by simeon | Feb 16, 2022 | Accommodation, Food, Fun, Travel Experience
Bansko is the most popular winter destination in the Balkans and rightly so. It has the largest and most modern ski resort in the Balkans, serving thousands of tourists from all over Europe. What you’ll first notice upon your arrival in Bansko is that thousands of Greeks, mainly from northern Greece, arrive daily there as Bansko is considered a top winter destination. Taverns with Greek music and Greek- speaking staff are something you’ll encounter in every corner of this bulgarian town.
The Spa
Bansko isn’t just ideal for skiing enthusiasts. Even if you aren’t a fan of this popular winter sport, Bansko can offer you a luxury of peace and relaxation in one of its many hotels. Turkish bath, sauna, indoor heated pools, massages…all these at a price you’ll hardly find anywhere else. And after the Spa, time to eat! You leave the hotel and start your walk in the town. Dozens of taverns with good food will definitely make you feel at home!
Party till the morning!
Night falls and the lights don’t let the city sleep! Wherever you look, clubs and pubs make their presence felt. The options for you to party with your friends are literally countless and without having to spend much for it!
by simeon | Feb 16, 2022 | Accommodation, Sights
Valletta is the capital of Malta, the island state located in the centre of the Mediterranean and despite its limited size, it has a great history that goes past many centuries. Valletta is situated in the central eastern part of the island and the population of its historic center amounts to 6.098 inhabitants, while the larger metropolitan area hosts around 368.250 people. Numerous excavations have found that the human presence on the island dates back to the prehistoric times, but the period of time during which Malta had an outstanding performance in many levels and made its presence felt by other powers were the Middle Ages and the knights era.
The most beautiful city of Malta
In particular, after the end of the siege of Malta, the knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem decided to build a new city on the Sciberras Peninsula and turn it into one of the strongest fortified castles in southern Europe. So, this city was called Valletta and its cornerstone was laid on March 28, 1566 by the Grand Master of the Order Jean Parisot de la Valette after whom the city was named. The main designer of the city’s street plan was Francesco Laparelli while the Maltese architect Gerolamo Cassar is responsible for most of its baroque buildings that you can still admire today! Trade has always played a major role in the economic life of Valletta as its geographical position facilitates its operation as a transit station and a supply center. Today, the main source of income is tourism thanks to the constantly improving infrastructures and the particularly pleasant Mediterranean climate spread on the entire island.
by simeon | Feb 16, 2022 | Accommodation, Sights, Travel Experience
The capital and the largest city of Spain, Madrid, is waiting for you to discover it! One of the most beautiful cities in Europe and the “queen” of the Iberian Peninsula promises you an unforgettable vacation that you’ll remember forever! Madrid is the most populous city in Europe, after London and Paris. The city is also home to the Spanish King and is named after the river Manzanares next to which it’s located. Would you like to know more before visiting it? Below, we’ll give you some tips that will make your stay in Madrid idyllic!
History, art and entertainment!
The city was originally a settlement founded by the Arabs in the 9th century. With the conquest of Madrid by the Catholic kings, Isabella and Ferdinand, Spanish rule was consolidated and the Arabs were ousted from the country. The city wasn’t always the capital, however, gradually, the kings transferred all power from the other cities of Spain, Toledo, Zaragoza and Seville to Madrid, making it the centre of the state! If you’ve already booked your trip there, we would like to remind you that Madrid is a big city, and, as all the metropolises of the world, its everyday rhythms of life are quite intense. However, many shops, notably those situated in the local neighborhoods, follow the Spanish siesta schedule. That is, they are closed between 14.00-17.00 pm. Also, don’t be surprised if some restaurants are closed after 16.00 pm and you’ll see them reopening for dinner at 20.00 pm! Make sure to check their opening hours before you visit them! Whatsmore, don’t forget to check the free hours of the Museums. Two of the most important and famous Museums, Reina Sofia and Prado Museum, have their “free hours” during the week, which means practically that your visit is for free! You can check those “free hours” on the internet and organise your visit in advance. Finally, we recommend you to avoid eating or drinking in tourist areas, such as Plaza Mayor. The latter is undoubtedly a great public square, with beautiful balconies and impressive buildings but the cafes and the restaurants there are quite touristy and the food is not appropriate! Instead, we suggest visiting Plaza Santa Ana, where you can sit in one of the interesting cafes that locals also prefer.
by simeon | Feb 16, 2022 | Accommodation, Sights, Travel Experience
Beautiful Budapest is the capital of Hungary. Booking your trip to this romantic capital you have to know that it has many attractions to visit and an interesting history that is worth exploring! The two sides of the city, which were separate cities divided by the Danube, were united only in 1849 thanks to the famous Budapest Bridge. Continue to read the article to learn more details about the history of this wonderful city.
Buda or Pest
If the question that haunts you is whether you should choose Buda or Pest for your stay, we have to suggest the following. Buda is on the historic side of the city. So, if you intend to explore its history and you are lovers of a quiet atmosphere without much noises and crowds, then choose Buda for your stay in the capital! However, even if you choose to stay in Buda but, by discovering Pest, you realise that you made the wrong choice, then don’t be discouraged at all, as the two sides are connected with tram lines, busses, taxis and bridges which are easy to cross and it won’t take you long. There, you’ll find also the Palace of the city. On the other hand, Pest is the centre and the heart of the city. Many shops, squares, clubs and bars, just like in every large and modern city. We suggest you choose Pest if you like those intense rhythms of life. In the most commercial street of the city,Váci utca, you’ll find shops and restaurants of all kinds that can satisfy anyone, even the most demanding! When it comes to sightseeing in Pest you’ll see the Hungarian Parliament and the impressive Hapsburg Court. As a whole, Budapest has to offer a special experience to its visitor, with hot springs, great sights and of course, the Danube that is the symbol of the city. Whatever you choose, it’s sure you’ll have a great time in Budapest!
by simeon | Feb 16, 2022 | Accommodation, Food, Fun, Sights, Travel Experience
Amsterdam is the capital and the largest municipality of the Netherlands. It’s one of the most historic cities of Europe with a great number of Greeks choosing Amsterdam as their new home. Colourful markets, picturesque alleys and green parks form a large part of its beautiful landscape.
Now, let’s say a few words about the history of the city so that you get a first idea of what you’ll encounter. Its story begins as a small fishing village built on the banks of the Amstel river and year after year, it began to develop economically so as to become the city of 800.000 inhabitants that you see today. It’s considered the city which hosts the largest number of nationalities than any other in Europe. It has 80 museums, countless parks and around 400.000 trees. The rare feature of its inhabitants is that since ancient times they don’t follow any religious dogma, nor do they belong to any religious community.
Whoever wants to explore and learn the history of the city has many options for sure! It’s worth visiting the National Museum of the city, the house of Anne Frank with its special history, the old temple and the new church and of course, the well-known Madame Tussaud Museum.
Finally, when it comes to food and entertainment, you won’t encounter any problem. The food of the city, due to the presence of thousands of immigrants, has been influenced by almost all the cuisines of the world. And regarding entertainment, Amsterdam is the city that literally never sleeps and therefore your choices are endless!
Anne Frank House
It is located on the water canal “Prinsengracht” and it’s a biographical museum on the well-known life of Anne Frank, a little girl of Jewish origin and specifically the protagonist of the book “The diary of Anne Frank”. It’s a sight with a long and important history that is definitely worth visiting!
