Fancy a cheap skiing getaway this winter?

popular places to ski in Slovenia

There is no doubt that skiing destinations in Europe such the Swiss Alps in Switzerland and the Pyrenees in Andorra are two of the best places for skiing vacation because of the enticing slopes and hundreds of ski areas.


For instance, Pas de la Casa ski resort in Andorra and Zermatt ski resort are two of the most renowned in the world because of the consistent skiing continuously up until the summer.


However, both Zermatt and Pas de la Casa are also two of the most expensive places for a skiing vacation because of the expensive hotels, shops and ski rental shops.

If you’re looking for a cheap skiing vacation with the family this half-term or a skiing trip with friends where you can enjoy a great skiing vacation with fewer crowds, look no further than a trip to Eastern Europe.

Two of the hottest destinations for a cheap skiing vacation are Ukraine and Czech Republic. These two places not only offer cheap ski rental equipment and hotels but also good nightlife and good ski runs.

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If you decide a ski vacation in Ukraine or Czech Republic, you need to plan accommodation and transportation in advance, but the good thing is that you can simply show up at the resort on the day you arrive.

Where to ski? The main ski areas are located in the Carpathians range as it’s here where you’ll find all kinds of accommodation, and ski rentals. The best ski area in the region is Angarskyy Pass, which is certainly one of the cheapest destinations for a ski vacation in Europe.

In the Czech Republic, you get a similar story, attractive prices and fewer crowds. The main ski areas are located north of Prague, the Krkonose range, which boasts verticals of over 1000 meters.

Where to ski? The best ski area in this region is the Spindleruv Mlyn which boasts many affordable hotels, restaurants and ski rental shops, and it’s a stone-throw away from Prague.

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9 must do things in Reykjavik 

Iceland is also home to the largest national park in Europe - Vatnajökull National Park – which is home to the Vatnajökull glacier and Svartifoss waterfall. Iceland is for me one of the top ten vacation spots to visit in Europe, and it is indeed the ultimate destination for nature lovers and adventurous travelers alike.

Here it is a nice list of some of the most interesting places to visit in Iceland that you mustn’t miss during your visit:

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is located on the western coast of Iceland, facing Greenland, across the North Atlantic Ocean.

Reykjavík is a cultural city and also the capital of Iceland. The city is the best place to start and base your vacation in Iceland because of Reykjavik's tourist infrastructure.

Reykjavík boasts many city attractions like art galleries and museums, unique architecture and peculiar monuments such as the Leifur Eiriksson Statue that you'll love marvelling at.

There is no doubt that many of the interesting places to visit in Iceland are located in the capital of Reykjavík, and one of the best way to explore it all is on a city tour.

However, if you prefer to venture around by yourself, a few interesting places not to miss include the National Gallery of Iceland, National Museum of Iceland, Asmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum and Perlan Glass Dome.

Perlan Glass Dome, in particular, is one of the best attractions in the city because of the observation platform on top of the building, which offers stunning views of the city.

If you’re interested in ancient Viking history, the Settlement Museum along Aðalstræti is a must-add attraction in your itinerary, as the museum also boasts many interesting artifacts from the Viking-age era.

Reykjavík Old Harbour is another interesting tourist attraction and it's from here where you'll be able to book fishing trips and fun scenic tours.

By the Old Harbour, you’ll also find the Reykjavik Maritime Museum of Vikin which is a cool place to visit for the whole family because of the many interesting exhibits such as the Coast Guard Vessel Odinn.

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park is without a doubt, one of the most interesting places to visit in Iceland and a must-add attraction in your Iceland itinerary.

Visiting Þingvellir National Park and exploring the beautiful nature and imposing rock formations are simply a breathtaking experience that you can't afford to miss.

To give you an idea, Þingvellir National Park is located east of Reykjavík, around 40 minutes drive, which makes it an ideal day trip from the capital city.

If you’re using car rental to get around in the city, you can drive to Þingvellir National Park, though it’s best to come here with a tour guide as they'll be knowledgeable of the park’s natural attractions.

Þingvellir National Park attractions include visiting Öxarárfoss waterfall, Peningagjá wishing ridge and Lake Þingvallavatn where you can enjoy boating, diving and fishing.

The Great Geysir

The Great Geysir is without a question one of the biggest draws and one of the most interesting places to visit in Iceland, hands down!

The Great Geysir is located around 50 minutes drive east of Þingvellir National Park. However, you'll get  a better experience if you book a guided tour that includes a trip to the Great Geysir, as well as Þingvellir National Park.

