Antalya accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Turkish Riviera”.
Antalya known for: old harbor, beaches, shopping malls, waterfalls, parks, bazaars, yachts, meyhane (bars)
Found on Turkey’s southern “Turquoise Coast” and home to a picturesque coastline, Antalya is a resort city about 218 miles northwest of Cyprus and 300 miles south of Istanbul. A crescent-shaped, historic port located in Kaleiçi (Old Town), Antalya Old Harbour is accessible via steep stone steps (slippery when wet). The Köprüçay River flows through Köprülü Canyon National Park outside of central Antalya before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.
Antalya main attractions:MarkAntalya Mall (shopping mall, Duden Waterfalls (cascading parkland waterfalls / partly-underground river – cave), The Land of Legends, The Land of Legends Shopping Avenue, Antalya Aquarium, Lower Duden Waterfalls, TerraCity (shopping mall), Mall of Antalya, Kurşunlu Waterfall (nature park / waterfall – picnic areas), Aspendos Theatre (ancient Roman theater), Antalya Migros Shopping Center (shopping mall), Karaalioglu Park (city park – panoramic balcony, sea / tower views), Erasta Mall Antalya (shopping mall), 5M Migros (supermarket), Antalya Archaeology Museum, Agora Shopping Center (shopping mall), Hadrian’s Gate (historical landmark), Antalya Zoo, Kepez Municipality Urban Forest (national forest), Ancient Perge (historical landmark / ancient city), Konyaaltı Beaches, Hidirlik Tower (2nd-century Roman round stone tower – upper platform, bay views), HayatPark (park), Dokumapark (park), Yalım Parkı (clifftop park – palm trees, sea views, cycling path, dog-training area), konyaaltı sahili (beach)
Founded in 1966, Antalyaspor plays at Corendon Airlines Park (Antalya Stadium – Meltem neighborhood of Muratpaşa). Born in Patara (Antalya province), Saint Nicholas was the inspiration for Santa Claus. If driving in Antalya, keep in mind that roundabouts are sometimes referred to as “crossover junctions”. Antalya generally is considered safe, though one should of course stay vigilant as with anywhere. At night it’s best to explore in a group while avoiding quiet alleyways. Although the dress code is more relaxed in beach / tourist areas, one should dress modestly especially in religious areas. Antalya’s currency is the Turkish Lira, cars travel on the right-hand side and the drinking age is 18 years old. Antalya accommodations are some of the Mediterranean’s best. Before we get to Antalya accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Believed to have founded “Attaleia” / “Attalia” circa 150 BC, King Attalus II of Pergamon built a naval base there. In 133 BC, Attaleia became part of the Roman Empire when Attalus II bequeathed the Kingdom of Pergamon to Rome. The Acts of Apostles, fifth book of the New Testament, mentions Saint Paul and Christian disciple Barnabas visiting Attaleia en route to Antioch. During the Byzantine era, several of the city’s mosques were converted into Christian basilicas. Seljuk Turks conquered the city and surrounding region in the early 13th century. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Attaleia was the capital of the Anatolian beylik of Teke. Turkish and Greek neighborhoods, as well as a sizeable port, existed in the area during the 17th century. In the 19th century the area was controlled by the family of Tekke Oğlu and then Mahmut II (Ottoman Empire). Italy occupied the city for three years between 1919 and 1922, but relinquished to Turkey following the Turkish War of Independence. On October 29, 1923 the Republic of Turkey was officially proclaimed and the old Ottoman city of Adalia (formerly Attaleia) was standardized as Antalya. From the 1970s Antalya would transition from a pastoral town to a modern metropolis and resort city.
Antalya is the capital of Antalya Province, Turkey’s fifth-most populous province. The Antalya metropolitan municipality is home to about 2.8 million people (urban area 1.3 million). Dubbed the “Turquoise Coast” and the “Turkish Riviera”, Antalya has shades of Monaco. Northward of Antalya, the Taurus Mountains separate the Mediterranean coast from the central Anatolian Plateau. The city’s tallest building at publishing time is the Sheraton Voyager at 390 feet, though the Antalya Tower is proposed. Antalya is considered a gateway to other Mediterranean cities as well as central Turkey. QTerminals Antalya saw cruise passenger numbers rise from 13,842 in 2009 to roughly 200,000 by 2015. Home to a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, Antalya experiences hot summers and rainy winters. Summer July / August high temperatures average in the low-to-mid 90s °F, while January winters average just below 60. Local foods include kebabs, mezes, seafood, şiş köfte (grilled meatball skewers), piyaz (white bean salad, tahini dressing), hibeş (tahini dip), Alanya bohçası (pancake-wrapped fillings), serpme börek (pastry) and tahinli cevizli kabak tatlısı (traditional pumpkin dessert). Popular drinks are rakı (Turkish national drink – twice-distilled grape pomace, flavored with aniseed), Turkish beer / wine and sherbet. With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Antalya accommodations that are sure to impress.
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants & bars, private beach, beach & pool bars, 3 outdoor pools, children’s pool, waterslide, terrace, garden, tennis court, indoor pool, library, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference center, electric vehicle charging point, free parking
Hotel amenities: terrace, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, kitchen, washer / dryer
Nearby restaurants: Rokka (falafel restaurant), Dikkat Et (meat dish restaurant), Pasta Siesta Handmade Fresh Pasta (Italian restaurant), Dodo Pizza (pizza restaurant), Manjoo Burger (hamburger restaurant), Can Can Pide Yemek Salonu (Sifha restaurant), Üstat lokantası, Yelken Cafe & Restaurant, Aşko Kuşko Çi Böre (hot dog restaurant), Maria Lounge Hadrian (breakfast restaurant)
Nearby misc.:Helvacı Ali Antalya (dessert shop), Ekici Simit FIRIN (bagel shop), Ali Dinç PARFUMES (cosmetics store)
Villa amenities: restaurant, bar, American, buffet or à la carte breakfast, private beach, saltwater swimming pool, pool views, balconies, garden, spa, sauna, hot tub, fitness center, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, free parking, airport shuttle
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants & bars, beach bar, 5 outdoor pools, children’s pool, garden, rooftop garden, indoor pool, spa, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, meeting rooms, co-working spaces, electric vehicle charging point, free parking, airport transfer
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants & bars, beach & pool bar, private beach, free breakfast, 3 outdoor pools, children’s pool, terrace, garden, tennis court, indoor pool, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, free parking
Approximate cost per night (Family Suite Swim Up): $1,552
Cost per person (five people): $310
So there they are, Antalya accommodations that will help make for a wonderful trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most importantly, that you enjoy your time in Turkey!
Taipei accommodations welcome you to a destination also referred to as Chinese Taipei.
Taipei known for: Taoist temples, cherry blossoms, cat cafes, night markets, halls, museums, shopping areas, gardens, parks, waterfalls, bubble tea
Taipei is located on Taiwan island (northward) within the Taipei Basin. Flowing through western Taipei, the Tamsui and Keelung (Tamsui tributary) Rivers empty into the Taiwan Strait. Westward across the Taiwan Strait stretches the southeastern Chinese province of Fujian. About 500 miles southwestward, Hong Kong and Macau represent special administrative regions of China. South of Taiwan, the Philippines’ total area covers roughly 115,830 square miles.
Taipei main attractions: Jiufen Old Street (bustling district – food stalls, narrow streets, mountain / sea views), Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (history exhibits, large park, gardens, fish ponds), Raohe Night Market (shops / street food), Taipei Zoo, Huashan 1914 Creative Park (heritage building / former sake winery – shops, local art, film, crafts, events), National Palace Museum, Lungshan Temple (18th-century temple – Buddhist & Taoist deities ), Bitan Tourist Attraction (popular lake – eateries, suspension pedestrian bridge, paddle boats, scenic cliffs), Taipei Children’s Amusement Park, Tamsui Old Street (pedestrian road – shops, street performers, sculptures), Yangmingshan National Park, Qingtiangang Grassland (hiking area – wild buffalo), Dahu Park (lakefront park – heated swimming pool, walking trails, monuments, public art), Hongludi Nanshan Fude Temple (hilltop temple – dragons / gods statues, city / sunset views), Taipei Fine Arts Museum (Taiwanese . international art – geometric building), The Lin Family Mansion and Garden, New Taipei Metropolitan Park (modern park – lawns, paths, ponds, play area, lantern festival), Fort San Domingo (hilltop Spanish fort – river views, est. 1629), National Taiwan Museum (history natural history exhibits), Queen’s Head (scenic spot / coastal rock formation), Beitou Hot Spring Museum (Tudor-style museum / former bathhouse), Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium, Wuji Tianyuan Temple (Taoist temple – 5-tiered round pagoda, cherry blossoms), Taipei Music Center (live music venue), Tianmu Sports Park (expansive park – baseball stadium, skating rink, kids’ sports-themed play area), Ju Ming Museum (art museum), Songshan Fengtian Temple (Taoist temple / 19th-century complex – ornate / colorful carvings), Battleship Rock (ship-shapped rocky outcropping – city / countryside views), Fengguizui (national park – mountain trails, lookout point), Shezi Daotou Park (riverside park – wetland birds, sunset views, bike paths), Baujhang Temple
Public transportation system card: EasyCard (Yōuyóu kǎ)
Cruise terminal:Keelung Port (“Taipei Cruise Port”)
Taipei top events: Taipei Lantern Festival (large-scale illuminations), Taipei Arts Festival (summer performing arts event), Taipei Children’s Arts Festival (summer event), Taipei Jazz Festival, Taipei Music Academy & Festival (TMAF – classical music festival), International Ballet Star Gala, Taipei International Dragon Boat Championships, Simple Life Festival (cultural event), Zhuzihu Calla Lily & Hydrangea Festival, YangMingShan Flower Festival (Yangmingshan National Park spring flower festival), Baosheng Cultural Festival (religious . cultural event), Taipei Traditional Market Festival, Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival, Tianmu Beer Festival, Taipei Expo Farmer’s Market (weekends), Taipei Night Market Festival, S2O Taiwan, BAYFES TAIPEI, TRENDY TAIPEI – Music X Innovation, Ho-hai-yan Rock Festival, TALOMA’ Taipei Indigenous Music Festival, Taipei International Comics & Animation Festival
Bubble tea and cat cafes both originated in Taipei. Taipei is renowned for its cleanliness, with garbage trucks often playing Beethoven’s “Für Elise” during pickup. Of the city’s roughly 20 major night markets, Shilin Night Market is the most popular with its 2-million+ monthly visitors. Found in the city’s northern section and dating to the Japanese colonial period, Beitou District is home to over 60 natural hot springs. When in Taipei night markets, keep in mind that many vendors are cash only. Tipping in restaurants can be considered awkward. When on Taipei escalators one should stand to the right and walk on the left. Naturally in religious buildings such as temples its best to dress more modestly while covering the shoulders and knees. Additional temple etiquette to keep in mind is to enter through the right (dragon) door and exit through the left (tiger) door. Avoid the central door as it is reserved for deities. Also avoid pointing at deities (use an open hand instead). Taipei’s currency is the New Taiwan dollar, cars travel on the right-hand side and the drinking age is 18 years old. Taipei accommodations are some of East Asia’s best. Before we get to Taipei accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
First to inhabit the Taipei area were the Plains-Indigenous Ketagalan people, followed by Han Chinese colonists. After the Qing dynasty permitted development in the area circa the early-18th century, the influx of Han colonists gradually increased. Northern Taiwan was incorporated into the new Taipeh Prefecture in 1875. Taipeh-fu was formally established and became a temporary capital in 1887. The 1895 Treaty of Shimonoseki ceded Taiwan control from the Qing dynasty to Japan. Following its WWII defeat, the Empire of Japan relinquished control to the Republic of China (ROC) in 1945. Retreating from civil war with the Chinese Communist Party, the ruling Kuomintang party relocated ROC headquarters to Taipei, which was declared provisional capital in December 1949. Kuomintang control was mandated by General Order No. 1.. By the early 1960s, Taipei’s population had reached one million, and climbed to over two million by the mid-70s. Multi-party democracy was achieved in the 1990s, thanks largely to the Wild Lily student movement.
