The best hikes in Santorini

The best hikes in Santorini

Santorini is one of the most-visited places on Earth and certainly a favorite in Greece. As an island with so many glamorous things to do, the sweatier activities can be forgotten for more refined alternatives like perusing boutiques, sipping sunset cocktails, and savoring excellent dinners. Yet Santorini, the outer rim of an exploded volcano, has a fascinating geologic history that makes for breathtaking vistas and worthwhile hikes.

Santorini was once round

Photo: Andrew Mayovskyy/Shutterstock

Santorini, now a group of islands consisting of a crescent-shaped island with a few other nearby islands, was once a single, round island and home to a thriving civilization. This society was destroyed when the island, which was in fact the peak of a volcano, erupted nearly 4,000 years ago — leaving only the crater’s eastern edge.

The most dramatic effect of the eruption was the collapse of the center of the island, which left a bay in the middle that is called Caldera and created the steep cliffs for which the island is famous. It also formed two volcanic islands in the center of the caldera. Santorini today is an archipelago consisting of five islands.

There is a special energy here, and if you have a little extra of your own, you can enjoy the hikes that this beautiful island has to offer! Get your trainers (and cameras) ready for once in a lifetime views and some glamorous selfies if you’re social media inclined. Fira is the main town of Santorini, a great base for exploring too.

Fira to Skaros Rock — 40 minutes, 1.7 miles

Photo: Abdiefff/Shutterstock

This hike takes you from the main town of Santorini, Fira, to Skaros Rock, a formation that gently stands apart from the island, presenting panoramic views of Fira and its neighboring villages. With much of the hike taking place along the caldera, the crater’s rim, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views from up high. Walking uphill from Fira town, you will enjoy the trek through the neighboring Firostefani and into Imerovigli, the highest cliffside village of the island. It is from here that you can follow the path to Skaros rock and reflect on the beautiful journey that brought you here. Its proximity to Fira makes it a great hike to do early in the morning to catch the morning glow. Note that the hike distance here is written in one direction only.

Fira to Oia Village — 2.5 hours, moderate

Photo: SweetRiver/Shutterstock

This is a popular six-mile walk from Fira to Santorini’s most famous village, Oia. You start on roughly the same path as the one at Skaros rock. After stopping at Skaros rock, you continue on towards Oia. Keep hiking along the caldera through Imerovigli, admiring the exclusive resorts and infinity pools as you go. If you’ve gone in the late morning, then before you head out, consider picking up some snacks, such as spanakopita or tiropita — filo bread with spinach or cheese — from a local bakery in Fira. There are some scenic picnic spots, the first of which is at Agios Markos church at roughly the halfway mark. The next is at Panagia church just before you begin your descent into Oia. Both are painted in the characteristic bright white of the island, a gleaming against the backdrop of the blue sky.

Oia is a beautiful village, most famous for its blue-domed churches and sunset views. As sunset is the busiest time to visit, we suggest actually departing early from Fira and having breakfast in Oia, enjoying the quiet streets. Find Melenio Cafe for the best cheat meal view you will ever have. A public bus service to Fira is also available if you want to cheat a little further — and avoid the midday heat — for your return.

Nea Kameni Volcanic Island — 25 minutes, moderate

Photo: Santi Rodriguez/Shutterstock

Get a boat to Nea Kameni island in the center of the caldera and hike to the top of this volcano. Although technically active, there is no lava, and the small entrance fee ($2.15) ensures that it is monitored 24/7 for your safety. It’s a popular excursion, so you’ll find shared sailboat departures from Athinios port and the old port below Fira town every day. The hike to the top of this volcanic island is short but intense. Be sure you have proper shoes, as it is very rocky, and bring water — as there are no places to buy it on the island.

Since Nea Kameni’s highest point is well below that of the crater’s rim on the main island, take the opportunity to look back up at the many villages perched high atop the cliffs. It’s an impressive sight. Be sure to pack your swimming gear as there is also a stop off Paleo Kameni island for a swim in the warm springs, still heated by the magma deep underground. You will enter the water from the boat and swim towards the muddy water. Light-colored swimsuits and no jewelry are highly recommended as the sulfur will stain.

588 Steps to Fira Town — 20 minutes, tiring

Photo: l.lika/Shutterstock

Arriving back at the old port from Nea Kameni, you will have a couple of options for your return to Fira town above. A cable car donated by the Nomikos family costs only $6.50 and will get you up to Fira main town in only three minutes. Alternatively, you can hike up the 588 zig-zagging steps that link to Fira town above. A grueling task, as they are the same stairs that the donkeys frequent daily, and just a little bit more difficult because of how long each individual step is. Conveniently, at step 588 (yes they have numbers painted on them!) there are two gelato shops to treat yo’ self!

