Let’s step aside to one of the oldest Italian cities. Welcome to the city of Siena! This amazing and historical place seduces with its sleepless environment, medieval architecture and cozy atmosphere.

In my opinion, I think there is no person who will not become thrilled with its central piazza known as Il Campo. It’s legendary for Palio horse race that takes place twice a year and draws hundreds of spectators, while during the rest of the year it presents the main place for people’s meetings.

Unlike other Italian cities that sparkle with excessive luxury, the city of Sienna succeeded to keep its own unique charm. So, you’d better not expect to go shopping and eating at expensive restaurants ‘cause this place has to offer only plenty of Gothic architecture and marvelous history.

Among the buildings overlooking Piazza del Campo, you will see and should visit the Palazzo Comunale (or Palazzo Pubblico, which is the city’s Town Hall) and the Torre del Mangia. Furthermore, the city has a range of fantastic museums and galleries such as the Siena Civic Museum and the National Gallery. The historic center of Siena is one of the best preserved in the region and is a true joy to explore.

What else to visit?

From other magnificent treasures of Siena, I highly recommend you visit the Cathedral, the Crypt, and the Piccolomini Library of Piazza del Duomo. The Cathedral is enriched with works signed by famous artists such as Donatello, Nicola Pisano, Michelangelo and Pinturicchio.

After you’ve visited all previously mentioned monuments, it’s definitely time for a break and to try one of the best Siena’s specialties- ice cream! Bar Pasticceria Nannini offers the best ice cream you’ll ever taste.

The Museum dell’Opera contains many of the original art pieces from the Cathedral. The most popular part of the museum is the panoramic view point at the top where you will have a magnificent view of the Cathedral as well as the rooftops of Siena and the Tuscan hills.

Visiting the region of Provence in France presents an enchanting nifty adventure during which you travel through time, history, different tastes, and scents. It reveals the quiet, yet powerful joy of life.

If you are willing to discover some of the most beautiful villages in this region and to find out its well-kept secrets, this might be the perfect place for your adventure! That’s why I have chosen to write about the most picturesque villages in Provence. Each Provence’s village represents the world for itself with a unique atmosphere and a breeze of history.

1. The village of Gordes

In my opinion, the Gordes village simply seduces with its sleepy fortress standing over. It was built by the Romans and was renovated during the period of the Renaissance. Make sure you have enough time to walk down its narrow streets and enjoy in its countryside.

2. Porquerolles

If you love swimming and spending time in untouched nature, then the village of Porquerolles will definitely leave you speechless. It offers insane white sand beaches, turquoise sea, and rugged cliffs. Approximately 50 years ago, it was a private area, but today is a widely famous protected area that has left unreclaimed.

3. Cassis

The village of Cassis represents one of the most popular places when visiting the region of Provence. If you want to visit it then make sure you experience the taste of their famous vines. The Cassis’ dramatic scenery, the lavender scent, pastel-colored buildings, and summer breeze are something that you’ll remember forever.

If you’ve been searching for your next travel destination, I want to represent you with the magical island of Santorini. Unlike any other Greek island, this Cyclades’ island lives on the ‘’active’’ volcanic isle and it’s famous for the magnificent looking caldera. Your dream about the turquoise waters now may become true ‘cause Santorini will provide you with a real festival of colors. The white buildings with blue roofs on one side, and countless shades of blue on the other.

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If you’re searching to visit some unusual and still undiscovered places in Italy, and you’re not a huge lover of crowds, here’re some of the best secret Italian gems to visit.

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A widely famous Italian Almafi Coast attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

If you were searching for something slightly different and a bit chaotic, then the small town of Positano is everything you need. The Almafi Coast in Italy can be a little overwhelming if it’s your first time visiting or your fifth time there. The town of Positano is a mixture of relaxed romance, picturesque architecture, chaotic cliffs and buzzing atmosphere, and it’s certainly worth a visit.

What to do in Positano?

I highly recommend you to rent a boat to get the best impression. When staying in Positano, visiting other cities or islands of Almafi Coast is ’a must’. The island of Capri is highly recommended since you’ll be able to visit the famous Blue Grotto.

Another place to visit is the town nestled between the hills of Almafi Coast called Ravello where you’ll get the best view and sunset in Italy.

Towns like Pompeii and Herculaneum are the witnesses of ancient times where you can get the piece of history by visiting Casa del Menandro, Forum, and other ancient ruins.

