Tourism City In The South Of France: What To Do In Marseille?

BY  Abdul Aziz Apr 24, 2019

Visiting Europe is the dream of everybody around the world. There are dissimilar places around Europe that will delight you while visiting. Below are some of the best places to visit in Europe. The architecture of Europe makes it the best destination for anybody thinking about traveling there. The best places to visit in Europe have so much to offer for families, newlyweds, children, and adults. You will enjoy every minute you spend while visiting Europe. Below are some of the best places to visit in Europe. 1. Matera, Italy The unique architecture, with walls made of pale stones and ancient dwellings carved in the hills, are reasons enough to make you visit Matera. The Basilicata jewel is getting its moment the spotlight as the capital of culture in Europe and Bulgaria. It not only means endless festivities and events taking over in the year, but also derelict grottoes of limestone that turn to restaurants, galleries, and smart hotels with vaulted rooms. 2. Riga, Latvia Riga is the capital of Latvia with close to thirty thousand votes. It is among the best places to visit in Europe. You will be dazzled by the beauty of Riga. The city has been the meeting point for diverse cultures. It has a connection to forests, water, and nature. You might not know that it has beautiful hills, beaches, and highlands. Come to Riga to discover romantic and Romanesque buildings, art deco, renaissance, and baroque. 3. Outer Hebrides, Scotland If you want authentic, natural beauty and local experiences, these islands in Scotland are the best to watch this year. Also called the Western Isles, they offer a mix of the Caribbean looking beaches, thoughtfully preserved the culture and northern lights. Spend hours here in the countryside in the midst of thick, wildflowers, and coastal paths that tower above whirling, wild seas. Air is fresh, views are endless, and nature stillness is close to the soul. Hurrying and technology make no sense in this place. Enjoy the leisure space of life, drink at local pubs, and eat the best farm to table and seafood in Britain. 4. Colmar, France Colmar is among the best places to visit in Europe because of its romantic, charming, and magical destinations. Colmar makes travelers from all over to dream. When you visit, you will enjoy its charming hotels, gastronomy, architecture, and neighborhood of tanners. It is perfect for both the old and the young since it is among the best places to visit in Europe. You need to come to Colmar to discover the Unterlinden museum, toy museum, or the Bartholdi museum. 5. Berlin, Germany It is time to go to Berlin if it has been one of your dream visit destinations. This cool capital has a lot of festivities because it is celebrating the Bauhaus Centennial, and thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. It means that added to the vibrant art, brilliant food scene, and glorious nightlife, travelers will get a log of special events to honor these anniversaries. Cultural centers and museums in the city will host thematic exhibitions with a lot of lectures, concerts, and theatrical performance that will keep you busy. You will also witness the largest festival of Europe, opening of the Humboldt forum, and the new museum housed in the Berlin Palace. 6. Tbilisi, Georgia With delicious food, cobblestoned old town, and stylish hotels coming up, it not surprising for Tbilisi to be among the best places to visit in Europe. Nestled in River Mtkyari valley against the picturesque backdrop of the mountain, this capital is weird, unique, and wonderful. It has a mélange of eras and styles with great bathhouses on the Armenian crumbling Soviet factories and churches that became hipster hangouts. The medieval old town here consists of narrow cobblestone alleyways, pastel-colored houses, and mysterious courtyards with carved wooden balconies that beg to be explored. There are old churches, vintage shops, and funky ventures all over. The culture of coffee is booming, the nightlife is vibrant, renaissance landscape, and tolerant pumping electronic music. 7. Zadar, Croatia While the majority of visitors focus on fashionable or Dubrovnik islands like Korcula and Hvar, Zadar has its mark with exceptional cultural heritage, public art installation, and magical sunsets. This city boasts of gleaming marble streets, vibrant coffee scenes, and notch seafood restaurants. The walled old town is a treasure of atmospheric lanes, fascinating medieval churches, and Roman remains. The main draw of Zadar is the beautiful waterfront where there is an award-winning installation known as the Sea Organ that utilizes the waves of the ocean to come up with a hypnotic, soothing sound. 