The Algarve has long been established as a popular tourist destination, with over 3000 hours of sunshine a year, 31 golf courses, vast range of attractions and entertainment facilities and excellent beaches.
But in recent years much of the Algarve has become over crowded and discerning tourists are considering alternative options including the Western Algarve.
The town of Lagos has recently taken off and is fast becoming a real hit. The top 5 reasons for this popularity are as follows
1) Easy Access
A new motorway means getting to Lagos from Faro airport takes less than 1 hour and with a brand new Grand Prix circuit, and the possibility of a new airport at nearby Portimao, the area is set to become a magnet in Europe.
2) Unique Charm and Character
Unlike any other town in the Algarve, Lagos has real charm and history. Dating back to 2000 years BC and with a historic castle, maze of narrow streets and warm and friendly locals, you are sure to discover the real Portugal very quickly.
3) Spectacular Beaches
The Algarve is well known for breathtaking beaches but less known for Meia Praia, over 2.5 miles long and Amado beach one of the most popular beaches in Europe for windsurfers.
4) Great Golf Courses
With over 30 courses in the Algarve where do you start? Well, Lagos boasts three of the best courses nearby; Parque da Floresta, Palmares and Boavista all offering different challenges.
5) Unspoiled and Remote
Despite all these fantastic facilities Lagos and the Western Algarve remain completely unspoilt. Just drive past Parque da Floresta towards Sagres, the most south-westerly point in continental Europe and you will soon discover why it was known as “the end of the world”…
Are you in a dilemma about which exotic location to choose for your vacation? And you are all geared up to visit one place after another in short duration because you have known the tricks of an economical trip, i.e. availing cheap flights tickets. Air ticket costs have greatly come down over time and given the cheap flights more and more people prefer air travel to fulfill their vacationing dreams. Even honeymooners have hundreds of options to choose from including unified travel packages. When you look for locations, you will obviously choose those that are the most visited. But you will be surprised to know that there are equally hundreds of exotic and mesmerizing destinations in Africa like Abuja, Lagos, etc. that are worth the visit. And because of fewer crowds, you will be able to enjoy your entire trip to the fullest. Abuja flights, Lagos flights, and air tickets to other African destinations are very cheap compared to other most visited cities.
Here is a city that is based on islands divided by creeks – the uniqueness of Lagos. It is not only the scenic locations encompassing mountains, beaches, etc. that identify Lagos but also music, nightlife, business, shopping, and related paraphernalia that are worth mentioning. Places of tourist interest include the Christ’s Cathedral, National Museum, Lagos Central Mosque, the Oba Palace, Tinubu Square, Glover Memorial Hall, City Hall, and more. Other key attractions in Lagos include Lekki Peninsula, Bar Beach, Badagry Beach, and Tarkwa Bay. Abuja is another city in Nigeria that has now started attracting business and leisure tourists from across the world. Book Lagos flights or Abuja flights today and get geared up for your wonderful trip ahead.…
Abuja is a cosmopolitan city as well as the capital of Nigeria. With the population of over 7 million, it is also the administrative hub of the country. Abuja is considered as a purpose-built city or a well-planned city. It has all of the big city facilities and it is also known to be amongst the financial centers of the country. Abuja also has a strong yet impressive skyline and is packed with some of the best Nigerian attractions. The city is popular for its brilliant road network hence, traveling in Abuja is easy. Tourists have long been visiting the city via buses and planes. Abuja is served by an international airport known as Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The airport operates all Abuja Flights which are both international and domestic.
There are many tourist attractions in the city and touring Abuja is all about knowing the African acculturations mixed with western influences. According to many tourists, touring in Abuja can be an expensive thing to do as it holds the most expensive social life in the entire Nigeria. Daily excursion expenditure can be over $100 but the more you pay the more you enjoy it in Abuja. There is a large quantity of bars, restaurants and shopping malls in the city – Abuja indeed is amongst the most entertaining cities on Earth.
