From the 11th century up until 1310, kings ruled the island of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa. The medieval capital grew to be a thriving commercial and religious center, replacing the previous Kingdom of Anuradhapura. After holding the power for almost three centuries, the seat of government was moved yet again and Polonnaruwa was abandoned for good. In 1982 Polonnaruwa was declared ...
Uluwatu Temple in Bali: Monkeys and sunset Kecak dance
I have been to the Uluwatu Temple, or Pura Luhur Uluwatu, in Bali more than any other attraction on the island, probably 10+ times. There is just something magical about it, especially early in the morning. Perched atop a steep cliff, 70 meters above the waves of the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali's six key temples and a significant spiritual pillar. In this guide, we'll ...
Quinta da Regaleira: The most beautiful palace in Sintra
Of all the beautiful palaces and castles in Sintra Portugal, Quinta da Regaleira is my favorite. Set in the lush hills, just 40 minutes from Lisbon, the estate comprises a grand palace, enchanting gardens, lakes, grottoes, and unique constructions like the famous Initiation Wells. As you may know, I'm a history buff and castle lover, so no wonder the fairytale town of Sintra and Quinta da ...
11 most stunning beaches in Chania Crete
Are you looking for the best beaches in Chania? Welcome to the sun-kissed shores of Chania, Crete's enchanting coastal town and region where the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea sparkle under the warm Cretan sun. The beaches in Chania are some of the best in the world. Yes, in fact, two of them are up there with the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. And I've seen a lot! From ...
Falassarna Beach: Why it is my favorite beach in Crete
Welcome to Falassarna Beach! If you're planning a getaway to Crete or just dreaming up your next sunny adventure, you'll want to take note of this gem. When people talk about Western Crete, most mention Elafonisi and Balos Lagoon as the must-see beaches. And I don't disagree, but for me, Falassarna stands out as the highlight of my trip. Falassarna (sometimes written Falasarna) isn't just ...
How to get from Chania to Elafonisi Beach: Car, bus, tour+
Are you wondering how to get from Chania to Elafonisi Beach in Crete? Or maybe you're staying close to Falassarna? Chania is a charming town and I loved spending time there. And Falassarna is my favorite beach for swimming, a must on any Cretan itinerary. However, Elafonsi Beach is something truly special. It makes the journey down to the southwestern corner of Crete worth it! In this ...