Tag: Secrets

This Stunning Island Is One Of The Mediterranean’s Best Kept Secrets

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We have all found ourselves at one point or another daydreaming of escaping to paradise. But what does that really mean?

The world is full of wonders, and everyone may have a different definition of ‘paradise’. Some may want to escape to the mountains to appreciate nature and solitude.

Others may picture crystal blue waters and sipping Mai Tai’s on a gorgeous beach. No matter your version of paradise, many would agree the Mediterranean is one of the top paradisal destinations.

We all know the beautiful islands of Spain and Greece. Heck, even Croatia has been surging in popularity all year long.

There is another Mediterranean island off the radar of many Westerners, yet it is just as majestic, if not more, than any vacation hotspot in the Mediterranean.

Welcome To ‘The Maldives’ Of Turkiye

With everyone seemingly getting their news through social media these days, it’s hard to fathom how such a place as gorgeous as Bozcaada flies under the radar.

You would think travel influencers would be screaming up and down, begging to show off a place known as ‘Heaven on Earth’ and ‘The Maldives of Turkiye’.

Or perhaps locals want this Turkish treasure to remain unnoticed. Sorry Turkiye, but the secret is about to be unleashed to the general public.

We know you already have Istanbul and so many beautiful coastal cities along the Black Sea. Can’t you share Bozcaada with us too?

Formerly known as Tenedos, this tiny island home to approximately 500 residents will blow you away with how stunning it is, from the crystal blue waters and laid-back vibes to charming, colorful streets.

In particular, Sulubahçe Beach is what makes it feel as if you are in a remote paradise reminiscent of The Maldives.

We’ve all stepped into the ocean to make sure it passes the test of being able to see our feet. Sulubahçe Beach far exceeds the test, and despite being unable to swim most days due to cold waters, the scenery is immaculate.

It will easily become one of your all-time favorite beaches.

A Fairy-tale Island

Not only is the scenery some of the best you could ever imagine, but the small-town charm is to die for. Comparable to Greece, visitors will find themselves oohing and ahhing on every street.

In fact, it was a Greek island until the 1920s when it joined the Turkish Republic. Greece’s loss is Turkiye’s gain, where locals have been flocking for sunny days for over a century now.

It is estimated roughly a million Turkish people visit during the summer since it is so easy and affordable ($30 ferry) to reach from mainland Turkey, which obviously means it’s easy for you too once you fly in.

It’s no mystery why locals love it, whether it’s cozy cafes, vibrant storybook houses, or the timeless cobblestone streets we have all pictured in our minds for our dream vacay.

That’s why recent visitors have dubbed it a ‘fairy-tale island’. Not to mention, the extremely affordable hotels are often as low as $40 per night.

Even though Bozcaada feels like a Greek island, the Turkish currency (lira) tends to give tourists more bang for their buck.

A Place To Indulge

Less money spent on hotels gives you more money for experiences. Of course, you could see one of the most well-preserved castles in Turkiye (Bozcaada Kalesti), or you could spend your day indulging in amazing Greek and Turkish cuisine and local wine.

The choice is yours, but when you’re in a destination that mixes 2 delicious cuisines, it’s hard to pass up, especially when you can sit on a patio and take in the vast scenery all while pleasing your tastebuds.

Most of the cuisine you will find is Greek, yet there are some Turkish dishes here and there. However, wine selection remains strictly Turkish as it’s produced locally in Bozcaada from a variety of grapes.

Your palate will not be disappointed spending your day indulging in the finer things in life. The island may be small, but it’s home to many vineyards and restaurants with both unforgettable food and unmatched scenery.

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October 24, 2023
This Unique Destination Is One Of Europe’s Best Kept Secrets

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Europe is a continent with such an array of amazing destinations, each offering something different from the last. Although more and more countries are being hailed as Europe’s newest underrated hotspot, the truth is that there are still places that tend to fly under the radar.

One such place lies at the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, is unique in many ways, and offers visitors once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Welcome to Gibraltar, possibly one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.

As a British overseas territory in a southern Spanish climate, Gibraltar is a unique combination of British influence in the Spanish sunshine. There are so many beaches to enjoy, unique things to do, warm weather, and some epic views.

Gibraltar might not be on many travelers’ radar, but its unique charm and stunning location make it a can’t-miss destination for anyone looking for someplace a bit different than the usual European beach town.

Here’s Why Gibraltar Is One Of Europe’s Best Kept Secrets:

Endless Activities

Flying into Gibraltar is an experience in itself, as only a few airlines operate this flight, and the pilots must be experienced in the unique landing. Sweeping in right next to the imposing Rock of Gibraltar and landing on an airway that crosses the highway is quite the experience, as is walking to town across that same highway after landing.