Apart from the Great Geysir, there is other smaller geysirs nearby as well as Gullfoss Falls which makes for a stunning picture-moment opportunity.

Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park is located southeast of Reykjavik and it’s the ultimate destination in outdoor travel in Iceland.

Vatnajökull National Park is the largest park in Europe and one of the most stunning and pristine parks in the world.

The park boasts many hiking trails and it’s an excellent place to soak in Iceland’s amazing landscapes.

Vatnajökull National Park is a must-add in your list of interesting places to visit in Iceland, because there is simply no place quite like it!

Skogar Museum

Skogar Museum (pictured) can easily be the highlight of your vacation to Iceland and for me, it’s another of the interesting places to visit in Iceland.

Skogar site is an open-air museum that features reconstructed Icelandic buildings of the time such as a schoolhouse and church.

Exploring Skogar is literary a step back in time, and it's a great way to get a glimpse of what life of Icelandic people would've been like back then.

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Are you looking for places to visit in Lithuania?

Lithuania is famously known for the amount of churches and sacred sites such as the Hill of Crosses, located in the outskirts of the town of Siauliai which is a sacred site literary filled with hundreds of religious artifacts.

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Lithuania has strong Russian and German influences that can be appreciated in places such as Klaipeda which used to be a German City, and Vilnius where you will find many Russian Orthodox Churches. If you’re wondering what to expect in Lithuania, the country boasts a vibrant diversity that includes Jewish, Russian, and Polish influences.

In a nutshell, Lithuania is one of the top 10 eastern European destinations to visit because of the unique architecture and many sightseeing opportunities. I hope you enjoy the following list of must-see places in Lithuania:

Vilnius

Vilnius’ Old Town is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Lithuania, and one of the best ways to marvel at the architecture and many churches found here it’s on walking tour. The Main Square or Cathedral Square it’s the focal point and the starting point of any walking tour.

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Within the vicinity of Cathedral Square, you’ll find:

- The famed Vilnius Cathedral and bell tower (pictured)
- The bronze statue of Gediminas
- The Wish Stone marble marking – Stebuklas - which is said to make your wish come true if you climb on it.
- St Anne’s Church
- Vilnius University
- Presidential Palace where Napoleon Bonaparte lived for some time.

Another interesting place to explore in Vilnius it’s Vilnus Castle Complex as it is home to the Upper Castle remaining tower (Gediminas’ Tower), the Lithuanian National museum, the remains of Upper Castle’s keep and two arsenals.

Gediminas’ Tower is actually one of my favorite places to visit because of the archeological museum housed inside, and because the location on top of a hill offers a great vantage point to get stunning views of Vilnius Old Town.

As a side note, if you’re planning on taking a self-guided tour of Vilnius’ Old Town, I would suggest heading first to Vilnius Town Hall to plan your trip.

Kaunas

Kaunas is the second largest city and one of the top eastern European cities to visit, and it's just 90 minutes drive west of Vilnius. Kaunas is a great destination if you’re planning on doing a day trip from Vilnius, though the city is also an excellent place to base your vacation in Lithuania.

Kaunas boasts many interesting things to visit such as Kaunas’ Old Town which is also one of my favorite places to visit in Lithuania because of the old-fashioned red phone booths, interestingly similar to the red telephone boxes found in London in England

Kaunas Old Town is another excellent place to enjoy a walking tour because of the amount of beautiful Gothic and Baroque buildings such as the House of Perkunas and Presidential Palace.

Overall, the main attraction in Kaunas Old Town is the amount of churches such as Gertrude Church and Vytauta’s Church.

Other interesting places to visit in Kaunas include:

- Kaunas Castle
- Kaunas Cathedral
- Town Hall
- Lithuanian Literature Museum
- Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy
- Povilas Stulga Museum of Lithuanian Folk Instruments

The last two, are actually two of my favorite places to visit in Kaunas because of the interesting collection on Lithuanian artifacts such as photographs and music instruments.

Klaipeda

The city of Klaipeda can easily be the highlight of your vacation and it's a popular beach vacation during the summer.

Klaipeda is one of my favorite places to visit in Lithuania because the city serves as an ideal location to base your vacation if you plan to explore other northern European destinations such as Germany, Norway and Sweden.

In fact, Klaipeda Port has daily ferry connections to the German city of Kiel where you can take connecting ferries to Oslo Norway and Gothenburg Sweden.

