Naxos: An Authentic Greek Cyclades Island

Naxos is the largest of the Greek Cyclades islands and one of the best all-around Greek Islands to visit. Its popularity with tourists outside Greece has grown since being features on shows like Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. Its main town of Naxos Chora features charming pedestrian-only laneways and has a picturesque harbor offering breathtaking sunsets. There are distinct similarities to Cyclades Island neighbors like Mykonos, but Naxos generally offers better value and a more authentic Greek experience.

Unlike some islands that largely abandoned agriculture for tourism jobs, Naxos strikes the perfect balance. Its fantastic culinary scene is rooted in local products grown and produced on the island, including fresh vegetables, meat, local cheese, honey, herbs, olive oil and wine. Beautiful beaches, delicious gastronomy, authentic mountain villages, ancient sites and stunning scenery combine to make this a growingly popular island with tourists. Here are some great tips for visiting Naxos as well as planning travels around Greece!

Bell looking away at Naxos Chora from the Temple of Apollo

Bratislava, Worth a Day Trip?

Thinking about a day trip to Bratislava? Slovakia’s capital is probably most famous in the US for the fictitious movie Hostel, a ridiculously graphic film about a secret organization that kidnaps tourists and murders them for fun. Certainly the Slovakian tourism board was thrilled to be featured! While Bratislava’s rough communist past contributes to mixed reviews from travelers, it has a beautiful historic center and Bratislava Castle, perched high above town, offers fantastic views for miles. So is Bratislava worth a day trip or a weekend getaway within Europe?

10 Must Things to Do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Denmark consistently ranks as one of the world’s best cities to live, even making the top of some lists. Naturally, a capital city with so much to offer its residents, also has much to offer visitors. From royal palaces to picturesque 17th century Nyhavn, to one of the world’s most acclaimed culinary scenes, there’s a huge variety to enjoy. Here are 10 must things to do in Copenhagen!

How to Spend One Day in Oslo, Norway

Oslo, the capital of Norway, rests along the country’s southern coast at the head of Oslofjord. The ski jumping venue of Holmenkollbakken offers fantastic panoramic views overlooking Oslo and the surrounding fjord. Oslo’s harbor is a lovely place to enjoy a drink and a meal outside during warmer weather.

Oslo is popular for its ample green spaces, cleanliness and museums. Bygdøy Peninsula features the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum, with Viking ships from the 9th century.

Edinburgh Castle: One of Europe’s Greatest Castles

Edinburgh Castle is a historic castle in Edinburgh, Scotland that stands atop Castle Rock. A royal castle has rested on the rock since at least the reign of Malcolm III in the 11th century. The castle was a royal residence until 1633. The area has been inhabited by humans since at least the Iron Age.

There’s a lot of history to experience and you can even drink delicious Scotch whisky at Edinburgh Castle!