All about travel

Bintan – a paradise on the doorstep of Singapore

Indonesia

PatrickJullien

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27. June 2022

Bintan – a paradise on the doorstep of Singapore

When you think of a paradisiacal Indonesian island, Bali first comes to mind. But the maritime world of the Southeast Asian state is so diverse that another island was forgotten for a long time. Bintan is by far the largest island in the province of Riau, and if you don’t like the tourist boom in Bali, you will probably find the fulfilment of your holiday wishes here. Those who have chosen Bintan for themselves will usually head for this wonderful retreat from Singapore or the Malaysian Johor Bahru. And those who have finally landed can look forward to an exotic paradise with wonderful beaches.

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A 250-kilometre-long coastline

To discover the island of Bintan on the map or the globe, you should orient yourself in the Malay archipelago to the Indonesian Riau Islands. They are located southeast of Singapore and virtually on the eastern coast of Sumatra. Bintan is almost exactly 1,173 square kilometers in size, enjoys a coastline of a little less than 250 kilometers and designates Tanjung Pinang on the southern periphery as the capital. The vegetation here is particularly lush and those who prefer long hikes on the beach as a holidaymaker on Bitan can expect miles of walks in the white sand. Where the beach regions end, a dense rainforest begins with mangroves near the sea and a jungle full of palm trees.

A paradise on the China Sea

Sleeping Buddha statue in Bintan, Image: heru sukma cahyanto / shutterstock

In the north of Bintan, a holiday resort has established itself that does not have to shy away from comparisons with other tourist hotspots in Indonesia . On an area of 23,000 hectares, a true holiday paradise has been created on the China Sea. Those who stay here are very often interested in sports, because the resort is the venue for internationally acclaimed competitions in triathlon, marathon and extreme sports. If you want to take it a little easier, you will find your Eldorado in one of the four golf courses designed by designers. This almost paradisiacal resort was completed by a four-star hotel in Lagoi. There is an artificial lagoon here – surrounded by pristine mangrove forests and the meandering Sungei Sebung River.

An insider tip in Southeast Asia

It is by no means only the proximity to Singapore that makes this island a preferred destination for international tourism. The Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry has its terminal close to the luxury resorts. So the distances are short and the holiday pleasure long. Ferries and speedboats run between Singapore and Bintan every day. The quite fast catamarans take little more than an hour for the crossing. By the way, the state of Singapore has leased the wonderful island on its doorstep to Indonesia for 99 years. Hardly anyone has understood that this island is largely unknown in Europe. But this also has its pleasant side, because Bintan has so far been largely spared from mass tourism and continues to enjoy the status of an insider tip in Southeast Asia.

On the island, the guest is king

Trikora Beach Bintan — Trikora beach, Image: Agusman / shutterstock

On Bintan, the customer is king without ifs and buts. This is also evident in the hotel complex of the Banyan Tree, where guests are chauffeured from the restaurant to the sea in environmentally friendly and electrically powered cars. Or from the exclusive spa area to the golf course. The island is cosmopolitan and the people who live and work there are extremely open-minded and friendly towards their guests. It may play a role in this that almost all religions of the world are represented here. This is a multicultural island with a very special charm. In some resorts on Bintan, it is common for holidaymakers to be entertained with interesting evening programmes. Music always plays a major role in this. If you want to discover the island, you can put yourself in the care of an island bus. In addition, taxis or rental cars run with and without a booked driver. The island metropolis of Tanung Pinang is undoubtedly worth a somewhat longer visit. With an interesting old town and pile dwellings in the sea.

Encounter with harmless monitor lizards

Not far from the mangrove forests with their abundance of water birds and primates, the Buddhist temple of Sungai Ular rises in Tanung Pinang. The diving areas on Bintan are also extremely popular. If you dare, you can experience a largely intact underwater world with corals and go to shipwrecks off the coast. All this is a region away from any civilization and a paradise for people who have the gift of feeling with their eyes and seeing with their soul. Incidentally, the sights on the island also include a cave dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A chapel and Stations of the Cross were also built here, which were built by refugees from Vietnam . On an excursion across the island, visitors should not be surprised if they occasionally encounter monitor lizards that can reach the stately size of one and a half meters. But unlike the monitor lizards on Komodo, those on Bintan are completely harmless.

Cala Pi in Mallorca – one of the most photographed bays on the island

Majorca

PatrickJullien

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26. June 2022

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Cala Pi in Mallorca – one of the most photographed bays on the island

Cala Pi is one of the most beautiful coves in Mallorca – a natural harbour located at the mouth of a torrent on the south coast of the island, more precisely in the district of Llucmajor, not far from Sa Rapita and the famous Es Trenc beach, surrounded by pine trees from which it takes its name. It is a beautiful cove with crystal clear turquoise waters, which is also one of the most unique in Mallorca, as the sea naturally penetrates between 30-metre-high rocks and fishermen’s huts, forming a cove sheltered from the wind with low waves, making it ideal for families and swimmers.

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Cala Pi in Mallorca – a great destination for a family holiday

Cala Pi is a beautiful family cove that is also visited by couples and, as mentioned at the beginning, is sheltered from the wind thanks to its huge cliffs, so that in summer it attracts not only bathers but also numerous luxury yachts. The sea penetrates dozens of meters inland between huge cliffs almost 30 meters high. It is a very narrow beach of about 50 meters, but it is still very long, so if you are late you have to step back from the water. If you don’t have an umbrella, it is advisable to stand on the left side of the beach, as it is shaded there in the morning. To get to it, you have to go down a long staircase with 147 stone steps, which is located next to the Mirador restaurant. Cala Pi is a semi-urban beach, as it is surrounded by pine trees and the small, quiet village of the same name. It is advisable to shop in the small supermarket on the beach itself, as there are no services on the beach, only a lifeguard.

