Results for Hydra

A guide for picturesque Hydra island, the perfect gateway from Athens. A place with no cars and lots of beauty.

Three blissful days on these two sister islands a short ferry ride from Athens!

Sao Miguel Island in Azores, Portugal is filled with vibrant lakes, volcanos, lush trails, hot springs, hydrangeas, and black sand beaches. Get insights into hidden coves untouched by time, trails that lead to the heart of the island, and gastronomic secrets that dance on the palate. Packed with insider tips, breathtaking imagery, and curated itineraries, this guide is your passport to an island less traveled✨ I share everything you need to know in organized lists, and how to split up your days on the island. You can expect: 🗺 Interactive google map with everything pinned (75 pins) ❓ FAQ and other tips (such as transportation and how to split your days/activities up on the island) 🥾 Hiking trails + waterfalls (AllTrails links included) 🔍 Viewpoints for simple yet insane sights (TripAdvisor links included) 🍲 Restaurants (menu linked when available) 🏝 Beaches 💧 Hot springs & Thermal baths 🛶 Tours with links (free options also listed) 🏨 Recommended accommodations (Includes budget, mid-range, and luxury options for the following regions: Ponta Delgada, Furnas, Ribeira Grande, and Sete Cidades) 📱 Useful apps & websites 📍 BONUS: 1 week recommended itinerary + 4 day recommended itinerary ____________________________________________ **I do make a small kickback at no cost to you on some of the tours and accommodations listed on this guide** Make sure to save this guide + tag me in your adventures @theguidedtravels. I know you’ll love the island as much as I did, and I would love to see where you decide to go(:

