One of the most often asked questions from travelers about Costa Rica besides “How much does it rain in the rainy season?” is: “Do we really need a rental car?”. The answer depends very much on you, but by describing a bit more the conditions I can make the decision easier for you!
Driving in Costa Rica is not as difficult as it seems in some frightening reports. Nevertheless it is true that the Costa Ricans that are known for a laid-back and calm attitude seem to get into a hurry as soon as they sit behind the wheel of a vehicle. They are not alone on the planet with this particularity, the only difference is that in many other places the people seem to be always in a hurry.
The roads in Costa Rica are famous for their potholes and some destinations can only be reached on a gravel road. If you plan only to visit San Jose and Jaco you may be fine with a sedan, but it is highly recommendable to . In the rainy season you will even have to cross some rivers. Even some of the main attractions for tourists in Costa Rica are only accessible with an all-terrain vehicle. The road to Monteverde is not paved and there are no plans for doing so. The local community wants to protect this unique place and does not want that to make their place accessible for huge tourist buses.
The big advantage of is, that you are independent and can make a stop whenever you want. Fruits and crafts are sold along the roads, this is always a good opportunity to have some small talk with the locals.
You better get up early in Costa Rica, because the sun goes down around 6 pm. Driving at night in Costa Rica can be dangerous and is not recommendable. Most of the roads don’t have lights and road marking mostly exists on the main roads.
The alternative to renting a car is to travel with the extensive bus system. This is a good way to see the country and meet the Ticos. There are buses going almost everywhere in Costa Rica, connections between outlying areas are limited. The capital San Jose is the major transportation hub of Costa Rica, sometimes it is necessary to return and switch the bus here. Before you buy a ticket for the bus ask precisely if this bus really goes to the destination where you plan to go. There are several towns in Costa Rica which share the same name! You can assure going to the right Playa Hermosa by mentioning the Province where you plan to travel. There is a Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste and a Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas. There are several other examples like Naranjo and San Isidro.
Traveling by bus is certainly cheaper than renting a car, but is most often slower. There are several hundred bus companies operating in Costa Rica and unfortunately they don’t always work together. This can result in an unplanned overnight stay at a place where you missed your connecting bus.
So the decision is still up to you, but it should be easier for you take it now
.Beautiful city of Barcelona, capital of Catalonia (a Spain’s province), is situated on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and bordered at either end by 2 river deltas. Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain after its capital city Madrid. Barcelona has a population of 1.5 million, over 4 million including suburbs. The varied, eventful history of the city dates back 4,000 years to the first settlements by ancient farmers. Later it became a Roman colony, the Visigoth’s capital city, and then it came under Moorish rule. It went through sieges, destructions and occupations, finally to become an autonomous democracy 1975. The city has always played an important role in political and cultural life of Spain and it is well reflected in the variety and quality of historical buildings, museums, many other tourist attractions. Today Barcelona is one of the most diverse European cities with unique culture and rich traditions. You can find here a formidable balance of the traditional things and the avant-garde. A cosmopolitan metropolis, Barcelona affords visitors a warm and sincere welcome, being acknowledged worldwide as one of the best tourist-friendly cities in Europe. Barcelona’s organization of the 1992 Olympics provided regeneration of this dynamic city, gave a fresh start to its infrastructure development. WHAT TO SEE AND WHERE: POINTS OF INTEREST – La Ramble is a tree-lined pedestrian boulevard packed with buckers, living statues, mimes and itinerant salespeople selling everything from lottery tickets to jeweler. Pavement cafes and stands selling craftwork, street performers surrounded by curious onlookers, a noisy bird market, Palau de la Virreina, a grand 18th-century rococo mansion, the Gran Teeter del Liceu, the famous 19th-century opera house- these are all colorful parts of La Rambla’s mosaic. La Rambla ends at the lofty Monument a Colom (Monument to Columbus) and the harbour. Barri Gotic – also known as Gothic Quarter, it is the old part of the