Where to stay in Cala Pi?

The south of Mallorca is one of the best places to stay on the island, so this cove is a great choice. There are numerous holiday homes, villas and apartments available in the region, all of which are very well equipped and most of them have their own pool. The most famous hotel in this area of Mallorca is the Aparthotel Ona Cala Pi Club, a great place to stay overlooking the bay, with a gym, a small supermarket, a swimming pool and a grill restaurant. Some of the most recommended villas in this place are Houm Villa Cala Pi or Torres de Cala Pi.

Where to eat in Cala Pi?

Torre de Cala Pi, Image: vulcano / shutterstock

Probably the best restaurant in Cala Pi is Taverna La Paleta, a budget eatery where you can try delicious dishes such as avocado with prawns or red fish curry. Another of the best restaurants in Cala Pi is Miquelet or Miguel, a place where you can taste delicious rice dishes and pizzas on a beautiful terrace, accompanied by a good sangria. Not to be forgotten is Sa Terrassa, a restaurant with good service and a good menu of rice, meat and fish. On some days there is also live music.

What activities does Cala Pi offer?

One of the most interesting things to do in this bay of Mallorca is to visit an old defensive tower dating back to 1663, which was restored in 2018. If you like hiking, from the fishermen’s huts you can take a 7 km easy hiking trail along the cliffs with views of the archipelago of Cabrera towards Cala Beltrán. From this small cove you can continue the route to Cap Blanc, another old defensive tower from the 16th century, and to the lighthouse of Cabo Blanco from the late 19th century. This trail is marked with milestones, so you won’t get lost. To the right of the mouth of the Cala Pi torrent you can also visit an artificial cave from the Talayotic period, which is believed to have been a mass grave in ancient times. Another activity in Cala Pi is Psicobloc, a variant of sport climbing that involves climbing a wall above water. Since 2018, there have been signposted routes for this sport in this bay in Mallorca. After all, you can’t leave without snorkeling in the calm waters. But be careful with the boats that usually dock in the bay!

Be sure to visit the Palma Aquarium with your children

Walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks and observe more than 8,000 marine species in one of the best aquariums in the Mediterranean on your excursions to Palma de Mallorca. With 55 tanks and over five million litres of water, Palma Aquarium is home to one of the most diverse species of marine animals in the Mediterranean. Here you can see everything from rays and seahorses to octopuses and exotic fish. Feed the sharks and turtles and get to know the sea creatures that live off the coast of Mallorca. There is also an area dedicated to the sea creatures of the Mediterranean. This part of the aquarium makes up almost half of the tanks. You can see groupers and wrasses, as well as colorful crawfish and octopus. On the information boards next to the pools you will find information about the unique environment of the Mediterranean.

Cala Pi viewpoint

Just before descending to the beach, there is a small path on the left that leads to a small man-made rocky outcrop. This is a place where no influencer or travel blogger visiting Mallorca will fail to take a photo. If you feel like an influencer and want to show off on your social networks, you can’t miss the Cala Pi viewpoint, probably the most beautiful place in Mallorca that you can see on Instagram.

What to see near Cala Pi

Near Cala Pi you can visit Vallgornera and Sa Vinyola, two of the most peaceful villages in Mallorca, or Llucmajor, a larger town about 20 km away. Other excursion destinations in the area of Cala Pi are the village of Sa Rapita, about 18 kilometres away, with a beautiful bay, or Colonia de Sant Jordi. Just over 4 kilometres away, next to the Ma-6014 road, is the Talayotic settlement of Capocorb, which consists of five talayots and 28 Iron Age dwellings.

Cala Pi awaits you for an unforgettable holiday

Travel to Cala Pi, a secluded place highly appreciated for its beaches, sporting events and local cuisine. Discover everything that awaits you in Cala Pi, an ideal destination for family tourism: its beaches, its restaurants and places of interest as famous as Playa de Cala Pi

The pearls of the Tyrrhenian Sea: Pontine Islands

Italy

PatrickJullien

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25. June 2022

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The pearls of the Tyrrhenian Sea: Pontine Islands

South of Rome and northwest of Naples in the Gulf of Gaeta lie six islands known as the Isole Ponziane or Pontine Islands. This archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea is named after the largest island, Ponza, which is a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Legend has it that the island was named after the Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, but historians have since refuted this and agree that the name is of Greek origin.

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The main island of Ponza

Ponza was originally densely forested when it was first colonized by the Etruscans, who cut down the trees and terraced the land to make it usable for growing fruits and vegetables. Over the years, erosion and development have removed most of the traces of these old terraces, but in some parts of the island there are still dead stumps of the original trees, some of which are over 2.40 m wide. Literary scholars believe that Ponza is the island of “Aeaea”, the home of Circe, the sorceress who turned people into animals depicted in Homer’s “Odyssey”.