Santa Maria Church — 25 minutes, easy

Photo: Aerial-motion/Shutterstock

Perissa village is one of many volcanic sand beaches on the coastline of Santorini. It is a hub for travelers and a quieter refuge compared to the hustle in Fira town. With the mountain of Profits Ilias to your left, it towers over Perissa and creates a magical setting. Hike from the beach to the church of Santa Maria for an even better view. Nestled in a cliff, presenting the most amazing view below for those who make the journey. It is a short hike up but so worth sitting in the shade to look down at the stretch of black sand below. Upon your descent, dive into the waters below to cool off and enjoy a smoothie at one of the many cafes.

More like this: From Athens to the home of the gods: hiking Mount Olympus

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Snow kayaking in Sweden

Snow kayaking in Sweden

With each methodical stroke, your sea kayak glides across the dark water. It’s December on the west coast of Sweden, and movement on the water is limited to a few fishing boats and the occasional ferry spotted off in the distance. You and your guides have the waterway to yourselves.

During the summer months, these waterways bustle with activity as tourists and locals flock to the coast to enjoy the long, sun-filled days. In winter, though, the population of many of these towns declines precipitously, as many of the colorful houses are vacation homes that will sit empty until spring. You’re left with a uniquely desolate landscape, interrupted only by the occasional small coastal village with vibrant houses in red or yellow that have become characteristic of Nordic countries. If it’s snowy solitude on the water you’re after, a wintertime kayak trip off the coast of Gothenburg to its surrounding islands is the perfect place to find it.

What makes this section of Sweden so unique

Photo: David Hunault/Shutterstock

Sweden’s coast consists of over 200,000 islands. Only a fraction of these isles are inhabited; the rest are a vivid reminder of the ruggedness of this Nordic country. The region that comprises much of the western coast between Gothenburg and Norway is called Bohuslän. It’s marked by a rocky coastline protected by a plethora of largely bald islands that rise above the sea.

Sweden lacks the abundance of fjords of its western neighbor, though those they do have shaped the development of the country’s western coast. The geologic history and look and feel of the landscape date back to the Ice Age, which left hundreds of inland lakes and coastal islands as the giant sheets of ice retreated northward. More recently, Vikings roamed these coastal waterways.

Today, most visitors might opt for a summer trip on the water. But in winter, the cold air heightens your senses as you paddle, and the only company you’ll have nearby seals searching the waters below them for their next meal. You’ll savor the solitude and enjoy the entire coastline largely to yourself.

Arriving at the shore

Photo: David Thyberg/Shutterstock

As a seasoned kayaker, I’ve paddled some of the most rugged and remote stretches around the globe — and the west coast of Sweden has been beckoning me for years. The western coast of Sweden can be easily reached by flying into Gothenburg (Göteborg), the country’s second-largest city. The northward drive from Gothenburg to the rocky island of Skaftö, reachable via bridge, takes less than two hours. When I arrive, the day is overcast and, although it’s mid-afternoon, the sun is just beginning to dip below the horizon. Knowing that I’ll be meeting my guide early the following morning, I take time to enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening along the Swedish coastline.

The Slipens Hotel serves as a veritable oasis from the frigid air outside, where temperatures typically hover in the mid-to-upper 30s from December through March. It’s located at the water’s edge, and each room has been created as a tribute to the colorful individuals that have called this island home. Rooms start at 1,295 Swedish krona, or about $133.

Setting out

Balanspunkten

In the morning, I arrive to meet Christina Ingemarsdotter, my guide and the owner of the Grundsund Kayak Center (Balanspunkten). She quickly invites me inside where we sit down over hot tea to discuss my kayaking experience and our plan for the next two days. As trip plans are outlined, the overcast skies outside give way to a misty rainfall. No worries, I’m assured, as this is winter in Sweden after all.

I had been instructed to pack an overnight bag with essentials (interpreted as dry clothes and toiletries) for our trip. I quickly stash these items into a dry bag that would be placed inside of a sealed hatch while on the water. All attention then turns to final preparations before heading to the put-in. I don my merino wool base layers and opt to wear two pairs of wool socks. I slip into my drysuit and zipped the waterproof closure. We are now ready to begin our trip on the water. After sliding into the cockpits of our kayaks and attaching our sprayskirts, we paddle out of the protected marina, now us against the elements for the next two days.

While it’s possible to paddle in the slightly protected areas behind the rocky islands, our more experienced group takes the opportunity to skirt along the western coast of the archipelago where there’s little protection from the wind and waves. As we round the island of Härmanö, we navigate our kayaks between the breakers towards the backside of the island. Once there, we come ashore in a protected area for lunch and a reprieve from the wind. This stretch of the trip has taken much of the morning and, given the weather has proven to be a good exercise, even for the seasoned paddlers in our group.

