The trulli (the local name for the cone-roofed stone houses; trullo in singular) have been here for centuries and some of them are still inhabited by tiny Italian grannies who refuse to swap their one-room stone house for an apartment in a block of flats in the new part of the town. Fair enough, we reckon.

Alberobello, Rione Monti | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

History of the trulli fairy houses

According to legend, the trulli (from Greek trullos – dome) were invented as a cunning plan devised by the inhabitants of the village when the local count introduced a tax on every newly built house. To avoid paying, the locals started building these stone, storehouse-like structures to mislead the tax collectors. If necessary, they could be dismantled in a matter of hours because the walls were dry-stone. The whole family used to live in one room, with the roof space often being separated with a plank “ceiling” where the kids were sent to sleep. Today, the trulli are protected by UNESCO.

Alberobello, Rione Monti | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

How to explore the trulli in Alberobello

The trulli in Alberobello are concentrated in two areas, while the rest of the town has normal Italian-style streets and buildings.

Rione Monti is the most touristy area with countless souvenir shops. Some of the trulli here have become restaurants, hotels or AirBnBs.

Alberobello | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

One of the most emblematic photo sites in the town is the row of houses with pagan symbols on their roofs. The truth is there is nothing mystical about these symbols – they were ordered by the local tourist office in the 1930s because Mussolini was expected to pay a visit to the town.

Alberobello, the “mystical” signs on the roofs | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

I’d recommend spending more time in Aia Piccola – the other trulli area that has thankfully remained trinket-free. This is actually a residential area where many of the houses are still inhabited; it’s much calmer than its noisy neighbor, and you’ll probably be one of just a handful of tourists around.

Alberobello, Aia Piccola | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

One of the best views of the trulli comes from the vantage point of Belvedere Santa Lucia (see the map below).

There are a few small museums showcasing the story of the houses. The biggest of them is the Museo del Territorio, which features 10 trulli and allows you to get an idea of what life was like in Alberobello in the past.

Where to see more trulli

While Alberobello is the most famous and most densely concentrated of Italy’s trulli towns, it is not the only one. Traditional stone houses are scattered around the whole Valle d’Itria region.

Alberobello, Rione Monti | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Tips

1. Summer is scorching here and everything closes at noon, so plan to rest between 1 and 5 pm.

2. You probably know this already, but just let us remind you to skip the restaurants with huge signs in English saying “tourist menu” – you will get more food for less money if you walk a few blocks away from the tourist area (tested!).

3. There are many shops selling local products that will let you taste high-quality vinegar, olives and sweets for free.

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Map:

The nuraghes

Nuragic structure – a nuraghe

Since the first time we heard about the ancient cultures of the Ozieri and the Nuragic civilizations, who used to live on the island of Sardinia, we knew the remains of their imposing buildings, temples and burial sites would be the highlights of our road trip in North Sardinia. One of the symbols of Sardinia is the nuraghe – a circular tower built by the Nuragic civilization around 3,500 years ago. You can use your imagination to guess what they were used for, because historians have no idea – only hypotheses (military bases, ruler’s residences, religious spots etc.). There are more than 700 nuraghes left on the island and you will see many brown signs pointing to them while you drive. Visit one (or several) and feel the ancient vibes they exude. Some of the best-preserved examples in the northern part of Sardinia are Palmavera (near Alghero) and Nuraghe Santu Antine (near Torralba).

Alghero: the Catalonian city

Alghero, Sardinia

This is the most Spanish city in Sardinia – it was colonized by Catalonians in the 16^th century and has maintained this special atmosphere ever since. The old town of Alghero is encompassed by a historic citadel with imposing towers and gates, some of them turned into museums or accessible for panorama-lovers to take a look at the roofs of Alghero from above.

Detour idea: Hop on a boat from Alghero’s port and visit Neptune’s grotto, which hides a massive salt lake in its bowels. Boats leave several times a day.

The fairy houses: Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju

One of the highlights of our trip – the Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju (pronounced An-gheh-loo Roo-you) – is a complex of 5000-year-old, underground, rock-hewn tombs that you can explore and even enter (if you feel comfortable in narrow spaces!). For many years the locals, being unable to imagine how these hollow rocks had appeared, believed they were the houses of fairies, and that’s how they named them: domus de janas (homes of fairies). There’s a very fairy feeling here, though the site is actually an ancient graveyard. Who knows, maybe tourists will walk on and wonder about our graves some 2000 years from now.