Taiwan’s capital as well as a special municipality, Taipei is home to about 2.5 million Taiwanese within 105 square miles. The greater Taipei Basin was once an ancient lakebed. Only about 30% of Taiwanese people speak basic English, with less than 10% speaking the language fluently. The world’s tallest building at one point in time, Taipei 101 elevates to 1,667 feet. An enclave (territory surrounded entirely by another territory), Taipei City is tucked inside the municipality of New Taipei City. The Taipei area is mountainous to include Qixing Mountain, Mt. Datun and the Tatun Volcanic Group. Taipei is characterized by a humid subtropical / tropical rainforest climate. Long summers are hot / humid with potential typhoons. Winters are short, warm and typically foggy. Taipei local foods include beef noodle soup (niu rou mian – Taiwan’s national dish), hot pot, soup dumplings (xiao long bao), ginger duck (jiang mu ya – winter stew), braised pork rice (lu rou fan) and Taiwanese breakfast (fresh soy milk, dough-based items). Popular drinks are whiskey, lager / craft beer, tea-infused cocktails and of course bubble tea. With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Taipei accommodations that are sure to impress.
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants, bar, full breakfast (surcharge), outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting room, conference space, electric vehicle charging station, free parking
Nearby restaurants / bars / pubs: Thai House Taipei Nanjing Branch (Thai restaurant), HATSU Yakiniku & Wine (Yakiniku restaurant), Casa Della Pasta (Italian restaurant), La Mesa (Spanish restaurant), Sundo Breakfast (breakfast restaurant), Chill Bar, Vent (cocktail bar), SOBAR (sports bar), Aye Taipei Bar & Restaurant (pub)
Nearby misc.: Game Square (board game club), Golden Years (portrait studio)
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants, bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), poolside bar, outdoor pool, terrace, garden, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, electric vehicle charging station, free parking, airport transfer
Nearby restaurants:aMaze (fine dining restaurant), Umai Udon (Udon noodle restaurant), Gmt Italian Restaurant, Glass of Red (restaurant ), Kozzz (brunch restaurant)
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants & bars, local cuisine breakfast (surcharge), indoor pool, spa, sauna, steam room, hot tub, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference center, free parking, airport transfer
Nearby restaurants:Oomata Taipei Nanjing Branch (Yakiniku restaurant), Kai Hua Lou (Chinese restaurant), A CUT Steakhouse (Chophouse restaurant), Third Wheel Muffin Burger (hamburger restaurant), Tortiya PAPA (brunch restaurant)
Thermal Valley | Beitou Hot Spring Museum | Beitou Museum
Hotel amenities: restaurant, terrace, garden, open-air bath, spa, steam room, soundproofing, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, mini-bars, bathrobes, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage
Nearby: Kahu Craft Beer Garden, Brae Café, ALunaStudio (yoga studio), Witch’s Rock Waterfall, Beitou Public Assembly Hall (community center / art gallery)
Within feet:
Thermal Valley (scenic area – pathways, natural hot springs)
Capella Taipei is 44 miles from Taoyuan International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Pool Terrace Skyline Suite): $7,053
So there they are, Taipei accommodations that will help make for an outstanding trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most importantly, that you enjoy your time in Taiwan!
Macau accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Las Vegas of the East”.
Macau known for: casinos, shopping / amusement areas, towers, churches, Buddhist temples, bridges, squares, parks, gardens, historic districts, Guangdong-style architecture
Located on China’s southern coast near Hong Kong. Macau is a special administrative region of China (like Hong Kong). A glittering metropolis, Macau connects to Hong Kong via fast ferry or the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Southward across the two-way, duel-lane Governor Nobre de Carvalho Bridge near Macau Peninsula are Taipa Island and The Cotai Strip, respectively. Asia’s version of Las Vegas, The Cotai Strip boasts around 60 hotels. Bordering Macau northward, China’s Guangdong Province expands for nearly 70,000 square miles. Directly westward, the Pearl River flows inside the China border and into the South China Sea.
Macau main attractions: Ruins of Saint Paul’s (17th-century church – destroyed by fire), Senado Square (town square – restaurants, shops), Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center (shops, eateries, cinema, revolving restaurant, observation areas), Macau Fisherman’s Wharf (harbor-front entertainment complex – casinos, rides, restaurants, shops), Casino Lisboa (casino / landmark building – bright exterior lights, pineapple-shaped), A-Ma Temple (Macau’s oldest temple est. 1488 – dedicated to the sea goddess), Monte Fort (1626 fort – rooftop park, cannons, skyline views), Mandarin’s House (Guangdong-style home – guided tours), Macao Science Center (science museum), Guia Fortress and Lighthouse (Colonial lighthouse / museum), Lou Lim Ioc Garden (garden – traditional Chinese landscaping, pavilions, bridges, ponds), Chapel of Our Lady of Penha (hilltop Catholic church – panoramic views, rebuilt c. 1935), Templo de Kun Iam (Buddhist temple), Macau Museum of Art
Cotai points of interest:City of Dreams (shopping mall), Venetian Macao Casino, Eiffel Tower (replica), teamLab (modern art museum), The Cotai Strip (Estrada do Istmo road – hotels / casinos), Galaxy Arena, Studio City Water Park, Grand Resort Deck (waterpark), Macau International Golf (golf course)
As rideshare service is unavailable in Macau due to regulations, licensed taxi or hotel shuttle are among the best options for travel between the airport and hotel
Macau top events: Macao Light Festival, Macao Arts Festival, Macao International Music Festival, Macao International Parade, Macau Grand Prix, Macau Open (golf), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Fight Night, MPT Macau Poker Open (MGM Casino Macau)
When in Macau, keep in mind that certain casinos also offer free shuttle service. Power outlets are European-style (Type G, C, F). Hong Kong is a popular gateway to Macau. It might be best to avoid Macau during Chinese holidays, as it can be crowded with higher demand for accommodations. Macau’s currency is the Macanese Pataca (MOP), though Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) are widely accepted at a 1:1 ratio, and the legal drinking age is 18 years old. Like in Hong Kong, cars travel on the left-hand side of the road. Macau accommodations are some of South China’s best. Before we get to Macau accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Macau-area habitation first occurred under the Han dynasty (202BC-9AD). From there various dynasties jockeyed for control of Macau. Fleeing the Mongol conquest of China, tens of thousands of mainland refugees settled Macau’s coastal area in 1277. Portuguese explorer Jorge Álvares was the first European to reach China by sea circa 1513. The Portuguese set up the trade settlement Tamão near Hong Kong the following year. Clashes ensued between the Portuguese and Ming dynasty, and in 1521 Portuguese traders were expelled from Tamão. Despite the trade ban the Portuguese eventually settled on Macau, where they attempted forcefully to install trading posts. Their early efforts were in vain, examples of which being the Battle of Tunmen and the Battle of Sincouwaan. Subsequently the Portuguese (referred to as Franks in the 1554 Luso-Chinese agreement) would return to the Macau area with a more diplomatic approach. Portugal thus was allowed to rent a Macau trading post in 1554 for an annual lease (silver taels to the Ming dynasty). Portugal acquired a permanent lease in 1557 in exchange for 500 taels of silver annually. The Portuguese established trade with Japan and created the 1576 Roman Catholic Diocese of Macau, as well as the 1583 Municipal Council of Macau. Around this time, Macau reached the apex of its colonial prosperity, thanks largely to the exportation of Chinese silk to Japan. The Dutch attempted unsuccessfully to take the city by way of the 1622 Battle of Macau. 1640s catastrophic events, to include a 1639 Japanese trade halt, the 1640 Portuguese Restoration War and the 1641 fall of Portuguese-Malacca to the Dutch, led to a period of decline in Macau. Ming loyalists slowly diminished, and in 1757 Qing China’s Canton System was implemented. Macau returned to prominence again in the 18th century, albeit through the opium trade. The British established Hong Kong following the First Opium War, and Macau again lost its luster. Capitalizing on China’s weakened position following the opium war, Portugal’s Governor of Macau annexed Taipa (1851) and Coloane (1864). The 1887 Sino-Portuguese Treaty of Peking granted Portugal perpetual colonial rights over Macau in exchange for its cooperation in curbing opium smuggling following the Second Opium War. Perhaps on account of early trade relations, Japan respected Portugal’s neutrality in Macau at the onset of World War II. The United States, having learned that the Portuguese intended to sell aviation fuel to the Empire of Japan, ordered air raids on Macau in 1945. Portugal formally relinquished Macau as an overseas province following the 1974 Carnation Revolution, deeming the area a “Chinese territory under Portuguese administration”. The 1987 Joint Declaration on the Question of Macau set in motion Portugal’s transfer of the territory to the People’s Republic of China. Macau International Airport opened on November 9, 1995, and after 442 years of colonial rule, Portugal handed over Macau to the People’s Republic of China on December 20, 1999.
Two islands (Taipa and Coloane), Macau is home to around 720,000 people within 12.7 square miles. Macau generated $28.4 billion in 2024 gross gaming revenue compared to Las Vegas’ 2025 total of $8.82 billion. Macau’s tallest building, Macau Tower reaches 1,109 feet, while the Macau skyline illuminates with an additional 563 high-rise buildings. Home to a humid subtropical climate, Macau experiences humid summers and dry winters. Typhoons are possible and occur most often during summer monsoon season. Combining Chinese and Portuguese flavors, Macanese cuisine is often considered the world’s first fusion cuisine. Local foods include minchi (minced meat & potatoes), balichao tamarind pork, pork chop buns, galinha à africana (chicken), pastéis de bacalhau (salt cod fritters), curry fishballs, Portuguese egg tarts (ex. Lord Stow’s / Margaret’s Café) and durian ice cream. Popular drinks are wine and tea, along with characteristic casino drinks / cocktails. With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Macau accommodations that are sure to impress.
Eiffel Tower at the Parisian Macao | Macau International Airport
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, city / pool views, spa, fitness center, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, slippers, meeting rooms, function areas, car rentals, private parking, free airport shuttle
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants, bar, full breakfast (surcharge), poolside bar, multiple outdoor pools, children’s pool, terrace, garden, spa, sauna, steam room, hot tub, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, free parking
Nearby:Zi Yat Heen (restaurant), North (Chinese noodle restaurant), teamLab (modern art museum), Rialto Bridge
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants, bar, outdoor pool, garden, spa, gym, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, parking, free local shuttle
Almeida Ribeiro Street | New Yaohan Department Store | Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, local cuisine breakfast (surcharge), rooftop terrace, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants, buffet breakfast (surcharge), spa, sauna, steam room, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference center, free parking, airport transfer
Hard Rock Casino | Taipa Village | Dragon’s Treasure
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, city views, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, hardwood / parquet flooring, soundproofing, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, mini-bars, hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, business center, valet parking, free airport shuttle
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), poolside bar, outdoor pool, children’s pool, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, air conditioning, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference space, car rentals, airport transfer
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), pool, lazy river, waterslide, garden, indoor pool, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, meeting rooms, free parking, airport transfer
Nearby:Andaz Kitchen (Portuguese restaurant), Grand Resort Deck (waterpark), Macao Light Rapid Transit (LRT) – Cotai West Station
Within feet:
Galaxy International Convention Center
Studio City Waterpark
Andaz Macau is 8 minutes from Macau International Airport.
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants, full breakfast (surcharge), seasonal outdoor pool, garden, indoor pool, spa, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference center, free parking, airport transfer
POLY MGM MUSEUM | South Shore Waterfront Green Promenade
Hotel amenities: casino, multiple restaurants, bar, outdoor pool, panoramic city / ocean views, spa, fitness center, floor-to-ceiling windows, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, mini-bars, separate rain showers / bathtubs, free parking, airport shuttle
MGM Macau is 4.4 miles from Macau International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $684
So there they are, Macau accommodations that will help make for an incredible trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most importantly, that you enjoy your time in Macau!
The French Riviera’s largest city, Nice is about 20 miles from the Italian border. Part of Southeast France’s coastline, the French Riviera boasts France’s Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, along with Cannes and Monaco. The Paillon River’s (subterraneous ) former course in Nice is marked by the Promenade du Paillon.
