TRAVEL BLOG
A Trip to the Azores: A Summary
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.
A Trip to the Azores: Madalena on Pico Island
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.
A Trip to the Azores: Horta on Faial Island
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.
A Trip to the Azores: Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island
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.
A Trip to the Azores: Pico Island
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.
A Trip to the Azores: Faial Island
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.
A Trip to the Azores: São Miguel Island
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 ULTIMATE Guide to Scandinavia
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 ULTIMATE Guide to the Nordics
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!
The Best NYC Layover Itinerary
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.
A Guide to Norway: Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Tromsø, Trolltunga, Preikestolen, and the Lofoten Islands
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.
A Country within a Country: A Glimpse into Vatican City
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.
What to see in the Greek capital city of Athens
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.
What to see in the Albanian Capital of Tirana
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.
A Guide to the Swedish island of Gotland
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.
A Closer Look at the Hanseatic Town of Visby in Gotland, Sweden
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!
A Guide to the Swedish island of Fårö
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 Epic Faroe Islands Road Trip Adventure
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!