HikerTips

The Old City of Acre in pictures

2022-07-09T06:04:52Z

I still remember the cloudy afternoon when I first got to the old city of Acre. The weather was unusual for the beginning of April because the temperature was below normal, the wind was blowing hard and it was about to rain.

My visit was short and quick, as I tried to visit as much as possible before the rain started. A few hours later, I left Acre feeling disappointed but at that moment I couldn’t realize why. Fortunately, the following days the weather was lovely and I could enjoy the rest of my trip. Even so, the regret of seeing Acre on such bad weather was still there. Everything happens for a reason and things fell into place at the right time and I was able to visit the city of Acre for the second time on my last day in Israel. This time the weather was perfect and I could enjoy the beauty of Acre, also known as Akko in Arabic.

Considered a famous Crusader city and blessed with one of the oldest ports in the world, Acre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortified city is blessed with well-preserved citadels, mosques and a lot of Turkish baths and bazaars. Akko has a lot to offer and therefore there are a lot of things you could do there.

To better understand the glorious past of Akko, you could visit the Hospitaller Fortress which belonged to the Hospitallers, who were knights of the Order of Saint John. There are a lot of things that can be admired inside the fortress, but the Knights’ Halls and the Templars’ Tunnel stand out from the rest.

The Turkish Bath (Hammam Al-Basha) is another place that perfectly displays the history of Acre. This old hammam has been fully restored and nowadays it is home to an interesting museum that exhibits a lot of objects related to the history and culture of the Turkish Bath ritual.

The massive stone walls which border the Old Town, are Akko’s most distinctive tourist attraction. Besides admiring the panoramic views over the Old Town of Akko, walking along these ancient defensive walls gives you the chance to live moments of pure relaxation. If you follow the path which goes around the walls of the city, you will notice the massive tower known as the Burj el-Kummander which dominates the northern part of the Old Town. In the east, you can admire the Burg Kurajim or the Tower of Vine, a bastion that was built to defend the town against attacks coming from the sea. During your walk along the walls, you will also discover St. John’s Church, a small church which was built in 1737. This is one of the most colorful buildings in Akko which for sure won’t go unnoticed.

As I have already said, Akko’s Marina used to be a famous port which nowadays is home to colorful fishing boats and yachts. Not far from the harbor, you can find Akko’s main bazaar which offers a variety of goods from fresh spices and food to interesting souvenirs.

The Ahmed Al-Jazzar Mosque is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Akko and for good reason. The well-preserved mosque seems to dominate the skyline with its imposing white and green tower. In case you have enough time to spend in Akko, you can take a boat tour to see the walls from the sea.

I must confess that I chose not to take the boat tour because I wanted to spend a couple of hours on the beach. It was a great opportunity to recharge my batteries after the beautiful but exhausting walk around the town.

To sum up, Akko is a beautiful city which is worth visiting if you ever get to this area. I’m sure that the following pictures will convince you to add Akko to your trip list in case you ever plan a trip to Israel.

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Ramat Gan Safari Park in pictures

2022-06-27T17:03:25Z

I must confess that whenever I decide to revisit a country, I try to combine the places I have already visited and liked the most with some new ones.

I visited Israel for the second time three years ago and it goes without saying that I’ve added some new beautiful places to my trip itinerary, places that I didn’t manage to visit during my first trip there. The Ramat Gan Safari Park is one of these places. This beautiful park is situated close to the center of Tel Aviv, in the neighboring city of Ramat Gan.

Considered one of the largest zoos in the Middle East, the Ramat Gan Safari is divided into three sections: The Safari Park, The Lion Safari and The Zoo. Regardless of this division, each section imitates the natural habitat of the animals. What makes this place really special is the fact that you get really close to the animals to admire them and take a lot of pictures.

Covering an area of 250 acres, the Ramat Gan Safari is home to 1600 species of animals, including 68 species of mammals, 130 species of fowl and 25 species of reptiles. From elephants and gorillas to snakes and birds, this park reunites species from all over the world.

I must say that it was a real delight to admire different species of monkeys and birds, to enjoy the delicate gestures of the giraffes or to simply watch how the deer and the lions walked freely through the park. This experience was an excellent opportunity to recharge my batteries and also forget about the hustle and bustle of the city. I always feel relaxed around animals and the hours I have spent there passed very quickly.

You can explore the park in your own car, by joining an organized tour or you can take a Segway tour. No matter how you choose to visit this park, when you get to the closed areas you have to walk among the specially designed pavilions.

As I have already said, the Ramat Gan Safari Park is situated close to downtown Tel Aviv and it is very easy to get there. If you ever get to Tel Aviv, I really recommend that you visit this place. If I haven’t convinced you yet, you should take a look at the following pictures which I’m sure will do a better job.

