0 Places To Shop In Bali

Although known for various reasons except shopping, all those who visit Bali never really go back without being on a shopping spree atleast one day amongst the rest of their holiday. Bali is a dream land situated in Indonesia blessed with natures prowess in the form of exotic beaches, breath taking lush and green landscapes, magnificent waterfalls, hot springs, mountains, volcanoes, wildlife to name a few. Also the Balinese culture is a major attraction in the island for the tourists. Balinese culture includes traditional folklore, dance, music, cuisine, sculpture and woodcarving like exquisite show of art and architecture.

There are many places in Bali that are especially famous as shopping centers and tourists tend to come across many such handicrafts that are a prize catch. Besides you need something that belongs to Bali to be taken along with you when you travel back home to keep it as a token of Bali. Following is the list of some of these places in Bali which is to be visited without fail before setting off back home:

- Kuta Beach:

Kuta is the ultimate shopping destination for foreigners visiting Bali. There are plenty of art shops selling Balinese crafts in Kuta. Bikini swimwear, surf wear, flip flops, surfboards and mountain wear shopping is also prominently practiced here. There is a Discovery Shopping Mall with a beachfront view. It houses international brands like Sogo, Guess, Espirit, Giardino and many more.

- Legian Beach:

It houses a lot of local boutiques and art shops. It is also a famous hub for traditional Balinese clothing, embroidered Indonesian outfits and even 60s and 70s style colorful hippie clothing. Apart from clothes it is also known for shoe shops and jewelry shops. It also has an art and handicraft market.

- Nusa Dua Beach:

Jeweled with a beautiful sandy white beach the dual island of Nusa Dua offers international shopping complex- The Bali Collection. Its an outdoor mall that is a one-stop-shop for all. There are a range of Balinese art shops as well.

- Sanur Beach:

It houses stores, boutiques, antiquities, art shops and much more.

- Ubud:

It serves as the best destination for art lovers owing to its location that is centralized within art and craft communities of the neighboring villages. It has the Sukawati Art Market, one of the largest art markets in Bali, known for handicrafts and traditional handmade products. The market sells paintings, statues, traditional woven textiles, traditional kites, handmade bags, womens accessories, shirts, sarongs and Balinese ceremonial items.

- Seminyak Beach:

Seminyak boasts about its new designer boutiques, unique furniture, handicrafts and contemporary artwork. It also is home for ultimate glamorous tropical collections featuring ethnic chic designs, divine beading, sequined silk, sheer chiffons, natural fabrics and strong deep colored attires perfect for the Balis tropical climate.

- Lombok:

Pottery, basket weaving and textiles are the three main crafts found in Lombok. These products are locally made by hand, of high quality and unique design. The Sukara traditional weaving village is the centre of Lomboks textile industry. The style of weaving is known as Ikat and it incorporates symbolic designs that depict wealth, power and prestige. It is also a hub for pearl jewelry and corals.

Thus Bali offers innumerous shopping destinations where you shop and bargain for the most unique handiworks of the Balinese art culture take back home a memento of your Bali experience.

About the Author:

The author of this article has great knowledge about the Bali honeymoon. He has helped many people out there to get the best Bali villa deal at affordable prices. He well knows the fact that there are several things to be considered while choosing the Bali villa. He has written many articles on choosing the Bali holiday villa.

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0 Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in Australia

Australia is an incredible country; there is something for everyone. If you are a party animal you can head up the East Coast, if you prefer scenery then the West Coast is the way forward. Australia has some excellent cities; my personal favourites include Melbourne, Perth and Sydney (although one place I would recommend avoiding is Canberra – it’s a random city in the middle of nowhere with not much to see or do). When visiting, if possible try to buy or hire a car. It can be expensive but this will allow you to see much more and it will give you the flexibility a country like Australia needs. Major cities aside here are my Top 10 most beautiful places in Australia:

1. Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road stretches along the south-eastern coast of Australia between Torquay and Warrnambool and lasts for 243km. The journey is one to be savoured and there are various look-out points to view the amazing scenery. The views consists of different rocks jutting out of the ocean, the most renowned being the “Twelve Apostles.” It’s a highly photogenic place especially at sunset and sunrise. I would allow yourself a full day to take in the sights, again it’s highly recommended to drive yourself. There are various options for day trips but I think it’s better to stop where you want rather than have a guide dictate where you stop.

