Polônia
A Polônia está se tornando cada vez mais popular. As cidades medievais, história rica, preços baixos, comida e bebidas incríveis e acomodações a preços acessíveis atraem muitos visitantes.
Além disso, a mina de sal de Wieliczka e o campo de concentração de Auschwitz são conhecidos no mundo. Mas nem todo mundo deve visitar Auschwitz e não deve ser tratado como um destino turístico. Se você quer saber o porquê, dê uma olhada no artigo sobre Auschwitz abaixo.
No entanto, existem alguns lugares magníficos que não são bem conhecidos - como as trilhas nas montanhas Tatra. Exceto pela famosa trilha do lago Morskie Oko (que é a menos atraente), as outras trilhas são praticamente desconhecidas dos estrangeiros. E elas são como o paraíso - cheios de lagos cristalinos e cercados por picos nevados das montanhas rochosas da Tatra.
Visite também algumas belas vilas no leste do país que são fora dos roteiros mais conhecidos e também outras cidades menos conhecidas.
Although Rysy is the highest peak in Poland, it's relatively easy to climb it to the top. The hike is quite tiring and steep; nevertheless, it's nowhere near as difficult as some other trails in the Tatras - like, for example, the trail to Zawrat via Dolina Gasienicowa which is my favorite in the whole Tatars.
As an interesting fact, I can mention that the Rysy peak is also a border crossing point - you can easily go down to the other side which is in Slovakia. The Slovakian side of Rysy is easier but less spectacular. As both countries lie within the Schengen zone, of course, there are no guards or barricades; you won’t even notice you’re in a different country.
Many of the visitors coming to southern Poland and Krakow region end up in Zakopane - the little town located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. Some hike (or take a horse cart ride) up the easy and quite boring trail to the most famous landmark in Polish mountains - Morskie Oko lake which is undoubtedly picturesque and beautiful, but so overcrowded that it can get really irritating.
In this post, I'll try to encourage you to leave Morskie Oko behind and venture into the real, wild beauty of the area. As usual, the most attractive and stunning views are awaiting those who are brave enough to take a risk and explore something beyond the beaten path. I've already described the trek to Dolina Pieciu Stawow which is way nicer than the one to Morskie Oko and now it's time to write about my favorite trail in the Tatras - to Swinica peak via the less known Dolina Gasienicowa (Gasienicowa Valley) and Zawrat saddle. This trail features not one but several crystal clear lakes of different shapes and colors, spectacular views - incomparable with those on the way to Morskie Oko and it's perfect for those who love adventure and adrenaline rush!
This article will probably be a bit off topic but I felt a need to write it after a visit in one of the world's most infamous sites. Auschwitz Concentration Camp in southern Poland has recently become one of the most visited tourist attraction in the Krakow region. However, in my opinion, it should never be perceived as one. The site of incomparable genocide that was committed by the Nazis during the second world war should be seen only if you fully understand what really happened there and what consequences it entailed for those involved in those horrific events.
Zakopane, also called Poland's winter capital due to the abundance of ski resorts in the region is becoming a popular tourist destination among foreign visitors to the country. It's probably because it's so close to the most famous attraction in Poland - the medieval city of Krakow. Contrary to Zakopane's nickname - "winter capital", although it's perfect for ski lovers, the area is also worth visiting during all other seasons - when the snow melts, you can enjoy hiking spectacular mountainous trails dotted with beautiful, crystal clear postglacial lakes. In this post, however, I will focus on the town itself and highlight what to see around - there are plenty of articles online about Zakopane, basically describing Tatra National park, but few about the actual town.
Europe is a greatly diverse continent - most of it has the 4 distinct seasons and is visited by the travelers either in summer when the weather is great or in winter - for skiing. Autumn colors are also beautiful and attract those who like nature and hiking trails. But where to go in March or April? The winter snow is gone - leaving behind the grey, nearly black and white world, the weather isn't too great either and in the south it's still not hot enough to enjoy the beach. However, there is one place, hidden in Polish Tatra Mountains where the best time to visit is the early spring. For around 2 weeks, when the first, warmer sun rays after the winter months melt the snow lying on the slopes, hikers near Choholowska Valley might have the luck to experience a magnificent wonder of nature - when millions of purple crocuses appear turning the gloomy, post-winter meadows into a bright, colorful carpet.
Wieliczka Salt Mine, located just 15 km (9 miles) south of Krakow - the most visited ancient Polish city - is also one of the most popular attractions in the region. Founded in the 13th century, it was in operation until as late as 2007. Visitors can admire many absolutely stunning, carved out using only man power shafts, corridors and chambers that have been lavishly decorated by tremendously talented artists. All the sculptures, statues, reliefs, walls, floor tiles and even chandeliers are made of salt. A walk down the long underground passages of Wieliczka is a great history lesson in practice, not only in theory. Read on and I'll give you some tips on how to best enjoy the visit.
