Category: Southern Europe

Macedonia, where the sun shines forever according to the song is exactly the description of this country where the sun always shines in the Balkans’ scenic heart. Travel Macedonia and experience the hospitality of its people who loves music, dances and have fun. They simply know how to make their guests feel at home.

Macedonia, also known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is quite visited because of its low economic and social status within the community of Europe.

Geography

Macedonia is located at the South Eastern Europe and the north of Greece. The Map of Macedonia references Europe and can be compared to a state in the U.S. It is slightly larger than Vermont.

3 Key Destinations in Macedonia

If you plan to go overseas, make sure to have comprehensive travel insurance to prepare for any worst things that may happen on your way. Taking this approach would prevent any nasty situations like medical or hospital bills during your holiday trip.

It has not been long ago since the Western Europeans have discovered this hidden treasure in the east. Although Macedonia has struggles to survive in terms of its economic and political status, tourism has never been compromised.

These are 3 of the most popular destinations to travel Macedonia

• The Monasteries – It is quite a surprise that Macedonia has the affluence of historical monasteries scattered all over the country. Their monasteries are remains of the Orthodox Christian belief dating back to 1000 A.D. Although the Sveti Jovan Bigorski monastery has been affected by a fire last 2009, majority of it stands unaffected.
• The Lake Ohrid – The crystal clear, blue green waters of this splendid lake is just the right place to visit. The township being located on the border of Macedonia and the eastern part of Albania has been developed into a mecca for German tourists whose looking for a more reasonable deal compared to the more expensive destinations in the Mediterranean coastline.
• The Strumica – This adorable town is the largest in the Eastern part of Macedonia which has an eclectic array of old monasteries, modern bars and cafes, and architectural remains of the flamboyant Middle East. The place can be associated with some parts of Paris, without much expense. This makes a fun and luxurious holiday without breaking the bank.

Weather and Climate in Macedonia

It sure was great to know the best scenic spots around Macedonia, but what is the perfect time to enjoy those tourists’ destinations? Find out the weather and climate of the country for you to know when you will book your vacation in Macedonia. Between the months of May to October are the best times to visit Macedonia. These are the warmest and among the driest seasons of the year. The usual temperature during summer is 73 degree Fahrenheit or 23 degree Celsius yet you may need some sweater at night. Winters here are extremely cold often drizzly, windy and snowy, most especially in the north and its interior. It snows much during winter which may cause some delays on your travel.

Gastronomy

Aside from key tourist spots, each traveller wants to experience the best cuisines of any countries they visit. Macedonia’s cuisine combines Mediterranean and Balkan traits that have been largely inherited from Turkish taste prevailing from the centuries of Ottoman rule. Some dishes include Masnic, or a pastry rolled into spiral with some fillings like pumpkin, sweet potatoes or cheese. Slatki is also known to be one of the best bread filled with Burek and cheese.

Greece is considered the tourism capital of Europe. Situated on the Confluence of the Aegean, Mediterranean and Ionian seas, Greece has a history and culture that is steeped in its maritime past. As a result all of Europe and much of the rest of the world holidays in Greece. However this domination of the tourist dollar is being chipped away at by countries like Spain, Italy and even Croatia.

Things to see and do in Greece

Greece offers many types of vacations. Group Vacations If you are young and looking for fun then Greece can cater for you. Young people, group travel packages and backpacking packages are well represented in Greece. However pre-booking is not always essential, especially if you are coming before the beginning or after the end of the main tourist season. These types of spontaneous holidays can often be more rewarding, especially to the younger traveller who is willing to put up with a little bit of hardship. As a bonus these types of trips can be cheaper. Historical travel – Greece has a long and well documented history. Much has been bequeathed to the modern world by the ancient Greeks. Mathematics, logic, democracy, drama, philosophy, medicine, the Olympics, justice system, the study of history (Herodotus) are some examples. Many of the sites and towns were these fundamentals of modern life were developed are still in use or are ancient monuments that can be visited. Very few countries can match Greece for this type of historical tourism. Some ancient sites that must be visited are below

• The Parthenon (Acropolis) which is located in Athens.
• Temple of Delphi which is located at the Southern slopes of Parnassos, near the modern city of Delphi.
• Olympia is the birth place of the Olympic games and is situated at the western end of the Peloponnese peninsula. However almost anywhere you go in Greece there is an ancient monument or ruin.