2. The Red Centre

The Red Centre is a made up of a trilogy of sites; Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Kings Canyon. When visiting the incredible Uluru you have two options; you can walk around it or up it. Many tourists tend to attempt the climb it but Aboriginals prefer people to avoid climbing it as Uluru is one of their spiritual monuments. During the walk around you will have the opportunity to see aboriginal drawings dating back 10,000 years, it‘s a fantastic but tiring walk. Whilst Uluru is incredible, I felt its’ neighbour Kata Tjuta was more impressive. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) is 25km from Uluru, it has 36 sandstone domes and covers almost 22km². Here you can go on an 8km walk across the boulders; there is a wonderful feeling of peace as you walk around and there is often a gentle breeze which helps you take your time.

The final part of the trilogy is Kings Canyon which 300 metres high and overlooks Kings Creek. Like the other two it’s another incredible site and here there are two walks to choose from. The first is a 2km which takes you along the bottom of the gorge but if you have travelled all the way to Kings Canyon you might as well do the full walk so you can appreciate the total experience.

3. Broome

Broome is unlikely to find its way onto many lists, like Purnululu National Park it is located in Western Australia and often gets missed. Broome is the place to get your pearls, but realistically visitors go to Broome to relax and for Cable Beach. Cable Beach is  Broome’s most famous beach and one of Australia‘s top ten beaches. Broome is possibly the most relaxing place I have ever been, time just seems to disappear here. I had planned to stay for a couple of days and ended up staying a week.  I also recommended it to my sister to go for a week and she ended up staying two and half months. It really is a special place which is perfect for taking some time out. When here make sure you should visit the open air cinema which makes a good start to the night before hitting the bars.

4. Great Barrier Reef

No trip to Australia would be complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef. The famous reef can be found off the coast of Queensland and it’s the world’s largest coral reef spreading over 2,600 km with approximately 900 islands. The most famous area is the Whitsundays. If you know someone who has visited The East Coast it’s highly likely you have received a postcard with a picture of The Whitsundays. I would recommend visiting these islands on a boat tour, ideally for a few days so that you can take in the sights. You can also scuba dive or snorkel as well as enjoying incredible cuisine that is often served on the boats. There are many types of deals on offer, just head for the coastal town Airlie Beach and shop around for the best price. The Great Barrier Reef has all kinds of incredible fish including clownfish (remember Nemo), manta rays, red bass, red-throat emperor, snapper, tiger sharks and yellow-faced angelfishes, not forgetting the beautiful coloured coral. Just beware of the fire coral-it will hurt!

5. Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third biggest Island, it’s only smaller than Tasmania and Melville Island. To get to the Island you need to get a ferry from Adelaide. A lot of people hold off visiting Kangaroo Island and opt to visit Philip Island. Each to their own but I personally think Kangaroo Island has more to offer. It’s home to some wonderful wildlife including albino wallabies (which I was lucky enough to see), sea lions and lots of little blue penguins which come onto the land at sunset for feeding. Another bonus is that Kangaroo island is less touristy. I would recommend using Daniel’s Tours, a tour run by one of the locals on the Island.

6. Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a fantastic location. It’s actually believed to be the largest sand island in the world and spreads across 1840 km². Sadly some people find themselves having to choose between Fraser Island and a trip out to Whitsundays but if possible try to do both – you won‘t be disappointed. Most tours start at Hervey Bay on the mainland here you can book a tour and then collect your four wheel drive vehicle, just make sure you do your food and alcohol shopping before getting the ferry to Fraser Island. Once on the Island you will have two or three days driving around on the sand, trying to avoid crashing while checking out various interesting spots. Don’t miss the famous clear Champagne Pool (which is great to lie in) or the Wreck of the Maheno which is a perfect photo opportunity. A good tip is to beware of the Dingos! They sometimes wander into the camp grounds at night looking for food but they don’t tend to approach people. Fraser island is a fun experience you’ll also get the chance to chose to where to camp each night.

