While some people travel to see overwhelming sights, natural wonders or worldly renowned landmarks, some other tourists seek for relaxation and are willing to discover exotic tastes of food and drinks. After all, a travel is set due to multi-fold reasons: admiring new places, gazing at landscapes, architectural marvels, food and drinks… When it comes to coffee, some people’s experience is reduced to a $5 cup bought from Starbucks and which is meant to keep them fresh and up all day long. However, the real coffee drinkers appreciate the flavor of a coffee made of high-quality freshly roasted beans without any sugar or milk added and enjoyed with a fluffy muffin. Nevertheless, regardless of the category, you have to admit there is nothing like the flavored smell of a hot cup of coffee that you drink in the morning hoping it will give you enough energy for the rest of the day. Lengthways time, some cities have gained reputation for providing the tourists with the best coffee in the world. So it’s high time we all know where can be savored the most flavored coffee worldwide.

But first you should know that aside from featuring a different aroma from one country to the other, coffee is also served differently. For example, in Turkey and Greece, coffee is usually brought to you in a small-sized cup presenting a thick consistency. While some coffee connoisseurs might find it unacceptable, when ordering a coffee in Japan coffee you receive a cup of the black drink with accompanied by condensed milk.

Java, Indonesia

Situated in east of Jakarta, Java is worldly famous for producing one of the most aromatic coffee beans from which a natural sweetened coffee is prepared.  Wet processed, the coffee in Java is a delight for your taste buds. A more light and aromatic specialty is the Mocha Java obtained from mixing Java with other type of coffee beans.

Coban, Guatemala

This city is a paradise for the coffee lovers because it offers not only distinct, exotic flavored coffee but also tours emphasizing the coffee making process. Therefore, we advise you to stop by the Finca Santa Margarita plantation because you will be also give a sweet treat, free samples of coffee produced here.

Costa Rica

La Finca Escondida, the coffee plantation in Costa Rica is praised for the organic, caffeine high coffee beans growing here. Moreover, the tourists can also rejoice a spectacular view of the coffee forests while sipping from an aromatic drink.

Kona, Hawaii

Here’s another destination boasting you with the local coffee culture and featuring endless plantations. Tourists claim the beans collected from the trees in Kona are not only sun-kissed, but golden and make for the best fresh coffee in the world. And if you’re curious about the making process, you are free to take glance.

We have countdown so far the places where you can drink your coffee right from the tree and which are praised for producing the best coffee in the world, but there are also some high-class locations in the world were the accent is put on the way the drink is served.

Vienna, Austria

There isn’t a more elegant place to enjoy your coffee than in the heart of Austria’s capital. The local coffee tradition imagines the tourists sipping from their drinks and tasting from a mouth-watering cake, like sacher torte. In the coffee shops located here, you can try blending the taste of your coffee with brandy, whipped cream, honey or milk for a unique flavor. Probably one of the most popular coffee specialties on the Viennese menu is Maria Theresa which is prepared with a dash of Cointreau.

Rome, Italy

There is a certain unwritten rule in the capital of the boot-shaped peninsula: to sit down on a terrace and laze while enjoying a cup of espresso or cappuccino topped by rich foam. However, you should know that Italians consider it a bad habit to order coffee after breakfast, so if you don’t want to divulge your identity, order after 11.30.

Everyone needs a little bit of adventure now and then. So why not plan a trip in one of the best French camping sites? Pack your tent and prepare to pitch it in France’s overwhelming wine country dotted by farmhouses and featuring amazing medieval towns and fine weather. Moreover, apart from being quite an affordable option that is sure not to leave your packets empty, camping offers you the possibility to discover the nature and to live an exciting experience without any advanced technology… and that’s quite a challenge, isn’t it?

Either located on the banks of rivers or overlooking spectacular mountain cliffs and gorges, the French camping sites are sure to impress you. Therefore, take a glance at the best camping sites on France’s map where you could unzip your tent and spend a magnificent vacation.

