Lisbon Travel

Welcome to Lisbon!

Lisbon is a fascinating, vibrant city that boasts a wide choice of activities. It is filled with large squares, history and monuments as well as a wide number of things to do. Lisbon Portugal will appeal to every traveler’s taste and budget. First of all you will find cultural experiences, a buzzing nightlife, a foodie’s paradise and a shopper’s extravaganza. In addition, it also makes for a great family holiday and relaxing city break. Not to mention, Lisbon also makes a great base for beach and daytrips to other beautiful areas. I was impressed by this city – it has many wonderful things to offer!

Lisbon pastries — Lisbon is built over seven steep hills. Expect a lot of stairs! Bring comfortable walking shoes!

Equally wonderful is finding that the people of Lisboa are extremely friendly. To be sure, it is a spirited city with musicians serenading the streets at every turn. All things considered, Lisbon is truly a happy, energetic place.

The Lisboa Food Scene

The restaurant scene in Lisbon is hopping with outdoor eateries everywhere. Furthermore, there is a plethora of restaurants to choose from. Bacalhau a lagareiro (codfish in olive oil) is this area’s favorite traditional dish. Definitely give it a try! In addition, Octopus is a staple on all the menus. To be sure, you will enjoy the delicious cuisine of Lisbon.

Rua Augusta, the shopping area of Lisbon, is worth a stroll

Lisbon Insider Tips

Tram 28 is the best tram to see the city

An exceptional value for tourists is to purchase the 24-hour public transport ticket at €6.40. This includes the Elevator de Santa Justa, the Elevator da Gloria and all of the tram routes and bus services. These are sold only at the metro stations. Comparatively, a single tram ticket purchased onboard will cost €3.

Tram 28 Lisbon, Portugal — Famous Tram 28

Castelo de S Jorge – Saint George’s Castle

Mosaic sidewalks of Lisbon – Calcada

In the first place, I immediately fell in love with the streets and walkways here. For one thing, they sparkle like diamonds in the sunlight and night-lights. In fact, they are public works of art! They are made from little pieces of basalt and limestone. Craftsmen create black and white designs, which form a beautiful mosaic called Calcada. Truly, it is a delight for the public to enjoy. It is important to remember to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for the many steps and walkways since the Calcada can be slippery!

Walkways — Sparkling streets at night in Lisbon Portugal

What to see in Verona Italy

Visiting Verona? See these attractions!

First of all, you will be captivated the minute you arrive in this ancient city. Verona is vibrant, lively and totally walkable. You can lose yourself for hours meandering through the attractive lanes and gorgeous piazzas finding a multitude of restaurants and wine bars. Practically surrounded by the Adige River, there are many beautiful bridges as well as waterfront restaurants and pubs. Rich in history and crammed with love, here are the top sights to see in Verona.

Piazza delle Erbe

This is my favorite and most picturesque piazza. Beautiful pastel buildings with faded frescos. Two clock towers stand at each end. The center has a lovely fountain and also an ornate water-well. Café umbrellas line one entire side of the piazza. During the week there is a festive open-air market in the middle. Tip: If you want to have a bird’s eye view of Piazza delle Erbe, stay at Corte Reali Suites. I enjoyed a huge balcony overlooking this beautiful piazza. This was my view every day!

Piazza Bra

You can enter Piazza Bra through Portoni della Bra which is a double-arched medieval gateway. This tremendous cobbled piazza has a park on one side and a line of restaurants and cafes along the other. Relax, have a cappucinno and watch the people go by. This will also lead you to the oldest Roman amphitheatre in Italy, the Verona Arena. In addition, you can also catch the mini-train here for a Verona tour.

Verona Arena

Built in 1^st century A.D., this ancient arena held up to 30,000 spectators to view gladiator fights and hunting. It is also the third largest ampitheatre in Italy. At the present time, because the stage area is so tremendous, it seats 15,000 people. The Arena hosts various concerts and performances. Moreover, summer opera season draws fans from far and wide. Operas such as Carmen, Aida and The Barber of Seville are on the 2018 schedule. It’s an exciting experience. Tickets start at 25E with discounts for seniors and those under 30. Tickets in the gold section are 189E.
Dress Code Note: For tickets on floor, men must wear pants, not shorts.