8. Copenhagen, Denmark Copenhagen has been rarely from the spotlight. Considering that it is named among the best places to visit in Europe, it is the most likable, design-forward, bike-friendly city that is not a surprise. It has chic new hotels, dining places, and excellent taste in design have changed Copenhagen into a great attraction. It has a wealth of cultural treasures and stunning architecture that lend this Danish capital charm, but the creative vibes of the city, ambitious green agenda, and clean Scandinavian design make it the best place to visit in Europe. 9. Ljubljana, Slovenia If you have experienced the delights of Croatia or the coast of Montenegro, go to Ljubljana for a mixture of leafy parks, cobbled streets, and cool cafes along the riverside. The young and vibrant capital of Slovenia is getting into the limelight with new hotels, burgeoning cultural life, and forward-thinking restaurants. The city architecture celebrates the rich past and the bright future, with all things from Viennese secessionist and graceful Baroque buildings to modern marvels of Joze Plecnik. 10. Almeria province, Spain Almeria is the most unique, diverse, and very beautiful. It is a strange location where beaches coexist with barren landscapes in Europe. The rocky coastline is long and has many flamingoes for you to discover while visiting. It also has dry riverbeds, worldly ochre-colored formations, and theme parks used for filming. It is overlooked by many travelers of south Spain. It has the best scenes in the country and tranquil squares, spectacular Moorish fortress, and splendid churches. Conclusion Visiting Europe has never been as interesting as now because of the experiences you will get. There is no specific time of the year when you should visit because you can always find something during your time in Europe. There are many hubs of entertainment and enjoyment while at this destination. Plan your timetable well and you will get it all in the best places to visit in Europe. Read Also: Top 3-Week Itineraries for a Perfect Tour of Europe 5 EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY ‘OVER-TOURISM Top Places to Visit in Italy on your next Travel Escapade

BY  Mashum Nov 2, 2019

The Greek islands are a gorgeous holiday destination for intrepid travellers looking to explore and learn more about the region’s rich history. There’s an extensive array of unique monuments, customs, and scenery to be seen on all of the islands, so taking a trip to view as many as possible will be the perfect way to see everything they have to offer. The Greek islands are unique in the sense that they offer the perfect travel destination for everyone. From couples celebrating their honeymoon to solo travellers and complete families, the destination offers a complete experience for everyone. Some of the most celebrated travel websites and bloggers highly rank the Greek islands for a holiday destination. A Beginner’s Guide To Island-Hopping In Greece: Here’s our guide to island-hopping for first-timers keen to see the sights on these small, sunny paradises. Think About Where You’d Like To Go: When you first decide that a Greek island-hopping trip is the adventure you want to take, your first consideration needs to be which islands and attractions you’re going to visit. There are loads of amazing islands with incredible draws such as sandy beaches, incredible architecture and unforgettable historical monuments, so choose wisely. The best thing about organizing your own trip to view the islands is that you can set your own itinerary, so take the time to talk with your travelling companions about where you all want to go and what you want to see. Charter-A Yacht To Make The Most Of Your Greek Island Adventure: Travelling from island to island is best achieved by chartering a yacht, which will make for a very luxurious excursion. By hiring your own yacht you’ll be able to set your own schedule and travel in both style and comfort to as many islands as you want to see. A Greece yacht charter is one of the most memorable experiences you can have as a chapter in your travel book. Many couples who undertake this experience, as they want to make the occasion a memorable one for their loved ones. Find Luxurious Accommodation: When you’re planning a trip to the Greek islands it’s important that you select the perfect home-from-home for each stage of your journey. Whilst a luxurious hotel might seem tempting, the best way to see all the sights is to rent an entire property from which you can base yourself, such as the majestic Paros villas, which you can learn more about onloyalvillasluxury.com who have an extensive property portfolio. Having your own property will allow you to explore everything the island has to offer and then return to your own space where you can relax and unwind in peace and privacy. If you plan your journey right, you can save a lot of money even while staying in luxurious accommodation. Take A Tour: If you don’t want the hassle of organizing your own Greek island-hopping experience, then consider taking a tour where an experienced tour guide can talk you through all of the best sights across a selection of islands. Selecting a tour allows you to enjoy the splendor of the islands without having to organize the experience yourself.  