Nigeria: Travel Delight - Countries Around the Mediterranean

By Edirin Okumagba

From Spain to the waterways of Tunisia to the ruins of the Mediterranean, explore the richness and beauty of countries around the Mediterranean Sea in a totally new experience all together. Stand in awe before the works of ancient Greece or Stone House architecture in Portugal.

Spain

El Escorial was the political centre of the Spanish empire under King Philip II. Philip appointed Juan Bautista de Toledo as the architect in 1559 and together they designed El Escorial as a monument to Spain's role as a centre of the Christian world. San Lorenzo de El Escorial is more than the mausoleum of the Spanish monarch; it's a palace and monastery complex. Located in the town of El Escorial, about 4kms to the northwest of Madrid's centre, the palace/ monastery is worth the visit. It can be a stopover on the way to Avila and Segovia. al

Portugal

Algarve Sunny Mediterranean climate, gorgeous beaches, picturesque towns, historic sites, fabulous cuisine and affordable costs are just some of the reasons that make the Algarve one of the best places to visit in Portugal. Located in the country's southernmost region, the Algarve offers a feast for the eyes, from tranquil landscapes of olive groves, traditional whitewashed villages to the wild, windswept coast with its dramatic cliffs dotted with summer resorts.

Greece

Parthenon, Acropolis The Parthenon on top of the Acropolis is one of the most famous Greece tourist attractions and a visit to Athens is not complete without visiting this temple. The construction of the Parthenon started in 447 BC, replacing and older temple that was destroyed by the Persians, and completed in 432 BC. During its long life the Parthenon has served as a temple, fortress, a church, even as a mosque.

Santorini is a volcanic island in the Cyclades group of the Greek islands. It is famous for its dramatic views, stunning sunsets, the white-washed houses, and its very own active volcano. Fira, the capital of Santorini, is an assembly of Venetian and Cycladic architecture, whose white cobblestone streets bustle with shops, Tavernas, hotels and cafes, while clinging on the edge of the 400 meter (1,300 ft) high cliffs.

Morocco

Casablanca is a large, modern city, but the former French colonial post still allows myriad movie moments for those who want to revisit love in the medina and Old City. Casa (as locals call it) is the most cosmopolitan and Western-feeling city in Morocco. Visit The King Hassan II Mosque and Casa's Medina.

Tunisia

Djerba Beach Resort is located directly on the beach and offers the perfect setting to unwind and relax. The main island town of Houmt Souk has an old town district that's a muddle of whitewashed houses. It is an attraction in itself, with plenty of shopping opportunities for those who want to get off the beach. Pristine and trimmed by date palms, the beaches are relaxing, get-away-from-it-all settings where summer daydreams are made.

El Djem The walls of the mighty Roman amphitheatre of El Djem dwarf the surrounding modern town. This incredibly well preserved Roman relic is one of the best examples of amphitheatre architecture left standing in the world, reminding of Rome's once grand grip across North Africa. You can still walk the corridors under the arena, just like the gladiators did. Or, climb up to the top seating tiers and sit staring across the arena imagining the battles that took place below.

 

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