Positano is a high-class tourist town where you can enjoy lying on the Marina Grande -300 m long beach and swimming in the endlessly turquoise sea. Its multi-hued buildings look like they’re going to tumble down any second while drinking the best Italian wines will make you experience a real Dolce Vita.

From restaurants, I highly recommend you to have a lunch break in Spiaggia Bar Ristorante La Marinella that will provide you not only a wonderful tasty food, but also a breathtaking view to a sweet little beach.

The higher you climb the Positano streets, the more breathtaking views you’ll get. If you’re a hike – lover this place is a paradise on Earth ’cause you’ll get the unique opportunity to walk through the Footpaths of the Gods.

Montenegrin coast is nestled between Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and Albania and has an unexplained charm and uniqueness. It’s a country of gorgeous sunsets and full of contrast between the mountains and the coastline.  Besides it’s one of the smallest counties in Europe,  this jewel of the Adriatic Sea has many vibrant cities and towns that wait to be visited.

Budva- The town of Budva is surrounded by stunning beaches while the center is ancient looking with stone buildings covered with climbing ivy. It has 2500 years old spirit and during the summer season becomes overcrowded and main Montenegrin party city.

Kotor- The town of Kotor presents the showpiece of Venetian Montenegro and with its narrow streets and squares is the treasure of Montenegrin Coast. Kotor’s ancient city walls stretch for 4,5 km and may be best seen from across the bay.

Herceg Novi– This town stands guard over the Kotor’s Bay and it’s one of the most popular Montenegrin tourist destinations. Its old Bellavista square is the main gathering spot and the perfect place for enjoying late night cocktails.

Tivat- Everyone’s visit to Montenegro wouldn’t be complete without walking through Tivat’s Porto Montenegro. It’s a luxurious platinum-rated marina with countless expensive restaurants and nightclubs.

Petrovac- it’s probably the smallest Montenegrin situated at the end of the Budva Riviera. To be honest, this was the ’quietest’ place among all the places I visited in Montenegro. It has a specific charm and represents a perfect beach holiday destination.

Recent years, the country of Montenegro become a favorite tourist destination for many World famous stars and some of them were David and Victoria Beckham, Naomi Campbell, and many others. It’s a country of 117 beaches, old history, lovely people and definitely deserves to be on your travel list.

If you were wondering what might be your next travel destination, I want to introduce you to the capital of Serbia-Belgrade. It’s the center of Balkan Culture (Europe), and the place where medieval times merge with ancient history and new age at the same time. The world http://www.aboutbelgrade.com/en/history-of-belgrade.htmlBelgrade means the White City and since it was destroyed and rebuilt many times, you can see different types of architecture on every corner. Maybe you won’t believe me, but this city has been razed to the ground 44 times and fought over 115 times because of its good strategic location. By walking through Belgrade streets you’ll taste a real cultural mix. Since Serbia was under Turkish arm for more than 500 years, you’ll notice their influence on food, architecture and even language. The fact is that Belgrade has tons of history and you will best see it in Kalemegdan Fortress which was first built in the 2nd century by the Romans. Later, it was built over and over for 19 centuries, and still proudly stands above the city. The naked statue called Pobednik or ’’the Victor’’ overlooks to the confluence of Sava and Danube rivers from the Kalemegdan Fortress and represents a symbol of freedom from many past wars and occupations. Other sights that definitely need to be visited are the old Skadarlija street, Ada Lake, the Mountain Avala in the suburbs of Belgrade, Knez Mihajlova Street, and to have a walk next to Sava river in Sava Mala part of the city. The vibrant city of Belgrade also offers a buzzing nightlife which is often compared with Ibiza. Sounds great, isn’t it? With more than 100 kafanas, water floating clubs, bar and restaurants, you will taste a real carpe diem!

If you’re in https://www.budapest.com/Budapest for the first time, these things you definitely need to experience. The gorgeous Capital city of Hungary- Budapest really offers you a lot! From sightseeing, breathtaking views to tasty food-you only need to choose! Maybe you won’t believe me, but in my opinion, Budapest can stay head to head with other European cities in many aspects, and you know what? It’s one of the cleanest cities I’ve ever been. It’s rich in thermal springs and probably one of the most visited capital cities for that kind of purpose.

Budapest has two faces. I call them the old one and the young one. Originally, this city was created by merging 3 towns into one – Buda, Pest, and Obuda (old Buda). Buda/Obuda part of the city is rich in old architecture while the new part that goes across the Danube river has a totally different appearance. –( personally like Buda part of the city more).