Juliet’s House

Verona and love go together like Romeo and Juliet. One of the most crowed spots in all of Verona is Juilet’s house. Get there early for an unobstructed view of the courtyard and Juliet’s balcony. You can even purchase tickets to enter and see the place where the love letters are answered and walk out on the balcony. This is one of the most popular of ‘what to see in Verona’.

Sant’ Anastasia Church

Located by Piazza dei Signori, St. Anastasia is a majestic gothic church and the biggest in the city. The façade is a mixture of colored marble and a beautiful gothic arch. Obviously, this church is simply beautiful inside and out.

Castelvecchio

This spectacular medieval fortress was built in the 14th century. It is a masterpiece of gothic architecture and now houses a history museum. There is a medieval bridge attached which crosses over the Adige river. The bridge was totally destroyed in World War II but was rebuilt in 1951. Enjoy wonderful views from both the castle and the bridge.

Basilica of San Zeno

San Zeno Church is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. In addition, it has magnificent bronze doors leading into the church and many artworks inside. The church is dedicated to the patron saint of Verona, Saint Zeno.

Funicular of Castel S. Pietro

Take this funicular up to Castel S. Pietro and get a spectacular view of the city!

Via Mazzini

Evening strolls and chic boutiques are the highlight of the most popular shopping street in Verona. This is the best place to shop in Verona. Make sure you have room in your luggage to bring home some fashion finds. Not only is the shopping great, but there are a number of cafes and restaurants to stop at between shopping. I was also impressed by the beautiful shiny limestone pavement.

Porta Borsari

This majestic Gate dates back to Roman times and it still marks the entrance into the city. Porto Borsari was built between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. It has magnificent double arches and an external facade of white stone. Of course, it is certainly a beautiful historic sight to see in Verona.

Now that you know what to see in Verona Italy, you have to discover what to do when you’re there. Verona offers a wide variety of wonderful tours to take.

Tours

In addition to all these free sights to see, you can pick from a tremendous amount of tours available. Enjoy wine and food tours in addition to biking, walking and rafting tours.
Jump to my Top Tours to do in Verona.

St. Tropez Travel

Saint Tropez, France is truly one of the chicest and sexiest places on our planet. The most glamorous town on the French Riviera has sunny weather, white sandy shores and the sparkling Mediterranean to play in. This is just the beginning of the magic. For one thing, St. Tropez has the most spectacular, amazing nightlife and the most glamorus beach clubs. There is an abundance of hot spots with entertainment that only St. Tropez can offer. On the other hand, you can get off the beaten path, finding serene and romantic places to spend your time. Additionally, let’s not forget first class dining with amazing local cuisine. There is so much to discover in this picturesque, vibrant village.

St. Tropez boasts a charming old town with excellent restaurants. Furthermore, there are exceptional hotels in St. Tropez. As you roam the narrow cobblestone streets you will discover unique and beautiful places that will inspire you. Saint Tropez is filled with fabulous restaurants, cafes, galleries and boutiques. Of course, there are many luxury shops also, such as Channel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, etc. Furthermore, there is a fantastic open air market on Place des Lices every Tuesday and Saturday. The market has delicious food products as well as an array of merchandise from fashion to antiques.

The Harbor – The Gathering Spot

St. Tropez is also known for its bustling port. Not to mention that it is the focal point of town. You can grab a cocktail or coffee in one of the many open-air restaurants and watch the crowd go by. The harbor is a busy area lined with restaurants, cafes, and stores. Not only is the harbor a magnet for people, but also for the incredible mega yachts that are docked. Part of the allure is walking along the dock and browsing at all the yachts – any Below Deck fans?

