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5 American waterfalls to bathe in

Lina Kirilova — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 01:45:51 +0000

The challenge: bathe under a waterfall

This is the story of how I challenged myself to swim under each and every waterfall I saw during my trip to Maui. It was the first time I’d set foot on one of the Hawaiian Islands and, to the best of my knowledge, I had chosen the wildest one to explore!

Maui is the second-largest of the nine Hawaiian islands. You’ll fall in love with the island as soon as you arrive, with its gorgeous beaches and perfect waves creating an irresistible charm. The scenery changes with around every corner, with everything from tropical bamboo forests to rocky black sand beaches, volcano craters and beautiful waterfalls.

Inspired by Maui, I’ve put together a list of my five favorite waterfalls across the USA. Enjoy!

Twin Falls

Maui, Hawaii

If you’re looking to spend a few hours away from the sandy beaches of Maui, I advise you to take the road less (or more) traveled to Hana. Along the way you’ll find most of the accessible waterfalls on the island. Right at the beginning of the road at the second mile marker you have your first chance to swim under a cascade at the majestic Twin Falls. A large path winds around the waterfall, with hidden side trails leading to some good spots to jump into the clear and purified water.

The Seven Sacred Pools

Maui, Hawaii

There are a number of falls along the Road to Hana – some more accessible than others – but the best falls by far to swim in or stand under are Ohe’o Gulch’s Falls, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. This incredible natural landmark consists of two major falls: Waimoku and Makahiku. You can reach both of them following the Pipiwai Trail – a 2 mile (3 km) hike through a mystical bamboo forest. Those two – along with many more waterfalls – form dozens of pools in the gulch, with the water flowing right into the ocean nearby. The Seven Sacred Pools lie within the limits of Haleakala National Park, but don’t be misled by its name; this is not a sacred Hawaiian site and there are more than seven natural pools to swim in.

McWay Falls

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California

Big Sur is a traveler’s favorite, offering a number of off-the-beaten-path secrets like Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. If you’re prepared to make the trek to the park and then do a bit more exploring, you can swim under a waterfall flowing directly into the ocean. The 82-foot (25-meter) waterfall is not the easiest to find, but that’s what makes it so precious.

Havasu Falls

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Located deep in one of the remotest parts of the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls offers you a stunning view of its cascading waters for the price of a charter helicopter ride or a 10-mile (16-km) hike. If you don’t feel like hiking that far with all your gear, you can rent a mule to carry you (slowly) to the turquoise waterfall.

Mooney Falls

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Similar to Havasu Falls, you will find Mooney Falls at the far end of the Grand Canyon, outside the National Park. And just like Havasu, i’s a difficult spot to reach, but that only makes the journey more worthwhile. There’s no doubt that, once you arrive, you’ll agree Mooney Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ve ever seen.

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7 unusual and unique things to do in Sicily, Italy

Maria Angelova — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 04:11:00 +0000

Locals say that Sicily is not Italy, and from the very first step you’ll discover that what you see on this island is not what you’d expected. Of course, there are the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo and the chocolate town of Modica, but here is a list of the best weird, unusual, cool and unexpected things to do in Sicily’s remote corners (+ a useful map at the end of the article).

#1 Whisper your secrets at the Ear of Dionysius

The Ear of Dionysius (L’Orecchio di Dionisio) in Syracuse, Sicily

Even if you whisper your secrets while you’re inside the Ear of Dionysius, everyone will hear them, no matter whether they are close to you or at the furthest end of the cave. This man-made rock formation in the city of Syracuse (southern Sicily) is designed so that even the slightest mumble is amplified clearly. Rumor has it that the local tyrant – Dionysius I of Syracuse – ordered the huge grotto hewn into the rocks to keep prisoners inside. The opening in the ceiling was specially designed so the tyrant could overhear the prisoners whispering their dirty secrets. But the truth is a little different…

Read the whole story of the cave and how to get there.

#2 Bask on the white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi

Scala dei Turchi in Realmonte, Sicily | Davide Ragusa/Unsplash.com

Scala dei Turchi (literally The Staircase of the Turks, named after the Turkish and Moorish pirates who landed here) is a shiny, glittering piece of heaven adorning the coast of Sicily. This unlikely beach is a memorable spot to bask in the sun or explore the rugged rocks.

Read more about Scala dei Turchi and how to get there.

#3 Go trekking, body rafting or canyoning in Gole Alcantara

Gole Alcantara | What Kirsty Did Next

Gole Alcantara is a botanical and geological park about 40 minutes from Taormina in Sicily, or 20 minutes from Giardini Naxos. During summer, locals and tourists alike flock to this beautiful spot as an alternative to the crowded beaches, although that’s not to say that the river doesn’t get crowded too. The canyons and rock formations are spectacular, but be warned… the water is absolutely freezing, even in the height of summer. Sports enthusiasts can entertain themselves with water sports such as group body rafting tours, while small kids can enjoy the spray water park. The park also has a restaurant and pizzeria. This is certainly a different side of Sicily and one I’d recommend if you’re in the area.

Suggested by Kirsty from What Kirsty did next.

