Relaxation & Romance

Barcelona

The enchanting city of Barcelona is a visual delight, and has an
atmosphere that combines elegance and sophistication with
provincial charm. In exploring its streets you'll discover medieval
romance in its Gothic quarter and the awe-inspiring delights of the
fantastic and sometimes outrageous Art Nouveau architecture of
Gaudi and his contemporaries.

The funicular up to Tibidabo, or the cable car up Montjuic, both
offer breathtaking views over this attractive city. Its skyline is
perhaps most famous for Antoni Gaudi's masterwork, the still
incomplete church of the Sagrada Familia, as well as the city's
huge Gothic cathedral. The artistic legacy of Barcelona is one of
the city's most appealing attributes, with museums containing
extensive collections of the works of Miro and Picasso. Barcelona
is also a shopper's paradise, with the city's flair for style
reflected in its numerous boutiques and markets, open late into the
evenings. As the sun sets, and the city's many bars and restaurants
open, the night truly comes alive. Dinner is served at any time
between nine o'clock and midnight, and the festivities around the
bars and nightclubs carry on well into the early hours of the
morning.

Barcelona is the commercial centre of the popular holiday region
known as the Costa Brava, the northernmost Mediterranean seafront
in Spain, as well as the Costa Dorada to the south. The coast is
dotted with popular resort towns, many retaining their age-old
charm, which can be easily reached from the city.

Palamós

Palamos is a picturesque coastal town located in the Costa Brava region of northeastern Spain. Situated in the province of Girona, Palamos is known for its beautiful beaches, charming old town, delicious cuisine, and vibrant fishing port. This vibrant destination offers a perfect blend of relaxation, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal choice for a memorable vacation.

One of the highlights of Palamos is its pristine beaches. The town boasts several sandy stretches, including the popular Platja Gran and Platja de la Fosca. These beaches offer crystal-clear waters and are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing while soaking up the Mediterranean sun. The promenade that lines the coast is perfect for leisurely strolls, and there are numerous beachside cafes and restaurants where visitors can enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious meal.

Palamos is also famous for its fishing industry, and a visit to the fishing port is a must-do activity. Here, you can witness the daily activities of local fishermen as they bring in their catch and unload it at the bustling fish market. The port is also home to the fascinating Fishing Museum, which provides insight into the history and culture of the local fishing community.

The old town of Palamos is a charming area with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and historic landmarks. The town's medieval castle, known as the Sant Esteve Castle, is a prominent feature that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Church of Santa Maria is another notable religious site that showcases beautiful architectural details.

For those interested in outdoor activities, Palamos provides plenty of opportunities. The town is a popular destination for diving enthusiasts, thanks to its underwater caves, marine life, and shipwrecks. There are several diving centers that offer courses and excursions for divers of all skill levels. Additionally, visitors can explore the scenic coastline through hiking or cycling trails that take them through rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and fragrant pine forests.

Food lovers will be delighted with the culinary offerings in Palamos. As a traditional fishing town, seafood is a specialty, and there are numerous seafood restaurants where you can savor fresh and delicious dishes. The local specialty is "Gamba de Palamos," a type of prawn that is renowned for its top-quality taste. Visitors can also experience the vibrant atmosphere of the weekly market, where they can purchase local produce, meats, cheeses, and other regional products.

Palamos is well-connected and easily accessible. The nearest airport is Girona-Costa Brava Airport, which is approximately 40 kilometers away. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to reach Palamos. The town is also well-connected by road, and there are regular bus services that connect Palamos to other nearby towns and cities.

In conclusion, Palamos is a charming coastal town that offers a perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and outdoor activities. With its stunning beaches, vibrant fishing port, historic old town, and delicious cuisine, Palamos is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach getaway or an adventurous exploration of the Catalan coast, Palamos has something to offer for everyone.

Sète

Sète, often called the "Venice of the Languedoc" due to its picturesque canals and waterways, is a charming port town located in the south of France. Situated in the region of Occitanie, Sète offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant atmosphere. With its enticing mix of Mediterranean beaches, delicious seafood, and lively festivals, Sète attracts both tourists and locals alike.