Grotta della Maga Circe on the west side of the island, between Spaggia di Chaia di Luna (crescent beach) and Capo Bianco, is said to be the cave where she lived and from which she sent her spells. In fact, the island is famous for its grottoes created by the Etruscans, and the beauty of these caves stands in strange contrast to their names, such as the “Cave of Odysseus of Blood” and the “Serpent Grotto.” Ponza is about ten kilometers long and is the island that attracts the most visitors. There are a few beaches, but the sea line consists mainly of a rocky coastline that is perfect for exploring by boat. The island is also home to an abundance of dive companies and schools that offer equipment for hire and diving lessons.

Although the island is still traditionally Italian and mainstream tourism has not diluted its identity, it is not the place to be if you expect mainly peace and quiet as a tourist. There are many hotels, apartments and bed and breakfast facilities on the island, and of course excellent restaurants serving fresh local dishes. There are many ferry services from mainland Italy that serve Ponza, but since schedules change regularly, it’s best to search for them on the internet to find out the latest departure times and fees.

Zannone

Zannone is an uninhabited island of about one square kilometer and only 10 km from Ponza. It houses the remains of an old Benedictine monastery from the 13th century. The island is under the protection of the forestry authority and is part of the Parco Nazionale del Circeo (Circeo National Park), founded by Benito Mussolini to preserve the last Pontine marshes. It is possible to visit the island by ferry to enjoy the tranquility of this nature reserve.

The Wild Palmarola

Palmarola, Italy — Palmarola, a breathtaking sight, Image: Matteo_Ciani / shutterstock

Another island with a ferry service from Ponza is Palmarola, an island with a rugged coastline and stunning cliffs. The island has some spectacular grottos and although it is almost uninhabited, there are a handful of restaurants that are open during the summer months, as well as a small holiday accommodation. This island, where Pope Silverus was exiled and where he eventually died in 537, is ideal for photographers and people who love to just relax on the beach or swim in the azure sea.

Ventotene

22 nautical miles southwest of Ponza is Ventotene, an island that had a fair share of exiled Romans. In 2 BC, Emperor Augustus banished his adulterous daughter Julia the Elder here, followed by Caligula’s mother, who was exiled by Emperor Tiberius, and Claudia Octavia, who was sent here by her husband, Emperor Nero, to name a few.

At only 3 km long, Ventotene is perfect for a relaxing getaway. The volcanic landscape has some interesting natural tuff formations that are ideal for keen photographers, and there are enough Roman remains of villas and ancient water and drainage systems to keep history buffs busy for more than just a day: the island has no natural water supply, so water has to be delivered by tanker. In 2009, the discovery of five ancient Roman ships off the coast of Ventotene produced a selection of artifacts, some of which are now on display on the island. Ventotene has a handful of small hotels and holiday accommodations for people who want to spend more than one day there, and during the tourist season there is a selection of open bars and restaurants.

Santo Stefano

The circular island of Santo Stefano measures only 400 meters in diameter and is dominated by a prison originally built by the Bourbons in 1797. The prison consists of 99 cells arranged around a central watchtower. Although the prison was built for 600 prisoners, it usually housed over 800. One of the most notorious inmates was Gaetano Bresci, who murdered King Umberto I. The robber Carmine Crocco, also known as Donatello, who fought alongside Giuseppe Garibaldi, was imprisoned here, as was the journalist and politician Sandro Pertini, who later became the seventh president of the Italian Republic. After the closure of the prison in 1965, the island has remained uninhabited except for the daily influx of tourists.

Beach holidays in Turkey: From picturesque beaches to wide lagoons

Turkey

PatrickJullien

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25. June 2022

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Beach holidays in Turkey: From picturesque beaches to wide lagoons

Turkey can score with many popular travel destinations. The list of fantastic beaches is long and has something suitable for every type of beach holiday. Numerous water sports to idyllic bays. The beaches usually differ in the color of the water, texture, cleanliness, popularity and infrastructure. Paradisiacal bathing spots with crystal clear water and dreamy rocky bays can be discovered on the Black Sea, the Turkish Riviera and the Aegean Sea. Here nothing stands in the way of pure relaxation and a fantastic holiday in Turkey !

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Dalyan near Fethiye: Diving into the underwater world

The town of Dalyan is particularly ideal for families with children, because the lagoon, the long sandy beach and the Köycegiz Lake located there have so far been completely spared from mass tourism. Here are some holiday apartments, apartments and quiet hotels with small gardens and idyllic pool facilities. Dalyan has a fine sand and clear water, which gets deeper very slowly. The natural paradise is excellent for relaxing days with loved ones. In addition, the area can shine with a colorful underwater world, because the place not only offers one of the most visited diving paradises in the world, but countless diving schools that offer regular courses. Here it’s just time to dive in!

By the way: The Lycian Hiking Trail also passes here, especially in the city you can see beautiful old Lycian tombs. If you want, you can also snorkel or surf here on the coastal section. The city of Kaunos in Dalyan also features some ancient temples, theaters and mausoleums that embody the most distinctive historical values of this beautiful area.

The Aegean coast: Still an insider tip!

The water temperature remains around 22-24 degrees Celsius until Izmir in midsummer. Basically, the Aegean coast does not offer many long beaches, but there are particularly beautiful beach sections on the Çeşme peninsula. The former Greek town of Alaçatı on the island is considered a real surfer’s paradise. In recent years, this beautiful corner has developed magnificently and, thanks to very good boutique hotels and restored old towns, is an insider tip for individualists. Package tourism is completely unknown here.

Hello, Turkish Riviera!