Taking the cable car up the rock is a top activity, and of course, hanging out with all of the Barbery monkeys for some pics; after all, this is the only place in Europe with monkeys running wild. When you are done at the top of the rock, check out the many interesting tunnels leftover from the Seige of the 1700s.

Don’t miss a visit to Europa Point, the southernmost point of Gibraltar. With the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean colliding in front of you, on a clear day, you can gaze across the strait to Africa. Things to see include Trinity Lighthouse, a Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim mosque, Sikorski Memorial, and Harding’s Battery.

@london.edition Top things to do in Gibraltar 🇬🇮 1. Book a dolphin excursion with a pickup and drop off from Ocean Village 🐬 you can find tickets on websites such as Trip Advisor. 2. Take a cable car up to The Top Of The Rock 🪨🚠 where you can see the monkeys 🐒 & absorb spectacular views 🔎 3. Visit St Michael’s Cave & make sure you watch the light show which takes place every 20 minutes ✨ 4. Walk on glass panels at Skywalk and take in breathtaking 360 views 🏔️ 5. Visit the Great Siege Tunnels which were dug out from solid limestone by the British during the Great Siege of Gibraltar of the late 18th century 6. Stay in Ocean Village (we’d recommend the Sunborn Hotel) which is only a 9 min stroll from the airport and offers over 20 vibrant oceanfront restaurants and bars 🍹 #fyp #foryoupage #travel #gibraltar #thingstodo ♬ Cooped Up / Return Of The Mack – Post Malone & Mark Morrison & Sickick

Unique Beaches

For those coming to Gibraltar looking for a beach holiday, you are in luck. Many head to Catalan Bay, tucked into the eastern side of the Rock, or Eastern Beach, Gibraltar’s largest beach, which is located adjacent to the airstrip.

You can also head to Western Beach, which is surprise surprise, on the west side of the Rock, sandwiched between the airport runway and the Spanish border.

There is also Sandy Bay, the southernmost of Gibraltar’s beaches, offering ample space to relax on its soft orange sand imported from the Sahara.

@rediscovering_emily Visit Catalan Bay in Gibraltar 🇬🇮 Colourful Catalan Bay is waiting to be discovered on the Eastern side of the rock of Gibraltar. With crystal clear waters, a sandy beach and a maze of vibrant buildings, Catalan Bay is a unique and charming destination. Top tips: • Catch the number 4 or 8 bus to get here. • Get here early if you plan to visit in the summer season to get a good spot on the beach. • If you plan to stop for a meal here, pre-book a table on arrival in one of the restaurants. 📍 Hit save and include Catalan Bay as part of your trip to Gibraltar. #gibraltartiktok #visitgibraltar #expatadventures #solotravelwoman #traveltiktoker ♬ Tropical Summer – FASSounds

Shopping, Eating, and Drinking

Thanks in part to its unique blend of cultures, Gibraltar has a pretty impressive food scene.

Classic British pubs sit in the numerous squares in town, offering a pint and some fish and chips while watching the football, or head to the endless taps restaurants to get your Spanish fix. Pizza places, French bistros, American sports bars, African-influenced restaurants, and everything else abound here as well.

For those that are here to shop, Gibraltar is a duty-free British Colony, and therefore, goods are cheaper here than other places in Europe. Many shops line the streets, from home brand stores to unique places for special gifts.

Location, Location, Location

Gibraltar lies at a very unique location, which is why it’s such a cultural melting pot nowadays. Sitting on a narrow peninsula of the southern Mediterranean coast of Spain, getting here is part of the fun.

As mentioned, the airport in itself is one of a kind, but those coming from mainland Spain can simply cross the border at La Línea. Arriving from Portugal can be done via train and bus, connecting at Seville.

The close proximity to the northern tip of Africa means you can reach Tangier via ferry, or those going to Morocco can also take a short and easy ferry as well. The views from the top of the Rock of Gibraltar allow you to see all these countries from one vantage point.

@cutste10 Yes you can see Africa from Gibraltar 🫶 #fyp #amazingscenery #africa #marocco #spain #uk #travel ♬ In The Forest (Acoustic Indie No Copyright) – Instrumental – Lesfm & Olexy

Quirky Charm

Some might call Gibraltar “the weirdest place they have ever been”, and while they wouldn’t be wrong, the title is meant in an affectionate way more often than not. Some call it quirky, some underrated, but whatever travelers call it, it’s clear that this is one unique place.

Gibraltar will leave an impression on anyone who visits, and those looking for a little bit of Britain in the sun will find that, and those looking for a multicultural town in a stunning location will find that box checked as well.

