Castellfollit de la Roca is one of the smallest towns in Catalonia, Spain, but the views it offers is nothing short of dramatic. This remarkable village is precariously perched on the top of a slender basalt crag rising 160 feet above the Fluvià and Toronell rivers flowing below. Stretching nearly a kilometer in length, the basalt cliff that forms the foundation of Castellfollit de la Roca is the result of volcanic activity. The area was …
Browsing: Europe
The autobahn, a German term translating to “automobile road” or “motorway,” is Germany’s vast network of high-speed, limited-access highways. Renowned for its absence of a general speed limits on specific sections, the autobahn emerged in the early 20th century as a vision for advanced infrastructure and efficient transportation. The first autobahn section opened in 1932, and the network expanded significantly during the Nazi regime. After World War II, the autobahn continued to grow, and the …
The Dutch say ‘April doet wat hij wil’ (‘April does what it wants’) to describe the weather in the Netherlands during the early spring. It’s true, the weather in April can be unpredictable, but for flower enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone with an appreciation for nature, Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands is a destination that encourages you to brave the weather, if not ignore it. This horticultural wonder virtually explodes with color during tulip season, a …
Liverpool is by far one of the most original, cosmopolitan and vibrant cities in England. The edgy downtown cobbled area around Seel Street is undergoing massive regeneration and is bursting with people having fun at the hipster bars and trendy restaurants.
Towards the end of Seel Street, in a row of historic terraced warehouse styled buildings, is the Nadler Hotel, which, in recent years, has undergone a £14m renovation. In its former life, this 19th …
Thirteen minutes—that’s all it took to arrive in Barcelona and encounter one of its greatest claims to fame—the slickest pickpockets in Europe. If you’re going to hit, best get hit by a professional, I always say. And they’re at their slickest and quickest on the underground trains at Barcelona Sants railway station. Barcelona treats its notoriety as a pickpocketer’s playground with a zesty inverted snobbery, with the landlord of the apartment I was renting cheerfully …
Despite jokes about accents and what, exactly, a chip is, London remains a popular destination for American travelers, which has no shortage of tourist staples: Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the House of Parliament, but London’s appeal doesn’t lie only in its architectural and cultural treasures. It’s the jaw-dropping views across the city, taking in most of the Big Five landmarks, which are most memorable.
It’s only a credit to the capital …
The coast of Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve, is a chain of old fishing villages that have, over time, transformed into charming resort towns adorned with steep cliffs, secret caverns, and wonderful sandy shores. One such beach town was just named the “best in the world.” The accolade was bestowed upon Praia da Falésia, a name that aptly translates to “cliff beach” in Portuguese. This beach is beautifully positioned between the towns of Albufeira and …
He’s seriously psyched up as he wraps a long stretch of fibrous cord around a 30cm ball of hard cheese. The smoke from the cigar, wedged into the corner of his mouth, necessitated that he close one eye. His other eye accessed the camber of the road ahead. He took a couple of long strides to build up momentum, leaned his ample frame forward, and, with a curved slingshot motion (delivered in an elegant pirouette), …
The medieval market city of Norwich is situated on the River Wensom in the beautiful county of Norfolk in England. Located around 100 miles north-east of London, Norwich is known as ‘The Fine City’, a phrase coined by 19th century local writer, George Borrow.
With over 1,500 medieval buildings and 33 historic churches within its crumbling mid-14th century walls, Norwich has a higher intensity of ancient architecture than elsewhere in Northern Europe. The …
Belgium, though modest in size, stands tall on the European map, boasting an convergence of cultures. This nation, situated among some of Europe’s most influential countries, offers a unique blend of landscapes, architectures, and culinary influence.
Belgium sits in Western Europe, sharing borders with the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France. The country’s landscape is diverse, featuring the sandy beaches of the northwest, the agricultural central plateau, and the forests of the Ardennes. The Meuse and …
Iceland’s most scenic and popular route is the “Golden Circle” of approximately 300 kilometers of breathtaking views, often traversed in a circular pattern out and back from Reykjavik. Within the Golden Circle lie some of the country’s top attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, the spectacular Gullfoss waterfalls, and Geysir in the heart of an active geothermal valley.
One of the best parts of the Golden Circle is Iceland’s well-developed and easy to follow system of …
I’m walking through Pettino’s truffle-rich forests and pastures at the base of a mountain. Leading the way are four hyped-up dogs – Pucci, Pippo, Vespa, and Enea; hot in their heels are truffle hunters Luciano and Bruno, armed with small picks and a leather bag for the loot.
Truffle hunting is a centuries-old daily tradition, a daily event which, for the dogs and their handlers, is a time to demonstrate their kinship, their bond. These …
Saturnia Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Known for its therapeutic properties, the springs are steeped in history and geological significance. An easy day trip from Rome or Florence, Saturnia is open and free to the public. The waters here originate from deep within the earth’s crust, heated by geothermal energy. As the water makes its way to the surface, it absorbs minerals and sulfur compounds, which many …
Not only is Edinburgh a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also Scotland’s capital city and home to phenomenal festivals, which have the city buzzing with a sense of excitement all year round.
Packed with medieval tenements, narrow streets through the Old Town, and a sweeping elegance that swathes the Georgian New Town, there’s no question that Edinburgh deserves its reputation as one of the most stunning and enthralling cities in the world.
Sightseeing in Edinburgh …