The route to the most famous tourist attraction in the Tatra Mounatins region - Morskie Oko lake may be the most popular and the easiest (and also quite boring), but the most spectacular views and real alpine, mountainous scenery are available to those who decide to hike the trail to Dolina Pięciu Stawów (The Valley of Five Lakes) and onward. No crowds (comparing to city-like traffic on the path to Morskie Oko), unspoiled nature, amazing landscapes and freshest air. It is also possible to reach Morskie Oko valley itself through the Valley of Five Lakes. This route is both: so much better than the normal, paved, road trail to Morskie Oko and and also pretty easy to follow.
Cracow (Kraków in Polish), due to its location, went through enormously difficult times in both ancient and recent history. Squeezed between the Europe's most powerful empires, it suffered invasions, raids and pillages from all directions. Miraculously, unlike Warsaw - the Polish capital, it survived the atrocities of the second world war almost intact, therefore, you can still sense its medieval charm strolling down the colorful cozy streets or having lunch in the largest medieval market square in Europe.
Zakopane is the winter capital of Poland and also one of the country's most popular resort towns in the summer (I've described it here). Due to proximity of Krakow, the ancient Polish capital, which, after Schengen Agreement suddenly became a popular tourist destination, Zakopane has also seen a considerable rise in foreign visitors for the last couple of years.
Most of people come to Zakopane for its charm, typical for the region wooden architecture with pointed roofs, Krupowki Street with many international stores, and, of course the Tatra Mountains. The best, and easiest way to enjoy the views is to get on the funicular that will take you to the top of the nearby hill, Gubalowka. There, you can enjoy some local, hand made craft items as well as delicious food while admiring the surrounding, snowy peaks. I will write a separate article about the town itself in the future, in this post I would like to focus on both: probably the most beautiful (and popular) place in the region: Morskie Oko lake, and the less visited, however, in my opinion, even greater Czarny Staw lake.
Beskid Sadecki, in Malopolskie Province (or Voivodeship), is a remote mountain range with rolling hills covered with vast swathes of primeval forest. It stretches down south through Slovakian border which can be crossed while hiking. It's full of picturesque little towns and villages scattered along the streams in numerous valleys. It's also a home to many wild animals and plants, like foxes, wild boars, snakes (including vipers), lynxes, deer and even bears (although I have never heard about anyone encountering a bear).
Photos that I took on a beautiful sunny day while strolling through meadows and green grass fields in the south-eastern region of Poland, Malopolskie Province near the town of Nowy Sacz. The area is rich in natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes and little villages with wooden old houses scattered among the rolling hills. In the south of the region, there are endless swathes of primeval forests cut with little streams and multiple tourist trails. It's a place where you can forget about the hectic city life and succumb to the charm of the peaceful surroundings of nature.
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Many of the visitors coming to southern Poland and Krakow region end up in Zakopane - the little town located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. Some hike (or take a horse cart ride) up the easy and quite boring trail to the most famous landmark in Polish mountains - Morskie Oko lake which is undoubtedly picturesque and beautiful, but so overcrowded that it can get really irritating.
In this post, I'll try to encourage you to leave Morskie Oko behind and venture into the real, wild beauty of the area. As usual, the most attractive and stunning views are awaiting those who are brave enough to take a risk and explore something beyond the beaten path. I've already described the trek to Dolina Pieciu Stawow which is way nicer than the one to Morskie Oko and now it's time to write about my favorite trail in the Tatras - to Swinica peak via the less known Dolina Gasienicowa (Gasienicowa Valley) and Zawrat saddle. This trail features not one but several crystal clear lakes of different shapes and colors, spectacular views - incomparable with those on the way to Morskie Oko and it's perfect for those who love adventure and adrenaline rush!
On the second day of the extraordinarily beautiful trek to Poon Hill, we left the cozy village of Ulleri at sunrise and headed uphill towards another village - Ghorepani. Ghorepani is located at the elevation of 2750 meters and it differs from other towns with the distinctive blue roofs and houses. It is also a gateway to the most important point of the trek - Poon Hill (around 3200 meters above sea level) which offers a spectacular, 360 degree view of the Annapurna range in the Himalayas. Especially stunning in March/April when all the wild rhododendrons blossom and cover the mountainous valleys in bright red colors.
Lake Kaindy in southern Kazakhstan is one of the newest and most unique natural wonders on our planet. Although literally unknown in the West, if it was located in any European country, it would be its best tourist attraction. Especially beautiful in the fall (autumn), Lake Kaindy boasts not only exceptionally attractive blue color of water and snowy rocky mountains surrounding it but also the unique, silver trunks of dead spruce sticking out of the lake's surface. The "flooded forest" is indeed one of the natural landmarks of Kazakhstan. It all creates a fairy-tale like scenery, not seen anywhere else.
