Valensole is a pretty Provencal town that sits on a hill overlooking a lavender valley and is a must-see on a Provence trip. It sits at the heart of the Plateau of Valensole , an area known for its lavender fields and is “the capital of the lavender region”.
The best time to see the lavender fields is in June or July and the lavender is usually gone by the end of August.
What makes it unique is that Valensole is a very local town and not usually known as a tourism attraction. In fact, people usually only pass through on their way to the lavender fields. Because of this, Valensole is a true reflection of the French lifestyle and the perfect place to get to know provencal culture as you walk the streets with a baguette in hand and chat to the friendly locals.
Photo credits by @voyageinstyle_
Built on the foothills of the Monts of Vaucluse, facing the Luberon, Gordes is one of the most well-known hilltop villages in the region. It’s one of the most beautiful villages in France and it’s been used as the setting for movies. In this place, houses and buildings of white stone root themselves into the sharp cliff of the mountain, its narrow cobblestone streets are very appealing to visitors.
Many artists have stayed in the village of Gordes and have contributed to its fame. Some, such as André Lhote, Marc Chagall, Victor Vasarely and Pol Mara came to stay. Gordes is the seat of many cultural events in summer with its museums, concerts and numerous exhibitions.
Spend some time in Gordes, visiting art galleries and exploring the ancient underground caves. Here you’ll find fabrics, linens, soaps, lavender, clothes, and an abundance of food and wine.
Photo credits by @voyageinstyle_
Roussillon is ranked as one of the most beautiful villages of France, and is totally unique. It is located in the very heart of the biggest ochre deposits in the world, and is distinguished by a wide palette of flamboyant colors.
Wandering the narrow streets, stairs and squares in Roussillon opens your eyes to the beautiful natural pigments used throughout the village. In Roussillon, man has long worked in harmony with nature. The people of Roussillon used the ochre for the facades of the houses in the village. Because of this, each home is a colorful ochre tone, spanning from terracotta oranges to dark reds.
Le Sentier des Ocres (The Canyon) is the former ochre mine next to Roussillon. The valley has been turned into a trail for visitors, worming among the waves and ridges of the cliffs. Most impressive of all is the amazing variety of colors of the clay you’ll see on the pathway. It’s interesting to see the incredible views from the trail!
Photo credits by @voyageinstyle_
The Verdon Gorge (French: Gorges du Verdon) is a river canyon located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of Southeastern France. It was formed by the Verdon River, which is named for its turquoise-green colour caused by glacial minerals, one of the location's distinguishing characteristics. Gorges du Verdon is an amazing natural phenomenon and now it’s one of the biggest gorges in Europe.
Jump in a kayak and paddle up the turquoise water of the river, letting the cool water run over your fingers, and gazing up to the enormous limestone cliffs. Around every corner, you’ll see people jumping into the water and enjoying the remote beaches.
Kaying or paddle boating is one of the top things to do at Gorges du Verdon. There’s nothing better than gliding on the clear blue water and seeing the cliffs from below. Around every twist and turn, there’s a beautiful view and plenty of small beaches for you to relax on.
photo credits to www.thegoodlifefrance.com
uin footwear has entire selection of Provence-inspired footwear perfect for your next vacation to France. Whether you want to go hiking or wander through narrow streets, we’ve got you covered!
]]>Located on the Southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Perhaps the most noteworthy place to visit in this country is Cape Town. Here you’ll find a wonderful geographical contrast with hundreds of miles of coast and inland mountains looking out over the sea.
There is plenty to do here. You can enjoy the history, vibrant culture, and delicious food you’ll find on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, where there’s plenty of shopping, dining options, and live entertainment.
Or, if you love nature, take a trip down to the waterfront where you might catch a glimpse of whales, penguins, and a number of rare native bird species.
If you like to stay active, there’s something for you to do too! Cape town is a world-renound surfing destination. Many argue it has the best surf waves in the world!
Tanzania is a nature-lover’s oasis. In this Eastern Africa coastal country, you’ll find Mount Kilimanjaro—Africa’s highest mountain at nearly 6,000 meters!
This colossal mountain plays host to a number of different landscapes. At the base, you’ll find farmland. As you start to climb, however, the landscape morphs into a dense rainforest filled with monkeys, elephants, leopards, and several other fascinating species. Finally, at the top the landscape shifts into a series of barren rocky peaks which are often coated with snow. Yes, snow in Africa!
