The official name of the Barcelona Cathedral is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. This Gothic style house of worship is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Spain. Construction began during the 13th century and was completed in the 15th century. The building replaced another basilica that was destroyed during a Moorish Invasion. Architects adorned the original Catalan exterior with a neo-Gothic façade in the 19th century and a church spire in 1913. The roof has gargoyles in the shapes of indigenous animals and mythical creatures.

Within the edifice is the crypt of the Visigoth chapel that previously occupied the site. A raised altar provides an unobstructed view of the ancient tomb. One of the largest religious buildings in Barcelona, the church has a small museum and central nave with more than 20 side chapels. Each chapel is dedicated to a different saint or significant event in the history of the Catholic Church. One of the most famous chapels is the Capella del Sant Crist de Lepant, which has a statue of the crucifixion that was onboard a ship at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. According to oral tradition, the figure on the cross moved during the battle to avoid being struck by a cannonball. The crypt contains an ornate sarcophagus with the remains of Eulalia, one of the city’s patron saints. The Romans martyred the 13-year-old girl when she refused to renounce her beliefs. Choir stalls are adorned with the coats-of-arms of knights associated with the Order of the Golden Fleece.

A 14th century cloister is located adjacent to the cathedral. In addition to a lovely garden, it contains an equestrian statue of Saint George who is regarded as the city’s other patron saint. The garden pond is known as the Well of the Geese for the flock of birds that the church keeps in the courtyard. The gaggle consists of 13 white geese, which represents Eulalia’s age upon her death in 303 AD. During the feast of Corpus Christi, the church is the site of the tradition of the dancing egg. A clergy member removes the contents of an egg, replaces it with wax and decorates the shell. The egg is placed in the water jet of the cloister fountain, and it appears to dance in the stream of water.

An elevator located inside the cathedral takes visitors to the roof where they can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Guest Post By: Maria Papadopoulou

One of the most beautiful islands in Cyclades located between Serifos and Milos, about 130 km from Athens’ Port, Piraeus, is Sifnos, Greece. Sifnosis considered to be the island of God Apollo, as an ancient temple of Apollo is in the church of Virgin Mary Ouranofora. The main town of Sifnos, Apollonia, is also named after Apollo.

I visited Sifnos with friends last summer, for the first time. We took the ferry which run on the Piraeus-Kythnos-Serifos-Sifnos-Milos-Kimolos line and we arrived at Sifnos in about 4 hours. From the moment we landed on the island, we knew we had fallen in love with it.

White, cube-shaped houses, paved alleys with limy hinges, courts with traditional white stone benches , churches with white or blue domes and impressive bell towers,  valleys with many olive trees and clean, crystal clear beaches compose the portrait of Sifnos.  Such a breathtaking beauty can impress practically everyone; we were watching  tourists taking countless photographs of the island.

There are so many things to see in Sifnos, that is why I recommend you stay for at least one week to be able to enjoy every little detail.

The Church of the Seven Martyrs is built on a rock, hanging over the sea, offering a spectacular, breathtaking view, especially during sunset and sunrise.

Located 5 km east of Apollonia, on the top of a cliff,  there is Kastro Village, offering a panoramic view of the sea. Kastro is built in the ruins of the ancient capital of Sifnos and is basically the only village in the island of Sifnoswith medieval character.

While in the village, tourists can view old mansions, 16th and 17^th century churches, segments of the Venetian fortress, as well as a small archaeological museum.

Plati Gialos Beach is probably the most famous beach in Sifnos, as it offers plenty of water sports and has crystal clear blue waters.  As this beach is crowded easily, it is important to arrive there early in the morning to have a seat.

Vathi Beach is another popular beach in Sifnos. Surrounded by tall rocks, this sandy beach with the amazing azure waters is a perfect destination for tourists who want to spend a more quiet time.

Established in 1650 and located on the top of a rocky peninsula is the beautiful Monastery of Chrissopigi. As it is considered to be the protector of the island, it is very special for the inhabitants of the island.

Sifnos is an island that all people should visit at least once in their lives.

Avalon State Park in Florida is a wonderful destination for those wanting to enjoy an undeveloped beach, an increasingly rare find in Florida. Avalon State Park is located on Florida’s Treasure Coast on North Hutchinson Island, just 4 miles north of Fort Pierce Inlet State Park  and the Fort Pierce downtown area. Visitors will discover over a mile of sandy beach along crystal clear water offering great activities, relaxation, and a glimpse of native wildlife.