The main attraction in Klaipeda is taking a walking tour of the old part of town as it features beautiful cobblestone streets, timber-framed buildings and interesting monuments such as Simon Dach Fountain and the United of Lithuania Arch which is the biggest monument in the country.

Lithuanian Hill of Crosses

If you’re visiting the country for a short time and are looking for unique places to visit in Lithuania, one of these places would have to be the Hill of Crosses, located in the outskirts of Siauliai. The Lithuanian Hill of Crosses is literary a hill filled with crosses. In fact, you’ll find crosses of all sizes, as well as giant crucifixes, statues of Virgin Mary, effigies and rosaries.

The Hill of Crosses is sacred site for pilgrims and it’s truly a site like no other you've ever seen, or are likely to see anywhere in the world. Apart from the Hill of Crosses, the town of Siauliai itself makes for an interesting  stop over so, it's worth spending a day to explore the many churches, and to soak in real Lithuanian culture.

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Looking for interesting places to visit in Latvia?

Known as one of the gems of the Baltic Region, Latvia is perhaps most famously known for the Statue of Lady Liberty –Freedom Monument (pictured)– located in the capital city of Riga.

The city of Riga is certainly one of the top eastern European cities to visit because of the wealth of historical buildings and lovely medieval streets.


If you’ve never been to Latvia before, Latvia has Germany influences and places such as the capital city of Riga feels like Germany because of the beautiful architecture and many beer gardens.

In a nutshell, Latvia is home to friendly locals, beautiful architecture, many green areas, castle ruins and some of the most pristine natural scenery found in eastern Europe.

Here it is the list of places that I enjoyed visiting in Latvia, and that you may find interesting to visit:

Riga

Riga’s Old Town is one of the most interesting places to visit in Latvia and taking a walking tour is one of the best ways to marvel at the beautiful architectural buildings while walking along beautiful narrow cobblestone streets.

Riga boats many historic buildings such as the House of the Blackheads, Riga’s opera house and St Peters Church where you can get stunning views of Riga’s city center. There are a few must-see places in Riga and one of them it’s the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.

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The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is an interesting attraction for history buffs, but if you’re interested about the country's history, you'll find interesting learning about Latvia’s occupation during World War II.

The Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum is another must-visit attraction in Latvia. The museum is located around 20 minute’s drive east of Riga, and it is located in beautiful forest grounds. This open-air museum is a great place to glimpse at Latvian way of life back in the 18th century.

Lastly, the Riga Motor Museum‎ is another interesting place to visit in Riga, especially if you’re interested in cars and motorcycles, as the museum boasts a massive exhibition hall filled with all kinds of vintage and classic cars.

Sigulda

The town of Sigulda is another of the interesting places to visit in Latvia and an excellent destination if you plan to enjoy outdoor activities as it is within driving distance of the majestic Gauja National Park which is just 10 minutes drive west of Sigulda.

The main attractions in Sigulda are the ruins of Krimulda Castle, the lovely 19th century Sigulda New Castle and the knight’s stronghold.

Turaida

The small town of Turaida is home to the Turaida Museum Reserve which is also on my list of interesting places to visit in Latvia.

Turaida Museum Reserve is home to the Turaida Castle which is a beautifully restored medieval castle which also offers amazing views of the Gauja Valley.You’ll also find at the reserve, Folk song Park which boasts interesting sculptures of Latvian folk song heroes.

By the way, Turaida is just 10 minutes drive north of Sigulda and can easily be reached by bus so, it's worth adding to your itinerary of things to do in Latvia.

Gauja National Park

As mentioned earlier, Gauja National Park is just a short drive from Sigulda and it is one of the best places to appreciate Latvia’s pristine scenery and natural attractions such as massive Eagle's sandstone cliffs.

If you’re visiting Latvia this fall or next spring, they are the best times to visit Gauja Natinal Park, specially if you're planning on enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and boating by the lake.

Cesis

Cesis is a lovely Latvian medieval town and another great destination for a day trip from either Riga or Sigulda. The town is also located within close proximity to the Gauja National Park so you also get a chance to enjoy outdoor activities.

Cesis’ is on my list on interesting places to visit in Latvia because the town is one of the oldest in Latvia, and there are plenty of historic churches and buildings with beautifully decorated doors to marvel at such as St John’s Church.

Cesis also has a few beautiful squares with interesting monuments such as Liv Square and Union Square.

Cesis is also home to castles and fortresses such as the ruins of Cesis Castle and Cesis New Castle where you’ll find the Cesis Museum of History.

