Barcelona
Barcelona has always been a prosperous city , thanks to an exquisite harbor, fertile soil, and a population of hard working, caring citizens. This great city was a strong, incredibly diverse region when Madrid was still a fledgling town with basically no landmarks or significance. The numerous Mediterranean empires that had at one time or another conquered the area brought tremendous influences, much more so than the Iberian presence to the west. Barcelona was most influenced by Rome, Carthage, and France during the Charlemagne era.
The monuments of Barcelona open a book into the rich history of the area. These include the intricate and beautiful Gothic Quarter from the medieval times, the series of Catalan art nouveau, and the surreal artwork of Picasso and Miro. But if you are searching for a little excitement and outdoor fun to mix in with your education and culture, look no further than Barcelona.
In 1992, Barcelona was given a huge boost by serving as home to the Summer Olympic Games. This race to the 21st century was quite beneficial to Barcelona and the neighboring areas, and the restructuring program that became everyone's focus was given the name Post Olympic. As a result of all of this hard work and dedication, Barcelona has recently developed into one of the premier port cities in all of Europe. There are so many fascinating sights and wonderful events; you will be awed by your choices and so much to do. Extraordinary museums and landmarks can be found everywhere in this ancient city with a rich heritage and culture. The Museu Picasso is one of the greatest art exhibits anywhere, and through the center of the old quarter of Barcelona is the gorgeous tree-lined promenade, a visual splendor. The nightlife is truly something, and the shopping is fantastic.
Cannes
Cannes wasn't always world famous. In the fifth century, a small community of monks found their way to the nearby Lerin Islands and established a monastery. For hundreds of years, fishermen and sailors were the only inhabitants of the small Riviera town. In the early 20th Century, Cannes was a place where French families came to get away from work for a while to enjoy the temperate weather and beautiful scenery. Then Hollywood heard about the place, and the rest is history. Today, if you asked an American to name two cities in France, you had better believe that most would respond Paris and Cannes. With fame comes notoriety, and the town has received its share of the latter. People who have been to the Cannes Film Festival complain about the inflated prices and the fact that the town seemingly sells its soul every year in late May.
Like the festival itself, these complaints are overblown. Cannes has retained its charm, and if you visit during any other time of the year you will be enchanted by this small beachside community built into the cliffs. 78,000 people call Cannes home, and they get to enjoy this beautiful city all year long. Plan your trip around the festival, and you'll enjoy it, too.
Naples
Naples can be an acquired taste. Italy's third largest city is sure to conjure up strong feelings. For some it's an admiration of the city's authentic vibe, while for others it's a dislike for the economic disparity that exists here. Sophia Loren and Enrico Caruso are native Neapolitans, and the city is stubbornly proud of its image. One thing is certain; you will not leave Naples without an opinion.
Since late 1993, the city has sought to overcome its high crime rate by opening more museums and galleries, thereby attracting a cultured group of visitors and residents. The unconventional strategy is starting to pay off, as crime is down twenty-five percent. The resulting feeling of security has increased tourism by almost fifty percent. Naples feels like any other big city in the world, with no need to fear for your safety.
If Italy is the place to go for the best pizza and pasta in the world, and Naples is the best place to enjoy them in Italy, that would make Naples the pizza and pasta capital of the world, right? So bring your appetite!
If you have the time, try and take a side trip out to Pompeii, the ancient city buried by a volcanic eruption on nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The opportunity to see a city frozen in time is rare, and well worth a visit.
Messina
Messina is an unfortunate city on the northwest corner of Sicily. Actually, unfortunate doesn't begin to describe Messina's miserable luck. The invading Carthaginians destroyed the city over two thousand years ago. The city was rebuilt, and became a powerful port for Crusaders to stop in on their way to the Holy Land. Richard the Lion-Hearted himself stopped in here to gather his courage. But the good times stopped abruptly. In the 18th Century, a ship stopped in Messina carrying the black plague, ravaging the entire town. Devastating earthquakes leveled the town in 1894 and 1908, the second one destroying practically everything in sight. Two-thirds of Messina's population of 120,000 died from the 1908 quake. As a result, Messina's architecture stands apart from the rest of Italy's. Every building is short so that it won't topple if another earthquake hits.
Today, Messina struggles because it lacks that connection to the past that draws visitors to other Italian cities. The town tries to be tourist-friendly. In fact, the tourism office here is one of the best in all of Italy. However, smiling faces can only do so much, as most people who visit Sicily spend their time in Palermo or Taormina, using Messina only as a place to change trains and get a quick bite to eat.
Valletta
Sixty miles south of Sicily, you will find a magnificent island by the name of Malta. This Mediterranean dream is home to the lovely city of Valletta, a tourist's heaven. The waters off the coast of Valletta are a sparkling blue, and the whole island is an exercise in adventure and splendor. The land is visually stunning and bustling with activity, and the beauty of the region is complemented by an incredible range of available activities. One of the highlights of Valletta is Carnival, held annually from February 19th through the 23rd. A festival, a celebration, and a tribute to the past all rolled into one, both contemporary and traditional elements are blended perfectly into this wonderful event. Holy Week and Easter are also quite enjoyable in Valletta. More driven by heritage than pure entertainment, the locals are dedicated and devout in their celebration of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. This is a very interesting time of the year, and I highly recommend visiting Valletta during this season.
The eating and shopping in Valletta are outstanding, and the combination Italian-Maltese dishes are excellent. The ambiance inside many of the restaurants is the perfect blend of upper class decor with a cozy, small town feel. There are a number of great areas in the city to explore and see the sights. The gardens and museums are wonderful, and wherever you go, the scenery is remarkable. This engaging island nation is quite safe and close-knit, and tourists are always welcome. You should feel comfortable at all times, your days filled with marvelous sightseeing adventures, and your nights consisting of eventful outings to fun restaurants and lively bars and nightclubs. A trip to Valletta is extremely enjoyable, and whether you study the ancient cathedrals and museums, or gallivant around the island, your trip will definitely be a pleasurable and memorable one.
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