The world-renowned island of Santorini is a stunning holiday destination for all. Enjoy a bit of romance gazing at its famous sunset or stroll through its narrow streets adorned with bougainvilleas and whitewashed houses perched on its cliffs. The sights around the island will definitely blow your mind and the following activities encompass most of what holidays in Santorini are about.
Holidays to Greece are not only about the sun sea and sand, as the land of the gods also has a vibrant culture and impressive history stretching back to more than 3800 years. As such, Greece happens to be the country with the most archaeological museums per capita in the world which are also well-endowed with some of the most impressive artefacts. Wherever you book you might have a museum nearby so this is a prime opportunity to indulge and learn more about the intriguing ancient history that gave birth to the modern western civilization.
Travelling and spending are always relative. From an all inclusive holiday to Cancun to a backpacking adventure across Spain, variables tend to change quite a lot when you think about your perfect destination and the money you are about to spend. As with any general question however, the answers are also general but one thing always stays the same; despite spending, travelling is an investment. No matter where you choose to go or how, each destination is unique and provides ample opportunities to see a side of the world you never thought existed. Go on holidays to Santorini and witness the majestic volcanic landscape and its world famous sunsets or set sail for Ibiza and party until the morning. Travelling always comes with the best of experiences and memories and as such spending on travelling is always something guaranteed to return part of your investment.
Golden sand or black sand? Pebble or shingle? Greece or Spain? Whatever we do, this life is full of dilemmas and we certainly have a hard time choosing. In order to start making sense of our choices and narrowing down the options a bit, we have chosen to list some our favourite seaside destinations on the Northern coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. We can definitely say that this list will not be completely fair, as there are thousands of magnificent beaches around the coasts of the Mediterranean, some of which we might not even have heard about. Nevertheless, there are beaches and beaches and according to each person’s preferences the listing criteria might change significantly. As such, here we present you with our favourite 10 which we hope will inspire you to leave the rainy coasts of the Ol’ Blighty behind and go after the warm Mediterranean sun.
We don’t exactly know what attracts us to spend some sunny days on the coast of an island, but to be honest the reasons are more than enough. Opt for flying or sailing towards a secluded piece of land in the middle of the sea and enjoy a few of the things only an island could provide you. Two of the most well-known holiday destinations in Europe, Greece and Spain, are always a treat to visit and even more so when you kick back on one of their famous islands. Say that you have a bit of time and money on your hands and you’re about to visit one of the two. Which one should you go for? In this article we aim to find out.
Vacations are a matter of where you go, who you go with and of course what you plan on doing. From families, to couples and singles, holiday goals might vary widely and since choosing a destination often is the beginning of a trip, we wondered which places are more relevant to the World Sleep Day. Does your preferred destination set you in the mood for long naps by the beach, or staying up all night partying? Should you go Ibiza or Santorini? In order to figure out, we compared some of our favourite destinations and rated them on our dedicated sleep-o-meter.
Holidays in Greece are always welcome if you are up for some sunshine, food, culture and good times overall. Its great weather and long history along with a wide variety of yearly occasions make cultural holidays in Greece a great opportunity to visit and learn more about its customs and intriguing heritage.
‘Have love, will travel’ as the song goes and judging by the numbers of romantic couples leaving their jobs behind for a short getaway, this couldn’t be more true. The lovely sunsets of Santorini or the irresistible charm of Paris and Venice have long established those destinations as the go to places for lovers looking to celebrate and unwind. Instead of booking a romantic dinner at your local restaurant, booing for a small change of scenery could go a long way towards sparking the flame of your love and if you discover the following places you are about to make a gift that neither of you will forget for years to come.
Beach-side cities welcoming you to explore the most dazzling sunset spots in the world… Whether a magic urban landscape snuggles you with gleaming skyscrapers grooving on imposing dunes or you just choose to bury your toes in white sands, wherever you’ve positioned, we’ve tucked an inviting list with the best sunset viewing locations around the world!
Just imagine yourself indulging in alluring ocean views while cuddling to your loved ones, together, gazing at the sunset, as the sky changes colors with the brushstrokes of rich crimsons, orange, lavender washing every corner of the majestic landscape… The romantic getaway with the most treasured experience is about to begin, are you ready?!
New York – ”Everlasting wine-orange Boulevard in Manchattan”
“Manhattanhenge” in NYC
Our beloved ‘’Concrete Jungle’’ looks more elegant with an enchanting sunset at her back right?!
Book an urban cruise, grab a refreshing Cosmo in your hand and sail away… You’ll be hooked for sure! Dazzling views embrace the shimmering cityscape, as the sunset hues reflects off the glass, while you are bewitched by bags of eye-candies, from magnificent steep skyscrapers, lovely popular bistros, world-class restaurants to vast blooming parks and endless boulevards….