One of the main highlights of Sète is its stunning beaches. The town is nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Thau Lagoon, offering visitors a choice between sandy expanses and placid waters. The beaches here are known for their cleanliness and beauty, providing ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports. Among the most popular beaches are Plage de la Corniche, Plage de Villeroy, and Plage du Lido, each offering a unique setting and atmosphere.

Sète is also renowned for its exceptional cuisine, particularly its fresh seafood. The town's fishing industry is a major part of its identity, and visitors can sample a wide array of delectable dishes that highlight the day's catch. From succulent oysters and mussels to mouthwatering bouillabaisse, the seafood in Sète is a true gastronomic delight. For a quintessential dining experience, head to the bustling fish market or visit one of the many waterfront restaurants to relish the flavors of the sea.

Beyond its natural and culinary treasures, Sète is rich in cultural heritage and artistic traditions. The town has been a source of inspiration for many writers, painters, and musicians throughout history. Visitors can explore various art galleries and museums, such as the Paul Valéry Museum, which showcases the town's artistic heritage. The École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and the International Museum of Modest Arts are also worth a visit to immerse oneself in Sète's creative spirit.

Sète truly comes alive during its numerous lively festivals and events. One of the most famous celebrations is the St. Louis Festival, which takes place each August. During this event, the town is transformed into a vibrant hub of traditional boat races, music, and fireworks. The Sète Jazz Festival is another must-see event, attracting top musicians from around the world to the town's stages.

For those wanting to explore beyond the town's borders, Sète serves as an excellent base for day trips to nearby attractions. The charming town of Bouzigues, renowned for its oyster farming, is just a short drive away. The ancient city of Montpellier, with its lively cultural scene and historical sites, is also within easy reach.

In terms of accommodations, Sète offers a range of options to suit every budget and preference. Visitors can choose to stay in waterfront hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, or self-catering apartments that provide a more intimate experience. Regardless of where you choose to stay, the warm hospitality of the locals is sure to make your stay in Sète a memorable one.

In conclusion, Sète is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a vibrant atmosphere. With its stunning beaches, delicious seafood, cultural events, and proximity to other attractions, there is something for everyone in this enchanting port town. Whether you are seeking relaxation, an immersion in local traditions, or a culinary adventure, Sète is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Marseille

Marseille is France's second largest and
most ancient city. It was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC and was
later conquered by the Romans after becoming a thriving port and
centre for trade. Today it is littered with ancient sites and
artefacts, mostly Roman additions to the original Greek
settlement.

Marseille is down to earth and lacks the
pretentiousness of most other French cities. There are plenty of
attractions to explore, including the colourful harbour and
pedestrianised squares. The city is also divided into
arrondissements in the style of Paris, which makes it relatively
easy to get around on the metro.

The Old Port area is filled with
restaurants, bars, hotels, office blocks and a daily fish market at
the Belgian Quay, giving it a lively and sophisticated air. There
are also a number of decent museums, galleries, theatres and shops
dotted about the city that are worth visiting. Marseille is also
famed for its Opéra: an Art Deco opera house, situated in the heart
of the city, which still hosts performances even though it was all
but destroyed by fire in 1919. La Plaine is a trendy area filled
with cafes, bookstores and fountains, with a bustling market on
Thursdays and Saturdays, while Noailles' bazaar is a multi-ethnic
area filled with Indo-Chinese and Arabic shops.

The outgoing, friendly inhabitants of
Marseille are a cosmopolitan bunch, with diverse backgrounds
including a number of Italian, Spanish and North African
communities. There is far less of the style and image consciousness
evident in the rest of the Cote d'Azur, creating a more North
African flavour and a vibrant atmosphere. Marseilles also acts as a
good base for exploring the nearby natural beauty of the calanques
(or Mediterranean fjords) and some excellent beaches.

Nice

Nice is a magnificent city and a favourite
with tourists. Ideally located on the French Riviera, on the
southeast coast of France, it is no wonder that Nice, the
unofficial capital of the Côte d'Azur, is the fifth biggest city in
France and has visitors flocking to it year round.

The city has been inhabited for close to
400,000 years and got its name from the Greek, Nikaia, meaning
'City of Victory'. Today this culture-rich region is an eclectic
fusion of ancient wonders and hedonistic pleasures, with sun, sea,
shopping and fine dining competing with cultural and historical
sightseeing opportunities. The hot summers and mild winters mean
that visitors can appreciate the picturesque beaches in the region
in all seasons, though the winters will likely be too cold for
swimming.