Kuldiga

If you’re visiting Latvia mainly to explore architecture and the outdoors, the town of Kuldilga is another destination worth adding to your itinerary. The town of Kudilaga boasts many canals, a beautiful guilded Jewish Synagogue as well as a Town Hall.

Apart from marveling at beautiful architecture, another highlight in Kudilga is exploring the Venta River Valley to visit Ventas Rumba, where you’ll find Vestas Rapid which is one of the widest natural rapids in Europe.

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Best Vacation Spots in Croatia

Are you planning a trip to Croatia soon? Below I put together a list of ten of the most popular places to visit in Croatia:

1. Town of Pula

The town of Pula boasts stunning beaches but also some of the finest Romain remains outside of Italy such as the amphitheater overlooking Pula’s harbor and the Temple of Augustus.


Apart from ancient landmarks, Pula Croatia is one of the most popular places to visit in Croatia because of the many ship wrecks that you can explore scuba diving.

2. Split Promenade

Split is one of the top Eastern European cities to visit. If you’re visiting the city of Split Croatia during the warm months, you’d love strolling along Split’s beautiful promenade, which is dotted with lovely palm trees, cafes overlooking the majestic Adriatic Sea and some of the most popular places to visit in Croatia.

Some of these places include Diocletian Palace, the Archaeological Museum, the Mestrovic Gallery and the Emperor's Mausoleum.

3. Plitvice National Park

If you’ve been to other national parks around the world, you’ll agree that Plitvice National Park sits right at the top of the world’s most beautiful national parks.

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The main thing to do at Plitvice National Park is to explore the park and see the lovely waterfalls and blue lakes which seem to change color with the sun.

4. Stari Grad Plain

The Stari Grad Plain is located in the island of Hvar Croatia. It’s one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Croatia and it simply represents one of the best preserved ancient Greek landscapes in the Mediterranean.

5. Town of Makarska

The town of Makarska is located along the famed Makarska Riviera which is one of the most popular places to visit in Croatia because of the many pebble sandy beaches along the 30 mile stretch.

The town of Makarska is home to a Franciscan Monastery which houses an interesting Malacological Museum, and during the summer, the town boasts many cultural events such as folk musical performances and art exhibitions.

6. Old City of Dubrovnik

The Old City of Dubrovnik Croatia is without a doubt one of the most popular places to visit in Croatia, and this part of town is famed for its cobbled limestone streets and architecture.

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The main attractions in the Old City are the maritime museum, the Atrium and the Lindo Folk Ensemble where you can enjoy traditional Croatian performances.

7. Porec Old Town

Porec Old Town is one of the most popular places to visit in Croatia and an important stop in your Croatia itinerary, if you’re interested in ancient architecture. The Porec Old Town boasts medieval churches, Byzantine mosaics and even a Roman Coliseum.

8. Pag Island

The island of Pag is just 25 miles north of Zadar's city center, but along the way, you’ll be fascinated by Pag's stunning landscape.

Once you reach Pag’s town, you’ll find old fortifications and churches, as well as the 15th century Duke’s palace.

Before you leave Pag, one of the most popular things to do there it’s to sample local foods such as lamb and cheese which are quite delights.

9. Town of Trogir

The town of Trogir is known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage which translate today in beautiful architecture and plenty of landmarks such as churches, palaces and fortresses such as Karmelengo fortress.

If you’re a big fan of ancient landmarks and are touring Croatia, the town of Trogir should a must-add in your itinerary.

10. Zagreb Croatia

If you're visiting the capital city of Zagreb on a day trip, one of the main things to do in the city of Zagreb is to visit Zagreb's beautiful squares and marveling at the differently color facades of the buildings.

Zagreb is, certainly, one of the top 10 Eastern European Destinations to visit this summer, and apart from marveling at the elegant buildings, you should visit Zagreb’s food markets.

At the food markets, you can buy Croatian foods and purchase traditional embroidered linens to take back home.

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The town of Hvar is along Pula Croatia and Dubrovnik Croatia, three of the top Eastern European cities to visit.


Hvar is one of the most popular places to visit in Croatia, and the town is known for its friendly and welcoming people and despite its rocky beaches, Hvar Croatia is actually a best party beaches in Europe, and being located on the lovely Adriatic Sea makes it one of the top ten vacation spots in Europe.

Best time to visit Hvar Town

If you’re wondering about the best time to travel to Hvar Croatia, late spring to early fall are ideal times for a beach Mediterranean vacation in Hvar Croatia, with July and August being the busiest months of the year.

