My first visit to Alsace happened when I visited Strasbourg a few years ago. This amazing town made me feel a strong desire to discover the beauty of this picturesque area. This is why in the last years I visited the area of Alsace again, but this time I chose to see Colmar and the surrounding villages. This part of France looks like a piece of paradise, with fairytale villages embellished with half-timbered houses and colorful flowers.

I really enjoyed my visits there and this is why I would like to recommend three places in case you ever get to this part of France:

1.Colmar is one of the most famous and beautiful towns in Alsace. Also called “The Little Venice of Alsace”, this town fascinated me with its interesting canal-side neighborhoods, cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses and amazing landscapes.

The Old Town of Colmar is a maze of narrow cobbled streets where you can admire a multitude of colorful half-timbered houses that are perfectly aligned. The lively atmosphere of the Old Town is animated by the multitude of restaurants and terraces, bakeries and ice cream shops. This well-preserved historic area lies between Rue des Têtes, Rue des Clefs and Rue des Marchands, very close to the Place de la Cathédrale. Also known as the heart of Colmar, the Place de la Cathedrale offers you the chance to admire the gorgeous Eglise Saint-Martin (Saint Martin’s Collegiate Church) which is an authentic example of Gothic architectural style.

L’Ancien Corps de Garde (The Former Guard House) is another important historic monument situated in La Place de la Cathédrale. Down the centuries this edifice was used as a marketplace building, a justice hall and as a military house. Walking down the narrow streets of Colmar you will have the chance to admire La Maison Adolph, which is the town’s oldest surviving private house. Another stop should be in the front of L’Eglise Saint-Matthieu, a 13th-century beautiful Protestant church.

When it comes to beautiful houses, La Maison Pfister is another great example. This house has a unique appearance that combines the medieval and the Renaissance architectural styles. You could also visit the Bartholdi Museum, which is situated in Rue des Merchands. This museum was built in honor of the French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi and it displays a lot of objects that belonged to him. If you want to admire some gorgeous picturesque half-timbered houses, Rue des Boulangers and Rue des Serruriers are the perfect choices. You should also take your time to enjoy the beauty of La Maison des Têtes, a Renaissance building with an interesting façade decorated with small busts and human figures.

In case you like museums, you could visit the Unterlinden Museum, where you can admire a collection of Romanesque and Gothic sculptures, medieval paintings, folk art exhibits and crafts. L’Eglise des Dominicains (the Dominican Church) is another excellent example of the gorgeous Gothic architecture which offers an insight into the lives of the Dominican preachers.

Le Quartier de la Krutenau (Little Venice) is my favorite part of Colmar. This neighborhood is blessed with canal-side restaurants, pedestrian bridges and colorful half-timbered houses. This lovely part of town is embellished by lush greenery and willow trees that border the canals and by a multitude of flower pots that decorate the small houses. Not to mention the small boats which float along the narrow canals.

Le Quartier des Tanneurs (the Tanners’ Quarter) is another beautiful neighborhood in Colmar with picturesque canals and wonderfully restored half-timbered houses. Besides admiring the beautiful houses, you can take a walk in the lively Market Hall and admire the architecture of the Palais de Justice (The Palace of Justice) and the unique architectural style of L’Hôtel des Chevaliers de St-Jean (House of St. John’s Knights). Between Le Quartier des Tanneurs and Le Quartier de la Krutenau, you can take a walk in another idyllic quarter where you can admire some of the most beautiful half-timbered houses.

As you have probably realized, there are a lot of places you can admire in Colmar and this small town is worth your attention.

2.Situated 10 kilometers away from Colmar, Riquewihr is one of the most famous and beautiful villages in France. Built in the shape of a square and surrounded by large vineyards, this small village seems to be cut out of a fairytale. Hidden between the peaks of the Vosges Mountains and the Plain of Alsace, the medieval village of Riquewihr fascinated me with its picturesque architecture and its famous wine specialties.

The Gem of the Alsace Vineyards, as it is called, gained its notoriety thanks to its world-famous varieties of wine. The lovely half-timbered houses, the friendly locals, the lively atmosphere, the tempting shops and the appetizing restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops are a real treat for tourists.

Walking down Rue du Général-de-Gaulle, which is the main street of the village, you will have the chance to admire some beautiful historic monuments. The Dolder Tower, which is a former defensive gateway that dates from the 13th century and houses a museum, deserves a few minutes of your time. The Winemaker’s House, which dates from the 16th century, is also an important tourist attraction in Riquewihr. The Thieves’ Tower, the former prison of the village, is another tourist attraction which will impress you.

I must confess that this small village was a real surprise for me. It was a delight to walk in its narrow cobblestone streets embellished with a multitude of flowers and admire the colorful buildings and the public squares adorned with fountains. The Flowering Village, the way Riquewihr is called, should be on your trip list in case you ever get to Alsace.

