20/8/2019 KOSKos is the third largest island in the Dodecanese and famous as Little Rhodes, the Aegean garden or the island of Hippocrates (father of the medicine). It is a marvel for the turquoise waters, the endless coasts, the rich springs of water and the ancient and medieval monuments: western and eastern elements intersect as a result of the geographical proximity to Turkey. Rich in history, with ancient ruins scattered here and there throughout the island, Kos is bathed in sunshine all year round and enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate, with very little rainfall. Kos is a summer destination, of course. I recommend five full days to see what the isle offers. Due to its position, Kos is also the perfect choice for those who dream of an "island-hopping" holiday. So if you want to visit the smaller isles around, 3-4 days more are necessary. Options are mainly two: the first is Kos Town, suitable for those who like nightlife and clubs; the second is Kardamena, slightly quieter and from where you can easily reach all areas of the island. The offer of accommodation is among B&B, hotels and cheap or mid-range apartments (Elga Hotel). If you are willing to spend more, you will also find elegant villas and 4-5 star hotels. This island is the perfect place for everyone who loves sea and fun, but it also hides secret bays far from the busiest places. So it may be a destination for individuals, couples or groups of friends. It is advisable to have a means of transport to make the most of your time. That's why you cannot miss a motorbike or a car. Here is my hint: Smartrental.gr. It is a local company and is the best on the island both for the excellent customer service- they are willing to give you a lift from and to the airport by paying an extra fee- and for the prices and the wide selection of vehicles- there are different packages and offers available without payment of any deposit and with 100% fully insurance. Panos is one of the employees and if you ask about him, he will explain to you everything regarding the rental with grace and professionalism and also he will help you discover the island with its valuable tips. Kardamena: situated mid-way along the south coast of the island; once it was a small fishing village, today it has been one of the most popular centres offering pubs, restaurants, bars, night clubs and water-sports facilities. Kefalos: it is in the south, a quiet tourist site recommended for those who want beautiful beaches nearby like Paradise Beach, three miles of landscape facing crystal clear waters and surrounded by cedar hills, or Kamari Beach, a calm bay with icy waters. Mastichari: the village itself caters primarily for people that enjoy its quiet ambience and general laid back feel. It has been variously described as “fashionably unfashionable” and “attractive for what it does not offer”. Marmari: this beautiful, comfortable sandy beach with dunes in the background is not only popular with families who stay in the large hotels near the beach. Many youngsters and young-at-heart also like it mainly because of the conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing. The well-organized and pleasantly managed surf school, which operates several stations at the same time, also contributes a lot to making Marmari Beach a top destination in Kos and the Aegean Sea for all wind addicted.If you are not keen on windsports, you may also find equipped areas on the beach and nice bars to enjoy the wonderful view. Tigaji: it has a long sandy shore with many facilities and is separated from the Marmari beach by the salt marsh of Alyki. Lambi: the coast is 1 km long golden sandy beach surrounded by greenery and areas with umbrellas rental and free-zone bars. Therma: located in the south-eastern corner of the island and 13 kilometres from the main city, it is characterized by a wild beauty of deep gorges, rocks and black pebbles, which are the result of tectonic discrepancies and volcanic eruptions of millions of years ago. The area is shaped by the hot springs that have been there for centuries. The waters have good healing properties as they are rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and sodium, elements considered essential in treatments for arthritic or rheumatic skin diseases. The water temperature fluctuates between 30 and 40 °. Palio Pyli (Old Pyli): it is the abandoned acropolis sit west of the Mount Dikeos range, standing proudly throughout the ages atop a rocky hill which affords expansive views of the coasts of Kalymnos and Pserimos opposite. Its walls have pottery fragments indicating Bronze Age settlements, while in more recent times the fortress remained unassailable to invading Ottoman Turks: a true refuge for the island’s inhabitants. The ruins of the fortress reveal various stages of construction and reconstruction: its central gate was built in the late 11th century using the “hidden plinth” method and is a unique example of this kind of architectural technique in the Dodecanese Islands. Its history ends around 1820, most likely the result of a plague that decimated the population. Kos Town: where more than half of the