MEDITERRANEAN /BALKANS
Female Solo travels in MEDITERRANEAN/ BALKANS
BULGARIA - SOFIA
The Republic of Bulgaria is a country located in the Balkans in Southeast Europe. Its capital and largest city is Sofia. Bulgaria is the cheapest European country I have visited and is considered a poor European country.
Sofia is one of those cities that is not too over-filled with tourist, and that is one of the reasons I enjoyed my visit. Sofia has lots to offer. Almost every block is a beautiful church. I really felt at home in Sofia, it is simple, laid back city with its own quiet charm. The city was safe, clean and incident free.
Bulgarians were not overly friendly, even those at the hotel but I somehow think it’s because of their economy. Bulgaria has a variety of delicious cheeses. For me they have the best cheese I have ever tasted, the smoked cheese and the white cheese…exceptional.
Don’t forget to try their Rakia and pick up a bottle of their rose oil (most expensive oil worldwide). Sites to visit would be the Vitosha mountains, during the winter months (you can rent the ski gear at rental shop) before heading up, if you don’t have your own.
A visit to the Boyana waterfall, the beautiful St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral is a definite must see or visit the Pancharevo lake and rent one of the peddle boats and enjoy the ambiance of the surrounding and the lake.
Bulgaria is worth a definite revisit. Currency used – Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Language spoken – Bulgarian.
CROATIA - ZAGREB
The Republic of Croatia located in Central and Southeast Europe on the North western edge of the Balkans. Its capital, Zagreb, is quite huge with lots of beautiful parks and lovely museums. I can tell that Croatia takes their football quite serious as they had the games from the World Cup on screen on the Ban Jelacic square running nonstop.
I was quite impressed by this, as the main inspiration for my visit was due to World cup football tournament, where they played so fantastically well. Croatian food was always delicious, unlike some countries in Europe where the food was bland. It is neither expensive nor cheap in Zagreb, its somewhere in the middle. One thing that stood out in my view, was how cute the Croatian men are… I referred to them as pretty boys!! Lol.
At the time of visit, it was a bit rainy for a few days, nonetheless, I was still able to enjoy the beauty of Zagreb. For those who will be visiting Croatia, a visit to Split (out of the city and a few hours drive) should be a definite must see. In Zagreb, upper and lower town, there are so much to see, the St. Marks Church (with the emblem of Croatia tiled into its roof), the Mirogoj Cemetery (looks nothing like a cemetery), both located in Upper Town and so worth the visit, not forgetting Lower town with its lovely and exotic buildings.
Take a drive up to Medvednica Mountain (Sljeme) and enjoy the lovely view of the city below. The rest of Zagreb has lots to see and do at your own pace. Croatia is a country I would love to revisit. Currency used – Croatian Kuna. Language spoken – Croatian and English.
CYPRUS - LARNACA
The Republic of Cyprus is an island country in the heart of Eastern Mediterranean Sea and is geographically located in the continent of Asia. However, it is considered a European country. Its capital Nicosia is the largest city. Larnaca is the 3rd largest city and its also where the main international airport is located.
Larnaca is a small city that’s a bit low-keyed, it’s a nice and quiet city. (just the way I like it) For me, it was not too crowded with tourist. There are couple of beaches, Finikoudes, is a popular one and very nice and Mackenzie beach is quite lovely, lots of bars are there at the waterfront. There are also churches, the most popular one is the Church of St. Lazarus, it contains the tomb of the saint who its claimed saw Jesus risen from the dead.
The Medieval Castle of Larnaka in downtown, has a lovely view of the beach and city from the roof top, there is also gallows, where females were hung in years gone by. Larnaca was perfect for my hotel stay and I got out of the city to explore a bit more of Cyprus.
One such town was Limassol, located on the southern coast, it took a couple of hours drive to get there and I was glad I did, Limassol seemed a bit livelier, more touristy and bit cheaper for shopping, than Larnaca. It had a Miami feel vibe about it, Kourion beach, the Promenade and the Sanctuary of Apollo are some of the sites you can visit in Limassol.
Another lovely area is Cyprus was Ayia Napa, in the Famagusta district it’s located on the Coast and is famous for its beaches, really and exotic coastal area with pristine waters. Here is where I fell in love with Cyprus.
The Caribbean feel and mixed with many fish restaurants, was most welcomed. There is a meal special in Cyprus called the Fish Meze, wow!! not only is it reasonably priced but you get 5 different types of fish meals served one after the other, This was so delicious, well prepared and obviously so much, that the last meal was a certain take away. I love Ayia Napa, definite must see is Cape Greco, Makronissos Beach, the Blue Lagoon and Ayia Napa Monastery.
Cyprus is a beautiful country with lovely, friendly people and is also quite safe for solo travellers, it’s worth a definite revisit. Currency used – Euro. Language spoken – Greek, Turkish and English.
FRANCE - PARIS
The Republic of France is a country in the Western Europe. It is the second largest country in the continent. Its capital Paris has some of the world most beautiful architectures. The people in Paris I didn’t find very friendly, not even those at the hotels or restaurants. Nonetheless, Paris is very beautiful with a lot to see and do. It is an expensive city with lots of charm.
Definite must visit in Paris will be the Sainte-Chapelle, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the iconic Eiffel tower, the Basillique du Sucre-Coeur de Montmarte, the Louvre Museum, the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris, a visit to the Champs-Elysees, preferably at evening, is also a nice experience. and a boat ride on the Seine river is a definite must do as well.
