News OnlineTraveling through the coronavirus pandemic has become a reality rather than a dream people had during the long months of lockdown and isolation. Most of the countries of the world have come to terms with this new situation and implemented strong safety and health measures to contain and stop the spread of the virus. More and more destinations have opened up their borders for international travel, with a lot of added conditions and regulations of course. Europe has been the hardest hit in the first weeks of the pandemic, but as the situation got better, people were allowed to travel if they were conscious about the risks and respected all the safety precautions. Traveling through Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic is now possible and there are marvelous destinations to discover.
PORTUGAL
One of the countries that have been successful at dealing with the coronavirus outbreak was Portugal, an otherwise magical destination that offers a complete experience for its guests. In the present, it is one of the safest places on the continent and travel is permitted without major inconveniences. Of course, basic regulations like social distancing and required face masks in public transport must still be respected, but there are plenty of things to see and do in Portugal that have minimal health risks. From the endless Atlantic Ocean coastline to the marvelous castles and authentic villages, it offers an unforgettable travel experience. Getting to Portugal is fairly easy, with most flight connections being active and travelers from most countries being able to book flights towards major cities like Lisbon or Porto. This small country has something for everyone, from the lovers of art to the adventurers that like surfing and from those who are searching for green escapes to travelers that wish to sample the famous Porto wine.
Probably the best place to start exploring Portugal is from the capital of Lisbon, a unique city that breaths many centuries of history and culture. Taking a tram ride through the charming streets or immersing into the sound of the Fado music, there are many authentic experiences in Lisbon. There are many attractions to explore within the city, including the Sao Jorge Castle, Roman Theater Museum, Jeronimos Monastery, Maritime Museum, Botanical Gardens and more. From the capital, it is easy to catch a flight or a train towards the most famous destination of the north, beautiful Porto. Known mostly for its wine and the Douro River, the city has much more to offer, like the splendid palaces and monuments that are part of UNESCO World Heritage, but also the fascinating museums. Travelers should not miss a wine and food tasting experience and a cruise up the Douro River towards the Douro Valley, one of the most famous wine regions of the world, but also featuring spectacular landscapes.
Other cities and town that truly worth exploring in Portugal include magnificent destinations like the enchanting cultural landscape of Sintra with its Moorish Castle and Pena Palace, or the city of Guimaraes, with its castle and palaces, said to be the birthplace of the nation. Other fascinating places to visit in Portugal include Faro, Fatima, Evora, Braga, Aveiro, Coimbra and more. Portugal is also a wonderful beach destination, with plenty of amazing beaches to allow people to avoid the crowds and stay safe. Beaches like Figueira da Foz, Penice or Praia Grande offer both relaxation and amazing water activities, including the best surfing spots in Europe. Inside the countries, wonderful mountain landscapes await those eager to explore the countryside. There are plenty of national parks and other areas that feature natural splendor, with countless hiking opportunities. The authentic villages are also worth discovering for their unique traditions and atmosphere.
SPAIN
While it has been one of the hardest affected countries during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, Spain is now a safe travel destination. This has happened thanks to strict healthcare measures, including inside the travel industry. All visitors of Spain must pass health checks upon arriving in the country and follow the safety regulations set up by the government, but other than that, there are no major impediments to enjoying a trip through Spain. Being one of the most fascinating and popular destinations in the world, Spain has a lot to offer, even during these uncertain times. From the elegant capital of Madrid to the vibrant Barcelona, passing through other spectacular cities and medieval towns, with beautiful natural landscapes, authentic culture and amazing beaches, it is one of the most complex travel destinations. Getting to Spain is rather easy, with frequent flights from all over the world, especially from neighboring countries like Portugal, France or Italy. The country has one of the most diverse landscapes, from the Pyrenees Mountains to the beaches of the south, mixing everything in between. Another great feature is the cultural diversity, with every region having its own traditions.
Any traveler to Spain should definitely start exploring with the two major cities, the capital of Madrid and the magical Barcelona. The city of Madrid is truly amazing, with a variety of unique landmarks and attractions. The true charm comes mainly from its wide and elegant boulevards, the exquisite architecture, the parks and the museums. There are many places to see in Madrid, but the most important include the Royal Palace, El Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, Almudena Cathedral and many others. On the other hand, Barcelona is more extravagant and vibrant, with its holiday spirit, its nightlife and beaches. It also features a collection of great sights, the most interesting and famous being the Rambla Boulevard, Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Placa de Catalunya, the Montjuic Castle and Park, Maritime Museum, Picasso Museum and other parks, museums and monuments. While most travelers tend to stick to these two cities, there are other urban destinations in Spain that are worth exploring, like Cordoba, Granada, Valencia, Seville or Bilbao, each with its own set of highlights.
