cliffs -

New Zealand, day one: a birthday at the end of the world

Gosia — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 16:18:50 +0000

I will never forget my first day in New Zealand. It was my birthday, and it was exactly how I’d imagined it – far from home, at the end of the world. Those first days are always stuck in the memory best – they set the tone for the whole trip. And knowing I had 18 days of adventure ahead only cranked up the excitement. Karekare Falls – 30 metres of watery adrenaline The first stop was Karekare Falls in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. A short, half-kilometre walk leads to a 30-metre waterfall surrounded by palms and lush, exotic vegetation. Mercer Bay Loop – a walk with views and Māori history Next up was the Mercer Bay Loop Track. This 2.2-kilometre loop leads to Te Ahua, a place of significance for Māori, with jaw-dropping views over the west coast. A high cliff, wind whipping your hair, waves smashing into the rocks… can you imagine a better backdrop? Piha, Lion Rock and Kitekite Falls – beach magic Piha is a stunning, wide beach, dominated by its icon: Lion Rock. This ancient volcano, shaped like a reclining lion, looking at the ocean. Right next to it is another curiosity – the Keyhole Natural Tunnel. A natural tunnel carved into the rock, looking like a gigantic eye of a needle. Not far away, you can wander to Kitekite Falls – a charming waterfall reached via a trail winding through palm forest. Whites Beach and Anawhata Beach Track – almost deserted corners You don’t need to go far to reach another spectacular viewpoint – Te Waha Point Lookout. From here, you get sweeping views of the coastline and the almost deserted Whites Beach. The lookout is reached via the Laird Thomson Track, a pleasant walk through New Zealand’s rolling green fields. The Anawhata Beach Track leads along cliffs, through lush forest, to a small, beautiful beach where you’ll often meet… well, no one at all. Bethells Beach (Te Henga) – the raw power of the Tasman Sea But the real show-stealer is Bethells Beach. This is one of those places where you genuinely feel like a castaway. Wild coastline, vast stretches of sand, emerald-coloured water – the perfect spot to surrender to the power of the Tasman Sea. For the persistent, there’s a 10-kilometre coastal route waiting. Tirikohua Point – the end of the world Tirikohua Point is a little-known, and therefore even more atmospheric, stretch of the west coast of the North Island. A trail through wild pasture and waist-high grass leads to towering cliffs that look like the literal end of the world. The route is under 2 kilometres – a small price to pay for having a beach all to yourself. Muriwai Gannet Colony Beach The trip ends at Muriwai Gannet Colony Beach – a must for nature and bird lovers. Muriwai impresses with its black volcanic sand and dramatic cliff-lined coast. And that’s how the first day in New Zealand – and my birthday at the edge of the world – came to an end. Just one day, but so packed with sights that it felt like I’d lived a hundred already 😄

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The Causeway Coastal Route – Northern Ireland