Nice is a great shopping destination,
boasting some glorious markets offering everything from traditional
French fare to vintage clothing, as well as countless upmarket
boutiques and shops for those looking to indulge in the famed
French fashion culture. The charming old town offers many cultural
delights, with impressive architecture ensuring that just a stroll
through the area feels like an historical experience. Those with a
taste for the celebrated French cuisine will also be spoiled for
choice in Nice, which is known to be a gastronomical hub.

The traffic may be manic in Nice, and the
beaches in the area are mostly pebbly, but the city has an
undeniable romance and a glamourous reputation that has drawn the
rich and famous for decades.

La Spezia

The city of La Spezia is located in Italy's Liguria region and is known for its picturesque setting and harbor. The city is situated on the Gulf of La Spezia, flanked by towering mountains. La Spezia's harbor is a popular gateway to the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations. The city is also home to a large naval base and shipyard. La Spezia has a long history dating back to Roman times. The city was an important maritime center during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. In more recent history, La Spezia was a key base for the Italian Navy during World War II. Today, La Spezia is a bustling city with a thriving economy and a vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters. La Spezia is also a popular destination for food and wine lovers. The city's restaurants offer a variety of regional and international cuisine. La Spezia is an ideal base for exploring the Liguria region. The city's convenient location and excellent transportation network make it easy to access the region's many attractions.

Livorno

Livorno is a gritty city with a long and interesting history. In the early Middle Ages it alternately belonged to Pisa and Genoa. In 1421 Florence, seeking access to the sea, bought it. Cosimo I (1519–74) started construction of the harbor in 1571, putting Livorno on the map. After Ferdinando I de' Medici (1549–1609) proclaimed Livorno a free city, it became a haven for people suffering from religious persecution; Roman Catholics from England and Jews and Moors from Spain and Portugal, among others, settled here. The Quattro Mori (Four Moors), also known as the Monument to Ferdinando I, commemorates this. (The statue of Ferdinando I dates from 1595, the bronze Moors by Pietro Tacca from the 1620s.)In the following centuries, and particularly in the 18th, Livorno boomed as a port. In the 19th century the town drew a host of famous Britons passing through on their grand tours. Its prominence continued up to World War II, when it was heavily bombed. Much of the town's architecture, therefore, postdates the war, and it's somewhat difficult to imagine what it might have looked like before. Livorno has recovered from the war, however, as it's become a huge point of departure for container ships, as well as the only spot in Tuscany for cruise ships to dock for the day.Most of Livorno's artistic treasures date from the 17th century and aren't all that interesting unless you dote on obscure baroque artists. Livorno's most famous native artist, Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920), was of much more recent vintage. Sadly, there's no notable work by him in his hometown.There may not be much in the way of art, but it's still worth strolling around the city. The Mercato Nuovo, which has been around since 1894, sells all sorts of fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, and fish. Outdoor markets nearby are also chock-full of local color. The presence of Camp Darby, an American military base just outside town, accounts for the availability of many American products.If you have time, Livorno is worth a stop for lunch or dinner at the very least.

Civitavecchia

Rome is like a living museum, liberally
dotted with fascinating ruins, ancient relics and archaeological
sites. Centuries are peeled back from the Eternal City with each
new vista in this great metropolis of fearsome gladiators and
gorgeous art. Vespas, sports cars and nippy Fiats speed past trendy
sidewalk cafes, bistros and nightclubs, revealing the Rome of
Fellini's La Dolce Vita, while the stark facades of the Stadio
Olimpico reminds visitors of Mussolini's attempts to reinvent the
architecture of the Caesars.

For a taste of the Baroque, visitors need
only climb the famous Spanish Steps, walk through the Piazza Navona
or toss a coin into the beautiful Trevi Fountain. Renaissance
splendour is best revealed in the Vatican Palace, specifically
Michelangelo's efforts on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. From
early Christian Basilicas and the Roman Forum to the Colosseum and
the Pantheon, the sequence of history trails back to the dizzying
heights of the empire.

It may sound like a city of contrasts, but
Rome's timeless magic lies in its ability to blend the old with the
new. Empires have risen and fallen, old gods have been replaced
with the new, but Rome nonetheless remains.