If you don’t think you’d enjoy the dizzying elevation of Mount Kilimanjaro, we’d recommend checking out Serengeti National Park.
This massive natural park is the site of the annual migration of over a million wildebeests! You’ll also get a chance to see plenty of lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and African elephants on the Serengeti plains.
Madagascar is the second-largest island country in the world and also one of the most biologically diverse. Because of its isolated geography (it is an island, after all), ninety percent of the wildlife here can be found nowhere else on earth!
A trip to Madagascar is like stepping into a completely new world. It’s also nice because fewer tourists travel to the area. Granted, it can be difficult to get to. There are only a few direct flights that will take you to the island, so it’s important to be organized when planning your trip.
However, a little hardship when planning is well worth the experience. Very few people can say they’ve had the privilege of visiting such a raw, natural, and undisturbed country.
Located near the northern border of Africa, Egypt is one of the continent’s most interesting tourist destinations.
When people think of Egypt, they typically think of the pyramids. While these 100+ meter man-made structures are a must-see attraction for tourists, there are also plenty more things to do here.
For example, thrillseekers can enjoy a seemingly endless network of 4WD tracks winding throughout the desert, perfect for a range of motorized recreational vehicles.
Those who consider themselves explorers at heart can go diving and see the coral reefs or famous shipwrecks in the Red Sea. Archaeology buffs can explore ancient relics and historical sites in Luxor.
The point is, there’s something for everyone in Egypt!
UIN footwear has hundreds of stylish and functional designs perfect for your vacation to Africa. Whether you’re exploring on a safari or lounging by the beach, we’ve got you covered!
On a location scout in 1998, Peter Jackson’s team stumbled upon Alexander farm. This lush, 1,250-acre sheep farm gave way to rolling green hills, pastures, and serene beauty as far as the eye could see. It was the perfect location for filming one of the most iconic film series of all time—Lord of The Rings. The site was later used for filming The Hobbit Trilogy in 2009.
Instead of tearing down the site after filming concluded, however, it was decided that it would remain intact. To this day, forty-four reconstructed hobbit holes sprawl across the property for tourists to come visit.
Travelers can come here for a guided tour of the movie set, enjoy delicious food at a banquet, or even sip on a pint at the Green Dragon Inn!
Located in the North-Central area of New Zealand’s North Island, the Waitomo caves are a spectacular sight to behold. This magical network of 300+ caves was created by volcanic and natural geological activity over hundreds—if not thousands—of years. But that’s not even the most interesting part!
The real attraction of these caves is that they glow! They’re home to a rare glowworm species native to New Zealand.
Visitors can choose to go on a guided boat tour of the caves and float beneath the glowing walls. Or, you can also opt for a walking tour to explore the catacombs and infamous “banquet room” where it’s believed early visitors stopped to dine.
Wellington is the capital city in New Zealand and is located on the southernmost portion of the North Island.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll feel right at home in this vibrant capital. The close proximity to the sea means there are dozens of classy restaurants serving up some of the freshest seafood in the world.
Wellington is also the nation’s craft beer hub. There are more than twenty independent breweries in the area responsible for producing 200+ craft beer flavors. One brewery even uses volcanic rocks in its process to create its own unique flavor!
Don’t like beer? That’s alright! Wellington is just as famous for its dedication to perfecting a hot cup of coffee. You’ll find dozens of cafes brewing unique concoctions using coffee beans from all over the world.
If you would like to experience Wellington’s food scene in its entirety, there are plenty of food tours to help you do just that!
While the North Island is the larger of the two, the South Island still has plenty to offer. One of the most interesting attractions is Larnach Castle. Built in 1871, this landmark has a number of interesting features, including a 3,000 square foot ballroom, a tower with breathtaking views of the water, and intricate victoria-era-inspired gardens.
The best part is you can actually stay here! Depending on your budget, there are three different types of accommodations:
If you enjoy architecture, a stay at Larnach Castle is well worth the expense.
Also on the South Island, you can find the urban art trail in Christchurch. Here you’ll marvel underneath hundreds of massive murals painted by all sorts of different artists.
The nice thing about this trail is that, unlike a gallery that may follow a particular theme, the trail allows you to experience countless styles of art in a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere.
This is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy!