Nice main attractions:Colline du Château (hilltop park – sea / city views, man-made waterfall, café), Jardin Albert 1er (garden / 19th-century public park – mature trees, lawns, pools, bandstand, seasonal open-air theater), Place Masséna (ornate 19th-century plaza – neoclassical buildings, cafes, public events), Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice (Russian Orthodox church), Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice (Baroque cathedral), Fontaine du Soleil (bronze Apollo sculpture / fountain), Promenade du Paillon (park – fountains, plants / trees, reflecting pool, kids’ play area), Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption (1864 neo-Gothic church), French Riviera Sightseeing (tour agency), Allianz Riviera (stadium), #ILoveNICE (coastal tourist attraction / giant red, white & blue-letter sign)
Winners of four French Ligue 1 titles, Olympique Gymnaste Club de Nice, or OGC Nice, plays at Allianz Riviera. Meanwhile, eight-time winners AS Monaco plays at Stade Louis II in Monaco. The Monaco Grand Prix takes place in early June, while Cannes film festival occurs the month before in mid-May. Keep in mind that beaches are pebbled, not sandy. Restaurants and shops close often in the afternoons and on Sundays. Currency is the Euro, cars travel on the right-hand side and the drinking age is 18 years old. Alongside Nice accommodations, likely to impress are several from nearby Monaco municipality, Cannes resort town and the medieval hilltop settlements of Èze Village, Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Mougins Vieille Ville. Nice accommodations are some of Southern France’s best. Before we get to Nice accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Archaeological evidence discovered at the Terra Amata site suggests that hominids have settled in the Nice area for around 400,000 years. Ionian Greeks from Phocaea are thought to have founded Nice sometime around 350 BC. Nice joined the Genoese League circa the 7th century. Saracens held influence over the Nice area during the 9th and 10th centuries. During Middle Ages wars, Nice allied with Pisa to counter Genoa. Despite pressure from the King of France and the Holy Roman Emperor, Nice maintained its municipal liberties. The Counts of Provence seized and took control of the city during the 13th and 14th centuries, though later relinquished it. City walls were built around Old Town during medieval times. County of Nice was established in 1388 under the protection of the Counts of Savoy. Barbary pirate meddling led to improvements in fortifications and roadways. The Italian war of 1536-38 caused damage to and famine across Nice. Franco-Ottoman forces attacked the city in 1543. The siege of Nice between the Holy Roman Empire / Savoy and the Ottoman Empire / France resulted in an Imperial-Savoyard victory. The Duke of Guise took control of the city briefly in 1600 and opened ports to all nations. Savoy took back control of the city in 1696 and was subsequently besieged by France in 1705. In 1706, the city’s citadel and ramparts were demolished. The Duke of Savoy (King of Sicily) again regained control via the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht, but again relinquished to France by way of the 1748 Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. In 1814, the County of Nice became part of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia. Sardinian king Victor Emmanuel II and Napoleon III signed the 1860 Treaty of Turin, which in part annexed the County of Nice to France. Friedrich Nietzsche moved to Nice in 1883. Tramway de Nice, the city’s first-generation tramway system, electrified its horse-drawn streetcars at the turn of the 20th century. The first Monaco Grand Prix was held on April 14, 1929, and Nice hosted the Formula Libre (predecessor to Formula One) in the 1930s. During World War II, Jews were interned in the Auvare barracks. Italy and Germany occupied the area at different times during WWII. Jewish banker Angelo Donati and Capuchin friar Père Marie-Benoît influenced the application of Vichy laws against Jews during the war. Cannes Film Festival was first held in the Fall of 1946. Tourism and construction would help boost Nice’s economy during the second half of the 20th century.
Southern France’s second-largest Mediterranean city behind Marsailles, Nice is home to around 360,000 niçois (masculine) and niçoise (feminine). Nice sits at the foot of the French Alps, where Friedrich Nietzsche spent six consecutive winters while writing Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Nice’s cruise port is located in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Typically cruise passengers are tendered from Villefranche-sur-Mer to the Old Town pier. Nice cruise lines include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norweigian Cruise Line and Holland America. Home to a hot Mediterranean climate, Nice experiences warm / hot summers and mild winters. Local foods include petits farcis (meat-stuffed vegetables), daube niçoise (beef stew), ratatouille (vegetable stew), salade niçoise (tuna / anchovies salad) and tourte de blettes (pie). Popular drinks are rose wine, pastis (anise-flavored spirit) and blanc-cassis (white wine mixed with crème de cassis). With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Nice accommodations that are sure to amaze.
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, poolside bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), multiple outdoor pools, children’s pool, terrace, garden, indoor pool, library, spa, sauna, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference space, bike rentals, electric vehicle charging point, parking
Rue d’Antibes | Le Croisette Casino Barriere de Cannes
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, free breakfast, poolside bar, outdoor pool, rooftop terrace, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference space, parking, free beach shuttle, airport transfer
Villa Masséna | Promenade des Anglais | Blue Beach
Hotel amenities: 2 restaurants, bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), private beach / loungers, indoor pool, terrace, spa, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, laundry facilities, business center, 6 meeting rooms, car rentals, parking, airport transfer
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants, bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), private beach / loungers, beach bar, outdoor pool, terrace, garden, spa, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, 24-hour business center, 5 meeting rooms, conference space, electric vehicle charging point, parking
Nearby misc.: Petit Loup Specialty Coffee (espresso bar), Ma Première Boulangerie Eze (bakery), Chez Alice (ice cream shop), Fragonard Boutique (perfume store), Atelier Torraca Èze Village (fashion accessories store), GEM’EZE (jewelry store), Au Pays de la Mandarine D’Eze (gift shop), Tennis Club of Eze, Mont Bastide (nature preserve), Point de Vue du Jardin Exotique (observation deck), Vue panoramique (scenic spot)
Within feet:
Èze Village (medieval hilltop settlement / “eagle’s nest” – historic perfume factories, exotic garden with panoramic views, cobblestone streets)
Hotel amenities: 2 restaurants, bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), terrace, lobby fireplace, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, 24-hour business center, meeting room, car rentals, parking
Nearby misc.: NEW THE ARTISTE (Creperie), Dolce Italia (ice cream shop), le goût du soleil (organic shop), Galeries Bartoux (art gallery), Point de vue (scenic spot), Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs (church)
Within feet:
Saint-Paul-de-Vence (medieval hilltop village)
Musée de Saint-Paul
Le Saint Paul is 33 minutes from Côte d’Azur Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Panoramic Suite, Valley View): $2,059
Promenade de la Croisette | Croisette Beach Cannes
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants & bars, buffet breakfast (surcharge), private beach / loungers, beach bar, outdoor pool, terrace, garden, spa, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, 7 meeting rooms, conference center, electric vehicle charging point, parking, airport transfer
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants, bar, poolside bar, full breakfast (surcharge), outdoor pool, terrace, garden, tennis courts, indoor pool, library, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, meeting rooms, conference space, free bike rentals, electric vehicle charging point, parking
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants & bars, free full breakfast, private beach, beach bar, poolside bar, outdoor pool, terrace, garden, outdoor furniture, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, electric vehicle charging point, parking
Baie des Milliardaires d’Antibes | Plage des Ondes | Port de l’Olivette | Posidonia – Espace Mer et Littoral
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), pool, spa, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, front desk (limited hours), concierge services, laundry facilities, bicycle rentals, parking
Nearby:Eden-Roc Restaurant, Plage Pointe Ouest (beach), Château de la Croë (castle)
So there they are, Nice accommodations that will help make for an incredible trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most importantly, that you enjoy your time in Southern France!
Florence is located near central Italy, about half-way between Rome (southward) and Milan (northward). Spelled Firenze in Italian, Florence is home to Michelangelo’s David sculpture, along with a number of Renaissance art collections. Splitting Florence’s north and south banks, the Arno River is sourced by the Apennine Mountains and flows 150 miles before emptying into the Ligurian Sea. Florence’s historic north bank is known as the Signoria District, while its south bank is the Oltrarno District.
Florence main attractions: Ponte Vecchio (medieval arched river bridge – jewelry / souvenir shops, Roman origins), Piazzale Michelangelo (19th-century plaza – bronze David replica sculpture, panoramic city views), Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (13th-century Cathedral – red-tiled dome, colored marbled façade, elegant Giotto tower), Uffizi Galleries (art museum / 16th-century building – Primitive / Renaissance paintings, masterpieces), il Mercato Centrale Firenze (top-floor gourmet food hall / historic market – Italian / international fare, events), Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (art museum – Michelangelo sculptures including David, Renaissance paintings, Russian icons), Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence (Neo-Gothic Franciscan church – Giotto frescoes, Michelangelo & Galileo), Palazzo Pitti (Gallery complex / Renaissance royal palace – Italian / European masters art collection), Basilica of Santa Maria Novella (15th-century Dominican church – Gothic / early-Renaissance frescoes), Boboli Gardens (formal 16th / 17th-century gardens – Renaissance statues, ornate fountains), Palazzo Vecchio (fortified-13th-century palace – lavish chambers, ornate courtyards), Leobardo Interactive Museum (science museum / bookshop), Parco delle Cascine (riverfront park – running, cycling), Ponte Santa Trinita (delicate bridge – 3 arches), Strozzi Palace (art / history museum / Renaissance palace), Medici Riccardi Palace (art museum / 15th-century palace), Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio (indoor marketplace – traditional fruit, vegetable, specialty vendors, est. 1873), Museo Nazionale del Bargello (art museum / 13th-century palace – Renaissance sculptures including Michelangelo), Cappelle Medicee (domed art museum – Michelangelo’s New Scarcity, Medici-family tombs), Basilica di San Miniato (hilltop-11th-century church – Romanesque façade, medieval interiors, city views), Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Theatre (opera house – opera, classical concerts, children’s theater productions)
One of the world’s oldest Republics, the mountainous microstate of San Marino is about a 3-hour drive eastward. The white-marbled Leaning Tower of Pisa tilts about 50 miles to the west.
Florence main Christmas market: Weihnachtsmarkt (Plazza Santa Croce / Basilica of Santa Croce – wooden chalets)
Florence top events: Feast of St. John (Festa di San Giovanni – historical parade, Renaissance attire, riverside fireworks, late-June), Calcio Storico (traditional soccer / rugby event – coincides with Feast of St. John), Carro Matto (traditional Renaissance ritual – wooden white-oxen driven wooden wagon carrying Chianti wine, flag throwers, historic drummers, late-September), Festival dei Popoli (documentary film festival – late-Autumn), MusArt Festival (music / performing arts festival), Decibel Open Air (EDM festival), Florence Dance Festival (ballet dance festival), La Prima Estate (music festival), Firenze Comics Festival
Winners of 2 Serie A and 6 Coppa Italia titles, ACF Fiorentina plays at Artemio Franchi Stadium on the city’s south side. When in Florence, keep in mind that taxis must be called rather than hailed on the street. Many museums are closed on Mondays. Dinner typically is late, though cappuccinos after noon are best avoided if one does not want to look like a tourist. Conservative attire, to include covering of the shoulders and knees, is required for church admittance. Comfortable shoes are good to pack, as Florence has many fine walkable areas. City of Lilies generally is safe, though pickpocketing is known to occur. Florence’s currency is the Euro, cars travel on the right-hand side and the drinking age is 18 years old. Florence accommodations are some of Italy’s best. Before we get to Florence accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Originally a Roman city, Florence would go on to flourish as a medieval trading / banking commune and birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, Florence was one of Europe’s most important cities. Renaissance poets such as Dante Alighieri, Francis Petrarch and Giovanni Boccaccio would help usher in a national literary language based on Florentine dialect. During the Middle Ages, the gold florin was introduced. Gold coins, Florentine florins were struck between the years 1252 and 1533. Along with industrial developments across Europe, Florentine bankers financed English kings during the Hundred Years’ War, along with the papacy during its construction of Avignon. In the late-15th century, Lorenzo de’ Medici was de facto ruler of the Florentine Republic. Medici sponsored artists such as Botticelli and Michelangelo. The Medici duchy dynasty, which included two popes Leo X and Clement VII, concluded in 1737 with the death of Gian Gastone de’ Medici, last Medicean grand duke of Tuscany. Over its reign, the Medici duchy connected by blood with the French crown multiple times. In 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was established. Florence served as the kingdom’s capital for a brief period between 1865 and 1871. World War II saw Germans occupy the city for a year between 1943 and 1944. With Britain closing-in, the Nazis strategically demolished bridges in the Oltrarno district at the end of their occupation. Florence was liberated on August 4, 1944 by British, Australian and South African troops. Following the war circa 1945, the US Army established a School of Aeronautics in Florence for demobilized American service men and women. A catastrophic flood occurred in central Florence in the year 1966.