Read more about Anghelu Ruju.

Sassari: the city of the nine giant candles

Sassari, Sardinia | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

If you can be in Sassari on 14 and 15 August, you will witness a particularly quirky Sardinian festival: Candelieri, when nine gigantic wooden candles pass through the city in a solemn procession to honor the Virgin Mary, who saved the city from the plague. The old part of Sassari is quiet and inhabited mainly by lazy cats who, on a hot summer day, won’t even make the effort to turn their heads in your direction. For a good chat and a creative atmosphere, sit and sip a coffee at one of the student cafes around the university (in the city center).

Basilica della Santissima Trinità di Saccargia

Basilica della Santissima Trinità di Saccargia, Sardinia | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

We had no intention of visiting this basilica, but the contrasting black basalt and white limestone facade blazing in the sun forced us to pull over by the road. If it reminds you of Tuscany, that’s no surprise because it was built in Tuscan Romanesque style. It’s a 30-km (18-mi) drive from Sassari on the way to Ozieri and Thiesi (see the map above).

Sant Andrea Priu Necropolis near Bonorva

Sant Andrea Priu Necropolis near Bonorva, Sardinia | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

You might feel like you’ve seen too many burial sites already, but this one is worth the road traveled (plus the route cuts between scenic hills and plains). One of the domus de janas (remember, the fairy houses = ancient rock tombs) at Sant Andrea Priu Necropolis, the Tomb of the Chief, looks like a 5000-year-old luxury apartment with its 18 rooms sheltered in a cave. Near the main group of rock chambers, there is a headless stone bull believed to represent one of the gods of the Ozieri culture.

Thiesi: a random stop with beautiful street art

Thiesi, Sardinia | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

There was one time when we had been driving for so many hours and got so hungry that we started imagining each other as hot dogs. So we stopped in the first town – Thiesi – where according to the old traveler’s tradition all restaurants were closed. After all, it was before 4 pm and Italians take their resting time seriously. We rambled through the streets, discovered some amazing murals and finally stopped at the only bar open at the time, where we were the only customers and were fed with the last two sandwiches available. That’s what I call luck!

Ozieri and the San Michele cave

Ozieri, Sardinia | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

We visited the town of Ozieri with the intention to see the San Michele cave, known for its domus de janas and some ancient rituals that took place there. Unfortunately, it was closed that day and we had to go on.

Detour idea: Nuoro, the literature town. We didn’t have enough time to go to Nuoro but if you do, plan a stop here – it’s one of the cultural hubs in Sardinia. It also contains the house of Grazia Deledda, a writer who received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1926 for her exquisite texts describing life in Sardinia (if you want to fully immerse yourself in island life, read some of her works before you hit the road).

Olbia: the happy town

Olbia, Sardinia | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

The Ancient Greeks called Olbia ‘The Happy Town’ and all the tourists practicing dolce far niente (literally translated as ‘sweet doing nothing’) did indeed look happy. Olbia is a port with laid-back cafes and plenty of cork tree souvenirs (you will see the cork trees while you drive).

Detour idea: La Maddalena is probably the most beautiful archipelago in Sardinia – with unreal blue water and myriads of tiny rocky islands accessible by boat tours, it creates the perfect atmosphere to lay back, bask in the sunshine and imagine you are Robinson Crusoe. Or how does a lonely island picnic sound? The resort area of Costa Smeralda is just a stone’s throw away if you need a few days of concentrated sun intake.

Necropolis of Li Muri: the ancient stone circles

Li Muri in Sardinia | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

This late Neolithic funeral dolmen will remind you of other stone circles seen all over Europe. Follow the brown road signs and you will reach a small widening of the road, where you can park and climb a shaky wooden ladder to get across a barbed wire fence. We weren’t sure if this was really legal, but why would they put the ladder there if you were not supposed to use it to trespass on someone’s private property?

Santa Teresa Gallura: the gate to Corsica island

Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia

This city was founded in 1808 as a base to cope with the large numbers of smugglers landing on the island, whereas today only tourists from Corsica set foot here. Climb the city’s highest tower – Torre di Longonsardo – for the best view around, and if you haven’t visited the island of Corsica yet, take the ferry (one hour) for a day trip.