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Masada, the ancient fortress in pictures

2022-06-26T10:05:41Z

When I think about my second trip to Israel, the image of the beautiful Masada comes to my mind. This ancient fortress lies on a flat plateau above the Dead Sea, in the mysterious Judaean Desert.

Considered one of the most famous archaeological sites is Israel, the impressive ruins of Masada reveal their beauty in a spectacular desert scenery. The fortress was built as a palace complex by Herod the Great, King of Judaea and it still displays the traces of the classical Roman style.

King Herod’s northern palace is the part of the complex which reveals the details of an opulent architectural design in the most prominent way. Built on three rock terraces, this palace is considered the most impressive part of the complex.

A large Roman bath embellished with a colorful mosaic floor and wall murals is another attraction in the complex.

The fortress is also famous for its old innovative water system which used to collect runoff water from a single day of rain to sustain life for a thousand people over a period of two-three years.

The luxurious western palace, the Jewish ritual bath, the storerooms, the watchtowers and the synagogue are other buildings which talk about the history of Masada.

The massive defense walls which hide these exceptional Roman buildings give you the feeling that the struggle between oppression and liberty is still going on. It is said that the fortress was conquered by a group of Jewish zealots, at the beginning of the First Jewish Revolt against Rome. According to historical remarks, a few years later, when the Romans succeeded in reaching the mountain top fortress, the 960 Jewish zealots who lived there committed suicide. They wanted to avoid falling into the hands of the Romans alive and this is why their death was considered a great act of courage and heroism.

In order to reach the fortress, you can go up a rocky path called the “snake path’’ or you can take the cable car that runs from the foot of the mountain to the top. I chose the cable car because when I visited the fortress it was too hot to walk. This was a great opportunity to find out a few details about the history of this place because the tourist center presents a documentary film about the story of Masada.

Whether you choose to visit Masada on your own or as part of a guided tour, I’m sure you will like this place. I must confess that I really liked visiting this fortress and the few hours I spent there went by so fast. You don’t have to take my words for granted because the following pictures will convince you to pay a visit to this place in case you ever get to Israel.

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Israel, beyond its religious tourist attractions

2022-07-09T06:03:38Z

Israel, also known as the State of Israel, is considered the cradle of three major religions. Christians, Muslims and Jewish people all live together in this country located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.

It goes without saying that when you say Israel you say religious edifices. It is said that all believers should live the experience of visiting Israel’s religious attractions at least once in a lifetime. Beyond its religious side, Israel is blessed with a lot of other beautiful tourist attractions and the experience of discovering them is also very interesting.

I visited Israel twice and I had the chance to enjoy more than its religious side. I experienced its culture and lifestyle as well. Nine years ago, I visited Israel for the first time as part of an organized trip lead by a priest. The tour was complete and it included all the major religious tourist attractions in Israel and Palestine. I didn’t write about this religious experience and I won’t do it now either because it is, in my opinion, the type of experience which should be kept in one’s heart. In case you want to live such an experience, I advise you to choose a trip organized by a priest because this way you will have the chance to “see” Israel from a different point of view.

My second trip to Israel took place two years ago and during the ten days I spent there, I tried to discover another side of this country. If you plan to visit Israel, I hope that my trip itinerary helps you. I consider there are definitely a few places you should add to your trip list.

Even though the purpose of my trip was to discover new places in Israel, I wanted to revisit the city of Jerusalem and the town of Nazareth. Whether you are a religious person or not, Jerusalem should be on your trip list. You cannot leave Israel without stopping in this famous city because the Old City of Jerusalem is well worth a visit. Beyond the multitude of bazaars and all the agitation, this part of the city holds pages of history within its walls.

The most famous road is the Via Dolorosa. Every Christian should take a tour of the Via Dolorosa which is believed to be the path Jesus followed on the way to his crucifixion. Situated at the end of this road, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Church of the Resurrection is the final destination for believers. This church is built above Golgotha, the place where Jesus of Nazareth was crucified and it shelters Jesus’s empty tomb. The road that leads to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is not the same without a priest who can explain all the important details to you.

The Garden of Gethsemane is another place that you should visit. Situated near the foot of the Mount of Olives, this garden is the place where Jesus went to pray the night before he was crucified. The Church of All Nations is situated near the garden and according to religion, this church was built over the rock where Jesus prayed before he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot.