Having said this, if you’re on a budget and want to enjoy better hotel rates and rental deals, book a flight to Hvar in either May or October.

Traveling to Hvar Town

Since Hvar island hasn’t got an airport, the only way to reach the island it’s through ferry.

The easiest and most convenient way to get to Hvar Croatia it’s to get a flight to Split Croatia and then take a connecting ferry ride to one of the main ports in Hvar Island.

The main three ports of entry to Hvar Island are:

- Sucuraj port, which is the closest one to the coast of Croatia.
- Stari Grad port, located northwest of the island
- Hvar town port, located on the western coast of Hvar island.

Once you get to Split, a boat ride to Hvar Croatia is fairly inexpensive and takes just under 2 hours. The ferry ride costs around $4 (3 Euros) for a passenger-only boat.

Outdoor Activities: hiking, water activities, excursions

One of the best things to do in Hvar Croatia it’s to explore the lovely natural scenery while enjoying some fun activities like hiking excursions, exploring nearby towns, diving, snorkeling, etc.

Excursions

You can explore Hvar town and the island independently if you use car rental. Alternatively, another good way to go about exploring Hvar Croatia it’s to book an organized hiking excursion to maximize time.

The main advantage of an organized excursion, it’s that you get to explore Hvar Croatia in a group, which can make the whole experience more enjoyable as you get to meet other travelers.

Apart from exploring the town of Hvar itself, on an excursion you also explore the inner parts of the island while hiking through vineyards, villages and olive fields.

Water Activities

Apart from relaxing by the beach, you can enjoy adventurous water activities like windsurfing, diving and snorkeling tours.

Diving and snorkeling tours are normally cheaper when booked through your hotel, although there are independent tour operators around the port of Hvar offering competitive rates.

If you weren’t thinking on doing diving and snorkeling during your vacation in Hvar Croatia, you’ll truly have an amazing time exploring beautiful coral reef, marine life and the old wrecks off the coast of Hvar.

Places of Interest: Hvar town, nearby towns

Exploring the town by foot is one of the top things to do in Hvar Croatia and a joy, especially walking along the beautiful seafront which is dotted with lovely palm trees.

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The main points of interest include St. Stephen's Cathedral, the town’s main square (nocna pjaca), the town loggia, and the museum inside the Franciscan monastery.

Since Hvar Island is fairly a small island that you can actually drive from end to end in just 60 minutes, which makes exploring the island bliss.

Other towns of interest worth exploring during your vacation to Hvar Croatia include:

- Jelsa. The main attractions in the town of Jelsa are the beautiful Greek churches
- Stari Grad. The main points of interest also include the beautiful Greek architecture, St. Peter museum and the Tvrdalj which dates back from the early 16th century.
- Sucuraj. The main attractions on Sucuraj town are the natural rocky scenery that surrounds the town such as secluded coves.

Shopping: markets, small shops

One of the best things to do in Hvar Croatia without a doubt it’s to visit the markets, jewelry shops and charming souvenirs shops.

Lavender and wines are popular things to buy to take back home, but lace made of agave fiber is the top souvenir buy in Hvar Croatia.

If you’re visiting Split on a day trip, the city offers more shopping opportunities where you can enjoy retail shopping.

Nightlife & Entertainment

July and August is certainly the time to visit the town of Hvar Croatia. In fact, attending the town's summer festival is one of the best things to do in Hvar Croatia.

During the summer, Hvar waterfront truly comes alive and you’ll find many upscale restaurants, small bar terraces offering live entertainment and clubs where you can enjoy a more vibrant nightlife.

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Pula Croatia is located facing the beautiful Adriatic Sea, and it’s one of the top ten vacation spots in Europe along with Dubrovnik Croatia and Hvar Croatia.

Pula Croatia is certainly one of the top Eastern European cities to visit. The town's pleasant mild weather, similar to places like Sassari Sardinia, Constanta Romania and Sochi Russia, put the beaches of Pula's in par with the best beaches in the Mediterranean.


Pula is one of the most popular places to visit in Croatia, and apart from beautiful sandy beaches, one of the most popular things to do in Pula Croatia it’s to explore the city’s archeological sites, fortifications and lovely churches such as the St. Francis’ Church and St. Mary Formosa Church.

Best Time to Visit Pula Croatia

Pula is a year-round destination and an excellent beach vacation most of the year. Even summers are surprisingly pleasant.