Gosia — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 15:26:16 +0000

The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Europe. This picturesque road stretches almost 200 km, winding through cliffside coasts, green hills and the historic castles of the Emerald Isle. Mussenden Temple – the first stop on the way The first stop is the picturesque Mussenden Temple. This remarkable structure, inspired by Roman temples, was commissioned by a wealthy earl who wished to create his private library here. From the outset, Mussenden Temple has captivated visitors not only with its architecture but also its spectacular cliff-top location. Unfortunately, this location carried the risk of erosion and potential collapse of the building. In 1997, due to the cliff’s unstable condition, intensive efforts were undertaken to restore its stability. Although the interior of the Temple is currently closed to visitors, its location is breathtaking. The picturesque landscape from the cliff is the sufficient reason to visit this place. Near the Temple, you can see the ruins of Downhill House, also known as Downhill Demesne. The house was built in the 1770s by an eccentric bishop. The bishop was known for his passion for art and architecture, evident in the monumental structure and unique style of the residence. Unfortunately, due to a fire in 1851 and subsequent neglect, the house fell into ruin, but its remnants still make a profound impression. Portrush – Colorful Houses and the Wishing Arc Continuing along the coast towards the east, it’s worth making a brief stop in the charming town of Portrush. This place is famous for its wide beach and colorful row of terraced houses. Just beyond Portrush, you’ll find the viewpoint known as The Wishing Arch, from which you can admire the incredible panorama of the Irish coastline. Bushmills: A Visit to the Kingdom of Whiskey Of course, a tour of Northern Ireland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the town of Bushmills. This small, unassuming town is renowned for being home to one of the oldest whiskey distilleries in the world. Established in 1608, Bushmills is a major export product of Northern Ireland. Whiskey is such an integral symbol of the Emerald Isle that it is featured on Irish banknotes. At the distillery, you can witness the entire whiskey production process, starting from fermentation, through triple distillation and maturation, to the bottling process. Bushmills prides itself on its unique, delicate flavour achieved through triple distillation. The tour culminates in a tasting session, where you can even sample a 21-year-old whiskey, which can cost up to £160 per bottle. Unfortunately, as the driver, I could only enjoy the aroma of the whiskey. Giant’s Causeway The town of Bushmills is close to one of the greatest attractions of the coast – Giant’s Causeway. It is a must-see during a visit to Northern Ireland. Giant’s Causeway appears as an intricately laid path of thousands of hexagonal basalt columns. This unusual rock formation was created 50-60 million years ago during the Paleogene period, when intense volcanic activity led to the eruption of basaltic lava. As the lava cooled, it cracked into characteristic, polygonal columns that we can admire today. Giant’s Causeway is not only extraordinary rock formations but also amazing views of the coastline. The cliffs surrounding this place add dramatic character and charm to it. To reach Giant’s Causeway, the most convenient way is by car. There’s parking right by the trail, which costs £10. Alternatively, you can take bus route 402 from Bushmills. Buses depart from Main Street, and you can park at the Park&Ride. It’s good to know that access to the trail is free for visitors. However, visiting to the Visitor Center, which offers interactive exhibitions explaining both legends and scientific facts about the site, requires an entry fee. Admission costs around £16 per person (£8 discount ticket) as of 2024. This ticket also includes parking and an audio guide. Many people unintentionally pay this amount, thinking it covers walking trail which is free. Guided tours are also available on-site for those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the history and geology of this unique place. Further information can be found here. Ruins of a Castle on the Green Cliff Another attraction of the northern coast is located just a 10-minute drive from Giant’s Causeway. These are the ruins of Dunseverick Castle, which history dates back to the 5th century. The castle was repeatedly attacked by Vikings and destroyed by the Scottish army in the mid-17th century. Supposedly it hasn’t been rebuilt since then. Continuing further east, it’s worth making a short stop at the viewpoint overlooking White Park Bay. Regardless of the weather, the incredible view of the coastline is guaranteed! Adventurers seeking unforgettable experiences will certainly not be disappointed with the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. This famous rope bridge spans a deep chasm, offering not only thrills and adrenaline but also spectacular views of the coastline and surrounding cliffs. The suspension bridge is 30 meters above the rocks and connects the small island of Carrickarede to the mainland. It’s considered one of the most dangerous bridges in the world, primarily because its structure is not very stable during high winds. The bridge is now solely a tourist attraction, but for centuries it was used by local fishermen. Built in 1755, its original construction was quite makeshift, consisting only of wooden planks stretched across the chasm, with a single handrail rope. The current structure has been reinforced to allow relatively safe passage. However, on very windy days, the bridge is closed for safety reasons. Practical Information: The bridge is open from spring to autumn, but it’s advisable to check current opening hours before your visit as they may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. There’s an entrance fee for the bridge, and tickets can be purchased online or on-site. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially during the tourist season. Castle – White Head One of the advantages of the Causeway Coastal Route is that attractions are located within about a 10-minute drive from each other. Such a short drive from Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is enough to see the ruins of Kinbane Castle. Kinbane Castle was built in 1547 by Colla MacDonnell of the Scottish MacDonnell clan, lords of the Western Isles of Scotland. The only access point was a descent down the basalt cliff, as the castle was nearly inaccessible from the sea side. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times, and local tradition suggests it may have been inhabited until the 18th century. The name “Kinbane” comes from the Irish “Ceinn Bán,” meaning “white head,” which refers to the rocky limestone headland on top of which the castle sits. From the viewpoint terrace, you can also admire the spectacular cliffs and the nearby Rathlin Island. The Fair Head – Cliffs Overlooking the Island A bit further along is the walking area known as The Fair Head. The Fair Head boasts the highest basalt cliffs in Northern Ireland, reaching heights of up to 200 meters. These cliffs stretch for several kilometers, forming a picturesque landscape that attracts tourists. From here, you can see spectacular views, including the nearby island of Rathlin in all its splendour. Amazing views are also guaranteed from nearby Torr Head. The name Torr in the local Gaelic language means a mound. Torr Head is the furthest point the closest to Scotland. In 1822, a coastguard station was built at the top of the cliff, the ruins of which can be seen today. A steep uphill road leads to the station. From the summit, you can enjoy an incredible view of the coastline. At the end, cliffs once again… At the end of the trip is worth visiting Gobbins Cliffs, located near Belfast. The cliffs are accessed via a path leading through steel walkways suspended over the turbulent sea. The history of the path dates back to the early 20th century. It was designed by engineer Berkeley Deane Wise and opened in 1902. Recently renovated in 2015, it’s now one of the most fascinating attractions in Northern Ireland. The entire route offers unique views of the rocky coastline. The Gobbins Cliffs are open from spring to autumn. Before planning your visit, it’s advisable to check current opening hours and ticket availability. Due to high popularity, advance online ticket reservation is recommended as seating is limited for safety reasons. More information, you can find here. Taking a drive along the Causeway Coastal Route is a great idea for exploring Northern Ireland. Each stop along this route presents a fascinating history and incredible views. Some attractions promise a good dose of adrenaline, while others allow you to step back in time and discover the amazing history of Northern Ireland. However, every place offers spectacular views that will stay in your memory for a long time.

