Tag: Southern Europe
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10 Day Malta & Gozo Itinerary
My solo trip to Malta and Gozo has a special place in my heart. It was the first international trip since the start of the COVID pandemic. Not only had the last two years been tumultuous working in healthcare, but my personal life was also in a bit of turmoil. This trip marked the start…
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Visit The Three Cities: Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea & Cospicua
Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta lie the fortified cities of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea, and Cospicua—collectively known as The Three Cities. You can see them from the Upper Barrakka Gardens; they are three peninsulas jutting into the harbour. These historic neighbourhoods offer a quieter, more lived-in feel compared to the polished energy of Valletta, and…
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Mdina and Rabat as a Day Trip from Valletta
Mdina is a beautifully preserved medieval walled city perched high above the surrounding countryside. With its golden limestone buildings, quiet laneways, and sweeping views, it feels like stepping into a historical dream. It was Malta’s capital before Valletta was built, and today, only a few hundred people still live inside. The nickname “Silent City” is…
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7 Ideas for Day Trips from Porto Portugal
I’ve been finding more and more value in exploring a particular region of a country. This method of travel usually has me choosing one or two (or three, pending length of stay) “home bases” and taking day excursions from there. I find it allows for a slower-paced vacation with more opportunity for a deeper experience.…
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A Day Trip to Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
After some time in Valletta’s grand streets and baroque architecture, Marsaxlokk offers something completely different. A slower pace, a working harbour, and the kind of village atmosphere that reminds you people actually live in Malta rather than just visiting it. I took the bus south from Valletta — about 50 minutes — and walked from…
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Beyond Valletta: 5 Day Trips to Explore More of Malta
Malta’s compact size — just 27km long and 14km wide — is one of its great gifts to the traveller. From Valletta’s doorstep, you can reach medieval walled cities, ancient prehistoric temples, a working fishing village, dramatic clifftops, and fortified harbour towns. All without an overnight stay. Each day trip reveals a completely different face…
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4 Days on Gran Canaria Island
Gran Canaria, often called a “continent in miniature,” lies at the heart of Spain’s Canary Islands — an archipelago of volcanic origin off Africa’s northwest coast. The island’s diversity is striking: sweeping dunes in the south, pine forests and mountain villages in the interior, and vibrant coastal cities like Las Palmas in the north. I…
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Volcanic Vines: Discovering Tenerife Wine
The Canary Islands are a haven for wine lovers thanks to their volcanic soil, giving the wines a distinct minerality. It may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wine, but Tenerife wine is one of the most distinctive and historic wine regions in Europe. The island’s volcanic soil,…
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5 Days to Explore Tenerife Island
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, sits in the Atlantic off the northwest coast of Africa. It’s a place where rugged volcanic peaks meet lush valleys and golden beaches. Sometimes also given the nickname “Island of Eternal Spring,” due to its mild climate (similar to Madeira), which makes it a year-round favourite for hikers,…
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5 Stunning Viewpoints in Porto You Won’t Want to Miss
Find the best viewpoints in Porto, from riverfront panoramas to hilltop miradouros with unforgettable views of Portugal’s colorful city.