Home to around 370,000 Florentines, Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region. Renowned for its Renaissance art and architecture, City of Lilies was once home to poet Dante Alighieri and artists / polymaths Michelangelo & Leonardo da Vinci, as well as the powerful Medici family. As many as 100 historic churches can be found throughout the city. Florence’s tallest building at 375.7 feet, Gothic-styled Florence Cathedral was built in the 13th century. Over 90% of Florentines are of the Roman Catholic faith. Florence’s climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and damp winters. Thunder and snowfall are both rare. Florence is known for its cucina povera (peasant cuisine), Local foods include bistecca alla Fiorentina (T-bone steak, grilled rare), trippa alla Fiorentina (tomato-based tripe), pici pasta (thick noodles), aglione (wild boar ragu), ribollita & pappa al pomodoro (hearty soups), cured meats, charcuterie, Tuscan flatbread, olive oil, coccoli (fried dough), cantucci (biscotti), zuccotto (sponge cake) and of course gelato. Popular drinks are negroni (bitter cocktail), chianti (medium-bodied red wine) and aperitif (pre-dinner alcoholic beverage). With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Florence accommodations that are sure to impress.
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, free buffet breakfast, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting room, parking, airport transfer
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting room, parking
Nearby restaurants / pubs:La Buchetta (restaurant), L’Osteria Cucina Casalinga (restaurant), Ristorante del Fagioli (Tuscan restaurant), La Fiaschetteria (restaurant), Il Bovo (hamburger restaurant), Tartan Jock Scottish Pub, Angie’s Pub – Age of Pavona (pub)
Nearby misc.: Panetteria e Stuzzicheria De Neri (sandwich shop), Paolo e Francesca (café), Gastronomia Giuliano (gourmet grocery store), I MEDICI FIRENZE (leather goods store), Brac (book store), Contempo Records (record store), Casting Firenze (modeling agency)
Villa amenities: restaurant, bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), pool, poolside bar, spa, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference space, free parking, airport transfer
Accademia Gallery | Museum of Natural History in Florence
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants (including Michelin), bar, upper terrace with pool / hot tub, 2-floor spa, beauty treatment rooms, Turkish bath, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, slippers, private parking
Nearby restaurants / bars:Il Palagio (restaurant), La Carbonata Del Porrati (restaurant), Atrium Bar (bar)
Nearby misc.:Orti Dipinti (community garden), 360° Cooking Class Florence (cooking class), English Cemetery (Elizabeth Barrett Browning resting place – decorative tombs)
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, full breakfast (surcharge), terrace, garden, lobby fireplace, spa, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, 24-hour business center, 7 meeting rooms, electric vehicle charging point, parking, airport transfer
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, full breakfast (surcharge), terrace, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, luggage storage, laundry facilities, 24-hour business center, meeting room
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, terrace, library, art gallery, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, laundry facilities, parking
Opera del Duomo Museum | Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Hotel amenities: 2 restaurants, bar, breakfast (surcharge), pool, spa, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi , 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, parking
So there they are, Florence accommodations that will help make for an incredible trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most of all, that you enjoy your time in Italy!
Brussels accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Comic City” and “City of Beer”.
Brussels known for: castles / palaces, giant atom, museums, theaters, Cathedrals / Basilicas, squares, thoroughfares, gardens, parks, forests, art nouveau architecture, comic art
Brussels is located in northern Belgium, about 35 miles south of Antwerp. A distinct administrative enclave, the Brussels-Capital Region is surrounded by the Flemish Region of Flanders. Central Brussels in known as “the Pentagon”.
Brussels main attractions: Grand Place (city square – 14th-century historic buildings), Atomium (giant stainless steel atom – exhibitions, escalators, views), Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert (ornate shopping center – arched-glass roof, high-end shops, theaters, eateries), St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral (Belgium’s national church – royal weddings, funerals, Brabant-Gothic style), Parc de Bruxelles (royal park / former hunting ground – statues, fountain, outdoor theaters), Royal Palace of Brussels (downtown area – landscaped garden, museums, architecture), Royal Palace of Brussels (constitutional monarchy palace – throne, state rooms, summer tours), Royal Belgian institute of Natural Sciences (natural history museum – dinosaurs, animal specimens, minerals, interactive exhibits), Cambre Woods (park – trees, water features, est. 1861), The Lobster House (old-fashioned seafood restaurant), Mini-Europe (miniature theme park – European landmarks, 1:25 scale, Big Ben, Eiffel Tower, etc.), Wolf Food Market (food vendors – street food, craft beer, wine), Ancienne Belgique (concert venue – restaurant), Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (art museum), Fin de Siècle (Belgian restaurant), Parc de Laeken – Royal Parc (expansive park – magnolia trees, Leopold I monument), Royal Circus (live music venue / circular auditorium – dance, comedy, live music), National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg (Basilica – cupola-topped, 2 towers & museums, art deco style), Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon (15th-century Catholic church – baroque chapels, Gothic architecture), Musée Horta (museum / architect Victor Horta house & studio – art nouveau stained glass, mosaics, furnishings), La Monnaie – De Munt (performing arts theater – Classical facades, marble halls, opera, music recitals, dance performances), Tour & Taxis (exhibition & trade center), Fuse (nightclub)
Surrounding-Brussels points of interest: Kruidtuin Botanical Garden (greenhouse, plant displays, est. 1738), Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo (expansive park – swimming pools, playgrounds, ponds, padal boats, petting zoo, café), Park van Tervuren (park – museum, paths, lakes, wildlife), Groot Begijnhof Leuven (historical buildings / former religious women’s village), Groot-Bijgaarden Castle (17th-century castle – moat-encircled, drawbridge, redbrick tower, gardens), Parc de Wolvendael (park), Arenberg Castle (16th-century castle / university – tours), Folon Foundation (immersive museum / castle grounds – expansive park), Museum David and Alice van Buuren (art museum / art deco house – Dutch Masters paintings, manicured grounds / labyrinth), Arboretum Tervuren (garden), Castle Terblock (event venue), Zoniënwoud (national forest), The Royal Golf Club of Belgium
Brussels professional football clubs are RSC Anderlecht, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and RWDM. A few days in Brussels should be plenty to see the sights. Beer enthusiasts especially should enjoy Brussels, which makes for a solid central point in conjunction with Belgium’s other areas. Keep in mind that there can be some gritty places near the city’s main train station. Brussels currency is the Euro, cars travel on the right-hand side and the legal drinking ages are 16 years old for beer and 18 years old for liquor. Brussels accommodations are some of Northwestern Europe’s best. Before we get to Brussels accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Stone Age settlements have been discovered near Grand Place and the Tomberg Metro station. A large, former industrial site, the Tour & Taxis area was once occupied by Romans. The Frankish Empire absorbed Brussels following the decline of the Western Roman Empire. Legend has it that Brussels was founded on Saint-Gery Island circa 580 AD, with an official founding date around 979 attributed to Charles, Duke of Lower Lorraine. Holy Roman Emperor Otto II appointed Charles as Duke of Lower Lotharingia circa 977. Charles’ daughter Gerberga wed Count Lambert “the Bearded, who thus at the turn of the first millennium gained the County of Brussels. Due to its location between the Flemish cities of Bruges and Ghent and the Kingdom of Germany city of Cologne, Brussels became a commercial center, particularly in textiles, during the Middle Ages. Brussels’ first walls were built in the early-13th century. An old Romanesque church was replaced by the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula beginning in 1225. Another marriage influenced Brussels during the 14th century. Through the marriage of Countess of Flanders heiress Margaret III and Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, Anthony, Duke of Brabant, House of Valois, was born. The January 5, 1477 Battle of Nancy between the Duchy of Burgundy and the Duchy of Lorraine resulted in a Lorraine-Swiss victory, death of Charles the Bold, end of the Burgundian Wars and dissolution of the Burgundian State. Thereafter, the Low Countries fell under Habsburg sovereignty. Charles V, King of Spain, became ruler of the Habsburg Empire in 1519, with Brussels serving as a major city. The lace industry sprung-up during the 16th & 17th centuries, but subsequently unraveled due to a destructive bombardment during the Nine Years’ War. Around 4,000 buildings were destroyed, along with Grand Place. Following the War of the Spanish Succession’s 1706 Battle of Ramillies, Brussels fell to the Anglo-Dutch. Austrian Netherlands took control of the area following the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht. France annexed the Southern Netherlands in 1795. Following Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, France lost control of the area circa 1815. Brussels became the capital of South Brabant under King William I of Orange. Brussels was starting point for the Belgian Revolution in 1830. Leopold I, the first King of the Belgians, destroyed the city walls following his ascension to the throne on July 21, 1831. Grand buildings were constructed in the late-19th century. The 1897 Brussels International Exhibition hosted about 7.8 million people. Germany occupied Brussels during both World War I & II. Brussels Airport began as a German military airport. The city’s railway system expanded after the World Wars, and the first Metro line began operating in 1976. On June 18, 1989, the Brussels-Capital Region was formed.
Home to around 1.25 million Bruxellois (French) / Brusselaars (Dutch), the Brussels-Capital Region is comprised of 19 municipalities. Keep in mind that the City of Brussels (population 190k) differs from the Brussels-Capital Region (population 1.25 mil.). The City of Brussels total area measures 12.78 square miles, whereas the Brussels-Capital Region area is 62.71 square miles. City of Beer is home to some impressive art nouveau architecture, examples of which being Hôtel Tassel and Stoclet Palace (built 1911). Brussels’ tallest building is South Tower at 490 feet. Local foods include frites (fries), moules-frites (mussels), stoemp (sausage, mashed potatoes & vegetables), carbonnade flamande (beef stew), chicons au gratin (endives), chocolate and of course Belgian waffles. Traditional beer types are lambic & gueuze and kriek, while blondes, tripels, pilsners, lagers and craft beers are also found widely. Equipped with some background information on the area, we’re ready for Brussels accommodations that are sure to impress.
National Bank of Belgium Museum | Wolf Food Market Brussels | Théâtre des Martyrs
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, breakfast, fitness center, soundproofing, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, tea / coffee makers, mini-bars, 24-hour front desk
So there they are, Brussels accommodations that will help make for an excellent trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most importantly, that you enjoy your time in Belgium!
Antwerp accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “The Diamond Capital of the World”.
Antwerp known for: diamonds, frituurs (restaurant specializing in Belgian frites), concert halls, museums, art galleries, shopping areas, kasteels (castles), cathedrals, abbeys, monasteries, squares, parks, salt marshes, rivers
Located in northern Belgium and bordering the Netherlands, Antwerp is about 85 miles south of Amsterdam and 35 miles north of Brussels. Flowing through central Antwerp, the Scheldt River connects to the North Sea.
Belgium’s oldest football club, Royal Antwerp Football Club began as Antwerp Football and Cricket Club circa 1880. Antwerp is regarded as being not quite a big city or town, but somewhere in between. Tipping in restaurants is not customary in The Diamond Capital, but of course is always appreciated. In restaurants and bars, tap water is not used for drinking purposes and drinking / bottled water is usually not free. Antwerp public restrooms typically are coin-operated. Most stores close on Sundays and grocery stores close relatively early on weekends. As with many European hubs, cyclists are numerous on Antwerp streets. Generally a safe place, Antwerp does experience petty crime at times. Keep in mind that police / ambulance can be reached at the telephone number 112. Antwerp’s currency is the Euro and cars travel on the right-hand side of the road. Technically there is no legal drinking age in Belgium. though it is illegal to serve beer to anyone under 16, and spirits to anyone under 18. Antwerp accommodations are some of Northwestern Europe’s best. Before we get to Antwerp accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Archaeological excavations near the Scheldt River suggest that humans have inhabited the Antwerp area since at least the 2nd century. At that time, Antwerp was settled by Germanic Franks. During Roman times, Antwerp existed as a Gallo-Roman vicus, or village within a rural area. A Catholic missionary of Flanders, Saint Amand evangelized Antwerp during the 7th-century Merovingian dynasty. During the 9th-century Carolingian period, the medieval fortress Het Steen traces its foundation on account of Viking incursions. A gateway to the larger Dukes of Brabant castle (Tervuren Castle), Het Steen was expanded and completed between 1200 and 1225. The Scheldt River had become a Holy Roman Empire natural border by the end of the 10th century, with Antwerp serving as a margraviate circa 980. Under German emperor Otto II, the boundary near Antwerp separated the Holy Roman Empire from the County of Flanders. which was ruled by France. Leader of the First Crusade, Godfrey of Bouillon was Margrave of Antwerp from 1076 until his death in 1100. German Catholic bishop Norbert of Xanten established a community of Premonstratensian canons at St. Michael’s Abbey circa the 12th century. King of England Edward III and Flemish statesman Jacob van Artevelde conducted diplomatic relations in Antwerp during the 14th century. City magistrates ordered an edict against false diamonds circa 1447. In 1456-Antwerp, Lodewyk van Bercken invented the sceif, a rotating disk used to polish diamonds. Between 1500 and 1569 Antwerp’s population had doubled, largely due to Bruges’ decline on account of the Zwin reserve’s silting-up. From there, trading houses moved from Bruges to Antwerp. The Portuguese established Antwerp as a major shipping base by 1504. Early Portuguese trade through the city was robust and involved cloth, wine, salt, silver, wheat, soap, fish, sugar, pepper and cinnamon. In 1531, the Antwerp Stock Exchange opened. During the mid-16th century, Antwerp was flush with sugar refineries, money lenders and an abundance of painters. This “Golden Age” saw Antwerp become one of the largest European cities north of the Alps. Inflation, along with a drop in skilled labor, saw Portuguese merchants leave the city by 1549, around which time Amsterdam replaced Antwerp as the area’s leading trading center. During the Dutch Golden Age, Antwerp banking was controlled by Genoa. By 1800, Antwerp’s population had dropped to around 40,000. Realizing the port’s strategic importance, Napoleon enlarged the harbor and built a new dock so that larger ships could dock. The 1832 Siege of Antwerp between France and United Netherlands resulted in a French victory. Antwerp hosted 3 million people at the Antwerp International Exposition in 1894, along with the World Gymnastics Championships circa 1903. During World War I, Antwerp was taken by the German Army following the 11-day Siege of Antwerp. After an Armistice, Antwerp hosted the 1920 Summer Olympics. Nazi Germany took control of Antwerp on May 18, 1940. Following World War II, Antwerp’s “Ten Year Plan” (1956–1965) helped the city connect to new satellite communications. Fashion helped redefine Antwerp during the 1990s, around which time the “Antwerp Six” Belgian fashion designers would receive international fame.
Also spelled Antwerpen, Antwerp is home to around 530,000 Antwerpenarens. Friendly yet reserved, Antwerp inhabitants generally understand and speak English quite well. The apex of Antwerp’s skyline is Antwerp Tower, which rises 330 feet. Antwerp’s cruise terminal is located at Steenplein near Het Steen. Thousands of diamond companies / dealers are based in Antwerp on account of the city’s 500-year legacy in the diamond trade. Antwerp’s biggest diamond-industry companies include Rosy Blue, HB Antwerp, Ajediam and Bonas. Historically the city has handled over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds and over half of the world’s polished diamonds. Home to an oceanic climate, Antwerp experiences cool winters and warm summers. Frequent yet light precipitation occurs throughout the year. Local foods include Belgianfrites (fries), Moules-frites (steamed mussels & fries), stoofvlees (beef & dark beer stew – fries), biscuits, candies, chocolate truffles and pralines. Popular drinks are amber ale and Dutch gin (genever). With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Antwerp accommodations that are sure to inspire.
Suite amenities: terrace, hardwood floors, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, coffee machines, electric kettles, mini-bars, hairdryers
Nearby restaurants / pubs:De Kleine Colvenier (bistro), Burger District (hamburger restaurant), Le Delizie senza glutine (gluten-free restaurant), Frituur Chips (frituur), An Sibhin (Irish pub)
Nearby misc.: De Sleutel Coffee Shop, Beauty Bar & Boutique Antwerp (nail salon), REBALE ANTWERP (used clothing store), Mori Film Lab Antwerp (photo lab)
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, spa, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, parking
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants, bar, pool, spa, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business / conference center, meeting rooms, parking, airport transfer
Hotel amenities: bar, buffet breakfast, terrace, garden, picnic area, air conditioning, luggage storage, bicycle rentals, free parking, electric vehicle charging point
Aquarand is 20 minutes from Antwerp International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Deluxe Double Room, Garden View): $197
So there they are, Antwerp accommodations that will help make for an unforgettable trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most of all, that you enjoy your time in Belgium!
Brisbane accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Brissy” and “Queen City of the North” (historic nickname).
Brisbane known for: waterways, shopping malls, performing arts / live music venues, art galleries, wharfs, piers, riverside paths, bridges, parks, gardens, farms, hiking trails, scenic peaks, night markets, street food, koalas
Located at about the mid-point of Australia’s rounded, eastern coastline, Brisbane is roughly 9 miles up-river from Moreton Bay. Between the Coral and Tasman Seas, the Moreton Bay inlet connects directly to Brisbane Central Business District (CBD). Flowing through Brissy, the Brisbane River (“Brown Snake” – tidal estuary – South East Queensland’s longest river) is sourced by Mount Stanley and empties into Moreton Bay. South of Brisbane are Gold Coast (long sandy beaches) and the “hinterland” (rainforests, eucalyptus forests, botanic gardens, woodlands, natural bridges, gorges, cliffs, rivers, waterfalls, platypus, bushwalk hiking areas). Northward, Sunshine Coast is home to sand dunes, shallow lakes and mangrove forests.
Brisbane main attractions:Westfield Chermside (shopping mall), Eat Street Northshore (former container wharf / night market – street food / beer stalls), Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout (scenic spot), City Botanic Gardens (plant life, ponds, picnic areas, concert venues), Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (zoo), Queen Street Mall (shopping mall), Suncorp Stadium, Roma Street Parkland (gardens, waterways, amphitheater), Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (free entry), Westfield Carindale (shopping mall), Queensland Museum, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha (56-acre subtropical botanical garden – native / exotic plants, workshops, events), Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park (River Terrace Park – riverside park – rock climbing, BBQ area, public art, skyline views), Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane Powerhouse (former tram power station / performing arts center – concerts, plays, shows), Wellington Point Recreation Reserve, New Farm Park (recreational facilities, arts center), Shorncliffe Pier (fishing pier), Brisbane Showgrounds (fairground), Victoria Park Driving Range (golf driving range), The West End Markets (farmers’ market), The Tivoli (live music venue), The Triffid (live music venue), Story Bridge (pedestrian / bicycle-friendly bridge – skyline / river views), Howard Smith Wharves (waterside development – restaurants, breweries), Woody Point Jetty, Scarborough Beach, Old Cleveland Lighthouse, St John’s Cathedral (Gothic Revival architecture, wood carvings), Bullocky Rest, Indooroopilly Golf Club, Royal Queensland Golf Club
Cricket and football are Brisbane’s most popular sports. The Brisbane Broncos (rugby) and Brisbane Roar (football) each play at Suncorp Stadium in the suburb of Milton (west of CBD). The Brisbane Heat (cricket) play at The Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground – set to be demolished after the 2032 Summer Olympics) located in the Woolloongabba suburb (also not far from the CBD). Brisbane’s currency is the Australian Dollar, cars travel on the left-hand side and the drinking age is 18 years old. Brisbane accommodations are some of Australia’s best. Before we get to Brisbane accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Brisbane was named after the Brisbane River, which was named after Sir Thomas Brisbane. Prior to Brisbane, aboriginal Australians are believed to have inhabited the area for at least 22,000 years. Just before European arrival in the 1820s, the overall Turrbal, Yugara and Quandamooka aboriginal population is estimated at around 6,000-10,000. Resourceful fishermen, skilled aboriginals set up seasonal riverside camps to catch fish, shellfish, crabs and prawns. The largest riverside camp, located at present-day Victoria Park and Woolloongabba, was occupied from time to time by around 200-600 fishermen. Captain James Cook sailed past Stradbroke Island’s northern end / Moreton Island’s eastern side aboard the Endeavour circa 1770. Cook originally named the area “Morton’s Bay” in honor of the 14th Earl of Morton, James Douglas. President of the Royal Society, Douglas had helped secure funding for Cook’s expedition. Due to an error in the first published account of Cook’s voyage, however, the spelling “Moreton” arose. Captain Matthew Flinders landed at present-day Woody Point on July 17, 1799. Flinders named the area “Red Cliff Point” after its red-colored cliffs. European settlers encountered the Turrbal people in 1820. The Turrbal word for the present-day CBD was mianjin, or “place shaped as a spike”. Governor of New South Wales, Sir Thomas Brisbane remitted orders to develop a new penal settlement in the Moreton Bay area circa 1823. John Oxley, surveying in November 1823, placed the new penal colony near Red Cliff Point. In 1825, convicts planted the City Botanic Gardens, which were originally located at a Moreton Bay penal settlement farm. Jacaranda and Poinciana flowering plants were introduced to Australia around this time. After the initial penal settlement was established, a non-convict European community developed, with German missionaries settling at Zions Hill sometime around 1837. Captain Patrick Logan expanded the Moreton Bay convict settlement and, by 1842, nearly 2,400 men, and 145 women, were detained therein. Scottish immigrants landed aboard the Fortitude circa 1849. The scots settled at present-day Fortitude Valley, which took its name from the barque on which they arrived. The Roman Catholic Church erected St Stephen Chapel in 1850. During the Frontier Wars (1820s-1850s), indigenous attacks occurred throughout the city, albeit with Great Britain arising victorious. Much of Queen Street was destroyed by the 1864 Great Fire of Brisbane. Australia’s only moated fort, Fort Lytton was built at the Brisbane River’s mouth in 1882. Frog’s Hollow, a swampy “slum” area, was once a Chinatown red light district and place of prostitution, sly grogs (unlicensed liquor store) and opium dens. The 1893 Black February Flood caused about $4 million in damages (1893-valuation) to include the destruction of Victoria and Albert Bridges, along with 35 deaths. In 1901, Australia’s six British self-governing colonies united into a Federation. Celebrations were held in Brisbane during the event’s first commemoration. After World War I, the Red Flag riots between returned First Australian Imperial Force soldiers and socialists resulted in 1 police horse death and multiple injuries. During World War II, South West Pacific Area (SWPA) headquarters was stationed at the AMP Building (present-day MacArthur Chambers), while American troops were based at the T & G Building. The November 26, 1942 “Battle of Brisbane” riot between the United States Army and the Australian Army / civilians resulted in 1 Australian death (Gunner Edward S. Webster) and hundreds of injuries on both sides. Webster died instantly by way of an errant shotgun blast to the chest. A few decades after the Wars and the Americans’ departures, the 1982 Commonwealth Games and World Expo 88 were two key events that contributed to Brisbane’s modern development.
Queensland’s capital and most populous city, Brisbane is home to around 2.5 million “Brisbanites”. Over 32% of the metropolitan population is foreign-born. Brisbane has 19 skyscrapers at 492 feet or higher, with the tallest being Brisbane Skytower at 887 feet. Brissy is located on the Brisbane River Valley’s hilly floodplain. To the west rise the Taylor and D’Aguilar mountain ranges. A massive, submerged continent to the southeast that’s nearly the size of Australia, Zealandia is thought to be over a billion years old. The northward Coral Sea Plateau is a contiguous area with depths no greater than 3,300 feet. Apart from the airport, the Port of Brisbane is the city’s main transit hub, handling about 150 ship calls per year. Brisbane cruise lines include Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and more. In addition to koalas, the Brisbane area’s wildlife is diverse and includes tree frogs, rainbow lorikeets (colorful parrot), kookaburras (kingfisher), Australian water dragons (lizard), bearded dragons (lizard), flying foxes (megabat – 5-foot wingspan), blue triangle butterflies, golden orb-weaver spiders and St Andrew’s Cross spiders. Brisbane River species include yellowfin bream, flathead, Australasian snapper and bull sharks, while Moreton Bay is home to humpback whales, dolphins, dugongs (manatee), mud crabs, soldier crabs, Moreton Bay bugs (lobster) and more. Brisbane’s humid subtropical climate is characterized by hot summers and moderate winters. January summer high temperatures average around 87 °F, while June winter highs stay around 71 °F. Additional points of interest include Queensland Cultural Centre, Feel Good Program (park / former World Expo 88 site), The Old Windmill (city’s oldest building, built by convicts c. 1828), Eagle Street Pier (riverfront dining complex), Walter Taylor Bridge (suspension bridge), State Library of Queensland, Treasury Building and University of Queensland. Popular foods include barbecued meats, various seafood, cheeseburgers, chicken wings, Ramen, gnocchi, breakfast carbonara and fruit, while signature cocktails, wine, whiskey and craft beer are the most-poured drinks. With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Brisbane accommodations that will help make for a memorable experience.