A few steps farther, you can find the Grotto of Gethsemane, the natural cave used as shelter by Jesus and his disciples. Near the grotto, there is the Church of the Assumption or the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, where according to Christian tradition the Mother of Jesus was buried after she died. Jerusalem is blessed with a lot of other religious edifices, but I chose to revisit only the ones I have already mentioned. The visit to Jerusalem ended with a walk to the Ramparts Walk, where I had the chance to admire a great view over the Old City.

The town of Nazareth was another place that I wanted to revisit. From all the places I had already visited during my first trip there, I chose to revisit only the small Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation. This is the church where one of the most famous biblical scenes took place. According to religion, the angel Gabriel descended from Heaven to tell the Virgin Mary about her pregnancy. The church stands over the cave where it is believed that Mary first heard the angel’s voice.

The city of Akko or Acre was a great surprise taking into account all the things it has to offer. This famous Crusader city is blessed with one of the oldest ports in the world, well-preserved citadels and mosques, Turkish baths and crowded bazaars. Here, you can visit the Hospitaller Fortress which paints the glorious past of Akko or you can relax inside the Turkish Bath, which is nowadays an interesting museum.

A walk along the massive stone walls which border the Old Town will offer you the chance to admire some gorgeous panoramic views. During this walk, you will notice the massive tower known as Burj el-Kummander, the bastion Burg Kurajim and the small St. John’s Church.

Ahmed Al-Jazzar Mosque is another tourist attraction that deserves your attention. This well-preserved religious edifice impresses tourists with its imposing white and green tower. Akko’s Marina is that part of the city that I liked the most. The image of the colorful fishing boats and the luxury yachts outlines the beauty of this port. In case you are a shopping lover, Akko’s main bazaar is the perfect option. The city is also blessed with a large beach where you can spend a few moments of relaxation after visiting all these tourist attractions.

Haifa was the city that really impressed me. Here, I visited the Baha’i Gardens and the lovely Camel Beach. The Baha’i Gardens are the symbol of the Bahá’i faith and one of the most visited places of pilgrimage in Haifa and Western Galilee. The Bahá’i religion brings together the essential beliefs of all religions and promotes the idea of a unified world regardless of nations, races, social classes and creeds. The Baha’i Gardens shelter 19 terraces of flowers, water fountains and small sculptures that surround the Shrine of the Báb. Considered the most famous holy place in the Bahá’i faith, this shrine was built in honor of the prophet Báb, the main founder of the Bahá’i religion.

Covering a large area, the Bahá’i Gardens are divided into three different sections beautifully decorated with flowers and trees, water fountains and small sculptures. For a complete experience, you should visit all these sections. You can visit the gardens on your own or as a part of a guided tour.

After visiting this beautiful place, I ended the day relaxing on Camel Beach. Equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, this sandy beach is the perfect place where you can rest and relax for a few hours.

Another day of my trip was dedicated to the city of Tel Aviv. This city has a lot to offer and in case you want to visit all its important tourist attractions, you should spend at least a few days here. Taking into account the fact that I didn’t stay long in Tel Aviv, I decided to visit only the Ramat Gan Safari and Jaffa.

The Ramat Gan Safari is a beautiful park situated close to the center of Tel Aviv, in the neighboring city of Ramat Gan. Divided into three sections, it is one of the largest zoos in the Middle East. The Safari Park, The Lion Safari and The Zoo are the three sections specially designed to imitate the natural habitat of the animals. The Ramat Gan Safari is home to 1600 species of animals, including 68 species of mammals, 130 species of fowl and 25 species of reptiles. I must confess that it was a great experience to admire different species from all over the world. The park covers an area of 250 acres and you can explore it in your car, by taking a Segway tour or by joining an organized tour.

Jaffa, the southern and the oldest part of Tel Aviv, was the second place I decided to visit. In my opinion, visiting this part of Tel Aviv was a great way to end the day. Walking in the ancient port and admiring the gorgeous views was a perfect way to relax. Also, there are some beautiful buildings you will definitely notice during this walk. For example, I liked the bell tower of St. Peter’s Church, which is one of the symbols of Jaffa.

Masada National Park is another historical place that caught my attention. Lying on a flat plateau above the Dead Sea, this ancient fortress is considered one of the most famous archaeological sites in Israel. Built as a palace complex by Herod the Great, King of Judaea, Masada shelters the ruins of the beautiful Roman buildings. Considered the most impressive part of the complex, King Herod’s northern palace is built on three rock terraces and displays an opulent architectural style. The large Roman bath embellished with a colorful mosaic floor and murals is another part of the complex which attracts a lot of tourists.

