Known by everyone and roamed by few, the legendary Mt. Olympus may not be a popular destination, but it is one of the few big mountains in Europe where, at least on weekdays, one can still hike in peace and quiet, away from the big crowds. The mythical mountain and alleged home of the Greek ..read more

Deep in the heart of Cyprus and away from its blazing coastal line, the luxuriant forest of Machairas thrives against the arid climate of the subtropical Mediterranean island. Especially known to the Christian world for the homonymous monastery that was built there in the 12th century, this eastern part of Troodos mountain range is uniquely beautiful thanks to its biodiversity, courtesy of the island’s two biggest rivers— Pediaios and Gialias. During the liberation war (1955-59’), the place was used as a hideout by the local guerillas who were trying to avoid the British troops; a testament t ..read more

I’d never intended to visit Kinsale, but more times than not, unexpected encounters have proved to be the most fruitful. I was in the gloomy city of Cork for a couple of days, scouting the county for a gripping seascape to shoot, and my research eventually led me to Old Head of Kinsale at the southern end of Ireland, almost an hour from Cork. Driving there, I went through the fishing town of Kinsale. Looking at the small harbor by the river, I decided that I shouldn’t pass by it on the way back. That was a good call because soon I would discover that someone had built a hideous golf course on ..read more

Deep in the Small Cold valley, resting at the edge of a cirque, Teryho chata has been weathering the abrupt summer storms and blinding winter blizzards of High Tatras for more than a century. Built in 1899, by the Hungarian Carpathian Association, this mountain refuge was named after the doctor and avid climber Edmund Tery, who alone conceived and promoted the idea of building it. Today, Teryho chata is a true icon of Slovak mountain culture, and a pilgrimage for all sorts of hikers, climbers, and alpinists. It’s the pinnacle of the Slovakian pride. Sitting above the clouds at 2015m and surro ..read more

The forecast said it was going to snow, and indeed, thick flakes had started to fall with the first light of the day. I was looking at them slowly drifting down, layering the dark cobblestone outside the window, thinking what I should do next. It was a frosty but welcoming morning. I grabbed my camera and flew down the stairs. Outside, the city was buzzing. First snow of the winter or not, in Bratislava it was business as usual. I put my gloves on and turned right towards the Danube as an old tram passed by, ringing its bell. I had already been in the Slovakian capital for two days and ..read more

Bratislava has an array of excellent museums and galleries to visit, but the most prominent, in my opinion, is actually a few kilometers outside the Slovakian capital, where the borders of Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria meet. There, in a green landscape right on river Danube, built on an artificial peninsula next to Cunovo dam, lies the child of gallerist Vincent Polakovič, and art collector Gerard Meulensteen— the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum. I’ve had the privilege of visiting several museums around the world. Some people may find them boring, but for me, they’re an integral part of ..read more

Every year around the end of November, hundreds of Christmas markets all over Europe light up, signaling the advent of the world’s biggest holiday. For forty or so days, thousands of small wooden stalls fill the streets and squares, sending their heartwarming smells of chestnut and mulled wine across the atmosphere. Christmas markets, as we know them today, are a German invention dating back to the 15th century when Dresden’s Strielezmarkt opened its gates for the first time. Prior to this, were the December markets which allowed people to buy the last provisions before the coming of the h ..read more

Larnaca is the third biggest city in Cyprus which in turn is the third biggest island of the Mediterranean Sea. Boasting golden beaches, a delicious food scene, and a surprisingly vivid nightlife, it’s not your average European destination. The city has a Middle Eastern essence and its proximity to the turbulent region is evident on every corner. Churches, colonial buildings, mosques and labyrinthic mahalas (Turkish neighborhoods), they all tell stories of clash and coexistence that have defined the city for the last a thousand years. Larnaca might be small but it’s not boring, there are many ..read more

Slovakia is often praised for its pristine nature which is consisted of virgin forests and fierce mountain lines among which High Tatras is the most renowned. The country’s ski resorts on the other hand are many times overlooked. Yes, they surely aren’t as big and lush as neighbouring Austria’s but still they are good enough to host international events and above all way cheaper. Especially for families who want to go for a ski trip, the difference between Slovakia and the countries of the Alps is more or less three times the money. With mostly the small daily things making the difference, lik ..read more

Zelene pleso means “green tarn” and that’s exactly the hue of its crystal clear waters. Located at the end of Bielej Vody valley, this small mountain lake is surrounded by towering peaks that soar one kilometer high above the valley, casting their long shadows on its floor for the biggest part of the day. On the northern shore, sitting on slightly higher ground is an ochre colored cottage—the Chata pri Zelenom—which has been sheltering mountaineers for more than a century. Previously known as Brncalova chata, this cottage’s long picnic tables are usually occupied by all sorts of climbers and ..read more