city. Picasso lived and worked in Barri Gotic from 1895 to 1904 and Joan Miro was born and lived here during his youth. Gothic Quarter is situated on the right hand side of the La Rambla, it contains a concentration of medieval tall Gothic buildings (14-15th century) on narrow cobbled streets and now is home to much of the city’s nightlife. La Sagrada Familia – La Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous and magnificent among Barcelona’s landmarks. The life’s work of Barcelona’s famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, the magnificent spires of the unfinished cathedral imprint themselves boldly against the sky with swelling outlines inspired by the holy mountain Montserrat. Above each facade there are four towers, 12 in total, which are dedicated to the Apostles. The tower in the center, the tallest of all at 170 m., is dedicated to Jesus Christ. Around these there are the towers of the four Evangelists, and the tower over the apse is dedicated to the Virgin. They are encrusted with a tangle of sculptures that seem to breathe life into the stone. Gaudi died in 1926 before his masterwork was completed, and since then, controversy has continually dogged the building program. Nevertheless, the southwestern (Passion) facade, is almost done, and the nave, begun in 1978, is progressing. La Pedrera – Casa Mila (Mila House) is an apartment building, the last example of Gaudi’s civil architecture.It is one of his finest and most ambitious creations, extraordinarily innovative in its functional, constructive, and ornamental aspects. Visitors can tour the building and go up to the roof, where they can see spectacular views of Barcelona. One floor below the roof is a modest museum dedicated to Gaudi’s work. Montjuic – the largest open space in the city, its main attractions are the Olympic installations, the Spanish Village and the hilltop fortress. Montjuic, the hill overlooking the city centre from the southwest, is home to some fine art galleries, leisure attractions, soothing parks and the main group of 1992 Olympic sites. Montjuic is covered in ornamental gardens with water features and is the most popular destination in Barcelona on Sundays. Tibidabo – is the highest hill in the wooded range that forms the backdrop to Barcelona. It has amazing views of the whole of Barcelona, a stunning cathedral, and a family fun park Parc d’Atraccions with old-style rides offering breathtaking views. A glass lift at the park goes 115m (383 ft) up to a visitors’ observation area at Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower. Modernisme – spectacular modernista architectural creations dotted around the city by famous Antoni Gaudi and his contemporaries. Camp Nou – home of F.C. Barcelona, one of Europe’s leading soccer teams, with capacity of almost 100,000 spectators. The Seu Cathedral – Built in medieval times on the site of a Roman temple, La Seu is one of the great Gothic buildings in Spain. Parc de la Ciutadella – Barcelona’s favorite park and a Sunday afternoon rendezvous for families, friends and ducks The Sardana – traditional Catalan dance, performed outside the cathedral and at national festivals, with everyone encouraged to join in.
MUSEUMS – The Barbier-Mueller Museum of Pre-Columbian Art -the only museum in Europe devoted exclusively to Pre-Columbian cultures. Housed in a gothic palace, its collection is one of the finest of its kind and gives visitors an insight into the rich world of the earliest cultures on the American continent. This tiny museum contains one hundred pieces, including wood and stone sculptures, ceramics, tapestries, jade, often found in international exhibitions and prestige publications. The exhibits represented the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Chavin, Mochica and Inca civilisations. Palau de la Musica Catalana – one of the world’s most extraordinary music halls, it is a Barcelona landmark. From its polychrome ceramic ticket windows on the Carrer de Sant Pere Mes Alt side to its overhead busts of Palestrina, Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner, the Palau is the flagship of Barcelona’s Moderniste architecture. Museu Picasso – is Barcelona’s most visited museum. 3,500 exhibits make up the permanent collection. Picasso spent several years (1901-06) in Barcelona, and this collection, is particularly strong on his early work. Displays include childhood sketches, pictures from the beautiful Rose and Blue periods, and the famous 1950s Cubist variations on Velazquez’s Las Meninas (Ladies-in-Waiting). Gaudi Casa-Museu – Gaudi lived in this pink, Alice-in-Wonderland house from 1906 to 1926, which now houses a museum of Gaudi-designed furniture, decorations, drawings, and portraits and busts of the architect. Fundacio Miro – it was a gift from the famous artist Joan Miro to his native city. The museum opened in 1975, and now it is one of Barcelona’s most exciting showcases of contemporary art.
