Category: Southern Europe

A region of the world including Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece

Pompeii

Ruins at Pompeii

Since I was a child, I have been eerily fascinated by the tragic story of ancient Pompeii.  A thriving city built in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius until A.D79, when it was suddenly destroyed as the volcano erupted violently.  In 1748 a group of explorers re-discovered the remains of the city, and its people.  I had seen images of the plaster casts that were taken of the people and animals caught in the last moments of their lives, which brought their story to life in such a vivid way.  For as long as I can remember I had wanted to travel to Italy and see the ruined city that was frozen in time by the ominous Mt Vesuvius.

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Eating Gluten-Free in Greece

Arcadia

Having had to change my diet and eliminate gluten for health reasons, I am always just a little concerned about eating out in places I haven’t been before.  So when I was preparing for my holiday in Greece, I did some research into the types of food, and usual methods of preparation for those dishes.  I wanted to be able to choose easily, and quickly, without causing any fuss.  The more I looked, the more confident I was that eating Gluten-Free in Greece was going to be fairly easy. 

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Santorini – Greek Island Infatuation

Santorini

When you hear the word “Santorini”, images instantly come to mind.  Cascading whitewashed buildings with perfectly sculpted walls and arches decorating the inside edge of the crater of an active, though presently dormant volcano.  Views out over the Mediterranean blue of the mostly underwater caldera. When you arrive by water you are cruising across the inside of the volcano.

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Delos – Greek Island Infatuation

Ancient Delos

The entire island of Delos is an archaeological site, and UNESCO world heritage listed. According to Greek mythology, this island was the birthplace of the god Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. The island was considered as most sacred and its central location made it a wealthy commercial port, attracting the settlement of rich merchants, bankers, artisans, and ship owners.

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Capri & the Blue Grotto – Italian Island Infatuation

Capri Italy

Capri is a beautiful island located to the south of the Gulf of Naples in Italy.  Rising out of the Tyrrhenian Sea, much of the island has a rugged coastline –  home to caves and grottos that have been eroded out of the limestone and sandstone cliffs by the waves of the sea. Capri & the Blue Grotto it is famous for are well worth including in your Italian itinerary. From the first time you approach this island and dock at the Marina Grande, you will feel the spell of romance that has been cast over this beautiful location.

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Koufonisi – Day Trip from Naxos – Greek Island Infatuation

Ammos Beach Koufonisi

During our stay on Naxos, we had planned to do some island hopping.  Unbeknownst to us, because we were there so late in the season (1st week of October), most of the inter-island day trips had finished.  Not being one to easily let a dream die, I decided to ask around at most of the many day tour places in the town.  I found that my best options were on offer from the  Naxos Tours office at Chora Naxos Protodikion square, Naxos 843 00, Greece.  The friendly staff helped me book a Greek Island tour for my day trip to Koufonisi.   

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Meteora Monasteries in Greece

The Meteora are rock formations shaped as a result of the erosion of wind and rain over time. These effects created separate pillars of various height and width.  Caves eroded in the sides of the pillars. Centuries ago, monks seeking quiet solitude for their devotions created small places of prayer by making cells inside these caves. Consequently, the area came to be known as a holy place. Amazingly, around the 14th Century, many Meteora monasteries started to be built at the very top of the rock pillars. During that time access could only be gained with removable ladders and winch systems used to haul up baskets and nets. This was used for both goods and people!! As a result, entering and exiting their home must have been a terrifying experience.

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Naxos – Greek Island Infatuation

Naxos Chora

Naxos is the largest and most fertile island in the Cyclades group, robed with pristine beaches on its coastline, and surrounded by blue Mediterranean beauty.  Inland there are ancient ruins, and traditional villages amphitheatrically cascading down the slopes of the mountains they nestle against.   According to Greek Mythology, the young Zeus was raised in a cave on Mt Zas ( ‘Zas’ meaning ‘Zeus’). The cave was in the centre of Naxos island, on the tallest peak in the Cyclades.  Naxos also happens to be conveniently located close to other Greek Islands and is a fantastic base to do some Greek Island hopping!

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Chania Old Town – Western Crete

Chania Port

Chania is an exceptionally charming town with cobblestone streets abounding with history.  In the old town area, you will find quaint hotels and buildings butted up against Byzantine walls, nearby to an amiable Venetian harbour lined with waterfront restaurants, cafes and historic monuments.

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Ravello & Villa Cimbrone

Crowning the terraced cliffs above the oceanfront town of Amalfi, you will find the refined old village of Ravello.  A centrally located piazza sits peacefully skirted by the Duomo di Ravello, along with several cafes.

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