3. Eguisheim is a small and picturesque village which impressed me. Considered a French jewel, Eguisheim gained the title of the most beautiful village in France and for good reason. The beautiful narrow cobblestone streets, the rustic fountains and the brightly-painted half-timbered houses with balconies and windows full of flowers create the fairytale setting of this village.

Situated 5 kilometers away from Colmar and surrounded by large vineyards, Eguisheim is known as the birthplace of the Alsatian vineyards. The streets of Eguisheim look like three concentric circles situated around the central castle. La Grand-Rue, which is the main street in Eguisheim crosses the village from East to West.

Palace du Château Saint-Leon is the main square of the village which shelters St. Leon Fountain, an atypical octagonal fountain. Atop this fountain, you can admire the statue of Pope Leon IX. According to the legend, Pope Leon IX also known by the name of Bruno of Eguisheim-Dagsbourg is the former bishop of Toul who was born in Eguisheim. St. Leon Castle or the Château-Bas d’Eguisheim, whose ruins can still be visited, lies in the middle of the square. It is also very interesting to visit St. Leon Chapel, the place where the relics of Pope St. Leon IX are kept.

As I have already said, the entire village is built around this castle and it is practically impossible to miss it. St. Peter Church and St. Paul Church are other two religious edifices that are very important pieces in the history of Eguisheim. A walk in the picturesque streets of Eguisheim will offer you the chance to experience its real charm.

In case you want to visit the entire village, my advice is to start from Rue du Rempart-Sud and continue until you get to Rue du Rempart-Nord. Among the interesting courtyards that you will discover along this walk, you will be impressed by the yellowish facade of Unterlinden Court or Catharinenhof. Even though this village is considered an open-air museum, my favorite building remains a little house which lies at the intersection of two cobblestone narrow streets. I took a lot of pictures there and there is no doubt that it is one of the most photographed places in Eguisheim.

To sum up, make sure you add these three places to your trip itinerary in case you plan a visit to Alsace. They are really beautiful and visiting them won’t be a waste of time.

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Blessed with idyllic beaches, beautiful landscapes, old religious edifices and fascinating temples, the Island of Gozo is a piece of paradise. I must confess that I liked this island more than the Island of Malta because Gozo has a more authentic and natural vibe.

According to the legend, the Island of Gozo is the island and home of the nymph Calypso in Homer’s classic and epic poem the Odyssey. There are a lot of places you could visit on the island, but I would like to recommend the ones I chose to visit during my one-day trip there:

Tal-Mixta Cave is the first place I visited on the Island of Gozo. Hidden somewhere in the hills of the village of Nadur, Tal-Mixta Cave is a small and picturesque cave. I still remember how eager I was to admire the gorgeous panorama offered by this cave.

I had seen a picture on the internet and I knew that this cave had a wide opening from where you could admire the coastline and the gorgeous Ramla Bay. This natural cave offers a breathtaking view over the Ramla Bay and the small beach with the same name. You can get to this cave by foot following the path from Ramla Beach or by car following a narrow road that will bring you close to the entrance to the cave.

Ramla Beach is one of the widest and most beautiful beaches in Gozo. On my way back from Tal-Mixta Cave, after an interesting walk down the hill, I managed to reach this small beach with orange sand and clear blue water. Situated in the bay with the same name, Ramla Beach is surrounded by a gorgeous countryside landscape.

Even though there are a few snack bars and cafes which animate the entire area, the beach is quite remote. The symbol of the beach is the white statue of the Virgin Mary situated directly on the sand. The stretch of orange sand caressed by the clear blue water urges the tourists to relax on this lovely beach.

Marsalforn Salt Pans are considered one of the most interesting Maltese tourist attractions. They can be found in Qbaijjar, a small bay situated in the town of Marsalforn. The salt pans are small pits carved in the ground and covered with water. These pits collect seawater which is gradually dried up by the sun. This way the sea salt is dried and stored inside them. It might sound strange but this is the basic salt production process that is still used today. After the collecting process, sea salt is cleaned and refined. It was great to visit these 350-year-old salt pans and take a lot of interesting pictures.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu is the most famous place of pilgrimage in Malta. Situated close to the village of Gnarb, this beautiful basilica has a gorgeous orange exterior and an interesting architectural design. It was originally built as a small chapel where according to the legend, a lot of miracles happened.

It is also believed that the locals were saved from the plague many years ago because they prayed in this old chapel. This is why the locals decided to build a larger church and protect the original chapel. A year later, after the construction was finished, the church was declared a basilica by Pope Pius XI.  I must confess I felt deep peace during the moments I spent there.

The Cittadella, also known as the Castello, is a lovely fortress situated in the town of Victoria. The fortress was used as a place of refuge for Gozo’s population. It was also a strongly fortified defensive place against invaders’ attacks. Later the fortress became the historical center of the prosperous town of Rabat or Victoria.