You might have seen photos of the gargantuan hole in the middle of the desert spewing out flames and a beam of light out of its core high up into the night sky while watching National Geographic or some documentary on the weirdest places on Earth. Although the Darvaza Crater has got quite large exposure in the media, it still remains very rarely visited by ordinary tourists. Central Asia is an extremely interesting place both naturally and historically. However, travelers almost always skip it choosing the popular beaches in Southeast Asia. Come to Darvaza and you'll feel as if you were teleported to Mars - it's a unique, outlandish and eerie experience that cannot be compared to anything else you've seen before.
While watching one of the Hollywood apocalyptic films or playing computer games - have you ever thought that a real ghost town is closer than you think? It is actually located in the center of Europe - in Ukraine. 110 kilometers (70 miles) from the country's capital - Kiev, very close to the border with Belarus. A visit to Pripyat is an extraordinary experience - something you most probably have never seen and will never see. It is completely different from the usual sight seeing tours. In this post I am presenting a gallery of photos of this ghost town literally abandoned overnight thirty years ago.
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2015 was a year full of adventure, surprises and amazing opportunities to discover even more of great and off the beaten path places. Just like a year ago, based on my own experience (I've been to all the countries described below), I'd like to present my list of destinations to visit in 2016 (click here to see the post from 2015). As usual, it will be different than most of such lists released by meainstream travel magazines. Instead of repeating all the well known places, I'd like you to get inspired and explore new adventurous and exciting spots. It has probably never even come to your mind that you could visit some of them and you'll surely get shocked when you learn where those amazing wonders actually are located!
The Shipwreck Beach (also called Navagio) on the Greek island - Zakynthos is the most beautiful beach I have seen. It's claimed to be the most beautiful - and I agree. After visiting numerous beaches in other, also way more exotic destinations (like Brazil, Thailand, Italy, Mauritius, Georgia, India, Croatia, Albania, Spain, Portugal), I have yet to discover a place that would enchant me as much as Navagio Beach. But there is a flaw in this perfection. The beach is indeed the most beautiful in the world, granted that it's viewed from the edge of the cliff that surrounds it. Looked at from the sea level, it looses its charm. However, most of the tour agencies offering a trip to the beach arrive there by boat and in this case you will not see it as it is on the postcards or leaflets - from above. It's also impossible to climb the steep rocky cliff from the beach. So what's the solution if you want to admire the famous view from the top?
One of the most important religious sites in Myanmar, seemingly defying the law of gravity - Golden Rock Temple (Kyaiktio or Kyaikhteeyoe Pagoda), although quite famous, is surprisingly not as touristy as the other destinations in the country - Bagan, Mandalay or Yangon. There are good and bad sides to it. The good thing is that the authenticity of the place is still preserved (unlike the temples in Thailand) and you'll see many more locals than foreigners around. The bad thing - to get there without an expensive, privately run tour or a taxi is pretty complicated, the bus schedules are not clear and the level of English among the Burmese is very low. And... to be honest, the site is one of those that look absolutely spectacular in the photos, a bit less so in real life. Having said that, the whole journey was a great adventure, definitely worth the effort and it left some priceless memories in my mind.
It might be a bit strange to see a post about a spa on a blog that describes mainly an active way of traveling and discovering some forgotten and unknown places where few even think of visiting. But Blue Lagoon in Iceland is different. It's an amazing proof how human engineering and nature can cooperate perfectly. It's not an ordinary, boring spa with swimming pools and massages. The Blue Lagoon is one of those experiences that, I think, everyone should try at least once in life. Especially after exploring some of the marvelous sites of Iceland - an outlandish island on the periphery of Europe.
The very south corner of Albania - the country which is still a black spot on the touristic map of Europe offers, in my opinion, the best beaches in the entire old continent: white sand, tropical color of the clearest possible seas, the exoticism of the area and most friendly locals. Most of the very few individual foreign tourists who get to the beach village of Ksamil arrive by ferry from the neighboring, overcrowded by tourists Greek island - Corfu. I followed the same route. And, I really thought that Corfu is amazing until I set foot in Albania's shore. My jaw literally dropped. I immediately felt as if I was transferred to one of the tropical, paradise-like postcard spots. It's a mystery to me how this exceptionally beautiful piece of land lacks any recognition among foreigners. But maybe it's better this way!
Hiking in Polish Tatras is getting more and more popular. During the summer, hundreds of tourists flock to the town of Zakopane in order to spend some time admiring the spectacular peaks and turquoise mountainous lakes. In this article, I have prepared a 4-day itinerary (or shorter - depending how fit you are and how much time you have) which will allow you to see the best of the Tatra Mountains: the three most picturesque valleys with lakes and Poland's highest peak - Rysy. If you're planning on hiking in Zakopane for a few days - follow this route and you'll get the best of it!