#4 Visit an unlikely church in Syracuse

The unlikely Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

A monument both admired and called ‘the cement monster’, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears (Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime) is the last thing you would expect to see when you think of ‘a church in Sicily’. Its construction started in the 1960s and lasted for almost 30 years, when Pope John Paul II himself inaugurated it. The sanctuary was constructed to house a miraculous image of the Madonna, who was allegedly crying (even scientific tests were held to prove that the liquid coming form the image was tears). The best thing about this place of God is its incredible acoustics. Just sit for a while and listen to the echoes from every minor noise at the other side of the enormous building while looking at the ceiling, which soars to more than 70 m (230 ft) above you.

#5 Ski down an active volcano

Mount Etna covered in snow, Sicily | WikiCommons

How about ticking ‘skiing down an active volcano’ off your bucket list? Mount Etna is not as fancy as the other Italian ski resorts, but it has slopes and offers magnificent views from its peak. On the other hand, the weather down by the coast will most likely be perfect for leisurely strolls, and the seawater in Sicily in winter will be warmer than the Danish Bryyge Islands in summer.

#6 Sing karaoke (but take it seriously!)

“One of my most bizarre experiences living in Catania (and there were many!) was when my friends and I went to Wednesday karaoke at a local bar,” Amy from Page Traveller says. “We ordered more than a few drinks so that we could perhaps muster up the courage to sing later on.

“However, what I learnt was that Italians take their karaoke very seriously. One woman chose a song with glass-shattering high notes and she hit them all. A large, uber-masculine type who wouldn’t look out of place in the Mafioso delivered a heartfelt ballad in a deep, gravelly voice. The audience members clapped politely.

“Oblivious to Sicilian karaoke culture and several vinos in, we Brits put ourselves down for classic belter Total Eclipse of the Heart, but our drunken rendition of Bonnie Tyler was met with much tutting and more than a few scornful looks.

“If you end up doing going to a karaoke night in Catania, be aware that you will be expected to actually sing well!”

#7 Watch traditional Sicilian puppet theater

Teatro dei pupi in Sicily | Dennis Jarvis/Flickr

Take the time to see a puppet show known as opera dei pupi, which reenacts Frankish poems such as The Song of Roland with wooden handmade puppets. At the bottom of this page you’ll find a list of the major theaters in Sicily where you can see this marionette show (available in Catania, Syracuse, Palermo, Trabia and Alcamo).

Here’s a map of all these unusual things to do in Sicily:

Discover more amazing experiences in Sicily here >>>

Pin it for later, because everyone needs a touch of wonder when travels:

Are you searching for luggage storage in Sicily – see luggage storage in Palermo?

The Sicilian capital boasts over 230 opulently decorated churches, the largest opera house in the country, and 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites. In addition to its plethora of historical attractions, quaint villages and white sand beaches surround the city, providing ample opportunities for day trips.

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Get your adrenaline pumping at Adventure Outdoor Fest in Jerma Canyon

Maria Angelova — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 08:56:57 +0000

Тhere are a handful of rivers on the Balkan Peninsula that deserve your special attention. The Jerma (or Erma in Bulgarian) is one of them, with its gorgeous canyon stretching across both Bulgaria and Serbia. Adrenaline junkies should spare five days in August to join the party at the Adventure Outdoor Festival and discover what the canyon’s Serbian section has to offer when it comes to climbing, hiking, sky running, biking, yoga, slacklining and caving.

Adventure Outdoor Fest | © Adventure Travel Network/Igor Đorđevic

Why is the Jerma Canyon so memorable?

The steep limestone slopes of two mountains guard the Jerma River as it runs between Greben Mountain – a large karst ridge with sharp peaks and stone figures on one side – and Vlaska Mountain, which features a rocky facade that turns into a fairytale beech forest on the other. Hiking, walking, climbing, off-road mountain biking trails and caves beg to be explored by active souls, while more mellow visitors will find a feeling of pure joy when immersed in the pristine nature, which is perfect for yoga and meditation.

Adventure Outdoor Fest | © Adventure Travel Network/Igor Đorđevic

The festival activities

A team of adventurers, experienced guides and instructors will introduce you to the landscape and take you on a series of adventures, including:

Mountaineering – Hike up the mountains that guard the Jerma River to enjoy astonishing views of the canyon from great heights.

Sky running – Explore the landscapes of Jerma in trail shoes and experience the magic of running in a completely pure environment. Trail and sky running is guided by Nevena Rajovic, the winner of Skyrunning League Serbia in 2016. You‘ll get a chance to familiarize yourself with the region, as well as learning new techniques, stretches and power exercises in the midst of the incredible landscape.

Adventure Outdoor Fest | © Adventure Travel Network/Igor Đorđevic

Climbing festival (August 18-20) – Try 20 new, challenging routes and compete for one of the delightful traditional prizes on offer. These unique prizes are typical of the Pirot region of Serbia and are made specially for the event.

Sport climbing and abseiling for kids and adults – Take your first steps up the mountainside with the experienced instructors and trainers of Tribe, whose expertise and focus on safety will make sure you’re well looked after. Sport climbing is one of four basic sports on offer for kids in Jerma.

