For instance, the beach town of Eforie, located south of Constanta Romania, is a good place to find weekly flea markets selling things like leather goods and handmade jewelry items.

Things to do in Constanta Romania: Nightlife & Entertainment

If you’re traveling to Constanta Romania during the warmer months, the heart of the nightlife is, without a doubt, along Constanta’s waterfront.

Near the Constanta Casino, you’ll find many bars and restaurants with terraces overlooking the lovely Black Sea.

The Mamaia beach resort is another popular hub amongst tourists because of the many little bars dotted right on the beach.

Things to do in Constanta Romania: Events & Festivals

Romanian Salsa Festival

If you're into dancing competitions, and are traveling to Constanta Romania in early August, don’t miss out on the popular Romanian Salsa Festival.

Festivinum Wine Festival

If you love wine and are planning a trip in mid spring, Constanta Romania holds the Festivinum Wine Festival in the second week of May.

Apart from being to sample fine wine, the event will also feature live entertainment and fun competitions.

Gravity Park

If you love extreme sport events, one of the most popular things to do in Constanta Romania, it’s to visit Gravity Park where you can see regular events such as dirt bike climbing competitions, skating and roller skating show-offs.

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Things to do in Huelva Spain

Things to do in Huelva Spain
Best Small Beach Towns in Spain
Southern Spain is certainly one of the most popular regions in Spain with places such as Marbella, Malaga, Cadiz and Granada being a popular choice as they are home to Spain's top tourist sites.

Huelva Spain is one of the smaller cities in Southern Spain and because of its size, most travelers underestimate what a gem of a destination Huelva Spain really is.


The city of Huelva is only 40 miles from Seville Spain (45 minutes by car), and its excellent location, makes Huelva Spain the getaway to the Algarve region in southern Spain.

In fact, Huelva Spain is located just a few miles from some of the best places in the Algarve such as Vila Real de Santo António, Faro Portugal and the town of Albufeira Portugal.

Things to do in Huelva Spain: Outdoor Activities


If you’re basing your holiday in the city, one of the most popular things to do in Huelva Spain it’s to add a few excursions and day trips to your Huelva itinerary.

Suggested Excursion

For instance, you can visit the Donana National Park (Parque Nacional de Donana) and explore its beautiful flora and fauna, as well as lovely sand dune coastline.

Once you get to the park, the only way you can explore the heart of the park is with a guided bus tour provided by the park. (to avoid disappointment contact the park before you come to the park, to make sure the guided tours are running).

The park has a few visitor centers such as El Acebuche Visitor Center and La Rocina Visitor Center where you’ll be able to book the guided tour, and find out more about the park.

If you don’t wish to take the guided tour, there are hiking trails (some along the coast) leading from the visitor centers where you can walk along independently.

Day Trip

Visiting the city of Seville Spain, on a day trip, is one of the most popular things to do in Huelva Spain.

One of the best ways to make good use of your time there, it’s by booking either a guided walking tour or bus tour.

Camping

If you prefer to be close to nature, or are on a budget, there are few campgrounds where you can base your holiday near Playa de Castilla beach (alongside Donana National Park).

Two of these campsites include Donana campground (Camping Donana) and La Aldea campground (Camping La Aldea).

Beaches

One of the biggest attractions in Huelva Spain is its many beaches ideal for relaxing or enjoying fun water activities like jet-skiing and paddle boating.

Family Beaches

One of the nearest family beaches to the city center of Huelva is Punta Umbria beach. It has lifeguards, bars, toilets, showers and other facilities.

Another beach worth considering, it’s Matalascanas Beach, although it’s around 50 minutes drive from Huelva's city center.

Nudist Beaches

Two of the beaches where nudism is officially allowed are Castilla Beach (Playa), and Nueva Umbria Beach, although they are out of town.

Having said this, La Mata Negra Beach is just miles from Huelva’s city center, and it is a beautiful unspoiled beach.

Things to do in Huelva Spain: Places of Interest

Port of Huelva

The Port of Huelva is one of the most important landmarks in the city of Huelva, as it from here where Christopher Columbus started his voyage to the Indies. In fact, the port has a massive statue of Columbus overlooking the port.

La Rabida Monastery

La Rabida Monastery is, perhaps, one of the most important landmarks in Huelva Spain, as it is here where Columbus spent a year of his life. It now boasts many murals and paintings depicting the discovery of the Americas.

Nearby La Rabida Monastery, there is a park where you can see a couple of memorials to commemorate Columbus trip.

Moret Park

Apart from Donana National Park, the next best place to explore a bit of nature and enjoy fun recreational activities, it’s the lovely Moret Park (Parque Moret), located on the heart of Huelva’s city center.

Things to do in Huelva Spain: Shopping & Dining

The city of Huelva is home to around three major shopping centers (centro comerciales) where you can spend a day doing retail shopping.

One of these is actually located in the city center, Aqualon Shopping Center which is only a five minute drive from Huelva’s Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de Huelva).

Near San Diego’s Industrial Estate (Poligono Industrial San Diego), you’ll find Carrefour Shopping Center, which is around 10 minutes drive from Huelva’s Town Hall.

Then, there is the Islantilla Shopping Center, located west of the city center in the small town of Islantilla (around 45 minutes drive from Huelva’s Town Hall).

However, the best shopping experience in Huelva Spain it’s visiting a nearby local flea-market (Mercado).

Food ‘mercados’ are usually held every day, but on Sundays bigger flea-markets are held which have on offer things like pottery items and handmade goods like bugs and jewelry.

For instance, in Punta Umbria, on Andalusia Avenue, you’ll find a weekly market where you can find great souvenir-gift ideas.

Things to do in Huelva Spain: Nightlife & Entertainment

Huelva’ city center comes alive at night and you can expect to find many restaurants, discos and bars offering live entertainment like karaoke nights.

For instance, the area around the Huelva Town Hall is where you’ll find the bulk of restaurants and bars such as 'Talamante Y Gil' and 'El Ricon' on Pablo Rada Avenue.

Punta Umbria beach resort is another great place to hang out at night, because of the many bars and restaurants offering live entertainment right by the beach.

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