Detour idea: If you want to stay longer, Spiaggia di Rena Bianca is the best beach in the city.

The island of Corsica (optional)

Bonifacio, Corsica | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Ferries leave several times a day to Bonifacio, Corsica, from Santa Teresa Gallura. The Corsican town has a postcard-like harbor, an old town full of cobbled streets, souvenir shops and restaurants with tiny, tiny tables. Climb the Staircase of the King of Aragon and if you crave fresh air, follow the marked hiking paths that will take you out of the town to some rocky outcrops offering breathtaking views. Don’t miss the graveyard-town of Bonifacio, which consists of tens of family tombs resembling real-life houses. All of these tombs are colorful, with roofs, windows and flower pots in front of them.

The Elephant-shaped rock

The Elephant Rock, Sardinia

On your way south, just a few kilometers before the coastal town of Castelsardo, stop by the road to take a photo with an elephant. The Roccia Elefante (Elephant Rock) is 100% created by nature and makes an impressive backdrop for a photo.

Castelsardo: the colorful seaside town

Castelsardo, Sardinia | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

This colorful coastal town has so many beautiful vantage points that you can spend a whole day walking from restaurant to restaurant sipping the local Vermentino wine or mirto liqueur. Start with the old town and its rock-perched Sant Antonio di Abate Cathedral. Roam the steep streets and talk to the nice old ladies selling their handicrafts, then soak your feet in the warm, shallow water of the tiny beach.

Read more about Castelsardo.

Monte D’Accoddi – step back into ancient Mesopotamia

Monte D’Accoddi, Sardinia | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

It’s time to check out a (supposed) piece of Mesopotamia in Italy! This more than 6000-year-old megalithic pyramid is amazing for the fact that there is nothing like anywhere else in Italy or in the whole Mediterranean. At the same time, it very much looks like a Mesopotamian temple (ziggurat), which leads scientists to wonder how the two places were connected in those ancient times. Nobody has yet discovered the secret – maybe it’ll be you who unearths the key piece of evidence! Take an information brochure about the monument in your language and learn more about the mystical rituals that took place here.

Driving in Sardinia

I found driving in Sardinia rather care-free – the drivers didn’t seem as anxious as those on the continent, and the traffic wasn’t bad at all. Most of the roads are narrow and curvy as they follow the hills and rocks of Sardinia, and you can’t drive at high speed, so plan enough time to get from one point to another. The best part about driving in Sardinia is that the landscape changes all the time – from high, red-colored mountains and rugged coastlines to endless fields and colorful towns. And don’t forget about the long lines of old men sitting on benches in the town centers watching you as you pass by them:

Is that you, the granddaughter of Anna Maria? | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

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Ghent, Belgium: The Artsy Underbelly

Picture this: the canals of Venice, the medieval architecture of Prague, and the lively vibe of Amsterdam—all rolled into one charming city. Welcome to Ghent, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Belgium. While Bruges may be the poster child for Belgian tourism, Ghent is where the locals go when they want to enjoy life, and it’s easy to see why.

Stroll through the cobbled streets and immerse yourself in the city’s artistic spirit. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts to gaze upon works from the Flemish Masters or wander over to the Gravensteen Castle, which looks like it jumped straight out of a fairy tale. And let’s not forget to try the local delicacy, stoverij, a beef stew that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

The Nightlife

As the day fades, Ghent transforms into a nightlife hotspot. The area around Graslei and Korenlei comes alive with bustling bars and live music. Immerse yourself in the joy of sipping a local beer while surrounded by beautiful medieval façades. Yes, please!

Oporto, Portugal: The City of Bridges

Buckle up, folks! We’re heading to Oporto, also known as Porto, a city that feels like it’s been plucked from the pages of a storybook. Known for its famed port wine and intricate azulejos (those stunning blue tiles), this northern Portuguese city is an architectural wonder waiting to be explored.

Don’t miss a walk across the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge – just keep your eyes peeled for the occasional tram that seems determined to race you across! Once you’ve caught your breath, head down to the Ribeira District, where the waterfront is dotted with colorful buildings and cozy eateries. Indulge in a plate of francesinha, a sandwich so hearty you might need a nap afterward.