7. Purnululu National Park

Purnululu National Park is located in Western Australia. Unfortunately, due to its location this part of the country is often bypassed, although this does mean it remains quite untouched. Western Australia was my favourite part of the country, it’s very beautiful and you’ll rarely see other travellers. When you visit Purnululu National Park, the Bungle Bungles is the place to head to. The Bungle Bungles are tiger-striped sandstone rocks which are an incredible sight. At the Bungle Bungles you can go for walks or alternatively view them by helicopter. I chose to go up in a helicopter, it wasn’t cheap but the views made it worthwhile.

8. Barossa Valley

In Barossa Valley I fell in love with wine, red wine in particular. Barossa Valley is Australia’s most famous wine region producing famous brands such as Penfolds, Orlando Wines, Wolf Blass and Yalumba.  I recommend going on a tour around the Valley which will allow you to visit different wineries. If you can, try to avoid driving so you can enjoy the wineries without worrying about driving home. I went with Prime Mini Tours and had the pleasure of visiting five wineries and a stop where we enjoyed a three course dinner consisting of barramundi, crocodile and kangaroo.

9. Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is in the Northern Territory and makes a special stop. The national park is very large, covering an area of 4,894,000 acres. You will find Alligator Rivers running through Kakadu. You can drive in yourself but for the alligator reason it’s best to take a tour! The tours will also allow you to meet local Aborignals who have opted to stay in their ancestral homes rather than moving to cities. I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon at Twin Falls, at the time I was there you had a 200m swim to reach it but I’ve heard that has all changed and there is now a walkway. Remember to avoid the wet season as large parts of the park are closed and the crocs come out to play!

10. Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a beachside town in New South Wales. After spending time in Sydney and Brisbane, Byron Bay provides a perfect escape from city life. Byron Bay is a is very relaxing location and the local community is full of artists which gives it a creative bohemian feel. The Bay is a good place to relax as well as picking up some lovely gifts for family and friends. Even if you’re near the beach it is always nice having a swimming pool, so I would recommend the YHA hostel for both cheap and clean accommodation which also has a good sized pool.

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0 Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in France

One of the most visited countries in the world, France conjures up an image of long hot summer days and probably the desire not to come home again. When we think of France we usually think of fine wine and cuisine, exceptional scenery and a laid back lifestyle which is the envy of the world. The diverse landscape – which has inspired centuries of influential writers, artists and poets – include huge mountain ranges, acres of green countryside and miles of gorgeous coastline. Paris aside, here are my top 10 of the most beautiful places in France (in no particular order):

1. Champagne-Ardenne

The birthplace of champagne is also one of the most beautiful regions in France and of course it’s very popular with wine trail tourists. In addition to the miles of Champagne Routes, the region has exceptionally scenic countryside, medieval chateaux and vineyards as far as the eye can see. Make sure you visit the region’s capital Troyes for impressive art and architecture and Reims for its famous cathedral and acres of underground wine cellars.

2. Mont Saint-Michel

Second only to the Eiffel Tower as France’s best-loved landmark, Mont St-Michel is rocky, peaked island which is connected by a causeway to northwest France. An imposing sight sitting amid sandbanks and powerful tides, the heritage site is most celebrated for its Gothic-style Benedictine abbey. Directly below the grand monastery is a medieval village complete with winding streets, small houses and souvenir shops. The island is accessible at all times except when the tide is very high.

3. Loire Valley

An area of outstanding natural beauty, the Loire Valley is also affectionately known as the garden of France. The valley is filled with culturally and historically important architecture which has earned it a world heritage site status- unsurprisingly it’s one of the most visited places in the country. Renowned for its large collection of fairytale-esque chateaux and mansions, exceptionally beautiful landscapes and one of the most striking rivers in Europe the Loire Valley is a gentle but most definitely bourgeois paradise.