The Best St. Tropez Beaches

Not only is the weather beautiful in Saint Tropez, but the beaches are beautiful as well. Furthermore, the beach clubs are insane! Crazy mad with great food, a great vibe and then voila – a thumping dance club that doesn’t stop till dusk!

Charming Old Town

In St. Tropez you can have it all from a romantic relaxing vibe to a non-stop party vibe. All wrapped up in a gorgeous Saint Tropezian bow! Oh yes, it is still the home of Brigitte Bardot, who put St. Tropez on the map. Thank goodness!

Rosé Anyone?

You will be sure to raise a glass of Rosé when you’re in Saint Tropez. This is just a small selection of Rosé that the French Riviera has to offer! Raise a glass and say “santé”

Getting to St. Tropez

Of course, taking a private transfer is always the best, although the most expensive way to go, about 180 euros in 2022. A good, easy option is train to ferry. From the Nice Airport or other coastal towns, take the train to Sainte-Maxime. Next board the Sainte-Maxime to Saint-Tropez ferry which takes about 15 min. If you have light luggage, you can walk to the ferry station in 10 minutes. However with heavy luggage taxis are available. You are able to purchase tickets at the ferry station and there are constant shuttles daily.

Sooo pretty!

St. Tropez is a village with winding alleys and colorful façades – a picturesque and characterful maze of pastel homes and cobbled lanes. You will find a picturesque site at every turn.

Destination Shelter Island

Shelter Island, NY is located between Greenport and Sag Harbor on the east end of Long Island. It is definitely a hidden gem and a perfect summer vacation spot. So much so, that many people decide to make it their year-round home. In the first place, you’ll discover a wonderful mix of natural beauty, gorgeous beaches and beautiful wildlife. Secondly, there are many delicious restaurants, a few hotspots and lots of fun. Let’s not forget sports. Shelter is a boaters paradise and a golfers haven. In addition kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and other water sports are available.

Furthermore one of the best ways to explore the island is by bicycle. Many hotels offer complimentary bikes. Therefore you can get some exercise before hitting the beach. There is something to do for everyone here. Let’s start exploring……

Getting to Shelter Island

The only way to reach Shelter Island is by ferry or boat. There are two ferry stations on Shelter: the North (Greenport) and the South (Sag Harbor). My favorite way to get here is from Greenport via the LIE and Sound Avenue. It is a pleasure to pass all the beautiful wineries and lively farm stands. The ferry ride is about 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take Sunrise Highway into Sag Harbor and then ferry (three minutes) to Shelter Island.
North Ferry (Greenport) Prices:
$12 One way, $18 Round trip)+$2 per person
Passengers by foot $2
South Ferry (Sag Harbor) Prices:
$15 one way, $20 Round trip + $2 per person
Passengers on foot $2

Shelter Island Restaurants

Shelter Island really has some fantastic restaurants. They cook with goods from local farms and fishermen, In addition, local oysters from the Peconic Bay are a delight to taste. Make sure you make reservations early, as these places get jammed during the weekends. Jump to: Shelter Island Restaurants

Shelter Island Hotels

Shelter Island has some terrific hotels and guesthouses to make your getaway a terrific one. A few on the beach, Such as Pridwin and Sunset Beach. In addition, there are some with pools. Therefore, you can find the perfect place to stay. Jump to: Shelter Island Hotels

Shelter Island Sights

BEACHES

My favorite beach is Crescent Beach. You will find a beautiful view, calm water and many yachts and sailboats. Not only can you play volley ball on the sand and indulge in various water sports, but there is a huge tent for massages on the beach. In addition, you can cross the road and have lunch or a drink at Sunset Beach Restaurant.

Silver Beach, Shell Beach, Wades Beach, Upper Beach and Lower Beach are beautiful and quiet. These are typically in residential neighborhoods and used by the residents.