Further east is the Turkish Riviera with endless beaches, cultural highlights and hotels lined up next to each other. A visit is particularly worthwhile in the old town of Antalya and the Venetian or Ottoman castles on the coast. All-inclusive tourism is the order of the day here and thus spares the city centres. From the so-called Alanya side, the cozy holiday homes of Turkey gradually begin with the clean beaches.

Incekum Beach near Alanya: Pedal Boat & Pirate Caves

Action and numerous leisure activities are offered by Incekum Beach, 20 kilometres west of Alanya. There, holidaymakers can go for a ride on a pedal boat, surf or take a boat to the famous pirate caves in the castle hill. The fine sandy beach also has a large shallow water area where the little ones can splash around with joy. The climate here is rather mild, as the Taurus Mountains keep strong winds away.

Ancient Antioch in the Eastern Mediterranean

A wonderful highlight, in the eastern area along the Mediterranean Sea, is ancient Antioch. Here, every holidaymaker encounters the traces of the original Christians and experiences an impressive mass in the rock at Christmas. Because the church of St. Paul was carved into the rock at that time and carefully restored in 2010.

Bodrum: A dream destination for sailors

A windswept and rugged coastline, ideal for all surfers and sailors! Bodrum is considered the main port of the famous Blue Cruise. There, sailing enthusiasts can rent a cabin on a large sailboat or charter an entire boat with a group. On the high seas, beach vacationers then jump into the clear water, let themselves be pampered by the crew, spend the night in deserted bays or go on hikes inland. A nice way to get to know Turkey better and find relaxation.

Relaxation & Party – Everyone as they wish!

In Mamaris, the beach is practically in the village, where tourists will find a charming harbor and the Taurus Mountains behind them. A real feast for the eyes! From the hotel, many holidaymakers only have to cross the road to get directly to the beach. This means that the bathing areas are usually quite crowded!

In addition to Bodrum, Mamaris is also known for a very active nightlife and has a lot in store for partygoers. However, those who want to spend a few quiet weeks by the sea can do so at Oludeniz Beach on the Dead Sea. The deep blue lagoon is one of the most popular photo spots in Turkey and is partly protected. By the way, early risers will be rewarded with a stunning sunrise. Tip: In the hinterland, there is a very gentle, ecologically conscious tourism with healthy mountain air, fresh food from the gardens and cool pools. The smaller hotels around the Taurus Mountains are highly recommended.

Perhaps the most beautiful beach in Turkey: Patara Beach

In fact, Patara beach is regularly named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With a length of 18 kilometres and a width of almost 400 metres, it nestles against the crystal-clear sea water. Beach walkers love the seemingly endless beach and families with children also appreciate the gently sloping stretch of coast. Attention: After dark, sea turtles come ashore here and lay their eggs in the sand. Since there is hardly any tourist infrastructure at Patara Beach, you can relax from everyday stress here in the oasis of peace. Tip: In Gelemiş, every horse lover has the opportunity to book a day ride and experience Patara Beach on horseback. What a dream!

Cuba – Discovery on the Island of Contrasts

Cuba

PatrickJullien

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24. June 2022

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Cuba – Discovery on the Island of Contrasts

Cuba’s sights are on the one hand the cities with their magnificent, partly dilapidated colonial buildings. On the other hand, you can experience and enjoy a dreamlike nature with endless white beaches and exotic national parks in Cuba.
The mentality of the Cubans, which is characterized by joie de vivre and melancholy at the same time, can be felt everywhere, even in the traditional music of the country, the Son Cubano.

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Get to know Cuba on a round trip

To get to know Cuba , it is advisable to book a rental car. This is the most flexible. Alternatively, the state-owned tourist bus companies come into question. Or you can book an organized round trip. No matter which type of travel you prefer, the travel agency Kuba Individual will be happy to help you plan and book a Cuba trip.

No one can escape Havana’s morbid charm

Anyone who has ever been to the capital recommends taking several days for Havana. A whole day is spent exploring the historic old town. With its many colonial buildings, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only a few of the houses have been renovated, sometimes only the façade. Some are even closed due to the risk of collapse.

The cityscape is also characterized by the ubiquitous American 50s classic cars, which are colorful and just roadworthy on the streets of the city.

The kilometre-long Malecón waterfront, which is also popular with the locals, invites you to take long walks. It is a promenade, romantic meeting place and fishing quay at the same time.

Trinidad – the most beautiful city in Cuba

Trinidad in Cuba — Trinidad, Image: rphstock / shutterstock

Trinidad on the south coast is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its colonial buildings and cobblestone streets and alleys. The condition of the historic buildings here is far better than in Havana. There are hardly any cars in the old town, instead horse-drawn carriages are on the road. Bars invite you to dance with their typical Cuban rhythms.

The city owed its wealth at that time and still visible today to the cultivation of sugar cane and the flourishing slave trade.

Not far from the city there are beautiful Caribbean beaches to discover. Excursions to the surrounding area of the city are also recommended for hiking and horseback riding.

In the former capital, the topic of the Cuban revolution dominates

Fidel Castro proclaimed the victory of the Cuban Revolution over the Batista regime in Santiago de Cuba in 1959. References to the revolution can be found everywhere in the city. Next to it you can see the typical colonial buildings again. Instead of vintage cars or horse-drawn carriages, there are many scooters on the roads here.