BEACHES – One of Barcelona’s greatest draws is undeniably its beautiful beaches. Beside world-famous Costa Brava and Costa Dorada which are within 1-hr drive time from Barcelona, there are also several nice beaches over 4 km long within the city boundaries, we will list just several of them here: Nova Icaria- Closest to the Olympic marina, always crowded, this wide swathe of rough golden sand is great for food goers. There are three perfect beach bars and two very popular restaurants on the promenade (Mango and Chiringuito de Moncho) and countless bars and restaurants are just a short stroll away. Bogatell- This beach is twice the length of adjoining Nova Icaria and fringed by a stretch of stone walkway perfect for jogging, roller blading and cycling. Three large informal restaurants on the promenade. Mar Bella (Metro Ciutadella Vila Olimpica, plus 20-minute walk)- Barcelona’s only naturist beach close to a peaceful park – good for a picnic or siesta under the trees. Barceloneta- wide and long, a traditional and popular stretch with locals, crowded, noisy and very jolly.
WHEN TO GO, WEATHER: The best times to visit Barcelona are late spring and early autumn, when the weather is still comfortably warm, around 21-25°C. Summers are usually hot and humid, with temperatures averaging +30 (+ 86 Fahrenheit). Especially avoid the “dead” month of August, when many shops, bars and restaurants close for the month as many local inhabitants head out of the city. Winters are cool with average daytime temperatures around +12 C (+59 Fahrenheit), occasionally rainy.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND: By a direct flight to Barcelona, or through Madrid or via another large European city from almost any major airports in the world. The highest fares are from May to September, the lowest in March-April, October-November and December to February (excluding Christmas and New Year when prices are hiked up). Note also that flying on weekends may increase your ticket cost. If traveling to Barcelona from within Europe you can also chose train, bus or car, though these take much longer than a plane and often work out no cheaper. Many Mediterranean cruises include Barcelona as a port of call.
ACCOMODATIONS: We can offer you a range of choices. You can choose vacation rentals in Barcelona starting from $ 125 USD for a double room in a 4-star apartment hotel. Or you can opt for hotels from $ 65 USD for a double room in a 3-star hotel. Accomodation prices do not change much throughout the year due to the steady all-season flow of visitors to this extremely popular tourist city and surrounding resorts.
DINING: Besides restaurants you can eat at bars where you would have a succession of tapas (small snacks- three or four chunks of fish, meat or vegetables, or salad, which traditionally used to be served up free with a drink) or raciones (larger ones). The bar option can be a lot more interesting, allowing you to do the rounds and sample local specialities. Generally, the average cost for a meal consisting of two dishes and dessert would come to about 25 Euros. Travellers on an extremely limited budget can do well for themselves by using the excellent markets, bakeries and delis and filling up on sandwiches and snacks. Decent restaurants and cafes are easily found all over the city, though you’ll probably do most of your eating where you do most of your sightseeing, in the old town, particularly around La Rambla and in the Barri Gotic. Look for the best and most authentic seafood restaurants in Barceloneta, a seaside neighbourhood. Gothic Quarter neighbourhood is home to some of the oldest and most traditional restaurants in the city. Gracia is a very popular area among young people during the weekend, it leads the way in terms of exotic restaurants (Lebanese, Egyptian, Thai etc.).
TRANSPORT: Barcelona has excellent transport system comprising the metro (subway), buses, trains and a network of funiculars and cable cars. You can find a link to transport maps at the end of our guide. On all the city’s public transport you can buy a single ticket every time you ride, but even over only a couple of days it’s cheaper to buy a targeta – a discount ticket strip. The T-10 targeta is valid for ten separate journeys on the metro, buses and trains. These tickets can be used by more than one person at a time. The metro is the quickest way of getting around Barcelona. For black-and-yellow taxis there is a minimum charge of $ 2 euro. You’ll obviously have a great deal more freedom if you rent a car . Major roads throughout the city are generally good, and traffic is generally well behaved, though Spain does have one of the highest incidences of traffic accidents in Europe. It also has some of the lowest fuel prices on the continent.
