Things To Do Archives - The Canny Traveler https://thecannytraveler.com/category/things-to-do/ Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:52:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://thecannytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/The-Canny-Traveler-75x75.png Things To Do Archives - The Canny Traveler https://thecannytraveler.com/category/things-to-do/ 32 32 Local’s Guide to the 15 Best Things to Do in Barcelona https://thecannytraveler.com/locals-guide-to-the-15-best-things-to-do-in-barcelona/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=locals-guide-to-the-15-best-things-to-do-in-barcelona Sun, 22 Mar 2020 09:29:28 +0000 https://thecannytraveler.com/?p=525 A Mediterranean city bustling with life and character, open plazas, and quirky architecture, Barcelona stands out as one of Europe’s top cities. Beyond its energy, visitors fall for Barcelona’s artistic expression and way of life; bringing many visitors back time and time again. If you’re heading to this fantastic city, here are the best things to do in Barcelona from a local’s perspective. 1. Sit by the fountain in Plaça Reial Plaça Reial is arguably one of Barcelona’s most stunning squares. Its large rectangular shape, inviting palm trees, and excellent bars and restaurants already make it great, but it’s the fountain that stands out most. It’s a great spot to sit, have a snack, and take in life around you. 2. Take a boat ride in Parc de la Ciutadella Tucked in a shady spot of Parc de la Ciutadella, take a ride on a rowing boat through a pond alongside ducks and turtles. It’s only €6 for a 30-minute boat ride. Parc de la Ciutadella is also a great spot for a picnic or as a place to enjoy the life of the locals. You’ll see people doing yoga classes, practicing self-defense, hula hooping, playing guitar, and so much more. 3. Walk up Passeig de Gràcia One of Barcelona’s classiest streets with wide sidewalks, designer shopping, and Gaudí buildings like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, a walk up Passeig de Gràcia is one of the best things to do in Barcelona. 4. Take ride on the cable car from Barceloneta to Montjuïc Enjoy a uniquely scenic route from Barceloneta Beach to Montjuïc on an exciting cable car ride in Barcelona. Take in the Mediterranean, spot Sagrada Familia from afar, and arrive at the lovely hill of Montjuïc where you can spend the afternoon wandering around parks and soaking up more Barcelona views. 5. Take in the art scene Barcelona is one of Europe’s most artistic cities with world-class exhibitions, museums, and galleries. Visit the stunning Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya or see an impressive exhibition at the CCCB, which has put on Stanley Kubrick, Disney Behind the Scenes, and Mars exhibitions in recent years. 6. Drink sangria or vermut in a sunny plaza Add some delicious tapas and it makes for the perfect afternoon. The Spanish love their sangria and the Catalans love their vermut. Enjoy both on a trip to Barcelona! 7. Eat pinchos on Carrer de Blai Love pinchos and tapas? Head to Carrer de Blai. Get pinchos from €1, outdoor seating, and plenty of drinks to go around. 8. Take in the sunset at Bunkers A favorite among both locals and tourists: catching the sunset at Bunkers del Carmel. Once a bunker, this spot offers exquisite 360-degree views of Barcelona and the mountain town of Sant Cugat. Pack some snacks and a bottle of wine to complete the experience. 9. Wake up for a morning sunrise on Barceloneta Beach Early risers can take advantage of a peaceful morning in Barcelona and enjoy a picturesque sunrise of rhubarb and tangerine tones, rising over the sea. 10. Get lost in the Gothic Quarter Another one of the best things to do in Barcelona is explore the Gothic Quarter. This historical neighborhood is full of hidden gems, unique cafes, mesmerizing architecture, and quaint old streets. 11. Admire the details of the Barcelona Cathedral Also nestled in the Gothic Quarter, you’ll find the impressive Barcelona Cathedral standing tall and full of details. There’s often a vintage market and various activities going on in the plaza in front of it as well. 12. Stand in awe of Sagrada Familia Probably Barcelona’s most popular attraction, Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882 and it’s still not finished. But fear not, you can still enjoy the ever-advancing exterior views and even take a tour inside of this quirky masterpiece of a cathedral. 13. Hangout by MACBA Locals and skaters love to flock to the plaza by MACBA, which is Barcelona’s modern art museum. Here you’ll find gatherings of all sorts and skaters doing tricks. There’s also a number of nice cafes and bars around the plaza like La Rubia and Casa Almirall. 14. Have a drink in Barcelona’s oldest bar Visit the neighborhood of Raval and head to Barcelona’s oldest Bar Marsella. Not much has changed since Bar Marsella first opened in 1820. The style is traditional, you’ll see dusty bottles on the wall, and they still serve up absinthe as their most popular drink. 15. Catch an exciting live performance Barcelona is full of art and creativity, so there’s no shortage of entertainment in the Catalan capital. Whether you want to head to a local English comedy show or catch an impressive flamenco or performance at the Gran Teatre de Liceu, you can enjoy a variety of live performances in this exciting city. Conclusion We hope you’ve enjoyed this taste of Barcelona. Remember, whenever you travel to be safe, ensure you are equipped for the circumstance, and most of all enjoy some of the best things to do in Barcelona. Did you enjoy this article? Read more about Spain right here.