island's population resides, it is the main tourist destination. It is a lively town with a port from which boats for sightseeing, yachts and fishing boats come and go; behind it develops the characteristic waterfront, with an almost uninterrupted row of traditional taverns, bars and restaurants. The pride of this city is the millenary history which has left several traces: walking through the historic centre you will come across Greek, Roman and Byzantine ruins. There you can admire The Great Medieval Castle at the entrance of the port and in a place probably fortified during the Byzantine period. You will be able to see all the outer walls with its massive ramparts. They are connected with a bridge over the moat to the inner walls which have four round towers. The Ancient Agora was the capital of the island from 366 BC. Walking through this area you can see the market, the Hellenistic Doric temple, the altar of Dionysus, the sanctuary of the port, the sanctuary of Hercules, the ruins of the walls, the Roman baths, the luxurious Roman residences with mosaic floors and Roman conservatory. The centre of the modern city is Eleftheria Square, surrounded by three imposing buildings inherited from the Italian era: the municipal market, the club (which was called Palazzo del Fascismo) and the Archaeological Museum, an imitation of the Roman baths. The most famous Aesculapium in all of Greece is about 3 km from Kos Town. It was built in the 4th century, after the death of Hippocrates. Among the other sites, it is worth visiting the stoa, the complex of Roman baths, the altar dedicated to the sun, the Ionic temple of Asclepius, the great Doric peripheric temple of Aesculapius. Zia: this village is located in the center of the isle, at the foot of Mount Dikeon, and is immersed in a luxurious and picturesque landscape. The secret of the village is the traditional houses that give a magical touch to the village and its special sunsets. The centre of nightlife is concentrated in the city of Kos. Here there are restaurants, pubs and discos. In the very central Dolphins square, there are the XL cafe and the Bitter Sweet Café. The promenade of Lambi has the most elegant bars of the islands, while Kardamaine offers a large selection of restaurants on the port boardwalk. Among the most popular nightclubs, there are the Fashion Club, the Four Roses and the Heaven Club. Pita (1): it is a family of yeast-leavened round flatbreads baked from wheat flour and served with different dips. (Blue Note) Hummus (1): is a Levantine dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas or other beans, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic. (Blue Note) Fried Cheese Balls (1): typical Greek fried cheese served as an appetizer. (Blue Note) Aubergine Kroketes (2): finger food served on a bed of Greek yoghurt. (Avli Restaurant) Greek Salad (3): fresh tomatoes, fresh cucumbers Feta cheese DOP, Kalamata olives, fresh peppers, oregano, onion. (Avli Restaurant) Giouvetsi (4): a baked dish made with chicken, lamb or beef and pasta/rice, either kritharaki (orzo) or hilopites (small square noodles), and tomato sauce (usually spiced with allspice and sometimes cinnamon, cloves or bay leaves). (Avli Restaurant) Feta Cheese Sticks (5): the crispy version of feta cheese served with pomegranate seeds and honey. (Yalos) Moussaka (6): aubergine and potato-based dish including ground meat and béchamel. (Thomas Grill & Meze) Spetzofai (6): a rustic spicy dish made with thick country sausages and peppers in a rich tomato sauce. (Thomas Grill & Meze) Soutzoukakia (7): a dish of spicy oblong köfte with cumin, cinnamon, and garlic served in tomato sauce together with rice. (Thomas Grill & Meze) Sweater: useful in the evening, when temperatures tend to fall. Total white look: the natural spectacle of the sunset at the village of Zia will be the right setting for breathtaking photos. Don't get caught off guard and show off your best total white look for your shots. Moisturizing Cream: wind is typical of the Greek islands, so never forget a moisturizer as a perfect remedy for dry skin. Return flight (3 months before departure)...................100 eur Accommodation (6 nights)............................................180 eur Car Rent + Transport from/to the airport......................150 eur 24/12/2018 MARRAKECHMarrakech is a city in the barren hill of central-southern Morocco, just few hours from the desert and further from the sea. Incredibly beautiful, with its majestic palaces and secret gardens of palm groves and pools, oranges and roses, surrounded by mysterious charm due to countless myths and legends. A city that is a maze, where the lives of its people intersect high-handedly, not allowing outsiders to break daily equilibra. It is a surreal and paradoxical place, but extremely true. And as if you were under hypnosis, you can not do without it. Best time to go would be springtime or november-december. 