The must-see stops for a tour in northern Spain

Northern Spain : dream beaches , scents of the past but also food, museums, tradition. Here is a recommended itinerary to discover this wonderful part of the world. Obviously, to be able to make the rounds of Northern Spain without stress it is advisable to face it in a camper or motorcycle, but also by car or by the means we prefer for an unforgettable experience. From Galicia to the Basque Country the scenarios and traditions change, only the desire to explore remains the same.

Here’s what to see in Northern Spain
If we don’t know where to start, here is a tour of northern Spain , with the main things to see. We can start from a tour of the Galicia region , to admire Vigo, Santiago de Compostela and La Coruña; the journey can then continue in Asturias, where the inevitable stops are Oviedo, Lastres, and Ribadesella. At this point we recommend continuing the itinerary in Cantabria , to see Pico de Europa, Lièbana and Santander, to conclude in the Basque Country with Bilbao, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and San Sebastian.

First stop: Galicia
During the itinerary in Galicia , you will not fail to fall in love at every corner: here you can find cities rich in art and history, beaches and islands, natural parks. The first city to visit is certainly Vigo , the pearl of Galicia with its soul so tied to the sea, like its cuisine. This is why we can eat the freshest fish in Europe in the hives. From here you can easily reach the Cies Islands , defined by the Romans as the islands of the Gods. From Vigo you can also visit the Rias Baixa, coves with beaches among the most beautiful in Northern Spain.

Continue on to Santiago de Compostela . The fame of this place is due to the very frequent path that takes its name , but it deserves a visit even without having covered the entire pilgrimage: the city is in fact considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and has been proclaimed European Capital of Culture.

We can continue the tour of Northern Spain – with the camper van or motorbike – heading towards La Coruña. The city is in perfect balance between ancient and modern, greets the visitor with an unforgettable sunset from the Tower of Hercules. Da Coruña you can stretch to Finisterre, to admire the suggestive Coast of Death.

Discovering Lake Resia and its bell tower

The Reschensee is a reservoir, built since the 30s of the twentieth century to produce hydroelectric energy, using two small lakes already present, the Lake Curon and, indeed, the Reschensee through a dam. The works ended in 1950 and, in addition to joining the two lakes, caused the total flooding of the ancient village of Curon.

Even today the peculiarity of this lake is the bell tower of the ancient church of Curon, dated around the second half of the 1300s, which rises from the bottom of the lake, reminding everyone of the presence of the small submerged town . On the shores today there is the new inhabited center, which has kept the name of the ancient one.

Lake Resia is the largest basin in South Tyrol , with its six kilometers long and one kilometer wide at the point of greatest distance between the coasts. During the summer the strong wind favors the presence of innumerable kitesurf enthusiasts; along the coasts there are many cycle paths, traveled every year by many tourists.

Every summer for twenty years thousands of running enthusiasts have gathered for the Giro Lago di Resia by night , which runs around the lake on a path illuminated only by the torches and front lamps of the participants. A male and a female race that respective winners, but also a race for children, the Apple Race, which takes place in the afternoon.

The shores of Lake Resia attract many visitors every year, thanks to the pleasant and cool climate , perfect even during the hottest summer. In winter the lake freezes completely for many weeks, allowing you to reach the Curon bell tower on foot.

During the winter months it is possible to stay in Resia or Curon or San Valentino to take advantage of the ski facilities and slopes in the western area of ​​the lake; nearby there are beautiful chalets that can be rented and even small guest houses in the woods.

The atmosphere in this area of Val Venosta is enchanting and Lake Resia is well known throughout Europe; to increase its charm there are also many legends , including the one that during the winter you can still hear the bells of Curon, with the partially submerged bell tower. In reality the bells were removed from the tower during the evacuation of the town.

At the time of the creation of Lake Resia, the Alto Adige population had considered these works as an affront by the Government towards the German-speaking minority that populates this area. Many were the protests but they were worth nothing, the works of raising the lake were continued to give life to the basin that today we can all admire.

Gola del Furlo in the Marche: itineraries and trails

Few know the beautiful landscapes that Italy can offer and that have nothing to envy, not even to American canyons. In the Gola del Furlo the possible itineraries allow you to admire breathtaking landscapes. It is bordered by paths crossed by the river, which divides into two what was once a single massif.