Purple Tip: If you want to experience something bizarre and so pleasing at the same time, organize your NY trip when the Manhattanhenge phenomenon occurs. It’s a unique spectacle that cannot be missed! It happens when the sunset is aligned with the city’s elliptical grid of streets, as a result, every North and South Street becomes brighter and all landmarks of the town are palpable against a ravishing luminous sky!
Santorini Island, Cyclades, Greece – The island-volcano nuzzled by the stained-glass blue of Aegean
Pure Bliss in the Island of Romance
Have you seen real fairy-tales? No, no , we are not teasing you! We found the place where a glimpse on this sunset is like a chapter of a living-breathing story… We present you the pure magical sunset of Santorini island!
Sugar-cube white houses, winding cobblestone streets, gentle sea breezes and the wine-like, pale pink and blue-violet shades of the sunset poise the dark dunes of the volcanic backdrop and the enigmatic elegance that pervades it.
Sunsets here are different, more surreal! Plus, as you already know one of the most jaw-dropping in the world! It’s not a stroke of luck that the phrase: ‘’Arrive spellbound, depart speechless’’, was made exactly about the island of Romance.
Best viewing-points to watch these incomparable vistas in Santorini:
Promenade in Fira, Santo Winery: wine tasting with caldera views, the old lighthouse, Thirassia island
Dubrovnik – The enigmatic charm of Croatia
Sunset tunes in Dubrovnic
George Bernard Shaw described it once as ‘’The pearl of the Adriatic’’. So, have you ever seen a color-palette? No? Then, we present you the 3rd picture-perfect destination to enjoy brilliant sunset tunes….
There’s been a hype around Dubrovnik especially the latest three years… So, you’d better fly off instantly and enjoy all these wonderful marvels that everyone talks about! Glittering blue-green bays, bustling nightlife and postcard-perfect Adriatic design! Natural treasures jumping off every corner of the old town, walled hamlets and cobblestone pathways along with unspoiled pristine beaches…Delve into history and be swept up in the everlasting charm of Bled! Imagine all these unique treasures blending with stunning ocean views where the sun dips quietly into the horizon… Be pampered by choice!
Maldives – The exotic earthly paradise
Worldly colorful landscape
Once again, this place never fails to capture our mind and soul… A special taste of paradise with endless sandy beaches and turquoise waters, cute bungalows along a serene coastline…
Diving and snorkeling is the ultimate must here! Delve into the greatness of the engrossing underwater world; infinite treasures all around, so, don’t miss the chance to uncover your own Nemo! Every corner is shadowed by a never-ending palm-lined shoreline and each island looks like a white-sand pearl that dots the deep blue of Indian Ocean…
Sense of awe never fails to descend when the sun sets! The emerald-blue of the sky blends with the crystal-clear cerulean of the sea, offering you sublime purple views. The sunlight sparkles, kissing the ocean, while you sip your favorite cocktail! Tranquility and pure serenity reigns supreme here…
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We think you need something rare to find, well-preserved, charming, traditional but also with a modern twist while it maintains it’s old-European charm…. Something inviting, both for nature/mountain lovers and romantic souls too!
Purple Travel wanderers have been hopping up from town to town to bring you the most charming European villages taken out of a fairy tale, postcard-like gems; your imagination travels miles away, it’s like they’ve been taken out of a magnificent canvas or a historic-mystery story to put a spell on us, captivating our mind and soul long time after our journey! We present you some of the most worldly, post-card destinations hidden away somewhere in Europe, encircled with beguiling lush gardens and majestic waterfalls or standing as if they were ”royal kings” upon sylvan hillsides…. All worth adding them to your travel bucket list!
1. Cinque Terre, Italy
The 5 Lands of Nothern Italy
Cinque Terre
The picturesque fishing towns of Cinque Terre, frankly, will capture our soul! It’s a dramatic coastal scenery, amidst sheer cliffsides, where winding paths are surrounded by colorful Venetian buildings, the rugged shoreline is washed by crystal-clear blue while these imposing mountains are looming over magical vineyards… Some cobblestone foothpaths are the only way to get from one hamlet to the other. Rest assured, that these jaw-dropping views of the sunset where pieces of the shoreline are tumbling into the deep blue, will surely leave you spellbound!
2. Santorini, Greece
The romantic gem of Aegean
Santorini by night
The treasured volcanic-gem of the Aegean is calling you and you should definitely answer immediately!
This island is a a geological gallery set amid the deep blue of the Aegean… You can’t resist to its’ mythical charm, high craggy cliffs and white-washed sugarcube houses spilling down to the azure blue of Aegean Sea… The most famous thing about Santorini, though, it’s these magical jaw-dropping, wine-colored sunsets! The island is one of the most popular wedding destinations, there is a reason the title ‘’Greek Romance’’ features every year on travel magazines around the world! Experience the ultimate romantic journey as you explore one of Santorini’s ‘’painting-lands’’: Imerovigli, Fira, Oia & Firostefani are usually called the ‘’Caldera’s eyebrow’’, it’s easy to figure out why, as all these marvellous hamlets offer the most dramatic, stunning views of the volcano!