There are several ways to enjoy this area. Avalon State Park’s beach is ideal for sunbathing under the Florida sun. Swimmers will love the firm sandy floor and beautiful surroundings, while snorkeling is an extra special treat. The water is as clear as in the Bahamas, and it is home to a wonderful tropical world of sea life. Kayaking and canoeing is a very popular activity, as one can start off from the beach. Simply carry your craft out 30 to 40 feet, and enjoy a relaxing cruise atop the water.

All visitors enjoying water activities are asked to be careful around steel and concrete obstacles found under water. Left by the United States Navy’s training during World War II; it is an example of the beaches rich history.

Avalon State Park is one of Florida’s best places for fishing from the shore. Fish can actually be seen migrating past during certain seasons of the year. Catch one of the several native species such as Snook, Bluefish, Red or Black Drums, Permit, Pompano, or Whiting.

Many people come to experience the native Florida wildlife found in Avalon State Park. This area is the ideal habitat for several species. Sea turtles are the most popular animal found along the water’s edge. They can be found nesting along the beaches during the spring, including the endangered loggerhead, leatherback, and Atlantic Green. Although they are interesting and fun to see, do not disturb them. That way they will survive for future generations to observe.

One of the best things about this beach is all the features to make your visit convenient from start to finish. Located near the parking lot are four pavilions for picnicking. Along with the sheltered tables, grills are also provided. After a day of exploring the entire beach, there are two showers found near the restrooms where one can clean up before heading home. Facilities are all ADA accessible. A beach wheelchair is available for use at no charge.

Although the state of Veracruz in Mexico has one of the country’s leading economies, its economy isn’t as dependent on tourism as those of some of the other states in Mexico. Petroleum and agriculture are the two biggest industries in Veracruz. This is good news to travelers who prefer to avoid areas in which mass tourism prevails. Visitors to Veracruz find it easy to experience the authentic culture of the region without feeling crowded by large numbers of other tourists.

Veracruz is located in the eastern part of Mexico and has a long coastline featuring many miles of sand dunes. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide superb sports-fishing opportunities and there are many fishing guide services to accommodate the fishing enthusiast. Those who prefer snow-topped mountains will find plenty of them in Veracruz also.

The city of Veracruz is the oldest city in Mexico. Founded in 1519 by Hernán Cortés, it’s now a vibrant, modern port city. It’s the largest city in the state of Veracruz and offers many activities. From May to August, scuba diving is a popular pastime. The Plaza de las Armas in the center of the city of Veracruz is always filled with musicians, dancers, and other attractions such as vendors selling craft items and food. For those interested in marine life, the Veracruz Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Latin America.

Xalapa is the state capital of Veracruz and is noted for its many museums. More than 400 exhibitions are on display at the Museum of Science and Technology in Xalapa. An extensive collection of Mesoamerican artifacts can be found in the Museum of Anthropology. Xalapa Is also located in a mountainous region of Veracruz, making it a good choice for those wishing to escape the heat.

Veracruz has much to offer the person who desires to experience authentic cultures. Those who have an interest in handmade arts-and-crafts will appreciate the quality of the furniture made in the town of Castillo de Teayo, the musical instruments created in the town of Los Tuxtlas, and the beautifully embroidered women’s blouses created in the communities of Tlalixcoyan and El Higo. There are many more rural communities that specialize in different types of handicrafts. Those with an interest in indigenous arts-and-crafts will find much to explore in Veracruz.

Veracruz is the perfect travel destination for those who want to avoid tourist-filled commercialized areas and to experience authentic, vibrant culture.

With La Malinche volcano serving as a backdrop, the Mexican State of Tlaxcala has the cool, semiarid climate of the Mesa Central where it is located. This densely populated state is Mexico’s smallest by area. It has an economy built upon agriculture, cattle raising, and finely made woven handicrafts. The state and its capital both derive their name from the local, pre-historic culture. The current boundaries of the state are similar to those of a native federation that never surrendered to the Aztecs.

The storied past of the area has led to a vibrant tourist industry. Visitors will see the archeological ruins of Cacaxtla, Tizatlan and Xochitecatl. Archeologists are currently excavating, exploring and documenting these ancient sites. At the time of the conquistadors, the region was a land of grand plazas, palaces and temples consistent with a Post-Classical period, Mesoamerican civilization. The Xochitecatl ruins date from approximately 400 A.D. It is here that you can view the Serpent Pyramid, the Spiral Building, the Volcano Base and what is believed to be the most important structure, the Flower Pyramid.