This will also help you focus on other aspects of your journey. Tour Guides are experienced locals and they can show you many placed that are not standard on tour experiences. You can request your travel guide to show you some of the more undiscovered or unexplored places in the Greek islands. Prepare To Have Fun: Whatever approach you decide to take, go to the Greek islands with an open mind and be ready to see and experience as much as you can. Pack swimwear, sunscreen, and light, airy clothing so that you don’t overheat and are ready to explore everything that this glorious array of islands has to offer. Take as many opportunities as you can during your trip so that you can return with incredible memories you can cherish for the rest of your life. Travel holidays are all about preparing in the right fashion. If you take care and plan your holiday right, it minimizes the risk of bad experiences from cropping up. Conclusion: The Greek islands are some of the most beautiful and enchanting travel destinations that you can hope to visit in your lifetime. It ranks high on the bucket list of most people who prefer travelling to exotic locations and unexplored destinations. From history to natural beauty, there is something for everyone who is travelling to the Greek islands. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego (USA) 10 Useful Tips For Planning A Trip That You Will Love

BY  Barsha Sep 24, 2025

The Algarve region in Portugal is home to some of Europe's best beaches - especially if you love to swim and go on epic hikes!  It took us only three hours to reach Lisbon. I’ll suggest renting a car and driving to the Algarve because that is the only way you will be able to explore the beautiful coastline. Moreover, parking here is pretty convenient. As a result, exploring the best beaches in Portugal was the perfect road trip.  On that note, I’ve tried listing down the best beaches in Portugal. My parameters? Well, I’ve got quite a few - check them out before jumping down to my list of Portugal’s best beaches! Does the beach come with a long coastline and a great view?  Is the water good for swimming? What activities can you try?  How’s the sand? Is there a restaurant to dine at? Does the restaurant offer takeaway? How’s the parking? Can you rent umbrellas and chairs?  Is there anything unique or rare about the beach? Stay tuned. 13 Best Beaches In Portugal: Keeping my parameters, let’s check out the best beaches in Portugal: 1. Centeanes Beach/Praia Do Vale Centeanes: Before I visited Portugal's beaches, I had no idea about the seaweed phenomenon here. Some beaches are home to so much seaweed (called Saguaro Seaweed) that you will only find small pockets with open water for swimming.  In contrast, Praia Do Vale Centeanes is perhaps one of the only beaches I found in Algarve that was entirely free from seaweed - the only beach that welcomed us with clear water and golden sand.  Surprisingly, we stumbled upon this beautiful beach on the same day we visited the iconic Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. And the next day, we were back! While you are here, you can visit the O Stop Restaurant overlooking the golden sand for a perfect dinner by the beach. I remember we had ordered a bottle of wine and some fried fish on the side. Also, you will find parking easily behind this restaurant - and that is one more reason to definitely check this beach out.  How Much Will It Cost You? So, visiting the beach will not cost you anything. Also, parking is free here, so no expenses for that as well. However, if you go on boat tours, it usually starts from $25 - of course, the pricing varies depending on the duration and type of boat you opt for. Also, rentals on the beach come for affordable rates but vary a lot.  2. Praia Da Marinha: While my favorite beach is definitely Centeanes Beach in the Algarve region, there is no competition to the view you get from Praia Da Marinha. For me, it was one of the iconic spots for a breathless view.  And once you are here, you will know why this stunning view is so famous, making Praia Da Marinha one of the best beaches in Portugal - and the world (I’m not kidding)! Moreover, there is a huge parking lot right above the beach, making it one of the most convenient places to spend time. How Much Will It Cost You? Again, access to the beach comes for free. Plus, parking is free here, but it has limited spots (32 free spots when we went) and fills up very fast. Coming to costs, kayaking starts at $35, and boat tours start at $24. Moreover, private boat tours are somewhat expensive - it will cost you around $294. Of course, the rates vary depending on the duration and the type of tour. Additionally, if you want to go for the famous Seven Hanging Valleys hike, then it will cost you around $42.  