Nowadays, the Cittadella shelters interesting fortifications, historic buildings and old churches, including the beautiful Cathedral of the Assumption. It was a great feeling to walk inside the walls of this fortress and admire its beauty.

All things considered, you should definitely visit these five beautiful places in case you ever get to the Island of Gozo.

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Covering an area of almost 20.000 square meters, the Malta National Aquarium is divided into 6 different zones. Malta’s western shoreline & Submarine is the first zone where you can discover Mediterranean species such as sea bass, gilt-head sea bream or scorpionfish. Valetta Harbour is the second zone of the aquarium and the place where you will have the chance to admire a variety of local fish including sea bream and mottled grouper. Called the Tropical Oceans, the third zone will delight you with shoals of pompano fish, batfish, unicorn tangs and many more.

Embellished with replicas of ancient Roman remains, the Roman Times is the zone that impressed me with its interesting design. It will be a delight to admire the shoals of damselfish, clownfish or cleaner shrimps in this ingenious setting. Gozo and Camino is another zone inside the aquarium which shows the beauty of Malta’s sister islands, Gozo and Camino. Here you can admire marine species such as grey triggerfish or black bream. Last but not least, the Reptiles and Amphibians zone gives you the chance to explore the world of invertebrates and reptiles such as stick insects, white tarantulas, snakes, dart frogs and many more.

If you visit these areas, you will discover 41 tanks that perfectly replicate the underwater environment. From reptiles and insects to amphibians and fish, a variety of species will urge you to admire them. With a diameter of almost 12 meters, the main tank shelters a lot of species from the Indo-Pacific Ocean such as blacktip sharks, leopard sharks, zebra sharks, eels and so on. Considered one of the most famous areas in the aquarium, this tank has a walk-through tunnel that allows visitors to closely admire these species.

Besides all these interesting areas, the complex also has a public viewpoint in case you want to take a breath of fresh air. The catering services, the children’s play area and the tourist information office are other facilities offered by the Malta National Aquarium.

The shape of the building is also interesting if we take into account that the curved shell structure has the form of a starfish. If you decide to visit the aquarium you should know that it is open daily between 10.00 a.m and 18.00 p.m and the ticket costs 13.90 euros. I advise you to buy the tickets online if you want to get a 10% discount.

To sum up, in case I haven’t convinced you to pay a visit to the Malta National Aquarium yet, take a look at the following pictures and maybe you will add it to your trip itinerary.

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I read a lot about the Maltese traditional cuisine and this is probably the country where I have heard the word rabbit more often than in any other place I have been to. Even though I had only eaten rabbit dishes a few times before visiting Malta, during the ten days that I spent there, I wanted to try as many rabbit specialties as possible. From soup and pie to pasta and steak, the Maltese cuisine offers a variety of delicious rabbit dishes.

When it comes to rabbit pasta recipes, the rabbit ravioli in white sauce is definitely my favorite dish. Even though I tried different recipes in both white and red sauce, the incredible taste of the rabbit ravioli is still so vivid in my mind. Rabbit steak served with different side dishes is also famous in Malta. From all the rabbit steak recipes my favorite one is the recipe cooked in wine sauce with a lot of garlic and served with baked potatoes. This is, in my opinion, a mouth-watering dish. I also tried rabbit stew and rabbit pie and they were absolutely delicious, too.

One aspect that I liked very much about Maltese cuisine, was the fact that the dishes tasted different even though I ordered the same thing. It seemed that every restaurant was trying to adapt its recipes and give them a touch of uniqueness. I ordered the same dish in different restaurants and each time I did this, I discovered a different taste.

Even though you might expect me to recommend a restaurant where you could enjoy all these rabbit specialties, it’s very difficult for me to do this. I must confess that I ate in different restaurants because I was constantly moving from one place to another, trying to visit as many places as possible. My only advice is to surf the internet and find the best-rated restaurants in case you want to have a great culinary experience. That’s what I did and I was very pleased with the choices I made.

To sum up, make sure you try as many rabbit specialties as possible in case you ever get to Malta. There is no better country to try delicious rabbit dishes than Malta.

P.S Food was so delicious that this time I chose to eat more than take pictures

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Even though I visited a lot of beautiful tourist attractions, the following 10 places are the ones I liked the most:

1.The city of Valletta is definitely worth your attention. Situated on the Sceberras Peninsula, between the Marsamxett Harbor and the Grand Harbour, this fortified city is the capital of Malta. Valletta is blessed with interesting fortifications, bastions, gardens, Baroque palaces and churches.

In case you want to admire its distinguished architecture, you should take a walk in the narrow streets of the city. The large squares have a lively vibe thanks to the multitude of cafes and shops. Not to mention Valletta’s beautiful gardens which are quite impressive.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens offer gorgeous views of the Old Harbor and its surrounding fortified towns while the Lower Barrakka Gardens and the Hastings Gardens give you the chance to relax in the middle of nature. A few steps down the road, you can admire the Saluting Battery, an artillery battery equipped with eight working replicas of SBBL 32-pounders (a lighter and shorter variant of muzzleloader) which are still used for fire gun signals as part of shows.