The more authentic charm of Spain comes from its small towns and villages that still preserve their regional character. From Galicia to Murcia and from Catalonia to Extremadura, these historical provinces have their own distinct and traditional features. Many of these towns and villages feature an old fortress, a medieval castle or a gothic church, as well as a more traditional way of life. The nature of Spain is also one of its strong points, with sensational landscapes that go from the pristine beaches of the Costa de Sol or Costa Brava to the high Sierra Nevada Mountains with their hiking routes. While partying in Ibiza might not be advisable at the moment, the Balearic or the Canary Islands offer many other spectacular sights and inspiring experience, like a more peaceful holiday on the beaches of Mallorca or some hiking adventures in Gran Canaria or Tenerife. Overall, Spain is an enticing and mesmerizing destination and it currently offers a safe travel experience.
FRANCE
One of the most amazing and diverse travel destinations in the world, France has captured the imagination of travelers around the world and has fascinated the hearts of all who have visited it. Following a long and arduous battle against the spread of the Coronavirus outbreak in spring, France currently welcomes international travelers, although some conditions do apply. Citizens of certain countries can enter France with just completing simple declarations and health checks, while other nationals might be required to present a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the country. This all depends on the present situation in the world and things might change in the near future. As the situation progresses, more or less countries will be allowed to travel freely in France, while it is also good to keep in mind that travelers must respect every safety and health regulations set in place by their destinations countries. Most international travelers that arrive in France will land in Paris, the city of love and fashion, of large boulevards and romantic cafes.
Combining the endless beauty of its natural environment with the amazing treasures of cultural heritage, maybe the most famous cuisine in the world and a mesmerizing art of living, France is spectacular and unforgettable, from the tall snowy peaks of the Alps to the shores of the Atlantic or the Mediterranean and from the elegance and charm of Paris to small traditional villages with castles and medieval fortresses. More than a travel destination, Paris makes you fall in love in minutes from discovering its undeniable beauty and charm, exploring its authentic streets and feeling the outstanding atmosphere. From the massive silhouette of the Eiffel Tower to the immense cultural heritage of the Louvre, from the cafes and stylish shops of Champs Elysees to the gothic elegance of the Notre Dame, from its small hidden authentic French restaurants to the art communities, everything can be a reason to visit Paris. Beyond Paris, there are other fascinating cities in France and each offers a different experience and atmosphere, from Bordeaux to Nantes and from Lyon to Marseille.
Another hugely famous and popular attraction of France is the Loire Valley, with its spectacular castles and palaces that truly capture the imagination of any visitor. From here, travelers can start exploring the countryside and the picturesque villages are some of the most charming and authentic in the world. From the vineyards of the Bordeaux region to the lavender fields of Provence, France offers countless unforgettable experiences. The stunning peaks and ridges of the Alps or the Pyrenees mountains are equally enticing, offering moments of pure excitement. There, travelers can escape everything and start exploring magical hiking paths or simply admire the serene beauty of untouched nature. France truly has everything, with short trips from the top of the mountains to the beaches and the sea. All along the enchanting coast of the Atlantic Ocean or the charming Riviera of the Mediterranean Sea, there are superb beaches, elegant resorts or quaint little fishing villages. No visit to France would be complete without sampling the world renowned cuisine and visiting a Michelin restaurant will make anyone fall in love with the delicious French gastronomy. Even in these troubled times, France remains a memorable and inspiring travel experience!
AUSTRIA
From France, there is no better destination than Austria, probably one of the safest countries in Europe during the pandemic. Throughout the crisis, it handled the situation extremely well and now is in a state of careful re-opening. While there are still countries and territories that are either restricted from entering or need a negative test before traveling to Austria, most travelers will be welcomed with just several safety and health measures. Of course, the general regulations must still be respected while traveling through Austria, like wearing a mask in public transportation and interior spaces, as well as any other rules that might be imposed along the way, according to the situation. Flying to Austria from neighboring countries of Western Europe is extremely safe and there are plenty of connections to places like Paris, Madrid or Barcelona to Vienna. As a whole, Austria is marvelous travel destination, mostly known for its elegant cities, tall mountains and picturesque villages. While most people think about Austria as a winter skiing destination, there are still many other places and thing to experience.