Seven-day trek based in refugios. INTRODUCTION The Picos de Europa is a region of limestone peaks reaching over 2500 metres above sea level; the highest being Torre de Cerredo at 2650 metres. The route described here is one that I hiked alone in early summer. The best time to tackle the route is between June and September. There is more likely to be snow on the high passes in early June but they are usually not to difficult to negotiate. The Picos de Europa is not as well known as the Pyrenees or Alps and as such the hiker traffic is less and the tourist infrastructure is less developed. This makes the area feel less spoilt but it can also make it a more challenging area to explore with fewer trails and little to no signposting. Always take a map with you: the Editorial Alpina 1:25,000 maps are the best. I took these and also used the outdooractive app and downloaded the relevant map tiles. This is useful for pinpointing where you are, in what can be confusing terrain. I was lucky to have clear weather for my entire trek but I would imagine that it's pretty difficult to navigate when the cloud is down on the mountains so take a compass too. You can stay in refugios every night on this hike and wild camping is permitted above 1500m; details below. I can't recommend the Picos de Europa as a hiking destination enough. The mountains are magnificent but there are also beautiful extensive woodlands at lower altitudes, as well as meadows full of wildflowers and butterflies. The juxtaposition between the stark limestone peaks and the gentle greenery of the valleys is beguiling. DISCLAIMER: Please note that hiking in the Picos de Europa is not risk free. It is a very challenging area in which to hike. I accept no responsibility for any accidents you may experience while hiking this route. You are responsible for your own safety. Some of the dangers and difficulties are listed a little further down this guide. HOW BUSY? Unlike some of the more well know hikes around Europe this trail is less well trodden and as such the trail can be quite hard to follow at times, and at other times there is no trail! Despite this, refugios, being small, fill up fast (see below). REFUGIOS The hike is made easier if you stay in the staffed refugios where you can recharge your metaphorical batteries. Accommodation at these mountain huts is in communal dormitories and you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. It's best to book ahead as they are often full throughout the summer. Prices are around the €12-17 mark and they also do affordable meals (breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner). There is also a handful of unstaffed, very basic mountain shelters with no services and no beds but these can be a good option in an emergency. Most of the refugios only accept cash so be sure to take plenty with you before you set off as there are no ATMs! All the refugios on the route are listed in the route description below with website links. WILD CAMPING Camping is only permitted at 1500m above sea level or higher. There is not much water anywhere above this altitude so be sure to fill up when you get the chance (at refugios) before camping in a remote spot. POSADA DE VALDEON This beautiful village tucked in the valley between the Macizo Central and Macizo Occidental is a lovely place to wander for a few hours. At the centre of the village there are a number of restaurants and bars and a small square with a water fountain. If you need somewhere to stay before or after the trek you'll find hotels, guest houses and a youth hostel. There is a hotel recommendation and link in the route description. In the centre of the village is a pharmacy should you need any blister plasters! And on the road to the west of the village is the National Park office where you can find information about hiking and anything else to do with the national park. GETTING THERE From the UK there are Ryanair flights to Oviedo (Asturias airport) from London Stansted. A bit further afield you can get flights to Bilbao and Santander from the UK and the rest of Europe. Getting from the airport is a little complicated but there are buses to Posada de Valdeón from Oviedo changing in Cangas de Onis. The journey takes about 4.5hrs. There are also buses from Santander and Bilbao changing in Llanes and Riaño with the journey taking around 15hrs from Bilbao. An easier but more expensive option is to get a taxi. You could also hire a car but of course you will have to leave the car sitting idle in Posada de Valdeón while you do the hike. FLORA & FAUNA This area of northern Spain is fantastic for wildlife. At lower elevations the beech and sessile oak woodland stretches for miles over rolling hills. This is part of the boreal forest that once would have covered much of Europe and is home to roe deer, wild boar, red squirrels, pine martens and brown bears. In the skies you have a good chance of seeing griffon vultures, golden, booted and short-toed eagles, black kites and peregrines. Of the smaller passerine species the Picos are home to red-backed shrikes, black redstarts, spotted flycatchers and black woodpeckers. But it's the wildflowers in the meadows and on the woodland edges that are the real joy and most easily appreciated. Vetches, cinquefoils and orchids create a colourful patchwork of colours with butterflies bringing the whole scene to life. Look out for swallowtails, fritillaries and hairstreaks. NAVIGATION Navigation is difficult as the terrain can be confusing and in many places there is no trail whatsoever. Take a map (1:25K Editiorial Alpina maps are the best), compass and GPS and know how to use them. It's also a good idea to download the map on a relevant map app. I used the outdooractive app but others are available. WEATHER Thunderstorms are common, usually in the afternoon and these can be particularly dangerous high up in the mountains. It's best to hike early and get to a refugio by lunchtime if there are afternoon thunderstorms in the forecast. The weather in this part of Spain is very changeable as it has a maritime climate. Rain and thick fog are possible but equally long periods of warm sunshine are not unusual. The best advice I can offer is to be prepared for anything. Pack suncream and a sunhat but don't forget your waterproofs either. FALLING ROCKS Rock falls are not unusual as chamois and other hikers can dislodge rocks above you. Getting caught in a rockfall is not so common but not impossible. Be aware and if you see rocks heading your way, and cannot find cover, crouch down on the floor and pull your rucksack over your head and back. DRINKING WATER There is very little running water as these mountains are mostly comprised of permeable limestone. You will need to take plenty of water with you each day (I packed three litres every day and usually drank it all). You can fill up at the refugios and there are a few fountains / fuentes although most of the ones I saw marked on the Editorial Alpina map were dry when I found them. THE SUN Sunburn and sunstroke are both real dangers and there is little shade. Keep hydrated and wear a sun hat that covers your neck. TERRAIN In some places you need to scramble up steep rocky sections. You will need to have experience in this kind of terrain and have a head for heights! The terrain is very rocky and uneven at higher altitudes so you will need strong, sturdy footwear. Trekking poles are also invaluable in providing support and helping you across and up awkward sections. There is also a lot of steep ascent and descent on this route so you will need to be reasonably fit. DANGEROUS ANIMALS On many parts of the trail you will encounter cows. In my experience they are very docile and used to trekkers so they shouldn't be of any concern. You may also find flocks of sheep and while these aren't dangerous they are often accompanied by shepherd dogs which have been trained to keep intruders away from the flock. They can be quite intimidating when they start barking at you. If you see sheep ahead it is best to give them a wide berth, even if this means veering away from the trail for a while. If you walk directly towards or through a flock of sheep you risk agitating the shepherd dogs. Bears are not common in the Picos de Europa but there are bears in other parts of the Cantabrian Mountains, notably Somiedo National Park, not far to the west, and there is always the possibility of seeing an itinerant bear wandering through the Picos. Eurasian brown bears are not as big nor aggressive as the grizzly bears of North America so you shouldn't worry too much about an encounter. It's extremely unlikely you will see one so if you do, consider yourself very lucky. Wild boar are common in the woodlands at lower altitudes. They are not as aggressive as some people will tell you and tend to be nocturnal. I did see some in the daytime near Vegabaño. As soon as they saw me they ran away, crashing through the undergrowth. As with any large animal it's best to simply give them plenty of space to move away from you. I hope none of this advice puts you off hiking in the Picos de Europa. Yes, it's a challenging mountain area but the rewards for hiking here are great. Enjoy the hike!

