The Republic of Malta, a European Capital of Culture (2018), is located in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and North Africa. It is the 10th smallest country by area but the ninth most populated, which is a good reason to come off season. During the summer months the temperatures can exceed 40c, and with the…

Larnaca is a picturesque city on the southeast coast of Cyprus; built upon the ruins of the ancient Greek city state Citium. It is most known for its sprawling sandy beaches and shallow water, making it perfect for families with young children. The sparkling water is calm and the well kept beaches completely sandy, unlike…

Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is the southernmost of all EU member states and has been the capital of Cyprus since the 10th century. It also remains the last divided capital in Europe. Northern Cyprus (the Turkish side) and the Republic of Cyprus (the Greek side) are divided by the United Nations Buffer Zone, or…

Istanbul, a bustling city of 15 million people straddling the Bosporus Straight; the boundary between Europe and Asia. It is the most populous city in Europe, and the most visited city in the world. It is easy to see why, Istanbul is a bastion of culture, food and sights. We are staying in Kadikoy; a…

Dubrovnik, a stunning city located in the southern Dalmatia region of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea. The deep blue water and pristine rocky coastline make this Croatias number one tourist destination. Last year, 1.2 million visitors came to this extraordinary city. This equals 27 tourists per local during peak travel season, so note if you…

Having spent the last two months in busy capital cities it was great to be in a chill costal town. Split was at the tail end of its travel season which officially ends November 1rst when a majority of the town shuts down until next summer. I prefer off season, you are guaranteed a more…

Zagreb, the capital and largest city in Croatia is home to 1.2 million people. It lies along the Sava river at the base of Medvednica mountain. Though it is considered an important tourist center, there are parts of the city away from the center that are more relaxed and have a local feel. Great pubs…

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was the next destination in our tour of the Balkans. Located on the Miljacka river and surrounded by mountains, Sarajevo is known for its cultural and religious diversity, nicknamed the “Jerusalem of Europe”. There has been evidence of humans since prehistoric times, though the city itself was formed…

Mostar, the capital of Herzegovina, is a small fairytale like city situated on the Neretva River. Just over 100,000 people call this charming place home, although it is a mecca for tourists of all kind year round. Mostar was named after the bridge keepers, or mostari, who guarded the Stari Most (Old Bridge) during the…

Nis, the birthplace of Constantine the Great, is the third largest city in Serbia. Located in the southern half of this beautiful country, the city was founded by the Celts in late 3rd century BC. During the Roman era it became a large urban center, becoming the base of operations of the Roman conquest of…