SHOPPING: Barcelona, one of the most stylish cities in Europe offers great shopping, from designer clothes and accessories to household items. You will find the city to be quite cheap for a lot of items, especially if you coincide with the annual sales ( rebaixes in Spanish) lasting from mid-January until the end of February, and throughout July and August. The best shopping areas in Barcelona are the old streets off the upper part of the Ramblas. Souvenirs include ceramics, which are widely sold in the streets around the cathedral; leather goods; city’s delicatessens, particularly cooked Catalan meats and sausages; a porron (the long-spouted glass drinking jar); CDs and tapes of Catalan rock and pop, sardana music, Spanish rock or flamenco. If you’re looking for original gift ideas, some of the best hunting can be found in the shops of any of the city’s museums, where you’ll find reasonably priced and unique examples of Catalan disseny (graphic), and other original items ranging from postcards to replica works of art. We wish you a nice and safe trip!
Barcelona is known for its great nightlife and it offers some other great attractions. No matter what the reason for your visit to Barcelona, you need a good hotel in Barcelona. The following information on these top Barcelona hotels come from reviews by former guests who have stayed at a hotel in Barcelona. You will find that every hotel in Barcelona offers great hotel stays in addition to its other attractions. The hotels reviewed are Casa Camper Hotel, The Hotel Arts, Neri Hotel, and Hesperia Sarria.
Casa Camper Hotel received some nice comments from guests. It has 25 rooms that are decorated in creative fashions that match the amazing décor of the entire hotel. Extras, like minibar and room service, are included in the base cost so you do not end up with a huge bill at check out. It is a short walk to P. Catalvyna and close to the city. For those that like quiet nights , the Casa Camper Hotel is removed enough from the nightlife so it provides a quite sleeping environment. The Casa Camper hotel in Barcelona received great reviews and was listed as well worth checking out.
The Hotel Arts hotel in Barcelona has 402 rooms and is located on the beach. While not every hotel in Barcelona is not usually known for its beaches, the location does provide beautiful views. It is not quite near the city, so you must travel to get to attractions. The nearby restaurants provide wonderful cuisine that makes the location desirable. They are said to have some of the best beds a hotel in Barcelona can offer. The cost of The Hotel Arts does discourage some guests and extras are not included in this base price. Overall, it was reviewed as a great hotel, but not really worth the price.
The Neri Hotel in Barcelonahas artistic décor that draws you into their 22 room establishment. With the use of stone and wood, the décor is beautiful. The rooms are cozy and they offer you the choice of five different sheet types. It is advised that you get good directions to the hotel because it is hard to find. There are no scenic views, but the attention to detail in all the aspects of this hotel makes up for that. Overall, this hotel was said to have exceptional service and created an amazing experience for visitors, making it a must.
The Hesperia Sarria has 134 rooms and is located in a quiet area of Barcelona. It is within walking distance to the train station (Les Tres Torres) and many other attractions. There are locked minibars and safes provided in the modern and clean rooms. There is a restaurant on site, although guests say you may never try it because of the closeness of so many other great bars and restaurants. This was noted by gests to be a great buy.
These four hotels all received good and bad reviews. The descriptions above were taken from majority opinions. While all provided nice stays, some stuck out in the crowd. There are many, many alterntives for a hotel in Barcelona and these are only just a small sample of the great service you can receive.
