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Southern Europe

Southern Europe

Discover Southern Europe: Sun, History, and Endless Adventure

Welcome to Southern Europe – the continent’s sun-drenched soul, where ancient history whispers from every ruin and the Mediterranean sparkles with irresistible allure. Defining a region can be tricky, blending geography, culture, and history. On this blog, we’re diving into the heart of the Mediterranean, focusing on but not only on the magnificent Balkan and Apennine Peninsulas, and Spain.

This is a land of dazzling diversity and captivating common ground. While each country has its own unique spirit, they share a magical appeal that draws travellers from across the globe, all seeking the same things: legendary cuisine, awe-inspiring history, and some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines and islands. From the countless Greek isles and the dramatic Croatian coastline to the Italian jewels of Sardinia and Sicily, this is the ultimate holiday playground.

I’ve been lucky enough to explore this incredible region, and you can find my travel stories and guides from these captivating countries right here:

A Tale of Two Peninsulas

The Balkan Peninsula: A Tapestry of History & Nature

Steeped in history, the Balkans take their name from the Balkan Mountains. This stunning region is a mosaic of cultures, lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic, Ionian, and Aegean Seas. It’s a landscape of dramatic beauty, crowned by its highest peak, Mount Musala in Bulgaria, which soars to 2,925 metres.

The entire Balkan peninsula covers about 466,877 square kilometres—making it a little smaller than Spain and a touch larger than Morocco and is home to roughly 55 million people. Its 20th-century history is fascinating; for much of that time, it was dominated by Yugoslavia, a union of South Slavic peoples that began after WWI. Following WWII, it became a socialist federation, which eventually dissolved in the 1990s into the independent nations we know today, each with its own vibrant character.

South coast of Italy
South coast of Italy

A quick note for clarity: On this blog, and in line with UN classifications, Bulgaria is featured in our Eastern Europe section.

The Apennine Peninsula: La Dolce Vita

Jutting into the Mediterranean like a magnificent boot, the Apennine Peninsula is dominated by one glorious country – Italy. This is the land of la dolce vita – the sweet life. The peninsula is named for the Apennine Mountains, the dramatic spine that runs its length. In fact, over a third of Italy is mountainous, a landscape shared by the southern reaches of the Alps.

Did you know Italy’s modern history is just as compelling as its ancient past? It might surprise you to learn that the nation only abolished its monarchy and became a republic after a public referendum held as recently as 2 June 1946.

Italy’s territory, including the northern mainland, covers around 294,000 square kilometres (about the same size as the Philippines) and is home to a vibrant population of over 60 million. And nestled within its borders are two of the world’s most unique microstates – the ancient republic of San Marino and the spiritual heart of the Catholic world, Vatican City.

fountain in barcelona
Fountain in Barcelona

Your Southern European Adventure Awaits

Southern Europe is more than a destination; it’s a feeling. It’s the taste of freshly caught seafood, the warmth of the sun on a ancient stone amphitheatre, and the thrill of discovering a hidden cove.

Ready to start planning? Dive deeper into my personal travel notes, photo diaries, and practical guides for these sun-kissed countries. Your journey into the heart of the Mediterranean begins here.

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