5 days are absolutely enough. My suggestion is for staying in a riad in the old medina of Marrakech to experience the city to the fullest (Riad Ain). Otherwise, if you wish to feel safer, you can opt for a hotel outside city walls. Marrakech is full of tempters and temptations. So all relations with Moroccan people would be managed better if accompanied by a group. (For women, remember to be always with men!) Be prepared to walk a lot. Anyway tuk-tuk is a cheap solution if you would like to reach both ends of the main city. Taxi are fine to get away from the city (maybe to hike). Jemaa el-Fnaa: it is the beating heart of the city, melting pot of cultures and diversity, in which the colorful life of Moroccan people flows and where Arab traditions meet and transform every day. Here you can find jugglers, storytellers, snake charmers, soothsayers and women who tattoo with henna for few money (average price not over 150 dirhams), creating new magical and timeless show at sunset. For this reason and for what this place represents, Jamaa el Fna Square has been included among the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Koutoubia Mosque: this mosque stands in the background of Jemaa el-Fnaa which was built in 1120. It is a spiritual landmark of Marrakech. Unfortunately, non-Muslims cannot enter building itself is impressive to see from the outside too. The Souks: jewels and all kinds of fabrics, caftans and sandals, velvet sofas and arabesque tables, mirrors, frames, lamps, perfumes and spices ... this and much more inside the souks, traditional Moroccan markets where each price will be generated by your ability to negotiate. Trade and business are something to be taken seriously and every proposal must be answered with a counter-proposal. Jardin Majorelle: designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1920s and 30s of the last century, it is one of Marrakech's most beloved and photographed activities. There are 12 acres of green, including rare plants and dizzying cactus, lakes covered with Lotus flowers, fountains and shady paths full of charm. To stand out bright primary colors of the main building, majolica and jars with beautiful plants are scattered almost everywhere in the park. From the intense yellow to the vibrant cobalt blue that made the French artist famous and which today bears his name: "Majorelle blue". In 1980 this garden was bought by Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint-Laurent. Inside the Jardin Majorelle there are also two small boutiques, a café and the Museum of Islamic Art in Marrakech. Marrakech Museum: it is housed in the Dar Menebhi Palace, constructed at the end of the 19th century by Mehdi Menebhi. The palace was carefully renovated by the Omar Benjelloun Foundation and converted into a museum in 1997. The house itself represents an example of classical Moorish architecture, with fountains in the central courtyard, traditional seating areas, a hammam and intricate tilework and carvings. The museum's large atrium was originally a courtyard, and is now covered in glass and fabric. It contains a huge, centrally draped chandelier-like ceiling piece consisting of metal plates decorated with fine geometric and epigraphic cuttings. Several features of the original courtyard, including the floor-set basins and mosaics have been retained. The museum holds exhibits of both modern and traditional Moroccan art together with fine examples of historical books, coins and pottery of Berber, Moroccan Jewish and Islamic cultures. Ben Joussef Madrasa: it is an ancient Koranic school, the largest in Morocco and one of the most beautiful in the world. Founded between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, today Ben Joussef Madrasa is one of the most spectacular and fascinating places to visit in Marrakech. The architecture of the building, whose heart is represented by a pool in which the ablutions were held, is Moorish-Andalusian style with an endless series of Moroccan "azulejos", zellij and ceramic mosaics with geometric shapes. Museum of Photography: it is a treasure trove of wonders and history which few people know. Here are collected and displayed the most beautiful photos of Morocco and its inhabitants, taken between 1870 and 1960. Three floors of beauty and a covered terrace where to have a tea after visiting. Saadian Tombs: they are Royal tombs of the Saadian dynasty beautifully adorned with domed ceilings, intricate carvings and ornate plasterwork. This is a popular sight in Marrakech, so prepare ti stand in line when going there. There are few places where to have fun in Marrakech. It is possible to book for show dinners in some exclusive restaurants for dinner-shows. As the main city can be visited in two or three days, try to reserve the rest of your time to explore the outer areas of Marrakech where you will find pristine landscape and villages of lovely people. For example, I recommend spending a night in the desert of Agafay or a day at Ouzoud to admire the impressive 110m high waterfalls. Tajine: it is a stewed meat dish, typical of North African cuisine, which takes its name from the characteristic earthenware pot in which it is cooked. (Café des Epices) Vegetarian Couscous: chickpeas, raisins, stewed julienne onions and mixed vegetables come with cous cous for a sweet and sour dish. (My Kawa) Pastilla: it is a sort of pastry filled with meat or fish or vegetables and garnished with typical moroccan cheese. (Kasbha Cafe) Moroccan Almond Cake: it is a combination of crisp layers alternated with toasted almonds, cinnamon, sugar and milky cream. Mint Tea: this is a typical Moroccan tea served with an engraved Moroccan teapot (berrad), tea glasses and serving tray. Shawls: to get out from the night cold (temperature variations are strong) Shoulder bag: to have all your belongings under control (Marrakech is a very crowded place) Sneakers: for outdoor excursions Return flight (3 months before departure)...................60 eur Accommodation (4 nights)..........................................140 eur Transport (tuk-tuk)……..