Ludlow is a picturesque historic market town in south Shropshire. Bordering on Wales, Ludlow has a long and interesting borderlands history. It boasts many finely restored period buildings from medieval, Tudor and Georgian times and has a large castle. Ludlow is a market town perfect for any foodie. The thriving market takes place each week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and is a great place to buy local food. Ludlow was the first town in the UK to ever plan a food festival, the first of which occurred in 1995. The festival was extremely successful and now takes place annually in September. Whilst exploring, be sure to stay fuelled and hydrated by trying out some local cuisine. Ludlow has an array of places to snack, brunch and eat your heart out. Ludlow is located within the Shropshire Hills National Landscape (previously known as an Area of Outstanding Beauty), making it the perfect base for walkers wanting to explore this stunning part of the world. For a small town, Ludlow has such a lot to offer! But where to begin? Here's my 72 hour Ludlow Itinerary guide to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful town.

Ludlow is a picturesque historic market town in south Shropshire. Bordering on Wales, Ludlow has a long and interesting borderlands history. It boasts many finely restored period buildings from medieval, Tudor and Georgian times and has a large castle. Ludlow is a market town perfect for any foodie. The thriving market takes place each week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and is a great place to buy local food. Ludlow was the first town in the UK to ever plan a food festival, the first of which occurred in 1995. The festival was extremely successful and now takes place annually in September. Whilst exploring, be sure to stay fuelled and hydrated by trying out some local cuisine. Ludlow has an array of places to snack, brunch and eat your heart out. Ludlow is located within the Shropshire Hills National Landscape (previously known as an Area of Outstanding Beauty), making it the perfect base for walkers wanting to explore this stunning part of the world. For a small town, Ludlow has such a lot to offer! But where to begin? Here's my 72 hour Ludlow Itinerary guide to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful town.

Welcome to my completely unorganized but oh-so-helpful map of Denver! An absolute smorgasbord of my own travels and research, suggestions from friends and strangers, and many treasures found along the way, this is where I compile all things Denver for my future trips and yours. Things I particularly love that you’ll find a lot of: ☕️ Coffee shops & bakeries 🌮 Local cuisine 🏛️ Museums of all kinds 🌳 Gardens & parks 🛏️ Boutique hotels 🍕 Small regional chains with good reputations All my guides in this category are $5 per 100 places included, but since I add to these constantly, you can lock down the lowest price today and gain a lifetime access! *Great American Beer Festical held in Oct, Taste of Colorado on Labor Day Weekend. Check out CRUSH WALLS mural festival. Large Mexican immigrant population. Technically a desert, so stay hydrated!

Cannes is a beautiful, sea-side city with plenty to do and even more restaurants to choose from. We visited in July and it was (predictably) hot! - I don't know who needs to hear this, but it's pronounced "Can" not "Cans". I know, I've been saying it wrong for years too. All recommendations come with this standard advice. 1. Do the activities/ touristy things early in the morning to both avoid the higher afternoon temperatures, as well as standing around in the heat because of the crowds of tourists. 2. Make a reservation! The restaurants are quaint; if they do have space, they will sit you inside after a super hot day with no air conditioning and you'll sweat it out in a corner. 3. Hydrate. 'Nuff said.