La Brouquere

Situated in Gondrin, the region boasting with both foi gras and infinite verdant vines, this camp site is reckoned for providing its guests with the best traditional camp food on the French territory. The camp site’s owners will offer you the tasty duck dish accompanied by a glace of Armagnac right from their cellar.

Camping Domaine le Poiteau

There’s no wonder the French wines are famous all around the world. After all, each region has a long lasting tradition and produces a particular refined wine. As a result, this camping site, located in Castlenau d’Auzan gained the camping lovers appreciation due to the fine wine and Armagnac the owners of the camp serve and in the same time due to the amazing natural countryside scenery.

Le Grand Champ

When camping at le Grand Champ the spectacular view the massive Mont Blanc and the Aiguille Midi create, it’s quite rewarding. So if you like to hike and to admire the snow capped mountain peaks, set up your tent at Le Grand Champ, in Chamonix. Moreover, the flavored fruit trees growing here scent the entire atmosphere.

Bois des Ecureuils Campsite

Located within the borders of the Brittany region and harbored by a wood of oak, this camp site’s main attractions are the cute squirrels that can visit you from time to time, especially if you tempt them with nuts. Otherwise, make sure you keep your tent zipped if you’re not looking for big, fluffy tailed guests

Camping Les Sables d’Argent

Stop by the Camping Les Sables d’Argent to enjoy a fun-filled time either relaxing on a comfy beach chair on the golden powdery sand or surfing, windsurfing, playing tennis, horse riding, cycling, fishing or if you’re daring enough, sky diving. The camping is surrounded by pine woods which makes the camping a peaceful place to spend your time.

Le Brèvedent

Fit up in Le Havre on the green grounds of one of Louis XVIth’s hunting lodges, le Brevedent’s main asset is the great food ranging from Moules, crevettes cooked a la francaise to fresh fruit and vegetables. The facilities like the maze and the pool guarantee the tourists a one-of-a-kind retreat.

Les Romairins

The location of this camp site on the Cote d’Azure cliffs, right in between the vibrant city of Nice and the luxurious Monaco is absolutely dazzling. With yachts piercing the horizon and dotted by olive trees, Les Romairins is an ideal place for camping. And if you’re starved you can always go to the restaurant Chateau Eza to delight your taste buds with the exquisite French cuisine.

All in all, if you’re looking for an amazing, yet affordable manner to spend your summer holiday set up your pitch in one of these places pinpointing the crowded camping map of France.

There’s no doubt about it! We’ve all dreamed about a pair of magic hands rubbing, massaging and even pampering our strained backs after a hard day at the office…not to mention the aromatherapy scents, like raspberry and lavender that would wrap our senses. Well, it is high time you escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and take advantage of the various packages and promotions pumped up by different spa resorts. Even if for the amenities of some exclusive spa resorts you will have to pay a king’s ransom, there is always the possibility of a day spa which is sure to provide you with skincare, different types of massages and boy wraps. At any rate, here’s a list comprising the best spa getaways located on different continents where you could enjoy the benefits of balneotherapy and spoil your body.

Sonoma, California

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is located in the very center of California and provides the spa lovers with an on-site source of thermal mineral water that is used in all sorts of hydrotherapy treatments. In addition, you can take long strolls and admire the magnificent countryside surroundings. The spa services and the local healthy dishes arranged on the spa’s menu make this resort a little piece of heaven.

The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

The Fairmont Orchid is a top-rated exotic oasis dotting the beachfront acres of the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. It beckons the tourists with Hawaiian music and tasty food ranging from fresh Kauai shrimps to grilled seafood. The breath-taking Spa Without Walls houses cabanas, lily ponds and offers waterfall massage as well as the invigorating Lomilomi Massage or the vanilla exfoliation treatment. Moreover, there is the possibility to go swimming, snorkeling or to play tennis and golf.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

When in Mexico you can unwind in the hot springs of The Maroma Resort and Spa and book a luxurious room at the nearby Orient-Express Hotels. Plus, you can rejoice the elegant, peaceful atmosphere, taste mouth-watering food and go for an original spa treatment. And there’s more than therapies and skincare: consider a session at Maroma’s Kinan Spa where the specialists are said to help you reveal your inner energy.

