According to US News Travel, Budapest, Prague and Crete belong to the World’s top 25 destination. The list features top things to do in each destination, as well as the main reasons to go there. Voting buttons allow readers to agree or disagree with the listings. For us at Argophilia Travel News, Budapest, Prague and Crete are definitely on the list of the top 10 destinations in Eastern Europe, especially for travelers looking to spend a somewhat different, more exciting Spring Break.
10. Island Hopping in Greece
Fox News lists island hopping in Greece as one of the top five Spring Break activities this year. We couldn’t agree more. While Crete is a first choice for many, Mykonos is party central. One of the hottest gay holiday destination that Europe has to offer, Mykonos doesn’t discriminate. Straight or not, here’s where you’ll party like nowhere else in Greece. Don’t forget your camera when you stroll around Chora. Take time to see the archaeological sites in Delos, and if you want to party, the Skandinavian Bar-Disco is the place to be.
For romantics, nothing compares to Santorini, a cycladic treasure. The island offers a wealth of stunning landscapes, traditional architecture, and even its own active volcano. Spend the sunset in Firostefani, eat gyros and keftedes, and don’t miss the local wines.
9. Be a Part of the Sarajevo Winter
Nothing like a taste of Winter in the Spring – and Sarajevo’s Winter can be hot. There’s a festival going on, between February 7 – March 21, 2012, this year with the title “Snow and Snowflakes.” A cultural festival, featuring theater, concerts, movies, fine arts, literary events, cultural heritage and special programmes for children, may be the starting point for a great vacation. Sarajevo’s Old Town is a must see – an exotic mix of cultures, where Middle East meets Eastern Europe… at night, find a local club to party.
8. See the Birthplace of Aphrodite in Cyprus
Paphos, at the seaside of Petra tou Romiou is the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite – a place rich in history and tradition, but also a breathtaking Mediterranean destination, with world-class resorts and entertainment. With easy access via Paphos International Airport, the second international airport in Cyprus, Paphos boast world class resorts, quality accommodation, fine cuisine and class entertainment. Aside Petra tou Romiou, the rock of Aphrodite – popular local attractions include Paphos Castle, Lighthouse of Paphos, UNESCO World Heritage Site Tombs of the Kings, the ancient Odeon Theatre, the Byzantine Museum and the District Archaeological Museum.
7. Go Skiing in Bansko
Bansko is Bulgaria’s most affordable ski resort, and the country’s more popular as well. The popularity has a lot to do with the financial aspect, but also with the fact that Bansko has the best snow record and the longest ski season (15 Dec – 15 May) of all Bulgarian ski resorts. Then, according to Bulgaria Ski, the resort has the best and most modern ski centre of all Bulgarian ski resorts. This year, Bansko was also ranked as the most affordable ski resort in the world.
A clear day on one of Bansko's slopes
6. Dream a dream of love in Montenegro
Kolašin is one of the most popular year-round getaways for romantics, and not only. But in winter, particularly, those who want to enjoy a quiet retreat in a unique, ethnic-style chalet, may find Log House Tara more than appealing.
5. Pamper yourself in the spas of Františkovy Lázně
Františkovy Lázně in the Czech Republic, a favorite of Johann Wolfgang Goethe and the smallest spa of the West Bohemian spa triangle, is renowned worldwide as the world’s first peat pulp bath. Wraps, baths, the magical hands of masseuses and relaxation in a scented sauna are only some of the ingredients that will make your stay at one of the spas here special.
4. Join the book revolution in Yerevan
UNESCO has chosen Yerevan as the 2012 World Book Capital, and the city will organize a number of complex cultural events to greet visitors in 2012, including live entertainment that will enrich the cultural program. These events are more reasons for travelers to visit Yerevan, aside its main attractions, which include Erebuni Fortress, a nearly 3,000 year old fortress that established Yerevan; the Sculpture Park, part of Cafesjian Museum – the Armenian version of Guggenheim; and the Cascades – an Art Deco version of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon stretching nearly the height of the Empire State Building.
3. See the Croatian Madeira
In Hvar, anyone can afford to feel like a celebrity. With an affordable rental system for boats and yachts, the magnificent Dalmatian coast and islands around Hvar can be explored at any time, regardless of your budget. Yes, this is Hvar, an Eastern European paradise, where every guest is truly a guest; a place that, aside natural beauty and a trendy coastline, is also blessed by thousand of years of traditions and culture.
2. Discover Prizren, Kosovo
Prizren, a historical city located in the south of the country, considered by many the most beautiful of all Kosovo, has rich history reflected in its cultural legacy, architecture and lifestyle. The Prizren Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage listed attraction, dominates the city from a hill above Prizrenska Bistrica, the river the flows through the city, giving it a somewhat romantic look and feel. The historic Old Stone Bridge (Ura e gurit) crossing the river is another cherished landmark of Prizren. You’ll have so much more to see: the elegant Gazi Mehmet Pasha’s Mosque, the historic Hamam of Prizren built by Gazi Mehmet Pasha in 1573, the Halveti Tekke religious complex, the complex of Christ the Saviour’s Church, the Albanian League Museum, and the stunning Marash compound.
1. Party like there’s no tomorrow in Budapest
There’s no better destination for party animals in Eastern Europe than Budapest, Hungary. Although winter time is spa time in the city, with focus on the Gellért Baths – the most elegant and prominent of all the spas and baths in Budapest – nights are hotter than hot in clubs and pubs all over the city. Begin club hopping at the cafes in Liszt Ferenc Square, or go directly to A38 for a night to remember on the river in a barge on the Buda side of Petofi Bridge.