Jay Moncliff is the founder of
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Although both old town and new town have their own charm but the Old Town of Rhodes has its own beauty that attracts tourists from all over the world. If you are fond of history then you must visit the Old Town of Rhodes once in a life. Surrounding an area of about 150 acres, the Old Town of Rhodes reminds you of medieval ages. The population of Old Town is about 6000 and most of the people live and work in about five hundred years old historical buildings. Most tourists prefer finding Rhodes accommodation in the old town. This is because the medieval buildings and old walls of the town make you feel like you are still living in the age when the island was ruled by knights. Street of Knights: One of the most admired attractions in old town of Rhodes is the Street of Knights. It is a very important and fascinating part of the medieval town. Even today the street is well preserved and restored. The street of knights is lined by old buildings where knights and holy warriors used to stay. The Street of the Knights is quite extensive stretching from Grandmaster’s Palace to the New Hospital-Archaeological Museum. There are many old Rhodes accommodations and inns that were used by the knights in the street. These were built in fifteenth and sixteenth century and have the conventional old medieval architecture. Auberge de France – One of the most beautiful structures in the street is the Auberge de France which was constructed in between 1492 to 1503. Seven Inns – In the street there are seven inns that acted as Rhodes accommodation for representative knights from seven different countries. They used to come here and stay in these inns. Palace of the Grand Master – At the end of the street of knights is the Palace of the Knights which is also known as Castle of the Grand Master or Palace of the Grand Master. The palace has an amazing medieval architecture and interior. You can find the influence of ancient French architecture as many grand masters were French. The mosaic floor, towers and beautiful sculptures etc all add to the beauty of the palace. A trip to Rhodes Island is incomplete if you miss to visit the Old Town Rhodes and especially the Street of Knights. Tourists enjoy walking through the street, seeing historical buildings and having delicious snacks and coffee at the medieval snack bar. Getting Accommodation in the Old Town: Visiting and getting a Rhodes accommodation in the street of knights gives you an impression that you are still living in 15th or 16th century. During your vacations if you choose Rhodes accommodation in old town, you can easily access the street of knights. If you are planning to stay in Old Town Rhodes then many top quality hotels are at your service. Domus Studios Rhodes located next to Clock Tower provides comfortable stay and provide quality services to ensure that the guests enjoy their stay to the best.
Visiting Prague but worried all you will do is to walk down the shopping streets along with your gorgeous wife in the morning and snap photos of ancient buildings in the afternoon? Do not worry, let her do her shopping alone.
If you are a real man you will not find any happiness in visiting Prague’s medieval old town, or walking down the shopping streets of Vaclavske and Na Prikope. Real men will do everything they can to avoid the giant city centre shopping centres of Prague. They will stay clear from Cerna Ruze (50 shops) , Slovansky Dum (80 shops) and the 5 floor Kotva shopping centre.
Sure, an ancient building is nice to look at for a few seconds, but you will not devote the best part of your day to walk around taking photos of the medieval buildings in Prague. Let others do that. Here are some interesting attractions for men who visit Prague:
Millitary Museum
The Czech military has it’s own museum in the middle of Prague. At the museum you can check out Czech tanks, guns, rifles, heavy artillery and other artifacts from the wars the Czechoslovakia were involved in for the last 150 years. The museum is in the Zizkov-area of Prague, at U Památníku 2.
Communist Museum
Today the Czech Republic is a modern democracy, but only 20 years ago the situation was very different. At the city’s communist museum you can experience how the situation was in the Czech Republic during the communist regime after World War 2 and until it ended in 1989. The museum is in Prague’s shopping district, at Na Prikope 10.
Beer
No country on earth drinks as much beer per capita as the Czech Republic. Once your tongue gets the taste of the foamy and slightly bitter Czech lager you will understand why. Try to taste both Budweiser (the original one), Pilsner Urquell and some of the lesser known Czech beers while in Prague.
When heading out for a beer in Prague, try to avoid sitting down at the cafes and pubs in the old town. Beer is expensive and the atmosphere is very touristy. If you venture out on a trip just a few hundred metres away from the top sights you will enjoy cheaper beer and better atmosphere.
Football match
Prague is blessed with 3 local teams who play at the highest level of Czech football. Sparta Prague is the largest team and often participate in the European Champions League. Their top star is Karel Poborsky who is a former Manchester United player.
Slavia Prague is the city’s number two team. Their biggest dream is to overthrow the reign of Sparta as the number one club in the Czech Republic, and more importantly, the number 1 club in Prague.
A third team who is fun to watch when in Prague is FK Victoria Zizkov. They are from the working class area of Zizkov and is currently struggling for survival in the top division of Czech football.