The Greek Isles– We cannot talk about Greece without mentioning the islands. The beaches and views on the islands of Greece are some of the most amazing on earth. Few things on earth create more wonder in the human mind than sitting on a hotel balcony in Santorini and looking across the great caldera to the still very active island of Thera. It is one of those life experiences that can change you. The real threat of danger posed by the steaming volcano, contrasted with the peaceful surrounding of the island itself leaves a real impression on ones soul. Other islands, in no particular order as they are all spectacular and have their own charm are,

• Mykonos – known for its lively night life.
• Corfu – wonderful historical sites and lively night and day life.
• Rhodes – Shaped like a spearhead it is one of Greece’s largest islands.
• Crete – The largest and most populous of the Greek isles.

There are many more and some of the littler ones are real gems, so search them out to complete that holiday of a lifetime.

Travelling around and to Greece

Getting to Greece is easy there is any number of airlines offering cheap flights to Athens. However if you have the time then a driving holiday is a great way to experience the wonders of this great nation. Car rental is relatively painless in Greece; all the larger established car rental companies have a presence here. Even when island hoping, a car is a good option. Most of the islands are serviced by large passenger and car ferries and although the roads on some of the islands can be a little rough, in general the roads and byways of Greece are well maintained. make sure you get a good road map of Greece.

Some interesting facts about Greece

The capital is Athens. Greece has a population of 11.3 million people and a land mass of a 132,000 square kilometres. It is bordered by the countries of Albania, Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaira and Turkey, 

The possibility for a lengthy break calls for the time to leave the usual family home. This is the time to visit new places where low prices and warm local hospitality are anticipated. In fact one’s holiday or vacation is the time to wind down, have time with one’s self or with loved ones and reduce strain from dreadful work and bumps of life. For this, one of the main places one should go to would be Europe. Europe has an enormously stretched tradition of excellence in literature, painting, sculpture, architecture, music, and dance with astounding and remarkable museums, musical and groundbreaking spots.

One of the more acclaimed places in Europe would be Cyprus. The copper island where the mythical origin of the goddess of love Aphrodite hailed from, Cyprus has been sought after by a succession of admirers from different countries because of its turbulent past that made extraordinary choices of edifying and marvelous richness, from Crusader castles to the tomb of Mohammed’s aunt and Palm Tree Promenade in Larnaca that highlights stand-alone effigies as well as a beautiful fountain where swimming makes the stay worthwhile. With the island’s topography of bounteous seaboard with mountainous landscape, it guarantees a year-round inviting activity. Cyprus is the tourist class island in the Mediterranean Sea and the third largest Island in Europe (in terms of area and population). Its size is 240 kilometers long from end to end and 100 kilometers wide at its widest point making the access to notable historic sites and natural wonders, tourism in the country is developing. Be sure that you have a guide book and map of Cyprus with you.

See the artifacts like still life work of arts and wall paintings in the Villa of Dionysos which is recounted to be one of the best and commonly hand-picked destinations in the Mediterranean area. Another impressive historic site in the country that non-national visitors should see is the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos that features architectural ornamentation that will take your breath away with the thought provoking underground burial chambers. For people who are interested in checking object d’arts can go to Larnaca Medieval Museum in Larnaca Fort and see the most popular and well-known CTO (Cyprus Tourist Organization) governed beach, Dhassoudi in Limmasol with its neighboring museum that facets archaeological exhibits, botanic displays and demonstrations of ancient pottery, diamond cutting and jewels. To check the notable history of the country and see the castle-like presidential palace a few minute ride will take you in the national city, Nicosia which is one of the oldest cities in the world that made as center of an independent kingdom as early as the 7th century bc. Lastly, the place where tourist always visit last, the Troodos Village, known for its attributes for the shopaholics and park

lovers, for its numerous cafes, restaurants and hotels with plentiful souvenir shops and retail stores with serpentine slides, an activity pool and a lazy river at Waterworld water park in Ayia Napa. To experience gratifying and exhilarating visit in the place, tourists are encouraged to write these places in their visiting list.

No doubt, the Cyprus is a tourist must-see. Nature has gifted it with the best sanctuaries, from flora to fauna, to offer discriminating tourists. Cyprus is a gateway committed to people looking to escape from the dreary life, where inviting beaches, and spectacular mountain trails lie around lavish hotels.