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]]> Best Things to Do in Scotland https://thecannytraveler.com/best-things-to-do-in-scotland/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-things-to-do-in-scotland Sun, 08 Mar 2020 12:40:00 +0000 https://thecannytraveler.com/?p=498 Navigating the cobbled streets of Edinburgh to wandering through mystical forests in the Highlands, this land of lochs and castles is a magnificent travel destination. Whether you’re into city life, history, or nature, Scotland has something for every type of visitor. This travel guide offers our choice tips of just a few of the best things to do in Scotland. Explore enchanting Edinburgh Edinburgh is much more than just Scotland’s capital. It’s a picturesque city packed full of history, beauty, and entertainment. Walk up the Royal Mile and listen to bagpipe players as you make your way up to the awe-inspiring Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy a short hike up Arthur’s Seat for inspiring views and don’t forget to check out the Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum—all for free! Other great things to see in Edinburgh: the colorful and hilly Victoria Street, Scott Monument, and the Garden of Cosmic Speculation. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Three Sisters of Glencoe Whether you prefer to rent a car or book a day tour, heading up to the Highlands to catch a glimpse of the beautiful Three Sisters mountains of Glencoe is a treat. You’ll learn about its rich history and folklore while soaking up its natural beauty. It’s easily one of the best things to see in Scotland. You’ll also have a chance to see Loch Lomond, sheep and Highland cattle, and quaint villages along this route. Spend some time on Isle of Skye A Scottish isle with more sheep than people is an ideal place to delve deep into Scotland’s extraordinary scenery. Explore the colorful village of Portree, visit the mystical Fairy Pools, and catch a glimpse of the Old Man of Storr, a fascinating rock formation that overlooks much of the isle. Act like a local in Glasgow Edinburgh may be the capital, but Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and it’s full of life, making it a great place to dive into the local scene. Enjoy the best shopping in the UK outside of London on busy Buchanan Street, check out the phenomenal Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and enjoy craft beer at Brewdog. Other fantastic things to do in Glasgow: Visit the treehouse-like pub Waxy O’Connor’s, check out the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis, and wander the beautiful botanical garden in the trendy west end. Enjoy whisky and live music in a traditional Scottish pub Did you really go to Scotland if you didn’t have a drink in a quaint, traditional pub as fiddlers cheerfully played in the corner? Visit The Pot Still in Glasgow, Sandy Bell’s in Edinburgh, and the Clachaig Inn in Glencoe for some of the best traditional pubs in Scotland. Visit the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most admired and recognized in Scotland. It’s a short journey away from Isle of Skye and is a must-visit castle on any trip to Scotland. Just be aware that you won’t be the only ones excited to get there so plan ahead if possible. As a bonus tip while enjoying the best things to do in Scotland take a short drive from Eilan Donan to Manuela’s Wee Bakery in Dornie. Take an isles tour and witness the magic of Fingal’s Cave Take a tour to explore some of Scotland’s remote islands on the west coast. This exciting tour leaves from the charming seaside town of Oban and takes visitors to three isles: Mull, Iona, and Staffa. Staffa is special for its beautiful hexagonal rock formation in a sea cave known as Fingal’s Cave. Though Staffa itself is uninhabited, it’s still one of the best things to see in Scotland for its miraculous natural beauty. Explore Inverness, the capital of the Highlands Take a scenic train ride or rent a car and head north to Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. It’s a beautiful small city offering amazing day trips to Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and more. Head to Hootananny for the best live music and drinks, wander through the Ness Islands, and check out Inverness Cathedral. Visit Culloden Battlefield if you love history History enthusiasts will enjoy a half day trip from Inverness to see Culloden Battlefield. The Battle of Culloden was the last confrontation of the Jacobite rising before suffering a brutal defeat against the Hanoverian Government in April of 1745. Follow the timeline as you make your way through the museum while enjoying interactive experiences and friendly staff members doing skits and telling stories from this dark period in Scottish history. Finally, you’ll make your way out to the battlefield where visitors can take an eerie stroll through the fields. Take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train Enjoy one of the world’s greatest train journeys as you journey from Fort William to Mallaig. You’ll pass Britain’s highest peak Ben Nevis and cross over the Glenfinnan Viaduct (made popular as part of the Hogwarts Express route in the Harry Potter films). You’ll also witness some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery during this 6-hour return journey. Final words We hope you’ve enjoyed this wee taste of some of the finest things Scotland has to offer. Stay tuned for more of the best things to do in Scotland coming soon.