3. Rafael Beach, Albufeira/Praia De São Rafael: This small and sandy beach is great for reading under an umbrella and a few chairs for a day - it’s a very short drive from the town of Albufeira. I stayed here for a day with my partner, and it was a beautiful day!  The best part? The cove has calm waters - perfect to swim in, and you can even hunt for pink seashells. Right above Rafael Beach, you will find Restaurante da Praia de São Rafael. I recommend going here for a full-blown meal if you get hungry - the restaurant overlooks the water and beach. I had ordered several Spritzes to go while I was here - it kept us hydrated and somewhat tipsy! Also, I loved how the parking lot is not very far from the beach.  How Much Will It Cost You? Access to the beach is free, like most beaches on the list. Also, parking is free, but there are only two free spots that fill up pretty fast. We had parked on the street for free when we were here, but this area also fills up very fast during peak season.  To explore hidden beaches and caves in this area, you can rent kayaks from Albufeira Surf SUP - single kayaks will cost you $18/hour, and double kayaks will cost you $36.  4. Pirate Beach/Praia Dos Paradinha: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Simon Bob (@simonbob_) Pirate Beach is pretty underrated - so much so that you will probably miss it out (now, you won’t!) Just beside the beautiful Praia São Rafael, you will find this underrated gem. I found the beach has rock formations that are super cool - in fact, these appeared to be very interactive.  Then, you will spot mazes created by rock towers in the sand and caves in the far side of the beach - the best part? You can walk through the mazes and caves.  While you are exploring the rock formations on Pirate Beach, don’t forget to pause for some time and look closely around you. You will come across an endless number of fossils and seashells embedded in the rocks. I also found a lush (albeit small) waterfall tucked away right behind the cliff.  How Much Will It Cost You? Access to the beach is free. But parking is not always free here, especially during peak tourist seasons. Since we stayed in Albufeira, this beach wasn’t that far - only 6.1 kilometers from the town. It took us 12 minutes to reach via Uber - we paid the Uber $33.  For an underrated beach, kayak tours for exploring caves were somewhat expensive, costing around $45 per adult. 5. Point Of Mercy/Ponta Do Piedade: Ponta Do Piedade is not really a beach - it’s more like a cove. But this place has such a beautiful view that it would be a crime not to write about it. Plus, it's not very far from Lagos, the center - only a few minutes, TBH.  I had a great time exploring this area - on a kayak with my partner! You can also opt for a paddleboard or a boat, since there are many tours available here. Also, you can consider going on grotto tours via boats running from the grotto’s center. I didn’t opt for this tour because the grotto was 200 steps away. I don’t mind going downstairs - but coming up? That is very exhausting. How Much Will It Cost You? Like most beaches on this list, access to Point of Mercy is free. However, if you want to explore the sea caves and grottos, you can go on boat tours. It will cost you between $24 and $30 for a 75-minute to 120-minute boat tour.  Also, if you go kayaking (like we did), then you will have to shell out a little bit more. Guided kayak tours here will cost you $47 for a two-hour tour.  6. Camilo Beach/Praia Do Camilo: While Praia Da Marinha has the best view (without any competition), Camilo Beach comes a close second when it comes to iconic views.  Naturally, thanks to the stunning views, you can expect the area to get crowded on busy days. In spite of the crowds, I could spend time with my partner relaxing and having a fantastic day.  You can go swimming or just lie on the soft sand. Also, I want to mention how we found the calmest water in Camilo Beach - the calmest in the Algarve region.  You will see that the beach has been divided into two different sections. On the left, you will see a cave - walk through it and you will find another cove. And trust me, this one is better than the other cover outside. Having said that, I was really annoyed with the 200 or so steps we had to take just to reach this beach - but in the end, the view made it worth the physical exhaustion.  How Much Will It Cost You? Access to the beach is free, and the parking is free as well, but then again, there are only limited free spots available. In case you want to avoid dealing with parking issues, you can choose to walk - it’s a 5 to 10-minute walk from Lagos.  