If you want to find the cheapest airfare and hotel accommodation, try and book a trip to Pula Croatia in mid May or early September, so to avoid the busy months.

July and early August are the busy months here, so be prepared to encounter large crowds and inflated tourist attractions.

Pula Airport

Pula Airport is located 3 miles northeast of Pula’s town center, and can be quickly reached by car in around 10 minutes.

The transportation options at Pula airport include airport taxis, car rental agencies and public buses.

If you’re wondering about the frequency of flights to Pula, Ukraine International Airlines is one of the few airlines offering flights to Pula all year-round.

However, if you’re flying between May and October, you can find charter flights from low cost airlines so it’s worth taking this into consideration.

Getting around Pula

Getting around Pula is easy and affordable with the town’s bus system which runs daily and frequently to other nearby towns such as Premantura.

If you wish to enjoy a few day trips, Pula’s harbor is also served by ferries that operate daily ferries to other destinations in the Adriatic such as Venice Italy, Split Croatia and Bari Italy.

Outdoor Activities: snorkeling, sailing trips, diving, excursions

If you’re looking to enjoy plenty of water activities during your vacation to Pula Croatia, the crystal clear calm turquoise waters are ideal for all kinds of water activities.

Snorkeling & Sailing

For instance, snorkeling and diving pursuits are two of the most popular things to do in Pula Croatia, and you’ll be able to explore old ancient vessels, warship wrecks and secluded coves.

You can hire things like diving gear, canoes or boats, but booking a boating tour is a fun way to explore Pula's waters.

There are a few tour operators in Pula offering sailing trips that take you out in the sea to explore secluded coves.

These sailing trips can normally be arranged for a day and can include snorkeling and diving tours, so it’s worth looking into that.

Wind sports & Cliff Jumping

If you’re interested in more adventurous activities like windsurfing, kite surfing and cliff jumping, one of the best places to head it’s to the southern coast of Premantura town.

This area is famed by its cliffs, luscious scenery and great wind conditions, especially between May and October. Premantura is actually 6 miles south of Pula and can be reached by car in less than 20 minutes.

Another thing to note about Premantura, especially if you’re traveling on a budget, it’s that the area around the town of Premantura offers campsites, which make this town an ideal holiday base for an affordable vacation in Pula Croatia.

Excursions

Adding a couple of excursions on your itinerary is another way to keep busy and explore what Pula Croatia has to offer.

For instance, a popular excursion it’s to the famed Brionian Islands (Brijuni), which boast many large Roman settlements, exotic fauna and flora.

A few other attractions in Brijuni include a 2000 year-old olive tree and a Safari Park where you can see exotic wildlife such as zebras and elephants.

To get to the Brijuni Islands from Pula town center is fairly easy and inexpensive. Just take the short bus trip from Pula to Fazana, and from there take a 10 minute boat ride to the islands.

Places of Interest: walking tour of the town

If you’re planning on exploring Pula’s landmarks, taking a waking tour is one of the best things to do in Pula Croatia. The main points of interest include:

- The Roman Amphitheater, located on Ozad Arene Street
- Fort Monvidal, located on Faverijska Street
- Archeological Museum, located on Castropola Street
- Temple of Augustus, located near the beautiful Flaciusova waterfront
- Arch of the Sergii, located on Slavoluk Sergijevaca Street

Shopping: flea-markets, shopping centers

Exploring the shopping scene is one of the best things to do in Pula Croatia. If you’re wondering where the locals do their shopping, head to the heart of the town around the Arch of Sergii where you’ll find numerous open-air markets selling fresh foods and handmade goods.

The markets are also one of the best places to get souvenir gifts like wines, jewelry, handbags and that kind of thing.

For the retail experience, there is the Mercator shopping center, which is located just a mile away north east of Pula’s town center (just 5 minutes drive by car).

Nightlife: bars, clubs

Whether you’re looking to hit the club scene or simply relax at a bar, one of the best things to do in Pula Croatia is to explore its nightlife.

Pula’s nightlife is especially vibrant during the busy months of July and August when locals enjoy their summer vacations and many tourists flock down from nearby Slovenia and mainland Croatia.

If you want a more relaxed night scene, the center of Pula is your best bet. However, if you’re looking to enjoy a busier night out, head to the resort of Verudela (just 10 minutes drive south of Pula).

Events & Festivals

If you’re hoping to catch fun events and festivals during your trip to Pula, July is the best month to catch an event of some sort.

For instance, one of the most popular things to do in Pula Croatia it’s to attend the Histria Festival held at the Roman Amphitheater in July.

