The Top10 project visits BULGARIA

During last November, we had the opportunity to travel around Romania and Bulgaria and discover these two amazing countries.
 Now back home, we'll bring you our TOP10 picks of what not to miss in the two countries.

So here we start: THE "TOP10 PROJECT" BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN BULGARIA:

1. Veliko Tarnovo

The location of the town as a crossroad and crossing point of multiple roads and commercial connections and routes had helped for its economical and cultural development.

Veliko Tarnovo is one of the oldest towns in the country, as its history dates back to more than five thousand years ago, which is proven by archaeological excavations.

Don't miss the "Tsarevets", the old city of the Tzars, and have a walk around the main streets to discover all the artistic paintings and sculptures around the city.

In the evening, use the chance to enjoy some live music bars with cheap beer!!

Our tip: Music bar "Melon" and "Hostel Mostel" for accomodation.

2. Nessebar

Today the old and the new part of the town are connected by a narrow isthmus. The old town lies on a small peninsula.
Because of its exceptional cultural and historical value Nesebar was declared a museum, tourist, and resort complex of international importance.
In 1983 Old Nesebar was included in the List of World Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO.

Our tip: This is purely a summer destination. If your trip around Bulgaria is in winter-autumn, avoid it.


3. Kazanlak 

Kazanlak is the center of the Valley of the Roses, the home of the Thracian kings, and an attractive tourist destination. The country’s largest and best preserved Thracian tombs are found here, and they are included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with the Museum of Roses.
There are two nature reserves and five protected areas in the vicinity of Kazanlak, preserving natural wonders and age-old forests.

Our tip: Take home some Rose souvenirs (facemask, hands cream, etc...). Moms and girlfriends will appreciate....


4. Plovdiv

Plovdiv it's an ancient city with Roman ruins, historic buildings in the old town, wide tree-lined boulevards and plenty of sidewalk cafes.
It's the second biggest in the country, and by far one of the prettiest.

Our tip: Get lost in the old town and enjoy the tiny bars and cafés you can find everywhere.


5. Balchik

It raised again under the Ottoman Empire, and in 1913 it was given to Romania after the Balcan War.
It's not until 1940 when Balchik is back into Bulgaria.
40km far from Varna, this coastal village is one of the favourites summer destinations for bulgarians.
The combination of Black Sea, mountains and old architecture is terrific.

Our tip: The views of the shore from the hills around the city.


6. Trigrad

Trigrad is a place, which has been preserved intact for centuries, left far from the busy and noisy modern world.
The famous formation Trigrad Gorge is situated near the village. It is a protected area with numerous caves, the most famous of which are the Diavolsko Garlo (Devil’s Throat) and the Haramiyska Cave.

There is a legend about the cave called Diavolsko garlo. It tells the story of the Thracian hero Orpheus, who descended into the realm of the dead to seek for his beloved Eurydice. According to the beliefs, Orpheus reached the underground mansions only after entering the Devil’s Throat.

Our tip:  Follow the paths on Trigrad Gorge to get the best views and landscapes in Bulgaria.


7. Rila Monastery

The most famous sight in Bulgaria, and another UNESCO world heritage site.
You can visit it on day excursions from Sofia, either by public bus (Sofia-Rila and Rila-Monastery) or with a private company or with excursions arranged by hostels.
The beauty of the locations is stunning.

Our tip: To sit and enjoy the views. There is no hurry, so let all tourists run around and just take your time.


8. Ruse

After 1878, Ruse was the largest city in Bulgaria.
Its economy was developing very fast and this had its influence upon the entire appearance of the city. The connection which the city was having with Europe through the Danube river was favorable for its development.
Due to the beautiful architecture and the internal shaping of the buildings constructed by Italian, Austrian, German and Bulgarian architects, Ruse was also known as “The Small Vienna”.

Our tip: Cross the bulgarian-romanian border in this point by foot through the bridge over Danube River. In 15 minutes you'll be in Romania.


9. Melnik

The smallest town in Bulgaria (208 residents), it is situated in the Blagoevgrad county, 175 km north from Sofia, and it is only 30 km from the borderline with Greece.
In 1215 Melnik turned into a capital of an independent feudal principality, ruled by Despot Alexius Slav. The ruins of his fortress are preserved to the present days, near the town.

Our tip: Climb the peaks next to the village!!


10. Varna

Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria and the largest one on the Black Sea shore with population of about 330 000 people. Because of its history and its economical and cultural significance, it is often called the Sea Capital of Bulgaria.
With its modern port, railway connection and international airport providing connection with 35 states and more than 100 world cities, Varna is one of the largest transport centers in Bulgaria.

Our tip: Enjoy the sunset in the breakwater surrounded by local fishermen.

Top 10 Tapas in Spain

Tapas are a wide variety of appetizers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine. They may be cold (such as olives and cheese) or hot (such as fried fish).

In Spain it's usual to order many different tapas and combine them to make a full meal, sharing all of them between the commensals.

The normal price of a tapa ranges from one to two euros, but nowadays you will also find places in which tapas have evolved into complex and high cuisine, finding tapas up to 8-10 euros.

Here we have the TOP 10 PROJECT picks for TAPAS IN SPAIN:

1. Solomillo al whisky

Pork sirloin with whisky sauce.

This a must-have of every typical bar in Seville, but if you hate the garlic or you are a vampire, this is not your meal!! Delicious!!!

2. Patatas bravas

Perfect as an appetizer, this spicy potatoes often served with mayonnaise are lovely.
Perfect for sharing with friends while having a beer!!
Be sure to have a drink next to you when eating them, they can be so spicy depending on the chef!!

