These 15 images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest will grow on you
Go to Source
Author:
These 15 Remarkable Photographs of China Will Transport You Halfway Across the World
It’s as beautiful as it is historical. See the old, new and much of what’s in between in China
Go to Source
Author:
Third Places Are Being Reimagined—and Welcoming Travelers in the Process
Outside of home and work, spaces like parks, food halls and libraries are stepping up with social offerings
Go to Source
Author:
In Belize, Maya Descendants Are Reviving an Ancient, Sacred Ballgame
A movement is underway to make pok-ta-pok, the world’s oldest team ballgame, the national sport
Go to Source
Author:
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Postal Service With These 15 Photographs
These shots from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest are truly a dream delivery
Go to Source
Author:
The Centuries-Old Abandoned Farmhouses of Puglia Are Having a Renaissance Moment
Supporting sustainability and local economies, these out-of-the-way structures known as masserie are offering a new type of rustic luxury
Go to Source
Author:
See Greece in All Its Gorgeous Glory
These 15 images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest remind us of the grandeur of Greece
Go to Source
Author:
Seven Mysteries You Can Explore in America’s National Parks
From unexplained phenomena to baffling disappearances, follow the clues while discovering our country’s treasured protected areas
Go to Source
Author:
The top 7 hikes in Bulgaria
Hiking in the mountains is a national pastime in Bulgaria, where a landscape of glacial valleys and crystal-clear alpine lakes is complemented by a climate blessed with a moderating Mediterranean influence in the summer months from June to August.
In winter (December to February), those same peaks are covered in snow, but snowshoeing is a thrilling way to explore these rugged mountains on foot (and have an adventure of a lifetime in the process).
For long-distance walkers, the trans-European E3, E4 and E8 hiking trails weave through the Bulgarian countryside. Once you’ve finished trekking, there are mineral spas where you can soak tired muscles in towns such as Hisar in the southern foothills of the Sredna Gora mountain range, and Sapareva Banya in the Rila Mountains – both were important wellness centers as far back as the Roman era.
Whether you fancy a day walk close to the capital, Sofia, or a multi-day hike through the Stara Planina mountain range, Bulgaria is the perfect destination for outdoors enthusiasts at all levels of fitness. Here are a few of the best hikes to add to your Bulgaria itinerary.
1. Seven Rila Lakes (Rila National Park)
Best for a day trip
Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
Estimated time to complete: 4 hours
Level of difficulty: Easy
Rila National Park, Bulgaria’s largest protected area, covers swathes of peaks, forests and high pastures, as well as glinting glacial lakes. In fact, the word “Rila” – possibly derived from ancient Thracian – means “Mountains of Water,” a nod to the area’s turquoise lakes.
The park is just 90km (56 miles) from Sofia, so you can hike between these jewel-like lakes on a long day-trip from the capital. But it’s best to stay overnight to see more of what this stunning region has to offer, like historic Rila Monastery and the Goritsa waterfall.
The day-long Seven Rile Lakes walk begins with a ride on the Pionerska chairlift from the winter ski resort of Panichishte in the northwest of the park. You’ll be transported over towering trees to an elevation of 2100m (6890ft), where you’re immediately surrounded by alpine meadows circled by granite rocks. Here, the first of Rila’s seven lakes comes into view.
Over the next 10km (6.2 miles), you’ll follow a well-marked path past six more shimmering lakes of different shapes and sizes. Admire the epic views, and look out for wildflowers among the granite outcrops, and golden eagles and peregrine falcons above. There are shorter routes back if you’re struggling on the outbound leg.
At the end of the hike, reward yourself for all that exertion with an afternoon (or a whole day if time allows) of soaking in the geothermal waters of Sapareva Banya, where you’ll also find steam rooms, Jacuzzis and massages that are perfect for relaxing tired muscles.
Planning tip: Arrive at the chairlift early to avoid having to queue – especially on weekends!