Here you can perform many activities, from trekking to kayaking, but also climbing for the more sporty. Find out what to see and what to do at the Gola del Furlo .

The Gola del Furlo State Natural Reserve
The Gola del Furlo State Nature Reserve is a real paradise with a dream landscape that boasts truly unique specimens of flora and fauna. In the reserve there is, for example, a pair of golden eagles, the peregrine falcon nests in the rock walls while the honey buzzards and kestrels prefer the summit grasslands.

In this environment there is also the Apennine wolf, which moves to hunt deer, roe deer and wild boar. The reserve is also a reference point for those who love being in contact with the vegetation, as there are rather rare species such as Campanula tanfanii, Muscari tenuiflorum and Moehringia papulosa.

Gola del Furlo: the itineraries
In the Gola del Furlo the paths are simple and also suitable for families: they depart from the Tourist Information Point of the reserve and continue at the Candigliano floodplain area and then continue inside the Gola along the Flaminia road, up to the Grano del Grano long the pedestrian walkway created by the provincial administration.

Many people choose to go trekking along the hiking trails of the Gola del Furlo but it is better to check on the official site of the Reserve if those paths are passable and open (depending on the weather). The paths of the Gola del Furlo are many and suitable for everyone, both for the most trained sportsmen and for the simple tourists who want to enjoy a walk in the middle of nature.

On Sundays and public holidays the guides of the Reserve are available for free excursions in the protected area. Families and sports enthusiasts can enjoy a peaceful walk among the walls of the Gola del Furlo in a simple and flat path. This itinerary allows you to admire the many flowers that grow in the gorge and the animals that inhabit it like birds of prey. The routes are accessible to all (elderly, children, mothers with strollers, physical disabled, etc.) and are of short duration (1 hour and a half).

Gola del Furlo: climbing and water sports
At the Gola del Furlo, climbing can be a wonderful adventure ideal for plate lovers. But it is not for everyone: climbing requires a good deal of strength and resistance on the fingers and foot technique. The limestone is of good quality, with notches and holes, but it is not always easy to read, which is why we must already have experience. The exposure of the two sectors (east, south-east), allows for optimal scaling in mid-seasons. In winter the temperatures tend to be rigid while in summer it is possible to climb in the shade in the various sectors according to the time. This activity is allowed only on the south-eastern side of Mount Pietralata, in the site known as “Sasso Lino”.

Framura: the best trails and the most beautiful beaches

Framura is a small bay located in Liguria , near La Spezia, frequented above all by hikers, lovers of water sports and diving practitioners. This is because this slice of land overlooking the sea, is renowned for having seabed rich in flora and fauna and even a Blue Flag beach , composed of fine sand and white pebbles, is particularly pretty.

History of the village of Framura
Framura still keeps alive the echo of its origin dating back to the colonization of the pre-Roman Ligurian populations, which occupied Liguria extending its territory from the Tyrrhenian to the Po. The main inhabited center of Framura was formed around the ancient church of San Martino. After the Ligurian populations were conquered by the Romans, in the 2nd century BC, the ports of Framura became very flourishing. Subsequently, Framura and all Liguria passed under the Byzantine and then Lombard domination.

What to see in Framura
Framura is a sought after tourist resort with just 678 inhabitants. Framura is particularly suited to tourism that loves relaxing walks among the ancient paths and woods, as well as the coasts that hide splendid bays. To visit also the characteristic small port of Framura, set in a suggestive position on a rock inlet. There are also some churches to visit , such as the Parish Church of San Lorenzo, which houses “The deposition of Jesus” by the painter Luca Cambiasio. To see also the guard towers of the XVI century, testimony of the Genoese domination.