These tips should make you able to enjoy a few days holiday in Prague without resorting to shopping or ancient building spotting.
Arnie has been travelling around Europe to enjoy attractions, nightlife and beer. He has drunk his beer in cities like Kiev, , Bratislava and .Article Source:
Kumarakom is synonymous with natural beauty at its best. All of this holds true while talking about Kumarakom. Kumarakom is a small and picturesque village formed by a group of islands on the Vembanad Lake. The natural beauty of the place gets augmented with the backwater lagoon, the coconut trees edging the lakes and the marshes, paddy fields, natural habitat of various species of birds, ayurvedic resorts and many other such interesting things.
A trip to Kumarakom in Kerala in India must consist of a ride on the boat over the lagoon and the Vembanad lake, body healing at one of the ayurvedic resorts, a visit to the bird sanctuary and quite a few other activities that would facilitate the tourists to explore and come into contact with the natural beauty of the place in its true form. While on Kumarakom Tour, tourists can indulge in a number of water sports like fishing, boating, swimming, waterskiing and windsailing.
Natural Beauty of Kumarakom can also be enjoyed at the same time on staying at the ayurvedic resorts, which are spread over huge expanse of land and present excellent accommodation to the guests. The guests are provided revitalizing and energizing massages and treatments with quite a few types of herbal oils and herbal products.
The Kumarakom Bird sanctuary is another most visited tourist site in Kumarakom. This marshy stretch of land is the natural home of a number species of birds. Migratory birds make this sanctuary their abode during the winter season. The ornithologist’s dream destination, this sanctuary can be ideally travelled around during the winter season that is during November to April. Vembanad Lake is another attention-grabbing tourist destination for people visiting the place from corners of the world and adds to the natural attraction of Kumarakom. Vembanad Lake is the largest backwater lake and a boat ride on the lake is an experience in itself as the tourists can be a spectator to the beauty of the surroundings with stretches of green extending inland from the shore. The waterfalls around Kumarakom make outstanding picnic spot for both out bound tourists and locals.
The tradition and culture of the people, the calm and the tranquil atmosphere of the place makes Kumarakom an out of the ordinary tourist destination.
Author is an associate editor for . Get all possible information about and . We also provide information about online hotel reservation, Holiday Packages India and Flights Booking in India.
Interested in villas in Turkey but don’t know where to stay? The Kaya Valley provides the perfect combination of rural seclusion and access to the coast.
With its combination of great weather, golden beaches, historical sights and warm local hospitality, Turkey is a luxury holiday destination that continues to grow in popularity. The spectacular West Coast is home to resort after resort, and the interior of the country features numerous mountain and valley resorts that offer seclusion in stunning surroundings. Villas in Turkey are an especially good accommodation choice, offering privacy, independence and a luxurious place to stay for families and couples alike.
If you want to enjoy a stay at one of the many luxury villas in Turkey, the Kaya Valley, located near Fethiye in the South East of the country, is one place that you should seriously consider. It is a destination that features many of the very best aspects of Turkey.
The Valley Itself
The Kaya Valley is simply one of the most beautiful and atmospheric places in Turkey. Pine forests cover the flanks of the steep mountains that surround the valley, providing plenty of routes for walkers and cyclists to explore, and best of all, the Kaya Valley has escaped the effects of mass tourism. Just ten minutes drive from the busy coastline, you enter into an entirely different world. Quiet rural villages and the small family-owned restaurants that are dotted throughout the valley make it a delightfully unspoilt place to stay. If you are interested in a stay in the luxury villas in Turkey, there are few better places to base yourself than the Kaya Valley.
Olu Deniz
If you stay in the Kaya Valley, you’ll be close enough to the coast to enjoy some quality time in the sun. There are plenty of beaches to choose from in Turkey, each with its own unique attractions, but for sheer beauty, there are none that can better Olu Deniz – it is even regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is a picture perfect lagoon beach, backed by wooded hills. The still waters make it perfect for swimming, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants for you to refresh yourself at. Best of all, if you stay in the Kaya Valley, you’ll be only a short drive away from Olu Deniz, but still be far enough away to escape the crowds that the beach inevitably attracts.