2. Malyovitsa Peak (Rila National Park)
Best for avoiding the crowds
Distance: 36km (22 miles)
Estimated time to complete: 2 days
Level of difficulty: Moderate
For a wilder Rila National Park experience, you’ll need to climb a little higher into the mountains than the day trippers on the popular Seven Rila Lakes route. In the crags above is a less-trodden route – a two-day Rila mountains traverse, taking in one of the highest summits and ending with a spiritual and artistic flourish at the 10th-century Rila Monastery.
From the starting point in the meadows beside the Malyovitsa Central Mountain School, about 25km (15.5 miles) southwest of Samokov, you’ll stroll through an area of forest, watching crossbills snaffling seeds from pine cones. Beyond, a rocky track traces the valley floor through scrubby heathland, climbing toward a forbidding rock wall above which alpine choughs and buzzards wheel.
At the head of this valley is a memorial cairn bearing plaques and climbing equipment, commemorating Bulgarian climbers who lost their lives in these mountains. The trail steepens rapidly, taking hikers over boulders green with lichen and ferns poking out of cracks, on the ascent to Elenini Ezero (Deer Lake).
Beyond the lake, the trail rises again to the grey ridge ending at Malyovitsa Peak. This is not quite the “roof of Bulgaria” – that accolade goes to nearby 2925m (9596ft) Musala – but Malyovitsa reaches a respectable 2729m (8953ft). Further south along a heavily wooded valley is Rila Monastery, your ultimate destination at the end of the trail.
Planning tip: There are wild cats and capercaillie here, as well as bears and wolves, although you’ll be fortunate to spot them. Make sure you’re aware of the local mountain safety advice before you depart, just in case.
3. Rayskoto Praskalo and Botev Peak (Central Balkan National Park)
Best waterfall view
Distance: 24km (15 miles)
Estimated time to complete: 1–2 days
Level of difficulty: Moderate to challenging
In the heart of Bulgaria, Central Balkan National Park is a paradise for hikers seeking unspoiled nature, dramatic mountain scenery, and rich biodiversity. Covering more than 700 sq km (270 sq miles), the park takes in the highest parts of the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina), with soaring peaks and deep forested valleys.
One of the most popular hiking routes here is the trail to 2376m (7795ft) Botev Peak. The route begins from Kalofer, a small town at the southern foot of the range. From here, you’ll follow the trail through the Panitsite area to Rai Hut (Hizha Rai), around 11km (6.8 miles) from the start point – a good place to stop for the night.
It’s not far from the hut to the spectacular Rayskoto Praskalo waterfall, the highest waterfall in the Balkans, which drops 125m (410ft). The best way to trek this route is to stay overnight at Rai Hut and summit Botek Peak the next day, allowing plenty of time to climb, soak up the views and return safely before dark.
However, experienced walkers can push on to the summit of Botek Peak in one day – it’s only another 4km (2.5 miles) but the climb involves a 900m (2953ft) ascent. In total, the full summit hike from Kalofer to Botek and back is around 24km (15 miles) – around nine hours of walking.
Planning tip: The terrain is steep, especially near the top, and weather can change rapidly, so pack proper mountain hiking gear, and bring layers to protect against the cold at the top.
4. Vihren Peak (Pirin National Park)
Best for a sense of achievement
Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
Estimated time to complete: 1 day
Level of difficulty: Moderate to challenging
The crown jewel of the Pirin Mountains, Vihren Peak is Bulgaria’s second-highest mountain at 2914m (9560ft), but it’s surprisingly accessible – providing you don’t suffer from vertigo!
The walk begins at Vihren Hut, set at 1950m (6400ft) above sea level. A regular bus links the resort town of Bansko with Vihren Hut, but hikers looking for more of a challenge can hike from Bansko before ascending above the treeline.