The beaches of Framura
The beaches of Framura , often reachable only through the paths, are all very characteristic, and give a feeling of isolation from the rest of the world that few other places manage to give. The main beaches are:

the Fornaci Beach, easily reachable either by car from Deiva Marina or from Framura, or on foot, via the forest path of Mount Serro, or even by train, arriving at the station of Deiva Marina. The beach is equipped and is among the most touristic in the area;
the Spiaggetta di Torsei which, due to its beauty and ease of access, is among the most popular of Framura. Even Torsei is easily reachable on foot, by bus or by car. The beach is equipped with all the comforts such as bar, toilet and shower;
the Vallà Beach, which is not a real beach but a small and sandy inlet protected by breakwaters. It can be reached from the east side of the Arena Beach or along the famous Via del Mare. The beach is not equipped;
the Arena Beach is the largest bay in Framura and perhaps the most beautiful because of the colors of its pebbles and the green vegetation that frames it. The Arena can be reached only on foot, through a path in the woods that starts from Anzo, or along the Via del Mare. The beach is not equipped.
The paths of Framura
Trekking and mountain biking in Liguria are the best way to walk the ancient paths of the area. In fact, there are many paths around Framura. In addition to the cycle path and the route from Castagnola to the small port that connects all the five villages of Framura , we remember the path that connects Castagnola with Sant’Agata, that is, with the hills of the hinterland, and what da Costa leads to the ancient castle of Vigo.

AAA sought “professional slacker”. A German company pays you for doing absolutely nothing

“Have you ever fallen asleep at work? Do you like the idea of ​​being on holiday? Do you like money? Read on”: this is how the announcement for the “easiest job in the world” written by Tui , a German company specialized in travel industry, spread in 180 countries and with more than 20 million customers. The company is looking for a “professional slacker” : its task will be to go to the office and simply relax between the walls that recall beaches and exotic places.

The ideal candidate should not have any special requirements, rather it is encouraged by the company not to be multitasking and not to constantly interact with colleagues. He must be seated for a long time and must feel uncomfortable just listening to words like “deadlines” and “being productive”. “A previous experience in sleeping at work is highly appreciated”, the announcement reads.

Rob
@retro1Rob
#tui
Professional slacker wanted. The easiest job in the world? Check it out: https://tui.se/professionalslacker …

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Professional slacker wanted. The easiest job in the world?
Have you ever fallen asleep at work? Do you like the idea of being on vacation? Do you like money? Then this job is for you.

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The chosen one, therefore, can sit all day on a deckchair, wearing a summer outfit and with his feet in the sand: he can crush some rest, read books, listen to music or meditate. The important thing for the company is that it does not do anything useful.

As the Mirror newspaper reports , it is a real job, paid and paid for now. Although the position is temporary: it will last from January 22nd to February 4th. In all probability, this is an experiment from the company or an expedient to advertise. In any case, what is certain is that there will be someone who will enjoy the benefits of all this.

The only downside? Although the office reproduces a dream location, the workplace is located in the center of cold Stockholm. But what does it matter: on the other hand, you can be lazy everywhere.

3 abandoned Italian countries worth visiting for a weekend

Beautiful landcape with th clock tower in Reschensee, mountains Dolomits and blue sky with white clouds. Location Reschenpass on the border between the South Tyrol, Italy and Austria.

Far from the city, perched on impervious cliffs and, sometimes, hidden by vegetation that has become too dense due to the passing of time and the carelessness of those who would have to deal with them. There are dozens of abandoned villages in Italy: the people who populated them often left them because they preferred to move to less isolated and easier places. In the last few centuries, some villages have been emptied of poverty and lack of work. In some cases, however, to force the inhabitants to migrate were natural disasters or the decisions of institutions that, regardless of the will of those who have always lived those centers, decided to destroy them forever, building in their place a dam, as in the case of Curon Venosta , in the province of Bolzano.

After what seemed an inexorable death, however, some uninhabited centers have experienced an unexpected rebirth. Turned into artistic villages or tourist destinations, they offer travelers unusual itineraries, in an atmosphere that is certainly different from the one that can be found in large cities or in places frequented by a large number of tourists.

Huffpost has chosen 5 little-known abandoned villages that are worth visiting for those planning a truly unforgettable trip.

1- Pentedattilo (RC)

MARCOBARONE VIA GETTY IMAGES
The name of this fraction of the Municipality of Melito Porto Salvo is due to the fortress that is behind it: they are five spiers that recall a hand of a giant. In the 1900s the inhabitants started, one after the other, to abandon Pentedattilo. Some started looking for a job, others settled downstream, where they could have led a smoother life. Floods and earthquakes, in fact, over the years had made the permanence in the village increasingly difficult.