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One day in Gozo

Gosia — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 14:13:38 +0000

I start my tour around Gozo at the Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs, located on the southeastern coast of the island. This is one of the must-see places in Malta. From a height of over 130 meters, you can admire an amazing panorama of the Mediterranean Sea. A little further, you can admire an equally spectacular landscape at the so-called Sunset Cliff. To get to know the island not only from the perspective of the cliffs, it is worth visiting the capital of Gozo – Victoria, also known as Rabat. Victoria boasts interesting monuments and architecture. The main tourist attraction is the Il-Kastell citadel. Walking along the defensive walls, you can admire picturesque views of the surrounding towns. Within the citadel, there’s also the historic Cathedral of the Assumption. The old town is a labyrinth of narrow streets with houses adorned with interesting details. At the nearby market, you can find traditional Maltese products, handicrafts, sweets, and fruits. Local restaurants serve excellent Maltese cuisine. An absolute must-see is Dwejra Bay, located in the western part of the island. Here you can see impressive cliffs and interesting rock formations. Until recently, you could also admire the Azure Window, known from the Game of Thrones series. Unfortunately, in 2017, it collapsed due to strong winds, depriving Gozo of one of its main attractions. Currently, you can still admire the so-called Fungus Rock, also known in Malta as “Il-Ġebla tal-Ġeneral” (General’s Rock). It has an interesting history. Fungus Rock owes its name to a unique plant collected here by the Knights of Malta. It’s a dark brown, club-shaped, parasitic plant (Cynomorium coccineus) growing up to about 18 cm in height. Although it originates from North Africa, Fungus Rock is the only place in Europe where it can be found. In the times of the Knights of Malta, it was believed that its extract had strong healing properties. It was used to dress wounds because it stopped bleeding and prevented infections. Moreover, it was also supposed to cure dysentery, ulcers, and even venereal diseases. The plant was very popular, and its market value was high. When the Knights of St. John discovered it growing on a rock in Gozo, they knew they found a real treasure. A rope was stretched between the land and the rock, and collectors were transported back and forth on a small, one-person cable car. Moreover, in 1637, they built the Dwejra (Qawra) fortress to protect this precious medicine. They even cut down the rock slope to prevent access to the top of the rock. Next to it, there’s another attraction – the Inland Sea – a lagoon connected to the open sea by a tunnel carved into the 100-meter Dwejra cliff. The tunnel is large enough for local fishermen to organize boat trips through it. Until recently, this reservoir was used by fishermen for fishing. Nowadays, due to the large number of fish, it is an attractive place for diving. An interesting sight is the salt pans located in the northern part of the island near Marsalforn. These are shallow rectangular basins carved at the edge of the sea, which are flooded with seawater. As it evaporates, salt is formed. The northern part of Gozo is an ideal place for this type of production, which was known here since Roman times. Limestone rocks are found here, which could be shaped in any way. This traditional method of obtaining salt is still used today. The salt pans are adjacent to the Qolla l-Bajda Battery, which was built by the Knights of Malta in 1715-1716. I will write more about this place soon, in a post dedicated to abandoned places in Malta. Marsalforn is also known for the peculiar statue of Christ the Redeemer (Tas-Salvatur), located in an open field. It was built in 1970 on top of a hill. At the foot of the hill, there’re farmland fields that effectively prevent a trip to the top. A break in sightseeing is best taken at Ramla Beach, which is one of the most beautiful on Gozo. There are ruins of an abandoned hotel here, which I will also write more about in another post. On the way back, it is worth visiting a town Xagħra where you can see the historic Ta’ Kola Windmill. The windmill was built in 1725 on the initiative of the Knights of Malta. At that time, many such objects were built to encourage the local population to produce flour. Inside the windmill, there’s a museum of rural life. From the port of Ċirkewwa, located at the northern end of Malta, ferries regularly run to the port of Mġarr on Gozo. The ferries are operated by Gozo Channel Line and depart approximately every 45 minutes. The entire crossing takes about 25 minutes and is also available for cars. Prices are affordable: the transfer of the driver and car costs €15.70, while passengers pay €4.65 (prices from 2024). More information can be found here. Gozo is a place that impresses both in terms of history and nature. Although it’s smaller than the main island of Malta, it surprises with its unique landscapes, monuments, and interesting architecture. The history of this place is told by nature itself. The salt pans are a reminder of ancient salt production, and Fungus Rock tells an interesting story of the use of natural medicine.

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Na Pali from the air – a story of two flights

Gosia — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 14:54:41 +0000

How did it happen that I landed on board of a helicopter to watch the wonderful Na Pali cliffs, actually on board of two helicopters? The larger part of the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i is not available from land due to inaccessible mountains. That’s why a helicopter trip is the best option to see the whole island. When you look at photos from Hawaii, you can get the impression that there’s always a great sunny weather. However, the location of the archipelago in the middle of the ocean and the mountainous terrain make a specific climate that is characterised by high rainfall and moderate temperatures. A large amount of precipitation results in lush Hawaiian vegetation, but it certainly interferes with the helicopter flights, what I was about to find out. Kaua’i island was the last stop during our Hawaiian trip. When I was preparing a travel plan, I read hundreds of stories about Hawaii, not to mention the amount of photos seen. Of all the islands in Hawaii, Kaua’i made the biggest impression on me. The main reason was picture perfect Na Pali cliffs, Waimea Canyon, huge waterfalls and lush tropical vegetation. For this reason, I left visiting Kaua’i specially as the last stop, as the cheery on the cake in this lifetime journey. What’s more, I went one step further! I figured out that since I was nearly bankrupt after a month’s stay on the Hawaiian islands, and actually I had only a return ticket and a credit card, it wouldn’t make any difference to increase the debt buying a helicopter flight. The weather on the day of the flight could be described shortly: it was raining cats and dogs. Before going the airport in Lihue, I had had mixed feelings, so I had asked our Hawaiian host what she had thought about the idea of taking a flight in such weather . The answer was short: “when it rains, you will see beautiful waterfalls, but if it doesn’t there’ll be better visibility” and unfortunately, in no way did it resolve my doubts. I took comfort in thinking the weather in Hawaii is variable and that rain would be passing. On the spot, I was completely reassured by the organizer that the atmospheric conditions would not interfere with the flight, I sat next to the pilot, happy to have the best place to observe the beautiful cliffs. The pilot, presented himself as a Vietnam War veteran. His age didn’t make any impression on me, as opposed to the deteriorating weather conditions. At some point, instead of wonderful views, I saw a wall of rain. Helicopter wipers weren’t prepared for this conditions and neither was I! I looked at the pilot, and I felt a fast surge of adrenaline, similar to how one could feel when duck diving into a pool without water. The idea of duck diving into one big pool of water – Pacific Ocean, didn’t make the situation any better. I didn’t even try to underestimate the pilot’s flying skills, but I was wondering if his sight and reflex were sufficient in those difficult conditions. Suddenly, through the wall of the rain, I saw the first blurry view. Right in front of us were high Na Pali cliffs. You probably know that feeling when you feel the tingling wave coming from the top of your head to the feet? That’s exactly how I felt when rocks suddenly ′′ raised′′ right in front of us. The possibility of landing on the emergency landing helipad, which I had seen two days earlier on the Kalalau Trail didn’t make me optimistic because it looked like that… Sitting on the edge of my seat, I was waiting for the turn of events, nervously pressing the shutter 😀 I thought to myself: ′′ An interesting viewing flight, it’s a pity that without prospects for the future”. In the corner of my eye I looked at the virtuoso of sky acrobatics, it was clear that he felt like a fish in the water. What could I do in this situation, I closed my eyes and decided to contemplate the last moments in the sounds of thumping rain. After a while I gently opened one eyelid, I saw nothing at all just the rain wall. On the other hand, it thought that the situation was stable at least. A helicopter trip over the Na Pali cliffs had been my dream for a long time, and when at the time of the landing, I realised that this dream would no longer be able to come true I burst out crying. My journey companion decided to take matters into his own hands and went to the company with complain, arguing that the service was not realised because when flying through the wall of the rain is hard to talk about sightseeing flight. To my surprise, it turned out that the company agreed to this and returned the money! The next day, I was so excited having another helicopter flight! This time the weather didn’t let me down. Just after taking off from the airport in Lihue we flew over Manawaiopuna Falls – cascading waterfalls forming one big wall of water- famous view from the ” Jurassic Park” film. Another attraction was the spectacular Waimea Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. I had an opportunity to admire this place during the previous hiking trip, but from the bird’s eye view it looked amazing. The main attraction of the flight are Na Pali cliffs, which from the helicopter look like painted. The intensive colors contrasting with as white as flour sand and turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean make an amazing impression. Then the helicopter went to the center of the Waialeale Crater – which is supposed to be the most humid place on earth, after an earlier flight I can confirm it. The flight is an amazing experience, the helicopter flies very close to the rocks which allows almost to touch the sharp peaks of the Na Pali coast. The last amazing view is Makua (Tunnels) Beach, with numerous underwater tunnels – the perfect place to dive and snorkeling. It looks really amazing from the air. Na Pali Coast State Park is considered as the one of the most beautiful places on the earth. I haven’t seen the whole earth yet, but I confirm that this is the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited. Helicopter flight will remain an unforgettable experience for me, the amazing wealth of nature and the incredible scale of the cliffs I remember to this day. I can’t even put this experience into words, I’m not even trying. I will leave these emotions to myself, while I will tell you that in the end I cried my eyes out with happiness… Just to clarify it was a strange feeling because I don’t like getting emotional 😉 It’s best to book helicopter flight in the morning when the air is transparent. Online booking can save a few bucks. There are many companies to choose from:– Island Helicopters, – Maunaloa Helicopters, – Jack Harter Helicopters, – Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, – Safari Helicopters, If you’re going to choose this option of sightseeing, wear dark clothes to minimize the reflections in the window. Do you like this post?Check out the first part:

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Algarve – the best beaches in Portugal

Gosia — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 15:26:13 +0000

The ocean and beaches are an integral element of Portuguese life. The ocean is an inherent part of the history of Portugal and the era of great geographical discoveries, fado music or the exquisite cuisine of the country. Portuguese attachment to the ocean is reflected even in everyday sayings. The Portuguese equivalent of ” it’s not my cup of tea” is: ” não é a minha praia”- what means it’s not my beach. By the way, it is hard to be surprised by this, after all, the length of Portugal’s coastline amouts to over 800 kilometers. However, some part of it, reaching 160 kilometers, is unique. It’s Algarve region – also known as the Garden of Portugal. Its coastline stretches from Cape St. Vincent, and ends on the border with Spain. It’s full of high cliffs, bays, caves and rock islands. The Algarve coast has many beautiful beaches and it’s almost impossible to visit them during visiting Portugal, so here is my list 🙂 SAGRES I started the trip with the Fortress in Sagres, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the cliffs and the lighthouse on the Cabo de Sao Vicente / Cape St. Vincent. St. Vincent Peninsula is the southwestern furthest point in Europe. Admission to the fortress costs 3 € – data from 2018. It’s said that here Prince Henry Navigator founded a school of navigation that opened the horizons for the era of the great discoveries. PONTA DE PIEDADE Ponta de Piedade, is one of the most interesting beaches on the Algarve coast. High cliffs, reaching up to 20 meters, caves, grottoes and interesting coves make this place one of a kind. PRAIA DE CAMILO A beautiful beach with characteristic steps that create an interesting perspective. Personally, I have to admit, I didn’t even want to go down having such a view in front of me. CARVOEIRO A little further away is a beautifully located town – Carvoeiro. The colorful houses on the high cliff overlooking the ocean are reminiscent of the Italian Cinque Terre. PRAIA VALE COVO Praia Vale Covo is located in a small bay, surrounded by high cliffs. There’s a huge grotto right next to it. It’s visted by far less tourists, which is a big advantage. PRAIA DE BENAGIL A beautiful stretch of beach surrounded by high cliffs. During the season, this beach is teeming with tourists. Because right next to it is the famous Cave of Benagil, which can be seen in many photos promoting the Algarve coast. You can get to the grotto by boat from the beach. PRAIA DE MARINHA Amazing high cliffs with interesting shapes, rocky islands and crystal clear water can be seen at Praia de Marinha. In my humble opinion, this is the one of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve. NOSSA SENHORA DA ROCHA An interesting place is the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Rocha – located on the cliff with a beautiful view of the nearby beaches. There’s a chapel called the same as the fort. Some tips: The southern part of Portugal is best to explore by car. However, it should be remembered that some of the roads are paid. Moreover, road tolls can be charged in two ways. The first is the standard payment in the booth at the exit and the second using the device – Via Verde. Unfortunately, on some highways only the automatic system Via Verde is implemented. Therefore, while renting a car is worth checking if it’s equipped with such a device. Many rentals charge a deposit of a minimum of 20 € for Via Verde device, 15€ is intended for road charges. Of course, you can recharge your account with a larger amount, but it may happen that if you don’t use it, it will not be returned. Ze strony poboru opłat w Portugali: http://www.portugaltolls.com/en/web/portal-de-portagens/home Example of road tolls (data from 2018 )– Lisbon to Porto Highway A1 costs 21 €– Lisbon Do Lighthouse A2i A22 22 €Travel along the Algarve Coast-10 €More information is available here. Personally, I must admit that during my stay I didn’t use highways. Along the Algarve coast you can easily drive toll free roads. It’s not as fast as highways but the roads are maintained in good condition and you can see much more on the way.

