Travel guides
The past few years I have had the opportunity to travel to beautiful places and capture unforgettable moments. Go on a journey through the Mediterranean through my travel guides .
Cyprus
Cyprus is my home country and I have many beautiful memories from this island. Unfortunately I don’t know the North side well but there are lots of amazing things to do on the South side of Cyprus. If you are here in the summer you have to spend your days by the Mediterranean Sea. In Larnaca you can go to Mackenzie beach and enjoy a day under the sun or sit in one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants there. At night Mackenzie is full of life and music as people crowd the beach bars to enjoy a drink and dance by the sea. In Larnsca you can also take a walk in Finikoudes beach and go for a drink in Laiki Gitonia. My favorite beaches are in Protaras and Ayia Napa. The water is crystal clear and I’ve spent so many summers lounging by the shore there. In Protaras visit Konnos Beach for a relaxing day surrounded by mountains and nature and enjoy a cold drink at the restaurant with the most beautiful view of the beach’s turquoise waters. Go to Sirina Bay for a more quiet atmosphere as this tiny and relatively secret beach is the perfect spot to spend a day relaxing with a book or with good company. Ayia Napa has a lively night life and people come from all over the world to enjoy a night of dancing at the many bars there. For a boat ride go to Blue Lagoon near Paphos and spend a day sailing in the sea and swimming in the gorgeous waters. Renting a boat is very easy there as there are many boats in the harbor that are available to rent for a day of sailing and relaxing. You can also take a boat ride in Cavo Greco and sail around caves and mountains. If you are there you must visit Agioi Anargiroi church as this classic Greek church sitting alone on top of a mountain is a picturesque scene and a perfect spot to take pictures. Cavo Greco is also famous for cliff diving if you are brave enough to try it. For a unique experience go to the secret church Agioi Saranta in Protaras. This old hidden church is built inside a cave and although it is beautiful it is not a very well known church in Cyprus as it is complicated to get there and hidden well. You must also see some of the many cute traditional villages in Cyprus. In the Larnaca district you must see Chirokitia village which is also my home. This village has one of the oldest Neolithic sites in all of Europe and is considered a treasure of Cypriot history. From Chirokitia take a ten minute drive to Lefkara, one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in Cyprus. Lefkara is a village full of color and you can buy traditional Lefkara lace from the many small shops. More villages to see in the area are Tochni, Agios Theorodoros and Zygi, and you must visit the monastery of Agio Mina in Vavla. In Paphos you can stay in one of the many beach hotels and spend your time relaxing by the sea. Spend a day in the Marina in Limassol where you can relax with a drink surrounded by the many boats parked in the harbor. Cyprus is a beautiful and unique island and I’m very proud to be from here. It is a country you must visit at least once and I promise a summer vacation here will be unforgettable.
Mallorca
Anyone who has been to Mallorca knows that this island is a paradise. There is still so much of it I want to explore and I hope I can go back one day. One of the most beautiful beaches I visited there was Cala Comtessa. The gorgeous turquoise waters at this Cala are so inviting and the trees surrounding the sea makes you feel immersed in nature. A definitely must see beach is Cala Deià in beautiful Deià. This Cala is straight out of a Mediterranean dream. The mountains surrounding the gorgeous waters of this Cala make you forget the busy rhythms of daily life and let you completely lose yourself in the Mediterranean Sea. If you want to see some classic rustic houses visit Valldemossa on a spring day - the mountains and blooming flowers of Valldemossa will provide you with the perfect island experience. Cala D’or is also a nice escape, and you must spend an afternoon tanning on the white sand. Finally, don’t forget to walk through the beautiful streets of Palma de Mallorca, looking at the cute shops and trying out the local island cuisine.
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most amazing places I have lived in. Three years and counting in this beautiful city has allowed me to learn so much about Catalan culture and cuisine. Life in this city is fast but also slow, exciting yet calm and you will never run out of things to do there. With an abundance of bars, cafes and restaurants you can enjoy the nice Spanish weather outside with an aperol spritz and nice company. For some exciting night life go to Barceloneta’s beach clubs or take a stroll through the small streets El Born and enjoy a cold drink in one of the many crowded bars. Have a coffee by the beautiful cathedral or if you want to explore Catalan culture deeper visit the Sagrada Familia and take a look into Gaudí’s world. Plaza Real is one of my favourite spots in Barcelona, and I never resist sitting down for a coffee or a glass of wine in one of the many restaurants of the plaza. The city is full of beautiful plazas, and two of my favorite ones are Santa Maria del Pi and Basilica Santa Maria Del Mar. And of course, you must spend a hot day in Barceloneta beach with a good book and a swim in the beautiful waters. You can window shop on Passeig de Garcia, where you will also run into Gaudí’s Casa Batlló. For more Gaudí spend a day in Park Güell where you will get lost in the imagination of one of the most famous architects to come out of Catalonia. If you love Picasso like me you definitely have to visit the Picasso Museum in Born where you can take a look at the artist’s progress and life. On a cold night you can pop into the cinema on Passeig de Gracia and lose yourself in the world of film or go into one of the many gorgeous museums of the city. Eixample is also a great place to meet with friends and have a drink as there is no shortage of places to sit down and unwind after a busy day. If you are vegan or vegetarian like me you’ll be happy to know that there are many veggie restaurants in Barcelona with healthy and delicious options. Some of my favorites are Veggie Garden, Roots and Rolls, Honest Greens, Vegetalia, Maoz Vegan, Flax & Kale, Green & Berry and Vegan Junk Food Bar. For brunch go to Brunch and Cake, Billy Brunch and Garden and Camelia Art Cafe. Barcelona is a place you must see at least once, although I have no doubt that after one visit you’ll be happy to come back for more.