There is also a film and jazz festival that also happen in July, as well as other smaller music international events.

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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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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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If you’re wondering what there is to see and do in Bari, you'll find that some of the most popular things to do in Bari Italy include:

beaches in Bari Italy

-visiting museums and ruin sites
-enjoying a bit of hiking
-taking ferry trips Dubrovnik Croatia, Durres Albania and Corfu Greece.

If you're looking for things to do in Bari Italy outdoors, there are plenty of activities you can do such as:

Excursions

Alta Murgia National Park

A popular excursion that you can do out of Bari Italy, it’s to the nearby Alta Murgia National Park (Parco Nazionale dell' Alta Murgia), which is only 30 miles southwest of Bari’s town center.

Things tourists miss doing while in Italy

The park has experienced guided tours which can take you out either on a hiking tour or by mini-bus tour to visit the park's trullos, which are traditional stone dwellings.

Nearby Towns

Apart from exploring the majestic Alta Murgia National Park, you can explore the surrounding towns of Ruvo, Gravina and Altamura for a bit of sightseeing.

Tourist Attractions in Northern Italy

In Ruvo, you'll find the beautiful Co-Cathedral, and the castle ruins of Frederick II in the town of Gravina, while the Archaeological Museum of Altamura is just amazing. You can see ancient tombs, lots of old vasses on display and dinosaur footprints.

Day Trip

Most people that stay in Bari Italy more than a week do add one or two day trips to their itinerary. Three of the most popular day trips include Rome Italy, Napoli Italy and Dubrovnik Croatia.

best beaches in the Mediterranean

The day trip to Dubrovnik Croatia actually takes 8 hours and costs around $43 (36Euros) onboard ferrys such as Marko Polo.

Beaches

If you’re looking to enjoy some time at the beach, Bari Italy is home to a beach on the small side with a few amenities. Do bear in mind that it gets rather crowded here during the busy season.

If you are hiring a car in Bari Italy, you can always drive to other nearby beaches such as Bisceglie beach, Cozze beach or Trani beach.

Things to do in Bari Italy: Places of Interest

San Nicola a Mare

San Nicola a Mare is located in the Old Quarter of Bari Italy home to a few important landmarks such as the churches of San Nicola and Bari, and Castello Svevo.

History Museum

If you are interested in European history, the History Museum (Museo Storico Civico) boasts exhibits on World War I weapons, the French Revolution and other various interesting items such as old medieval documents.

Bari Harbor

The Old Port of Bari is another place worth visiting and exploring, if anything, to observe luxury yachts and ships docked on the marina.

Things to do in Bari Italy: Shopping

There are a few shopping malls in Bari Italy where you can enjoy retail shopping. One of the biggest one it's Sandi shopping center, located near the Madonnella district. (around 10 minutes drive from the center of Bari)

The other bigger mall, it’s Carrefour Bari centro, located south of Bari’s city center (around 15 minutes by car).

Apart from shopping malls, one of the most popular things to do in Bari Italy is explore the street markets and boutique shops.

For instance, Corso Vittorio and Via Sparano in the Murat quarter are filled with many upscale boutique shops ranging from designer shops to jewelry stores.

Popular street markets include:

- Ferrarese market is held on Ferranese Square and offers fresh vegetables, fruits and fish and it’s a great place for finding affordable food items.

- Borgo Murattiano and Cofso Cavour markets are bigger street markets offering many different street vendors selling all kind of goods.

Things to do in Bari Italy: Nightlife & Entertainment

The heart of Bari’s city center and the Old Quarter of Bari are filled with restaurants, hotel accommodation, pizzerias, bars and lovely cafes where you can enjoy a nice dinner or a pleasant drink.

In particular, the area near the University of Bari is a popular place to find nightlife. For instance, Corso Vittorio, Via Nicolo Putignani, Via Abate Giacinto are three streets filled with bars and discos.

Two other main squares, Piazza Mercantile and Piazza Ferrarese located on the Old Quarter of Bari are also home to many pubs and bars.

Entertainment-wise, Bari Italy is home to over ten cinemas or movie theaters such as Multicinema Galleria on Corso Italia road, and Cinema Armenise, located on Via Pasubio.

General Overview

The city of Bari Italy is a lovely student town home to the University of Bari, located within the heart of Bari Italy.

Bari Italy is slowly becoming apparent on most travelers’ radar who usually go for popular Mediterranean destinations such as Tarragona Spain, Nice France, Cagliari Sardinia, Palermo Sicily, Sassari Sardinia and Mykonos Greece.