I could go on talking about a lot of other interesting places hidden within the walls of Valetta, but the best way to understand what I’m talking about is to visit this city. I spent an entire day there and I must confess that it was great to admire every corner of this lovely city.

2.Mdina, the old capital of Malta, is also worth visiting. Also called the Silent City, Mdina is a fascinating town which combines the medieval and baroque architectural styles. Surrounded by tall fortifications and abounding in centuries-old buildings, the small town of Mdina has a rich history. From its religious edifices and palaces to its narrow streets, Mdina is one of Europe’s finest ancient walled towns.

There are a lot of places you could visit here because this town has a lot to offer. For example, you could visit the Vilhena Palace, you could relax in St. Publius Square or you could admire Santa Sophia Palace, which is the oldest building in town. St Paul’s Cathedral, which is one of the most extravagant examples of Baroque architecture, is another beautiful place in Mdina. The Falson Palace or the Normand House is the second oldest building in town. Walking down Triq Il-Villegaignon, which is the main street in town, gives you the chance to discover a lot of other historical buildings and churches.

I explored the entire central area and I can honestly tell you that this town has an amazing vibe. It was great to explore its narrow cobblestone streets and admire the interesting buildings embellished with colorful flowers. Mdina was used as a setting for a lot of movies, including the famous Game of Thrones and it became more and more popular among tourists.

3.The beautiful town of Rabat borders Mdina. There are many things you can do in Rabat because this small town has a lot to offer. When it comes to beautiful tourist attractions, you can admire the Roman Villa (Domus Romana), you can explore some impressive catacombs or you can visit St. Paul’s Grotto and some interesting churches and monasteries. Not to mention the narrow cobblestone streets which are a real attraction. Some streets are incredibly narrow but beautifully embellished with plants and flowers, giving the town a special appearance.

Rabat shelters the famous St.Paul’s Catacombs and St.Agatha’s Catacombs, which are the main tourist attractions in town. It is said that these catacombs were used to bury the dead. Walking in the lovely streets of Rabat gave me the chance to relax and enjoy the vibe of the town.

4.Popeye Village is one of my favorite places in Malta. I had the chance to admire the panorama of the village from the cliff that borders the beautiful Anchor Bay and I was really impressed. The colorful houses which cover an entire side of the hill and the turquoise water of the bay create an unreal setting. Considered an open-air museum, Popeye Village is a popular tourist attraction.

Also known as Sweethaven Village, this place was used as the film set of the 1980 musical production “Popeye”. The film presents the story of Popeye the Sailor and it is one of the most famous versions because the main character is played by Robin Williams.

Nowadays, the village is a theme park which can be visited if you are willing to pay an entrance ticket. I strongly recommend a visit to this place. You can admire the 19 settlements, including Popeye and Olive’s houses, a post office and a bar. It is relaxing to visit the small houses and enjoy the animators’ performances.

I was amazed by this lively and colorful village and this is why I returned. I really wanted to admire the panorama of the village one more time. It was great to admire this view while listening to the soundtrack of the movie which was playing in the background.

5.The Blue Lagoon is a famous tourist attraction among the tourists who visit Malta because it is the most beautiful part of the small Comino Island. Considered a Maltese hidden gem, this small bay is blessed with turquoise blue waters and asymmetrical cliffs. Taking into account the gorgeous views, the Blue Lagoon is the perfect location if you want to rest and relax in a dream scenery. In case you like water sports, you should know that the Blue Lagoon is considered a real paradise for snorkelers, divers and windsurfers.

If you are wondering what else you could do there, you should know that the entire island is worth exploring. Situated between the Island of Malta and the Island of Gozo, Comino is the smallest of the three and therefore you can visit it in less than a day. Covering an area of 3.5 square kilometers, this small island is only 2 kilometers long and 1.7 kilometers wide.

Breathtaking views, clear blue waters and impressive cliffs define the beauty of this island. St. Mary’s Tower, which is a 17^th century fortification is the final attraction of the island. I was surprised to find out that St. Mary’s Tower was used as a prison in the movie “Count of Monte Cristo” released in 2002. Besides the famous Blue Lagoon, the island also shelters Santa Maria Bay and St Nicholas Bay, the other two beautiful beaches where you can rest and relax. It was a real delight to explore this uninhabited island from one corner to another.

6.The Blue Grotto is a natural picturesque cave that really deserves to be visited.  As the name suggests, this is a sea cave eroded by water. Located in the south of the town of Qrendi, the Blue Grotto is the largest cave in the area and the most interesting one. If you let your imagination run wild, the asymmetrical shape of the cave could make you think of a tarantula.