From Santiago comes the Son, the typical Cuban style of music, which most people know from the world-famous Buena Vista Social Club. A visit to the bar to listen to music and dance is clearly a must here.

Hiking in exotic nature parks

One of the most beautiful natural parks is certainly Topes de Collantes not far from the city of Trinidad. There are a variety of hiking trails here that lead to waterfalls, rivers and natural pools. In addition to sufficient provisions, you should definitely pack your swimsuit. The hiking routes are of varying degrees of difficulty, which should be included in the planning.

The Valle de Viñales is known for tobacco and vegetable cultivation, where 80 percent of Cuban tobacco is grown. Green karst formations with natural caves run through the landscape, giving it an exotic flair.

The Alejandro de Humboldt Nature Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the greatest biodiversity of plants and animals in Cuba. On a guided hike, you can marvel at manatees, flamingos and hummingbirds, among other things. There are also natural pools in this park that invite you to swim.

Swimming, diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea

As an island, Cuba naturally has many beaches to offer. Everyone has probably heard of Varadero . However, there are countless beaches to discover away from the tourist crowds. You can often swim idyllically on the smaller islands off the coast of Cuba. Diving and snorkeling can also be done here undisturbed.

If you like it a little busier and want to meet locals, you will find several beautiful beaches at Playa del Este near Havana.

Get to know Cuba in all its facets

All parts of the country have fascinating architecture, culture and nature to offer. To experience Cuba’s sights and not miss anything exciting, a round trip is a good idea. These can be booked here , for example.

Lipari, not a dream but a dream island

Europe
Italy

PatrickJullien

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24. June 2022

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Lipari, an island of volcanic origin north of Sicily at the level of the “metatarsal” of the Italian boot tip, belongs together with six other islands to the Aeolian Islands, more precisely to the Aeolian archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea. With its capital of the same name, Lipari is the largest, most populous and most attractive island in the archipelago.

The island itself combines both peace and liveliness on the foundation of a lively past. Lipari was once under the rule of many different Mediterranean powers: Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Angevins, Aragonese and finally Sicilians or Italians. Today, tourists take over from time to time and from time to time.

Numerous accommodation options, great hospitality, culinary delights, green hills, crystal clear water, bright white pumice quarries, picturesque beaches, cafés, bars, restaurants and of course historical cultural sites await you on Lipari.

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Round trip on Lipari

Lipari offers more than just sun, beach and sea. If you like, you can let the sun shine on your belly and enjoy the turquoise blue sea to the fullest, but for those who want to explore the island, there is a varied picture. With a length of about 9 kilometres and a maximum width of 7 kilometres, it is not impossible to conquer the entire island within one holiday on the beautiful panoramic road.

Starting from the town of Lipari, the route goes counterclockwise to the beautiful fishing village of Canneto, where many bathers cavort in the summer months. Continuing on, you will reach the historic pumice quarries, where at Porticello the white rock provides the ideal contrast to the turquoise blue sea. Here, too, (sun) bathing is the order of the day on the fantastic pebble beaches. Finally, in the north, you come to the small town called Acquacalda with its inviting lava stone beach.

The panoramic road leads further west into the interior of the island. If you like, you can now venture into higher realms, stretch your feet a little around Lipari’s highest elevation – the 602-metre-high Monte Chirica – or hike from Quattropiani to the 594-metre-high Monte Sant’Angelo.
We end our tour in the south and then return to the starting point.

La Dolce Vita in Lipari Town

Of course, Lipari town is not nearly as turbulent as on the Italian mainland, but life pulsates here as well. The fact that most holidaymakers arrive at the Marina Lungo harbour already makes for lively activity. In the old port of Marina Corta, on the other hand, fishing boats provide more idyll. The harbours are framed by bars, restaurants and cafés. Above the rooftops of Liparis, between the two ports, towers the city’s landmark: the fortress. Among other things, the Archaeological Museum with prehistoric ceramics can be found here.
Other sights include the Cathedral of San Bartolomeo, the small church on the pier and remnants of times long past. In general, you should let yourself drift through the city and enjoy the atmosphere.

Small but nice!

If you like it quieter and smaller, you can dedicate yourself to the small fishing village of Canneto, which is not home to any sights. It scores with small bays, turquoise blue sea, diving and swimming opportunities, as well as lava sand beaches and a picturesque view of Stromboli.
Between the towns of Canneto and Porticello there are other beautiful beaches, framed by the bright white pumice stone. The Spiaggia Bianca is said to be the most beautiful on the whole island.

Acquacalda – which translates as “hot water” – was famous in earlier times for its thermal springs, which no longer exist. Nowadays, the place, from where pumice stone was once shipped, doesn’t have much to offer except a sea-long beach and a view of the neighboring island of Salina.
If you are a lover of particularly beautiful views, you should not miss the Belvedere near Quattropiani. In particularly clear weather, you will be granted a view of the smoking Mount Etna.

Why Lipari?

Lipari is the insider tip within the Mediterranean region. Here you can find peace, entertainment, culture and mild temperatures in a relatively small area. Lipari is a bathing paradise with numerous beaches. Nature lovers get their money’s worth on hikes in partly untouched landscapes. Almond and olive trees, but also wine, as well as the white pumice cliffs and the turquoise blue sea, characterize the image of the island.

Cantabria – Green Spain

Europe
Spain

PatrickJullien

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24. June 2022

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In the north of Spain, on the Bay of Biscay, lies the province of Cantabria (Spanish. Cantabria). The beautiful port city of Santander is the capital and is also considered the economic and cultural center of the province.