4. Annecy, The Alps

The French Alps are best known for its prestigious ski resorts, although the region is also home to many pretty towns which are great to visit, summer or winter. One of the most attractive is Annecy which has a medieval picture-postcard quality. The centre is built around a 14th century Chateau and the whole town is interspersed with small canals which is why some locals refer to it as the ‘Venice of Savoie.’ With its canals and backdrop of snowy mountains, Annecy is easily one of the most photogenic towns in France.

5. Côte d’Azur

The Mediterranean coastline of southeast France is otherwise known as the French Riviera. Although expensive and over-developed to some, with its miles of gorgeous coastline and azure waters it’s still one of the most beautiful places in France. The area has attracted and transfixed many visitors over the years including royalty, celebrities, writers and artists such as Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse. The Côte d’Azur is also famed for it’s stylish coastal cities such as Nice, Cannes and St-Tropez, which still remain exclusive holiday resorts even today.

6. The Gorges du Verdon

Europe’s answer to the grand canyon, this deep cliff gorge located in the Provence region is a visitor hot spot. Here you’ll find bright turquoise green waters, outstanding scenery and an abundance of wildlife – it’s not difficult to see why this gorge is so popular. Easily accessible from the French Riviera, the national park is a great spot to climb, hike, kayak or just go for a scenic drive.

7. Provence

Although this region encompasses other places on this list, Provence deserves a mention of its own. It has a very diverse geography but Provence is best known for its irresistible countryside landscapes filled with endless lavender fields, lush olive groves and ancient hilltop villages. Long lazy days and alfresco lunches await you in this rural chic paradise. Make sure you include a trip to the impossibly picturesque villages of Baux-de-Provence and St. Rémy and also the spectacular walled city of Avignon.

8. Versailles

A wealthy suburb of Paris, Versailles is an important administrative centre and a proud tourist attraction in its own right. It’s most famous for its chateau – the grand and ornate Palace of Versailles which once housed the kings of France, (including the ill-fated Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette). Both the beautifully preserved palace and manicured gardens are extraordinary and they also offer an interesting insight into the lives of 18th century French royalty before the start of the legendary Revolution.

9. Giverny

Giverny is a riverside rural idyll located on the borders of Normandy which is most famous for being the birthplace of impressionism. The small village was once Claude Monet’s cherished country retreat and now both his pink shutterboard house and highly photogenic country gardens are open to the public. Planted by Monet himself, the walled water garden (which inspired so many of his famous paintings) features white and purple wisterias, water lilies, weeping willows, bamboo and the iconic green Japanese bridge.

10. Strasbourg

Located right on the border of Germany and France this heritage city has distinct characteristics of both countries. It’s a picturesque, almost twee town radiating an old world charm which really draws the visitors. Famous for its riverfront half-timbered houses, beautiful gothic cathedral and fondness for flowers, it also makes a great base for those wishing to visit the nearby Black Forest or the River Rhine.

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0 Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in Italy

It’s amazing how many Italians opt not to go abroad for their holidays. When I taught English in Rome I used to ask my students why they didn’t visit other countries. They simply replied: “Why would we? We have incredible culture, the best beaches and mountains to go skiing in the winter!” Italy is undoubtedly beautiful and I feel privileged to have spent 3 years of my life there. It’s a unique country where you are just as likely to find beauty in a quiet cobbled backstreet or a traditional trattoria than in its stunning beaches or extraordinary countryside. Using my experience of living in Italy I have compiled a list of ten places I feel are worth visiting. Some will be obvious, others maybe not so. Here is my personal list of top 10 most beautiful places in Italy:


1. Sardinia

This large island just off the coast of Italy is a favoured holiday spot for Italians and rich footballers. Most of the time it’s a quiet and relaxing island but popular areas can get very busy in the summer so you will need to book early to get the best places. To reach Sardinia you can sail into or land at Alghero, Cagliari or the port town Olbia. The whole island is beautiful and compared to many holiday islands resorts in Europe it remains relatively unspoilt. There are certainly no high rise concrete hotels here – even the resort areas are surprisingly tasteful. I would personally recommend Sant’antioco and San Pietro as these are the most remote and traditional areas. Sardinia’s coastline is world renowned and you won’t have to search far for amazing beaches and clear water. It isn’t a cheap island but it’s definitely worth a visit.