Thailand is filled with AMAZING temples. Even if you're not really into sightseeing/exploring religious wonders, you must at least visit THREE of these! This guide includes temples in: Pattaya Ayutthaya Bangkok Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Phuket Krabi Tips: #1 Cover your knees and shoulders. Keep a scarf/cardigan or anything to do that. If your knees and shoulders are not covered, you will end up renting sarongs from each temple you visit (waste of money and time). #2 In temples, you remove your shoes to enter. Keep a pair of socks with you if you're wearing sandals to quickly pop them on. #3 Stay hydrated! Some temples will have water tanks where you can refill your water bottles. Get to see more from our travels on Instagram (@capturethisearth)✨️ Happy exploring!

Embark on a three-day odyssey through Lisbon's enchanting blend of history and modernity. Day one unfolds in Alfama, revealing Lisbon Cathedral and Carmo Convent, complemented by local dining gems. Day two ventures through LX Factory, Belem, and Pink Street, highlighting iconic landmarks and culinary delights. Day three transports you to the UNESCO town of Sintra, exploring Pena Palace and hidden gems like Tascantiga. Handpicked Viator tours enhance the experience, ensuring a rich immersion into Lisbon's cultural tapestry, with an array of gastronomic delights woven throughout. Wear comfortable shoes, as Lisbon's streets are cobblestone and hilly. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during your exploration. Allow flexibility in your schedule to linger in places that capture your interest.

Known as the "Green Island", Sao Miguel is the largest and most populated island in the Azores. Filled with beautiful lakes, waterfalls, volcano craters and endless fields of hydrangeas, it's absolutely a stunning destination. By putting this guide together, I wanted to help you make the most out of your time in Sao Miguel. This guide includes 👉 Advice on getting to Sao Miguel 👉 Guidelines on renting a car 👉 12 Hotel recommendations (at least half of which I've personally visited) 👉 23 Places to explore 👉 9 Suggested excursions 👉 21 Restaurant and bar recommendations and so much more!

The Peloponnese is a large peninsula located in southern Greece, connected to the mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth. It is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and ancient ruins. Peloponnese is a historical treasure since it is steeped in ancient history and mythology. It was the heart of ancient Greek civilization and is home to numerous archaeological sites, including Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Mystras. Exploring these ancient ruins allows you to immerse yourself in the wonders of the past, and maybe you can become the next Indiana Jones or Heinrich Schliemann. It's also home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Peloponnese region boasts breathtaking landscapes, from rugged mountains and lush forests to beautiful beaches and coastal cliffs. For adventure seekers, the Peloponnese offers opportunities for activities like hiking, rock climbing, water sports, and sailing. It's an ideal destination for year-round travel. This travel guide will lead you through the Peloponnese region and uncover the hidden history.

Downtown Athens is a sensory overload of narrow streets, chock-a-block apartments, bric-a-brac shops, and ancient ruins around every twisted corner. A jumble of contradictions—old and new, glamour and grit—but the city buzzes with creative energy, ancient sites, and offbeat gems worth exploring. We're here to help you navigate this wonderful city! Thrilled to offer our design lover’s city guide, featuring a handpicked collection of stays, eats, and experiences in Athens. Our CityKITs gently nudge travelers off the beaten path, encouraging aesthetic and positive-impact exploration that benefits travelers, local communities, and the environment. The CityKIT includes: - 4 recommended conscious boutique hotels in Athens - 6 favorite spots for Coffee & Nibbles - 6 favorite lunch spots - 9 favorite restaurants to grab dinner - 9 cool bars and roof terraces - 7 suggested places to walks and explore the city - 5 museums and must-see sites - 5 offbeat experiences in Tbilisi - 6 recommended places for art and design lovers - 5 recommendations to shop

Copenhagen, the vibrant capital of Denmark, seamlessly combines rich history with modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers worldwide. Nestled on the eastern coast of the island of Zealand, this city boasts a picturesque waterfront, charming cobblestone streets, and an array of cultural treasures. This guide includes: - introductory note - places to visit (museums and cultural venues,, open squares, beaches and others) - photo spots Get to see more from my travels on my Instagram (@pedralexpereira) and Flickr (flickr.com/photos/pedralexpereira)

