Brazil Vacations: Discover Florianopolis and Its Beaches

Florianopolis is one of Brazil's most delightful destinations due to its layout: half the city is on Santa Catarina Island, while the rest is on the mainland. Three bridges link the two entities. Located in the south of the country, it is also a great stopover to or from Iguazu Falls, and its proximity with the Argentine border also makes it a very popular destination for Argentina vacationers. There are more than 170 beautiful beaches that shimmer a million hues of blue in the summer, ranking them among the best in the country. If you haven't seen one of the tranquil marine corners of Florianopolis, then your Brazil vacation is not yet complete!

Most travelers spend most of their time on Santa Catarina Island which has 42 beaches. In recent years, many Brazilians have moved to the state of Santa Catarina because it is such a peaceful retreat from the bustle of cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo. With such a rapid influx of people, the city has grown immensely and also developed a strong infrastructure that brings together the modernity and luxury of modern life with the traditions of old Brazil.

When it comes to the beaches, it is best to choose your preferred site based on your choice of activity. Surfing is a major form of entertainment, and the best beaches to try it on your Brazil tours are Joaquina, Mole, and Moçambique along the eastern coast. For more peace and quiet, visit Campeche and other areas in the south of the island. Then, if you want your own private paradise, go to Peri Lagoon, Lagoinha do Leste, or Naufragados. Most of these beaches have public facilities to cater to all visitors, but be careful to watch your things in the high season when the coast is full.

Florianopolis is as well the perfect Brazil holiday spot for thrill seekers. No matter if you want to try trekking, sandboarding, windsurfing, scuba diving, paragliding, or something more, you will find it here. In fact, some of the best treks go through pristine scenery because concluding at a remote beach site sure to yield unbelievable beauty.

To cap off your wonderful Brazil trip, enjoy Florianopolis' famous seafood, as fresh from the sea as it gets. You will find seafood dishes at any of the restaurants in town, whether it is Portuguese style, Chinese flavored, or of some other international taste. Later, treasure the city's draw of internationals and party until the brink of dawn at the beach nightclubs that take over the night.

This article about Florianopolis, Brazil was written by a travel expert at Brazil For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Brazil vacation packages and fully customizable Brazil tours.

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Things to See and Do in Italy

Pompeii

Before it was buried by a cataclysmic eruption from Vesuvius in AD 79, Pompeii was a spectacular city with Roman temples and an amphitheatre. It was an important pathway for goods that arrived by sea. Today, it is an important site for tourists, who can see fascinating glimpses of Pompeii's final hours, frozen in time. The "Garden of Fugitives" for example, is a collection of 13 plaster casts of people trying to flee from the suffocating dust and rocks. Many of the streets and houses of ancient Pompeii are intact, so visitors are able to wander around the fascinating remnants of a bakery, a brothel, temples, mosaics, the aqueduct and an amphitheatre. Taking in these well-preserved sight's will certainly transport you back to how it must have been.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

This leaning bell tower was not intentionally built this way, but it has made it one of the most photographed sites in the world. It was built on shallow stone with a dense clay mixture for the foundations. When the tower began to lean, the construction of it was halted for 100 years, in the hope that the mud would settle down. 4 more floors were added to compensate for the tilt, but evidently, this made no difference. At least it won't matter so much if you don't hold the camera straight!

Sassi di Matera

The Sassi di Matera, or "stones of Matera", is a cluster of archaic cave dwellings, thought to be where some of the first people to set foot in Italy lived. Come and study the sun-baked caves of Matera, which is apparently the only place in the world where the same houses are inhabited 9,000 years later. This largely dilapidated town bears similarities to the ancient sites of Jerusalem, so many films, such as "The Passion of the Christ" (2004), and "The Nativity Story" (2006), have been shot here.

Vatican City

Enter one of the most visually stimulating cities in the world. With wonders such as St Peter's Basilica, with its double colonnade and circular courtyard, it is a grand sight to behold. The Basilica is a renowned piece of Renaissance architecture which Michelangelo and Bernini have both contributed their skills to. The Sistine Chapel is a must for those visiting the Vatican City. It is famous for its mind-blowingly beautiful frescos which enshroud every inch of the interior upper walls, depicting episodes from the lives of Moses and Christ. A visit here will leave you feeling uplifted and overwhelmed.

This article was written by Helen Withington on behalf ok A&K Villas who offer a fine selection of luxury villas with pools including top rated Italy Villas

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Famed Attractions of North East India

North East of India is the beautiful land of green valleys, spectacular mountains and charming rivers.

Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, the area has sheer natural beauty, exotic wildlife and rich flora and fauna. This perfect amalgamation makes it a big hit with tourists. The area encompasses of states of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram and Sikkim.

Some famous attractions of North East India include:

Kaziranga National Park
It is a renowned wildlife destination where travellers come from all around the world. The park is home to the one-horned rhinoceros. Located in Assam, it is a must visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Spread over a large area of 430 sq km, the park houses different animals like leopard, jackal, elephant, tiger and python. The park remains open from the month of November to April.

Assam Tea Gardens
The refreshing air of aromatic tea gardens of Assam fills your heart with joy. Assam boasts of around 2500 tea gardens and 850 tea estates. They offer tranquil environment and scenic beauty. Spread across miles, these gardens add freshness and charm to your vacations. Tourists also get the opportunity to see the workers picking leaves from the gardens.

Monasteries of Sikkim
The enchanting land of Sikkim boasts of 200 monasteries or gompas. Some of these monasteries are as old as 300 years. Sikkim is a land of tranquillity where the religions are a way of life. These religious spots boast of their beautiful construction and unique charm. The monasteries are nestled at the isolated hilltops and therefore, are the major centres of meditation.

Bihu Festival
Bihu is a colourful festival of Assam. The word 'Bihu' has originated from the Sanskrit word 'Vishu'. It exemplifies a huge celebration of farming. Bihu dance is the main feature of the festival. The festival marks the change of season. The prayers and the merriment add more charm to the celebration of the festival.

Nagaland Tribes
The land encompasses numerous tribes. Each of them has its own unique traditions. They are known for their spectacular dance and exquisite handicrafts. These tribal people are expert in making a variety of beautiful items like pottery, carpets, masks, shawls, wooden articles, bamboo products and musical instruments.

Adventure Sports
North East India offers unlimited opportunities for adventure lovers. The different destinations serve as the perfect places for adventure sports. Tourists can indulge in interesting activities like trekking, fishing and river rafting. You can also enjoy wildlife safaris in almost all the states of the land.

North East India Tours are packed with surprising attractions that will exhilarate the joy and excitement of your vacation. Northeast India attractions include Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pardesh, Sikkim, Tripura and Mizoram.

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