Author: Astone Miya
-
Top Nicaraguan Attractions
Archaeology Although the archaeology is not as inspiring as the Mayan temples further north, Nicaragua’s pre-Columbian history is fascinating. Around the country, museums display artefacts that have been discovered in each region; the best are at the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura in Managua, the Museo Antiguo Convento de San Francisco in Granada and Museo…
-
Ten top tapas bars in Andalucia
According to legend – well, one legend, anyway – tapas were invented in Seville, when bartenders placed a saucer on top of a glass of wine to keep out the flies, then added a little ham or some olives. In any case, Andalucia is the heartland of this quintessentially Spanish snack – and here are…
-
Tapati festival in chile
or Semana Rapa Nui Held each year in late January/early February, Tapati is organized on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) as a huge competition between groups, many of them families, each of which elects a beauty queen. It begins slowly but builds momentum as the fortnight goes on. Families score points by participating in a wide…
-
Meknès
Meknès never set out to be an ‘imperial city’. But, as chance would have it, the inhabitants of Fès and Marrakech showed little enthusiasm for 17th-century ruler and builder Moulay Ismaïl, and so heturned his attentions towards Meknès. Strategically situated at the heart of Morocco, Meknès became his capital and he embarked on a massive…
-
7 accessible cycling adventures
Tackling an epic cycling trip doesn’t mean you need to be an epic cyclist. Dervla Murphy, who launched her distinguished travel-writing career pedalling from Ireland to India, sagely wrote: “one of the advantages of cycling is that it automatically prevents a journey from becoming an Expedition.” These bike-based trips offer high adventure that’s achievable for…
-
5 unmissable experiences in Nicaragua
This beautiful Central American country hasn’t always had a smooth ride – but today its friendly folk, picture-perfect landscapes, wildlife and diverse heritage provide plenty of thrills for visitors Ometepe Island, Nicaragua Roam volcanic Ometepe Island Board the ferry at San Jorge for the short crossing over Lake Nicaragua (reputedly home to freshwater bullsharks)…
-
Essaouira
Essaouira, ‘little picture’, is one of those stage set places: you half expect to see plumed cavalry coming round the corner, or a camera crew filming some diva up on the ramparts. It is a beautifully designed 18th-century military port, and somehow hasn’t been too much changed since. The walls are white, the windows and…
-
Chefchaouen
Contents 1 Introduction 2 Background 3 Sights 4 Médina 5 Hillwalking The blue-and whitewashed town of Chefchaouen, sometimes called Chaouen, and even spelt Xaouen (the Spanish version), is an exceptionally photogenic Andalucían town in the Rif, 60 km south of Tetouan, set above the Oued Laou valley and just below the twin peaks of the Jbel ech…
-
Marrakech
Marrakech is Morocco’s main point of entry for tourists, many of whom never venture far beyond its red walls, despite the enticing and dramatic backdrop of the High Atlas mountains, snow-capped until April or May and a venue for numerous excursions . The city has a memorable beauty, with its palm-lined streets and red earth…
-
Tangier
Tangier is a product of its location: the gate to the Mediterranean Sea and the meeting point of Africa and Europe. The Phoenicians and Carthaginians established trading posts here. The Romans made it a capital city. It was invaded by the Vandals and Visigoths and occupied by the Arabs. The Portuguese took the town before…