Hong Kong, China

The Oriental Spa harbored by the Landmark Mandarin Oriental is definitely a top-notch getaway for the senses. The unique yet elegant architecture and ambiance created by the bamboo, light stone and gold leaf is complemented by the scented treatments, soothing milk and honey body wraps and de-stress massages.

Rendezvous Bay, Caribbean

CuisinArt Resort&Spa is overlooking spectacular natural scenery with the white powdery beach of Anguilla and the crystal clear sea water. This retreat guarantees the ultimate relaxation throughout body treatments and masks based on the curative properties of marine algae, sea water, wildflowers and fruit. Former guest claim there are countless types of de-stressing and energizing massages.

Ischia, Italy

The Mezzatorre Resort & Spa is harbored by the Ischia Island and over the years has gained popularity among the tourists seeking for rest and body revitalization. The Thermal Spa boasts of many hydrotherapy pools filled with thermal water which is also used as a base for the body treatments, facial moisturizing creams and masks.

Interlaken, Switzerland

The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is an exclusive, first-rate hotel in the worldly-reckoned Interlaken resort. The Spa housed by this hotel is said to be one of the most exquisite balneotherapy settlements on the European continent. The Romanesque pool, the massages with scented oils or the chocolate body wraps and overall the spa treatments make this resort the ideal holiday destination.

After the agitation and fever surrounding a weeding with hundreds of guests, a crazy party with dancing, various dishes and cakes, the newlyweds crave for a top-notch, love-filled honeymoon. Depending on each couple’s idea of fun, plans and budget, there are many cities and resorts on the world’s map that would make for the ideal honeymoon destination. However, lengthways time, certain places have gained popularity among the newlyweds because they are sure to quench anyone’s needs by offering a mixture of blasting nightlife, relaxation, magnificent scenery and luxurious accommodation. Therefore, let us countdown the classic, yet best destinations for those of you who intend to walk down the aisle in the near or far away future.

Maui, Hawaii

Many couples that have recently tied the knot decide to get away from it all and enjoy their honeymoon on one of the white sand powdery beaches in Hawaii. In spite of the fact that this archipelago is composed of many exotic islands dotted with palm trees and sun-kissed, exclusive beaches, it appears that Maui is among the favorite islands of recently-married couples. In a nutshell, once you’ve landed here, your options are endless. You can bake under the shinning sun and sip from a refreshing colored cocktail or go scuba diving, snorkeling or surfing alongside your hubby. Provided you’re one of those active couples you could also go hiking in the rainforests and admire the waterfalls.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

This exclusive seaside resort in the Dominican Republic is praised both for its nightlife and the recreational activities that it provides the tourists with. In this way, provided you and your groom /bride love to party or to enjoy the sunbeams while doing various water sports, here’s your perfect honeymoon destination. There is also a fun water park in this area called Manatí Park, as well as a mall where you could shop until you drop. J Not to mention you could have a romantic dinner in a fancy restaurant and taste the crispy shrimp and fish garnished with rice and vegetables.

Las Vegas, USA

If you and your better-half would rather spend a one-of-kind retreat and take advantage of all the facilities a five-star hotel has to offer what better place than Vegas? More precisely, you could enjoy a spa day or go swimming in the hotel’s interior pool. A romantic dinner with a royal menu is also a great choice. And let’s not forget about the bustling nightlife which is a match for the thrill-seeking couples..A simple night walk in this shimmering town is sure not to leave you disappointed.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is one of the most romantic beach cities on the European continent. Thus, it’s no wonder it magnets every year many couples that are willing to celebrate their new marriage here. This city beckons you with the narrow streets, the white-and-blue houses, the azure water, the unique black pebble golden Kamari beach as well as with the traditional mouth-watering fish and olives. After all, a fairy-tale wedding has to be followed by a dream honeymoon.