If you come, gauge the abilities of those you’re traveling with before making the decision to leave the protected spaces. Your guide will address this during the pre-trip meeting and assist with planning a route that makes everyone happy without pushing them too far.

A warm welcome on the island of Orust

Balanspunkten

Once back into our kayaks after lunch, we begin the final stretch for the day, which will take us to our luxury accommodations for the night. This warrants an explanation. While it’s possible to camp at the end of each day — something you might do in a warm-weather kayaking excursion — winter kayaking can be especially brutal as the cold seeks to thwart you with each stroke. And while you’re encased in a dry suit and enveloped in warm base layers, you’re still spending hours breathing in the crisp, icy air and surrounded by cold water. A thermal chill seems to permeate through all of your protective covering. It can be physically draining and makes a warm bed sound all that much better.

Therefore, I’ve opted for a little bit of comfort to go along with kayaking through this intense landscape. I’m still paddling solo — and you would be expected to do the same. The “luxury” aspect entails only the accommodations that await us at the end of our five-hour paddle.

Balanspunkten

Darkness is just beginning to descend as we paddle toward the distant coast. As the sunlight fades behind us, we can make out the faint flickering of a bonfire on the beach ahead, the light from the fire acting as a lighthouse calling us in. Our kayaks glide through the shallow water and onto the beach where we are warmly greeted by the owners of Lådfabriken.

Located on Orust, one of Sweden’s largest islands, Lådfabriken, translates as “the fish box factory,” is a boutique, eclectic bed and breakfast that engages all of the senses. The owners, Johan Buskqvist and Marcel van der Eng, have rebuilt and renovated the former factory in a labor of love that is evident in both its exterior and impressive interior details. After our long day on the water, nothing sounds better than a home-cooked meal. The lodge serves a three-course seasonal menu built around seafood from lobster to oysters to crayfish, depending on the month in which you stay. Rooms start at 1,600 krona per night, or about $165.

Continuing on to Grundsund

Balanspunkten

After a body-warming breakfast the following morning, we suit up and descend back to the beach, where we bid farewell to our hosts and begin our migration back to Grundsund. The paddle back takes us north around the more protected side of the archipelago, where several small villages are located. A tall church steeple is likely to be the first recognizable feature you’ll see in these small villages, as it’s typically situated at the high point of the landscape and in the center of each settlement. We pass along the village of Gullholmen, its coast dotted with red and white traditional homes that evoked a sense of timelessness.

Our journey comes to a close as we reach the historic Grundsund Harbor en route to the marina where we had departed the previous morning. I’m already thinking about coming back, perhaps for a longer trip — as kayak guided adventures here can take as long as an entire week.

What to wear

Balanspunkten

Kayaking in winter has its rewards, though they can come at a hefty price if you aren’t dressed appropriately for the conditions. Fortunately, your guide will outfit you with a dry suit that will prevent any water from entering its tight-fitting gaskets around your neck and wrists. Your feet are encapsulated within the suit itself. While the suit will prevent water from coming into contact with your skin, it’s important to wear thermal base layers under the suit to provide warmth from the air and from the cold water below the kayak. Whether you prefer synthetic or wool, this layer (or layers) is as essential to a successful outing as the drysuit. In addition to the drysuit and base layers, it’s important to wear, or at least to have readily accessible, a wool hat. Gloves and water shoes are also provided by the guide.

More like this: The 7 most beautiful places to go kayaking in New Zealand

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Fountain Raises $23 Million for Hospitality Recruitment: Travel Startup Funding This Week

Fountain Raises $23 Million for Hospitality Recruitment: Travel Startup Funding This Week

Shown here is Keith Ryu, CEO and co-founder of Fountain, a hospitality recruitment startup that has raised additional funding. Fountain

Skift Take: This week, travel startups announced more than $437 million in funding. Blockchain-based identify management, hospitality worker recruitment, airline distribution, attractions ticketing, and short-term rental property management were some of the hot concepts attracting investors.

— Sean O'Neill

Read the Complete Story On Skift

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Skyscanner Wants to Be Instagram-Like in Selling Flights

Skyscanner Wants to Be Instagram-Like in Selling Flights

An image of Skyscanner's mobile app after the September 2019 rebranding of the company. Skyscanner

Skift Take: We can shop for TVs and clothes on our phone, but booking flights remains stubbornly old school. Skyscanner is one of a few online players working with airlines to fix that.

— Sean O'Neill

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/skyscanner-wants-to-be-instagram-like-in-selling-flights/

Intrepid Travel stops elephant rides

Intrepid Travel stops elephant rides

Animal welfare is increasingly top of mind for modern travelers not wanting to see their tourism dollars used for exploitative profit. In Southeast Asia, elephant riding has taken center stage. Reports of “elephant breaking,” the violent process of taming and domesticating an elephant for commercial use, made their way to the public eye in 2014 following research conducted by World Animal Protection and other welfare agencies, prompting international outcry from the mainstream media, travel sites, and even some tour operators, including Intrepid Travel.