………………………........................……...15 eur Extra (average about tours and museum tickets)......... 30 eur Excursions (average)…………………………….........................….100 eur N.B. Moroccan currency is Dirham (MAD). 10 dirham= 1 eur The most radical thought which should exist is about love and honesty towards others. There is no history or religion that invites men and women to think differently. 20/11/2018 LANZAROTELanzarote is the wildest of the Canary Islands, where surfers' beaches meet volcanoes, natural parks and the desert. Lanzarote amazes for its beauty and its immeasurable lure that make it one of the favorite destinations for those who love being surrounded by a unique and timeless landscape. Bathed by the Atlantic, the island is politically Spanish but geographically North African, in constant change due to the erosion of strong winds and the volcanic soil, famous because it recalls the lunar landscape. Also known as Isla del Fuego (Island of Fire) Lanzarote is 8557 square feet and almost covered with solidified lava, which gets various colors depending on the sunlight. I think the best time to go is during warmer seasons changing: may/june or september/october. 3-4 days are enough. Puerto del Carmen is a nice place where to find your accommodation (Apartamentos Las Lilas). Myself. Lanzarote gives you the possibility to live an adventure and to get new dealings. By car (Europcar). Jardin De Cactus: it is a wonderful garden with thousands of cacti from all over the planet, realized by local artist César Manrique. In this sort of luxuriant amphitheater you will find prickly pears and prickly plants sculptures. There are terraces which allow you to explore all the area discovering its beauty from every corner. There's a small windmill on the top of the hill and in front of the entrance where you will enjoy the best view of the garden. Jameo del Agua: it is a natural opening that leads to an underground volcanic tunnel formed by the eruption of the volcano Monte de la Corona. Inside there's a lagoon in which lives a unique species of albino crab. La Cueva de Los Verdes: it is part of the Natural Monument of the Malpais de La Corona together with Jameo del Agua. The 1 km tour is illuminated scenographically and can be visited to leave you breathless. Caleta de Famara: it is the surfers' paradise, where they get together to challenge the waves, between jumps over the water and spectacular turns. Costa Teguise: where you can visit the famous open market to get local food and pieces of canarian handicraft and the Cesar Manrique Foundation, the museum-house of the artist full of his works exhibitions. Playa Papagayo: on the Costa del Rubicon, this small strip of golden sand, framed by volcanic rock hill and lapped by a crystalline sea, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Timanfaya National Park: it is a natural place where spectacular volcanic eruptions have incredibly changed the geology and appearance of the area. There are numerous excursions that allow you to visit it. In the area called "Hilario islet" you can see the demonstration of how a bucket of water poured into the ground can give life to a very powerful geyser in few seconds. A fun day can be spent at Aqua Park Costa Teguise, which is one of the water parks of the Canary Islands. If you are sporty, you can opt for some windsurfing lessons (Windsurfing Club) or golf matches (Costa Teguise Golf Club). In Lanzarote, the night comes on thanks to pubs, clubs, discos, bars and restaurants in Puerto del Carmen area. But if you want to join a private site, don't miss Puerto Calero to sip amazing cocktails (Casablanca, Buda Bar) Tapas and chupitos: everytime and everywhere. Umbrella: the weather is really variable. Scarf: wind comes when you least expect it. Flip Flops: you don't need any other shoes. Return flight (2 months before departure)......................130 eur Accommodation (3 nights).................................................120 eur Car Rent (3 days)............................................................... 70 eur Extra (average about tours, excursions, museum tickets)... 50 eur Freedom is when we feel physically and empirically part of the world, of the nature and of the human vibes. |
TRAVELER'S INTERVIEW
includes set interviews about my inspiring trips, with advices and useful recommendation to get the best vacation ever. Archive
August 2019
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