Cantabria is also called España Verde – the green Spain – because the rainy area here is significantly greener than other parts of Spain. If you want to spend your holidays in Cantabria, you can look forward to wonderful landscapes, beautiful beaches and unique art treasures.

One of the many cultural highlights is the well-known Way of St. James, which leads through the capital Santander.

About 30 km from Santander, near the town of Santillana del Mar, are the well-known caves of Altamira, known worldwide for their cave paintings and a World Heritage Site since 1985.

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Things to do in Cantabria

If you like hiking, you will have plenty of opportunity to do so in Cantabria, as the Cantabrian Mountains have more than 200 mountains with a height of over 2,000 mtr. With 2,648 mtr. the Torre de Cerredo is the highest mountain.

A special and magical place is El Soplao, located 60 kilometres from Santander. Here you will find a cave with underground wells and rivers, labyrinthine galleries, stalactites and stalagmites. Moisture and water have given the cave its shape over thousands of years. The tour of the cave takes about 1 hour.

The Cabárceno Wildlife Park in Obregón is also worth a visit. On a circular route of a good 20 km you can experience more than 100 animal species from 5 different continents. The park with its beautiful gorges, lakes and extensive enclosures can be explored on foot or by car.

Places to visit in Cantabria

Cantabria, Altamira Caves — The well-known caves of Altamira, Image: EQRoy / shutterstock

Many charming coastal towns such as San Vicente de la Barquera, Castro Urdiales or Comillas are lined up along the coast.

The small port town of Hondarribia has a beautiful old town with the church of Santa María de la Asunción y del Manzano, which is well worth seeing, and a town hall with a beautiful baroque façade. The popular street San Pedro Kalea attracts with numerous tapas bars and many other good restaurants.

Gijon has a special tourist attraction with its aquarium. The aquarium is located directly on the beach of Poniente and has a lot to offer on three floors. A special highlight are the shark feedings, which take place twice a week.

To go on hiking tours in the Picos de Europa National Park, the nice town of Potes is ideal. Here, hikers will find everything they need in the mountains. If you want to enjoy a truly overwhelming panoramic view, you should take the cable car from Fuente Dé to the 2,503 mtr. high Torre de los Horcados Rojos.

Llanes is a charming fishing village and one of the most beautiful places on the coast. A special attraction for mountain bikers and hikers is the Senda de la Costa, a hiking trail that winds along the picturesque coast. The largest beach in the town is Playa de Toro.

The cuisine of Cantabria

Kantruben, Chhorizo — The Spanish sausage chorizo, Image: DronG/shutterstock

Cantabria also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. For example, the paprika sausages chorizo and the black blood sausages morcielles are particularly popular here. Both are also used in the Fabada, a stew made from white beans. Another speciality is the blue cheese Cabrales, which matures in the caves of the Cabrales region. This cheese consists of a mixture of sheep’s, cow’s and goat’s milk.

The so-called guinea pig belongs to the scorpionfish family and is considered one of the ugliest fish. But its meat is very tasty and is therefore very popular in Pastel de Cabracho.

Beaches and nature in Cantabria

In Cantabria, more than 60 beaches await holidaymakers on more than 220 kilometres of coastline. One of the most beautiful and largest beaches, the 5 km long sandy beach La Salve, can be found in Laredo, a coastal town between the bay of Santona and the Ria de Treto inlet.

The longest sandy beach on the coast can be found in the seaside resort of Zarautz. It is a very popular meeting place for windsurfers. The town’s landmark is the Gothic fortified tower Torre Luzea, which is located in Nagusia Kalea Street.

On a true dream bay and surrounded by the foothills of the Pyrenees lies the seaside resort of San Sebastian (Donostia). The climb to the local mountain Urgull is worthwhile, because from here you have a good view of Concha Bay with its great beach.

Oman – from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age

Oman

PatrickJullien

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24. June 2022

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Oman – from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age

This region seems barren, and it is almost deserted. And yet she is of a sensitive beauty. Oman enjoys a diverse landscape. Sometimes it is dry as dust and dominated by the color brown, and a little later it presents itself with a sea of royal palms thanks to a sophisticated system of canals in the Jebel Akhdar Mountains.

The Arab sultanate on the Strait of Hormuz, where on a clear day you can glimpse the coast of its Iranian neighbor, looks back on 5,000 years of history. It is the history of trade on the seas. Little Oman owes its importance and wealth to this strait and the important sea route. With its strategically favourable location at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the country played a not insignificant role in trade with the early advanced civilizations in Mesopotamia for centuries. Oman is aware of its traditions and preserves them even in times when the country has cautiously opened up to tourism.

Oman, Grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque — The Great Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Oman, Image: Richard Yoshida / shutterstock

Almost fifty years ago, a new era began with the accession of Sultan Qaboos bin Said to the throne in Oman. The young regent led his country from the Middle Ages to the present and transformed it into a society with modern structures. He had roads built and, above all, schools. It was not only the Arab environment that looked on in amazement and registered how the change from a centuries-long state of paralysis to the contemporary present took place. The Sultan knew how to include the approximately three hundred Bedouin tribes of his country in his considerations, and since the oil wells have been bubbling up on the Strait of Hormuz, there is no place in Oman where water does not flow and houses are supplied with electricity.