Verona Italy the City of Love

Discover Verona

I found Verona to be one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. For example, Verona boasts stunning architecture, ancient frescos, beautiful churches and lovely piazzas. Verona’s main attractions are its wealth of Roman ruins mixed with its charming, pedestrian-only ambiance. Roman and medieval bridges add important characteristics dating back to Roman times. The Adige River snakes through town, adding to the delightful atmosphere. The list of WOW just goes on and on in Verona, Italy!

This ancient city is built on the banks of the Adige River and is one of the main tourist destinations in Northern Italy. You are close to Venice and only a 30 minute drive to Lake Garda. Once you visit, it is easy to see why. This city of love and passion is a must see. Flowers and greenery are everywhere. It’s a photographer’s dream city.

Every step is a surprise….

To truly discover Verona is to wander all the narrow streets and cobblestone lanes. There are wide roads dating back to Roman times, as well as narrow medieval ones, which hide treasures and amazing sights. Moreover, it is known as the city of love and the story of Romeo and Juliet.

Raising the wow factor to the roof is the numerous amount of wineries right outside the city gates. Verona is famous for wines like Valpolicella, Amarone, Prosecco and Soave!

Explore Verona, Italy

As you can see from the map above, the historic center of Verona is built between a narrow river bend. It has many popular attractions and is a totally walkable city. For example, to walk from the top of the map to the bottom is no longer that 20 minutes.

‘What to see in Verona’ – Get the scoop on the most popular attractions.

‘Things to do in Verona’ – Check out the best tours – walking, biking, rafting, wineries……

Pictures of Verona Attractions

Piazza Erbe is my favorite and most picturesque piazza. For centuries it was the heart of the social and religious life of Verona. Today, it is a vibrant beautiful square which still holds its historic market every day except Sunday. It offers a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, local specialties, souvenirs and clothing.

The tremendous cobbled Piazza Bra has a park on one side and a line of restaurants and cafes along the other. What’s more, you will find the magnificent Verona Arena dominating the NE end of the Piazza.

Verona Arena

This ancient arena still has performances to this day. For sure, you MUST try to see one if you are visiting during Opera Season!

Castelvecchio

A spectacular medieval fortress which now holds a museum.

Juliet’s House

Verona and love go together like Romeo and Juliet. This is a must-see attraction located in the middle of town.

Verona Churches

Saint Anastasia, Verona — Sant’ Anastasia Church

San Zeno, Verona — Sant’ Anastasia Church

Sant’ Anastasia Church is iocated by Piazza dei Signori, St. Anastasia is the biggest church in town. Basilica of San Zeno is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture.

Via Mazzini

Evening strolls and chic boutiques are the highlight of this most popular shopping street.

Picture Gallery

Sorrento Italy

Explore charming and delightful Sorrento. It rests atop a cliff on one of the most beautiful and loved coastlines in the world. Sorrento Italy guarantees stunning views. You can see the glistening Mediterranean sea below from Mount Vesuvius to Capri – it is truly breathtaking. Certainly it is one of Italy’s most popular vacation destinations since ancient Roman times. Check out Getting to Sorrento from Naples for any travel help.Sorrento Italia, known for appetizing food and unique lidos, also has beautiful art and architecture. The charming historic center is made up of lovely narrow cobblestone streets. There are many cafes, boutiques and shops catering to your every taste. It is impossible to avoid lemons and delicious limoncello here – it is known as the land of lemons! Not only is Sorrento is a perfect base for visiting the Amalfi Coast Italy, but also nearby islands. A short ferry ride can whisk you away to gorgeous Capri and Ischia. Moreover, if you are historically minded, it is easy to get to Pompeii and Herculaneum. Also, a short 35 minute drive will take you to Positano. Excitement and wonderful possibilities await you on your Sorrento holiday.

Things to do in Sorrento

The town itself does not have a great deal of attractions. Therefore it is mainly used as a base from which to explore the surrounding areas. I recommend a two night stay if you are going to visit Capri. Also, It makes for a beautiful wedding backdrop, if you are inclined to tie the knot. On the other hand, it is so sweet to see a lovely bride and groom!