In the ’80s, however, someone began to notice that abandoned village – and beautiful – hidden in an internal area of ​​Calabria. Some artists have opened their shop in the streets of Pentedattilo repopulating, so – also thanks to the organization of some cultural initiatives – a center that seemed destined to be forgotten by everyone, even by those who in the past had lived there. Since 2006 the Pentedattilo film festival dedicated to short films has been launched . In 2012, however, the Mutrap was inaugurated , a museum dedicated to the country’s rural traditions.

For some years now there is also the possibility of staying in the small center, thanks to a widespread hotel project .

2 – Santo Stefano di Sessanio (AQ)

DE AGOSTINI / GETTY IMAGES
This charming medieval village is located within the Gran Sasso National Park . Santo Stefano di Sessanio is one of the most striking examples of how tourism can make a place reborn. And the rebirth of this center, which for its beauty also bewitched the Medici di Firenze, began in the first years of the new millennium when a Swedish entrepreneur, Daniele Elow Kihlgren , bought part of the uninhabited houses and restored them, thus creating a widespread hotel. His idea has also attracted other investors intrigued by the particularity of this small fortified village but also by the possibility of creating a new form of business.

To see in Santo Stefano di Sessanio the historic buildings, the remains of the tower, the walls and the church dedicated to the saint who gives the name to the village.

3 – Curon Venosta (BZ)

ELENA KRIVOROTOVA VIA GETTY IMAGES
A bell tower appears in the middle of a lake. It is not a hallucination, but what remains of Curon Venosta. In 1950, the town was submerged by water due to the construction of a dam. The inhabitants opposed with all their strength to the decision of the authorities to unite the three natural lakes of the area into one. They also turned to the Pope but, in the end, they had to surrender to see their homes disappear under the ever-increasing water.

Today that bell tower has become the symbol of Val Venosta attracts tourists and curious in all seasons. In winter, in fact, snow lovers can go skiing in the areas of Belpiano, Malga San Valentino and Maseben, which are the closest facilities to the town. But those who practice winter sports can also try to surf on the frozen lake, from which the Romanesque bell tower appears.

In the warmer seasons, on the other hand, it is possible to hike, even by bike, immersed in nature.

From art to vineyards, promenade to Montmartre to discover the thousand faces of Paris

Très français and multicultural together. Welcome to a colorful segment of Paris to discover: the 18th arrondissement: to understand it is what includes the legendary artistic district of Montmartre , but also the red-lighted area of ​​Pigalle and the extravagant La Chapelle.

An area that allows you to immerse yourself in the deepest Parisian tradition and, in a few steps, to be catapulted into distant countries, experiencing a whole series of sensations, smells, sounds and surprising and engaging scenarios. Moreover, for 2018, this perimeter of the Ville lumiére has a new personality at every corner. So, for those planning a flight over Paris in the coming months, a little guide to discovering the old and the new in this unmissable arrondissement. To be strictly on foot.

It starts, ça va sans dire , from the heart and it is a must to get lost in the streets of Montmartre, immediately putting on your agenda a visit to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart : the incredible view of all that Paris enjoys from the square and the front steps is one of the best memories of the entire stay. But the district still reserves surprises: one of these is the vigne de Montmartre , the oldest vineyard in the entire city, where even today the most traditional vines of French viticulture are cultivated, as well as a selection of vigorous and fertile hybrids.

The wine tradition of Montmartre lives its moment of maximum splendor in the month of October: those who pass from here in that period can participate in the Fête des Vendanges , the event that celebrates the harvest with tastings of artisanal and regional products, dances, walks, conferences, concerts, guided tours and exhibitions.

Not far away, on rue St-Vincent, here is the Jardin sauvage , enigmatic and poetic: abandoned for a long time, this piece of land, due to negligence, had been invaded by elder trees, specimens of a digital plant, brambles, ivy and even from colonies of wild insects. One day the landscape artists of the city decided to clean up the whole area, but faced with the spectacle that nature had created, it was decided to leave the “wild garden” intact to preserve its ecosystem and biodiversity. Today the Jardin sauvage is open to the public every Saturday from April to October, with a guided tour.