2. Puglia

A strange inclusion some might say. To be honest I hadn’t really considered Puglia until I discovered ‘Il Collegio Holidays’. The company was featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs in 2004 and they offer visitors a chance to stay in a beautiful villa in Masseria Impisi. It’s marketed as an art holiday although even if you are hopeless at drawing (like me) you still could enjoy the wonderful scenery that the Adriatic coast offers. This part of Italy is perfect for those wishing to sample a genuine taste of the real Italy as well as the fabulous blue sea and beaches. Other reasons to visit this region are the excellent cuisine, beautiful baroque towns and picturesque olive groves and orchards.

3. Venice

Venice is one of the most famous cities in Italy and one that’s built on water. It’s also often classed as one of the world’s most romantic travel destinations. In the middle of the city you will find the grand square ‘Piazza San Marco’ where the even more impressive basilica resides (it’s rumoured that Napoleon called the square the drawing room of Europe). If you’re a culture seeker you’ll be spoilt for choice here, Venice has the world’s most artistic masterpieces per square kilometre and there are numerous churches, museums, and palaces worth visiting. One highlight is the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) which is an enclosed bridge that passes over the Rio di Palazzo. If you’re a romantic type and want to try a gondola just remember to take plenty of money – you will be charged a small fortune for the privilege. Also try to avoid Venice in summer where the crowds can get unbearable.

4. Sorrento & The Amalfi Coast

This coastline should be on everyone’s list of beautiful places to visit in Italy. The most famous area is the resort Sorrento where you’ll find the addictive liqueur limoncello and plenty of great wine. The city can also be used as a base to visit Pompeii, this is the town which was buried by Mount Vesuvius’ volcanic eruption back in 79AD. Further along the rugged coast you will find the picturesque and affluent town of Positano and the town of Amalfi. The Amalfi Coast offers one of the world’s greatest coastal drives so be sure to hire a car if you can. I would also recommend taking a boat from Sorrento to the island of Capri. On Capri you can take a trip to the gorgeous Blue Grotto – a sea cave that is flooded with a brilliant blue or emerald light. Just be warned the Amalfi Coast area gets very busy in the summer.

5. Milan

Milan is one of Europe’s richest cities and Italy’s home of fashion. It’s known for its stylish shops and up-market restaurants. The city is overflowing with aspiring models and fashion designers which makes for an interesting city experience to say the least. There are also many architecturally impressive buildings in Milan ranging from old Neo-classical Milanese palaces to ultra-modern towers and commercial buildings. For those who want to mix culture with their shopping and eating make sure you visit La Scala (one of the World’s most famous opera houses) and the Duomo which has an incredible marble façade which I personally think is worth the trip alone.

6. Bologna

A city known for its beauty, left-wing politics, wealth and most importantly its cuisine. Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. If you arrive by train, move swiftly away from the station so you can take in the beautiful sites of the city. There are many arcades which allow you to explore the city even if it’s raining. I recommend wandering around the backstreets until you stumble upon one of the many beautiful squares where you can stop for a cafe or gelato. Bologna also boasts the oldest university in the world, which was founded in 1088. Although most people visit the city to discover its renowned culinary delights, these include tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne, tortellini served in broth and fried gnocchi.

7. Rome

It’s impossible to do a tour of Italy without visiting the capital. Rome is an amazing city which is full of history spanning twenty centuries – you could say Rome is the world’s best open-air museum. As you wander around the streets the architecture will leave you in awe. There are many sites to see, the most famous being the Coliseum, the Vatican, St. Peter’s, the Trevi Fountain and my personal favourite the Pantheon. You won’t see them all in a weekend but it will give you a reason to go back. Rome’s cafe culture is also another reason to visit and for a true Rome experience chose from one of many piazzas and sit down for (an expensive) coffee or icecream. For the best food in town, follow the Romans to Trastevere.