Add a little style to your travels on your trip to New Zealand with a sleek, comfortable pair of shoes from UIN—we’re a company that creates artistic shoes for travelers!
]]>Here are Europe’s best hidden gems for 2021!
This little resort town is often considered to be “the pearl of France” and it’s not hard to see why.
Scattered across the shores here are more than a dozen private beaches with bar service, seating arrangements, and a whole lot of ocean views. There are also plenty of free public options if you’re traveling on a budget.
When you’re not enjoying your favorite cocktail while relaxing on the beach, there are also a myriad of things to do in Menton. For example, you might want to consider checking out Musée des Beaux-Arts—a luxurious 18th-century palace that served as the former summer home of the Princes of Monaco. Inside you’ll find countless pieces of priceless art to feast your eyes on.
This fishing village is part of the city of Opatija, which can be found in Western Croatia. Based on its close proximity to the Adriatic sea, Volosko is a great place to visit for anyone who enjoys a plate of fresh seafood.
Or, if you like to spend some time out on the sea yourself, Volosko provides the perfect conditions for sailing and windsurfing due to the daily thermal winds that blow in from the North.
There’s also a vibrant art scene here. You’ll be able to explore a number of different galleries and take in performances from various Jazz groups in the area.
Durbuy is often called “the smallest city in the world.” But don’t let this name fool you, there are several interesting activities tourists can participate in.
This Belgian city places an immense emphasis on sustainability. Here you’ll find sustainable hiking trails, restaurants, and more.
The nice thing about Durbuy is that it’s very easy to get to. In fact, you can just hop on a train in Belgium and be there in about four hours!
Once you arrive, there’s plenty to see. For example, you can check out Topiary Park where you can admire 250 intricate hedge sculptures scattered across a 1-hectare plot of land.
After a day of sightseeing, refuel at La Table de Manon, where you can choose from several delectable and artistic culinary masterpieces.
Just off the coast of Pontevedra in Galicia, Spain, you can find the Cies Islands. The Cies are made up of a collection of three islands—Monteagudo, do Faro, and San Martiño.
This group of islands has been an established nature reserve for more than fifty years. This means there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities for those who like to view animals in their natural habitats!
Monteagudo and do Faro are connected by a narrow strip of land and are considered by many to have some of the most breathtaking beaches in all of Europe.
However, be careful. Because this is a nature reserve, the Cies have a high standard of respect for the land. This means it’s important to be extremely respectful of the native animals and plant life when visiting these islands.
Visby is an urban center in Sweden and arguably the most well-preserved medieval city in any of the Scandinavian countries. Safe to say, if you’re fascinated by medieval life, you’ll have a great time in Visby!
Here you’ll find all the architectural features you’d expect from a traditional medieval civilization, including cobblestone streets and tall fortifying walls.
Aside from reveling in the rich history of the city structures themselves, you can take a trip to Gotlands Museum where you’ll find a range of ancient artifacts that include a robust collection of Viking stone-era pictures.
While soaking in all the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes on your European adventure, it’s important to have a stylish, comfortable pair of shoes.
With more than a hundred different styles and designs to choose from, UIN has you covered!
You can browse our entire selection of travel shoes here!
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This enchanting scenery means people around the world will press pause on everyday life to begin packing their bags for their next travel adventure.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 8 of the most beautiful autumn travel destinations to visit this year:
Pack your bags, because we’re taking off!
Just a short drive from Tokyo, you’ll find one of the best autumn travel destinations in the world—Mount Fuji.
Deep red maple trees and shimmering bronze cherry trees surround the beautiful lakes at the base of this iconic volcano mountain.
The state of Vermont is steeped in American history. But it’s also one of the prettiest places to visit in autumn.
Nature lovers will be in heaven surrounded by an array of gorgeous red, orange, and yellow leaves hanging off the maple trees here. You’ll also find a number of festivals and events to commemorate this magical time of year!
In addition to a rich culture, Italy hosts breathtaking autumn scenery.
Visit the Tuscany countryside during this season and you’ll be simply overwhelmed by the myriad of colors blanketing the numerous orchards in the area.
And, if you have a taste for exquisite food and fine wine, there’s no better place to be!
Work credit to https://www.hdwallpapers.net/world/summer-in-tuscany-italy-wallpaper-368.htm
Along with enjoying the gorgeous fall foliage, there are plenty of things to do in Paris.