@jackscar123 Cheeky few days in Gibraltar (the oddest place I’ve ever visited) #gibraltar #spain #holiday #vacation #monkey #weird ♬ Anywhere – Rita Ora

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October 10, 2023
Why This Underrated Region Of Italy Is One Of Its Best-Kept Secrets

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Italy is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Home to some of the continent’s most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Venice’s picturesque canals, it draws in tens of millions of visitors every year.

Unsurprisingly, it has been battling overtourism for decades now, and while a majority of the country has succumbed to the concerning trend, with some cities going as far as threatening to introduce a ticketing system, other lesser-known spots are still not as badly affected.

That is the case with Puglia, an underrated region in Italy that is not as crowded as the Amalfi Coast and where consumer prices are not as inflated:

Welcome To Puglia

If traveling to Italy is non-negotiable to you, irrespective of price surges and the surging crowds, but you’re not exactly keen on joining the long lines of tourists for that Instagrammable Colosseum-shaped ice lolly in Rome, then maybe you should consider spending more time in Puglia.

If you’re not familiar with Italy’s boot-like map, Puglia sits right on the heel, or the Southeastern peninsula of the country, bounded by the Adriatic Sea.

Looking over the ocean on a clear day from certain points, you may even get a peek at Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast.

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The sweeping ocean panorama is not the only thing that makes Puglia great, though. Home to about four million people, it is one of the most unique and certainly fascinating historical regions of Italy, famous for its olive oil production, Adriatic beaches, and ancient towns.

One Of Italy’s Most Fascinating Historical Regions

Unlike other towns in Italy and their traditional pastel colors, Puglia’s are normally whitewashed, and they can be much more quaint.

There are beautiful bucolic settlements like Alberobello, famous for its UNESCO-listed ‘Trulli’ stone huts and cobbled streets, comparatively less crowded than Positano, Sorrento, and the like, especially in the fall, and Lecce, a Baroque gem jam-packed with much older Roman ruins, including an amphitheater.

Polignano a Mare is also a popular destination, best known for its white-pebble Lama Monachile beach, nestled between two cliffs upon which centuries-old houses are perched and connected at a narrow point by a Roman-era bridge, still in use today.

The beach is particularly scenic and certainly one of Puglia’s most famous postcards, with waters that are bright blue and that stay warm long after summer is over.

The lesser-known Gallipoli is well worth a visit, as well, what with its offshore Old Town, sitting on an island, and imposing Gallipoli Castle.

Of course, we shouldn’t forget Bari, the regional capital and largest city, with a metropolitan population of over a million residents and a surprisingly vast historic center dotted with medieval structures.

Alongside Bergamo, it is a seriously underrated Italian city break.

Using Bari as a base to explore Puglia, you should expect to find a myriad of traditional Italian restaurants and world-class museums, as well as the Adriatic’s liveliest nightlife.

There is a never-ending list of world wonders and beautiful sights here, and you might need more than a single week to tick off all of the main landmarks.

Italians Themselves Prefer Puglia Over Amalfi Or Liguria

It’s no wonder Puglia was the favorite destination of Italians themselves in 2022, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned from this post-pandemic scene, where mass tourism is back with a vengeance, is that we should follow in the steps of locals, not go where other tourists are going.

Natives tend to favor destinations that are not yet completely overrun with foreigners and where their traditions and customs are maintained, and the fact that Puglia is surging in popularity with Italians is a strong indicator it has not yet been lost to the Instagram hordes.

That’s not to say it is not crowded.

Regrettably, nowhere in Italy is not crowded these days, but Italy’s favoritism for Puglia could mean it has not been converted into a mere development zone with less-than-stellar restaurant options and polished towns serving as mere tourist playgrounds.

According to Puglia Tips, the region is the number one in Italy for seawater quality, having reasserted its status as a national leader in ‘water healthiness’ last year.

Puglia Is Somewhat Cheaper

Don’t Expect Eastern European Prices, Though

Though Puglia is certainly not Albania or Montenegro, it can be relatively more affordable to visit than other parts of Italy, with Budget Your Trip noting tourists should plan on spending, on average, $123 per day vacationing in Bari.

In Florence, the average cost of a vacation is a relatively higher $168 per day, toppled by Milan’s $181, Rome’s $185, all surpassed by Venice’s shocking median cost of $250 per day.

Puglia may still be somewhat expensive, at least by Eastern European standards, but it can be a fairly cheap vacation within Italy, particularly in the fall, when prices go down along with visitor numbers.

Puglia Will Stay Warm This Fall

In September, the maximum daily temperature in Puglia averages 26.2 degrees Celsius, or 79.16 Fahrenheit, with lows of 17.°C or 62.78°F in the evenings, making it the perfect off-season Transatlantic getaway.

It’s not too hot you can’t stand to be outside for longer than two hours, like in June, but not chilly enough so you need to pack winter coats.

Find more hidden gems of Italy, and start planning your fall trip here.

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August 30, 2023