8. Sicily

The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea makes an excellent holiday destination. Like Sardinia it has excellent beaches and wonderful cuisine only far cheaper. You will also have the luxury of being able to island hop – the Aegadian Islands, Aeolian Islands and Pantelleria Lampedusa are all nearby and very accessible. Sicily is a traditional and rustic island with a rich culture and a potent mix of architecture, arts, cuisine, literature and music. Here you can spend your time sitting on beaches, visiting archaeological sites or sampling the locally caught fish. Make sure you include a visit to the Selinunte which is an ancient building containing five temples centered on an acropolis. The east coast of Sicily is more developed and tourist friendly and the west coast is more untouched. As you travel down the latter you’ll be amazed how friendly the Sicillian people are and how pleased they are that you chose to visit Sicily.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy. It was definitely a tough choice, when it comes to writing about Italy I could easily have listed a hundred places worth visiting.

9. Florence and the Tuscany Region

Florence is a fascinating place and an art lovers dream. A popular city nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscany region, Florence has plenty to offer the visitor. If you’re thinking of staying in the area there are lots of holiday apartments in Florence to choose from. The city has numerous museums filled with famous paintings and sculptures. Two places I recommend you visit are the Pitti Palace and the Uffizi. The latter hosts work by Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo and receives approximately 1.6 million tourists a year (you should book before you go or unfortunately face a long wait). Also take your time to explore the rest of the Tuscany. Known as Renaissance country, the region offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The extraordinary countryside and coastline keep vacationers happy and the ever flowing supply of fine wine and cuisine will certainly please food connoisseurs.

10. Verona and the Lakes

Verona is a lovely city which was made famous by Shakespeare’s famous story of Romeo and Juliet. It has the third largest Roman Arena in Italy and if you’re lucky enough you can catch an opera festival during your visit (something which I highly recommend). UNESCO has awarded the city a world heritage site status because of its urban structure and architecture, which include Roman remains and ancient castles. As you can imagine Verona is a very romantic city, so if you take a partner beware they could end up proposing! The Italian lakes are accessible from Verona and Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are some of the most well-known. The mountain lakes offer classically beautiful images of Italy and are flanked by sleepy cobblestone villages and secluded gardens.

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0 Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in Spain

With its sunny climate and thousands of years of history and culture, Spain is a dream travel destination for many. Although with vast landscapes, world-famous coastline and wide stretches of mountain ranges it’s hard to know where to start. Here are ten of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain chosen by published travel writer and author of the Frommer’s guide to Seville, Granada and the Best of Andalusia, Jeremy Head. Here are my personal picks for the top 10 most beautiful places in Spain.

1. Stunning natural scenery – Picos de Europa

Spain’s natural scenery – from the sandy coastline to the vast plains – is constantly surprising, but the lofty peaks of the Picos de Europa mountain ranges are without doubt the most spectacular. Craggy mountain peaks, verdant valleys and raging rivers combine to make this chunk of northern Spain perfect hiking and adventure territory – whitewater rafting and snowshoeing are particular favourites.  There’s heaps of wildlife too including the endangered Cantabrian Brown Bear and wolves.

2. Plaza de Espana – Seville

The majestic capital of the Andalusia region, Seville is stuffed with beautiful sights and is wonderfully atmospheric. The Plaza de Espana was designed by local architect Anibal Gonzalez for the great 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition that was held in the city and virtually bankrupted it. It’s a feast of ornate colourful towers and colonnades decorated with tiles and motifs. At its centre there’s a huge fountain and canals which visitors can float along on on hired pedalos. It’s such a striking place that it often features in movies – most notably Star Wars Episode 2 – Attack of the Clones.

3. Gaudi’s Masterpieces – Barcelona

The proud capital of the Catalunia region, Barcelona has heaps to offer the visitor – great nightlife, shopping and beaches. But it’s the phantasmagoric buildings created by legendary architect Gaudi that are by far the biggest stars of the show. The still unfinished La Sagrada Familia with its amorphous spindly towers and oddly shaped buttresses and roof is the most visited of his creations. Although his residential buildings like the Casa Mila are also wonderful as are his more playful statues and benches in the popular Park Guell.