Mountain biking – The only thing you need is a bike and you‘re ready for the off-road adventure. You‘ll be riding through the narrowest gorge in Europe, with the trail even snaking through the famous Cira train tunnels along the way. You can ride along the trail – which is also the route for the upcoming Caribrod mountain biking marathon – at your own leisure.

Wild caving – Vetrena Dupka, the cave at the slopes of Vlaska Mountain, is ready to reveal the secrets of the priest Martin’s treasure. You’ll learn the story of the treasure and explore the cave with experienced speleologists, who will introduce you to the basics of caving and explain what to do (and what not to do) when you’re deep underground.

Yoga – Here you can learn the basics of Hatha and Vinyasa yoga in a breathtaking setting. Simply spending time in nature can relieve stress, improve mood, reduce anger and aggression, boost happiness and improve the immune system. When you add yoga asanas under the sky, pranayama and meditation, you have a recipe for pure bliss.

Slacklining workshop – Slacklining is the art of walking and balancing along a suspended length of flat webbing. It’s the kind of activity you can use to relax after a long day, or you can take it more seriously and commit to practicing your balance and technique over several hours. Slacklining can be viewed as a metaphor for life: balance is the core, but falling occasionally helps you master the art of rising and persisting. The mountainous landscape of Jerma provides the perfect setting for learning to slackline.

Extra activities – Art workshops, music, gastronomy, movies, chats by the fire, horror stories in the dark, reading, storytelling, dreaming, holding hands, eyegazing, stargazing… what you get up to in this magical part of the world is entirely up to you!

Useful information:

Festival dates: August 16–20, 2017.

Location: Jerma Canyon, 50 mi (82 km) from Sofia, Bulgaria, and 60 mi (95 km) from Nis, Serbia (see map below).

Tickets: a five-day pass costs 30 euros and includes access to all activities, on-site camping and a T-shirt.

Ticket for the climbing festival only costs 10 euros and includes access to the climbing festival, on-site camping, T-shirt, yoga, slacklining and some extra activities.

Deadline for registration: July 30, 2017.

Accommodation: you can camp (campsite access is included in the ticket) – just bring your equipment. Alternatively, you can find guesthouse accommodation in the nearby village.

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The Canyon of Waterfalls near Smolyan, Bulgaria

Maria Angelova — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 15:22:05 +0000

We challenge you: Discover 46 waterfalls along this beautiful eco-trail

You’re in for an exciting day exploring the Canyon of Waterfalls. Tread carefully across shaky bridges, climb wooden ladders, feel the refreshing spray from waterfalls of all sizes and breathe the crystal air of the cool Rhodope Mountains. The picturesque woods seem like a filming location for fairy tales; you’ll be reminded of Little Red Riding Hood as you make your way along the hiking trails…

What you will see in the Canyon of Waterfalls

The Canyon of Waterfalls eco-trail is located in the buffer zone of Soskovcheto Reserve. You’ll see 46 waterfalls of all sizes and capacity along the route. Standing head and shoulders above the rest is Orpheus, which reaches 68 m, and other large waterfalls include Kamen Uley (Stone Chute), Sartseto (the Heart) and Kazanite (the Barrels), Ropkata. The best section of the trail includes numerous wooden bridges, zigzagging between both sides of the river Elenska. Use the railings and ladders to help you along the trail. The most appropriate season for visiting the Canyon of Waterfalls is the beginning of summer, when water levels are high and everything around is green. Autumn also offers beautiful conditions, as the canyon’s trees show off their yellow, red and brown leaves – the colours of the traditional local dress.

You can find plenty of panoramic views overlooking the beautiful Rhodope Mountains, as well as summer houses, benches and picnic tables along the route. Bring some sandwiches and water to sustain you for a whole day in the canyon.

Soskovcheto Reserve

Soskovcheto Reserve was created to preserve centuries-old spruces, which on average live to 112 years, with some even reaching 250-300 years. You can come across squirrels, dormice, otters, badgers, red deer, does and wild goats in the reserve.

Useful information

If you’re coming from Plovdiv/Pamporovo, enter Smolyan and drive straight to the first traffic light. Turn right and follow the signs to the village of Mugla (Мугла) until you exit the town. In 2-3 km you will see a sign marking the beginning of the eco-trail. Take a right into a narrow road leading to the foothill. About 1.5 km after the beginning of the turn-off, you’ll see a tourist center, where you can see a permanent photo exhibition displaying pictures from the region. Tour guides will tell you interesting stories about the mountain, and will introduce you to the plants and animals in the reserve, which is open from May to October. Make sure you wear comfortable and appropriate footwear as the stones near the waterfalls can be slippery. The eco-trail consists of several circles, as marked on the map; the route is 10 km long and climbs around 700 m in total, but the most visited part is about 6 km long. Spare at least 4 hours for a relaxed walk, giving yourself enough time to rest and take pictures.

The trail is properly marked and not too difficult – there are only a few relatively steep sections.

The beginning of the Canyon of the Waterfalls eco-trail:

More photos:

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