Having said this, Bari Italy is an excellent holiday base, and if you wished to visit Napoli and Rome, you’re only a couple of hours away by train.

One of the best times to visit Bari Italy, it’s during one of the festivities there such as Festa di San Nicola, which is held for three days in early May.

The Festa di San Nicola boasts street processions and plenty of live entertainment, and you’ll truly be able to soak real southern Italian culture.

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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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Looking for some of the best places in the Algarve to vacation this year?

Before I share with you three of the best places in the Algarve region, let me give a quick overview of the Algarve to give you an idea of what to expect from the region.

When to go

The Algarve region is located on the southernmost part of Portugal, and just like places in southern Spain like Seville, and Huelva Spain, the Algarve region boasts sunny weather and lovely temperatures all year round.

During the summer months, you can expect pleasant temperatures hovering on the 30 degrees C mark, which is ideal for beach activities and outdoor activities like tours, day trips, etc.

Even during the autumn, the Algarve region offer an ideal getaway which makes the Algarve one of the most popular warm places in Europe in November.

If you are planning a trip this summer to the Algarve for the first time, you’ll be traveling during the peak season so expect airfare, hotel accommodation and attractions to be much more expensive.

Getting around

For instance, the town of Albufeira has the lovely ‘Giro’ buses that you can use to get around, but if you’re looking to explore other areas in the Algarve, there isn’t really a proper transportation system, apart from private bus tours.

This is why car rental is, without a doubt, the best way of getting around in the Algarve, and with literary hundreds of car rental agencies to choose from, car rental deals are easy to come by.

Another thing to note, it’s that the Algarve is not such as large region at all, and you can actually drive from the western to eastern corners of the Algarve in less than two hours.

Despite the Algarve reputation for luxury hotel resorts and spas, if you are on a budget, there are a couple of things you can do to make a summer vacation in the Algarve more affordable:

Tips

Vacation Packages

If you’ve never considered vacation packages before, most vacation packages normally include things like your flights, car rental, hotel accommodation and tours. During the high season, booking a vacation package is one of the best things you can do for a more cost-effective vacation.

Off-season

Traveling during the low season is an obvious thing to do when looking into an affordable holiday vacation.

If you travel to the Algarve between the last week of August and beginning of September, you’ll find that many holiday operators slash their prices before the new school season.

Best Places in the Algarve: Top 3

From small villages, to towns and small cities, the Algarve region has many vacation spots to suit your needs and activities.

It is true that small villages and towns are great for getting away from large crowds. However, if you are not planning on renting a car, it is worth noting that smaller towns and villages won’t always offer conveniences such as supermarkets and food markets so, it’s important to bear this in mind.

As follows, I put three of the best places in the Algarve that in my opinion offer best of both worlds:

1. Albufeira Portugal

The town of Albufeira is, definitely, one of the liveliest destinations in Portugal and one of the best places in the Algarve.

The town of Albufeira Portugal is, indeed, one of the hot tourist spots in the Algarve, attracting both young and families alike.

Albufeira Portugal has a lovely old quarter with cobblestone streets, which is a joy to stroll along, as well as lovely sandy beaches and a buzzing nightlife that includes bars, pubs, restaurants and discos.

2. Portimao Portugal

If you are planning on enjoying many water activities like jet-skiing, windsurfing, or charter rental, the city of Portimao is one of the hot spots for water enthusiasts.

Portimao Portugal is also popular for the Praia da Rocha beach where you’ll find lovely apartment rentals and hotels right by the beach.

3. Lagos Portugal

If you are looking somewhere in the Algarve a notch-down from Albufeira but with plenty of outdoor opportunities, Lagos Portugal is one of the best places in the Algarve where you’ll find fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Apart from swimming, exploring the nearby grottoes are a popular past time here.

Also, if you consider basing your vacation in Lagos Portugal, the town of Lagos is one of the major towns in the Algarve closest to the beautiful Alentejano National Park where you can do bird spotting, as well as hiking.

4. Faro Portugal

Faro Portugal is the capital city of the Algarve region but it’s interestingly one of the vacation spots in the Algarve less geared towards tourism.

If you want a real taste of region and soak in Portuguese culture, Faro Portugal offers a pace of life, in par with the local population that other vacation spots in the Algarve simply don’t offer.

The main attraction in Faro is its lovely Old Quarter where you can marvel at beautiful Moorish buildings.

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