Category Archives: trip to amazing world

Crete – a little island tour

Greece administrates 3054 islands which amounts to around 80% of all islands in the Mediterranean. The largest Greek island is Crete with its roughly 600,000 inhabitants, around 100 kilometres south of the Greek mainland. There is many versions to the origin of its name, however, most of them evolve around the female name “Krete”.

The islands picturesque landscape is characterised by its many hills and mountains which makes for fertile soil, the foundation of a rich vegetation. The 300 sunny days a year are ideal for growing succulent olives and full-flavoured wines. Crete’s 1066 kilometres coastline build a contrast to the abundance of flora and fauna.

As with many islands, the easiest way of getting there is usually by plane. Especially during summer months you will find plenty of offers by low-cost airlines. Once you arrive, renting a car is a comfortable way of exploring the island at your own pace.

Iraklio and the wine country

Iraklio is Crete’s capital city. It may not fit the traditional image of beauty, but take some time to enjoy the numerous cafés and restaurants, admire the local craftwork in the shops and at the market and stroll along the Venetian harbour and out to the sea on top of the fortress walls.

Around Iraklio you can find the beautiful wine country where around 25 wineries produce 70% of Crete’s wine. The scenic hills, slopes and valleys are home to plenty of vineyards where not only the famous Kotsifali, Vilana, Liatiko and Romeiko grapes flourish.

Knossos

You will find the remarkable ruins of the Palace of Knossos only 5 kilometres south of Iraklio. Excavation of this Minoan Palace started in 1878. This archaeological site is Crete’s most famous historical attraction. Take at least 2 hours to walk around staircases and rooms and be astonished by frescos and pottery.

Matala

Matala is a small hippie town on the south coast of Crete. According to Greek mythology, Zeus kidnapped the Phoenician princess Europa and brought her to this beach in the shape of a bull. During the Neolithic Period, caves have been build into the soft rock on this bay. They were later used as graves during the Roman Period. In the 60s a large group of Hippies, mainly from the US, used the caves as a hideout. Today you can visit the caves and get a breathtaking view over the bay.

Hania

Hania is a charming town in the Northwest of the island. Venetian and Turkish building designs have left enchanting town houses and boutique hotels. This is a great place to wind down, stroll along the Venetian harbour, pick up some souvenirs from local arts and crafts shops and discover some of the best dishes you can find on Crete in Hanias narrow, winding alleys.

Balos

This bay all the way up in the Northwest tip of Crete is most certainly one of the most stunning places on the island. The lagoon will win you over with its fine, white coral and shell beach, shallow waters and captivating surrounding nature.

Coronado, San Diego Travel Guide

Coronado is a resort city in San Diego Bay, California. It is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Here are the top must-see attractions in Coronado, San Diego.

Coronado Beach

This beach runs along Ocean Boulevard with a backdrop of stunning mansions and homes as well as the magnificent Hotel del Coronado. This long sandy beach literally sparkles and has been consistently voted one of the finest beaches in America. Coronado Beach is known for its gently rolling waves and expanses of soft sand perfect for surfing, swimming, and volleyball. In between sunbathing you can head into Newton Creamery for a hand-scooped gourmet ice cream then come back at sunset for a signature Coronado margarita at the Dells Cabana bar.

Hotel Del Coronado

Hotel Del Coronado is a historic hotel originally built-in 1888. It is along the Pacific coastline of California and has some of the most luxurious accommodations. You can relax with a massage by the beach or enjoy a swim in the beautiful outdoor pool.

Coronado Ferry Landing

Enjoy exquisite fine dining on the waterfront or shop till you drop in one of the most picturesque settings. Here, you can also ride the oldest woodworking ferry in the USA and enjoy a stunning view of this beach town.

Coronado Tidelands Park

Coronado Tidelands Park hosts picnic areas, fields, a small beach, and lots of open space where you can enjoy any outdoor activity. Additionally, you can ride along the scenic bike path that extends from the old ferry landing to the Silver Strand.

Coronado Bridge

This is a 2.12-mile bridge in San Diego Bay that connects the city of Coronado with the city of San Diego. The Coronado Bridge is noteworthy because of its amazing height of about 200 feet.

Seaport Village

Seaport Village is a great place to pick up a souvenir from your visit or have a meal with a waterfront view. This is an exciting place to stop for food and shopping in San Diego and it is also located on the harbor so you can watch as the ships come in and out.

Coronado Village

Coronado Village runs along Orange Avenue a chic little shopping district that’s packed with luxury boutiques, theaters, and charming restaurants. It’s a great place to ride your bike, linger over frozen yogurt, or even join a Segway tour.

Coronado Historical Association

The Coronado Historical Association offers walking tours of the Hotel del and some of Coronado’s famous buildings. A few miles south Silver Strand State Beach beckons visitors with its breezy winds that are perfect for kite surfing. For something more laid-back, the gondola company offers romantic sunset cruises through the Coronado Keys as one of the most dog-friendly cities in California.

Coronado has plenty of places to take your pup, you can let your dog run through the sand at Coronado dog Beach located at the end of Ocean Boulevard or book a dog surfing lesson through the Loews.