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.
Ibiza
Once a virtually unknown island, Ibiza is now a haven for tourists. In the 1950?s, the artists colony of Ibiza began to thrive, and by the 1960?s, the island had become a favorite for European flower children and those searching for an escape from their everyday routine. Now, Ibiza is a favorite destination for middle class travelers from all over Europe.
In the 5th century B.C., the Carthaginians settled Ibiza. The main resort on the island is Sant Antoni, and the Sa Penya neighborhood is full of flea markets that are a shopper's paradise. Ibiza is 225 square miles in size, making it the third largest Balearic Island. It has a number of great beaches, a zigzagging coastline, cliffs, and secluded bays. The nights on Ibiza are temperate in terms of degrees, but sizzling as far as the nightlife is concerned. One of the best islands for nighttime activity in the entire world, Ibiza draws crowds of both conservative tourists and outrageously wild partiers.
The sand coves and fantastic beaches on Ibiza are only the beginning of the wondrous landscape. Pine trees and amazing dunes comprise a significant portion of the island, making it a unique and wonderfully diverse region. The popular beaches and night spots can become greatly overcrowded, but if you know where to look you can find spectacular spots that are virtually abandoned. A lot of the younger crowd on Ibiza congregates in certain areas, and if you steer clear of these areas, Ibiza provides a much quieter and more tranquil vacation. If you prefer a loud, rousing, party-like atmosphere the entire day and night, or you would rather sightsee and rest on a tranquil beach during the day and relax on the patio of a lovely restaurant for a romantic dinner at night, Ibiza is a fabulous place to be.
Taormina
Taormina is on Sicily's eastern coast, overlooking the turquoise Ionian Sea. The beautiful town is built right into a cliff, and every year thousands of tourists descend upon the otherwise sleepy village to revel in the perfect weather and easygoing pace.
The town's relaxed image belies a turbulent past, when Sicily passed through more hands than a hot potato. In succession, the Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, and Bourbons have all controlled Sicily since it was first settled by the Phoenicians over two thousand years ago.
Looming ominously beyond Taormina's fun loving landscape is Mt. Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Active may be an understatement, as the volcano erupted over sixty times in just six months in early 2000. Some of Mt. Etna's eruptions have sent pillars of ash two miles into the sky, temporarily blocking the sun like a solar eclipse. A day trip to Mt. Etna's base is always fascinating. It isn't often that you get so close to nature's sheer power. But remember to check with the local tourist office before heading too close.
The city of Taormina itself doesn't spend too much time agonizing over Mt. Etna. It's too busy enjoying its gorgeous beaches, its myriad of dining options, and its vibrant nightlife to notice. You will find it easy to let your cares drift away into the Ionian Sea, as you fall into Taormina's seductive trance.
Amalfi
Amalfi was once a major center of European culture and commerce. The mighty Republic of Amalfi thrived from the 9th Century through the 11th Century. It was home to 50,000 people, and an important player in the Mediterranean Sea trade. The maritime code created here, the Tavole Amalfitane, was adopted as the code of the entire Mediterranean for centuries. In the 1100?s, Amalfi's very own Flavio Gioia invented the compass. The art of paper-making was centered here, with the Republic bringing the craft with it on journeys to the rest of Europe and the Arab world. But over time, Amalfi's influence eroded, and attacks from Pisa to the north left the town deserted and powerless. Only recently has the city reinvented itself as a tourist attraction, with people drawn here by its small-town Italian charm, and the beautiful stretch of land known as the Amalfi Coast.
Amalfi is on Italy's western coast, facing the Mediterranean Sea. Nearby is Mt. Vesuvius, the volcano that buried the ancient city of Pompeii. The island of Capri is just offshore. Naples, the region's largest city, lies northwest of Amalfi.
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