As you climb higher, the views become increasingly spectacular, with sweeping panoramas of UNESCO-listed Pirin National Park and its dramatic ridges, sparkling glacial lakes and distant mountain ranges.
From Vihren Hut, it’s an 8km (5-mile) uphill climb to the top of Vihren. You’ll gain nearly 1000m (3280ft) in elevation over just a few hours of tramping uphill. The final stretch is steep and exposed, requiring a good footing and a head for heights, especially in windy conditions. For the effort, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views toward Rila and beyond.
Detour: On your return, soak in a hot mineral spring in a spa in one of the nearby villages – there are several spas at various price points in Bankso and Dobrinishte.
5. Koncheto Ridge (Pirin National Park)
Best for adrenaline and bragging rights
Distance: 12km (7.5 miles)
Estimated time to complete: 1 day
Level of difficulty: Challenging
One of the most thrilling routes in Bulgaria is the hike – or rather, scramble – between Vihren Peak and Kutelo Peak. At 2908m (9540ft), Kutelo peak is the second-highest peak in the Pirin Mountains.
This is one for experienced and confident hikers only; wear appropriate hiking gear, and seek local advice about trail and weather conditions, including incoming rain or fog.
The dramatic, 12km-long (7.5-mile) trail traverses a narrow limestone ridge that plunges steeply on both sides. In places, the path is just a meter wide. There are chains bolted into the rock to assist hikers along the most vertiginous sections, but it can still be an unnerving experience.
The name “Koncheto” (meaning “Little Horse”) refers to the way some hikers straddle the ridge like a horse rider for balance. The adrenaline rush is powerful, but so are the views — the surrounding peaks, glacial cirques and deep valleys create an uplifting alpine spectacle.
Hiking along both the Mt Vihren and Koncheto Ridge trails in one day is possible, but you will need to be very fit and start early.
Detour: It’s possible to hike to Kutelo Peak from alternative starting points such as the Yavorov Hut, turning this into a one-way walk, exiting at Vihren Hut, where you can catch the bus back to Bansko.
6. Five Mountains Trail
Best long-distance hike
Distance: 260km (161 miles)
Estimated time to complete: 13 days
Level of difficulty: Moderate to challenging
The Five Mountains Trail traverses (you guessed it) five mountains in Bulgaria – Vitosha, Verila, Rila, Pirin and Slavyanka. The route takes you into limestone mountains, past waterfalls and caves, and through pristine coniferous forests.
The trail is part of the E4 European long-distance path, a spectacular hiking route stretching over 10,000km (6213 miles) from Portugal to Greece. It’s a reminder that Bulgaria has long been an important junction on European trade routes, occupied by Macedonians, Romans, Bulgars and the Ottoman Empire over the centuries.
The way is marked with red signposts, and with some planning, you can pre-book mountain refuges or huts to sleep in. These are well spaced along each of the 13 segments of the hike. You should still carry a tent in case a hut is full or you don’t make the distance of the day. Some of the hike traverses very rocky paths, particularly in the Rila and Pirin Mountains, which is why it’s recommended for experienced, well-equipped hikers only.
As this hike takes you to remote mountain locations, you’ll also need to carry food supplies and plan where you can top up supplies en route. It’s worth investing in a trail-specific guidebook for this one!
The classic route takes you up Vihren Peak and along the Koncheto Ridge, but further south, the going gets gentler in the Rhodope Mountains, where the trail winds through forests, meadows, and remote villages where you can experience traditional Bulgarian life and admire Ottoman-era architecture.
7. Vitosha Nature Park
Best for snowshoeing
Distance: 12km return (7.5 miles)
Estimated time to complete: 1 day
Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate
On the outskirts of Sofia, Vitosha Nature Park offers a peaceful escape from the capital, but with a difference if you come in winter. From December to March, snow blankets the mountains, and the park is transformed into a serene wonderland perfect for a snowshoeing adventure.