All the attractions in Abuja are located closer to each other but nature lovers will have to travel for an hour to reach the Gurara Falls in Abuja. These falls may not be as big as Victoria Falls or Niagara Falls, but they do tend to amaze visitors and provide them with a refreshing atmosphere. For those tourists who are still amateur when it comes to an oversea vacation, it is advised that they consult their travel agents or get a hold onto a fine Nigerian travel guide. However, there are guides available in Abuja who can help visitors to explore the city precisely.
Abuja is surrounded by a picturesque landscape. There are hills, rich flora and mountains which provide an astonishing backdrop to the cityscape. One of the famous, Aso Rock is an amazing sight in Abuja. Over here, visitors get to trek and enjoy the views of the city from its top. Zuma rock is another fantastic thing to see, this has also been a famous attraction in the city. When it comes to history, Abuja has a strong historical background. The Minister’s Hill located in the outer city is amongst the famous attractions in the city.…
Vaasa, founded in the 1300s, was a significant town when Sweden ruled over Finland. The ancient village was relocated six kilometres to the northwest, next to a better harbour, after it burned and was destroyed in 1852. The former city’s ruins are now a vast park (Vanha Vaasa, Gamla Vasa).
The town still has strong ties to Sweden and speaks Swedish at a rate of roughly 34%. The vast marketplace, surrounded by a diverse selection of cafes, eateries, and stores, serves as the hub of city activity. There are numerous attractions in this tranquil village. The waterfront, which starts in town and stretches for kilometres down the coast, is accessible to visitors for strolling.
Additional attractions include the Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art and the Ostrobothnian Museum, both of which are situated by the harbour.
Tropicana & Tropical Spa is a waterpark housed inside a heated dome located on an island just to the east of the city’s core and packed with pools, slides, and saunas. The famous Söderfjärden crater, created by meteor millions of years ago, is located south of Vaasa. The Kvarken National Park is a natural archipelago to the north that offers many fantastic walks and bird-watching opportunities.
The Korsholm Music Festival is one of the most renowned chamber music festivals. The Night of the Arts and the Vaasa Choir Festival are just a few of the major cultural events that Vaasa is home to. According to claims, Vaasa is the sunniest town in all of Finland. …
Porvoo, the second-oldest town in the nation, is located 48 kilometres east of Helsinki. From a gorgeous riverside flanked with tiny red wooden buildings, it rises to its medieval hilltop cathedral through a charming maze of old alleys and ochre-coloured wooden dwellings. Highlights include the elaborate pulpit from 1764 and the fifteenth-century wall paintings.
There are two fascinating museums in Market Square, located between the river and the cathedral on a hill. One features local history displays, while the other, the Edelfelt-Vallgren Museum, is incredibly fascinating to people drawn to the Art Nouveau movement. At the turn of the 20th century, various artists established an art colony, producing furniture, pottery, and other items.
2.LAKE SAIMAA AND SAVONLINNA
Savonlinna Castle Olavinlinna
More sea than land covers Finland’s entire eastern coast. Eastern Finland has thousands of lakes, rivers, marshes, and ponds, making it a fantastic water playground. Massive Lake Saimaa, sometimes known as the “lake of a thousand islands,” dominates the area. Without counting the various islands, the actual size of Lake Saimaa is about 1,300 square kilometres. The capital of Finland’s lake area is Savonlinna. Savonlinna, a well-known spa town and vacation destination, developed around Olavinlinna Castle, which was built in 1475 and is the most northerly remaining medieval stone fortification in Europe.…
The country’s oldest city and capital until 1812 are, Turku, located in southwest Finland near the Aurajoki River’s mouth on the Gulf of Bothnia. Turku is situated in the region where the Swedish Vikings’ descendants first arrived in the 12th century with plans to conquer what is now Finland. It is currently the most authentically medieval town in Finland, with eight centuries of history. Still, in addition to its magnificent medieval structures, you can also see examples of Art Nouveau and modern architecture, including the Sibelius Museum, designed by Woldemar Boeckman.
With its row of antique boats, which have been transformed into restaurants, the river serves as the city’s focal point. Locals congregate at night along its banks during the summer.
The commercial district, which includes the magnificent Orthodox Church and Kaupatori (market square) shopping mall, is situated on the northeastern bank of the river. The medieval cathedral, dedicated in 1290, towers over the Old Great Square on the other bank. A large brick church towers over the city in the Late Romanesque style with Gothic and Renaissance embellishments.