4. The Cathedral – Santiago de Compostela

Spain’s many vast Gothic cathedrals are testament to the country’s long-held Christian traditions. Perhaps the most spellbinding is the vast one at Santiago de Compostela. It’s a huge building smothered in Baroque swirls, statues and stalagmites. Possibly the most remarkable vista is the Western facade which forms the main entrance, accessed by a magnificent quadruple flight of stairs. The cathedral is also the final destination of the thousands of pilgrims who walk the Way of St James trail each year.

5. Volcanic Views – Mount Teide Tenerife

A couple of hours south by plane from the Spanish mainland, the Canary Islands are far closer to African shores than European ones and their natural landscape is radically different. Much of the land is volcanic, with steep slopes and dark grey sands on the beaches. At the centre of Tenerife – the most popular of the Canary Islands – stands the mighty Mount Teide a vast snow-capped volcano. It’s great hiking territory and at this altitude the scenery is almost moon-like. There’s a cable car to the summit and the views from up here out towards the other Canary Islands shouldn’t be missed.

6. Roman Remains – Segovia

The Romans ruled Spain for over 700 years and there are reminders of their presence all over the country. Perhaps the most remarkable, is the wonderfully preserved aqueduct at Segovia in central Spain. It was used by the ancient Romans to bring water to the city. A double-height set of graceful arches, it’s 2950 feet long and it’s held together just by the weight of gravity on the carefully carved blocks that comprise it. There is no mortar whatsoever. With its 167 arches, at its highest point, it reaches almost 900 feet high – an incredible feat of engineering.

7. City of Arts and Sciences – Valencia

Spain has its share of outstanding historical architecture, but it’s also looking firmly towards the future for many of its building projects of more recent years. The wonderful curves of the Guggenheim museum have really put Bilbao on the map, but it’s the City of Arts and Sciences designed by the wonderfully exuberant Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava that is the pinnacle of modern architecture in Spain. His amorphous, buildings in stark white are a feast of odd angles and unusual shapes at any time of the day, but they look particularly spectacular when floodlit at night.

8. Beautiful Beaches – Formentera

Spain has over 5000 miles of coastline and bright sunny days for much of the year, so it’s unsurprising that it’s a beach Mecca. From jam-packed tourist beaches to deserted stretches of virgin sand there’s a beach for just about everyone. Some of the most unspoilt and ultra-white are found on the shores of the Balearic Island of Formentera. The island is located in the Mediterranean Sea and only a couple of hours by boat from the mainland. Ses Illetes is a long curve of white sand, backed by soft dunes with shallow ultramarine seawater lapping its fringes.

9. Pueblos Blancos – Andalucia

The white villages that dot the rugged hillsides in central Andalucia seem to almost defy gravity in places. Formerly farming villages, many fell into disrepair as the younger generation headed to the cities in search of work. Now locals and overseas visitors alike have rediscovered their charm, and the narrow streets, whitewashed houses, pretty old churches and flower-strewn squares have been restored. Particularly lovely villages include Grazalema, Vejer de la Frontera and Arcos de la Frontera.

10. The Alhambra – Granada

The stunningly ornate Moorish palace, the Alhambra, is one of Spain’s most visited monuments and it’s not hard to see why. A sprawling complex of palaces surrounded by ornate gardens perched atop of a hill with the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains behind, it’s in a spectacular location. The interior is similarly beautiful with romantic intricate Moorish-style decoration around peaceful courtyards contrasting with the powerfully simplistic lines of later vast Baroque additions.

Detail: Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in Spain

0 Top 10 Most Beautiful Places In Turkey

There is far more to Turkey than the packed holiday resorts. Explore the sights away from the crowds to find ancient architecture and some extraordinary landscapes. From snow-like natural wonders to hippy beach retreats here is my choice for top 10 most beautiful places in Turkey:

1. Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a stunning region of rock formations, subterranean churches and underground cities, the scale of which is simply overwhelming. There are hundreds of underground buildings in the region. Two of the most unmissable are Kaymakli, which has eight levels, and Derinkuyu, which descends some 55 metres. Nevsehir, the capital of Cappadocia, is a great place to base yourself when visiting. The surrounding area is a popular trekking route amid the breathtaking and alien rock formations called Peri Bacalari or ‘Fairy Chimneys’ – easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Turkey.