Explore Sorrento

First of all, take a stroll on Corso Italia. It is the main street in town with plenty of stores, hotels and eateries. During the evening, it turns into a lively pedestrian only walkway. Equally important is to explore all the alleys and lanes in this historic town. There are many cafes, shops and boutiques to discover. During your stroll, you will frequently stumble onto sculptures and art randomly mixed into the surroundings. Consequently you may find sweet surprises as you walk around.

Especially make sure to take a walk to the Villa Comunale Park which is at the edge of the cliff. There you have a spectacular panoramic view of the sparkling Bay of Naples. By the park you will find a winding walkway carved into the cliff. It leads down to the sea and lidos. The walk is a photographer’s dream – don’t forget your camera. Conversely, there is also a lift to take you up and down for 2 euros.

Moreover, here you will find Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th century church. It boasts a gorgeous garden/courtyard with occasional art displays and showings. All are welcome to enjoy the tranquil beauty you will find here.

Piazza Tasso

Piazza Tasso is the main square of Sorrento. Live music, horse carriage rides and a mini tourist train are found here. Tasso is the town hub. It is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops. Be sure to order a cafe and enjoy the scene as people go by. During the evening, live musicians perform wonderful Italian music! Additionally, you will find another staircase here that will lead you down to the port and lidos.

On the whole, Sorrento is a fun, lively and wonderful town to visit. It is easy to get here from Naples and is a great first stop on the Amalfi Coast. I suggest staying a night or two before heading to Positano, Amalfi or Ravello. Also consider staying on Capri for a night or two.

Sorrento Beaches

Definitely make time to enjoy a day at the beach. Sorrento has unique lido’s with piers that jut out into the water. Check our my Sorrento Beach page for comprehensive info and rental prices.

Sorrento Restaurants

Of course, there is nothing better that great Southern Italian food! There are so many restaurants in Sorrento to choose from! Savor these amazing flavors at some of my favorite restaurants in Sorrento.

Sorrento Hotels

Get information on the best Sorrento Hotels from luxury to budget on my hotel post!

Nightlife in Sorrento

Fauno Notte Club

Fauno Notte in Piazza Tasso is a late night dance club. DJ and dancing fun. Most arrive after midnight and it closes at 5am!

Filou Club

This club/piano bar is so much fun! Sing with the piano man to great Italian and American tunes. It gets an after dinner crowd and is a definitely a blast! Sorrento Italy has a fun nightlife!

Day Trip to Capri

Take a hydrofoil to the gorgeous island of Capri.

Positano

Positano Italy is a stunning cliffside village located on the Amalfi Coast. Certainly a top resort destination, it is truly a jewel and not to be missed. Indeed, you will fall in love with Positano! Bougainvillea, vegetation and flowers cascade down buildings and balconies. Boutiques, galleries and eateries line the streets. It is a shoppers paradise. There is a array of amazing hotels and delicious restaurants. Positano is absolutely fabulous, dripping with charm, and there is something to do for everyone!

Picturesque Positano Italy is a magical and enchanted village known throughout the world. Celebrities arrive by land or by yacht in the summer. It is built into a cliff and is also called the Vertical City. With this in mind, an unusual network of stairways enhance the town. There is only one street for vehicles. Hence, the rest of the village is pedestrian only. Getting around by foot will let you appreciate pastel-colored homes, flower filled terraces and endless steps carved out of the rock. There are narrow pedestrian alleys and, of course, steps that flow down to the busy harbor and beach.

The beautiful beaches are the main event and a hub of activity. You will relax and swim in the sparkling blue Mediterranean. Then have a delicious lunch along the walkway. A perfect way to spend the day!

