Portofino
Portofino is the destination of choice for many of Europe's wealthiest tourists. Yachts are as common as cars, and pretty little villas have been built into the hills. The locals thumb their noses at the tourists who invade this sleepy Italian Riviera town every day, all the while earning their livelihood off the very same people whom they claim to despise. There is very little business in Portofino outside of tourism.
Portofino belonged to the Romans before being overtaken by the Republic of Genoa in 1229. Subsequently, the French, English, and Spanish controlled the town, before Portofino finally returned to Italian rule. The British are particularly taken with Portofino, as it has been a favorite destination for English travelers since the 19th Century.
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton came here after their big budget film Cleopatra flopped, in part to replenish their battered self-images and reaffirm their movie-star status. The Splendido Hotel overlooks Portofino's harbor, and is generally recognized as one of the finer hotels in all of Europe. Hemingway, Garbo, Gable, and Onassis are just some of the names that have graced the hotel's guest list.
The instructions for a typical day in Portofino are simple. Start with a lazy stroll along the waterfront, followed by a nice lunch. If you have the energy, you might take a nature hike, but only after making reservations for dinner at one of the city's chic dining spots. Breeze in for dinner, and have some gelato for dessert. Repeat every day forever, if you can afford it.
Ajaccio
Corsica may be French territory, but its wild, adventurous spirit is its own. French vacationers come here to get away from France without actually getting away from France. The rugged beauty of this island attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Corsica is not that big, measuring only 133 miles long and fifty miles wide. But the sheer diversity of both the terrain and the people make it seem much larger than it is. The Greeks called it Kalliste, or the most beautiful, but it was its advantageous geographical location that made republics battle over the small island. Located just one hundred miles south of France and fifty miles west of Italy, Corsica has seen its share of rulers over the years. Genoa made a huge impact on the island during its two centuries in power, with watchtowers still standing from Corsica's days as a military outpost. Pisa momentarily ruled Corsica, before eventually ceding the island to the French. Corsica's language did not cede, instead becoming an intricate mix of French, Italian, and Latin.
Corsica derives its greatest fame from Napoleon Bonaparte. The French emperor was born in Ajaccio in 1769, and his birthday is celebrated nationwide with a full day of festivals, parades, and celebration. Museums and art galleries all over Ajaccio are devoted to Napoleon, even though the man himself never returned to his homeland after he came to power.
Ajaccio is Corsica's administrative capital, with French government offices housed here. The city is on Corsica's west coast, in Corse du Sud, the southernmost of the two Corsican regions (Haute Corse is to the north). The confluence of Mediterranean water, Riviera sunshine, and a cheerful population have led to Corsica becoming one of the more sought-after vacation spots in Europe.
Palma De Mallorca
Palma De Mallorca is located on Majorca, in the Balearic Islands, just miles away from Ibiza. It is 130 miles from Barcelona and its coastline is 310 miles long, making it the longest island in the Balearic archipelago. You will be amazed that this single island could be home to so many great sights and wonders. While Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville get all the headlines, Palma De Mallorca sits quietly and contently off the coast of Spain.
The cathedrals and historical sites in Palma De Mallorca are amazing, and the scenery is picturesque. Like many others in Spain, this city is quite old and venerable, and the heritage and culture of the region is still very much alive. You will be constantly reminded in Palma De Mallorca that you are in ancient and historic land.
The tourist facilities and beaches in Palma de Mallorca are magnificent, and the diversity of the island is fantastic to observe. From secret mountain villages to small harbors, Majorca truly does have it all. The waters are warm, and the air comfortable between June and October. Come December and January, watch out, because this region is characterized as being subtropical, and only those used to swimming in very cold waters would dare brave the sea off Palma De Mallorca during these times.
Overall, Palma De Mallorca and the surrounding areas offer remarkably diverse and entertaining environments that are sure to boggle your mind and capture your heart. The area is so beautiful and inviting that it is hard to leave Palma De Mallorca and go back to wherever it was that you came from.
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.
|