Vitosha is the oldest nature park in Bulgaria, and it’s highly recommended for its well-marked hiking and snowshoeing trails, and its mix of alpine meadows and forest landscapes. One of the most popular routes is from Aleko Hut – set at 1810m (5940ft) – to the top of 2290m (7515ft) Cherni Vrah, the highest peak in Vitosha. You can reach Aleko Hut by public transport and hire snowshoes here.
The route begins with a gradual ascent through frost-covered pine forests, then opens onto a high alpine plateau. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Sofia Valley and the Rila Mountains. It’s a moderately challenging walk at around 6km (3.7 miles) each way, and it can take up to 3 hours to reach the summit in summer; plan on more time in winter to be safe.
No technical skills or experience are required for snowshoeing at Vitosha; all you need is waterproof boots, warm layered clothing, and a pair of snowshoes. An alternative winter walk is the track to the Boyana waterfall, starting at Boyana Church. This route takes you through quiet beech forests to a beautiful waterfall that is partially frozen in winter.
Planning tip: Organized snowshoeing tours are available, and recommended if you’re unfamiliar with winter hiking or want a more in-depth experience of the mountains. Guides know where to be more cautious – for example, where icy rocks make the trails more treacherous — which is particularly useful on the Boyana waterfall trail.
Top tips for hiking in Bulgaria
The following tips will help you plan a hiking trip to Bulgaria.
- Some of Bulgaria’s best trails pass through Rila National Park, Pirin National Park and Central Balkan National Park – be aware that the flora, fauna and environment are protected, and heed environmental rules. Some trails also pass through Bulgaria’s system of “nature parks,” which also have unique, managed ecosystems.
- June to October is the best time to hike for snow-free paths, but winter walks and mountain ascents are also possible in Bulgaria, so long as you have the right gear.
- Waterproofs, warm layers and sturdy hiking boots are essential for walking in Bulgaria, even in summer. If you’re hiking in the mountains, it can be significantly colder at altitude, especially if you’ve worked up a sweat.
- Bring a sleeping bag for multi-day hikes; if you’ve pre-booked a refuge where blankets are provided, you may be able to get by with a sheet or sleeping bag liner. Always check ahead to see what facilities are on offer.
- While major trails are well-marked, carrying a detailed map and compass is highly recommended. Don’t rely on only using your phone to navigate in case the battery runs out.
This article was adapted from Lonely Planet’s Romania & Bulgaria guidebook, published in August 2024.
Go to Source
Author:
16 things you’ll want to do in Athens
As the birthplace of modern Western civilization, sprawling Athens has enough august monuments to keep you busy for a week – or a lifetime.
Yet venture beyond the Parthenon, and you’ll discover a more youthful side to the city through new art galleries, languid cafes and outdoor cinemas. You’ll find the relics of antiquity here, for sure (as well as easy access to the heavenly Greek Islands), but also a forward-looking, multicultural metropolis that’s fully of the 21st century.
Here are a few of Athens’ best experiences.
1. Ascend the steps of the Acropolis to the Parthenon
The greatest symbol of the glory of Ancient Greece, the Acropolis rises spectacularly smack in the center of Athens. In the reign of Pericles, in the 5th century BCE, the hilltop was established as a religious sanctuary, and remained a center of Athens’ spiritual life for centuries.
Just as pilgrims of millennia past made their way to worship here, you can ascend the marble steps on the west side to find yourself dwarfed by the towering columns of the magnificent Parthenon.
Detour: Complete your ancient immersion by seeing a concert or play at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
2. Check out Athens’ hopping contemporary-art scene
Athens has become an essential stop for anyone who loves new art. From not-for-profit galleries like CheapArt Athens, the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation and the National Museum of Contemporary Art to well-established commercial spaces like The Breeder, the city’s creative side is thriving.
Also in the mix are a flurry of international artists who have moved to the city and set up outfits like Kypseli Print Studio – a print-screening space that hosts workshops for people of all abilities – and Haus N, a creative hub for new installations and works by young Greek artists. The creative scene only continues to get better here.