Intrepid removed elephant rides from its roster of tours in 2014, joining and inspiring over 200 businesses that have done the same. Prior to 2014, Intrepid included elephant rides on certain tours in Thailand but stopped doing so after a report from the WAF. Co-founder Geoff Manchester speaks to why his views on elephant riding have changed over time and what inspired the brand to take a firm stance against the activity.

How did the partnership with World Animal Protection come to be?

About five years ago, Southeast Asia was our most popular travel destination, with elephant rides being a major allure for travelers. Although it was often portrayed as ethical and fostering connection between humans and animals, the commodity was based more on the income potential, and the ethics became increasingly blurred. Through our not-for-profit The Intrepid Foundation, we decided to partner with World Animal Protection to investigate whether these venues were sustainably run or were unethically operated. What we saw through the research was that elephants were being captured, beaten and broken, and although they claimed to adhere to animal welfare practices, most venues weren’t following the simplest guidelines. Putting our purpose ethos before our profit, we knew that we had to ban elephant rides on all our tours, making us the first global tour operator to do so. Since then, more than 200 businesses have followed suit.

Photo: LAMBERTO JESUS/Shutterstock

The movement to ban elephant rides has catapulted into the mainstream in recent years. Was there a tipping point where you noticed a cultural shift?

Like many global movements, it often takes one trusted person or business to take a stance, then others follow. Since the World Animal Protection research that Intrepid funded, there’s been a global movement that presented itself in all forms of media. Humans have always had an emotional connection to animals, especially the ill-treatment of animals, and once they were informed about the horrific breaking of elephants so that travelers can ride on them, the media helped connect people from all around the world to the cause, and from there it’s become a much more well-known issue. As people around the world become more socially and ethically conscious, more people are now aware of and firmly against riding elephants. We’re so thankful to be part of the cultural shift toward protecting and rehabilitating elephants.

What alternative activities should travelers consider?

I encourage travelers to visit ethical animal sanctuaries or safari through the wilderness, watching the majestic elephant in its natural habitat. Having led tours myself that included elephant rides to now having visited elephant sanctuaries as an alternative, I’ve seen firsthand the power of connecting with a rehabilitated elephant from afar. There’s a surreal connection when you gaze into an elephant’s eyes, especially one who’s been rescued from captivity. I highly recommend Intrepid Travel’s Thailand and Laos Adventure and Highlights of Thailand tours, both of which allow you to witness elephants roaming in their natural habitat. Additionally, on Intrepid’s Sri Lanka Expedition: Wilderness & Wildlife expedition, you can visit Project Orange Elephant, an organization run by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society. SLWCS encourages more sustainable farming practices to help wildlife and humans coexist peacefully.

When did your opinion change on elephant riding? What was it that did it for you?

Intrepid Travel’s first tours, 30 years ago, which were led by me, brought small groups of travelers to Southeast Asia, with the most popular attraction being elephant rides. Over time, it became obvious to me and many others in our business that people were capitalizing on elephants as attractions. Slowly, I became suspicious of the attraction and World Animal Protection’s research was undeniable — elephants were suffering at the expense of travelers. It was at this moment that we all agreed to remove all elephant rides from our tours. Instead of reprimanding ourselves for the past, we wanted to ensure that all our travelers were helping to protect and support the rehabilitation of elephants from then on.

Is abstaining from activities like elephant riding enough? Or should the traveler and tour provider be doing more to support animal welfare in the places they visit?

Abstaining from elephant rides is a huge step in protecting the beautiful mammal. As a business that focuses on giving back to the places we visit, we always encourage travelers to go a step further and support animal welfare projects. Through our not-for-profit, travelers can donate to many projects that protect, rescue, and rehabilitate elephants and other wildlife. Intrepid matches all donations dollar-for-dollar and pays the administration fees, doubling each donation’s impact. We also encourage travelers to become advocates for animal welfare, like sharing their safari and animal sanctuary images on social media so their friends and family become interested in learning about more ethical experiences.

What can a traveler do to support animal welfare in the places they visit?

Aside from visiting ethical animal sanctuaries or traveling to see them in the wild, if you want to double your impact, donate to reputable not-for-profit organizations like The Intrepid Foundation. The Intrepid Foundation works with local NGOs like Friends of the Asian Elephant to provide funds for elephant rehabilitation. In the 15 years since we began supporting this project, our travelers have donated nearly 150,000 Australian dollars ($101,000) to the project, which is matched dollar-for-dollar by Intrepid Travel to provide funds that have treated more than 4,500 sick or injured elephants.

