Blog Archive (2020-2024)
Madeira is an autonomous zone owned by Portugal, situated off the coast of Morocco. Its population is nearly 250,000 with most situated in the city of Funchal. The entire zone is actually an archipelago, which also includes Porto Santo, the Desertas, and the Savage Islands. Great places to see include Ponta de São Lourenço, Pico do Arieiro, Ponta do Sol, Achadas da Cruz, Ponte Moniz, and Seixal.
Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous zone of Madeira, owned by Portugal. With a population just north of 100,000, it is the 6th largest city in all of Portugal. Some great places to check out include the Funchal-Monte Teleférico, Forte de São Tiago, the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, Jardim Quinta Magnólia, Palácio de São Lourenço, and Fuerte De Madeira.
The Azores islands consist of 9 islands and are owned by Portugal. The islands of the Azores are Flores, Corvo, Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, São Miguel, and Santa Maria. Created by volcanic activity, they boast incredible geographical landscapes and biomes. Considered the "Hawaii of Europe", it is one of two autonomous zones of Portugal, the other being Madeira.
Madalena is the largest city on the island of Pico, in the Azores (an autonomous region owned by Portugal). Mount Pico is the most recognizable backdrop that accompanies the city. It is home to 6000 inhabitants and sits on the Faial channel, just 7 kilometers away from Faial island. The city is small but exceptionally quaint and is worth seeing while being in this part of the Azores.
Horta is the largest city on the island of Faial in the Azores (an autonomous region owned by Portugal). It is home to 7000 inhabitants and sits on the Faial channel, just 7 kilometers away from Picol island. The city is known for being a usual stop for transatlantic voyages where all sailors are known to commemorate their journeys with murals presented on the Horta Pier.
Ponta Delgada (meaning "Thin Cape") is the largest city in the Azores (an autonomous region owned by Portugal), situated on the island of São Miguel. It was established in 1450 and is essentially the heart of the Azores islands economically, politically, and socially. Some notable places to check out include Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, Forte de São Brás, and Plantação de Ananás dos Açores.
Pico (Ilha Preta) is just one of the islands that make up the Azores Islands, formally owned by Portugal. Known as the "Black Island", it is one of three islands that make up the central Azores islands. Formed about 300,000 years ago, it is known for its volcanic history and its emerging wine industry. Places to check out include São Mateus, Madalena, Lajes do Pico, and Lagoa do Capitão.
Faial (Ilha Azul) is just one of the islands that make up the Azores Islands, formally owned by Portugal. Known as the "Blue Island", it is one of three islands that make up the central Azores islands. The island's geography is remarkable with notable sites to see such as the Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo, the Lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos, and the town of Horta.
São Miguel (Ilha Verde) is just one of the islands that make up the Azores Islands, formally owned by Portugal. Known as the "Green Island", it is the largest and most populated island in the Azores . The geography and biome of the island make it an amazing place to visit. Great places to check out include Sete Cidades, Mosteiros, Povoação, Furnas, Vila Franca do Campo, and Ponta Delgada.
The countries of Scandinavia include Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Despite being geographical neighbors, there is a long history among these countries. They are truly unique places in comparison to other countries of the world and are very much worth seeing. Use this guide for not just seeing their capitals (Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen), but also their cities as well.
The Nordics include Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. This part of Europe contains such awesome metropolitan capitals like Stockholm, Reykjavik, and Tórshavn (among others). Along with such iconic cities in these Northern European countries, you will also find gorgeous fjords, waterfalls, snow topped mountains, massive castle, and cool cathedrals. I have outlined all Nordic cities (including capitals), as well as the natural attractions in this part of the world and consolidated them into this ultimate guide!
New York City is one of the most famous cities in the world. As such, it should be seen over the course of days. If you just have a long layover there like me, you do what you can to see the sights. This is a guide to what to see in NYC including the Brooklyn Bridge, Ground Zero, Freedom Tower, Times Square, Central Park, Katz Delicatessen, and the viewpoint at SUMMITOne Vanderbilt Tower.
This guide to Norway breaks down several cities and natural areas within the country that are worth visiting. This includes the capital city of Oslo and the 2nd most populous city of Bergen, the most populated Norwegian city in the Arctic Circle at Tromsø, and the smaller city to Stavanger. If it is nature you seek, I also talk about places like Trolltunga, Preikestolen, and the Lofoten Islands.
Vatican City is a landlocked country, located within the confines of Rome, Italy. It is the smallest country in the world with a population of 453 and size of 49 hectares. It officially came into existence in 1929 with the Pope as its ruler. Some notable landmarks to check out include St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Apostolic Library, and the Vatican Museums.
Athens is one of the world's oldest cities and is the capital city of Greece. As a historical center for the arts, learning, and philosophy and current economic center in the Aegean, it is considered a Beta-status Global city. It is also known for its natural treasures and artefacts from the Classical Era. These includes the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Hephaistos.
Tirana is the capital city of Albania, founded in 1614, and has been inhabited since the Iron Age. It was part of the Roman Empire, and subsequent Byzantine Empire, and is today considered a Gamma World city. The city is fast growing and displays both traditional and modern influences. Notable landmarks include the Pyramid of Tirana, Archaea Tower, Bunk'Art Museum, and the Namazgah Mosque.
