Journey through the clouds: Madeira’s highest peaks (Ruivo & Arieiro)

The highest peak in Madeira is Pico Ruivo, with 1862 meters of altitude. It’s the third highest peak in Portugal, only mountains on Azores islands are higher. Interesting fact is, that almost all pathway leading to the top, is wooded.. perfectly confirming why the island is called Madeira (‘madeira’ in portuguese means ‘wood’). Moreover, Madeira…

Gjirokäster & Berat UNESCO treasures in Albania

Berat and Gjirokastra are inscribed as examples of an architectural character typical of the Ottoman period. These two sites from Central (Berat) and Southern (Gjirokastra) Albania, are more commonly known as “the city of a thousand windows”(Berat) and “the city of stone” (Girokastra). Albania was ruled quite a long time by the Ottoman Empire in different periods from 1479…

Albania… What? (part 1)

14-16/05/2021 Tirana – Shkodër Our plane has arrived at Tirana very late, after midnight, so our first ride on the streets and main road from the airport, were not at all representative. Because we really thought that the roads in Albania are empty. In fact Albanian roads are always plenty of everything!!!! Not only of…

Mysterious Virpazar. Montenegro. Lake Skadar.

In such a small village like Virpazar, which population in 2011 was around 300 inhabitants in total, you are not expecting to see such a variety of different professions and talents. However this lovely town can be proud of its local artists and artisans. One of them is Ljilja who is producing by herself very…

Lake Skadar (only images)

Sometimes the words are unnecessary, cause the place is talking to you in its own language (all photos: ©AS, 2020)

More koje vam nedostaje…The sea that you miss in Herceg novi

Strategic position at the entrance of the Boka Bay, has made from Herceg Novi an important city. Tvrđava Španjola (Spanish fortress) due to Spaniard owners of the city for one year (1538-1539), is only one of three other fortresses (Kanli Kula = Bloody Tower and Sahat Kula=Clock Tower), finished under the Ottoman Empire, ruling those…

Montenegro’s “Wild Beauty”

Durmitor National Park It is highly recommended to get a car once you get into Montenegro, because you can then take one of the fantastic scenic roads leading across the mountains. Our favorite is P14 (also named R16) , which goes all the time above 1,4 m above the sea level. You might expect here…