Turku Castle, one of Finland’s most precious national treasures and oldest structures, was constructed in the late 1200s during Finland’s Swedish era. It was initially built to protect their province of Eastland, but throughout the following centuries, it served various purposes.…
For most people, witnessing these brilliant light curtains spread across the sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One of the best spots to watch the northern lights is in Finland. The most fantastic place to observe the lights is near or north of the Arctic Circle, though occasionally, they can be seen even in the nation’s southernmost regions. If the sky is clear, visitors are nearly guaranteed to see a spectacular from September through March. In the north, many hotels cater exclusively to visitors who wish to see the lights. Additionally, you can sign up for free email alerts about the Northern Lights through the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
ÅLAND ARCHIPELAGO
An independent archipelago between Sweden and Finland is the Land Islands (or Land). The land is a region of Finland that speaks mostly Swedish and comprises nearly 10,000 tiny islands in addition to a few larger ones. The land has a distinctive past. Sweden gave it up to Russia in 1809. The fortification was destroyed in 1854 when a combined British-French fleet captured the islands.
Since shipping and trade have traditionally been the islands’ primary industries, visiting the Maritime Museum, the Museum Ship Pommern, and the Maritime Quarter in Mariehamn is recommended to appreciate the islands’ fascinating maritime past.…
Skiers and anyone who enjoys snow and ice activities will find the Arctic region a paradise in the winter. You may go on a dogsled safari across frozen lakes and visit Sami villages, learn to pull your reindeer sledge, cross-country ski for hours, and gaze at the dazzling northern lights.
A centre for all winter sports with miles of beautiful Nordic ski routes lit for night skiing, Levi is a good destination for downhill skiers and is around 170 kilometres north of Rovaniemi. The biggest downhill ski area in Finland’s pistes and slopes are also. The hotels in Levi’s rooms have glass ceilings so that you can view the aurora from within.
2. SHOP AND BROWSE in Helsinki’s
Design Museum Helsinki
The epicentre of modern Scandinavian design, Helsinki has an entire district devoted to studios, galleries, and even antique shops dedicated to Finish designers and their work. Whether you’re shopping or just looking, a few hours in these neighbourhoods is a chance to experience this vibrant facet of Finnish arts and culture. You’ll also find shops specializing in design-driven antiques and vintage Finnish designs, such as Art. fi and Artek 2nd Cycle. The city’s centre is where the central shopping districts are located. Esplanadi is one of them; it sells the best Finnish design but at a hefty cost. Even if you don’t purchase anything, it’s a lovely street to stroll down in the summer. And if you need help with your trip here, check out https://www.booking.com/. …
Finland has various attractions and picturesque locations, from the vibrant, art-filled metropolis of Helsinki and Turku to the depths of the northern forests and the sparsely populated outer islands.
It is a little-known region of Europe, probably because it is so far from the main tourist routes. Still, the country’s numerous historical and cultural treasures and pristine natural surroundings make it a great place to visit.
Finland is a Nordic playground for winter and summer sports thanks to its lakes, falls, rivers, and substantial wilderness regions, as well as the assurance of snowfall in the winter.
The majority of visitors to Finland enter the country mainly through Helsinki. The most significant museums and buildings designed by some of the finest Finnish architects can be found in the bustling Baltic port.
Turku and Porvoo, two attractive minor cities, are conveniently close to Helsinki. The Finnish lakes are to the west, while the vast region beyond the Arctic Circle, home to the midnight sun, northern lights, and some of the best winter sports in Europe, lies to the north.
And before I go further I want to thank KreteworX for their great support and help! They like to travel too!
1.SUOMENLINNA FORTRESS
The 18th-century fort on Suomenlinna is one of the biggest marine strongholds in the entire world. The primary attraction is the fortress castle, previously known as Sveaborg, whose construction started in 1748 under the Swedish administration. Russian invaders abandoned the fortress in 1808, and during the next century, it fell into disrepair.
