Italy is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. So, it’s no surprise that the streets of its many picturesque and photo-ready cities have often served as the perfect backdrop for iconic movies and music videos. As ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Cemeteries mirror living societies. They are a small version of the city they’re in and reflect the same social patterns. This is especially true for the Cementerio de Montjuïc in Barcelona. In this cemetery, some of Catalonia’s wealthiest families have ...

Sunrise was just a couple of hours ago, but the sun shone like noon. A cool sea-scented breeze blows from the west, moving my hair. I sit on a nearby rock to watch the city waking up. Below, not far, ...

I live in Madrid, and while it’s usually a sunny city, there are days when the sky is grey and rain taps on the windows. These days can be a surprise in a city known for its blue skies. Living ...

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 ...

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. ...

During one of my recent visits to Transylvania, I stumbled upon the Saxon Cemetery in Sighisoara. This graveyard is high up a hill, next to the famous Biserica din Deal (aptly translated as “Church on the Hill”). Some believe this ...

Dubai is a place where I once only spent a brief time during a long layover. Honestly, the city never really caught my fancy and didn’t land on my list of top places to return to. But life is full ...

Living in Madrid, I have visited El Capricho Park numerous times. Although it is not as famous as El Retiro, it is just as beautiful. More importantly, its history is just baffling! The park spans an area of about 14 ...