More like this: How to have an ethical camel riding experience

The post How this major tour company changed the elephant riding industry forever appeared first on Matador Network.

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/intrepid-travel-stops-elephant-rides/

Best things to do in Izmir, Turkey

Best things to do in Izmir, Turkey

While Istanbul is rightly lauded for its rich history and culture, the Turkish capital shouldn’t be the only city you visit in this vast and fascinating country. The city of Izmir, on a bay in the Aegean Sea, is an excellent place to base yourself if you’re planning to visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus, explore Turkey’s wine and olive region, or get to know the beaches and thermal spas of the Cesme Peninsula. The most liberal city in Turkey beckons with an easy-going approach to life yet receives few foreign visitors. Here’s what you need to know about Izmir and its surrounding attractions.

Izmir is the most laid-back city in Turkey.

Photo: Denizce/Shutterstock

“Everyone in Istanbul and Ankara wants to retire in Izmir,” or so I was told by Ayça Kesici, an Izmir native and award-winning tour guide. With a population exceeding four million, Izmir is a sizeable city, but it offers a relaxed pace of life and easy access to the outdoors, Ayça told us. In just 15 minutes, you can be hiking in a pine forest, while in 30 minutes you can be swimming in the Mediterranean.

Izmir itself is situated on the shores of a beautiful bay. While you wouldn’t necessarily want to swim in that busy body of water, the sea views are lovely, and you can always grab dinner at an outdoor restaurant near the shore. On a summer night, those restaurants will be buzzing with diners until late into the evening, tables laden with grilled fish and small meze plates and locally produced wine flowing. On a warm August evening, you might find the women wearing skinny jeans and summery shirts that reveal their shoulders.

If summery attire and free-flowing wine doesn’t gibe with your image of Turkey as a Muslim country, you should know that Turkey also has a very liberal, secular side. While you’ll find neighborhoods in Istanbul as edgy as those in other big European cities, Izmiris will tell you their home is the most progressive of Turkey’s cities. As a port city, Izmir has long been open to influences from countries around the Mediterranean.

During the Ottoman Empire, Europeans came from Venice, southern France, and further afield to work in various industries and technical roles. In Izmir, these Christian expats became known as the Levantine Izmiris, and the business success of many of them can be seen in the so-called “Levantine Mansions” of Izmir today. Some of Izmir’s top industries are still run by the descendents of these western Levantines, and they continue to imbue the city with a more cosmopolitan worldview.

While a century ago Muslims were in the minority, today Izmir — like the rest of Turkey — is predominantly Muslim. Yet it retains its Christian Levantines and a small Jewish population of less than three thousand.

Turkey’s fashion and fruit capital

Photo: Esin Deniz/Shutterstock

Calling Izmir the Milan of Turkey, as I heard while there, may be a stretch, but it is the textile capital of the country. You’ve probably seen “Made in Turkey” on a clothing label or two; if so, it likely came from Izmir, where companies like Hugo Boss produce a quarter of their clothing. On the fashion designer side, Izmir is known as the bride capital of Turkey. In the downtown area, you may see shop after shop selling very sparkly white wedding dresses.

Much of the cotton for the textiles grows in the Menderes, or Meander, Valley behind Izmir. Running through the valley is the Menderes river, called the Meander River in English, and the source of the English word “meander” for the odd way it loops across the valley floor. Beyond cotton, the region is home to many vineyards and some of the best wines in Turkey.

The Meander Valley is one of the most fertile regions of Turkey. You’ll see the silver-green hued leaves of olive trees, whose fruits produce fragrant, top-quality olive oil, as well as groves of orange, apple, tangerine, quince, fig, pomegranate, peach, apricot, plum, and almond trees. Melons and watermelons also grow in the vines of the valley’s rich soil. Raisins, prunes, dried apricots, dried figs, sun-dried tomatoes, and peppers are also big Izmiri exports.

What this means for you as a visitor, beyond tasty food, is the possibility to go on wine and olive tours, for one. More significantly, the richness of this valley — and its proximity to the Mediterranean — means that the region was a favored destination for civilizations thousands of years ago. And Izmir is a great jumping off point to visit the ruins of at least one of these ancient civilizations.

Culture within and near to Izmir

Photo: Resul Muslu/Shutterstock

Before you head out of Izmir to see the remnants of those ancient cultures, you should visit its present cultural center. Head to Konak Square, Izmir’s cultural center and home to the 1901 clock tower that is the symbol of the city. Nearby is the Yali Mosque, the Izmir State Opera and Ballet, and the Archeology Museum of Izmir, which has artifacts from as far back as five millennia ago. You’re also close to İzmir’s major market district, called Kemeralti, a massive bazaar where you could spend hours shopping, haggling, and just absorbing the sights and smells. You’ll find seafood restaurants near there as well.