3. Conjure ancient Athens at Kerameikos
The city’s ancient necropolis is home to the Street of Tombs, where classical VIPs were interred. Many of the finest grave markers are replicas, with the originals on display at the small, absorbing on-site museum. This area was also the ceremonial entrance into ancient Athens – and though the gates no longer stand and the entrance road is now a paved city street, it’s still an interesting spot at which to pause and imagine the activity that took place here millennia ago.
4. Haggle over a souvenir at Monastiraki Flea Market
On Saturdays, central Athens throngs with shoppers looking for a bargain at the huge Monastiraki Flea Market, which takes place between the Monastiraki and Thisseio neighborhoods.
Here, traders open up their secondhand stores to flog a jumble of flea-market finds, vintage clothing and oddities ranging from vintage magazines punctuated with bold Greek lettering to mid-century furniture and bizarrely compelling bric-a-brac. Look hard enough, and you can find a buried treasure – and if not, you’ll surely leave with a little insight into how modern Athenians have furnished their homes for the past 60 years.
5. Visit the ancient Agora, the birthplace of democracy
Follow in the footsteps of Socrates and his various political and philosophical cohorts at the Agora, the heart of ancient Athens’ civic life and the birthplace of Western democracy. In the stately Stoa of Attalos (whose colonnaded arcades are echoed in the architecture of modern Athens), the Agora Museum displays unusual finds from ancient daily life. Also worth a visit is the exquisite, very well preserved Temple of Hephaistos. (See how many of the Labors of Hercules you can identify on its frieze.)
7. Watch the changing of the guard in Syntagma Square
In the heart of Athens stands the rose-toned Hellenic Parliament building on Syntagma Square. Try and catch the elaborate ritual of the changing of the guard, which happens every hour. Two guards always stand sentry here, dressed in traditional Evzones costume: tasseled fez hat, thick kilt and stockinged legs with pom-pom shoes.
In summer, the customary get-up gets so hot that these guards have to be dabbed at with tissues, as they are forbidden from moving as they stand on watch guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It’s only on the hour that they can finally break free to move in perfectly choreographed synchronicity, kicking their legs high as they march off to end their shift.
7. See a show at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
A contemporary Athenian wonder, the Renzo Piano–designed Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is home to the Greek National Opera and the main branch of the National Library. Seeing a performance here will be a highlight of your trip – but there are plenty of free things to see and do as well, including a meander through the gorgeous Stavros Niarchos Park. Designed to showcase Mediterranean flora, the park’s gently sloping gardens are the perfect spot to relax and take in city views and cooling sea breezes.
8. Journey through history at the National Archaeological Museum
Athens’ preeminent museum houses the world’s largest and finest collection of Greek antiquities. Priceless items date from the Neolithic Era (6800 BCE) to the Cycladic, Mycenaean and Classical periods in the millennia that followed.
As you stroll through the galleries, it’s gratifying to discover iconic sculptures of Western art history here – such as the bronze figure of a bearded god and the hammered gold death mask of Agamemnon. Other surprises await, including frescoes from Santorini upstairs.
9. Drink in the local coffee culture
Athenians don’t wait until the weekend to head out to catch up with friends. Rather, they spend just about every day under the shade of orange trees nursing coffees and conversing for hours. By day, the leafy central neighborhoods of Pangrati and Exarchia are packed with locals spilling out from kafeneia (Greek cafes) and into the streets, philosophizing (a favorite activity of any Greek), playing backgammon on marble table tops and sipping slowly on a frappé.
10. Take a walk among soaring ruins at the Temple of Olympian Zeus
Greece’s largest temple was seven centuries in the making. Or rather, what once was Greece’s largest temple: today, only a handful of its colossal columns remain, the rest having been picked apart and repurposed for other structures. The temple was dedicated to Zeus and, unofficially, to the Roman emperor Hadrian, who was the one who finally completed the construction job – before erecting a statue of himself.