Walking through Montmartre means passing strictly from the characteristic Place du Tertre , a true symbol of the iconic Parisian hillock: at number 3 of this square, in 1790, was the town hall of the city of Montmartre. And right here, at number 6, the term “bistrot” was born at the À la Mère Catherine restaurant – founded in 1793.

Travel experts explain why we always come back to the same places

Usually, hardened travelers want to visit the most diverse places in the world. However, there are such special destinations that even the most adventurous want to return there several times.

But what makes such an important and irresistible place? Huffpost spoke with some travel experts to find out.

Without further ado, here are the ten qualities that make a destination worthy of a second visit. Keep this in mind if you are looking for a beautiful destination to review.

The affective value

I believe that many travelers revisit the places for their emotional value, the emotional bond created thanks to the wonderful experiences made in those places – often with family and friends “, s fold Nancy Schretter , managing editor of Family Travel Network.” As the bond becomes stronger, for visitors it is unthinkable not to return “.

Emotional connection can have deep roots. “One of my specialties is to plan the so-called Ancestral Destination Adventures: during these trips, the members of an extended family return to a city or a nation several times, even if they no longer know each other in their” country of origin “. HuffPost Lisa Vogele , travel consultant and writer.

“A client went to Ireland to visit her ancestors’ farm She met the current inhabitants who spent a few hours with her and her daughter, telling them what they knew about their previous owners. who has returned to Ireland to visit other places related to her family history “.

The link with the local culture and community.

“The places I want to go back to are those where I felt a strong connection with the place or the culture, a need to explore again and immerse myself beneath the surface”, explains Alex Reynolds, Lost With Purpose travel blogger . “The tourist attractions are beautiful and expensive, but it is the welcome you receive from people to leave a lasting impression, and I will also be able to tick all the items on my list of breathtaking views, but I will never stop learning from people and their culture”.

Creating personal relationships can be extremely powerful. “I’ve been in Italy ten times,” says Vogele. “Seven times out of ten I stopped in Bologna because what started as a acquaintance with three colleagues of my mother (who should have been my guide) turned out to be a precious friendship, even deeper when even between our partners have created a bond “.

“People come back to the same place to see friends and live with their communities,” Molly McCorkle, a senior editor at Ahotellife.com , told HuffPost . “Tulum, Ibiza, Burning Man, Mykonos … wonderful places that the community, with a conscious approach, helps to create and evolve.

An important historical heritage.

Even the interest in a particular historical period or a characteristic of a nation can act as a driving factor – the Renaissance in Italy, the “royal family” in England or the reconstruction of historical events, “explains Vogele. with a rich history to explore.

“A country like Italy is amazing!”, So travel writer and photographer Michael Luongo at Huffpost. “It boasts the largest number of UNESCO heritage sites and there are places of great cultural and archaeological interest – and just a few kilometers from your last trip, you can discover something completely different”.

Isola Bella and Castelluccio di Norcia: 2 “little known” but unmissable destinations in Italy (for many good reasons)

View of Isola Bella, Lake Maggiore, Piedmont, Italy, steel engraving, ca 13×11 cm, from Italie pittoresque, Tableau Historique et descriptif de l’Italie, du Piemont, de la Sardaigne, de mortars, de la Sicile et de la Corse, published by Amable Costes, 1834-1836, Paris. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)

They have been included among the 23 most “incredible but almost unknown” places in the world by the Independent. And, in fact, Isola Bella , on Lake Maggiore, and Castelluccio di Norcia , in Umbria, are destinations that are worth knowing. Rare gems, far from mass tourism, seem almost suspended over time. Huffpost has collected five reasons why it is better not to get away from it.