A 20-minute walk north along the waterfront from Konak Square leads you to the lovely white building of the French Honorary Consulate. There, you’ll find the Arkas Art Museum. It was established to show the art collection of Lucien Arkas, a Levantine Izmiri industrialist whose ancestors came from Marseilles, France. In addition to classic works, the museum features excellent rotating exhibitions, as well.

About 45 minutes south of town is the Key Museum, a gallery with completely different works of art from the Arkas Gallery. Created by two sons of the Izmiri business tycoon Erdogan Özgörkey, the museum is a 75,000-square-foot space filled with mind-blowing automotive vehicles — from the first models of Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Cadillac to motorcycles and a collection of over 2,500 model cars. Even if you thought you weren’t into cars, this ode to one of humanity’s most influential (for better or worse) inventions will make an impression.

The ancient city of Ephesus

Photo: S-F/Shutterstock

The Key Museum is on the way to Ephesus, a remarkable place that is the reason many travelers come to Izmir at all. Ephesus was an ancient Greek city that came under the rule of Roman governors in the first century BC. It continued to grow until it became the biggest Roman city in Asia Minor, with estimates putting the population between 200,000 and 400,000 residents. Ephesus had a library that was the third largest in the world at the time, a coliseum that could fit 25,000 people, a glorious temple, statues, open air markets, heating and plumbing, and attractive housing for its wealthier residents.

All that is visible in Ephesus today. You can walk down the market gallery where vendors sold their wares to locals and visitors. You can see the backgammon boards built into tables, where the merchants whiled away the hours. You can head to the wealthy hillside homes and tread on walking paths built above them. You’ll marvel at the lay-outs of the rooms, the shopping lists carved onto tablets in the kitchens, the doodles etched into the walls of kids’ rooms two thousand years ago.

While Ephesus once housed an impressive Temple of Artemis, and thereafter turned its attention to the Roman Gods, it later became an important center for the growing Christian religion. The apostle John spent his last years in the area, and he may have written the Gospel of John in Ephesus.

Give yourself plenty of time to see Ephesus, and tour it with a knowledgeable guide if you can. We were fortunate that Ayça’s schooling and early work were in archeology, and she helped make tangible the lives of the ancient Romans who once walked Ephesus’s streets. After marveling at the ancient metropolis, head to the Ephesus Archeological Museum in nearby Selcuk. You’ll be able to see more of the richness of the ancient city, and learn a bit more about its Greek and Roman cultures.

Wine and olive tours

Photo: ibrahim kavus/Shutterstock

Half of all the wine produced in Turkey is from the Aegean region around Izmir. If you’ve spent the morning in Ephesus, on your way back to Izmir you could stop at Lucien Arkas Vineyards. They’ve established Tukey’s largest organic vineyard on a single area of land, cultivating native varietals and many brought from other regions. In the tasting room, you’ll understand why their wines have won awards and accolades. You could also stay for dinner in the winery’s excellent restaurant.

The wine region of Urla is in the opposite direction, due west from Izmir. Among the wineries to visit there are Usca Winery and Urlice Vineyards, where you can also stop for lunch and wood-oven-fired pizzas. The Urla region is also a big producer of olive oil, and you could spend an entire day here focusing on wine and olives.

Photo: Cem OZER/Shutterstock

In fact, the Kostem Zeytinyagi Museum in Urla is the world’s largest museum dedicated to olive oil. It’s a fascinating look into the cultivation and production of olive oil, an essential ingredient in some of the best cuisines in the world. You’ll see ancient olive presses and learn how olive oil has been produced and stored throughout history. Kostem runs an organic olive farm and works to educate the community about environmental issues. You can taste olives and olive oils, peruse the shop with every olive oil product imaginable, or stop for a bite at the on-site restaurant and cafe.

The Cesme Peninsula

Photo: firatdelan/Shutterstock

The Urla region is on the Cesme Peninsula, which is a popular resort area for Izmiris. At the tip of the peninsula is the town of Cesme, just an hour’s drive from Izmir. The town itself, decorated with a 500-year-old fortress overlooking the water, is packed with great places to shop and waterside restaurants. You can drive to over a dozen nearby beaches like Ilica and Altinkum, each with its own vibe.

Because of the peninsula’s many coves, you’ll find diverse wind and swell conditions; while some beaches are calm and perfect for small kids or swimmers, windier beaches can be packed with windsurfers in the afternoon. Yet others even have enough waves to surf on. Cesme is also famous for its hot springs, which were considered to have healing properties, and a handful of hotel spas are still centered on its thermal springs and mud baths.

More like this: Turkey has the best breakfast in the world, and it’s not even close

The post On your next trip to Turkey, get out of Istanbul and head to Izmir appeared first on Matador Network.