However, it would be a crime not to share with you the 3rd main reason that you have to visit Santorini. The ultimate gastronomic oasis is here! A real haven of culinary delights along with its’ aromatic fine wines such as the popular sweet Vinsanto or dry Athyri and Assyrtiko; it’s the perfect romantic dinner for two, while you’re plunging into these eye-watering sea views!
Purple Secret Tip:
1. Head to Oia for the most out-of-this-world sunset of your lifetime!
2. Don’t forget to explore one of the smaller traditional villages and soak up their lovely atmosphere; whether you seek pure tranquility or cosmopolitan aura, Santorini can offer you both!
3. Sintra
The mysterious Portuguese beauty
Tower Palace Quinta Da Regaleira
Here, there is an array of wild forests soaked by small lakes and exotic grassy mountains embrace gleaming Medieval castles, palaces and royal retreats… We present you Sintra, a well-preserved and Unesco’s World Heritage town of Portugal!
The whole place is dotted with enchanting mansions set on hillsides spilling down to the deep blue of the Atlantic ocean, it’s like a fairytale taken out of a romantic-historic story…. A jagged 18th-century-Portuguese castle built by Celts (or Moors) waiting for you to explore it’s majestic historical charm!
Filled with a romantic aura sheltering every corner, it’s the place to be with your sweetheart! Don’t leave Sintra without visiting the magnificent, beautifully mysterious‘’ Castelo dos Mouros’’, which was finished by King Ferninard II in 1830, it’s out-of-this-world!
4. Albarracín, Spain
The uncommon side of Spain
Albarracin
The scenic village of Albarracin lies in the Aragon region. It’s encopassed by flagged hillsides and a rugged scenery along with half wood-covered houses with a dusky-red color. Stroll around rocky pathways, winding routes and let yourself to capture the essence of its ancient maze-like charm through magnificent castles and lovely chapels. Towering above this rugged spooky landscape lies a Mudejar-style cathedral based on Islamic art…
5. Portofino, Italy
Cosmopolitan and glamour tunes in Italian Riviera
Positano
Are you fancy seeing celebrities passing by your side while you’re taking a walk on the promenade? Then look no further to our favorite Italian marvel, Portofino! Stroll around the Liliputian gleaming harbor or head to the popular Punta del Capo, visit the castle and unwind while sipping your delicious espresso, all sound absolutely inviting right? Portofino make us imagine a famous writer weaving a novel of romance and mystery and there’s a reason you’ll capture this kind of mood… Picture-perfect lush gardens at the edge of steep cliffs and white-grey shades of luxury yachts mirrored at the cerulean waters of Ligurian Sea! What not to love in Portofino?
Purple Secret Tip: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and dive into Lavagna, Paraggi or Camogli
* Portofino may be a bit pricey but you should definitely visit it once in your lifetime!
6. Lugano, southern Switzerland
‘’Atemberaubende Ausblicke’’ ( stunning vistas)
Lugano
“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the Earth are never alone or weary of life.”
– Rachel Carson –
Natural-worshippers get ready! We present you the Swiss paradise where Italians meet-up on their weekend breaks… Except for its’ natural treasures, Lugano is the 3rd most important banking centre in the country! A blessed place filled with blooming parks, mansions, boutiques and lovely bistros cuddling the maze of these cobblestone alleys that unscramble at the end of Ticino’s mountain-based lake…
7. Ronda, Spain
A two-faced tale in Spain
Ronda
It’s one of the oldest town of Spain which has been declared as Property of Cultural Interest! Set in a dramatic location on El Tago canyon, surrounded by imposing towering sierras, Ronda will hypnotize you …The town is Malaga’s province and frankly, one of most charming! Welcome to Ronda! Its’ old town dates back to Islamic Era and the whole town is halved into two areas, the Arab-aged with its medieval beauty and the other area, with a modern twist, which poped up after the 16th century… Rocky bridges unite the two pieces of the town which is a great part of the famous ‘’Whitewashed Villages’’.
Purple Secret Tip: Ronda was once Ernest Heminway’s secret place to unwind; it was one of his favorite source of inspiration…
8. Hallstatt, Austria
The most pictured European village with 7000y of history
Hallstatt
Nature-worshippers and landlubbers will surely fell in love with Hallstatt… We are sure that you’ve already seen thousands of travel posters featuring this fairy-tale austrian town! The whole town is a storybook spilling down to the Hallstätter See, between a crystal-clear lake and imposing mountains providing the ultimate dazzling backdrop – Now you know why thousands of wanderers are extremely passionate to take countless of photos here! – The collection of beautiful pastel-coloured houses dotted with blooming gardens, creating amazing shimmering reflections into the stained-glass waters of the lake, this fabled beauty would be enough to guarantee its’ fame around the world…
Purple Secret Tip: A stroll away from the centre, Mühlbach waterfall vie for your attention, you’ll be under its’s spell for a long long time!