Wine Lovers Unite

And let’s not forget the wine cellars. A visit to Porto wouldn’t be complete without a tasting session in one of the many wine cellars that line the Douro River. Here, you can sip on sumptuous port wine and even pick up a bottle or two for your return journey. Tipsy and happy? Sounds like a perfect day!

Bratislava, Slovakia: The Capital of Chill

Next up is Bratislava, often overshadowed by its more illustrious neighbors like Vienna and Budapest. But this city is a delightful contradiction—it’s both laid-back and vibrant all at once. Located along the banks of the Danube, Bratislava is the place where history and modernity dance an enchanting waltz.

Marvel at Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the city, then cozy up in one of the many cafes while you indulge in the local pastry, trdelník. Spoiler alert: you won’t want to share this sugary treat! It’s the sort of dessert that makes you forget all dietary resolutions.

A Unique Experience

For something a little quirky, venture to the UFO Observation Deck, which offers panoramic views of the city and gives you the chance to feel like you’re walking on another planet—without the need for a rocket ship. Who knew Slovakia could feel so extraterrestrial?

Valencia, Spain: The Mediterranean Coast’s Best-Kept Secret

Last but certainly not least is Valencia, a city bursting with life, culture, and the delectable smell of paella wafting through the air. While Barcelona and Madrid might be the talk of the town, Valencia is quietly making a name for itself as a culinary and artistic haven.

Start your exploration with the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic architectural complex that feels like it belongs in a sci-fi movie—seriously, where’s the director? With its aquarium, planetarium, and even an opera house, this place is a feast for the senses.

Feast on Local Flavors

Now, about that paella. Valencia is the birthplace of this iconic dish, so don’t even think about ordering a virtue-signalling salad while you’re here. Dive into a traditional paella Valenciana and savor the flavors of saffron, chicken, and rabbit – yes, it’s delicious! Or opt for seafood if you’re feeling fancy. Just imagine sitting by the Mediterranean, a plate of paella in front of you, and a gentle breeze in your hair – pure bliss!

So there you have it—four underrated cities in Europe that deserve a little love (and a lot of visits). Whether it’s the artistic charm of Ghent, the enchanting views in Oporto, the relaxed vibes of Bratislava, or the culinary delights of Valencia, each city has its own unique story to tell. Don’t miss out on these hidden treasures; your adventure awaits!

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There are plenty of warm, mineral pools in the open air around the world. However pleasant they may be in the summer, there is nothing like getting into one in the winter, when snowflakes are falling from the sky and you are soaking in warm, mineral water, not caring about tiny details like weather forecasts or an air temperature more suited to polar bears…

How to do it (better):

Don’t forget to take a towel to dry yourself off as quickly as possible as you climb out of the pool. Also take your favorite warm drink in a thermos for pure bliss (coffee, cappuccino, tea and rum, only rum – we’re not judging).

Where to do it:

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland – The Blue Lagoon gets its name from the incredible color created by the mixture of fresh and salt water. It lies 40 km (24 mi) from the capital of Iceland – Reykjavík. The Blue Lagoon contains around 6 million liters (1.5 million gallons) of geothermal water, which renews itself naturally every 40 hours and its temperature is 37º C (98º F). Another cheaper and more tranquil option is the Myvatn Nature Baths nearby.

Japanese onsen – “onsen” is a type of spring that is very common in Japan. Visit Beppu, a city on the island of Kyushu, with its “Hells of Beppu” – geothermal hot spots, each differently colored due to the mineral content in the water.

*

Source: the book “203 Travel Challenges. Travel the World. Explore Your Inner Self.”

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The Harry Potter vibe

References to the story of the beloved boy wizard who captured the imagination of a generation can be found all over the city. J.K. Rowling lived and taught English in Porto for two years, and it was actually this city that inspired her to write her iconic novels.

Legend has it that the first passage of Harry Potter was written on a napkin from the famous Majestic Cafe, which Rowling frequently visited. That cafe still functions, though it’s normally full with locals and tourists trying to soak up the atmosphere of those distant days.