Kaya Koy
If you’ve chosen one of the villas in Turkey that is near Kaya Koy, it is an essential place to visit. This village was once occupied by over 6,000 Greeks, but they were forced to leave in 1926 due to the policies of the new government. The Turks never moved in to the abandoned buildings, believing them to be unlucky, and now the entire village remains as an eerie ghost town, a relic of a troubled past. The story of the village was the basis for Luis de Bernieres ‘Birds Without Wings’, and it is one of the most unusual sights to see in Turkey.
Nick Wrightman is the founder and M.D. of The Tapestry Collection, specialist holiday tour operators who can arrange a stay at the very best as well as packages for Crete, Kefalonia and Morocco. The Tapestry Collection includes boutique hotels, villas, exclusive apartments, gulet holidays and riads in a selection of delightful resorts.Article Source:
So you are hankering to visit southern Italy in February, but just aren’t sure what to see and what to do. Don’t despair; there are lots and lots of special events that simply aren’t available in the good old summertime. Here are a few of them. Get rolling; February is almost upon us. We start our virtual counterclockwise tour in Apulia, the heel of the Italian boot. Then it’s northwest to Campania on the Tyrrhenian Sea and then south to the island of Sicily.
On February 13th, the coastal city of Barletta, Apulia hosts the Commemoration of the Challenge of Barletta. This event recalls the historic challenge between 13 Italian horsemen and 13 French horsemen first held on February 13th, 1503. This is one beautiful traditional ceremony. The small town of Vico del Gargano whose nickname is “The Village of Love” celebrates The Feast of Saint Valentine by decorating its main church and statue of Saint Valentine with bay leaves and literally thousands of oranges. You won’t be surprised to learn that this area is known for its oranges.
The city of Mugnano di Napoli is home to the headquarters of the Pirotecnica Snc or Schiattarella fireworks firm. Can you guess how Mugnano di Napoli celebrates its Patron Saint Biagio? This family-run firm has won many national competitions so you may expect a real blast. For a complete change of pace visit Today’s Spouse in the regional capital of Naples, especially if you are planning a wedding. This event is held starting on the second Saturday of February in the spectacular Twelfth Century Castel dell’Ovo overlooking the harbor in romantic but sometimes dangerous Napoli.
On February 4 Sicily’s second largest city Catania situated on the island’s eastern coast facing the Ionian Sea honors its patron saint, Saint Agatha with a festival that boasts what may well be the world’s second largest religious procession. Saint Agatha’s statue is placed on a “fercolo”, a 40,000 pound silver carriage, which is pulled up Monte Sangiuliano by an unbelievable 5,000 men. This great festival lasts for two days and two nights and culminates in a monster fireworks display. Don’t forget to taste some of the marzipan specialties. Across the island on the western (Mediterranean) coast lies the town of Agrigento whose Almond Blossom Fair spans the first two Sundays in February. The ceremonies include an International Folklore Festival complete with music, singing, parades, puppet shows and open-air performances. You’ll enjoy traditional Sicilian sweets based on almonds and other goodies.
Levi Reiss wrote or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but would rather drink fine French, German, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his new wine, diet, health, and nutrition website and his Italian travel website .
So you are planning a visit to central Italy in February, but just aren’t sure what to see and what to do. Don’t despair; there are lots and lots of special events that simply aren’t available in the good old summertime. Here are a few of them. Get rolling; February is right around the corner. We start our virtual counterclockwise tour in Latium. Then it’s east to Abruzzi, northwest to Tuscany, and finally northwest to Umbria.
At the beginning of February, the small hilltop town of Fiuggi, Latium honors Saint Biagio. The townsmen transport “stuzze” (big) tree trunks from the forest on their shoulders and lighting them in the main square. The first Sunday of the month the village of Cineto Romano honors its patron saint, Saint Dorothy. This celebration is accompanied by the “Sagra della Polenta” honoring the popular, and I am told delicious, cornmeal dish by that name. You will definitely enjoy the music and other festivities even if you don’t indulge in polenta.