The Cacaxtla ruins are from structures that were built around the 7th century A.D. This archeological site is larger than that of Xochitecatl. Nearby is the modern town of San Miguel with its amazing murals that adorn the walls of various temples. The Tizatlan site is unique because the ruins consist of adobe brick, which is extremely rare for this time period and location. There are numerous other historical sites worth visiting along with the colonial architecture of the capital, Tlaxcala City.

Although in its infancy, eco-tourism is centered on the La Malinche Volcano National Park. Visitors can mountain bike, rock climb, rappel and horseback ride during the day. At night, you can camp out under the stars after watching the sunset over the panoramic vista from the top of the volcano.

Guests who spend time in the cities of Apizaco, Huamantla and San Pablo del Monte will witness regional festivals that feature dances of masked men who imitate the Spaniards of old and don colorful garb and plumed hats. There are festivals that commemorate historic events and religious holidays. This is an opportune time to sample the local cuisine of barbacoa and mixiote along with regional delicacies of escamoles, maguey larvae and the xoconostle cactus fruit.

Not as widely known as other Mexican destinations, Tlaxcala is a hidden gem awaiting discovery.

Tamaulipas is a state found in the northern part of Mexico, just south of the American state of Texas. It has four main areas. There is the frontera border with Texas, the Sierra Madre mountain range in the west, the Gulf Coast region in the east and the Huasteca region in the south. Here is a guide to the best things to see and do on a trip to Tamaulipas.

Located on the Gulf Coast, Tampico is a tropical paradise that is the most popular tourist attraction in Tamaulipas. It is about a six hour drive from the Texas border, but most visitors fly into the international airport.

Playa Miramar is the beach in the area, and it has beautiful water and lots of open space. There is an old colonial square downtown that has a great market, a beautiful old church and lots of great shops. The Metropolitan Cultural Center features ballet, symphony and opera performances. Also, several times a year the local cattle ranchers put on bullfights.

The best thing to do in Tampico is to go out and explore the many wonderful restaurants. The location on the Gulf Coast means that there is an abundance of seafood, and the local restaurants are masters at preparing it.

Located about halfway between Tampico and Texas is the fishing hotbed of La Pesca. It is located on the Gulf, just north of the mouth of the Rio Bravo. The fishing is excellent in both the Gulf and on the river, and there are many locals that are happy to take tourists on guided fishing charters.

In addition, there is a great stretch of beautiful, sandy beach just outside La Pesca. This is a spot that is not overrun by tourists like many other Mexican beaches have been, so visitors will often have it all to themselves.

The food is cheap and the people are friendly. This is a nice spot for those who want to make a short drive into Mexico for some great fishing or beach lounging.

La Pesca and Tampico are the two best tourist attractions in Tamaulipas. Other cities that visitors may visit are Nuevo Laredo and Ciudad Victoria. Neither have a lot to offer in the way of tourist attractions, but there is a nice lake 30 kilometers north of Ciudad Victoria. Called Presa Vicente Guerrero, it has some good fishing and nice scenery.

The southeastern Mexican State of Tabasco should hold a special place in the heart of chocolate lovers worldwide. It was in this area of Mexico that the cacao bean originated. Tabasco is also home to the major Olmec civilization site of La Venta. Historians believe that Olmec was the cradle for subsequent Mesoamerican cultures. The area receives abundant annual rainfall. As a result, the state is covered by an extensive network of rainforest, lakes, wetlands and rivers. The weather, location and terrain combine to form four distinct ecosystems of wetlands, beaches, tropical savannahs and rainforests. The state has set up several unique tourist routes that crisscross the countryside to provide visitors the opportunity to explore history and culture of this environmental treasure.

Guests can select a route that provides cultural immersion, outdoor excitement or a combination of the two. The Central Route begins in the capital city of Villahermosa. This path takes visitors to many of the areas cultural and historical museums, the Yumka Ecological Reserve and the Tomas Garrido Canabal Park as well as the Tabasco Cathedral. The Cacao Route takes guests to a journey through the world of chocolate as it transforms from “bean to bar.” Along the way, you will visit the city of Comalcalco and the archeological site that bears the same name. You will also have the sweet treat of the chocolate museum in La Luz.