Another place Rowling often frequented during her Porto days was the bookshop Livraria Lello. Although often crowded, its Gothic atmosphere, beautiful wooden carvings, winding red stairs and stained glass ceiling evoke images of faraway, magical worlds. Here you can find some of the classics of Portuguese literature, which we encourage you to bring back home so you can get a better understanding of the country.

* There is an entrance fee to the bookstore (4 euro). The fee is, however, deducted from any purchase you might make.

The best Harry Potter references are the students of Porto themselves, or their academic uniforms, to be more exact. When you see them walking the streets wearing their long black robes (called traje académico), you might wonder whether they’ve just finished a class with Professor Snape. Of course, the tradition of wearing these robes is actually a lot older than Rowling’s novel and has been passed through the generations until this day.

The majestic staircase of Livraria Lello – amaianos/Flickr

The old town

The historic center of Porto – Ribeira – is listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Now, it won’t be a surprise for you to learn that medieval buildings and cobbled streets always make me happy – thank god Europe has so many beautiful old towns to explore. This one, however, felt a little different to all the others I’ve been to; more authentic and even somewhat abandoned, but in a good way. Its beautiful tall and narrow buildings are decorated with the colored tiles typical of Portuguese, and after spending some time wandering around there’s a good chance you’ll start asking yourself: “is it really okay to stop every few minutes to admire a beautiful door, or there is something very wrong with me?”

The colors of Porto – Juan Antonio Segal/flickr

The views

Porto is a city built on hills, which means you’re in for some exhausting climbing: up and down, and up and down, and again and again… But it also makes for some incredible views of the city and the river, which winds its way through Porto. Here are some of best viewpoints in the city:

• The Dom Luís I Bridge – with the picturesque Ribeira district on one side, the wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia on the other and the Douro River between them.
• Ribeira – this is the perfect place to enjoy a calm evening sitting by the river, admiring the stillness of the water and the lights of the bridge above it.
• Crystal Palace Gardens – this beautiful eight-hectare park also happens to be the perfect spot for watching the sunset over the river.
• Clerigos Tower – where you’ll be treated with a 360-degree view from the top of a more than 250-year-old tower.
• Farol Molhe do Douro – which offers views of the endless ocean and its crashing waves.

A breathtaking sunset over Porto, as seen from Crystal Palace Gardens – Nesi Zelenkova/ www.203challenges.com

The wine

Porto is famous for its sweet red Port wine, and you’ll be in heaven thanks to the wide variety of local producers to choose from. Cross one of the six bridges and you’ll end up in wine-lovers’ paradise: Vila Nova de Gaia, with its countless wine cellars, each one offering tours and tasting sessions. You can also take a cruise along the Douro River to admire the vine terraces from the water and see where your wine came from.

Barcos rabelos boats used for transporting wine from Gaia to Porto – Güldem Üstün/flickr

The food

One sentence is enough to explain just how good Porto food is: “The world needs nata!” This egg tart pastry can be found in every bakery (and there are a lot of those here), and makes for the perfect breakfast or dessert (and if you ask me, the perfect lunch, dinner or appetizer – basically a dish I’d be happy to live on for the rest of my days).

I wouldn’t mind if there were more Francesinha in the world, as well. Although bread, ham, sausage, steak, melted cheese, tomato and beer sauce, and french fries all together might sound a bit like cardiac arrest – or at least enough to render you immobile for an hour – it is one of the most delicious Portuguese meals. You should definitely try it while in Porto.

You just need nata, don’t you? – Nesi Zelenkova/www.203challenges.com

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Beyond the pristine beaches and the small baroque streets, Malta offers a true taste of Mediterranean cuisine, with a pinch of Arabic and British influences.The vibrant restaurant scene presents a chance to try a mix of local favorites, Arabic exotic, and Italian and French delicacies. Here`s a quick list that will get your gastronomic trip started:

Maltese Rabbit

While in Malta, you must try the traditional rabbit stew – Stuffat tal-fenek. Islanders` love rabbit meat and like to cook it slowly, bringing its rich flavors.

This is the main dish usually eaten to mark a special occasion. If you wish to celebrate like a local, definitely try some rabbit – it could be stewed, fried with garlic or served in the form of pie.