Paris, France

Keep your wedding toast going and sip from a glace of Pinot Noir while dining with your better-half in a Parisian restaurant, after a day of wandering in the French capital and visiting the Louvre, admiring Champs-Elysee or taking the boat for a mini cruise down the Seine River. Paris is crowded with touristic attractions ranging from museums, expositions, glossy shops, churches gardens so you’ll have a great array of options to choose from. A visit to the Eiffel Tower is also compulsory so make sure you bring your camera along in order to take home all your memories.

If you weight your options well, visiting a city in the period it hosts a festival is probably the best way to enjoy a merry atmosphere, to rejoice the traditions and to sense the local spirit. After all, travelling is all about getting to know new places and people and finding the relaxation you’ve long waiting for. And what better alternative than a fun-filled holiday brightened by dances and songs performed alongside the friendly locals?   

When it comes to festivals, regardless of the type, no other continent can compete with Europe since it houses hundreds of different colorful such events, holidays and celebrations all year round. Therefore, let us countdown the most important festivals to be celebrated in Europe during this summer and which usually magnet tons of tourists coming from all the corners of the world…Just in case you intend to join the party-lovers.

Festa Della Madonna Bruna

Firstly, for those of you guys flying in the south of Italy at the beginning of July, there’s an impressive fireworks festival held in the city of Matera and honoring Maria Santissima della Bruna. It’s the perfect occasion for the fun-loving people to eat a fresh ice-cream in a gelato shop, to wander admiring the adorned streets and to listen to traditional Italian music. Moreover, you can join the locals all dressed up and carrying from one piazza to another a papier machè-float featuring a religious theme.

Festival d’Avignon

Secondly, if you’re an art endeavourer you cannot miss out the theatre festival that takes place each year in Avignon between the 7^th and the 29^th July. This event was first organized by Jean Vilar in 1947 and ever since it has gained a reputation worldwide. Each year many famous actors go on stage and play either dramatic roles that make the audience burst into tears or on the contrary comic characters for the public to have a good laugh.

Ghent Festival

Furthermore, the Ghent Festival is considered to be the biggest open air cultural manifestation in Europe. Therefore, mark the period between the 18^th and the 27^th of July on your calendar and provided you travel in Belgium at the time, stop for a frolic festival that features light-hearted dramas, pop music, folkrock, rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop, jazz, R’n'B, art exhibitions on the streets leading to the city center as well as mini cruises on the Lys river that spans over the city. And let’s not forget the incendiary, jolly atmosphere is fueled by huge pins of beer and mouth-watering food and chocolate.

National Eisteddfod of Wales

Wales boasts with the largest summer travelling folk festival in Europe, the National Eisteddfod festival which has a long tradition since it was first held in 1176. This year it will start on the first day of July and provided you are seeking for a unique manner to discover the stunning Welsh landscapes and culture, you should buy a ticket and experience an adventure filled with joy and amusement. The hotspot of the festival is the Pavilion or the place where the concerts, the ceremonies and the competitions are held. This special event is also the best opportunity for the talented artists to rise to fame. In a nutshell, as a spectator you will have the possibility to delight your taste buds with traditional specialties and in the same time gaze at the varied artworks.

Puck Fair Ireland

The Puck Fair organized in Ireland every year on the 10th, 11th and 12^th of August, with no exception is the living proof that a real, tumultuous celebration lasts three days in a row like in a fairy-tale. This street festival is set up in the center of Kerry and gained the tourists’ hearts due to its particularity. Moreover, it is believed to be Ireland’s oldest entertainment festival featuring horse and goat fairs, the pompous coronation of King Puck, competitions and concerts.

All in all, festivals give the tourists the privileged opportunity to witness a different culture, to eat tasty food and to simply have a high time. And there’s also this feeling that you carry on a tradition, that you have fun like in the old times of kings and queens when people went out on the streets of the kingdom.      

Museums preserve the worth-seeing objects representative for one field of activity or another and destined for the future generations to imagine the prior civilizations and their values. There are millions of museums scattered all over the world’s map that house history-soaked items or represent the national identity of a particular people. The art endeavourers or the tourists that burn with curiosity to know everything about a certain civilization or topic usually include in their itinerary at least a specific museum.