The Abruzzi village of Taranta Peligna also celebrates Saint Biagio’s Day. Saint Biagio is known as the protector of the throat; according to tradition he saved a child who had a thorn in his throat. A major feature of this solemn commemoration is the local specialty called “panicelle”, small hand shaped rolls that transported to the ovens by a procession of traditionally dressed young girls. The freshly baked rolls are blessed and freely distributed to the waiting crowd.
Then it’s on to the famous region of Tuscany. The little town of Vernio is host to a Chestnut Polenta Festival at the end of February or the beginning of March. This “Festa della Polenta” or “Pulendina” commemorates the 1512 famine, which ended when the local count distributed chestnut polenta, cod, and herring to the people. If you sleep in you will miss the medieval pageant of more that 500 participants who parade along the town streets starting at 9 in the morning. And don’t forget that Tuscany is home to some fine wines including Chianti, Brunello di Montalchino, and Vino Nobile de Montepulciano. But not at 9 in the morning.
The Umbrian town of Terni celebrates their patron saint, Valentino, with a jewelry exhibition and contest and a torchlight parade. Can you guess the day of the month? On the third Sunday in February the city of Spello hosts an Olive and Bruschetta Festival. Then February celebrations end with the Norcia Fair devoted to the Norcia Black Truffle and typical specialties from the surrounding area. In addition to the food you’ll like the music, dancing, crafts, folklore, and sports events.
Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but prefers drinking fine French wine with by the right foods. He teaches computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website and his global wine website global wine website with a weekly column reviewing $10 wines and new sections writing about and tasting organic and kosher wines.
Having twice been voted the friendliest European city, and home to a range of iconic literary and musical figures, Dublin is a thriving modern metropolis with an intriguing historical past. Originally a Viking settlement, the Irish capital has evolved into a place that’s simply bursting with energy and vibrancy. There’s a stunning selection of sights to soak up and activities to experience, making it an exciting destination to head to.
Situated along the east coast of Ireland, at the mouth of the River Liffey, the city offers up some of the most breathtaking views in the country: these are made all the more spectacular when observed from one of Dublin’s 24 beaches. In addition to the scenery, there’s also a great range of shopping experiences to be had, bars to explore and attractions to see.
No trip to Dublin would be complete without experiencing the Guinness Storehouse. Cited as Ireland’s top tourist attraction, it’s the perfect way to check out the country’s self-proclaimed finest offering, Guinness. In addition to discovering the history behind the world-famous beer, some lucky visitors even get the opportunity to ‘Start the Brew’. If, however, you miss out on this, you can always console yourself with a pint of the stuff instead!
For those with a passion for fashion, then Dublin’s the place to be. Offering up a plethora of shopping opportunities, there are two main streets to choose from, which lie on opposite sides of the River Liffey. Grafton Street/St Stephen’s Green on the Southside is perfect for fashionistas, with its array of exclusive boutiques and jewellers, whilst the Northside’s Henry Street houses a selection of the more popular stores and shopping centres.
Music is an important part of Dublin’s heritage – U2 and the Boomtown Rats are just two famous acts to have come from there – and as such, there’s a great choice of live music acts to hear and clubs to go to. Two highlights are the Bleu Note Bar and Club, which is ideal for listening to the very best jazz acts, and Fitzsimons Temple Bar nightclub, which hosts some brilliant DJ sets. It’s also common to hear a range of live music acts playing on the street.
To soak up some culture, it’s definitely worth heading to Dublin Castle. Showcasing some of the oldest architecture in the city, it was erected between 1208 and 1230. In addition to discovering the 13th Century Record Tower, State Apartments and the Undercroft, it’s also possible to soak up the beautiful views of the castle’s Dubhlinn Gardens.
There are numerous other discoveries to be made in the Irish capital, and regardless of if you’ve been once or a hundred times, there’s always something new to find. As well as the range of attractions and activities, the city is also home to a diverse array of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. What’s more, the variety of accommodation on offer, from the luxurious to cosy guest houses, means that everyone’s tastes are catered for.
Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
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