The options are endless and found in most Maltese restaurants. Some of the best places to try a rabbit are La Pira and Caffe Cordina in the picturesque capital Valletta, Il-Merill in the seaside resort Sliema, as well as the family-run Zozi Bar & Restaurant in the lovely village Mellieha.

Tip: The rabbit stew is often served with seasoned vegetables like peas, carrots, tomato paste, and garlic. If you happen to dislike any of the ingredients (although it’s hard to hate peas!), look for recipe twists that are available in most places.

Seafood pleasures

Malta is an island, so it’s a shame to miss on the wide variety of fresh seafood available. The most preferred fish is lampuka (dolphin fish), normally consumed baked with tomatoes, onions, spinach, black olives and walnuts in the form of a lampuki pie, or tarta tal-lampuki. Most restaurants offer a wide selection of dishes containing fish and seafood. You can enjoy the varieties of pasta, or full your belly with seafood drowned in tasty Maltese wine and liquor.

For full authenticity, try seafood in Marsaxlokk, a beautiful port town in southeast Malta, or the less touristy resort Marsaskala.

Tip: The portions offered at most places are incredibly large by my standards (with around half a kilo food in a single plate). Order your meal with that in mind, so that food and money are not wasted.

Take a Pastizzi Bite

Malta’s national snack, pastizzi, is an absolute must-try. Stuffed with peas and spices, or ricotta cheese, these little triangular pastry bites are usually eaten between meals.

Most towns have their small fast-food outlets named pastizzerias, where pastizzi is normally freshly made on the premises. One of the most popular among them is Crystal Palace that is located in the historical and naturally impressive town of Rabat. Yet, the famous Maltese snack can be found literally everywhere on the island – from the capital Valletta to the smallest village.

Tip: The cheese lovers can enjoy the pastizzi twists with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. It`s a little bite of heaven!

It’s your turn to enjoy Malta!

This short culinary trip to Malta is coming to an end (for now – Malta we`ll be back!). In the meantime, we challenge you to try some tasty Maltese food and share your photos with us. You can thank us later!

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Practical travel tips for Italy

1. Italy welcomes millions of tourists every year, but don’t expect Italians to speak English. Before you go, it’s well worth jotting down some useful phrases in Italian. Italians are genuinely flattered when a foreign visitor makes an effort to speak their language, and will open their hearts to you.

2. If you stay long-term in Italy, you’ll need a personal tax code (called a codice fiscale, something like social security number in the USA) to get access to various services, or to rent an apartment.

3. August is the worst month to visit Italy (especially after August 15) because all Italians take their vacations at that time – the roads are jam-packed, many places are closed and the beaches are crowded.

4. In many parts of Italy, regional trains (treni regionali) don’t run on Sundays. This inconvenience is usually partially covered by a local bus that stops at each town on the route (but not always at the railway station – don’t forget to ask for the actual location). So if you have to head somewhere on a Sunday, plan carefully!

5. You’ll want to take photos all the time, so getting a second memory card and a back-up battery pack for your camera is a really good idea.

6. When visiting a world-famous attraction, buy your tickets in advance if possible. Leonardo’s Last Supper in Milan, for example, can be visited only with a reservation, and tickets sell out months in advance.

7. Bring comfortable shoes. Italy’s big cities require a lot of walking to get from one attraction to the next, while in small towns streets are often made from cobblestones and are not high heel-friendly.

8. Even if you don’t have much time, spend at least one night in a small, non-touristy town. Your hallowed status as a foreigner will guarantee you a warm welcome from the locals and a deep, genuine sense of communication that is hard to achieve in the big tourist centers.

9. Most shops, supermarkets and restaurants close between 1 pm and 5 pm. On Sundays they are closed all day. My first Sunday in Italy, in a small provincial town, was marked by hunger and desperate roaming around the city in search of somewhere to buy food. I found nothing. In the end, I had two spoons of sugar (the only edible product at home) until one bar finally opened its doors at 3 pm and I filled my kitchen with croissants.

A proverb many travelers swear by!

Food and drink

10. If you eat at a restaurant, you may find two add-ons on your bill – service and coperto (cover charge). They are usually a fixed sum per person. The only region where coperto is illegal is Lazio, which includes Rome.

11. Choosing a small, family-run restaurant or trattoria two blocks away from the tourist area is the best idea 99% of the time.