Nevertheless, since the human ingenuity is boundless, lengthways time all sorts of museums featuring uncommon and sometimes mystic, strange objects or themes have appeared. Now, provided we managed to pique your curiosity, we present you the top 5 most uncommon museums on the globe.

Goreme UFO Museum

Taking into account aliens have always aroused everyone’s interest, a UFO Museum is sure to act like a magnet for tourists everywhere. Leaving aside the commercial aspect, the UFO Museum built in Turkey and more precisely, in Goreme is not only unique, but also very interesting. It is the home of a large compilation of articles extracted from newspapers as well as of a huge picture portraying an alien observing a human after having captured one. A tad spooky, isn’t it?

Cat Museum

While some people adore their furry, four-legged barking pets, the locals in Kuching, Malaysia have inaugurated an entire museum in the honor of cats. More exactly, it exhibits a huge amount of information on this beloved animal, including an inventory of the varied species and also the legend about the cats being buried alongside the Egyptian pharaohs.

Tea & Coffee Museum

The Bramah Tea and Coffee Museum is located in the capital city of England; actually, it couldn’t be any other way since the English praise both the benefits of these crops and their aromatic taste. And let’s not forget about the five o’clock tea which is still a living tradition within the borders of the English territory. Coming back to the aforementioned museum, it harbours articles providing information on these plants, materials dating back in the British Empire period and pinpointing their commercial importance at the time as well as an impressive collection of tea pots and cups.

The Museum of Witch Craft

In spite of the eerie feeling a tourist might experience when venturing inside the Museum of Witch Craft in Cornwall, a tour on the corridors of this building is definitely worth every penny because you can gaze at magic potions, artifacts and you can also take a glance at books giving instructions on how to cast spells. Moreover, this museum has gained quite a reputation because it first opened its doors to the public back in 1951. In a nutshell, a visit here is both hair-raising and fun.

The Museum of Bad Art

If the Parisian museum Louvre is worldly reckoned for displaying an inestimable collection of valuable works of art, at the opposite pole lies the Museum of Bad Art on the American continent in Dedham Square, Massachusetts which exhibits many artists’ unsuccessful attempts of creating artworks. This museum was inaugurated in 1993 and ever since it has revealed every tourist’s critic side with the odd paintings putting a smile on everyone’s face.

Briefly, all these five museums are great and unrivalled manners of spending your spare time when on a holiday and wandering in the world as they are a rich source of amusement… and thought-provoking in the same time.

So, we’re in our second month of our contest and things are looking up, you guys have really turned the Travelgrove community into a nicer place. Some of the greatest contributors include Diana, Erato (also known in some circles as the Hedgehog catcher), Bicksa and Ultimatetravel, which was ultimately the one to lift the trophy. Well ok, there wasn’t much to lift, but that’s the idea with the iPod Nano, it’s sleek and small and cute and useful.

Ultimatetravel has been an awesome contributor to our community for some time now, so the congratulations are well in order, but let’s not forget the other guys and girls that make us feel more at home here with each passing day. A special shout goes out to lifecruiser who came in blazing, spreading free drinks to everyone.

Last but not least, while these last two monthly contests were a good start, we’re really looking forward to upping the ante, so this month we’ll be offering the now traditional iPod, a 10.2 Mega Pixel Samsung digital camera and a 7″ Digital Frame.

Looking forward to seeing you in the community section

Regardless of the destination, every journey has its charms. When it comes to Hungary, the traveler is about to discover an unrivalled culture, situated at the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe which boast of history-soaked monuments, a buzzing capital city divided in two parts by the Danube, matchless puszta (Hungarian plains) dotted with rare species of plants and the mouth-watering, yet spicy goulash. And the list filled with surprises doesn’t stop here. A trip to Hungary can impress even the most pretentious, cold-hearted travelers with the country’s natural scenery braided with impressive architecture and glossy shops. If you were to visit this kidney-shaped land, there are some places you cannot miss out in order to capture the Hungarian spirit, their lifestyle and the culture they built.

Budapest

Every trip to Hungary should start with a long stop in its capital city, Budapest because it houses countless luring monuments, bridges, a modern zoo, clubs, elegant cafés and everything a tourist could possibly seek for. The first thing you should know when landing here is that this world-class capital is composed of two parts, separated by the Danube: Buda also called the Old City and Pesta reckoned as the New City. On the one hand, the Old City hosts the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Buda Castle (or the Royal Castle), the impressive building which served as the Hungarian Kings’ residence for centuries and which nowadays functions as a museum. In addition, it harbours the National Széchényi Library and it’s fenced with colorful gardens. On the other hand, the left bank of Danube, Pesta is marked by the spirit-stirring, neo-Gothic Parliament building where the Hungarian Crown Jewels can be admired. In this part of the city the Andrássy út with the sensational Hungarian State Opera Hose stretches over.

If you book your trip in advance, make sure you also schedule a one-day cruise on the Danube River with a guide providing you with all the information connected to the impressive buildings that line up on each bank of the Danube and which can be easily spotted when savoring a glass of champagne and a tasty portion of paprika-drenched goulash on the deck of your cozy ship. Apart from having quite a reasonable price, about ten Euros per person with the food included in the sum, this apparently trifling cruise will offer you the most amazing city panorama both by night and by day. Another interesting fact about the Hungarian capital is that none less than ten massive bridges, real works of art spanning over the Danube River and linking Buda and Pesta among which Árpád Bridge, Lágymányosi Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Margaret Bridge (leading to the Margaret Island), Petőfi Bridge, Széchenyi Chain Bridge, are arguably the most beautiful.

Provided you’re in the mood for shopping or you just want to unwind by lounging at a café, Vaci Uta is the perfect match. It’s a modern, hustling, paved street crowded with sparkling-window shops, book shops and souvenirs shops with pedestrians having exclusive access.

Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is often referred to as the Hungarian’s seaside. Therefore, in order to enjoy a complete journey in this country, include in your itinerary this worth-seeing sight. As a matter of fact, the region is divided in two major, different parts.

Firstly, the southern coast, described as a ring of resorts is dotted by new-fangled hotels with golden beaches and taverns selling the traditional lángos (either salty or seet donuts). The resorts here are renowned for housing bustling parties that last until dawn and that are held by famous DJs.

Secondly, the northern coast, features five-star hotels, generally populated by tourist sunbathing and longing for relaxation. Do pay a visit to Tihany, an overwhelming peninsula with white, powdery-beaches, located right in the heart of the lake. Moreover, if you intend to spend a lot of time in Hungary, visit Hévíz and swim in the thermal lake.

As tourists claim, the lake changes its color constantly, but when summer is in full swing and umbrella and warm water is all you need.

Sopron

Another notable tourist draw in Hungary is Sopron, a unique medieval city, located closely to the Austrian borders. The fairy-like buildings, designed mainly in Gothic and early Baroque architecture, wrap up the city in a magic cover. You should gaze at the Fire Tower and take a walk in the City Center. When here, taste either the white or the red wine as this region is particularly renowned for the refined wine production.

In conclusion, you might be surprised by the amount of treasures this country has to offer to the wistful tourists and if the opportunity arises, book a flight and go to Hungary!

As children, we all used to enjoy fairy tales and myths which all related extensively the power of the main characters and other magical beings. Nowadays, as time passed by, legends seem more far away, in a distant place, not very reachable. Nevertheless, in spite of our coming of age, there’s one place on Earth where myths and goddesses are very much alive and still in the limelight… like in Greece. Here, at the southernmost part of Europe, you witness a crossroads of cultures and civilisations, a land of beauty and living arts.

Greece shares its remarkable landscapes with the Greek Islands that represent one fifth of the country’s area and are thought to be a destination that most tourists seek for. Hence, any trip to Greece should be shaped as a delicious periplus through beauty and wonders.

Athens

Your journey should absolutely remain under the patronage and protection of Athens, the goddess of disciplined war and wisdom - the inspiration of the city’s name. Thus, the line of your trip is to be drawn from the city of Athens. It is the cradle of arts and cultures, being considered a living source of the Western civilisation. Athens is widely referred to as the house of Plato, Socrates and Aristotle; thus, you would be standing here in middle of an ancient civilisation, feeling the grandeur of a remarkable history. Moreover, if you really wish to understand and feel the sense of splendour, you will head towards the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods.

Another important landmark in Athens is the Syntagma Square, located in the heart of the city, close to the Greek Parliament. This square is crowded with history-soaked buildings and statues. Further on, the Athens Trilogy is not to be neglected, as it is a spring of wisdom and education due to its important institutions such as: the University of Athens, the National Library and the Athens Academy. Once in Athens, you shouldn’t miss the Acropolis dotted by the Parthenon (the temple dedicated to Athena) and a wide range of time-honoured statues.

Rhodes

The island’s celebrity is due both to the ancient monument - the Colossus of Rhodes - and to its medieval Old Town that was listed as a World’s Heritage Site. Nowadays, Rhodes is a spectacular tourist destination which impresses through the medieval panorama of the city and its outskirts, as the island hosts white-and-blue villages and summer resorts such as: Paradisi, Trianta, Faliraki, Lindos, Kremasti, Haraki.

The Ionian Islands

If you are anxious to breathe the air of Corfu, Ithaca or Paxos, you should definitely move to the west cost of Greece and enjoy the white powdery beaches wrapped in the verdant, bright landscapes. Furthermore, in order to get a spicier image of these islands, you may want to visit Kerkyra and its crowded harbour surrounded by the leafy, spectacular landscape which covers the ruins of once-towering castles.

Cyclades Islands

This group of islands will certainly satisfy all kinds of visitors, offering both dynamic, refreshing holidays and quiet and relaxing ones. Each island has its own particular characteristics, making it absolutely unique. Still, there are several common features: fine architecture, cramped cobblestone streets, absorbing historical sites, rum seaside and sandy, warm beaches. While the Milos Island is renowned for its sand dunes-loaded beaches enclosing the clear sea, the Mykons Island is famous for its exciting nightlife with parties that last until dawn; thus, when you feel like meeting a celebrity you should visit this part of the country.

The golden beaches and the breathtaking landscapes of the Paros and Santorini Islands really make your heart beat faster and your pupils dilate more. Moreover, while vacationing on these islands, you will be surprised by the fact that many traditional features are still well conserved, even though the new and modern life has penetrated the tissue of history.

Crete

Located in the south of the Aegean Sea, Crete is a destination that many tourists lust after. You will surely take joy here due to the island’s wide range of offers: mountainous scenery, crystal water with sandy beaches, white, blue-spotted villages, tasty Greek salad adorned with black and green pulpy olives. There might be other exotic beaches in the Greece, but this one takes the cake.

A voyage to Greece turns into an exploration of feelings and senses, a collage of cultures and arts that delights the eyes of the viewer who, walking through the olive groves, roams from the historical past to the flossy present.

China is on the road to the first position when it comes to tourism. Over the last few decades, the tourism has flourished in this Asian country mainly because for 25 years in a row the Chinese customs had been closed. Only previously selected visitors were allowed to see the hidden beauty of the People’s Republic of China. Nowadays, many people crave for a tour in this country due to the unique and dazzling mixture of civilization, architecture and natural scenery. In the entire world there is nothing comparable to the landmarks of China. For example, the fame of the Great Wall of China has made the tour of the world. It is without any doubt China’s most impressive symbol. Moreover, it gives the tourists a hint regarding the Chinese’s character: they are not only well-organized, hard-hearted and skilful, but also hard-working.

The Great Wall of China

Coming back to the aforementioned landmark, the Great Wall of China is actually a defensive structure made of stone and earth and built up in the 5^th century BC, in the northern part of the country, as a strategic solution to the Xiongnu frequent attacks. Yet, because of massive destruction, until the 16^th century, this enormous building was often rebuilt. Nowadays, the Wall extends over 6400 km and many writers and astronauts claim it can be spotted from the outer space with the naked eye, under propitious weather. If you want to be the witness of many centuries of history, sacrifices and hard work, visit this architectural marvel. We recommend you the area in the Wall which stretches over Beijing because it has been recently renovated.

The Forbidden City

Another notable tourist draw in China is the Forbidden City, located in the heart of the capital Beijing. This towering palace is worldly renowned for its traditional Chinese architecture and it was the imperial residence for many centuries. Being regarded as the largest palace in the world, this building was furnished with many towers and gates. Moreover, it comprises squares of various dimensions. The palace was meant to emphasize the grandeur of the imperial house and reproduces many religious motives and traditional Chinese beliefs. If you’re an art consumer you should definitely stop by the Palace Museum, hosted by the Forbidden City complex and discover the spectacular and enormous collection of art works and crafts. There is a tremendous array of paintings, books and documents which have an outstanding artistic value. Furthermore, it is here that are gathered numerous porcelain, ceramic and bronze items which belonged to the Chinese dynasties. The City is surrounded by beautiful and refreshing gardens and parks which pinpoint the Chinese predilection towards the art of gardening. It is a proven fact that a promenade in the multicoloured gardens such as Beihai or Houhai, it’s the best solution when you want to escape the crowded, frenzied town.

Beijing

The capital of China itself offers the tourists endless cultural opportunities. Neither Shanghai nor Honk Kong stand up to the cultural prestige and beauty of Beijing. You should check out the Beijing Opera, the Great Hall of the People (currently the Parliament), the Summer Palace and the Old Summer Palace. However, Beijing is a frenetic, prosperous city and it features a number of interesting modern buildings and streets as well. For example, the Twin Towers, the Beijing Financial Street are dominating Beijing’s skyline. A tour in the capital is awe-inspiring. If you want to bring back home a fancy gift for your better half, go to the shops aligned on the Wangfujing Street. It is also the right place to taste a cup of the famous Chinese tea. You have the possibility to choose from a huge variety: green, black, white, black, flower tea, yellow, pressed, quick. In order to enjoy as many flavors as possible it’s better to take a sip of all the varieties. Nevertheless, one cannot leave China without having tasted their specific rice garnished with pork and soy sauces. The delicious seafood will make your mouth water.

Terracotta Army

The terracotta figures embodying horses and warriors that fought under the command of Qin Shi Huang, the first Chinese Emperor, represent another famously beautiful touristic spot. This masterpiece was found in 1974 in the suburbs of Xi’an, Shaanxi. Due to the fact that the figures are human-like both in size and overall look, they give the visitors the impression they are surrounded by the Emperor’s soldiers themselves. The Army is worth seeing mainly for the striking reaction it creates.

The Mountain Resort

One of the most strident characteristics of the Chinese civilization is its confessed predilection towards the art of gardening. The meticulously adorned gardens are a peaceful oasis for the Chinese and the tourists alike and also an alternative to the impressive succession of skyscrapers in the largest cities of the country. In spite its name, The Mountain Resort is registered as being the biggest imperial garden on the globe. It is no wonder that it took almost 89 years for it to be finished. When planning a trip to this enormous complex, make sure you have enough time to get a glimpse of the temples and palaces rising here. For a long lasting impression, focus your visit on the well-known sights named after the Chinese Emperors.

Hainan Island

Finally, in order to whet your touristic appetite, we present you briefly another touristic hotspot: the Hainan Island. The sandy, hot beaches together with the azure sea and the coquettish parade of wooden sun umbrellas and palms have recently fueled a touristic boom in this island. So pack up your bathing suit and buy a one-way ticket to Hainan! The sun here is sure to leave you walking away with a golden tanned body. Go for a stroll along the sand and enjoy the sunny rays or swim in the warm sea.

Regardless of the destination you chose when in China, make sure you book the tickets and the hotel rooms well in advance because the modes of transportation as well as the resort hotels might get crowded especially during holiday periods. All in all, China’s unique blend of old-world charm and innovation will leave you breathless.