Only the old people in the country can remember the conditions before the agile sultan ascended the throne and the toilets on the edge of the desert were still outside their tents. According to a study by the United Nations, of all the countries in the world, Oman is the one that has developed most sustainably in the recent past. This social and economic renaissance also benefited tourism. Here, the hospitality is actually still “genuine”, even if the Omanis maintain a kind of equanimous distance when meeting people from another world. But behind this is usually not aloofness, but rather pride. And the hosts protect their private sphere. If you want to take pictures in this country as a vacationer, you should leave it at the shots with the magnificent landscape, because women in particular are angry when cameras are pointed at them. And even the male inhabitants of the picturesque mountain villages sometimes lose their otherwise cheerful nonchalance.

Oman, Nakhal Fort — The fortress Nakhal Fort, Image: Hans Wagemaker / shutterstock

Tours through Oman are journeys between Orient and Occident. This country has chosen silence and frowns upon everything presumptuous and loud. The Arab Emirates’ small neighbour has retained a trace of its centuries-old secrets. On the edge of the desert, a fine sand always blows through the alleys of the villages and the Bedouins still boast of the gift of being able to read the map and the peculiarities of their sand mountains. On the market squares, colorfully dressed women offer their goods – mostly the fish of the sea and fruit from their gardens.

Oman – but this is also the actual home of incense and thus of a fragrance that beguiles the senses and for which even Alexander the Great once wanted to wage war. As it was 3,500 years ago, the frankincense trade is still an important source of income for the people of Salalah, the metropolis of the south. In the past, up to 3000 tons per year are said to have been transported from here to the Roman Empire. Weihrauch is one of the most important ambassadors of a country that is waiting to be explored on your own or in the form of a package tour .

Travel information Oman

Capital	Muscat
Form of government	Hereditary Monarchy Political system
Currency	Rial Omani (OMR)
Area	approx. 309,500 km²
Population	approx. 4,397,790 (2015)
Languages	Arabic
Electricity grid	240 volts, 50 Hz
Area code	Phone +968
Time zone	UTC+4

The Monkeys Gold xPays slot review: A virtual alternative to a jungle trip?

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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24. June 2022

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The Monkeys Gold xPays slot review: A virtual alternative to a jungle trip?

Jungle travel can be one of the most rewarding travel options because jungles are dense rainforests that are home to the greatest variety of life on Earth. Here you can observe animals and plants that you otherwise only see in film and television. Jungle trips offer the opportunity to see planet Earth in an untouched and pre-human state, a place where humans are not the dominant life form and instead animals and plants live in a complex web of life. Tourism in the Amazon rainforest is growing in popularity, and jungle travel is gradually being used as a means of preserving the last remaining rainforests, which not only benefits tourists but also protects the surrounding environment if properly staged.

With an area of more than 6.7 million square kilometers, the Amazon rainforest is the largest remaining rainforest of its kind on earth! The Amazon is located in South America and is accessible from 9 different countries, with Brazil having the largest area. Many areas in the jungle are difficult to reach and some are still unexplored. You can take boats to remote areas of the Amazon and stay in beautiful, remote resorts and eco-reserves in the jungle. The seclusion gives you more peace and quiet and a better chance of spotting wildlife. Typical activities offered by rainforest lodges and tour operators include: night walks through the jungle, canoe trips, visits to indigenous communities, visits to medicinal plants, kayaking, piranha fishing trips and nature walks.

But if you don’t have the financial means to travel to the other side of the world, you can have fun with virtual alternatives. The video and gambling market has recognized the popularity of the jungle theme and incorporated it into many games. For example, numerous online casinos and slots have taken up this theme, immersing players in a jungle world while enjoying the thrill and adrenaline of gambling. With the large number of providers, it is worthwhile to compare offers on sites like betrugstest.com/online-casino/spielautomaten/monkeys-gold-xpays/ before. In Monkeys Gold xPays slot, players can experience generous winning potential with increasing multipliers, colossal free spins symbols, symbol upgrades and much more. The game is filled with jewel-colored symbols that represent various gems and artifacts. The look of the game transports players to the jungle environment and makes for an immersive online gaming experience.

This game is very popular among slot fans because of its exciting engine and great graphics. xPays is an interesting concept that seems quite novel, but it’s actually quite simple. Winning combinations are formed by landing three or more matching symbols in adjacent positions on the reels, but the way the payouts work is unique, as each symbol in the winning combination has a cash value. At the end of the spin, the values of all symbols in the combo are added together to award you your prize. When you land a win, all non-winning symbols disappear and new ones fall in their place in a kind of reverse avalanche feature. This will encourage more symbols to potentially join your current win.

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The jungle theme is also very popular in video games:

Far Cry

Rainforest in Borneo, Image: BorneoRimbawan / shutterstock

While Far Cry 3 offered a beautiful and often stunning tropical paradise to explore, fans of the original know that the foliage was literally the thickest in the first game. In the 3rd level of the game, players could now really use the dense jungle environment as cover to secretly finish off the evil mercenaries who patrol the island. Video games have been set in the jungle before, but this was one of the first times you felt like you were really there.

Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune

The Uncharted series has always been about answering the call of adventure in your own way. It all started with Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune in 2007, when Nathan Drake, his friend Sully and reporter Elena Fisher searched for El Dorado in search of treasure. It wasn’t just about shooting bad guys, but also about exploring the jungle while climbing platforms and finding hidden treasures. The visual splendor of the environments, coupled with the gameplay and storytelling, helped make Uncharted a new flagship franchise for Sony, and it has only gotten better since then.