BEAUTIFUL ISLAND

Perfect destination for a romantic weekend getaway, Isola Bella will know how to fill the heart and the eyes of those who want to admire it. Located in Piedmont, in front of Stresa, which is just 400 meters away, it is one of the most loved places on Lake Maggiore. To reach it, just take one of the ferries that depart every day from the piers of Stresa or Verbania: in a few minutes you will be sucked by its innate elegance and its triumph of architecture and precious gardens. Here are five reasons why it is worth visiting:

1. To get lost among the beauties of the Italian Garden

OLAF PROTZE VIA GETTY IMAGES
ISOLA BELLA, PIEDMONT, ITALY – 2016-06-06: Fountain at the terraced garden of Palazzo Borromeo at Isola Bella, Lago Maggiore. (Photo by Olaf Protze / LightRocket via Getty Images)
The Isola Bella Garden is a real paradise: the eyes and spirit can recharge at the sight of rare plants, statues and magnificent architectural decorations. Composed of ten terraces stacked with a broken pyramid, it occupies most of the island, measuring 320 meters in length and 180 in width: this is why it is an essential destination for those visiting this place. The upper part, from which you can admire the view, is nicknamed “amphitheater” and often hosted shows and outdoor performances. Beautifully kept by the gardeners who constantly prune, fertilize, experiment, this place of charm seems to be suspended in time.

2. Admire the majestic Palazzo Borromeo

AGF
Palazzo Borromeo at Isola Bella, Lake Maggiore, seen from the lakeside, Piemont, Italy.
Those who visit the garden can not miss the visit of the imposing Baroque palace : built starting in 1632, on the orders of Charles III Borromeo, as a tribute to his wife Isabella D’Adda, over time it has passed into the hands of the most in vogue of the time. A symbol of splendor, power and elegance: the interiors host numerous tapestries with Flemish tapestries, while the basement allows access to caves with walls covered with shells and decorated with mirrors of black marble.

3. Discover the symbolic form of the Isola Bella

DEA / G. GNEMMI VIA GETTY IMAGES
ITALY – JANUARY 11: Isola Bella with Borromeo Palace and its Italian garden, 17th century, aerial view, Borromean Islands, Lake Maggiore, Piedmont, Italy. (Photo by DeAgostini / Getty Images)
In addition to hosting magnificent places, the island fascinates the most attentive tourists even with its shape. Starting in 1670, the island was renovated to turn it into a fantastic ship, where the part of the building was the bow and the part of the terraced gardens the stern. In fact, the project envisaged a long landing, then not completed in full, in front of the building in the western part.

Citylife: Milan acquires a new record, Milan is increasingly optimistic (and less ugly)

The list of factors that make the already famous Milan is on great Milan, a city, the only one in Italy, increasingly competitive on par with the European and world capitals, is extended every month. The 2017 closes with a series of spectacular inaugurations that since November 30 have alternated for the official debut of the commercial district but not only, of the City Life pole, home of the former trade fair.

The three archistar’s works, Zaha Hadid, Arata Isozaki and Danile Libeskind (of which the third tower is still missing), the complex is impressive and manages to transport the visitor in a futuristic dimension where urban green plays a fundamental role. The private homes, strictly luxury, are surrounded by meadows and trees, those of Zaha Hadid without corners are reminiscent of huge cruise ships with wooden inserts, those of Libesking overlook on one side a golf course, Citygolf, for train ten minutes from the city center.

For this new Milanese center, to which the usual detractors have not spared criticism and unfortunate omens, the year is closing in a positive and crackling. After the inauguration of the multifunctional space dedicated to events, former pavilion three of the Fair, the inauguration of the largest shopping district in Milan was spectacular, the Shopping District of City Life with its one hundred stores. On the evening of November 30th a game of colored laser lights lit up on the famous “Storto” ( The Twisted one) the skyscraper of Hadid that together with the music, in the manner of the Tree of Life of Expo, has carried the large public outdoor, smartphone in hand to resume, despite the cold. The shopping center on three floors, has a hundred shops divided between fashion brands, catering to a good level, including drones technology and Huawei’s first European store, a little ‘design and the seven halls of CityLife Anteo .

Always devised by the Iranian Zaha Hadid, the mole inside shows a refined sensitivity towards materials. The bamboo in particular is the master and covers floors and ceilings, creates impressive columns and a scenic counter where you can taste coffee.

The Milanese audience, especially during the weekends, flows in a consistent manner, to eat in any of the numerous restaurants in the dedicated area, we must patiently stand in line. The interesting fact is that the visitors, to the advantage of traffic and pollution, mainly use the convenient stop of the Lilla Tre Torri line, leaving the underground parking lots, free for the first two hours, almost empty. As if to say, when city mobility is efficient and functional, it makes no sense to use the car.