2. Pamukkale
Few people can ever say that they’ve seen snow at 40C. A hot spot on the backpacking trail and one of Turkey’s most impressive natural wonders, the Pamukkale mineral spa, translated as ‘cotton castle.’ Stunning white terraces of calcium-rich warm waters spring up from the earth and cascade over low cliffs, forming the crisp, snow-like landscape.

3. Fethiye
Fethiye is a very traditional Turkish market town that is spread around a beautiful natural harbour on a wide bay. It is a big centre for scuba diving and sailing on a stunning piece of natural coastline. Fethiye has a very traditional lifestyle and offers a change of pace for travellers always on the go. The most famous beach in Turkey is Olu Deniz (Dead Sea) near Fethiye, a serene lagoon beach with turquoise waters – a far cry from the arid and rugged areas to the south.

4. Istanbul
One of the most ancient cities in the world, Istanbul at times overshadowed even ancient Rome, serving as capital first to Byzantine and then to the Ottoman Empire. At every turn in the city you fall over beauty. It teems with Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman palaces, mosques, churches, monasteries, monuments, walls, and ruins. The Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the mosques of Süleymaniye and the Blue Mosque dominate the skyline.

5. Ankara
Ruggedly and rustically beautiful, Ankara is the capital of Turkey. It is the country’s second largest city after Istanbul and the centre of Turkish government. It has historically been a vital and much fought-over crossroads of trade. The city was famous for its long-haired Angora goat and its prized wool mohair. The historical centre of Ankara is situated upon a rocky hill, which rises 150 metres above the plain on the left bank of the tributary of the Sakarya river.

6. Ephesus
This once thriving ancient Greek city has seen it all and lived to tell the tale. A major Roman site on the west coast of Asia Minor, near present-day Selçuk, it was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era. Famed for housing the Temple of Artemis in 550 BC, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Ephesus now houses some of the finest examples of classical architecture to be found in the region.

7. Antalya
Antalya is best known as being the Turkish Riviera and is the most stunning part of Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline. It is a blend of thriving modern city and ancient history on your doorstep, boutique hotels, and restored Ottoman mansions. Heading up into the mountains, you can make the most of the beautiful scenery by visiting the spectacular Düden or Kursunlu waterfalls.

8. Temple of Hadrian
The facade of this ancient and wondrous temple has four Corinthian columns supporting an exquisite curved arch, the middle of which contains a relief of Tyche, the goddess of victory. Although the carvings are replicas, with the originals in Ephesus, the quality and setting transport you back in time. The pedestals with inscriptions in front of the temple are the bases for the statues of various emperors, while inside the temple above the door a human figure, probably Medusa, stands with ornaments of acanthus leaves.

9. Patara
Patara was once the major naval and trading port of Lycia, located at the mouth of the Xanthos river. Now it is a wide, stunning smile carved on to the landscape of Turkey. This bohemian beach retreat is also an incredibly biologically diverse national park rich in birdlife. It sits not far from the sites of Letoon and Xanthos, and a day trip from Kalkan, Kas or Fethiye. Beautiful 12 km-long Patara Beach, voted one of the top beaches in the world by Times Online, is an easy 10- to 15-minute stroll away from the major ruins at Patara.

10. Alanya
Alanya is a paradise of sun, sea and sand. If you want more of the cultural vibrancy of Turkey, Alanya is a beautiful place to start. It works as a great holiday centre with its pristine sandy beaches, modern hotels, and quality fish restaurants. The cafes that ring the harbour are popular gathering places for tourists and locals, with three blue flag beaches and many sights, including Damlatas Cave, the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, and the Dim Çayi Valley.

Detail: Top 10 Most Beautiful Places In Turkey