12. You will recognize good gelato by its bland colors. They don’t put artificial colors or flavors in quality Italian ice-cream. That’s why banana gelato will usually look grayish rather than bright yellow.

13. If you want to try having your morning coffee the Italian way, order an espresso at the bar, gulp it down while you stand and exchange some gossip with the bartender. There’s no sitting at a table or leisurely sipping here.

14. Don’t ask for ketchup or mayo on your pizza. It is considered rude to the cook and a demonstration of bad taste. You’ll be happy to discover that Italian pizzas don’t actually need anything more.

15. Plan a visit to a food market. Most cities and towns have a weekly/monthly farmer’s market (ask at your hotel when and where it takes place) where vendors will be happy to offer you free samples of cheese, olives, bread and cookies. It is usually acceptable to bargain at these markets, especially if you plan to buy in bulk.

16. A typical Italian meal consists of antipasto, primo, secondo, contorno and dolce (appetizer, first and second courses, side dish and dessert). Italians seem to have no problem swallowing this glut of food, while a foreigner trying to compete with them will most probably be sweating and having trouble breathing by the time the tiramisu is served.

Practice dolce far niente

17. Dolce far niente (literally translated as ‘sweet doing nothing’) is the Italian concept of not hurrying, not taking anything personally, taking your time and enjoying life. It’s one of the best things you can learn from your trip to Italy.

18. Let yourself fall in love with an Italian girl/boy. Because what would a holiday to Italy be without a touch of romance?

19. Italians are famous for their transportation strikes, so allow for a few extra hours when you head to the airport.

20. Try hitchhiking in Italy. The last time I did it in Sicily, I was picked up by two lemon-growing workers who took me and my friend to the beach, even though they were not going in that direction. They were so nice that they even offered to come back later and take us to the town where we were staying.

21. It’s no use arguing with Italians about whether they did or did not invent pizza, pasta, football or fashion… Facts are powerless when it comes to national pride. Just enjoy the delight on their faces when you agree that Italy is the best country in the world!

22. Or simply forget everything and follow the wise man’s advice: visit Italy at least once a year!

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If you are searching for spots with a beautiful view over Delft in the Netherlands, search no more. Head to the central square and climb the spiral staircase of the tower of the New Church. It is the second highest tower in the Netherlands and the view from above will make you feel like you are some kind of god looking over his possessions. On a clear day, you can see Rotterdam and the Hague from the top of the 85-m (280-ft) tower.

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

History in short – the beggar and the vision

The central square of Delft has two churches facing each other – the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the Old Church (Oude Kerk). The New Church is not that new at all – it was built more than 600 years ago after Symon, the beggar, and Jan Col, a citizen offering him something to eat, suddenly had a vision of a golden church dedicated to Mary. It took Jan Col 30 years to convince the city council to built the church because at the time Delft already had a church, the Old Church. But he did and the citizens of Delft believed it would last forever. They even put a golden apple on top of the tower to symbolize eternity. Little did they know that the tower would be burnt down twice and it would even be struck by lightning.

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Climb the tower

If you are a bird’s-eye view fanatic like me, you know beautiful views often require (a lot of) effort. Take a bottle of water, stretch a bit and climb the 376 stairs leading to the top of the tower. You will be granted not only a view of the rooftops of Delft, but also a look from inside at the clock mechanism of the tower.

Learn the secrets of the tower

Well, actually you can’t learn that much. For more than 400 years almost every member of the royal family of the Netherlands has been buried in the crypt of the New Church (that makes a total of 46 bodies according to the church’s official website). The crypt is not open to the public out of respect to the royal family and the keys are kept by the mayor of Delft.

Hear the bells

You can hear the carillon on Fridays (from 7 pm to 8 pm), on Tuesdays and Saturdays (from 11 am to 12 pm) and if you are lucky, you might come across a summer night concert.

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Useful information:

Children under 5 years old are not allowed inside the tower, while those under 17 are welcome if they are accompanied by an adult. You can buy a ticket for the church (5 euro), for the tower (4 euro) or a combined ticket for both (8 euro). You can see the opening hours here and keep in mind that the tower closes an hour earlier than the church.