Sip a hot cup of espresso at one of the many cafes that line the streets. Take in the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Marvel at the work of Divinci and Van Gogh during a guided tour at the Lourve. Or, enjoy a romantic dinner at one of nine Michelin 3-Star restaurants in Paris.
In Aspen, you get to experience the wonderful contrast of dense, colorful fall foliage set against a backdrop of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.
Whether you’d like to hike, bike, or ride a gondola to the top of a mountain, Aspen is truly an outdoor lover’s dream!
Follow the Rocky Mountains North from Aspen, and you’ll end up in Alberta, Canada. Glimmering turquoise lakes and a diverse wildlife population create a magical atmosphere for all who visit.
Canmore, Jasper, and Banff are all great places to check out during autumn in Alberta.
From mid-September to November, the scenery in Seol completely transforms. Leaves change from green to brilliant shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, and gold.
You’ll find a number of National Parks in Korea with extensive networks of hiking trails for those who like to stay active. You can even take part in guided tours that will take you to all the best spots for sightseeing.
There are countless fun activities to enjoy during an autumn vacation to London.
Consider yourself a theatre buff? Take in a show at the Royal Theatre House.
Like to meet new people? Roam the city and meet new friends during one of the many fall festivals that take place in the city.
Or, you can simply walk the streets and enjoy the endless gold foliage that stretches through London during this time of year. The options are endless!
Explore the world in style this autumn. UIN has a wide selection of fall-inspired footwear perfect for wherever your travels take you!
Remember—be bold, be adventurous, and live your life to the fullest!
]]>Most people who take a trip to Jamaica fall in love with this country’s relaxed island culture and warm, welcoming people.
There are dozens of fun activities to do and spectacular attractions to see in this vibrant Caribbean island country. In this article, we’ve highlighted some of our favorites.
So sit down, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s start planning your escape to Jamaica!
Just a short distance away from Ocho Rios—one of Jamaica’s most popular tourist hot spots—Dunn’s river offers a spectacular display of cascading falls and wading pools.
These falls stretch as high as 600 feet at their highest point.
For the more adventurous travelers, you can even climb up the falls with the help of local tour guides. In total, the climb to the top of the falls takes about 1-2 hours—perhaps longer if you want to get the perfect picture!
This work is licsenced under https://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisschoenbohm/5375527558
This work is licsenced under https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jamaica_Martha_Brea_River.jpg
The Martha Brae River meanders about 20 miles through Jamaica’s lush, tropical rainforests. During your journey, you might catch a glimpse of capuchin monkeys, gray fox, spotted paca, and other cute critters!
After boarding the raft from a concrete pier, you’ll be escorted down the river by one of eighty-five experienced tour guides
This excursion is perfect for couples who want to escape crowded tourist destinations and have some time together while enjoying gorgeous scenery on the banks of the turquoise Martha Brae waters.
This park was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 and can be found just an hour’s drive from Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city.
There’s plenty to do in this sprawling 41,198-hectare park. From breathtaking hikes and nature walks to bird watching and camping, there’s something to pique the interest of any traveler.
Not the active type? That’s okay! There’s also plenty of non-intensive activities for you to enjoy. For example, you can treat your taste buds to the Holywell Coffee Tour—a 90-minute tour that concludes with a sampling session at the packaging house.
This work is licsenced under https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jamaica_Martha_Brea_River.jpg
“Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be all right.” - Bob Marley
Of course, no visit to Jamaica is complete without checking out the Bob Marley Museum. This riveting attraction is located on the site of Bob Marley’s former home. You’ll receive a fascinating insight into the talented musician’s life and the creative process he used to make his music.
If you enjoy reggae music, the Bob Marley Museum is a must-see attraction!
The Blue Hole is a tropical oasis perfect for spending an afternoon.
You’ll find a crystal-clear turquoise pool surrounded by dense jungle foliage. While the pool itself looks relatively small, it’s actually extremely deep—up to twenty feet in some areas!
For the thrill-seekers out there, you can test your nerve by jumping from the 15-foot cliff ledges hanging over the pool.
Or, if you just want to relax, you might prefer to book a massage or mud session at the top of the cliff.
With so many sights to see in this picturesque island country, you’re going to be spending a lot of time on your feet.
UIN has an entire selection of lightweight, comfortable footwear with Caribbean-inspired designs perfect for your time here!