Planning tip: While you’re here, take note of Hadrian’s Arch, which congratulates the emperor on his achievement. And explorers can seek out a sanctuary to Pan on the far side of the site.
11. Visit the miraculous Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris
At the foot of Filopappou Hill, this 16th-century church may not be the oldest in Athens, but it is certainly one of the loveliest, with a heavy timber roof, marble floors and the permanent scent of incense. A great 1732 fresco of St Dimitrios, astride his horse in a pose copied from ancient images of Alexander the Great, adorns the interior. With its wooden gate and bells, the churchyard almost conjures Japan – a touch by modernist architect Dimitris Pikionis, who also applied his precise style to the restoration of the back exterior wall, a delightful piece of stonework.
In 1648, the church was the site of a reported miracle. The Turks, ensconced on the Acropolis, prepared to fire a cannon on worshippers gathered in the church – before the gunner was killed by lightning, saving the congregation. This episode gave the church its name (Loumbardiaris means “of the cannon”).
12. Admire the treasures of the Acropolis Museum
Natural light cascades through the spacious galleries of the modern Acropolis Museum, illuminating the priceless treasures that have been removed from the hill and installed here for safekeeping. The pinnacle of the museum is the top-floor glass atrium, where the 528ft-long (161m-long) frieze from around the top of the Parthenon (minus the portion still held in the British Museum) is installed at eye level, allowing visitors to see all the details of this masterpiece in marble, and get a truer sense of its grand scale.
13. Learn the story of Greece at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
If you have time for only one museum, make it this one. This impeccable private collection encompasses the sweep of Greek history from ancient times through the mid-20th century. The museum occupies a stunning neoclassical mansion, with fine art and mundane folk objects – both equally beautiful – displayed chronologically.
As a kind of counterpoint to the ancient grandeur palpable at the city’s many archaeological sites, the Benaki collection tells the story of how Greece has absorbed foreign influences and ideas to create its uniquely syncretic culture.
14. Hit the beaches of the Apollo Coast
When the summer heat sets in, do as the Athenians do: escape to the beach. In the sweltering summer months, take the A1 tram to the Palaio Faliro neighborhood for a palm tree-lined promenade and a soft, sandy beach. Further south along the Apollo Coast are the more upmarket suburbs of Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, with no shortage of luxury beach clubs should you want a full day off from sightseeing. Out of season, Vouliagmeni has a burgeoning surf scene.
Planning tip: If you are willing to travel a little further for some beach time, grab the ferry to Aegina on a day trip.
15. Snap a shot on the winner’s pedestal at the Panathenaic Stadium
With its rows of white Pentelic marble seats built into a ravine next to Ardettos Hill, this ancient-turned-modern stadium is a draw both for lovers of classical architecture and sports fans who can imagine the roar of the crowds from millennia past. A ticket gets you an audio tour, admission to a tiny exhibit on the modern Olympics (mainly eye-candy posters) and the opportunity to take your photo on a winners’ pedestal.
Built in the 4th century BCE and restored for the first modern Olympic games in 1896, the grand stadium was first used as a venue for the Panathenaic athletic contests. It’s said that at Hadrian’s inauguration in 120 CE, a thousand wild animals were sacrificed in the arena. Later, the seats were rebuilt in marble by Herodes Atticus.
16. Gaze over the city from Filopappou Hill at sunset
The mythical battleground of Theseus and the Amazons is today one of Athens’ best parks, studded with small ruins connected by beautiful stone paths that are themselves a minor architectural marvel. Make time in your schedule to come here around sundown one evening to watch the lights on the Acropolis switch on and glow gold against the blue sky.
Detour: To the north, the Hill of the Pnyx offers equally compelling views and is almost always empty.
Go to Source
Author: