Randazzo, Sicily: sightseeing in a town of lava

Randazzo (pronounced with the accent on the second “a”) is a quiet and peaceful town on the island of Sicily, located at the northern foot of the Etna volcano. It is located at 765 m above sea level in the valley of the Alcantara River and is a strategic crossroads between the provinces of Catania, Messina and Enna. In the past, the city has suffered damage and destruction several times as a result of earthquakes and lava flows. For the most part, the streets and buildings of the city are built of blocks of volcanic rock.

Randazzo, Sicily: Church of Saint Nicholas
Randazzo, Sicily: Church of Saint Nicholas
Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Top things to do in Messina: the gateway to Sicily

Messina was our first stop on the fifth day of our trip around Sicily. My first impression of the city was the port and a huge cruise ship docked there. I later read that Messina is a must-see destination for cruise ships carrying tourists around the Mediterranean. My second impression was how difficult it is to find parking spaces in the city center. The third thing was the hilly location of the city and the large difference in altitude between the coast and the more inland neighborhoods.

Messina, Sicily
Messina, Sicily
Continue reading
Posted in Italy | Leave a comment

Boyana Waterfall and the other waterfalls along the Boyana River

The Boyana Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Vitosha Mountain. It is about 25 meters high and is formed by the Boyana River. Its waters fall from a rather relief rock crown. In many articles it is mentioned as the “andesite rock crown”. It was not clear to me what type of rock crown this was, so I took the trouble to check – andesite is a type of volcanic rock. Apparently the rock under the waters of the Boyana Waterfall is exactly that.

Boyana Waterfall
Boyana Waterfall
Continue reading
Posted in Bulgaria | Leave a comment

Visiting the Boboli Gardens in Florence

The Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli) are located on the hill of the same name in Florence on the left bank of the Arno River. They form an integral part of the magnificent Palazzo Pitti complex, once owned by the Medici family, and span an impressive 450,000 square meters (111 acres).

Boboli Gardens in Florence
Boboli Gardens in Florence
Continue reading
Posted in Italy | Leave a comment

Rezovo, Bulgaria – the village, the river and the sea

Rezovo is the southernmost settlement on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. There, the Rezovska River, which forms the border between Bulgaria and the Republic of Turkey, flows into the Black Sea. From Rezovo, a wonderful panorama opens up to the sea and the nearby Turkish coast with a huge, but deserted beach.

Rezovo, Bulgaria
Rezovo, Bulgaria
Continue reading
Posted in Bulgaria | Leave a comment

Cherni Vrah: routes from all directions to the peak

Cherni Vrah is the summit of Vitosha, one of the most recognizable and beloved mountains in Bulgaria. It is 2290 meters high and is among the most visited mountain peaks in Bulgaria, and its popularity is due not only to the beautiful panoramic views it offers, but also to the easy access and close proximity to the capital Sofia. Every year thousands of tourists, photographers, mountaineers and nature lovers climb the peak for pleasure, sports, photos, or simply to relax in nature.

Cherni Vrah, the top of Vitosha Mountain
Cherni Vrah, the top of Vitosha Mountain
Continue reading
Posted in Bulgaria | Leave a comment

Zlatnite mostove, the Golden Bridges: 6 easy and enjoyable hikes in Vitosha Mountain

Zlatnite mostove (the Golden Bridges) are one of the most popular and beloved places in Vitosha Mountain and are a starting point for many scenic routes and pleasant walks in nature. One of Sofia’s greatest assets is its proximity to Vitosha, which provides wonderful opportunities for active tourism for both Sofia residents and guests of the Bulgarian capital. The routes are diverse – from very easy and suitable for family outings, to more challenging and long hikes. In this article, I will present you several ideas for easy and pleasant walks, starting from Zlatnite mostove, arranged by degree of difficulty.

Zlatnite mostove, Vitosha
Zlatnite mostove, Vitosha
Continue reading
Posted in Bulgaria | Leave a comment

Seven Rila Lakes: hiking guide, tips, and more

The Seven Rila Lakes is one of the most picturesque and quite popular in recent years mountain place in Bulgaria. Located just 90 minutes from the capital city of Sofia, the Seven Rila Lakes are well accessible for both locals and tourists alike. The journey to the lakes is an adventure in and of itself, as you wind through curving paths and scenic landscapes. I have been to the region several times. The last one happened at the end of October.

In this article I will tell you about the Seven Rila Lakes and the route around them. I will also describe in detail how to get to a nearby peak, where the lakes can be observed all together.

The Seven Rila Lakes: the Lower, the Fish, and the Trefoil
The Seven Rila Lakes: the Lower, the Fish, and the Trefoil
Continue reading
Posted in Bulgaria | Leave a comment

Why is Madrid worth visiting – 22 reasons to go there

About 15 years ago I visited Spain for the first time and it captured a part of my heart. I really like it – people, weather, sights, infrastructure. Since then, more visits to different parts of the country followed, which confirmed my good impressions. During most of our time in Spain, we rented a car to explore as many places as we could. We spent the longest stretch – four full days – in Madrid, and for good reason – Madrid is worth visiting.

Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid
Continue reading
Posted in Spain | Leave a comment

10 great things to do in Burgas, Bulgaria

Burgas is the second largest seaside city in Bulgaria, just after Varna, and the “capital” of the Southern Black Sea Coast. It is a city with its own atmosphere, interesting locations and a vibrant calendar of cultural activities. It has been the winner of the annual poll for the Best City to Live in Bulgaria by Darik Radio several times.

In this article, I will take you on a journey through the must-see things to do in Burgas and nearby, and show you the top attractions there. Most of the places, described below, can be visited almost any time a year. I’ve been several times to Burgas and the writings below are based on my personal impressions. If you’re heading to Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, don’t skip over Burgas.

The Burgas Bridge
The Burgas Bridge
Continue reading
Posted in Bulgaria | Leave a comment