[Photo credit to https://greecetravelideas.com/]
Plenty of sunshine. Exquisite beaches. Rich culture and history. These are all things you’ll find on a vacation to Greece.
With so many things to do and sights to see, it’s hard to pick just a few to focus on for your trip.
But that’s alright - we’ve done the legwork for you! If you’re thinking of traveling to Greece for the first time, here are three ways to spend your time.
If you’re looking to stay active during your vacation to Greece, then you should consider making the trek up Mount Olympus.
Located on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia, Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in all of Greece!
The highest peak, Mytakis, stretches an impressive 2,917 meters above the ground. Due to its dizzying height, Mount Olympus is frequently referenced as “the home of the Gods” in Greek mythology.
The elevated terrain in this area features a rich, diverse mix of animal and plant life so nature lovers will feel right at home here.
Approximately 10,000 climbers make the ascent up Mount Olympus every year. However, only a percentage of them make it to the highest peak because the final portion of the hike is a Grade III scramble that requires technical rock climbing skills.
But don’t let that put you off - many of the lower peaks offer spectacular views without the difficulty encountered on Mytakis.
If you’d like a little more structure for your adventure up Mount Olympus, guided hikes are available.
[Photo credit to https://www.greecetravel.com/trekking/mount-olympus/index.htm]
For those with an eye for design and an appreciation for fine architecture, you’ll love the intricate buildings in Santorini.
This unique city is located on an island on the Agean Sea about 200km from the Greek mainland.
Interestingly, this island wasn’t always there. It was created 3,600 years ago as a result of one of the largest recorded Volcanic eruptions in history.
High above the sea on towering cliffs you’ll find an array of domed buildings with colorful blue and white exteriors.
[Photo credit to https://www.travelpulse.com/destinations/europe/greece/santorini.html]
There are also plenty of fun activities to try out, including:
The island of Santorini was formerly named the world’s top island by Travel + Leisure Magazine and hosts an estimated 2 million tourists every year.
Looking for guidance in your life? Then there’s no better place to visit than Delphi - UNESCO World Heritage Site and former home to the Oracle of Delphi.
It is believed that followers would travel hundreds of miles from surrounding areas to seek wisdom from the esteemed Oracle.
Although the Oracle is long gone, many architectural marvels have stood the test of time and are still standing today.
These include several temples where people would come to pray to the gods, a massive stadium for sports and competition, a theater for entertainment, and other impressive ancient ruins.
These fascinating ruins paint a vivid picture of what it was like to live in Ancient Greece at the time!
[Photo credit to https://www.thisisathens.org/excursions-day-trips/day-trip-delphi]
Whether you’re reveling in the architectural wonders of the area or making the ascent to the top of Mount Olympus, you’re going to be spending your fair share of time on your feet.
That’s why it’s important to have a comfortable pair of shoes for your journey.
UIN specializes in shoes designed specifically for travelers. Every pair features a light design that packs easily into a suitcase. UIN also provides more design choices than almost any other footwear brand!
We also have an entire collection of Greece-inspired footwear with designs derived from this amazing country.
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Discovering the roots of some of the world’s greatest civilisations? Partying all night or exploring all day? All this while immersing yourself in an array of languages, cuisines and cultures. Well, it’s easier than you’d think. Using NOMAD from Kiwi.com, you can hop between these islands — or indeed, between any destinations you choose — for far less than you’d think.
In contrast to the rich, haughty north, the Umbrian hillsides, the glory of Rome or the fervoured passion of the south, Sicily is one unto itself. Not yet overrun by tourists, it’s at once rugged and soft, laid-back and manic, part of Italy and yet not.
The three largest cities — Palermo, Catania and Messina — present three very different faces of the island. Palermo, the capital, is an opulent place of gastronomy, marketplaces, and architecture that shows its history as the meeting place of Mediterranean cultures; unusual Arab-Norman structures dominate the ancient skyline.
Catania, on the other hand, is not as immediately pretty, more of a slow-burner, but very much worth your time. In the shadow of the ominously looming Mount Etna, its streets are paved with volcanic rock, and at pavement cafes locals stop for a spot of granita, a coffee and a chat. It has a slightly more alternative feel to Palermo, and you can read about it a lot more in-depth here.