The Island of Gotland is owned by Sweden and is situated in the Baltic Sea. It is a popular destination for Swedes, especially in the summer. Such popular spots like Fårö, Visby, and Hemse are not to be missed. You can easily fly into Visby or take a ferry from the Swedish mainland at Nynäshamn. Seeing the island by bike or by car is highly recommended to explore its wonderful beaches and cliffs.
The town of Visby is the best preserved medieval city in all of Scandinavia, most exemplified by its still-standing city walls and defensive towers. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features many churches (Visby Cathedral, St. Mary's Cathedral, St. Nicolai Ruin). Also, Stora Torget features many nice shops and restaurants. No visit to Gotland is complete without seeing Visby!
You can easily reach the island of Fårö by taking a ferry from Nynäshamn to Gotland, then taking a Fårö via the northeast of Gotland. This island, along with Visby, is a popular place to explore in the summertime for Swedes and tourists alike. The island features numerous beaches and lighthouses, along with its famous natural limestone rock formations, or rauks, at Langhammar.
The Faroe Islands is a North Atlantic archipelago owned by Denmark. This small country with its 50,000 inhabitants has some of the best nature you can imagine. Islands like Vágar, Mykines, Streymoy, Eysturoy, Kalsoy, Bordoy, Vidoy, and Sandoy all have amazing nature to see and appreciate. Renting a car to travel through Faroe in the summertime is the way to go so use this guide as a resource!
The Faroe Islands are in no shortage of waterfalls, but some are more gorgeous than others. This is a guide on some of the most notable ones spread across the islands of Streymoy, Vágar, and Bordoy. Notably, the Fossá, Múlafossur, Skarðsáfossur, Bøsdalafossur, Svartafoss, Týggjará, and Svartidalurfoss Waterfalls are the most worth seeing.
The long and narrow island of Kunoy is located in the Northeast of the Faroe Islands. It translates to 'Woman Island' and has a great view of the Kalsoyarfjørður fjord. The villages of Kunoy and Haraldssund occupy the island and has populations of 77 and 69, respectively. The Kunoy forest can also be found here, possessing the largest concentration of trees found in the Faroe Islands.
The island of Sandoy is located within the Faroe Islands archipelago, which is owned by Denmark. The village of Sandur boasts the largest population on the island with 532 inhabitants. The villages of Skarvanes, Skopun, Skálavík, Húsavík and Dalur can also be found on the island of Sandur. The name comes from the relatively sandy soil that makes up the island.
The island of Mykines is located within the Faroe Islands archipelago, which is owned by Denmark. It is the westernmost island in the entire nation and was formed 60 million years ago. Large stacks of basalt can be seen along the coastline, specifically near the 1 km long islet Mykineshólmur. The population on the island has declined significantly with only 11 permanent inhabitants in 2014.
The island of Viðoy (meaning 'Wood Island') is located within the Faroe Islands archipelago, which is owned by Denmark, and has a population of 605. The settlements of Viðareiði and Hvannasund occupy the Northwest and Southwest coasts of the island, respectively. There are 11 mountains alone on this island with Villingadalsfjall being the northernmost among the Faroe Islands.
The island of Kalsoy (meaning 'Mans Island') is located within the Faroe Islands archipelago, which is owned by Denmark. The island is isolated and can be reached by a ferry from Klaksvík to Syðradalur. A hike to the Kallur Lighthouse in Trøllanes is a must with stops at the settlements of Mikladalur and Húsar. Kalsoy was also a filming location for the 25th James Bond Film, 'No Time to Die'.
The island of Bordoy (meaning 'Headland island') is located within the Faroe Islands archipelago, which is owned by Denmark. There are 8 settlements on the island with a combined population of 6,314. One settlement is Klaksvík, the second largest city in the Faroe Islands. Notable places to see on Bordoy include Svartidalurfoss, Klakkur, Christianskirkjan, and the Árnafjarðar Church.
The island of Eysturoy (meaning 'East Island') is located within the Faroe Islands archipelago, which is owned by Denmark. It is the 2nd largest and most populated island in the country, containing the villages of Eiði and Gjógv to the north, the basalt sea stacks Risin og Kellingin, Slættaratindur - the highest mountain in Faroe, and the fjords Skálafjørður and Funningsfjørður.
The island of Streymoy (meaning 'Island of Currents') is located within the Faroe Islands archipelago, which is owned by Denmark. It is the largest/most populated island in the country, also containing the capital city of Tórshavn. Great places to visit include the villages of Tjørnuvík, and Kirkjubøur,, Fossá Waterfall, Tórshavn, Kirkjubøur, Týggjará Waterfall, and the black sand beach at Saksun.
Marrakech is the fourth largest city in Morocco, situated west of the Atlas Mountains. The city was founded in 1070 and is called the "Red City" due to the red sandstone material used in the construction of its early buildings. The city is a UNESCO world heritage site and has plenty of great sites to check out such as Jemaa Al-Fna, Koutoubia Mosque, Souk Semmarine, Bab Agnaou, and Bahia Palace.