7. Praia Do Carvoeiro, Carveiro: Carvoeiro is a small fishing village that we had visited primarily because I am obsessed with fish (sorry, I love to eat fish and see how fish farming works)! At the heart of this fishing village, we found the picturesque beach of Praia Do Carvoeiro. Surrounded by whitewashed houses and golden limestone cliffs, Praia Do Carvoeiro offers a postcard-like setting. This sandy beach is beautiful and is known for boat tours to the well-known Benagil Cave. Apart from this beach, Carveiro is a charming village - so many cafés, restaurants, and shops. Also, definitely stop by the coastline and check out the Carvoeiro Boardwalk for the best views. How Much Will It Cost You? Access to the beach is obviously free. For rentals like umbrellas and sunbeds, it will cost you $36 for two. During peak summer months, costs for rentals can go up to $40.  Also, boat tours start at $42 - you can go for a two-hour-long Benagil & Marinha tour, or you can also go for the Benagil Long Boat tour. 8. Praia De Benagil: Only a while ago, I had mentioned the world-famous Benagil Cave - one of the most famous sea caves in the world.  The cave is home to natural sunlight and a stunning dome-shaped roof - you can access the cave by kayak, paddleboard, or boat. This time, we decided to go on a boat tour, ditching kayaking in the process.  And you cannot miss out on this spot - while you are here, you should definitely visit Benagil village.  Close to this village, we found a small beach, Praia De Benagil, protected from the world and tucked away behind towering cliffs. You can easily access the beach by car - plus, you will find nearby parking as well. How Much Will It Cost You? You can access this beach for free. However, to visit the popular Benagil Cave from this beach, you can opt for guided boat tours - it will cost you between $24 and $59. Moreover, you can rent equipment (SUP/kayak) from here - it will cost you $48. Also, guided kayak tours are available, ranging from $41 to $59 for an adult.  9. Praia Do Peneco, Albufeira Old Town: Algarve’s top party destination is hands down Albufeira. So, if you are planning a night of debauchery and staying out late, then you have to spend a weekend in Albufeira!  While we were here, we were super lucky - out of the two days I spent in this town with my boyfriend, I stumbled upon a crazy music festival on the beach! The next day, we visited the old town and parked outside just so that we could walk around.  While you are here, definitely check out Café Mané for some delicious breakfast and great coffee. I will also recommend Alfredo's if you love Italian food - this diner is super cozy and serves delicious food.  How Much Will It Cost You? The beach has free access, so there’s no cost to enter and access the beach. Parking is not free, and rates tend to vary during busy seasons. We had taken a taxi from Albufeira, and it cost us $10, which makes this commute alternative fast and convenient. 10. Falesia Beach/Praia Da Falesia: I loved Falesia - it was the Algarve’s longest beach with an uninterrupted coastline that goes for miles. We rented an umbrella (you can bring your own umbrella too) and spent time being lazy on the sand. Also, the beach is home to deep orange and red cliffs - something we had not seen before in this region. Moreover, if you get hungry, then you can check out the restaurant perched above the cliff - you can sit here for a meal or get some drinks and snacks on the go.  How Much Will It Cost You? Access to the beach is free. Of course, you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds at different spots on the beach, especially close to Vilamoura - this place is home to several fun beach clubs.  Also, you can go on various tours from this beach. The cave and dolphin tours will cost you somewhere between $49 and $55. Then, luxury boat tours will cost you $61, while paddleboarding is priced between $38 and $43. 11. Carvalho Beach/Praia Do Carvalho: Carvalho is a cozy, small cove, hidden between cliffs. I’ll tell you why it's one of the best beaches in Portugal. You can’t access this beach with a vehicle - you have to walk down stairs that have been carved into the stone, literally through a tiny cave.  Unlike most people who love lying under the sun, I am not a big fan of getting tanned - and this is precisely why I loved this beach so much. Most parts of the beach are free from the sun, but for people who like lying in the sun, there is a big rock peninsula.  