Although you cannot enter the cave, you can take a boat tour and admire its exterior or you can enjoy its view from the top of a nearby cliff. As a bonus, you can also admire the panorama of the small island of Fifla, an uninhabited island that is famous for a unique species of lizards. It was very relaxing to admire the cliffs which seem to rise out of the blue waters of the Mediterranean and to listen to the sound of the waves.

7.The village of Marsaxlokk is considered the main fishing harbor in Malta. Its name derives from the Arabic word “marsa” which means harbor and the Maltese word “xlokk” which is a south-easterly Mediterranean wind. According to the legend, Marsaxlokk was a landing place for pirates and Ottomans. Important events in history took place here such as the Great Siege in 1565 or the Bush-Gorbachev Summit in 1989.

Nowadays, the main activities in this small village are concentrated in the central area. Considered Malta’s second-largest natural harbor, Marsaxlokk Bay is the center of the village. Here you can take a walk and admire the multitude of colorful Maltese fishing boats, called luzzus. These traditional fishing boats are painted in bright colors and they are famous for their mythical pairs of eyes painted on their prows. The village is blessed with a small fish market which will offer you the chance to plunge into the local lifestyle and better understand the fishing industry.

It’s an interesting feeling to walk among the stalls full of fish of all shapes, sizes and colors. It goes without saying that Marsaxlokk is famous for its great fish and seafood restaurants. Time passed so quickly because it was great to walk down the streets of this lovely village.

8.Even though Sliema and St.Julian’s are two different towns, I chose to talk about them in the same paragraph. They are situated close to each other and this is why you can visit both of them on the same day.

Sliema is one of the main coastal resort towns in Malta. There are a lot of shops, cafes and restaurants in this lively town. It was a great experience to walk around the port, admire the variety of boats and watch the spectacular waves.

If you follow the coastline, in about two kilometers you will get to St. Julian’s. This town is also animated by a lot of restaurants, bars and shops. Spinola Bay is the most famous tourist destination in the town. Here, you can take a walk in the small port and admire the variety of colorful boats. Balluta Bay is another part of the town which offers you the chance to relax on a stretch of sand from where you can admire the Carmelite Church.

Taking into account that both towns are blessed with a lot of beaches, it goes without saying that there are also a lot of beautiful hotels. However, I advise you not to accommodate in Sliema or St. Julian’s because they are very crowded and this might be tiresome and uncomfortable.

9.The Island of Gozo was a great surprise and I really liked the day I spent there. Blessed with idyllic beaches, beautiful landscapes, old religious edifices and fascinating temples, Gozo is definitely worth your attention. It is the second-largest island of the Maltese Archipelago and it has a lot to offer when it comes to beautiful tourist attractions.

Situated in the hills of the village of Nadur, the Tal-Mixta Cave is a famous attraction in Gozo. This small picturesque cave offers a breathtaking view of Ramla Bay and the small beach with the same name. Blessed with orange sand and clear blue water and surrounded by a gorgeous countryside landscape, Ramla Beach is one of the widest and beautiful beaches in Gozo.

Situated in the town of Marsalforn, more exactly in Qbaijjar Bay, Marsalforn Salt Pans are considered one of the most interesting Maltese tourist attractions. These salt pans covered with water are actually small pits carved in rock. The seawater collected in these pits is dried up by the sun and the salt is stored inside them.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu is another beautiful place in Gozo. Situated close to the village of Gnarb, this basilica is the most famous place of pilgrimage in Malta. It is said that a lot of miracles happened after people had prayed here.

Last but not least, the Cittadella or the Castello is definitely worth visiting. Situated in the town of Victoria, this lovely fortress shelters interesting fortifications, historical buildings and old churches, including the beautiful Cathedral of the Assumption.

To sum up, visiting the island of Gozo was a great experience and I really recommend not to miss it in case you ever get to Malta.

10.Mellieħa is a small town where we accommodated for ten days in Malta. Although walking in its narrow streets and tiny alleys is a relaxing experience, this town has much more to offer.

The Church of Our Lady of Victory is a famous tourist attraction in this town. Besides its interesting appearance, this church is famous for the Sanctuary of Our Lady, a place of pilgrimage which is believed to have been blessed by St. Paul himself. The church also has a lovely terrace that offers a panoramic view of Mellieħa Bay and the surrounding area.

You should know that Mellieħa Bay shelters the largest sandy beach in Malta. Situated in the northern part of the island, this beach is popular among families with children.

Close to the Church of Our Lady of Victory, you can find the Mellieħa Air-Raid Shelters, one of the largest underground shelters in Malta. With a depth of 12 meters and a length of over 500 meters, this place was dug by hand and it was used as a shelter during the Second World War. These underground tunnels are decorated with mannequins and some pieces of furniture which recreate the past and exploring them can be an unusual experience.