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Na Pali part I – Hawaiian cliffs, doplhins and barking sands

Gosia — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 20:29:59 +0000

In the area of the green Hawaiian island of Kaua’i you can find a hidden treasure – Nā Pali Coast State Park. The name Nā Pali in Hawaiian means in cliffs, so you can figure out what is the main its attraction. The 17-mile cliff coast stretches from Ke’e Beach to Polihale Beach. Nā Pali cliffs are reportedly among the highest in the world and reach more than 1000 meters above the turquoise waters of the Pacific. They have been shaped over the centuries through erosion activities, like many caves along the coast. Nā Pali cliffs can be seen in three ways: from the air, land and water, and each of them guarantees completely new experiences and emotions. Nā Pali from the land Cliffs can be seen by taking a tour along the Kalalau Trail. This path starts at the end of the scenic route 56, called Kuhio Highway. The Kalalau Trail starts at the beautiful Ke’e Beach and ends at the spectacular Kalalau Valley. Camping in Nā Pali Coast State Park is allowed, but only after obtaining special permission. On the Kalalau Trail there’re two places to put up the tent – Kalalau and Hanakoa. During 11 miles of hiking trail, you’ll see beautiful valleys, verdant vegetation and amazing views of the coast. You can also take a shorter trip to Hanakapiai Beach and Hanakapi’ai Falls. The length of the route from the Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai Beach reaches 4 miles. Unfortunately, swimming there is prohibited, and further tour along Kalalau Trail requires permission. When in 1960 National Geographic published an article titled “Kalalau Valley – the garden of Eden” cliffs began to be frequented by hippies wanting to settle in this beautiful place. In order to protect the unique nature of the park, it was necessary to limit the influx of visitors through the introduction the permission to entry. Currently camping is allowed up to 5 days and costs 20$ per person. However, the route can be continued without permission, turning left in the direction of Hanakapi’ai Waterfalls. Total length of the route is 2 miles one way, and the path is quite flat and leads through the dense bamboo forest. source: https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/hiking_trails/kauai-hiking-maps There is one more possibility to admire Nā Pali cliffs from the land. It can be seen from the two viewpoints: Kalalau and Pu’u o Kila overlook, while exploring Waimea – the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, located on the other side of the cliffs in Kokee State Park. You’ll find the post here. Nā Pali from water An unforgettable experience guarantees a boat cruise. In the course of the cruise you can see the huge peaks of the coast, paradise beaches and coastal caves. Most tours stop at the Treasures Beach, where you can snorkel with turtles and colorful tropical fish. However, the greatest attraction are dolphins, playing in Pacific waters. The most popular for this area are spinner dolphins, well-known for their eagerness to play. Well, apparently, the best fun for them is to escape from the boats, heading Nā Pali coast. Dolphins like to draw attention to the fireworks jumping over the water mirror where they operate in the air, hence their name spinner. With some luck, besides dolphins and turtles, whales also can be seen. Boats pass by the so-called Barking Sands. This name came from the characteristic sound of the pacific waves striking the shore. The sound of the waves resembles a dog barking. It’s caused by a unique sand composition which due to the impact of waves makes a distinctive canine sound. The beach reaches 25 miles, and the water there has a brighter color. This is the most favorite doplhins’ playgound. On the other hand, the land close to Nā Pali coast is occupied by the United States Navy. Military base located here, is an important part of the Pacific Missile Range Facility. This is one of the world’s largest training grounds. In addition to numerous ships and fighters, there‘s also spaceport. It’s best to take a cruise in the morning when the Pacific is calm. Boats sail from Allen Port, where you can find many trip operators like: Kaua’i Sea Tours, Na Pali Explorer, Captain Andy’s, Liko Kaua`i Cruises. Another interesting option are canoe trips diuring which you can visit the interior of the coastal caves and see the cliffs and inaccessible beaches like Hanakapi’ai or Honopu from a very close perspective, not to mention turtles and dolphins. Trips start in Ha ‘ena and end in Polihale. How about just going to the beach… The best way to finish visiting the coast is a trip to Polihale Beach, famous for the most beautiful sunsets in Hawaii. During sunset, Nā Pali cliffs take different shades from red to orange. This is the longest beach on the island, and who knows maybe even the widest. Polihale in Hawaiian language means “home from the underworld” and according to old Hawaiian beliefs it’s the place where souls go to “Po” – the underworld. The biggest advantage of Polihale Beach is that it’s off the beaten track and there’re usually very few people here. You can get to the beach by going to the end of Highway 50, where, after passing previously mentioned the Pacific Missile Range Facility, you must turn left on a gravel road.