Tomb Raider III

The game starts and transitions into jungle sounds, but the most important thing is the rhythmic sitar and tabla music. It is suitable for entering the mysterious jungle and building up the atmosphere, but is also perfectly suited to the fight with the first tiger in the game and fades away shortly after the predator has been killed. Lara Croft begins her journey on a massive, sloping hill in the higher reaches of the dense Indian rainforest, from where she continues to navigate through the jungles of India , embarking on countless exciting adventures.

Jungle Hunt Arcade Game

This is a game about a hunter who has to save his girlfriend from native cannibals or Martians by swinging on lianas or ropes. In the original version of Jungle King, the character wearing a loincloth resembles Tarzan. In the renamed version of Jungle Hunt, the player character is an explorer with a pith helmet and safari suit. Another redesign of the arcade version was sold in 1982 as Pirate Pete.

Green Hell

If a realistic and grounded survival title is your thing, then Creepy Jar’s Green Hell could be the one. The game is set in a rainforest in the Amazon, where your fears can capture you, but that’s just the beginning. Food, shelter and water are just as important as defence against wild animals and diseases. The rainforest is dense in both size and detail, from the various plants and animals that inhabit it, to realistic behaviors and dynamic weather. The real test is whether you can preserve your physical and mental health and eventually escape.

The island of Silba in Croatia

Croatia

PatrickJullien

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24. June 2022

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The island of Silba (Italian name: Selve) is located south of the island of Lošinj in northern Dalmatia. It has an area of only 15 km² and a length of eight kilometres and is part of the Zadar archipelago. On the car-free holiday island, 300 people live in the island’s capital of the same name. Original beaches with picturesque bays, tranquillity and attractive hiking trails are the main reasons why holidaymakers visit the small island. With a bit of luck, you can even spot dolphins in the bays off Silba.

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Geography and history

Silba was already settled in Roman times. The name of the island may be derived from the Latin word for forest. The small island also bears the title “Gateway to Dalamatia” and experienced its most pronounced heyday in the 17. and 18th century. At that time, the number of inhabitants was four times as high as it is today. Seafaring helped the island to considerable wealth. With the beginning of steamships, however, the inhabitants then shifted to sheep breeding and fishing.

Silba has an elongated shape and is only 700 meters wide at its narrowest point. The vegetation on the island shows a very varied appearance. Pebble beaches, sandy beaches and small rocky bays alternate on Silba. A large part of the island consists of Cretaceous limestone.

Beaches and places of interest on the island of Silba

Torretta Marinich, Silba — Torretta Marinich, Image: JGA / shutterstock

On the south side of Silba spreads the wide beach of Pocukmarak. In a small café you can buy cold drinks and snacks. From the beach, a short walk will take you to the church of St. Mark. The best view of this church can be enjoyed from the small bay Porat Sveta Marka. It is also popular as an anchorage for leisure yachts. The Dobre Voda bay is also beautiful. But since it is difficult to reach, there are no larger tourist gatherings here and especially those seeking peace and quiet will find a small paradise here.

Another secluded bay is Nozdre, which consists of two separate parts. While one part is a pure sandy beach, the second part of the beach consists of a sand-gravel mixture. Cafés or restaurants are completely absent here. The most easily accessible is the beach of Sotorisce. The crystal clear water here usually shimmers light green. If you want to pursue water sports activities, you will find a wide range of activities here. Among other things, rowing boats are rented out and there are courts for football, basketball, table tennis and beach volleyball.

A landmark of the island is the Torretta Marinich, a hexagonal observation tower. It once belonged to the garden of Captain Pietro Marinich (1816–1897) and is accessible by an external spiral staircase. From here you can see almost the entire island. The busiest thing on Silba is around the bustling port of Žalić and on the village square with a church worth seeing. Several restaurants, cafés, bars and shops are lined up here. There is also a post office, a doctor and a pharmacy.

How to get to the island of Silba

Every day, several boats and ferries depart from Zadar to the island of Silba. In the summer months, there are also excursions to the neighbouring islands as well as to Rijeka and Pula on the mainland. On the island itself, you can only move on foot or by bike, unless you have rented your own boat. In general, the Croatian islands offer ideal conditions for an extensive sailing trip.

Excursions

Of course, you can spend your entire holiday on the island itself, but day trips by boat to the larger islands such as Lošinj or to one or the other pretty town on the mainland are recommended. Lošinj went down in history as an imperial island and for a long time was the second most important port on the Adriatic after Trieste . It is also known for its medicinal herbs, scents and aromas.

Zadar has plenty of attractions, including the 9th-century Church of St. Donatus and the remains of the Roman Forum. Several beautiful houses and palaces have also been preserved from the Venetian era. Bathing pleasures are promised here by the Kolovare beach.

No less remarkable is the historical heritage of Pula. The local amphitheater is one of the largest of its kind and is surprisingly well preserved. The Temple of Augustus and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary should not be missed on any city tour. In the old town, you will come across filigree Roman floor mosaics. On the beaches in the Verudela district, the rare monk seals feel at home.

Accommodation on Silba

The most common form of accommodation on Silba is private apartments or holiday flats or entire holiday homes. In addition, there are smaller guesthouses and, of course, hotels. Last but not least, there is the option to charter a sailboat and spend the night there and sail from bay to bay during the day.