GETTING AROUND POSITANO ITALY

Via dei Mulini is the main road through town that leads down to the beach. The center of town begins at Piazza dei Mulino, which is where all vehicle traffic ends. After that, Via dei Mulini is pedestrian only. It is a pleasure to stroll and browse in all the art galleries, boutiques and various shops. Try to stop in at Sapori e Porfumi di Positano. The fragrance of the candles and perfumes are fabulous! If you’re lucky to have a chat with the ‘Lemon Lady’, you will find that she is an amazing entrepreneur with lots of spirit! Of course, you will also find an abundance of restaurants and cafes.

You can reach every corner of this beautiful area without climbing countless steps. The local bus service is easily accessible. Bus stops are indicated with the sign Flavio Gioia and the orange busses have three routes: Interno Positano , which departs every 30 minutes from Piazza dei Mulini which tours around town. Montepertuso Nocelle departs every hour and goes to the higher communities. And lastly, Praiano-Positano, which brings you to the nearby town of Praiano. Furthermore, if you need information on getting here from Naples, read my Naples to Positano Guide.

Those charming steps…..
A few steps from the beach, you will find the church of Santa Maria Assunta. It features a majolica-tiled dome and a 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary. Legend says that in the 12th century AD, a ship carrying this same icon came from the sea during a huge storm. The sailors all heard a voice saying, “Posa Posa” which means “leave me here”. Thus the name Positano. Moreover, this is why the Madonna has been kept in Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta ever since.

Posa Posa – We DO NOT want to leave! Feel the warmth and friendliness of the wonderful locals. Not only are they welcoming, but also happy to teach you a bit of Italian. Take joy in the beauty of the landscape, the gorgeous views, and the pretty beaches. Positano Italy is simply magical!

Remember to bring your camera everywhere!

The BEST of……

If you’re looking to bask in the Mediterranean sun, you will love the beaches here. Sun lovers will enjoy a beautiful smooth pebble beach and gorgeous blue water. Read about Spiaggia Grande and the beach clubs…..Comprehensive Guide to Positano Beaches.

Positano Hotels – Best in Town

If you don’t know the layout of the land, or should I say mountainside, it could be a challenge to pick a hotel. Do you want to be in the heart of town; high up on the cliff with stunning views; or down by the beach with fewer steps to climb. I will help you in my comprehensive Hotel and Orientation Guide.

Positano Restaurants – Best in Town

The restaurant scene here is buzzing with delicious Southern Italian food and beautiful ambiance. To be sure, there are so many excellent choices for you! Restaurant Guide

Nightlife

This glamorous town has much to offer after the sun goes down! Start your evening with a apertivo and one of the many bars or cafes. Then, dine in a delicious cliffside restaurant with panoramic views. Lastly, you can end the night dancing till the wee hours of the morning in the hottest Amalfi Coast club, Music on the Rocks.

Getting to Positano

Closest Airport: Naples Capodichino (NAP).
Various transportation options are available such as: ferry, train & bus, private transfer, and car rental. For comprehensive information on transportation choices, CLICK HERE.

Category Archives: Featured

Welcome to Lisbon!

The Lisboa Food Scene

Lisbon Insider Tips

Tram 28 is the best tram to see the city

Mosaic sidewalks of Lisbon – Calcada

Visiting Verona? See these attractions!

Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza Bra

Verona Arena

Juliet’s House

Sant’ Anastasia Church

Castelvecchio

Basilica of San Zeno

Funicular of Castel S. Pietro

Via Mazzini

Porta Borsari

Tours

The Harbor – The Gathering Spot

The Best St. Tropez Beaches

Charming Old Town

Rosé Anyone?

Getting to St. Tropez

Sooo pretty!

Getting to Shelter Island

Shelter Island Sights

BEACHES

Discover Verona

Every step is a surprise….

Explore Verona, Italy

Pictures of Verona Attractions

Verona Arena

Juliet’s House

Verona Churches

Via Mazzini

Picture Gallery

Things to do in Sorrento

Explore Sorrento

Piazza Tasso

Nightlife in Sorrento

Fauno Notte Club

Filou Club

Day Trip to Capri

GETTING AROUND POSITANO ITALY

The BEST of……

Nightlife