However, we had ordered food from O Carcaca Truck located above the beach - it was terrible. So, avoid this food truck when you are here. How Much Will It Cost You? There’s no entry fee for entering Praia Do Carvalho - yep, you can access the beach for free. The problem is dealing with parking - parking is usually free with limited spots, but during peak months, you have to pay to park your car.  12. Burgao Beach/Praia Do Burgao: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Portugal (@visitportugal) The Algarve is home to another charming fishing village, Burgau. We fell in love with the blue-accented, white-washed buildings - it was like stepping into a movie. Moreover, my boyfriend and I are not fans of crowds, and Burgao was exactly that - free from crowds! The village and the nearby beach have a tranquil, calm vibe. Also, there are so many cute cafes and restaurants.  If you have time, spend time at Love Burgau, a lovely bar and cafe - you have to eat their specialty sourdough pizza. It was absolutely delicious - the best pizza I have had in months! How Much Will It Cost You? Access to the beach is free. However, the beachside parking has limited spots - so, arrive early if you want to avoid paying for parking.  Once the beachside parking fills up, people have to park in the surrounding areas and pay rates that vary locally regularly. We spent time relaxing in the comforting atmosphere - the beach’s natural beauty made us too lazy to explore much. 13. Praia Da Arrifana, Aljezur: The West Algarve is somewhat different from the rest of the region - the beaches certainly have a different vibe. Moreover, the area is actually even known as the California of Europe - and rightly so.  We drove to the western Algarve directly from Lisbon - and it certainly felt like a true Californian beach town! The crispy air, the agave, the cactus, the salty small - all felt like Southern California. Once we reached, we decided to stay in Aljezur, a town popular for its surfing culture and rugged beauty.  The largest beach near this town is Praia da Arrifana - and it’s a must-visit! Also, if you visit the beach, don’t forget to check out Cal Arrifana Restaurant. We really liked the food at this laid-back restaurant. Moreover, we visited a few places in Aljezur (because we love eating) - and our favorite was a yummy dinner at Tamrab Thai. How Much Will It Cost You? Again, like all beaches on this list, access to this gorgeous place is free, but parking here is not free - the rates vary locally. However, we didn’t take our car - we had taken a taxi, instead. Yep, taxis will cost you between $16 and $22, depending on your location in the Aljezur area. Also, public buses and shuttles are your other commute alternatives. Are Beaches In Portugal Safe? The best beaches in Portugal are safe, with available lifeguards during peak months and warning flags; safety is not an issue on these beaches. Having said that, it is vital to understand that your safety is always in your hands - you should be responsible, thanks to unpredictable dangers such as rip currents, falling rocks, jellyfish stings, and Atlantic currents.  On this note, remember to follow warning flags and local advice, since drowning incidents are not uncommon here. Also, the authorities can fine you for not following the rules. Frequently Asked Questions: Check out the most frequently asked questions about the best beaches in Portugal: 1. Which Part Of Portugal Has The Best Beaches? Portugal is home to some of the world’s best beaches. So, if you are looking for beautiful, sandy beaches in this country, then you have to explore the Algarve region. I was here for a whole month exploring the popular and underrated beaches - and the Atlantic has never looked more beautiful.  2. Where Is The Warmest Beach Water In Portugal? Praia da Barreta is the beach with the warmest water in Portugal. Yep! Located in Faro’s Deserta Island, this beach experiences average temperatures that range between 20°C and 24°C. While most beaches in the Algarve region buzz with crowds and activity, Praia da Barreta practically remains a deserted beach, albeit a tranquil one.  3. Are There Any Sandy Beaches In Portugal? Yes. Portugal is home to several long and sandy beaches, perfect for families. I’ve listed several beaches in my blog that have endless sand areas like Praia Do Vale Centeanes, Rafael Beach, and Praia Da Falesia.  4. What Is The Most Photographed Beach In Portugal? Praia da Marinha is the most photographed beach in Portugal - at least as per my Instagram feed and Google’s AI Overview. And once I reached here, I realized why - it is one of the most iconic beaches in Portugal, thanks to its golden sand, miles of coastline, and breathtaking view.  5. What Is The Most Beautiful Beach Town In Portugal? The most beautiful beach towns in Portugal are Albufeira, Lagos, and Tavira in the Algarve region. Also, you will find some beautiful and charming beach towns near Lisbon and the central coast, such as Sesimbra, Cascais, and Ericeira. Read Also: Beaches In Spain: Playing Important Roles In Leisure And Beach Tourism In The Country 9 of the Best Beaches in Perth that You Must Visit Uluwatu Beach: The Prettiest Beach In Bali