Category: Europe

Giardini-Naxos, Messina, Sicily, Italy

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Giardini-Naxos is an Italian municipality in the metropolitan city of Messina in Sicily, located about 40 kilometers from Messina, about 39 kilometers from Catania and 9 kilometers from Taormina. The city is located on the Ionian Sea. This place was long ago the first Greek establishment in Sicily and had the name of Naxos. The city is very visited for its beautiful sandy beaches and tourism is the main source of income. We find hotel facilities and even apartments for rent throughout the summer period. You have a nice stroll for long walks, souvenir shops, bars, pizzerias and restaurants to have a good time by the sea. The center of the city is the Abbate Cacciola Square. To see: the Nike (the work of Carmelo Mendola representing the city and the twinning with the city of Chalkida Eubea); the church of St- Mary Recommended; the statue of Teocles (the founder of Naxos); the archaeological park; the port of Naxos, the church of St-Pancrace among other attractions.

Tips

If you are in Taormina, there is the bus that takes you to the seafront of Giardini Naxos.

There is also a small harbor, which is used to bring tourists from cruise ships to the mainland.

As you can imagine, this is the place to eat fresh fish dishes.

Zadar, Croatia

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Zadar is a city and a Croatian municipality on the Dalmatian coast. Thanks to its architecture and the natural beauty of the place, Zadar is an important tourist town built in its peninsula. Its old town has ramparts with several Venetian doors and there are Roman and Venetian ruins. It has cobbled streets and the old town is almost pedestrian. All this history is also mixed with modernity because Zadar has become the first city to have marine organs. To see: the remains of the Roman Forum, the convent of St. Mary with its religious works of art dating back to the eighth century, the Venetian fortifications, the defensive gate (Kopnena vrata), the National Square, the Church of St. Simeon , the Church of St-Donat (XI)), the Archaeological Museum, the parterre Hello Sun, among others. There are several restaurants and bars where you can taste local cuisine.

Tips

If you love nature, you will be fulfilled by visiting the 3 natural parks and the 5 national parks. There are organized excursions from the city, a half day or a full day.

There is also a 2-hour guided walking tour of the ancient city to learn about its history. Visit the Tourist Office for more information.

If you love the sea and the beautiful beaches, you will have the opportunity to visit several beaches in the area but if you do not want to go far away, visit the beach of Kolovare; pebble beaches, quite popular in high season.

Christmas market in Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy

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The Christmas market in Bolzano, in the South Tyrol, is the largest in Italy. Due to its very special charm, this market attracts a crowd of visitors in Walther Square, beautifully decorated for this season. Bolzano, compared to other European cities is one of the best destinations during the romantic Christmas’ season.
For about a month, the Christmas spirit invades the streets and alleys of the capital city of the South Tyrol, surrounded by the glow of lights and romantic, flickering candles, a moment to wrap it in a magical light.
When Mother Nature is doing its job and covers the city of Bolzano with a soft white snow, then the magic of the winter at the foot of the Cathedral of Bolzano is perfect. You can visit it on a group trip, in couple or with your family and your children, the Christmas market in Bolzano offers magical moments for you and your loved ones.
This year there are 80 exhibitors, 8 partners, 3 food stands and a small market for children.
At the foot of the large Christmas tree we find a nativity scene in true rustic alpine version there: the Holy family with oxen and asses inside a barn in miniatures, reproduced with antique wooden and shingle roof, just as farms or mountain huts. Different stalls, in the form of a small house, exposing objects of their own production always strictly local, according to strict regulations: figurines, wooden decorations, accessories (slippers and hats), traditional clothes of the stationery to the small musical instruments, candles and Christmas statues which are decorated with handmade ornaments. The craft is 30% of the exposure.

Tips

To follow the health measures, the 'green pass' is mandatory even as the distance of one meter and you must wear the mask. A maximum of 1000 people at a time is allowed.

This year the Christmas market is from November 26th, 2021 to January 6th, 2022, from 10 :00 to 19 :00 except on December 24th cause it closes at 14.00 and on 25th which is closed. December 31st is open, but the hours are from 10:00 to 18:00, and for January 1st from 12:00 to 19:00.

The ideal is to arrive in the morning and spend the whole day in the city. In the market, you can participate in the tasting of various products directly from the producers on the spot. There are always fresh and tasty products ranging from hot wine to the apple pancake or delicious hot strudel and apple juice.

For lunch, you will find many restaurants, cafes and bars. And of course, you can not miss eating a pastry tasty and fragrant, packed by the expert hands of which keeps the secrets of the recipes.

There are tours organized from several cities to spend just the day at the market.
The market, with all its magic, is unforgettable!