The outdoor adventurers take the River Route. Eco-tourists will be thrilled by canopy top vistas, rafting and rappelling. In addition to the river and rainforest, guests can visit the archeological sites of Pomona and Reforma Mayan. You will be amazed by the flora and fauna of the Wetlands Route. There are over 500 species of plants and a wide variety of animal life that includes herons, crocodiles, manatees and turtles at the Centla Biosphere Reserve. The route also takes you to Frontera, the location of Spain’s first settlement on the American mainland. The Mountains Adventure Route takes guests into the highlands where they can explore caves, rappel and hike scenic trials. Visitors can enjoy swimming snorkeling or deep sea fishing at one of the many seaside resorts. You can relax and sample local dishes and watch the Zapateo and listen to the musical style of the Tamborileros, the area’s traditional dance and music.

Tabasco is a marvelous mix of culture, history and adventure waiting to be discovered.

Located in the south-eastern Aegean Sea between Kalymnos and Nisyros, the island of Kos, Greece is a beautiful and exciting place to visit. Full of history, culture, fun night life, shopping and dining opportunities, and relaxing beaches, Kos provides for a perfect island getaway.

Kos Island is the third largest island among the Dodecanese Islands of Greece. Since prehistoric times, Kos has provided an important channel of the sea from the Black Sea to North Africa and also happens to be the birthplace of the famous healer Hippocrates. There are numerous unique and beautiful villages in Kos in which to experience the culture and history of the island. Some of these villages include Zia, Kos Town, Antimachia, and Kardemena.

Kos Island enjoys a temperate, Mediterranean climate. Summers in Kos are normally hot and dry with very little rain. The winters are mild and there is plenty of sunshine and low humidity year-round.

There are over 20 spectacular and gorgeous beaches with crystal clear water and soft sand at which to enjoy some relaxing time in the warm sun. Many of the beaches have fine black sand, courtesy of the volcanic activity that has happened in and around the island over the years. Some beaches in the area of Kos include Mastichari, Thermes, Lambi, Marmari, and Paradise. Watersports, parasailing, snorkeling, and similar activities can be enjoyed at most of the beaches on Kos Island.

Opportunities to enjoy exciting night life on Kos Island are plentiful. Many types of music are featured at the various bars and clubs on the island and dancing is very popular, sometimes occurring all the way through the night and into the morning. The most popular spot to enjoy the night life is in the island’s capital of Kos Town.

When visiting Kos Island, Greece, be sure to check out the many interesting points of interest to further catch a glimpse of the history and culture of the area. Asklepieion is an archaeological site that was once a healing center in ancient times. Nerantzia Castle, or “Castle of the Knights”, is a castle that was built by the Knights of Saint John in the fourteenth century. Another great site to see is the amazingly well-preserved Roman Odeon, which is similar to the Colosseum from ancient Rome and was constructed in the second century BC.

The beautiful, green island of Samos is nestled among the Dodecanese Island group within the East Aegean Sea. This island paradise has long been known as a cultural center, home to some of the most well-known and respected philosophers and mathematicians. In mythology, Samos was the birthplace of Hera and a temple built in her honor stands proudly, serving as a place where visitors marvel at its size and stature. When traveling to Samos Island, be prepared to take in all of the finer aspects of life on one amazing and unforgettable journey.

Samos Island is home to many vineyards offering the finest locally made wines. Fragrant and sweet wine is one of the specialties of winemakers in the region, with some choices being Samos Nectar, Samos Vin Doux, even communion wine is made on the island of Samos. For wine lovers who prefer dry wine to its sweet counterparts, consider trying a Chrisi Samaina, or the dry rose Selana.

There are many fine bars and restaurants located along the seaside, waiting for hungry visitors to partake in their many specialties. For those seeking something casual and relaxed, traditional cafes and ouzeri are plentiful.

No matter the type of accommodations a traveler seeks, Samos Island has exactly what is desired. Samos is home to some breathtaking five star hotels, including the Proteas Blu Resort and the Doryssa Seaside Resort. Both of these hotels and many others on the island are modern and contemporary in design with the classic comforts Samos Island accommodations hold a fabulous reputation for.

From touring museums to wading in pristine waters on Mediterranean beaches, there are attractions to suit the interests of any Samos visitor. Hike through a cavern to see an historic monastery, take photographs of the temple of Hera, tour ancient ruins, and relax on the beautiful Tsamadu Beach.

The island of Samos is a very temperate and enjoyable vacation spot. Temperatures reach an average high of 89 degrees F in the heart of summer, and an average low of 43 degrees F in the cold month of February. For those traveling to Greece in the spring or fall, it is best to bring clothing for warm and cool weather, as the temperatures can be variable.