3. Ensaladilla rusa

This weird-looking tapa is one of my favourites ever.
You can find it in every bar in spain, made in very different ways. Sometimes with tuna, sometimes with potato, sometimes with corn.....it mainly depends on the chef.
But it's super tasty and it will make you feel full inmediately.... 

4. Croquetas

A croquette is a small breadcrumbed fried food roll containing many different things. From ham to cod, including fish, prawn, cheese or spinach.
They are tasty and easy to share, and you can find them absolutely everywhere.

5. Tortilla

"Tortilla de patatas". Possibly the most famous spanish meal worldwide, this potato-oil combination can be tasty as hell.
Don't miss it!!

6. Calamares fritos

Fried kalamar. This tapa can be served as usual or with bread like a sandwich(mainly in Madrid). Little bit crunchy, many spaniards refer to this tapa as "THE TAPA".

7. Montadito

"Montadito" is a little sandwich which can contains almost everything: salmon, cheese, pepper, tortilla, meat, tomato....
There are even special bars offering 100 different montaditos in their menus...

8. Aceitunas

Not much to say. Spain is one of the biggest producers of olives in the world. You can find thousands of different types, and normally they are served for free when you ask for a beer.

9. Pulpo a feira

This dish is original from "Galicia region", in northern Spain.
After the octopus has been boiled, it is trimmed with scissors, sprinkled with coarse salt and paprika and drizzled with olive oil.  
It's delicious, my personal favourite, and it fits perfectly with a glass of red wine and good white bread

10. Empanada

Empanadas are made by folding dough or bread around stuffing, which usually consists of a variety of meat, cheese,  vegetables or fruits, among others.

In Galicia and Portugal, an "empanada" is prepared similarly to a large pie which is then cut in pieces, making it a portable and hearty meal for working people.

Top 10 destinations in Spain: 2014

Spain is one of the world's leading tourist destination, thanks to the country's variety of attractions.

In this regard, it is important to note that Spain is the world's second country with the most World Heritage cities, the third in terms of natural areas declared Biosphere Reserves, or the country with the most Blue Flag beaches in the entire Northern Hemisphere.

Here you have our TOP 10 DESTINATIONS FOR 2014 IN SPAIN.

1. Cabo de Gata (Almería)

Located in the south-eastern part of Spain, "Cabo de Gata" is the prettiest desert in southern europe, due to its amazing location and special rain coinditions. The area has a big "hippy" comunnity and it's known for its artistic and liberal ambience.
Our tips: The villages of Rodalquilar, Las Negras or Los Escullos.

2. Sevilla

Located 80km from the atlantic ocean, Sevilla is the only river port in Spain.
Many of the crazy expeditions to the American continent some centuries ago started from this colourful and important city, now the 4th biggest in Spain.
Its Old Town, the third largest in Europe after Venice and Geneva, contains three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and its said to be the prettiest in all Spain.
Our tip: Get lost in the super narrow streets of the jewish neighbourhood or have some amazing views at "Santa Isabel" river.

3. Girona

Awesome weather and stunning views are the strong reasons to make this city one of the top destinations for 2014 in Spain.
Located near Barcelona and the border with France, it's easy recheable from all around Europe.
Our tip: Visit small villages like Cadaqués, Calella de Palafrugel or Begur.

4. San Sebastián

"Donostia" in basque language, is a coastal city in the Basque Country, 20km from the french border.
It's one of the most famous touristic destinations in Spain, but still far from supercrowded tourist cities like Barcelona or Madrid.
Our tip: The views of the "Bay of La Concha" during the day.

5. Salamanca

 The historical city of Salamanca is full of nice bars and cafeterias where you can have super tasty spanish tapas at any time of the day.
The architecture of the city it's really beautiful, dominated by the brown colour, and the whole old town it's only recheable by foot.
Our tip: To have a walk in the old town during the evening and enjoy the night ilumination of the monuments...

6. Granada

 One of the biggest and most important student cities in Spain, it's worldwide known because of "La Alhambra", the muslim palace built during the 800 years of occupation of Spain by the moors.
Our tips: All drinks in the bars come with some tapa for free, so dont miss the chance!! More beers you drink, more tapas you eat!! :D

7. Vigo

Vigo is not a big city, and it has never been included in the typical itineraries around Spain, but in my opinion it really worths a visit.
Good nightlife, pretty islands only some hours far by ferry, and very gentle people always ready to help the foreigner.
 Our tip: Visit the boardwalk designed by Santiago Calatrava, one of the prettiest in all Europe.

8. Gijón

The city is situated along the Asturian coast and is distinguished by the peninsula of Cimavilla (the original settlement) which separates the beach of San Lorenzo and adjacent neighborhoods to the east from the beaches of Poniente and Arbeyal, the shipyards, and the recreational port and the Port of El Musel to the west.
Our tip: Enjoy the brave ocean on a rainy day (but always be careful!!).


9. Córdoba

 The former capital of the whole muslim empire it still remains as one of the prettiest and most original cities in all europe.
It's UNESCO heritage mosque is famous worldwide, and also its royal gardens.
Our tip: Drink water from one of the hundred of public fountains that the city has as a legacy of the muslim era.


10. Cádiz

 Cádiz is the oldest continuously-inhabited city in Spain and one of the oldest in southwestern Europe.
Despite its unique site — on a narrow slice of land surrounded by the sea — Cádiz is, in most respects, a typically Andalusian city with a wealth of attractive vistas and well-preserved historical landmarks.
Our tip: Have a swim in the cold waters of the atlantic ocean at "Playa de la Victoria", the city beach.