Welcome to the pristine wilderness of Canada's most iconic national parks – Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, and Jasper. Embark on an unforgettable journey through these breathtaking landscapes, where towering mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and verdant forests await your exploration. Lace up your boots, breathe in the crisp alpine air, and let our guide lead you through a tapestry of natural wonders, immersing you in the untamed beauty and rich biodiversity of these remarkable wilderness areas. Your next unforgettable adventure begins here. *** WHAT YOU GET IN THIS GUIDE *** - 70 curated spots. Way more than any traditional guide! - A FREE 7 day itinerary - Discount suggestions where possible - A collection of EASY, MEDIUM and HARD trails for day hiking. - Beautiful pictures of Canada's rocky mountains - A collection of good cafes, restaurants and coffee shops. - A collection of outdoor stores for mountain gear. - Fun trips for beginner and seasoned adventurers. - A packing list for outdoor adventures. - A list of important, must-know information such as a wildlife, seasonal information and useful tips from someone who has hiked the Rockies. *** WHO YOU SUPPORT THROUGH YOUR PURCHASE *** Meet Rachelle, a fervent outdoor enthusiast hailing from Maastricht, whose very essence thrives amidst the beauty of the natural world. With an unyielding passion for outdoor travel and a profound love for hiking, Rachelle has become a modern-day explorer, traversing untamed paths and scaling peaks in pursuit of exhilarating adventures. In sharing her outdoor odysseys, she kindles a spark within others to embrace the allure of the great outdoors. Their adventurous narrative beckons fellow wanderers to heed the call of the wild, lace up their boots, and set forth on the trail of discovery. As we embark on this journey alongside her, their story becomes an anthem to the joys of hiking, reminding us that the path less traveled is often the most rewarding.

After living in Tulum for a month, these spots became my favorites. Whether you are looking for a quick bite to eat or a full dinner experience, I've got you covered. A complete Guide to Quintana Roo and Playa Del Carmen coming soon ✨

Japanese domestic tourism is a vibrant industry, largely fuelled by the desire to witness the fleeting beauty of seasonal changes. This guide will introduce you to some of the unique ways the seasons are celebrated in Japan.

Planning a trip to Chiang Mai can be tricky because it is a vast city with a hilly landscape and extensive natural areas. Chiang Mai has specific districts (or provinces) for flower fields, elephant sanctuary, rice fields, urban life, and villages of various ethnic groups, so your route in Chiang Mai will vary significantly depending on the activities and experiences you choose. This Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai map covers every district you need to know before planning your trip and its highlights. This Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai MAP is for those who... 🌸 love the freedom of choosing your activities 🍓 explore hidden gems and unique experiences 🌷 prefer flexible schedules 💌 travel solo, in groups or with your loved ones Over 100 handpicked places covering... 🗺️ popular and lesser explored areas - the city, Pai, Mae Hong Son, Mae Rim 🎐 practical advice including transportation suggestions, the best months to visit, unique Northern Thai culture and more! This is NOT for those who... 🌨️ seek a ready-made trip 🎧 are not an adventurer

Planning a trip to Chiang Mai can be tricky because it is a vast city with a hilly landscape and extensive natural areas. Chiang Mai has specific districts (or provinces) for flower fields, elephant sanctuary, rice fields, urban life, and villages of various ethnic groups, so your route in Chiang Mai will vary significantly depending on the activities and experiences you choose. This Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai map covers every district you need to know before planning your trip and its highlights. This Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai MAP is for those who... 🌸 love the freedom of choosing your activities 🍓 explore hidden gems and unique experiences 🌷 prefer flexible schedules 💌 travel solo, in groups or with your loved ones Over 100 handpicked places covering... 🗺️ popular and lesser explored areas - the city, Pai, Mae Hong Son, Mae Rim 🎐 practical advice including transportation suggestions, the best months to visit, unique Northern Thai culture and more! This is NOT for those who... 🌨️ seek a ready-made trip 🎧 are not an adventurer

The ultimate guide to U.S. Roadside attractions, oddities, special museums and "worlds largest" record holders all across the country. With a collection of over 180 locations spread across the U.S. add a roadside attraction to your next car ride. Stops like these make for a lifetime of silly memories and the best road trip filler destinations. The Central Midwest is home to the vast majority of these silly show stopping attractions, but every state is represented at least once with a special stop. Explore a wide collection of roadside attractions, oddities, enormous objects and a whole lot of fun by state below.