Apart from the mountains that seem to be almost everywhere in Austria, most travelers arrive in Vienna and are charmed by its elegance and splendor, with impressive architecture, majestic palaces and churches, as well as some of the best museums in the world. The city center boasts in historical and architectural sights, but the most impressive are the Imperial landmarks, including the Hofburg Imperial Palace – with a number of museums and experiences to discover, the stunning Saint Stephens Cathedral, the inspiring Fine Arts Museum and Natural History Museum, the Town Hall and much more. The majestic palaces should also be included in any visit of Vienna, like the amazing Schonbrunn Palace or the Belvedere Palace, to name just the most famous. Of course, there are many other things to see and do in Vienna and travelers should allow several days to explore the city, yet there are also other marvels that Austria has to offer.
One of these treasures is the enchanting city of Salzburg, known as the city of music and birthplace of Mozart. The old town area is filled with splendid Baroque architecture and is one of the best preserved in the world, included in the UNESCO heritage. Home to several castles and palaces, amazing museums and other landmarks, Salzburg is an unforgettable experience. Other cities and towns of Austria are equally enticing and interesting, like Linz, Graz, Innsbruck and more. Leaving the cities, travelers inevitably arrive in the mountains of Austria that are truly magnificent both in summer and winter. From the little authentic mountain villages, there are hiking paths towards the most incredible peaks and valleys of the high Alps, with stunning landscapes and impressive sights like canyons, alpine lakes or waterfalls. During the winter season, Austria becomes heaven for those who love winter sports, with some of the best resorts and slopes in the world, like those of Kaprun, Zell am See, Soelden or Kitzbuhel. Throughout the Alps though, national parks preserve the unspoiled natural beauty of this area and travelers can surely find remote getaways in this magnificent part of the world.
ITALY
Just over the mountains from Austria is one of the most popular and diverse destinations in the world. While being the hardest hit during the early outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, Italy has now become one of the safest countries to travel in Europe. It definitely struggled during the first months of this year, yet now it is far better than other countries in the world and it is fairly safe to travel to Italy. Of course, strict safety measures are still in place and it all depends on the region of travel, but usually public distance must be observed and face masks are required in all enclosed public places. In certain regions of the country, face masks are required in all public spaces all the time, while certain attractions might function on short timetables or be closed. Nevertheless, tourism is almost completely open in Italy and there is no reason not to enjoy a trip throughout the country. Citizens of most countries are permitted to enter Italy without prior testing or mandatory confinement.
Any trip through Italy must start with its marvelous cities, filled with countless treasures of historical and cultural heritage. It would be impossible to see everything that Italy has to offer, this country being filled with spectacular sights. The eternal city of Rome holds the legacy of Roman Empire, with the fabulous Coliseum, the Imperial Forum, the Pantheon and many other treasures of heritage. Other amazing sights of Rome include St. Peter’s Cathedral, Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Sant’Angelo Castle, the Vatican Museums and many more. The enchanting city of Florence is equally enticing, with world famous attractions like the Ponte Vecchio, Pitti Palace, the Duomo, dell’ Academia Gallery and so on. Another famous destination in Italy is the unique city of Venice, with its magical setting in the lagoon and iconic canals. It also features impressive landmarks such as San Marco Piazza and Cathedral, Doge Palace, Rialto Bridge, as well as many other churches and palaces.
Other impressive cities and towns of Italy that are worth visiting include Naples, Milano, Bologna, Catania, Cagliari, Pisa and many others. Leaving the cities, each region of the country has a different feel and atmosphere, from the Alps and Dolomites mountains in the north, to the famous green hills and vineyards of Tuscany and from the beaches and colorful towns of the Amalfi Coast to the majestic Etna volcano in Sicily. There are so many places to see in Italy that any traveler can find a quaint beach or a remote village to spend wonderful days away from the craziness of the world. The natural beauty of this destination is also legendary, with countless national parks that preserve unique landscapes like the Archipelago of la Maddalena or the Gran Paradiso. Other parks feature both spectacular nature and cultural heritage in perfect union, like the splendid Cinque Terre or the fascinating island of Capri. These are only the highlight of an unforgettable destination in Europe and anyone traveling to Italy will surely fall in love with its beauty!