Hungary not only has many interesting cities to visit but it’s also a food heaven. Hungarian cuisine will definitely wake up all your senses. If you’re a great gourmet then you definitely shouldn’t miss Langos (I call it Hungarian pizza), goulash, Hungarian Kolbasz (sausage), plum dumplings and Kurtoskalacs.

The buzzing city of Budapest is old in many aspects. It has the second oldest subway after London, the second largest synagogue in the world, and it’s home to the third largest Parliament building in the world.

So what else you can do in Budapest?

-Visit one of the greatest spas in the city center- the Gellert Bath and spa center.

-Walk down the Danube promenade and enjoy dinner in one of the restaurants.

-Visit Margaret island (2.5 km long), and take photos in front of the Musical Fountain.

– Take photos at the Heroes’ square.

– Visit St Stephen’s Basilica and then go to the amazing Fisherman’s Bastion where you’ll get the most beautiful view of the city.

-The last and the most important stop should definitely be the Citadel which was constructed by the Hapsburgs. The list of what to do in Budapest is simply endless, so you’d better provide yourself at least 5-6 days to feel every part of this gorgeous city!

Located 100km west of the city of Malaga, the city of Ronda seduces every visitor with its historic sights and dramatic views. Otherwise called the city of dreams, Ronda definitely has a lot to offer.

What to visit?

Plaza de Toros– Dating from 1785, Plaza de Toros presents one of the oldest bullfighting arenas in Spain. You’ll also have a great opportunity to see not only the artifacts like weapons and attire but also the jackets and hats of famous bullfighters and read about their traditional practices. And here we come to another creepy part- You can also see the mounted heads of famous bulls.

Cono Balconies– Although they look like they’re going to tumble down any second, these hanging balconies still stand over the edge of the Tajo gorge and provide a breathtaking view to Ronda’s sunset.

Puente Nuevo– is definitely the most famous and the most visited Ronda’s attraction that was completed after 40 years of building in 1793. This New Bridge connects The Market with the La Ciudad (The town) and has been a witness of 50 lost lives during the construction process. However, today it’s the location where many of the spectacular tourist shoots are taken from. P.S. Sensible walking shoes and a camera are strongly recommended.

Old city– The old part of Ronda presents a huge contrast from the new part of the city. There’re lots of old Spanish restaurants, shops and picturesque architecture that dates back from Islamic times.

Reseratauro Ronda– is the perfect place for those who adore bullfighting and Andalusian horses. It’s a ranch that breeds fighting bulls (Toro Bravo) and is owned and run by a former Madrid bullfighter Rafael Tejada.

Arab Public Baths– These baths date from the Islamic period and have been later called San Miguel’s Baths. Their location is eminently artisan zone due to the close proximity of the Snake Stream which had provided the baths with water. Although they have been built in the 14^th century, they’re still in a pretty good condition. Before you enter the Baths I highly recommend you to watch the educational 15 min- movie that explains a lot about the history of Ronda and how the baths came to be.

Read other Tanya’s articles on the following link Tanya Milankovic

Although the Greek Island of Skiathos is the size of 46 sq km, many people decide to return for their holidays year after year for one simple reason- It has the most beautiful landscapes and beaches in the world.
This cosmopolitan island lives from tourism as well as from agriculture because locals produce tasty wine, honey, and olive oil. You’ll feel the smell of Olives and Aleppo pine trees from the first step to this Heaven on Earth, and that’s not all- the island of Skiathos has a crystal-clear sea that almost looks unreal. The word Skia in the name Skiathos means ”shadow” and it perfectly describes its nature that is covered by thousands of trees.
Skiathos is a popular summer resort for Scandinavian, Russian, English and many other holidaymakers. The town of Skiathos succeeded to keep the old traditional spirit although it was under the Athenian, Spartan, Roman, Byzantine as well as Turkish rule. If you were wondering what places you can visit on this gorgeous island, I especially want to mention the Kastro Fortress, The Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria (founded in 1794), and numerous small churches.
Since Skiathos is famous for its marvelous beaches, you definitely need to visit the Koukuraries, Lalaria, Troulos, Achiladies, Maratha, Banana, Xanemos and Vromolimnos beach. Each of these beaches has the unique spirit and magical smell of Aleppo pine woods that surround the whole island. And when the sun goes down, you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine in one of the tavernas next to the sea, that will wake up all your senses.