After Finland won independence in 1917, the Finns finally took control of the fortifications and started renovating the historical site. It served as a functional submarine station during World War II and is now a well-known tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start with the English-language audio-visual experience in the visitor centre for a vibrant history, then explore the walls, tunnels, museums, and the island’s trails. You can also sign up for a guided tour to discover more about the fort and its different features. One of them is the 250-ton Vesikko submarine, which the Finnish Navy employed from 1936 until the end of World War II.
Early Swedish history is depicted in the Ehrensvärd Museum, and dolls, dollhouses, and toys are displayed in an old Russian manor at the Doll and Toy Museum. The Suomenlinna Summer Theater presents evening dance and musical events during the summer in several buildings that also contain the studios and shops of glassblowers, potters, and other artisans.
2. KAUPPATORI (Market Square)
The city’s significant landmarks look out over Helsinki’s waterfront, a crucial component of the city. Additionally, it’s a well-liked meeting place with an outdoor market of nearby farmers, craftspeople, food producers, and fishermen who make direct sales from their boats. Depending on the season, you might smell salmon cooked over cedar planks next to the ships and see baskets of wild mushrooms or a rainbow of gleaming ripe berries. More food sellers have been housed in the ancient market hall since 1889, but the outdoor market continues year-round, covered in tarps and tents in the winter.
The vast expanse of the Esplanadi, which extends from one side of the Market Square, is where the entire city appears to converge on summer evenings. Elegant buildings line the tree-lined promenade, and a pavilion is home to the Kappeli Restaurant, whose patio is particularly well-liked on summer evenings while performances are taking place at the bandstand.
Helsinki’s emblem, a statue of Havis Amanda, is supported by a fountain, another piece by Eliel Saarinen. Helsinki’s most distinctive museum, The Street Museum, is a one-block journey from the early 1800s to the 1930s, with pavement surfaces, street lights, mailboxes, and phone booths changing with each period. From Market Square, it ascends to Senate Square.
3. ROVANIEMI AND THE ARCTIC
The town of Rovaniemi, in northern Finland, claims to be the Gateway to the Arctic because the Arctic Circle passes directly through it. It entails the renowned Midnight Sun in the summer.
In contrast to Rovaniemi, where the sun only rises and sets for a total of 24 hours on the summer solstice in late June, in Rovaniemi, it never gets dark until late May or early August. During these “White Nights,” locals are outside taking advantage of their beautiful surroundings, and they invite visitors to join them.
A vast natural landscape with flowing rivers for canoeing, swimming, or fishing, as well as hiking and biking trails next to them, surrounds Rovaniemi. Ask any Finnish youngster, and they will tell you that the city is most known as the location of Santa Claus Village, which sits directly astride the Arctic Circle. Here, you can interact with reindeer or go to a Sami reindeer farm.
4. HELSINKI CHURCHES
Orthodox Cathedral of Uspenski
Three of Helsinki’s top attractions are churches, two of which are cathedrals and the third of which is a modern architectural monument. The 13 green-topped spires of the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral rise dramatically above the bay’s east side and end in gold cupolas. The largest Orthodox church in Western Europe, with an interior glistening with gold, icons, crosses, altars, and elaborately decorated arches. The cathedral serves Helsinki’s sizable Russian community and welcomes guests.
With its size and proximity to the harborfront structures, the enormous Neoclassical Lutheran Cathedral gives the impression that it is standing on its roofs. It is situated on a hill directly behind the harbour and serves as a marker for those travelling by sea to Helsinki. Large steps and a big green dome. Senate Square’s imposing centrepiece is the cathedral from the early 19th century, with its tall green dome and wide measures.
One of the most magnificent public squares in Europe is enclosed in a pleasing enclosure by the buildings facing the square. It is commonly used for events and as the parade’s starting point. The entire square is covered with vendors selling lovely regional crafts and seasonal cuisine in December. Temppeliaukio Church, carved into solid rock in a relatively small space in the middle of the city, is an architectural experiment. At the same time, these two cathedrals are firmly grounded in the traditions of their respective denominations. The round roof of the church, which Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen created, is a braided copper roof supported by concrete spokes. This venue is well-liked for musical performances of many genres due to the exceptional acoustics produced by the combination of copper and stone.