To sum up, Malta is a beautiful destination which has a lot to offer when it comes to beautiful tourist attractions. Even though there is much more to discover in Malta, these are in my opinion the most representative places that you should not miss during your stay there.

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The colored houses of all shapes and sizes, which cover an entire side of the hill, together with the turquoise water of the bay create an unreal setting. Just like a waterfall, the 19 colored wooden houses give the impression that they will fall and sink in the sea.

Considered an open-air museum, Popeye Village has become a popular tourist attraction among the tourists who visit Malta. Its beauty and its interesting story are the main reasons why Popeye Village has become so popular. Also known as Sweethaven Village, this place is the film set of the 1980 musical production “Popeye” which presents the story of Popeye the Sailor with Robin Williams in the leading role.  According to the story, this is the village where Popeye arrives to find his long-lost father.

The construction of this place started in 1979 and it involved hard work. A team of 165 workers needed seven months to complete the project. Nowadays, the village can be visited if you are willing to pay an entrance ticket which costs 11 euros. I recommend this theme park because it has a lot to offer regardless of your age. You can visit the 19 interesting settlements, including Popeye and Olive’s houses, a post office and a bar.

It will be very interesting to visit the houses and enjoy the animators’ performances. The variety of animation shows will give you the feeling that you are part of the story. These shows can be watched both inside the houses and in the narrow streets of the village. An improvised cinema will also urge you to watch a short documentary about the construction of the film set.

After exploring these animated houses, you can take a walk along the shore of the bay or you can relax in the sun on the pontoon. The seaweed smell and the noise of the waves will make you feel relaxed. Only the shrill voices of the animators will bring you back to reality. A short boat trip around the bay, the possibility to use the mini-golf course and the option of visiting Popeye’s Comic Museum are also included in the price of the ticket. Not to mention that you will get popcorn and a postcard for free.

It was a real pleasure to explore this small village after we had admired it for almost an hour from the top of the cliff. The view from the top is gorgeous and this is why we decided to come back another day and admire it again. It goes without saying that we took hundreds of pictures there.

As I have already said, Popeye Village is situated in Anchor Bay, three kilometers away from the famous Maltese village of Mellieħa and this is why it is easily reachable. You can get there using public transportation, a rented car or even transportation provided by the administrators of the village. In case you choose the last option, you should call and make the reservation in advance. If you get there by car, you can use the parking lot in front of the village for free. We used the bus because we were staying very close, in Mellieħa, and it was the easiest way to get there.

Popeye Village is open all year long, but you should take into account that the schedule is different depending on the season. In winter, between November and March, the village can be visited from 9.30 to 16.30. In spring and autumn, between April and June and September and October, the village is open from 9.30 to 17.30. The village has an extended summer schedule, in July and August and it can be visited from 9.30 to 19.00.

To conclude, no matter what you choose to do in Malta, in case you get there make sure you add Popeye Village to your trip itinerary because it is worth visiting.

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I felt a real pleasure exploring the vibrant streets of this city. Even though Bratislava was a lovely experience, during my second visit to Slovakia, I felt the need to explore some more picturesque places situated far away from the fuss of big cities.

I must confess that this trip was a three-day marathon, because I tried to visit as many places as possible in this short period of time. Looking back, I can say that I managed to visit even more places than I had planned in the beginning of my trip. In case you plan a short road trip to Slovakia and you don’t know what to visit there, maybe my three-day trip itinerary will help you.

My first day in Slovakia started with Bojnice, a small town with a simple and beautiful architecture. Besides the narrow streets that can be explored step by step, there is also a gorgeous castle and a zoo.

The Bojnice Castle was actually the place which made me plan this trip, after I saw a picture on the internet. Surrounded by a large green area, the silhouette of the castle which stretches on a mound seems to be cut out of a fairy tale. It goes without saying that it was a real pleasure to take a walk around the castle and admire its beauty.

In order to visit the Bojnice Castle you have to pay an entrance fee, but it is worth the money because here you can admire an old furniture collection, paintings and other valuable items of national significance. As a bonus, if you pay the entrance fee, you can also visit a cave which is situated under the castle.

Situated very close to the castle, the Bojnice Zoo is another famous tourist attraction in the area. This zoo was opened to the public in 1955 and it is considered the oldest zoo in the country. Covering an area of 42 hectares, the zoo is worth visiting, if we take into account the fact that it is home to 390 different species and 2630 creatures.

I added the Bojnice Zoo to my trip list because I really wanted to see the variety of species sheltered by this zoo and also because I wanted to recharge my batteries after an exhausting day. It turned out to be an inspired decision because I spent a few moments of relaxation inside this zoo. The pavilions filled with monkeys and elephants, the aquarium and the terrarium are the areas which I liked the most.