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/best-things-to-do-in-izmir-turkey/

Travel Leaders Group’s Goal for UK Growth and 5 Other Top Digital Stories This Week

Travel Leaders Group’s Goal for UK Growth and 5 Other Top Digital Stories This Week

Barrhead Travels is offering holiday vacation packages to destinations like Pierre & Vacances Village Club Fuerteventura Origo Mare in Las Palmas, Spain, from the UK. Barrhead Travel

Skift Take: This week in digital, Travel Leaders Group has a goal to fill the void left behind following the demise of Thomas Cook. Meanwhile, hotel chain Selina is competing against WeWork in Latin America with networking.

— Jasmine Ganaishlal

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Harry Potter’s house is on Airbnb

Harry Potter’s house is on Airbnb

Harry Potter hardly spent any time in his childhood home, and his one notable experience there wasn’t exactly pleasant, but a trip to the Potter residence in Godric’s Hollow is a must for any true Potter fan. The De Vere House in Lavenham, England, served as Harry’s childhood home in the films, and now it’s available for rent on Airbnb for just $142 per night. But don’t come here expecting a Harry Potter museum. Although it’s just a normal lodging that typically functions as a bed and breakfast, Potter fans will find more magic in the place than the hapless muggle.

Photo: Airbnb

According to the listing, the De Vere House has two four-poster bedrooms both with en suite bathrooms, TV, WiFi internet access, private guest sitting room with log fire and courtyard garden,” and comes with a full English breakfast.

Photo: Airbnb

While not exactly Godric’s Hollow, the town of Lavenham is described as “Britain’s finest medieval village (with over 300 protected heritage properties and appearing as Godric’s Hollow in the Harry Potter films). De Vere House is located in the centre of this pretty village and itself offers a wealth of history as well as comfortable accommodation.”

Photo: Airbnb

As of right now, booking is available for select weekend dates through January, with weekdays opening up starting in February.

More like this: 18 real-life places every Harry Potter fan needs to visit

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Sea to Sky Highway highlights in BC

Sea to Sky Highway highlights in BC

You may have seen the sights in Vancouver and skied in Whistler traveling the photogenic Sea to Sky Highway — but, if you’re like too many travelers, you may have never stopped to take in the sights along the way. Or you haven’t made it past Whistler to experience the wilderness due north.

British Columbia’s Coast Mountains are a beautiful region to explore and are quite accessible from the Sea to Sky Highway that runs from Horseshoe Bay through Squamish to the charming town of Pemberton — traversing some of the most stunning terrain in Canada. Here are some of the best-kept, and not-so-well-kept, secrets along the Sea to Sky, including rustic hot springs, hiking trails leading to pristine lakes and mountain huts, and waterfalls that take your breath away.

1. Shannon Falls

Photo: Ravi Natarajan/Shutterstock

If you’re a frequent visitor to Squamish or Whistler, you’ve driven past Shannon Falls Provincial Park numerous times. The park is just over a mile outside of Squamish and is home to the third-highest waterfall in the province, which cascades down nearly 1,100 feet. The falls are reachable from the main parking area, the Sea to Sky Gondola lot, and the Stawamus Chief lot. After a short half-mile hike in you’re at the falls. Take some time to scramble about in the boulders near the base, where you can witness the thundering falls in all of their glory. Accessible at pretty much every point during the year, Shannon Falls is an excellent detour while on your way through Squamish.

2. Stawamus Chief

Photo: Rowan Sims Photography/Shutterstock

Some gritty folks might enjoy a trip up to Stawamus Chief for the sheer challenge of it. For the rest of us, the grind is fortunately rewarded with sweeping views of Squamish, the waters of Howe Sound, and the stunning peaks of the Coast Mountains. Standing at the summit of The Chief gives a great sense as to why the Sea to Sky Highway is named as such.

The hike to the first peak takes about 90 minutes and is largely on wooden stairs. On the way up, take note of the brightly streaked orange and red rock to your left, with moss crawling in the crevices and water dripping from the forest above. Once you’ve cleared the stairs, you will find the forest opening up to reveal the solid granite beneath your feet. This granite monolith is one of the largest in the world, attracting rock climbers from across North America.

The overall elevation gain is about 1,600 feet to the first peak, which is where the majority of people turn back. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can choose to summit the second and third peaks, which top out at 1,940 feet and 2,070 feet, respectively.

The Stawamus Chief parking is just a mile and a half from the Squamish historic center. Afterward, you can reward your hard work with a stop at Sunny Chibas in Squamish. Formerly known as Mag’s 99, Sunny Chibas is sure to satisfy by carrying on the Mag’s 99 legacy of fried chicken and Mexican food. The brightly painted eatery is easy to spot from the highway and never fails to disappoint. Our recommended order is a two-piece Chiba pack and the crispy corn fish tacos. You’d be surprised how well the two pair together. While the lines can be long, the wait is worth it.