Hotel amenities: saltwater swimming pool, soundproofing, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, ironing facilities, free parking, free airport shuttle service upon check-out
So there they are, Brisbane accommodations that will help make for an excellent trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most of all, that you enjoy your time in Australia!
An eastern Mediterranean island-country shaped like a tomahawk steak, Cyprus is in proximity to Turkey (northward), Lebanon & Israel (southeastward) and Egypt (southward). Cyprus marks the Greek goddess Aphrodite’s birthplace. While the Republic of Cyprus asserts maritime rights to waters near the island’s southern and western coasts, the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus claims de facto control over northeastern waters.
Cyprus main attractions:Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos (archaeological area / ruins – fortress, tombs, villas, Roman mosaics), Archaeological Site of the Tombs of the Kings (3rd-century BC necropolis – underground tombs carved out of rock), The Holy Monastery of the Virgin of Kykkos (Kykkos Monastery – founded 11th century), Kyrenia Castle (Crusader fortification / 16th-century Venetian castle), Büyük Han (Great Inn est. 1572 – caravansarai – Old City of Nicosia), Cape Cavo Greco (national park / rugged peninsula – turquoise lagoon, natural rock bridge, cliffside trails), Nissi Beach (clean, aqua waters), Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark, Camel Park, Agia Napa Sea Caves (coastal area – sea cliffs, rugged bluffs, diving, cliff jumpers), Konnos Beach (chair rentals, swimming, water sports), Profitis Elias Church (small hilltop church – stone façade, paintings, scenic water views), Dasoudi (park / beach – café, umbrella rentals, walking track), Lara Beach (secluded beach – swimming, sea turtles, sea views – accessed via dirt road), Monagroulli White Stones (scenic spot – rock formations), Akama National Forest Park (hills, gorges, beaches, turtle nesting, cycling), Kantara Castle (Byzantine / Frankish hilltop castle ruins), Tzelefos Bridge (stone bridge), CyHerbia Botanical Park & Labyrinth, Mount Olympus (mountain peak – 6,4001 feet, forested hiking trails, skiing), The Blue House (museum), Stavrovouni Monastery (4th-century hilltop monastery – Christian relics), St. Hilarion Kalesi (museum), Athalassa National Forest Park (woodland reserve – hiking / cycling trails, lake, botanical garden, picnic tables), Cyprus Car Museum, Salamis Forest (ancient ruins), Ayia Thekla Beach, Golden Beach (peninsula beach – dunes), Petrides Farm Park, Troodos Botanical Garden, Silivritepe Yolu Historic Tank (abandoned military vehicle), Holy Church of Panagia of Asinou (mountainous stone church – ornate interior, 12th-century Byzantine paintings), Sparti Platres Rope Adventure Park, Governor’s Beach (popular beach – 3 bays, lifeguards, restaurants), Manolis Bay (turquoise waters), Church of Saints Cyprian and Justina, Secret Valley Golf Resort (golf course), Minthis Golf Club, Elea Estate (golf course)
The Island of Love is divided into two main ethnic communities: Greeks (south side) and Turks (northeast side). The majority of accommodations are found on the Greek side. Cyprus professional football clubs include AC Omonia, APOEL Nicosia, Aris Limassol, Pafos FC, AEK Larnaca and Apollon Limassol. AC Omonia vs. APOEL Nicosia represents the island’s biggest rivalry, sometimes involving clashes between fans. Keep in mind that Cyprus electrical sockets and power plugs are type G. English is widely used on Cyprus, both verbally and on road signs. Currency is the Euro, cars travel on the left-hand side of the road and the drinking age is 17 years old. Cyprus accommodations are some of the Mediterranean’s best. Before we get to Cyprus accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Written in Linear B Mycenaean Greek syllabic script, the word kupirijo, meaning “Cypriot”, has been traced to the 15th century BC. Although the word Cypriot’s exact origin is unknown, possible links stem from Greek / Indigenous words for the Mediterranean cypress tree, the henna tree or copper. Archaeological findings from Aetokremnos (southern coast) and Vretsia Roudias (inland) suggest that hunter-gatherers may have been the first to inhabit Cyprus around 10,000 BC. Once native to the island, the Cypriot pygmy hippopotamus and the Cyprus dwarf elephant are believed to have gone extinct around the time of the first settlers. By 8,500 BC, Stone Age farming communities emerged. The remains of a cat, buried with a human body, have been unearthed from a gravesite dating to around 7,500 BC. Existing around 6,800 BC, the relatively well-preserved village of Khirokitia is thought to have been inhabited by about 300-600 people. Copper was discovered in the Troodos Mountains sometime around 1650 BC. Bronze Age copper mines naturally began connecting Cyprus to the broader Mediterranean world and stimulating island-wide settlements. Around this time, it is believed that Cyprus was ruled by “kings” who corresponded with other leaders such as Egyptian pharaohs. As recorded by 13th-century BC letters sent to the ancient Levantine coastal city of Ugarit, Kushmeshusha is the first known Cypriot king. Mycenaean Greek traders and Phoenician merchants settled on Cyprus toward the end of the Bronze Age (1,400 – 850 BC). Starting in 708 BC, the Neo-Assyrian Empire ruled the island for a century, followed briefly by the Egyptians, and then Achaemenid circa 545 BC. Alexander the Great conquered Cyprus in 333 BC. Following Alexander’s death and the partition of Babylon, the island became part of the Hellenistic empire of Ptolemaic Egypt. The Roman Republic acquired Cyprus in 58 BC, and in 22 BC, Roman Cyprus was established. In 286 AD, the Roman Empire was divided between East and West, and Cyprus fell under the East Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire. Cyprus would remain part of the East Roman Empire for about 900 years thereafter. Repeated Umayyad Caliphate attacks and raids commenced in 649, culminating with decisive land and sea victories by Byzantine Emperor Nikephoros II Phokas circa 965. During the 12th century, control of Cyprus passed amongst Byzantine Isaac Komnenos, Richard I of England (Third Crusade), the Knights Templar, Guy of Lusignan and Aimery of Lusignan, respectively. The Republic of Venice took control of Cyprus in 1473 following the death of the last Lusignan king, James II, whose Venetian widow, Catherine Cornaro, reigned briefly as figurehead. Catherine was abdicated in 1489, when the Venetians formally annexed the Kingdom of Cyprus. Nearly 100 years later, the Venetians built the Walls of Nicosia and, due to Ottoman attacks, additional fortifications at Famagusta and Kyrenia. Some 60,000 Ottoman troops invaded Cyprus in 1570, massacring Greek and Armenian Christian inhabitants and bringing the island under Ottoman control. The feudal system was replaced by the millet system and non-Muslims were governed by their own religious authorities. Crypto-Christian communities, such as the Catholic Linobambakis, existed on Cyprus during Ottoman rule. The 1821 Greek War of Independence created calamity on Cyprus, in particular the execution of 486 prominent Greek Cypriots. Centuries-long Ottoman oppression and taxations led to Enosis, a type of Greek nationalism. The June 4, 1878 Cyprus Convention leased the island to the British Empire. Britain took de facto control over administration in exchange for establishing a military base and helping to protect the Ottoman Empire against Russia following the Russo-Turkish War. Cyprus, particularly Famagusta Port, served as a strategic British navel outpost en route to Great Britain’s most prized overseas possession, India. The Ottoman Empire having joined Central Powers during World War I, Great Britain annexed Cyprus on November 5, 1914, declaring the Ottoman Khedivate a Sultanate and British protectorate. Nearly a year later, Britain offered Cyprus to Greece, which was declined by the Alexandros Zaimis administration. Turkey relinquished any claim to Cyprus following the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, and two years later the island became a British crown colony. A military unit of the British Army, the Cyprus Regiment enlisted many Greek and Turkish Cypriots during World War II. Enosis remained ever-present in Greek Cypriots’ minds and moreover became Greek national policy in the 1950s, at which time Turkey, with Great Britain’s help, established the partition of Cyprus and polity in the north. Cyprus attained independence in 1960 following the Zürich and London Agreement, with the United Kingdom retaining the Akrotiri and Dhekelia Sovereign Base Areas. Following independence, disagreements concerning the 1960 Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus caused intercommunal violence between Turkish and Greek Cypriots. A coup d’état occurred on July 15, 1974, when Greek military officer Dimitrios “The Invisible Dictator” Ioannides ousted president Makarios III and installed nationalist Nikos Sampson. In response, Turkey invaded Cyprus on July 20, 1974, citing its right to do so from the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, justification of which was rejected by the United Nations. Altogether, the Turks sent bombers, tanks, armored vehicles, trucks and some 36,000 troops, ultimately capturing Kyrenia, Morphou, Karpass, Famagusta and the Mesaoria before international pressure led to a ceasefire. About 4% of the island’s area was incorporated into the United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus demilitarized zone in August 1974. Cyprus joined the European Union on May 1, 2004, from which time Turkish occupation of the island’s northern part was viewed as illegal by international law.
South of the Anatolian Peninsula and west of the Levant, Cyprus is home to over 1.2 million “Cypriots”. Nicosia, the capital and largest city, has a population of around 200,000. About 77% of the island’s population is Greek, while about 18% is Turkish. As such, Eastern Orthodox Christianity forms the dominant religion. Cyprus is the third-largest Mediterranean island behind Sicily and Sardinia. Once one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations dubbed “French Riviera of Cyprus”, the northern city of Varosha, falling to invading Turks in the mid-1970s, became a mysterious ghost town for nearly 50 years, vaguely, if not eerily, reminiscent of Chernobyl. Cyprus is home to a subtropical climate. Summer high temperatures average just over 90 °F and winters stay around 63 °F. Coastal winters are mild, while summers are warm / hot. Snow is possible in the central Troodos Mountains. Additional points of interest include Petra tou Romiou (sea stack / mythological site of Aphrodite’s birth), Kouris Dam (Cyprus’ largest dam), Port of Limassol, Larnaca Salt Lakes, Pancyprian Gymnasium (high school – founded 1812) and Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Center. Local foods include Aanari cheese, cured pork tenderloin, flaounes (cheese-filled pastry), skordalia (puree), taramosalata (fish-based meze) and ttalattouri (dip). Popular drinks are wine, Keo beer, Ayran (yogurt-based drink – unofficial national cocktail) and brandy sour. With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Cyprus accommodations that will help make for a memorable experience.
Hotel amenities: restaurant, Sunday brunch on the terrace, outdoor pool, city / pool views, balconies, gardens, spa, outdoor hot tubs, sauna, steam bath, hot tub, fitness center, wooden flooring, double glazed windows, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, mini-bars, spa baths
Nearby restaurants / bars:The Polo Restaurant & Bar (fine dining restaurant), Limassol National Guard Club (restaurant), Egophobia ClubHouse (bar)
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, top-floor terrace with pool & hydro-massage jets, sea / old town views, free WiFi, kettles, flat-screen TVs, slippers
Nearby restaurants / pubs:Valtou Rigani – Souvlakopoli (Greek restaurant), Pizzeria 485° (restaurant), Yoko Sushi & Bento (restaurant), Stoano Kato (bistro), Glykolémono (restaurant), Lisa´s Flammhaus (restaurant), DSTRKT (bar & grill), The Potbelly Quality Street Food & Craft Beer, Preserve ALL DAY BAR, Vibes Cafe-Bar (bar), Vinaria (wine bar), Borracho Pub (pub), Kleidi Cafe Bar (pub)
Nearby misc.:Vamos Deli Wine Store (wine store), Cava Spiritology (wine store), Fahrenheit Bakery, S’ La Cafette (cafeteria), Bam’s Barbers (barber shop), Easy Rider (tattoo and piercing shop)
Within feet:
Saint Lazarus Square
Finikoudes Promenade
Byzantine Museum of Saint Lazarus
Larnaca Medieval Castle
Finikoudes Beach
Within 1.3 miles:
Mackenzie Beach
Within 10 miles:
Fatsa Wax Museum
Qbic City Hotel is 1.7 miles from Larnaca International Airport.
