Captivating Cartagena stands as one of Colombia's top tourist destinations owing to its unique style and culture, wrapped up in a disarmingly beautiful package of well-preserved historic architecture.
21.07.2023 - 07:41 / roughguides.com
A land of contrasts, Nicaragua is Central America’s sweet spot with all of the culture and nature, yet with few tourists. Word is quickly getting out about Nicaragua, long off the radar for all but the hardiest of travellers to Central America. Feeling inspired? Explore these best things to do in Nicaragua.
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A vibrant university town with a revolutionary past. Closer to the Pacific coast, near the Honduran border, León is the country’s second largest city with a population of 200,000. The swelteringly hot lowland city has maintained its colonial core, with more than a dozen 18th-century churches, many of which are connected by underground tunnels once used to escape pirate attacks and now part of the sewer system.
The colonial baroque Basilica Catedral de la Asuncion was built between 1747 and 1814 and is the largest cathedral in Central America. Having endured earthquakes and bombings, it has become a symbol of the city itself.
Explore León in Nicaragua, home to the largest cathedral in Central America on the Colonial City Tour. See the ruins of one of the continent’s first Spanish cities, preserved by ash from a volcanic eruption.
Find more accommodation options to stay in León
Cathedral in Leon, Nicaragua © emperorcosar/Shutterstock
The world’s largest volcanic island within a freshwater lake, Ometepe is one of Nicaragua’s primary attractions, even though it’s quite rugged and lacks much infrastructure. Seeing the island’s twin volcanic peaks from the lake – the perfectly conical Concepción and forest-covered Madera, connected by the Istián isthmus – is one of the best things to do in Nicaragua.
Primarily used for agricultural purposes, nearly anything will grow in Ometepe’s rich volcanic soil, including coffee, bananas, and avocados. Pre-Columbian petroglyphs and rock carvings are found across the island, though there is likely much more to be discovered beneath the thick jungle.
Travel from Granada to Ometepe Island and enjoy a day of sightseeing and relaxation. Explore the diversity of plant and animal life in this UNESCO Biosphere Preserve. Learn about the various tribes and cultures on the island, and hang out on the beach.
Find more accommodation options to stay at Isla de Ometepe
Volcano on Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua © Pete Niesen/Shutterstock
Surfing by day, partying by night in Nicaragua's favourite beach resort is certianly one of the best things to do in Nicaragua. A little more than a couple of decades ago, word started to get out about a sleepy fishing village with great surf breaks called San Juan del Sur.
San Juan del Sur’s main attraction, the beach, encircles a crescent shaped
Captivating Cartagena stands as one of Colombia's top tourist destinations owing to its unique style and culture, wrapped up in a disarmingly beautiful package of well-preserved historic architecture.
Georgia’s oldest city, not to mention the first capital, was established on the Savannah River in 1733 and, for nearly 300 years, has beckoned visitors to the Spanish moss-lined trees and charming homes. It’s one of the nation’s biggest ports, and its hospitable locals helped earn the nickname the “Hostess City.”
Northern Ireland's second city and Ireland's northern-most county sit rather snug together in the corner of the island of Ireland. But many are yet to discover the two make a fantastic combination for a twin break. Blending thought-provoking history, striking landmarks and an incredible natural world, Derry~Londonderry and County Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula offer everything you could wish for in a short, action-packed getaway.
After taking annual vacations to Europe for over a decade, I followed my dream and moved abroad right after my 32nd birthday. I initially did a six-month stay in Bordeaux, France, before heading to Barcelona, Spain, in early 2020.
Late last year, I was itching to leave my hometown of Los Angeles and booked a short trip to the East Coast. But, as soon as I boarded my return flight, I realized I couldn't wait to get back home.
Enter the Jamba Juice “Pitaya Paradise” sweepstakes by February 29, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a five-night trip for two to the Aqua Wellness Resort in Nicaragua, including air, hotel, airport transfers, and daily breakfast.
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Dreaming of being on a dreamy European beach—or already on one and wondering if you can do even better? Then look to the Iberian Peninsula. European Best Destinations recently announced its ranking of the top 15 beaches in Europe, as voted on by thousands of travelers from 83 countries. This year’s No. 1 is Torrente de Pareis in Mallorca, Spain. Rounding out the top three are Bordeira Beach in Alzejur, Portugal and Amio Beach in Cantabria, Spain.
There’s a lot of things to do in Barcelona, Spain’s second city: the dark, twisting streets of the Barri Gòtic; the cool and sophisticated La Ribera district filled with designer shops and fashionable bars; the enticing beaches and über-modern seafront area – all topped off by some seriously unusual architecture, an integral part of Catalan’s Modernisme movement. It’s this mix, along with its tempting tapas and bar scene that makes the city such an exciting stop, and inevitably the prices to visit its museums, churches and the like are high. Here are a few suggestions for free things to do in Barcelona:
Sitting pretty just off the coast of the South American mainland Trinidad and Tobago is one of the Caribbean’s most diverse and underexplored destinations. The islands boast spectacular rainforests, waterfalls, savannas and reefs, and endless undeveloped beaches. T&T is also a cultural pacemaker for the Caribbean. Read on to find out the best things to do in Trinidad and Tobago.
One of the sunniest and liveliest capital cities in Europe, Madrid has a lot to take pride in. Indeed, its inhabitants, the Madrileños, are so proud of their city that they modestly declare “desde Madrid al Cielo”: that after Madrid there is only one remaining destination – Heaven. While their claim may be open to dispute, this compact, frenetic and fascinating city certainly has bags of appeal and its range of attractions has made it a deservedly popular short-break destination. Here's a day-by-day itinerary to help you plan a perfect weekend filled with amazing things to do in Madrid.
Set in Andalucía, Spain’s southernmost region, Granada is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, and with good reason. The city is in an astounding setting at the confluence of four rivers, backed by the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada, and there are plenty of things to do.