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With its 450 miles of Atlantic coastline, a series of fantastic unspoilt beaches and some of the best waves in Europe, it’s absolutely no surprise that surfing in Portugal is in a league of its own. Furthermore, the charming remote villages peppered along its coast, the friendly locals and the low prices are all contemplating to make Portugal a world-renowned surfing destination. At the beginning of 2013, Hawaiian surfer Garret McNamara, who was invited by the Government of Portugal to explore and examine the unique environment of Nazare, managed to surf the biggest wave in history (100ft), shattering its own Guiness Book record. But that’s not all, in addition to Nazare, whose 16,00-foot- deep undersea canyon makes it ideal for extreme surfers, the tiny...

Cobblestone streets steeped in history, medieval town walls, excellent festivals and an outstanding bohemian vibe make from West Ireland’s largest city one of the sexiest Irish destinations. Often regarded as Ireland’s Cultural Heart, Galway plays host to a wealthy range of festivals and events such as the Galway Arts Festival with its flamboyant Macnas parade or the Galway International Oyster Festival, one of country’s most exuberant celebrations. Throughout the day, both locals and tourists fill the city’s charming streets in order to soak up the laid-back atmosphere, admire the eye-catching buildings and cool off in the arty cafes. Galway is also a great place to throw off some money, providing a surprising range of shopping opportunities. The finest...

Most people say that spring in the Northern hemisphere starts on 20/21 March. Not in Romania, though. The little birds tweeting at my window in the morning, the winter coat hanging in the closet and the bright rays of sun falling tenderly over the buzzing streets on March 1st have always been my first day of spring. We called it Martisor (a sort of diminutive for Martie, the Romanian word for March) and we celebrate it with snowdrops, traditional gifts, plenty of joy and dinners downtown. It is a bustling, but very special time of the year when every city, town and village in the country is brought to life by heaps of colorful stalls selling the so-called “Martisoare”. Martisor is an authentic Romanian celebration that dates back to the time of the Thracians,...

The dramatic landscapes of New Zealand have always been a lure for travelers and an inspiration for film makers, but with The Hobbiton latest euphoria, the lovely island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean has become one of the most sought-after travel destinations on the planet. The Hobbiton is a village along The Water river in the western part of the Shire – Tolkien’s fictional universe known as Middle-earth. Part of Arda, this imaginary setting is carefully depicted by the author in many of his works, including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales. Those charmed by Tolkien’s stories and their successful adaptation on screen have the opportunity to visit the real Hobbiton, which lies in the agricultural town...

Grandiose mosques and ultra modern skyscrapers dominate its skyline. Underneath, timeless grids of buzzing bazaars, hamams and exotic teahouses fuse with high-end shopping venues and hip restaurants in a sophisticated mix of old and new. And there it is, the ancient strait of Bosphorus venturing to tear them apart forever. This is Istanbul, one of the world’s greatest and most dramatic cities and the place where, beyond any cliché, the East really meets the West. Why visiting First, Istanbul is unique, and not only for standing on two continents or for being larger than Greece, but because it’s a true spectacle, one that never ends. The flavors, the colors, the music, the rush, the faces on the streets are pure energy. With one foot in Asia and the other one...

Although Marseille is the second largest city in France after Paris, it has always been overshadowed by the country’s variety of alluring travel destinations. Not this year, though. The beautiful city on the southeast coast of France received the designation of 2013’s European Capital of Culture, a title meant to redesign Marseille’s cultural scene and to improve the city’s infamous reputation. Marseille is neither the pretty Paris, nor the quaint Provencal hamlet you’re expected to see in this part of the Hexagon. It doesn’t have the gleam of the nearby Cote d’Azur or the magic of a picture-perfect postcard but nonetheless, it is a real city with real people and most likely, a place you’ll either love or hate. However, behind its rebellious aura,...

Overflowing with dazzling landscapes, culture and ancient history, it’s no surprise Malta is often described as a huge outdoor museum. Nestled between Italy and the north African coast, in the glittering waters of the Mediterranean Sea, this alluring sun-drenched destination certainly has something for everyone: balmy days for the explorer, vibrant nights for the partygoer, blue clear waters for the sport enthusiast and a surprisingly varied cuisine to satisfy and foodie out there. For those in search of a quirky experience, however, we recommend you the Malta Segways Tours - It’s fun, informative and often develops into one hell of an adventure. Far from being the conventional tourist guide, Malta Segways Tours is a wonderful way to discover the charms of...