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]]> Best Rock Climbing in the Greek Islands https://thecannytraveler.com/best-rock-climbing-in-the-greek-islands/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-rock-climbing-in-the-greek-islands Sun, 09 Feb 2020 09:59:07 +0000 https://thecannytraveler.com/?p=433 Rock climbing has become an increasingly popular sport in recent years for young and old alike. In fact, this surge in numbers is only expected to grow with the sport making its debut at the next Olympics. So sit back and enjoy as we explore some of the best rock climbing in the Greek islands. Apart from being fun and exciting, rock climbing is a great way to get a full body exercise while exploring some of the most scenic destinations in the world. While there are myriad epic slabs worth climbing tucked away in different parts of the world, Greece definitely comes in as a top spot for rock climbers for several reasons. Why Choose Greece For Your Next Climbing Adventure? Even after the aftermath of the 2007 global recession, Greece remains a top-tier tourist destination, offering an enchanting mix of the world’s greatest ancient monuments, a plethora of sugary-white beaches, and tantalizing food options. But that’s not all you can find here. This southeastern European country’s waterfalls, forests and peaks are just as paradisiacal, starting from the stunning peaks of the Central Macedonian to the breathtaking waterfalls across the north. On top of this, some of the locations that offer the best rock climbing in Greece are also regarded as some of the best epic climbing areas in the world. You can expect to enjoy a heady mixture of history, culture, and fantastic climbing challenges when you visit. Best Rock Climbing Spots: Greek Islands 1. Kalymnos This island has been inhabited since pre-Minoan times and even though it only spans 110 square km (43 sq. mi), it offers 3400+ routes which are easily accessible with a short hike or scooter. Most of the routes when climbing on Kalymnos feature tufas and are very steep. But there are also a multitude of pockets and tons of moderates on the lower angle grey limestone, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a variety of challenges. Route grades range between 5a to 9a (5.7 to 5.14d). Sport climbing in Kalymnos can be broken down into three main styles – extremely overhanging with blobs, slightly overhanging or vertically smooth with white and orange walls, and sharp grey slabs flourished with water packets. Getting to Kalymnos can be done by either flying directly to Kos from any major cities during the summer months up to November 1st or flying to Athens if making a longer journey. Athens, is perhaps one of the most underrated climbing areas, offering climbing experiences similar to Kalymnos and features the same type of tufa climbing that Kalymnos is known for. Mavrosouvala, a popular destination for hard climbing, should be on any climber’s to-do list. This amazing cave measures 50m high by 80m wide and is located just 45 km north of Athens. 2. Ikaria Another Greek island in the Aegean Sea located around 12-hour drive from Kalymnos and 16 hours from Athens, Ikaria is rich in stunning natural beauty, granite rock formations and diverse topography. Ikaria Island features around six crags including Droutsoulas, Platanopi, Maggano, and provides an ideal setting for expert and beginner rock climbers. Best Rock Climbing Spots: Hidden Gems If you want to venture out on a Greece rock climbing vacation surrounded by enriching culture and stunning natural beauty, here are two more legendary climbing settings. 1. Mount Olympus Mount Olympus is billed as the highest mountain in Greece and is home to 52 peaks exceeding 2000 meters. Designated as a protected nature park in Greece since 1938, the area is visited by thousands of visitors every year. Skolio (2,911m) is the second highest peak and is a great place for rock climbing along its north face. Other peaks such as Stefani and Mytikas are woven with routes that may be a bit challenging to climb. When you explore these peaks you will face scrambling loose rocks and additional obstacles. Naturally, safety is very important so be aware of your surroundings and carry extra gear such as a helmet, durable pants and jacket as well as a climbing rope and other safety gear. The best time to climb the peaks of Mount Olympus is during the summer. However, climbing near the end of the summer is not recommended given the possibility of torrential rain and hail arriving as early as August. With regards to price, it varies depending on operators, but tends to start as low as €150 for a three-day climb. And considering its jagged terrain and various inclines, Mount Olympus is a great option for climbers of all skill levels. 2. Vikos Gorge Set in the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece, the Vikos Gorge is listed as the world’s “deepest relative to its width”. It features mesmerizing beauty and is also a treat for bird lovers as well as offering a vast amount of unclimbed rock just waiting to be developed. The gorge is regarded as one of the most popular hiking destinations in Greece and consists of amazing limestone and dolomite formations. Crossing the canyon takes roughly six hours with the best time to visit is during the summer months. There are different rock climbing areas in and around the gorge geared towards both beginner and advanced climbers. Final words Kalymnos is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier rock climbing destinations and with good reason. But there are also many other locations in Greece worth climbing; the Meteora Rocks in central Greece as well as many unexplored possibilities on Crete. As the sport expands and becomes more popular, we are sure previously undiscovered locations will continue to be developed both on the mainland as well as the myriad of islands. We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief glimpse at what’s on offer for the best rock climbing in the Greek islands. Stay tuned for more!

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