And Messina? Well, since its founding by the Greeks in the 8th century BCE, its history has been one of destruction and rebirth. Reaching its peak in the 17th century as one of the grandest cities in Europe, it has been speculated that Messina was the place at which the plague entered Europe, killing 48,000 people. It was devastated in 1783 by an earthquake, again in 1894, and for a third time in 1908, this time also being hit by a tsunami for good measure. However, a mammoth rebuilding effort restored much of the city to its former glory, and there are many fabulous things to be seen.
Add to these the elegance of Syracuse, the cliffs and beaches of Licata, untouched Cefalu, and much more besides, and you might never want to leave. But what kind of island-hopping holiday would that be?
Despite being one of the 18 regions of France, Corsica has a long history with Italy, having been ruled over by the Republic of Genoa, and spending time as an Italian-speaking independent republic. To this day, Italian is recognised as an official regional language on the island, and many other cultural elements remain.
That’s not to say that la dolce vita isn’t also la belle vie, as the heady mixture of both Italian and French elements makes Corsicans a proud law unto themselves in many ways. They do, however, retain a very Franco-Italian love of good wine, good food and good friendship, so what’s not to like about that?
In a lot of places you can see Corsica described as a mini continent, and with good reason. Jutting sharply out of the Mediterranean as it does, you can lie on some of Europe’s most gorgeous beaches, the sparkling blue water lapping at your feet, and within half an hour be up in the sawtooth mountains, surrounded by ancient forests and discovering tiny, beautiful villages that seem to have been frozen in time.
Home to countless myths and legends from one of the world’s greatest civilisations, Crete, and its capital Heraklion, is one of Europe’s fastest growing tourist destinations. This doesn’t mean to say that it’s overflowing, mind you; just that people are starting to realise that there’s a lot to do and see.
One of the most famous sites in the surrounding area is the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, home of the labyrinth that housed the legendary Minotaur. It’s the largest architectural site on the island (and it’s up against quite a bit of competition), and has been called Europe’s oldest city.
Indeed, at its peak in around 1700 BCE, the palace and surrounding city boasted a population of almost 100,000, incredible by the standards of the time. Palatial structures, columns, pottery, restored frescoes (one featuring a charging bull, naturally) and more are all visible, giving visitors a real sense of how it would have looked nearly 4,000 years ago.
Culturally, that’s just one of many reasons to love Crete. Minoan, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman buildings dot the land, giving an instant sense of the societies that have grown, expanded, had their moment, then faded. The lives of millions of people, of ideas, political systems, languages and cultures are all in stark evidence.
Indeed, Crete feels almost like an entire country in one island. Palm groves and beaches give way to a spine of snow-capped mountains topping out with Mt. Idha at 2,456 m, so there’s something for every type of traveller. This is also true when it comes to places to stay. For every 5-star luxury resort, there’s a room in a villager’s cottage for which you’re expected to help out. Eclectic really is the word for it.
Malta’s long and complicated history has left a raft of intriguing legacies behind it, from a language descended from a now-extinct branch of Arabic, to the enigmatic Knights of St. John and the Temple Builders, and on to some of the most scenic natural sights in all of Europe.
The capital, Valletta, tumbles down to the seafront, with both expensive yachts and traditional fishing boats nestled calmly in its waters. Glorious, fortified Mdina, is home to St. Paul’s Cathedral — a dominant thump of a building that is beautifully traced by the dusk of an evening — as well as endless lanes and squares that are a string of charming surprises to anyone taking a wander through them. You’ll have to book in advance to see the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola, a World Heritage Site that’s an underground burial place and temple, incredibly dating back to 3600 BCE.
There’s more stunning subterrain to see outside of the city. Ninu’s Cave on Gozo — a small island just to the north-east of mainland Malta — as well as the nearby Xerri’s Grotto, are unusual in that you have to access both through family homes! A family member will give you a guided tour of each. Also on Gozo, Calypso’s Cave is steeped in myth, it supposedly being the place where the sea nymph Calypso imprisoned Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey.
All this sits in harmony with the contemporary face of Malta, a mix of 21st-century worldliness and sophistication that picks and chooses when it appears amongst the reminders of history. Valletta was European Capital of Culture as recently as 2018, reinvigorating it as a centre for art and design, while the locals are welcoming and friendly. After all, they know how lucky they are to be living somewhere as magical as this.
—Blog Credit to David Szmidt