Masada is also famous for its old innovative water system which used to collect runoff water from the rain. This water was used to sustain life for a thousand people over a period of two-three years. The luxurious western palace, the Jewish ritual bath, the storerooms, the watchtowers and the synagogue are other buildings you can admire inside the fortress. To reach the fortress, you can follow the “snake path” or you can take the cable car that runs from the foot of the mountain to the top. You have two options to visit Masada. You can explore it on your own or as a part of a guided tour.

The Keshet Cave is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Israel. I must confess that it was a real pleasure to explore this natural arch. Also known as the Rainbow Cave or the Arch Cave, this carved rock has a small cave beneath which attracts hundreds of extreme sports lovers. They go down from the arch to the cave base, dropping off the side of the cave and swinging under the arch using only a thick rope. In case you are not a fan of extreme sports, just like me, you can admire this natural arch and the beautiful scenery that surrounds it.

After visiting the Keshet Cave, you can relax a few hours on the Betzet Beach, which is located at the foot of the mountain. Betzet Beach is the northernmost beach in Israel. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Israel.

All things considered, in case you plan a trip to Israel and you don’t know what to visit there, I hope that my trip itinerary inspires you.

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Bahá’i Gardens in pictures

2022-07-09T06:00:22Z

The Bahá’i Gardens was the most beautiful place I visited during my latest trip to Israel. Considered the symbol of the Bahá’i faith, this place is a real work of art.

These wonderful gardens shelter 19 terraces of flowers, water fountains and small sculptures that surround the Shrine of the Báb, the most famous holy place in the Bahá’i faith. This dome-shaped shrine and the monuments and buildings situated in these beautiful gardens make the complex one of the most visited places of pilgrimage in Haifa and Western Galilee. As the name suggests, this shrine was built in honor of the Báb, the prophet who is considered the main founder of the Bahá’i religion.

Siyyid Ali Muhammad Shirazi, the Persian who called himself the Báb, laid the foundations of this new religion almost 200 years ago. His doctrine was preached by his descendants and today the Bahá’i faith has over seven million followers all over the world.

In case you didn’t know, the Bahá’i religion brings together the essential beliefs of all religions and promotes the goal of a unified world which ensures the prosperity of all nations, races, social classes and creeds. Situated in the Bahá’i Gardens, the Bahai World Centre in Haifa is the place where the nine elected leaders make important decisions. This is why Haifa is considered one of the most spiritual cities in the world when it comes to the tradition of pilgrimage in the Bahá’i faith.

The Bahá’i Gardens cover a large area which is divided into three different sections beautifully decorated with flowers and trees, water fountains and small sculptures. The lower section starts from the German Colony, a small area located at the foot of the Bahá’i Gardens, and reaches the Port of Haifa. The middle section includes the gardens around the Shrine of the Báb, which is the resting place of the famous prophet. The upper section lies between the Louis Promenade and the main gate where the visit starts. If you want your visit to be complete, you should cover all these sections.

You can visit the gardens on your own or you can choose one of the guided tours in English, Russian or Hebrew. For the 45-minute guided tour you don’t need a reservation and it’s free of charge. The only condition is to arrive half an hour ahead of the set time because the places are limited and the principle applied is “first come, first served”.

I visited the Bahá’i Gardens on my own because I wanted to take my time and enjoy their beauty to the fullest. As I have already said, I liked this place because, besides its beauty, it has a strong spiritual power. This is one of the places I would like to revisit one day because the hour I spent there went by so fast and lovely. You don’t have to take my words for granted. Just take a look at the following pictures which I’m sure will convince you to pay a visit to the Bahá’i Gardens in case you ever get to Israel.

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3 fairytale places in Alsace

2022-06-26T09:48:24Z

I have already been to Alsace three times and I must confess that I would visit this place over and over again. During my visits there, the beauty of that French area impressed me a lot.

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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5 beautiful places you could visit on the Island of Gozo

2022-06-15T08:13:39Z

Gozo is the second-largest island of the Maltese Archipelago, after the Island of Malta itself. It goes without saying that I couldn’t leave the Republic of Malta without visiting this small and impressive island.

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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Malta National Aquarium in pictures

2022-05-26T07:41:20Z

Malta has a lot to offer when it comes to beautiful and interesting tourist attractions. The Malta National Aquarium is one of the places that pleasantly surprised me during my visit there.

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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Maltese rabbit specialties

2022-04-15T11:38:25Z

Even though I have never been a big fan of rabbit specialties, my trip to Malta made me give these specialties a try. In case you didn’t know, Malta is famous for its delicious rabbit specialties.

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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10 places you could visit in Malta

2021-11-28T05:09:26Z

I visited Malta a year and a half ago and I must confess that I discovered a beautiful and interesting country. It goes without saying that during the ten days that I spent there I tried to visit as many places as possible.

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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