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Spain – fall in love with Santander!

Gosia — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 18:19:18 +0000

Spain is a popular holidays direction. Sunny weather, monuments and wonderful beaches attract a lot of tourist every year. But why wait for a vacation when you can go there in winter break? It was December, when I received flight tickets confirmation to Santader. Then I realized what actually I had done.In fact, return ticket cost less than 20 €, but the idea of a trip in mid-February was completely devoid of common sense. Beautifully located Santander – the capital of Cantabria is characterised by a mild and humid climate and there’re more rainy days compared to the south of Spain. For this reason, it is not a popular tourist destination. On the other hand, rather than beaches, Santander is famous for worldwide bank. As it turned out, the apparent flaws of this place proved to be its advantage. Thanks to the good precipitation, Santander is an incredibly green city. What’s more, a small number of tourists makes it possible to relax and look closer to local life. The Santander centre is very modern and doesn’t resemble typical Spanish cities. A large part of the historic old town burned down during the 2-day fire in 1941. Authorities have implemented a system of intelligent city management. Traffic, lighting or hydration of vegetation are automatically controlled by numerous sensors. The modern appearance of the city impressed me, but the real surprise was the escalator leading to the vantage point. I must admit, I haven’t seen anything like this even in the United States, although Americans generally use solutions to make life easier. At the top, there’s a view point – Mirador de la Pila, from which you can admire the beautiful panorama of the bay with mountains in the background. At first glance, in view of its modernity, Santander doesn’t seem to have specific Spanish character. Modern art galery – Centro Botin is the first building seen on the way from the airport. Its construction was finished in 2017 and it was financed by a foundation belonging to the Botin family – the owners of the Santander Bank. The shape and unique architecture building definitely dominate the appearance of the promenade. Botin Centre is adjacent to the Jardines & Paseo de Pered, gardens which are a favourite resting place for the Santander residents. Next to it you can see the Monumento a Los Raqueros presenting diving boys. The main attractions are further from the centre. The promenade leads to a beautiful palace located on Penisula de La Magdalena. On the way there, you can visit a small zoo where you can see seals and penguins. The Royal Residence is located on a high cliff with an amazing view of the area. The tour is best to continue to Faro Cabo Mayor. The walking route to the lighthouse is almost 5 km away, but it leads along the most beautiful beaches in Santander. The most popular one is definitely Playa de el Sardinero, which actually consists of two beaches, separated by the rock. In this part of the city there is also the most luxurious district with beautiful villas and hotels and elegant boutiques as well. The best route from Playa de el Sardinero to Faro Cabo Mayor runs along the coast. From the high cliff, you can admire a beautiful view of the rugged coast. The road to the lighthouse leads across the most beautiful beach – Playa de Mataleñas, which is hidden between the two cliffs. The tour ends at the lighthouse Faro Cabo Mayor, built in 1833. Cantabria is also famous for excellent food, and the most popular snack here are pinchos. The word “pincho” is used to identify small sandwiches with a variety of local ingredients. In Cantabria you have a wide chice of typical Spanish dishes like: – fried calmares, croquetas, patatas bravas or ensalada rusa. Coffee tastes the best in classic Café de Pombo, located at Plaza Pombo. The best place to spend the evening with a glass of wine is Mercado del Este. Transportation from the airport: From the Seve Ballestros Airport take a bus to the Bus Station in Santander. It runs every half-hour and the ride takes 10 minutes. ” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

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