XIXERONE

During my last journey to Cantabria, I enjoyed exploring the quaint town of Santillana del Mar. Known as the “Town of the Three Lies:” it’s neither holy (Santa), flat (llana), or near the sea (del Mar). In reality, what is not a lie is that this town offers a magnetic appeal. And I’m not lying about it being gorgeous. The town has been topping every “Most Beautiful Town in Spain” list for ages. Situated 18 miles (approximately 30 kilometers) from Santander, the region’s capital, it offers visitors a visual feast within its medieval boundaries. Santillana del Mar reveals its history ...

Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is tucked away in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. This place always draws me in; it’s a small, serene spot that feels like a step back in time, far from the busy and touristy city streets. The square is home to a baroque church, and its walls bear the scars of a tragic past. It boasts a simple yet serene façade with a curvilinear design. The facade’s symmetrical layout creates a sense of harmony and order. Delicate details in the stone carvings give a soft touch to the otherwise austere exterior. The church’s interior continues ...

Since I live in Spain, I have visited Lisbon several times, and each time, I can’t help but be amazed by the Santa Justa Lift. This tall, iron structure is an unmissable Lisboan sight and a useful way to move between lower and higher parts of the city. When visiting Lisbon, you can’t miss its striking figure against the city center’s skyline. This elevator isn’t just a means to go from one street level to another; it’s also a symbol of the city. Lisbon is Steep: Historical Overview of the Santa Justa Lift Lisbon’s topography makes the Portuguese capital a ...

Covering a vast area of central Istanbul, the Kapali Çarsi (kah-pah-look char-shoo), which translates as “Covered Market” but is known worldwide as the Istanbul Grand Bazaar, is one of the world’s most famous shopping places. Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is often viewed as a tourist trap due to its high prices and aggressive sales tactics. Shopkeepers are known to harass aggressively persuade passersby to purchase items that may be found elsewhere at lower prices. This can make the shopping experience quite stressful for visitors hoping to find good deals. However, the place also offers a breathtaking visual treat for photographers. Its ...

The afternoon was giving way as the train rolled into Thessaloniki. After a brief stay in Skopje, my time here was limited—a ticking clock I couldn’t ignore. With urgency, I gathered my essentials: most importantly, my phone charger and camera. Thessaloniki’s call was simple: come and see. So I did. My route was direct from the station to where the city meets the sea. Sunsets, there are no whispers of beauty but full conversations. The sinking sun did not disappoint, drenching everything—the water, the boats, the buildings in a warm golden light. The experience, though fleeting, left an impression. In ...