Paris skies, like Singapore, has a different shade of blue, bright blue and beautiful. There are many cafes that sell the most delicious pastries in world and for me Paris ties 2nd place for best tasting ice cream (Hungary is now at No.1) in all the countries I have visited.
What I was a bit surprised to see were so many beggars and homeless people along the streets and on the back roads, seems some were refugees because they spoke no French. Strange thing is that no matter how much money you gave them they never said “Thanks” instead the only English words they knew were “more” and “not enough” Aesthetically beautiful city nonetheless. Currency used – Euro. Language spoken – French.
GREECE - ATHENS
Greece is a country in Southeastern Europe, with many small islands along the Aegean Sea. Its capital is Athens. Even though Greece can be considered a poor European nation, to me, appeared rich and beautiful, the Greeks are very friendly, loving and beautiful people.
I loved everything about Athens, the food, the people, the abundance of many types of Olives (one my favorite treats). It is not an expensive country. It is also tied for the 2nd best tasting ice cream in over 50 countries. Definite must visit sites in Athens; Acropolis heritage site and the Herodeon (magnificent and well preserved), the Panathenaic Stadium, Syntagma Square to see the changing of the guards at the old Royal Palace, (this is the best I have seen so far). Enjoy a ferry ride to the Saronic islands, there are a few to choose from and only 1- or 2-hours ferry ride away.
Greece is worth definite a revisit. Currency used – Euro. Language spoken – Greek.
SERBIA - NIS & PIROT
The Republic of Serbia is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkan peninsula. The capital is Belgrade. Nis (third largest city in Serbia) and Pirot the smaller of the two, are both green and mountainous cities.
Nis is a modern city reasonably prices and has lots of shopping malls, Museums and a bit more touristy than Pirot. The town is beautiful with the Nishava River running through it, the people here are very friendly and welcoming. Sites to see in Nis: the Nis Fortress (best preserved Ottoman in the Balkans) and Cele Kula (the skull tower) the skulls of soldiers killed in Cegar was used to build this tower and the Bubanj Memorial Park.
Pirot the smaller of the two cities. Is surrounded by the Balkan mountain and appears to be a close knitted society, it has a laid back vibe about it and is a much quieter and greener town than Nis. Sites to visit; besides the churches and monasteries, the museum of Ponisavlje, the Pirot Fortress and the Nature Park Stara Planina.
Currency used – Serbian Dinar (RSD). Language spoken – Serbian (among others).
SLOVENIA - LJUBLJANA
The Republic of Slovenia located in South Central Europe and its capital Ljubljana. It is quite a green city, many of the spaces in the town are occupied with lovely green parks. The river Ljubljanica runs in the middle of the city that divides the town in two, on both sides are many cafes along the river.
The town is quite small but has a charm of its own, there are many museums and churches. What stood out for me regarding Slovenia was how pleasant and friendly the people were, from the stores to the restaurants, people interacted with me as if they know you from years before. Very chatty and down to earth people.
Ljubljana can boast of its food, quite tasty and delicious and reasonably priced. Definite must visit will be the Ljubljana castle, the National Museum of Slovenia, Trivoli Park, Preseren Square and Ljubljana Old Town.
Currency used – Euro. Language spoken – Slovene and English.
SPAIN – MADRID
The kingdom of Spain is a country located in South Western Europe. Its capital Madrid, is the biggest city and a true architectural beauty. Madrid is the only city I have visited where I saw a big banner on one of their palaces reading “Refugees are welcome” strange that it was written In English. The people in Madrid were very approachable and friendly, I even got to practice my Spanish and they were quite patient and accommodating. The food was very delicious and spicy, just the way I like it. The city was safe, very clean and inexpensive.
Sites to visit will be; the Palacio de Cibeles, Parque de Retiro, Royal Palace of Madrid and Museo Naccional Thyssen-Mornemisza, all very beautiful structures in Madrid.
Currency used – Euro. Language spoken – Spanish.
TURKEY - ISTANBUL
The Republic of Turkey is a bit of a toss-up between the middle East and Europe and even west of Asia, making it a very culturally diverse country. The capital of Turkey is Ankara, however, my vacation was based in Istanbul. Istanbul is truly an amazing city, many beautiful and exotic mosques almost every corner. The iconic byzantine Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque among many others in Sultanahmet and Eminonu.
The men in Istanbul I found were very lustful, seemed they were always quick to say “I love you” even when passing in front of their business places. Istanbul for me is great for foodies and shoppers, especially now that the money is devalued again, your foreign currency can go a longer way. I truly love the atmosphere in Istanbul, sweet Turkish delights treats were everywhere and so tasty. Istanbul can be proud of its efficient and cheap transport system.
Get to see the beauty of this great city with a helicopter tour.. a definite must do!! it is so far, the cheapest priced helicopter tour in any of the countries I have visited. A definite check off on my bucket list.
Take a ferry cruise on the Bosporus strait or visit the Princes islands, it’s about an hour plus ferry ride from Istanbul to Buyukada island, (one of the Princes islands) such lovely and peaceful island away from Istanbul, There is no public transport and lovely small hotels and a myriad of restaurants, horse and carriages and bicycles, (found the food and ice cream there to be much better than in Istanbul).
Would love to revisit Turkey, unlike what some may think or have heard, it’s quite a safe and beautiful country, with pleasant and friendly people. Currency used – Turkish Lira. Language spoken – Turkish.
Many of these countries can be within your reach with careful planning and learning how to save to travel. You don’t have to be rich to travel, just be willing to sacrifice and cut back on spending of non-essentials and you can reach your goals.
Along with good booking agents like Booking.com, you can plan an excellent vacation.
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