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“From the dome of St. Peter’s one can see every notable object in Rome… He can see a panorama that is varied, extensive, beautiful to the eye, and more illustrious in history than any other in Europe.” – Mark Twain

“Rome is not like any other city. It’s a big museum, a living room that shall be crossed on one’s toes.” – Alberto Sordi.

“Yes, I have finally arrived to this Capital of the World! I now see all the dreams of my youth coming to life… Only in Rome is it possible to understand Rome.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

”Italy has changed. But Rome is Rome.” – Robert De Niro

Read more: Rome – tips from a local

“Rome holds my psyche in balance. Whenever I’m there, it’s like a holiday.” – Giambattista Valli

“A fool is one who admires other cities without visiting Rome.” – Francesco Petrarca 

“Rome – the city of visible history, where the past of a whole hemisphere seems moving in funeral procession with strange ancestral images and trophies gathered from afar.” – George Eliot

Read more: Why do we toss coins in the Trevi Fountain?

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>>> Discover more thematic collections of travel quotes.

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The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa

Fernando Pessoa is probably the greatest Portuguese writer and poet of all time. Walking around Lisbon, one is sure to stumble upon at least one of his monuments or even his last residence – now a cultural space and bookshop. It’s only fair to get to know who this great man was and what he wrote.

The Book of Disquiet is his most famous work, which was actually unfinished and published around 50 years after his death. The book is hard to define – it is part autobiography, part personal diary, prose, poetry, and descriptive narrative. It is considered one of the greatest modernist works, not only in Portugal but in the whole world.

Fernando Pessoa is also known for developing the concept of literary heteronyms – imaginary characters created by the writer that write instead of him. Heteronyms are similar to pen names, with the difference being that they have their own writing styles and often their own imaginary biographies. Pessoa had around 70 heteronyms and the one that was closest to the real Fernando Pessoa, Bernardo Soares, was actually the name The Book of Disquiet was signed under.

Famous American literary critic George Steiner says about the book that it “gives to Lisbon the haunting spell of Joyce’s Dublin or Kafka’s Prague.”

Pessoa’s statue outside Lisbon’s famous coffeehouse: “A Brasileira”.

The year of the death of Ricardo Reis by José Saramago

Jose Saramago, one of the most acclaimed writers in the world today and the winner of the Noble Prize in Literature in 1998, also comes from Portugal.

The main character of the book, Ricardo Reis, who is actually one of the heteronyms of Fernando Pessoa, comes back to Lisbon after having lived for 16 years in Brazil. He spends the last year of his life there, staying in a hotel, spending his days wandering around the grey and melancholic Lisbon streets and having philosophical conversations with the ghost of Pessoa. All that happens while the dictatorship of Salazar is establishing its control over the country.

Discover 10 beautiful quotes on Portugal

Journey to Portugal: In Pursuit of Portugal’s History and Culture by José Saramago

Saramago’s other famous work is the book he wrote to show his love for the history, culture, and beauty of his country. Narrating in the third person, referring to himself as ‘the traveler’, he takes the reader on a journey through Portugal beyond the tourist sites and travel guides. His writing brings to life every city, town and natural landmark he discovers during the itinerary.

Night train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier

This masterpiece by Swiss author Pascal Mercier is a lot more than travel inspiration – it is a philosophical novel that asks and answers questions about decisions, loneliness, love, and death. The story follows the investigation of Swiss teacher Raimund Gregorius: one day on his way to work he saves a young Portuguese woman from suicide. She disappears immediately afterward, leaving behind only a book by Amadeu de Prado. Spontaneously, Raimund decides to investigate the story of de Prado and takes the night train to Lisbon. His journey leads him through the mysterious streets of Lisbon and introduces him to live under the oppressive regime of Salazar when the wise doctor Amadeus de Prado lived.

In 2013, a movie based on the book was released, starring Jeremy Irons and Melanie Laurent.

To learn more about the Salazar regime and the resistance covered in the book, you might want to visit the Museum of Aljube in Lisbon.

Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire by Roger Crowley

Roger Crowley is a New York Times bestselling writer and historian who tells the story of how the great Portuguese conquerors turned the poor kingdom of Portugal into one of the largest and longest-lived colonial empires in the world. Though highly informative, the book is nothing like a typically boring academic work. Instead, it captivates the reader by turning historical figures into living characters and remains fascinating from beginning to end.

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