Apartment amenities: swimming pool, children’s pool, sun loungers, umbrellas, sea views, sun terrace, balconies, gardens, free Wi-Fi, car rentals, free private parking
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants, lobby bar, outdoor pool with terrace area, poolside bar, sea views, infinity glass balconies, private decks with sun loungers & swimming pools, indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, hot tub, tennis courts, gym, room automation panel systems, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, USB charging points, bathrooms with double sink vanity sets
Nearby restaurants / bars / pubs: Sesoula Kalamaki (Greek restaurant), Kaliva On The Beach (restaurant), Ocean Basket Agia Napa (restaurant), Jello Cafe Restaurant, Raphael’s Restaurant, Sage Restaurant, AVRA authentic cypriot kitchen (Greek restaurant), Isaac Fish Tavern (seafood restaurant), Davinci Napiana Italian Cuisine (Italian restaurant), Lorenzo’s Pasta Bar (Italian restaurant), Bella Italy Cy (Italian restaurant), Quadro Restaurant (Italian restaurant), Al Ritrovo Italian Restaurant, Marquis De Napa (Mediterranean restaurant), Los Mexicanos (Mexican restaurant), Elia Taste & More Bar-Restaurant (restaurant), Theophan Beach Restaurant, Paradisos Beach Venue (restaurant), Molos Seaside Ayia Napa (restaurant), The Queen Vic (restaurant), Farmers Traditional Tavern (restaurant), Dancing Fountains (restaurant), Sale e Pepe (restaurant), Clarabel (restaurant), Terrazza (restaurant), Mezepolis Kebab and Tavern (restaurant), Opas Traditional Tavern (diner), Abacus Restaurant and Lounge Bar, Marcello’s Beach Bar, Kimon Bar (bar), Pepper Bar Lounge (bar), PS Lounge & Shisha Bar (bar), River Rock Cocktail Bar & Shisha Lounge (cocktail bar), Tommy’s Pub (pub)
Nearby tourist attractions: Sculpture Park, Bridge of Lovers, Socha motýla, Secret Seacaves, Ayia Napa Monument
Nearby misc.: Casino Ayia Napa Poker Club (casino), The Liquid Cafe N Bar (café), NAPA STAR Inn (café), Zoumpoulias Traditional Products Shop & Cafe (coffee shop), The Bakery Co. (bakery), Fresco Coffee & Ice Cream (ice cream shop), Plus Discount Market (supermarket), Best Value Discount Store (supermarket), EMAN Travel & Tours (sightseeing tour agency), Milis Bikes (ATV rental service), Dolfin’s Luna Park (Ayia Napa Harbour – amusement park), Glyki Nero Beach, Babylounaki Beach, Limanaki Beach, Thalassa (museum), Ayia Napa Harbour (port), Emmelias Sculpture Park Kilátóterasz (observation deck), Cactus and Succulent Park (park), Kraken Cave (hiking area), Seacavers (hiking area), Wooden Bridge With Love Locks (hiking area), Sea Cave (historical landmark), Agios Georgios Chapel (Greek Orthodox church)
Within feet:
Pantachou Beach
Thalassa Municipal Museum
Within 2.9 miles:
Kavo Gkreko National Forest Park
Within 10 miles:
Dr. Fazil Kucuk Stadium
Within 11 miles:
Othello Tower
Amarande is 23 miles from Larnaca International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Prestige Swim-Up Suite): $539
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants, bar, outdoor pool, pool bar, sea views, balconies, outdoor hot tubs, indoor pool, spa, massage services, sauna, steam room, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, kettles, mini-bars, safety deposit boxes, bathrobes, slippers
Hotel amenities: restaurant, terrace, fitness center, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, ironing service, business facilities, airport transportation
Nearby restaurants:Artisan’s Burgerbar (hamburger restaurant), Silver Pot (restaurant), Tipsy Sticks (restaurant), Nom (brunch restaurant), Crosta Nostra (Italian restaurant), Guido & The Goose (pizza takeout), The Mairko of Mentri (restaurant), Scale Restaurant, AMANO Kitchen Bar (restaurant), Sentio (restaurant), asma restaurant (Lebanese restaurant), asma restaurant (Lebanese restaurant), Mimosa Tapas Bar & Cocktails (tapas bar), Seven Monkeys The Bar (bar), The Old Souls (bar), Theory Cocktail Bar (cocktail bar), Mix & Malt (cocktail bar), Lola Bar (cocktail bar)
Nearby cafes:Smoothie Factory Cyprus, Big Dog, Cafe et Journaux, Artnaldas Concept Experience, Utopia Espresso Bar at Piccadilly), Brew Lab, Serious Black Coffee, Prozac. Cafe
Nearby misc.: State Gallery of Contemporary Art – Majestic (art museum)
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar & lounge, library, terrace, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, street parking
Nearby restaurants / bars: Le Frenchie (French restaurant), Chill Out Burger Bar (hamburger restaurant), Draught Microbrewery (restaurant), Artima Bistro (restaurant), Karatello Tavern (restaurant), TIO (restaurant), Ousia Soulful Kitchen (restaurant), Curly Wolf (lunch restaurant), Comfy. (brunch restaurant), Vecchia Napoli (Ciao Napoli – pizza restaurant), The Modern Kitchen (pizza restaurant), Jam Limassol (restaurant), Asado kosher (restaurant), Coffee Gallery (restaurant), Megaro Restaurant, To Frourio Tavernaki (restaurant), The Local Fish & Meat (restaurant), Juego Cafe-Lounge Bar (restaurant), Serbian Grill Take Away (restaurant),Sykaminia Cook Shop (restaurant), BirdSlut (Japanese restaurant), BinB (takeout restaurant), Alice Coffee & Desserts (dessert restaurant), Hustlers Rock Club (bar), SOBER Rock Bar, Tria Poulakia Bar, Sto Dromo Bar
Nearby misc.:ESCAPE Limassol Old Town (escape room), Notes Live Cyprus (live music venue), Kiklos Μουσική (live music venue), Xouzouri (coffee shop), Palia Kai simera (cafeteria), Gelato Mio Old Port (ice cream shop), HESPERIA Itallian Ice Cream Cafe (ice cream shop), Gelatissimo (ice cream shop), ENA Theatre / Versus Theatre, Richard & Berengaria Ballrooms (event venue), Roots – The Space (event venue), Loft Shisha Lounge (hookah bar), Carob Mill Restaurants Head Office (corporate office)
Within feet:
Limassol Castle
Limassol Promenade
Limassol Marina Beach
Within 1 mile:
Limassol Municipal Gardens
Limassol Zoo
Within 3.6 miles:
Cyprus Motor Museum
Within 7 miles:
Cyprus Wine Museum
Old Port Hotel is 34 miles from Larnaca International Airport.
Resort amenities: restaurant, bar, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, mountain views, terraces, indoor pool, spa, sauna, hot tub, fitness center, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, kitchens, coffee machines, safety deposit boxes, hairdryers, 24-hour front desk, ATM, bike / car rentals, ironing service, business facilities, free private parking, paid airport shuttle service
Nearby restaurants / bars / pubs: Aristo’s Place Tavern (restaurant), Monastiraki Tavern (family restaurant), The Nassau Cafe Bistro (Caribbean restaurant), The Fountain of Gerolakkos Traditional Taverna (restaurant), Kika’s Garden Homemade Food & Produce. (restaurant), To Konatzi tis Kallepias Tavern (restaurant), Polivar’s Residents (restaurant), VIN 36 (bar), Aphrodite’s Rock Microbrewery (brewpub)
Nearby misc.:Winners Cafe Tsada (cafe)
Within feet:
Minthis Restaurant
Within 2.7 miles:
Environmental Information Centre
Within 3.3 miles:
Saint Neophytos Monastery
Within 4.5 miles:
Panagia Chryssopolitissa Church
Within 6 miles:
St. George Beach
Minthis Resort is 7 miles from Paphos International Airport.
House amenities: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, infinity pool, pool bar, pool views, terrace, spa facilities, hammam, hot tub, tennis court, fitness room, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, fully-equipped kitchen, washing machine, hairdryer, 24-hour front desk, laundry service, car rental service, free private parking
Nearby misc.: The Family Cafe Bar, Elatte (café), Liotatis Lotier (pastry shop), Litsas Supermarket, Poplife (supermarket), Stardust, Variety Show (performing arts theater), Church of Apostle Andrew & Saints Stefanos & Modestos (Greek Orthodox church)
So there they are, Cyprus accommodations that will help make for an unforgettable experience. We hope you have found this information valuable and most importantly, that you enjoy your time in the Mediterranean!
Greece’s southernmost and largest isle, Crete is located between the Aegean and Libyan Seas. Crete spans 160 miles east-to-west and 37 miles north-to-south. The Island of the God’s capital, Heraklion is found on the north coast. Inland Crete is characterized by its high, east-to-west mountain range, along with its valleys and plateaus. The island’s tallest peak, Mount Ida (Psiloritis) rises 8,058 feet above sea level.
Crete main attractions: Elafonissi Beach, Fortezza of Rethymnon (16-century Venetian citadel ruins – panoramic port / town views), Balos Beach (white sand beach / lagoon – turquoise water, accessible by boat or hike), Seitan Limania (remote sandy beach / cove surrounded by rock formations), Arkadi Monastery (16th-century church / Eastern Orthodox monastery), Botanical Garden of Crete, Watercity Waterpark Crete, Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre, Amazonas Park (zoo), Gramvousa Beach, Cave of Agia Sofia (chapel), Acqua Plus (waterpark), Monastry of Saint George, Limnoupolis (waterpark), Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery (ancient church / nunnery – medieval murals, Virgin Mary icon), Venizelos Graves (hilltop gravesite – panoramic sea / city views), Lychnostatis Open Air Museum (natural history museum – traditional dwellings, workshops), Balos Viewpoint (scenic spot), Mili Gorge (long canyon trail – old mills, tavern, chapels, rock pools), Richtis Gorge (scenic gorge / rugged hiking trail – stream, waterfall, wildlife), White Mountains Forest Preserve, Archaeological Site of Aptera, Souda Beach (umbrellas, showers, seafood tavernas, rare Cretan date palm grove), Odigìtria Monastery, Agiofaraggo Martsalo Kefali (park – gravel roads, trails, cliffs, beaches, caves), Nikos Kazantzakis Museum (author museum), Monastery Katholiko (church)
Rideshare service:unavailable due to local taxi unions and government regulations
Mountainous in places, Crete’s roadways sometimes wind and bend, with gorges dropping beneath. Of course, you’ll want to drive with extra precaution in these areas. Sometimes you may wish to drive slowly, to take in the views for example. When driving slowly, one should keep to the shoulder so that (typically appreciative) Cretans may pass. A drive east-to-west on Crete takes about 6 hours, give or take. Crete’s two smaller, main airports are Chania International Airport and Sitia Public Airport (domestic flights between Crete and mainland Greece). OFI Crete F.C, a Greek Super League team, plays at Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium in Heraklion. Crete’s currency is the Euro, cars travel on the right-hand side and the drinking age is 18 years old. Crete accommodations are some of the Greek Isles’ best. Before we get to Crete accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Crete’s earliest permanent settlement, a major Minoan center. can be traced to 7000 BC Knossos. The Minoans were skilled artists and writers, as evidenced archaeologically by their elaborate pottery, and by their mysterious Linear A writing system, which has been discovered on tablets, ritual objects, sealed documents and mason marks. Mediterranean traders, the Minoans built a palace at Knossos. Mainland-Greece Mycenaeans replaced the Cretan Minoans around 1420 BC, as evidenced by a Linear B archive found at Knossos that dates to around that time. The Late Bronze Age’s sudden 12th century BC collapse ushered-into Crete new waves of mainland Greeks, who established city-states. Following a brief period of civil order in the 5th century BC, as inferred by the Gortyn city-state’s legal code, unrest ensued in the late-4th century by way of aristocratic elite infighting and city-states’ prolonged warfare. The Lyttian War (220-216 BC) fought between Knossos (allied with Rhodes) and Polyrrhenia (allied with Macedonia) resulted in a Knossian defeat. At that point, Crete largely fell under Macedonian influence, with king Philip V gaining hegemony over the island. However, the Cretan War (205–200 BC) between Macedonia (allied with the Aetolian League and Spartan pirates) and Rhodes (allied with Byzantium and Athens) resulted in a Rhodian victory. Around this time, Rome began to meddle with Cretan affairs The town of Ierapytna (Ierapetra) gained control of eastern Crete in the 2nd century BC. With the rise of the Roman Empire, Crete initially repelled an attack by Roman general Marcus Antonius Creticus in 71 BC, but was subsequently conquered in 69 BC by Quintus Caecilius Metellus, who became known as “Creticus”. During Roman rule, Gortyn was made the capital of a prosperous Crete, which had become a Roman province alongside Cyrenaica (eastern region of Libya). In 297 AD, Crete was separated from Cyrenaica, though the island remained an Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire province. Constantinople became the Eastern Roman Empire’s capital circa 330 AD, and thereafter Crete was faced with a series of adversities: extreme earthquakes (365 & 415 AD), Vandal attack (467), Slavic raid (623) and Arab