The second day I continued exploring the town of Bojnice and I visited an amazing tourist attraction. Even though the Sightseeing Tower (Výhliadková Veža Bojnice) is the newest tourist attraction in Bojnice, it is in my opinion the most interesting one. This 30-meter tall tower has recently been built by a local investor because he wanted to increase the number of tourists in the area. This spiral tower is made of steel and wood and it has a very interesting appearance.

In my opinion, the most interesting aspect is the fact that the tourists can reach the top of the tower using a solid wooden walkway. Reaching the top of the tower doesn’t involve much effort but even if it did, the panoramic terrace situated on top of the tower is really worth the effort.  For me, it was a real pleasure to spend time on this terrace and admire the incredible views over the Bojnice Castle and over the surrounding areas.

The next stop was in the town of Kežmarok, in the Spiš region, where I visited two beautiful religious edifices. The first one was the Wooden Articular Church or the Evangelical Church of the Holy Trinity, an old edifice built in 1717. This small church is famous for its fascinating interior with exceptional wall paintings and wood carvings. There are only a few articular churches which are still standing in Slovakia today and the Wooden Articular Church is considered the most beautiful one. This unique building is made of yew and red spruce wood, without any metal components.

The second one was the New Evangelical Church, situated near the Wooden Articular Church. This church was built between 1872 and 1894 in the electric style and it incorporates a blend of elements from previous historical styles. Having a distinctive and original appearance, it is considered a national cultural monument in Slovakia. Its colored exterior is perfectly symmetrical and it seems to dominate the entire area.

The Spiš Castle (Spissky Hrad) was another beautiful place I visited during my second day in Slovakia. The Spiš Castle was built in the 12^th century, on the ruins of a Celtic fort. It lies majestically in a picturesque area, above the town of Spišské Podhradie. This stone castle is one of the largest in Europe and a perfect setting for movies. It played an important role in the history of the country, if we take into account that it was the seat of the most important feudal lords in the Spiš region.

If you pay an entrance fee, you can visit the ruins of the old castle, together with a small museum and a small exhibition of historical objects. Even though only the ruins of the imposing castle are still standing today, I really liked the few hours I spent inside the walls of the Spiš Castle. The ruins are well preserved and the objects that can be admired inside the castle are really interesting.

The day ended with a short walk in the center of Košice, which is the second largest city in Slovakia. It was a real pleasure to admire Košice by night. Even though it’s not a spectacular city, it still has some beautiful places to offer.

My third day in Slovakia was entirely dedicated to Košice. I wanted to explore its most beautiful tourist attractions and I started with St. Elisabeth’s Cathedral which is probably the symbol of the city. This Gothic cathedral is the largest religious edifice in Slovakia. Blessed with a beautiful architecture, this edifice dominates the entire city center. I stared at this cathedral for minutes because I couldn’t take my eyes off all those beautiful architectural details. After I admired its stunning exterior, I visited its simple, but interesting interior. The high columns, the opulent aisle and the colored stained glass windows caught my attention.

However, climbing inside the imposing bell tower was the part I enjoyed the most. If you pay an entrance fee, you can climb the double spiral staircase of Sigismund Tower and you will have the chance to admire panoramic views over the entire Košice.

St.Urban’s Tower and St.Michael’s Chapel are two other buildings in Košice which I really enjoyed visiting. Both buildings were built in the 14^th century and they are situated to the right and left of St.Elisabeth’s Cathedral. It is practically impossible not to notice their beautiful architecture.

St.Urban’s Tower has a simple appearance with a pyramidal roof and a church bell situated atypically directly on the ground, right in front of it. It is said that the tower and the church bell were both dedicated to St.Urban, the patron of vinedressers. St.Michael Chapel was originally built as a cemetery chapel and it was named after St.Michael, who is considered the saint of the dead.

Not far away from these places, I spent a few relaxing moments in front of the Singing Fountain. The fountain is situated in the middle of a green space and this is the perfect place to rest while you are listening to its soothing songs.

A few steps away, lies the State Theatre, an imposing building which hosts different drama, ballet and opera shows.

Jakab’s Palace is another tourist attraction that caught my attention during my walk in the city center. This palace was a private house, which was later used as the residence of Edvard Beneš, one of the presidents of the former Czechoslovak Republic.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit more in Košice, but I’m very happy that I managed to see its most famous tourist attractions.

Overall, my second visit to Slovakia was a great experience. I visited beautiful places, I tried delicious food and even the weather was nice, taking into account that it was the middle of October. I hope that my three-day trip itinerary will inspire you in case you ever plan to visit this country.

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I vividly remember that pleasant autumn evening and how tired I felt after visiting a few tourist attractions in the town of Bojnice. Feeling very tired, I decided that the best place to relax was the zoo of the town and it turned out to be an inspired choice.

The Bojnice Zoo lies in the middle of a beautiful natural park, near the castle with the same name. Even though the zoo is not a spectacular one, it gained its popularity because it is the oldest zoological garden in Slovakia. The Bojnice Zoo was opened to the public in 1955 and a huge number of tourists have visited it over the years.