3. Elfin Lakes

Photo: Dan Breckwoldt/Shutterstock

This hike to Elfin Lakes is not one of the better secrets of the region, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth a visit. The six-mile trail starts at the end of the Diamond Head parking lot, which is a one hour and 30-minute drive north from Vancouver (or about an hour south of Whistler). Without stopping, you could get to the lake and back in about five hours — but you’ll want to stop and picnic by the lakes.

The trail is moderate and is suitable for families willing to take on the challenge. The first part of it winds along an old road through the forest, which eventually rises to the Red Heather Meadows shelter. Continuing on from there, the forest gives way to vibrant subalpine meadows beneath the imposing figures of the surrounding mountains. After continuing along the ridge for a while, the trail dips back down to end at Elfin Lakes.

There is a shelter nestled in between a few trees between the two lakes, and tent pads are available for those looking to make the trip an overnight endeavor. The views from the lakes are absolutely stunning, showing off the striking character of the Coast Mountains. If you complete the hike in September or October, the crisp bite of fall will be in the air, and snow will have dusted the surrounding peaks. Even if you don’t picnic, at least bring a thermos of hot chocolate to sip next to the lakes and take a moment to wonder how you got so lucky.

4. T’sek Hot Springs

Photo: Tatjana Stone

Previously known as the Skookumchuk hot springs, the T’sek Hot Springs is an easy day trip from Whistler (one hour and 45 minutes) and a slightly longer one from Vancouver (three and hours 15 minutes). The hot springs are accessible via In-SHUCK-ch Forest Service Road (FSR), which ties into the Sea to Sky about 11 miles outside of Pemberton. Taking the FSR for 30 miles will bring you to the T’sek campground and springs. The road is usually in pretty good shape and is driveable in all seasons, but caution should be used following heavy snowfall in the area.

Along the way, there are several notable sights. At the southern end of Lillooet Lake, the formidable mountain In-SHUCK-Ch — also known as Gunsight Peak for the distinctive notch at its summit — dominates the skyline and inspires a sense of awe. Later along the road, to your right as you’re headed to the springs, is a rather curious cemetery. Aptly titled “Graveyard” on the arch over the entrance, it is where several generations of families who settled in the area have been laid to rest.

Once you arrive at the T’sek springs themselves, you will find sites available for camping as well as a day-use parking area. The hot springs are sacred to the In-SHUCK-ch and St’át’imc people, and as such, proper respect should be afforded when visiting them. Alcohol and glass are strictly prohibited while using the springs. There are fees associated for both day and overnight use, but they are very reasonable at $5.70 per adult for the day or $7.50 per vehicle per night. There are 12 tubs available in total, many of which allow for temperature control. The overall ambience of the hot springs is one of peace and serenity. A strong sense of connection with nature and the land is found by those who are willing to seek it during their visit.

5. Mount Brew hike (or ski tour)

Photo: Tatjana Stone

Mount Brew is located about 11 miles southwest of Whistler. Leaving from downtown Vancouver, take Highway 99 North for about one hour and 15 minutes to Chance Creek Forest Service Road. Take a left here and follow the road for one mile until you reach a large switchback heading up to the left. There are some facilities at this point that are used by a local cat skiing company in the winter. If you’re hiking in the summer, you’re good to drive on another 0.9 miles, taking a right at the fork. In the winter, you will likely have to park at the bottom of the switchback and gear up. The trail starts off the R200 Branch of the Roe Creek Road in the middle of a cut-block.

The trail meanders around the ridge along a bench, dipping in and out of the forest. Eventually, the trail opens up into meadows just south of Brew Lake. From the meadows, the trail heads up into the alpine and winds through the boulder fields. Continuing past Upper Brew Lake, the trail heads towards the saddle of the bowl. At this point, Brew Hut is only a few hundred feet more up the ridge.

If you’d like to stay the night, the UBC Varsity Outdoor Club (VOC) maintains a hut that is available to the public just south of Mount Brew. You can stay in the hut for a fee of $7.60 per night, which can be paid in the box inside of the hut. The money that is collected is used by the VOC for hut maintenance.

If you’re just up for a quick single-day jaunt, then continue up the ridge toward the summit of Mount Brew. There is no marked trail here, but in conditions with good visibility, the route is easy to navigate. On your way back down, consider taking a dip in Brew Lake. Though a bit shallow and muddy along the shore, it’s good for swimming in the summer. The best spot to hop in is right near the outlet of the lake where it pours into Brandywine Falls.

More like this: Best hikes around Vancouver and Vancouver Island

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