raids (654, 670 & 8th century). Jurisdiction of the island was transferred, under Byzantine Emperor Leo III the Isaurian, from the Pope to the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 732. Having been ruled by the Romans for 900 years, Crete was captured in the 820s by Andalusian Muwallads, who established the Emirate of Crete. After nearly 150 years of Arab rule, Crete reverted to Byzantine Empire control following the siege of Chandax (960–61). The Fourth Crusade seized Constantinople in 1204. At that time, Crete was given to the leading Crusader Boniface of Montferrat, who in turn sold the claim to the Republic of Venice, the Crusade’s prevailing force. Venice’s rival, the Republic of Genoa seized Crete shortly thereafter, but the island was recaptured by Venice in 1212. Venice ruled Crete for more than 400 years starting in 1212. Under Venetian rule, Renaissance-style flourished on the island. Of Venice’s population of approximately 60,000, about 10,000 relocated to Crete. As a result, the ancient city of Kydonia was revived and renamed Canea, which developed into modern Chania. Venetian rule ended effectively in 1669 when, following the siege of Candia, Ottomans conquered Crete. Following the seventh and final Ottoman–Venetian War in 1715, many Greek Cretans fled to other parts of the Republic of Venice. The Ottomans built high walls and bastions around Heraklion. Wealthy shipbuilder Ioannis Vlachos, also known as Daskalogiannis, staged a revolt against Ottoman rule in Crete during the Russo-Turkish War (1768–1774). Erroneously assuming that he would receive support from the Russian navy, which never arrived, Daskalogiannis was forced to surrender to Ottoman authorities. Displayed publicly and remaining silent throughout, Daskalogiannis was tortured, skinned alive and beaten to death. Ottoman-Sultan Mahmud II granted control of Crete to de facto Egyptian ruler Muhammad Ali Pasha in exchange for Pasha’s military support during the Greek War of Independence. Crete was omitted from the London Protocol of 1830, while subsequently being confirmed in the Convention of Kütahya of 1833. The July 3, 1840 Convention of London returned Crete to direct Ottoman rule. The Cretan revolt (1866–1869) between Greek Revolutionaries and the Ottoman Empire resulted in an Ottoman victory and revolt suppression. At the revolt’s onset, the Arkadi Monastery had served as rebel headquarters, but became the scene of self-induced gunpowder barrel explosions along with a massacre. Several Cretan uprisings against the Ottomans occurred in the mid-to-late-19th century, prompting Great Britain, France, Italy and Russia, the “Great Powers”, to garrison troops on the island circa February 1897. Autonomy under Ottoman suzerainty was proposed by the Great Powers in March 1898. The September 6, 1898 Candia massacre resulted in 500–800 Christian inhabitant, and 14 British military personnel, murders, along with the British vice-consul and family being burned alive inside their home. Subsequently, Ottoman troops and administrators were expelled from the island by early-November, and autonomy was enforced by an incoming High Commissioner, Prince George of Greece, in December 1898. The Great Powers thus rose the Cretan State flag, with a white star to represent Ottoman suzerainty over the island. The proposed suzerainty most definitely served as a ruse to temporarily assuage the Ottomans. In 1908, Cretan deputies declared union with Greece. Then, at the 1912 First Balkan War’s onset, the Greek government declared Crete a Greek territory, which was not recognized internationally until December 1, 1913. The May 1941 Battle of Crete between the United Kingdom (largely) and Nazi Germany resulted in an Axis victory and occupation of “Fortress Crete“. During German occupation, the Massacre of Kondomari and Viannos massacres occurred. A majority of German forces evacuated Crete in October 1944, leaving only a small garrison at Chania. Following VE Day, the remaining Germans surrendered at Knossos to British Major-General Colin Callander. A series of political clashes in Athens, known as Dekemvriana during World War II, influenced the Greek Civil War (1946-1949). On Crete’s prolonged civil war battlefield, 34 remaining communist Democratic Army of Greece fighters finally surrendered in 1974, 25 years after Greece’s mainland civil war had ended.
Home to around 625,000 “Cretans”, Crete is the world’s 88th largest island, with over 650 miles of coastline. Turquoise waters can be found at various beaches encompassing the island. Diverse marine life consists of endangered monk seals, dolphins, octopi, sea turtles, fin whales, seahorses and various fish species. Several shark species inhabit the waters around Crete such as blue sharks, Mako, threshers and more, though human encounters are rare. Dangerous land animals are non-existent on Crete, where, according to Greek mythology, Zeus was born. Legend states that Hercules, honoring Zeus, removed all harmful and dangerous animals. About 210,000 of the island’s inhabitants live in the capital city of Heraklion. Annually, over 6 million people visit Crete, which is roughly 100 miles south of mainland Greece. Chania International Airport is named after after Daskalogiannis. Crete’s Mediterranean climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer July high temperatures average around 85 °F, while January winter highs stay around 59 °F. The island’s highest peaks are often snowcapped between November and April. Snowfall is rare in lower elevations, though not impossible. Additional points of interest are Va (eastern beach / protected natural area), Knossos (Bronze Age archaeological site), Frangokastello (castle), Matala (southern village) Samariá Gorge, Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Pankritio Stadium. Local foods include souvlaki (skewered meats), moussaka (ground meat, eggplant dish), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), spanakopita (savory spinach pie), dakos (meze appetizer with tomatoes, crumbled feta / mizithra cheese and herbs), tzatzkiki (cold cucumber-yogurt sauce), saganaki (fried cheese appetizer) and various seafoods. Popular drinks are wine, beer, raki (licorice-flavored aperitif) and Greek coffee (bold, kaimaki foam on top, unstrained grounds on bottom – brewed in a special briki pot). With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Crete accommodations that will help make for an outstanding trip.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum | Morosini Fountain | Heraklion Port | Cathedral Holy Temple of Saint Titus
Hotel amenities: bar, full breakfast (surcharge), seasonal outdoor pool, library, spa, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, business center, meeting rooms, car rentals, free parking
Nearby restaurants / bars:Antipodas (Greek restaurant), Koukouvagia (Greek restaurant), Tempelis (restaurant), KOUZEINERI (steakhouse), Molfetta Cucina Italiana (Italian restaurant), Minos Restaurant, Cooking with love (restaurant), Almi (restaurant), Smasheri Burgers (hamburger restaurant), Gohan Heraklion (Japanese restaurant), Wasabe (Asian restaurant), Xalavro Open Bar (cocktail bar), The Garden (cocktail bar)
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, poolside bar, free full breakfast, seasonal outdoor pool, indoor pool, spa, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center
Hotel amenities: bar, daily breakfast, bay / lake views, outdoor hot tubs, air conditioning, smart TVs, fully-equipped kitchenettes, kettles, mini-bars
Nearby bars: Yanni’s Rock Bar, Casa Porto Cocktail Bar, Bajamar (cocktail bar)
Nearby misc.: Bolero (café), House of Bioaroma Crete (health and beauty shop), Semi submarine (boat tour agency), Afroditi Fishing Trips, Eva Fishing Trips, Port of Agios Nikolaos (marina), Grafio Tourismou (visitor center)
Within feet:
Ammos Beach
Ammoudi Beach
Central Square (El. Venizelou)
Within 1.3 miles:
Mini Club
Within 6 miles:
Office of the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos
Within 21 miles:
Sitia Public Airport
Hotel Port 7 is 32 miles from Heraklion International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Superior Studio): $110
Resort amenities: beach sunbeds & umbrellas, restaurant, cabana bar, lagoon-style pool (stretches along the resort), spa center, fitness center, bathrobes, slippers
Nearby misc.: Mojo Cafe Music Bar, Sea Cafe Bar, Asterias Restaurant Bar Cafe, MINOAN (supermarket), Aris Water Sports, Analipsi Beach, Church of Agios Dimitrios, Agia Marina Analipsis (church)
Hotel amenities: rooftop terrace with a swimming pool & bar, panoramic sea views, balconies, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, LED TVs, safety deposit boxes, hairdryers, free on-site parking
Nearby restaurants / bars: Psitolihoudies (restaurant), Panórama (restaurant), Galini Taverna (restaurant), Porto Paradiso (restaurant), Hellenic Street Food (restaurant), Caldera Seaside Restaurant, Mambo Beach Bar & Restaurant, Psaropoúla (tavern), Harbour Cafe Bar (cocktail bar)
Nearby misc.: Luxury & Spa, Calista Wellness & Spa (day spa), Kouskouras Beach, Bali Bakery (patisserie), Bali Coffee and Sweets (ice cream shop), Michalis Shop (gourmet grocery store), Butcher Supermarket Port (supermarket), Candy by Mary (shopping mall), Hippocampos Bali Dive Center (dive club), The Skippers (yacht club), Happy Days – Happy holidays (car rental agency), OnTime Car Rental, Car Holiday (car rental agency), E-bikes Eco Tour (tour operator), Bali Tattoo Studio (tattoo and piercing shop), Varkotopos (beach), Paralia Mpali (beach), Plage de bali (tourist attraction), Cliff jumping spot (tourist attraction), Belvedere del Cuore (tourist attraction), Ekklisia Agia Triada (Greek Orthodox church)
Hotel amenities: restaurant by the pool, poolside cocktail bar, buffet breakfast, panoramic bay / sea views, saltwater pool & whirlpool, sun loungers, balconies, indoor / outdoor hot tubs, sea-view fitness center, traditional local architecture, modern décor, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, hairdryers, makeup mirrors, free parking
Nearby: Taverna George (traditional restaurant), Super Market Faistos (supermarket), Die Sonnen Klippen (tourist attraction), Sunset Cliffs (hiking area), Church of Agios Sozon
House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos | Koum Kapi Beach
Hotel amenities: breakfast, outdoor swimming pool, terrace, garden, spa, sauna, hot tub, fitness center, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, 24-hour front desk, concierge service
Nearby:Atelier Bistro (restaurant), Mom’s Kitchen (restaurant), FOURNOS Bar & Live Stage (live music bar), Dagkli by M&Co. (coffee shop), Saligaros (coffee shop), Venizelos Museum Café
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, breakfast, outdoor furniture, garden, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, private check-in / out, airport shuttle
Nearby restaurants / bars:Magna Grecia (Italian restaurant), MonEs (restaurant), Bara Piato (restaurant), Sita (restaurant), Coutellerie Restaurant Chania (restaurant), Terroir Wine Bar (bistro), Melodica (cocktail bar), Mamouth Cafe Bar (bar), Jolly Roger Bar
Nearby misc.: To Artopolion (bakery), Byzantine Walls Of Chania (historical landmark)
Resort amenities: private beach access, restaurant. 2 bars, 2 pools, poolside bar, water / island views, spa center, sauna, hammam, hot tub, fitness center, sandstone architecture, plunge pools, extended outdoor living areas with lounge furniture, outdoor bathtubs & hot tubs, free Wi-Fi
Villa amenities: outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, fully-equipped kitchen, coffee machine, kettle, private parking
Nearby restaurants / bars:Symposium Restaurant Platanias (fine dining restaurant), Socrates Restaurant Platanias, Vigli Restaurant Platanias, Cosmos (Mediterranean restaurant), To souvlaki tou platania (fast food restaurant), Sta Karvouna (restaurant), Almiras Restaurant (Greek restaurant), Riza Restaurant Platanias (traditional restaurant), Amarantos (traditional restaurant), Agioklima Restaurant, Panorama Restaurant, Barba Thomas (restaurant), 50 Shades of Grill (restaurant), West Crete (restaurant), Souroupo (restaurant), New Planet Cafe (bar), Cafe Cafe (cocktail bar), Manteio Cocktail Bar
Nearby misc.: Cool_cafe (coffee shop), Hairdresser Elena (hair salon), Van Art Tattoo Studio (tattoo shop)
Within feet:
Gerani Beach
Platanias Square
Agia Marina Beach
Within 4.7 miles:
Municipal Garden
Within 7 miles:
Archaeological Museum of Chania
Minoan’s World
Historical Archive of Crete
Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete
Within 13 miles:
Chania International Airport
Approximate cost per night: $1,113
Cost per person (fifteen people): $74
So there they are, Crete accommodations that will help make for an outstanding trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most importantly, that you enjoy your time in the Greek Isles!
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