Covering an area of 42 hectares, the zoo is home to 390 species and 2630 creatures. The pavilions with monkeys and elephants, the aquarium and the terrarium are in my opinion the most interesting areas of this zoo. There is also a 7-meter tall observation tower, which gives the children the possibility to get close to the animals. If they go down a slide, they will find themselves surrounded by many domestic animals. This aspect makes the zoo a perfect place for families with children, who want to have fun and relax.

I also enjoyed the peaceful vibe of this place and the few hours I spent there went by so fast.  It was a real pleasure to enjoy the company of those lovely animals and to relax after an exhausting day. In case you ever get to Bojnice, my advice is to add this zoo to your trip list, because it is the type of place that will help you recharge your batteries.

If I haven’t convinced you to visit the Bojnice Zoo yet, maybe the following pictures will do a better job.

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I am talking about the Sightseeing Tower (Výhliadková Veža Bojnice), which is the newest tourist attraction in the beautiful town of Bojnice.

This 30-meter-high tower has recently been built by a local investor with the purpose of increasing tourism in the area. This unique construction is situated in a large forest, on the outskirts of Bojnice. If you are wondering what makes this tower so special, the answer is simple. The image of this spiral tower which stands on a steel structure seems to be unreal. At least, this was the feeling I had when I saw it displaying its silhouette among the crowns of the trees.

I stared hard at the construction and I admired its architectural design, trying to find the answer to a question. No matter how much I tried, it was really difficult to make a connection between the image of the tower and the fairytale houses situated nearby.  A few seconds before I saw the tower, I had passed by a few small colored houses, which were lying at the bottom of the tower. Their image seemed cut out of a fairy tale and created a strong contrast with the modern image of the tower.

Even though I was puzzled, I paid the entrance fee and I started exploring the tower. Thanks to a solid wooden walkway, it was easy to reach the top of the tower. Once I got there, the surprise was huge. A panoramic terrace was lying in front of my eyes and I had the opportunity to admire incredible views over the Bojnice Castle and the surrounding areas.

I really enjoyed the moments I spent there and all those wonderful panoramic views. I tried to capture the beauty of those images in dozens of pictures which I’m going to share with you. I hope these pictures will convince you to add the Sightseeing Tower to your trip list, in case you ever get to this part of Slovakia.

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Moldova’s territory was both part of Romania and Russia, before the country became independent. It goes without saying that the influence of these two different cultures can be felt all over the country.

In case you decide to visit the Republic of Moldova, the following tips might help you enjoy your trip to the fullest:

1.First of all it’s important to plan your trip itinerary in detail. As I have already said, Moldova has a few beautiful places to offer and it would be a pity not to discover as many as you can. For example, I combined Chisinau with a few other famous Moldovan tourist attractions and this helped me to have a great time there. It was a real delight to explore Sorocca Fortress, to admire the old blue houses of Butuceni, to discover the history of wine in the local wine cellars or to feel the simple and relaxing vibe of Chisinau. However, you should take into account the fact that you will need at least four or five days to enjoy all these places.

2.Whether you are a wine lover or not, you cannot leave Moldova without plunging into the world of wine. Moldova is famous for its large vineyards, and it goes without saying that it’s also the perfect place where you can find out a lot of details about the history and the manufacturing process of wine. Brands such as Cricova, Milestii Mici, Purcari or Chateau Vartely are just a few examples of quality Moldovan wines. The country is considered a sort of paradise of wines and it offers the possibility of visiting a few interesting wineries and wine cellars. I visited Cricova Winery and Chateau Vartely Resort and Winery and both experiences were great.

3.If there is something you can do excessively in Moldova, eating is the correct answer. The Moldovan cuisine is a blend between Romanian and Russian dishes and it is simply delicious. A lot of quality natural products are used to prepare the Moldovan tasty dishes. I simply love their traditional pies, especially those with cheese and fruit, their traditional soup, especially borsch (beet root soup) and soleanca and their fish and seafood specialties. Eating in Moldova is like eating at your grandma’s house.

4.The best way to travel across the country and enjoy the beautiful Moldovan tourist attractions is by car. In case you choose this means of transport, my advice is to respect the traffic rules because this way you will avoid getting a traffic ticket. You should know that a lot of police cars patrol the public roads and the risk of getting a traffic ticket is very high.

5.You should let yourself delighted by the peaceful vibe of this country. The Republic of Moldova gives you the feeling that you went back in time. People don’t seem so captivated by technology and by social media and you can actually see them talking to each other, rather than staring at their phones. The country is also blessed with natural landscapes and the image of the old villages seem to be cut out of fairy tales.

All things considered, you should set your expectations properly and plan a trip to the Republic of Moldova, because overall  it is worth visiting.

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