Matka Canyon was one of the few things I really wanted to do while in Skopje. This limestone gorge is easily reachable by public transportation from downtown Skopje and a perfect day trip destination for nature lovers. The walls above the canyon offers hiking trails and climbing. In the summer it’s also possible to kayak the Treska river.
Skopje, Macedonia’s capital, is having an identity crisis. And this is what you get.
7 Rila Lakes is a popular daytrip from Sofia, Bulgaria. Bundle it with a visit to the famous Rila Monastery for a full day of culture and outdoor adventures.
As a couple consisting of a vegetarian (reluctant pescaterian when traveling) and a picky eater, food is always a challenge when we travel. Especially here in Bulgaria where meat features heavily in local cuisine. Everywhere I look, everyone is gorging on meat. Big pieces of meat. As in, what-animal-does-that-come-from big (on this trip I learned: pig knuckle is HUGE).
“Koncheto” means “Small horse” in Bulgarian. The ridge is so narrow that you might have to traverse it like you’d ride a horse: on your butt.
Did you know this that in its pre-communist days, Bulgaria was one of the largest wine producers in the world? I certainly didn’t.
Bansko is a small town 2.5 hours south of Sofia. Located in a valley between 2 mountain ranges, it has a hot summer, and cold winter. Even though Bansko is mostly known as a ski resort, there’s plenty of outdoor things to do here in the summer.
Some people from the hostel told us that there’s a hiking trail that starts next to the police station in Kotor that goes to an abandoned fort in the forest. Abandoned fort? In a forest? Sign me up.
Kotor, Montenegro is one of my favorite small towns in Europe. How could you not love this place? The view from the hill top castle is as good as one can imagine.
Zadar has its own version of charms. It hasn’t been completely overrun by souvenir stores selling identical knick-knacks. Go a few blocks beyond the main street and I found tell tale signs of a ‘lived-in’ city: a city with offices, stationery stores, bookstores, and government buildings.
Few years ago I started a tradition where I give myself a plane ticket for my birthday present. I get to get where ever I want in the world. Alone. This time, I’m heading somewhere special and I won’t be alone.
Between Iceland’s scenery, quiet roads, and campground networks, I can’t think of a more perfect road trip destination than Iceland.