There are still places to swim and sunbathe in November, for example in Asia and Latin America. In African countries it is not so hot anymore – you can see ancient sights and not be afraid of getting sunstroke.
Turkey
Average temperature in November: air – +17 °C, water – +23 °C
I first traveled to Istanbul in July, in 30-degree heat, and I don’t recommend this time to visit. The city was very crowded, and because of the altitude difference, you often had to go up a steep hill, which is difficult in such temperatures. These disadvantages fall away by themselves in November, when Istanbul is a comfortable +15 °C. I think late fall is the best time to explore this amazing city.
The main advice is not to try to see everything in one trip, it’s unrealistic. I recommend exploring one neighborhood of Istanbul at a time, as each neighborhood is like a separate city with its own treasures.
The first time I stayed in the Fatih neighborhood. It’s interesting to wander around the historic Egyptian and Grand Bazaar there, where they sell everything from carpets to jewelry. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest markets in the world. It has been around since the 15th century.
I liked the old part of the market with vaulted ceilings covered with paintings. I wouldn’t recommend buying anything there: these places are designed for tourists, so the prices are high. But you can learn the art of bargaining: the goods, as a rule, do not have a fixed price, so sometimes you can get it almost twice as much as the starting price.
Fatih is home to Aya Sofia, a former Orthodox cathedral that was turned into a mosque. It was built in the 6th century, but the dome, columns and frescoes inside are in such good condition that it’s hard to believe. From the beginning of 2024, there is a fee to enter.
One mosque was enough for me, but you can also go to the Blue Mosque. It is located opposite Aya Sofia and admission is free. I found this 17th century structure more ornate due to the paintings on the dome. Another peculiarity is that it has six minarets instead of the traditional four.
The second neighborhood I stayed in was Kadıköy, located on the opposite bank of the Bosphorus from Fatih. You can get there by ferry.
This part of the city is considered Asian, but the neighborhood reminded me of Berlin. There are many specialty coffee shops, modern ceramic stores, vintage stores and other trendy places. And here I also tried baklava in milk for the first time and now I know that this treat has nothing in common with what they sell in our country. Istanbul’s baklava melts in your mouth and is somewhat reminiscent of napoleon, but very delicate and unappetizing.
At sunset, it’s worth climbing to the observation deck to see Istanbul from a new angle. The Galata Tower is a popular observation point. Of the less obvious sights, I recommend the Museum of Innocence, especially for those who have read Orhan Pamuk’s books. His novels familiarize you with Istanbul better than any guidebook. The museum was opened by Pamuk himself and is dedicated to the book of the same name about the tragic love of a rich man for a poor relative. The exhibition displays items that tell the story of their relationship, from cigarette butts to hairpins.
In the Arnavutköy neighborhood you see a very different Istanbul – a romantic Istanbul. I like it because of its resort town atmosphere with luxurious cottages and fish restaurants. And the neighborhood is also home to one of the most picturesque Starbucks in the world: it has balconies overlooking the bay. You’ll have to wait in line to get panoramic seats.
The Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara is a place where it is nice to take a couple of days off from the hustle and bustle of the city. The archipelago of nine islands is an hour and a half by boat from Istanbul. Tourists usually visit four of them. I find it fascinating to walk among the houses and cottages of Istanbulites – some are several centuries old.
You can get to the islands on your own or with an excursion. Ferries run from Istanbul’s Bostanji, Kadıköy, Kartal and Eminönü piers.
The largest and most interesting island of the archipelago is Büyükada, I advise you to go there. At different times it served as a place of exile, a place of rest for sultans, and a refuge for emigrants: for example, Lev Trotsky lived there for some time. The island is well worth exploring by bicycle, which can be rented directly from the pier.
On the southern hill, the highest point of the island, stands the Orthodox monastery of St. George of Kudun, which was built in the 10th century. There are also temples of other religions, such as the Hamidiye Mosque and the Hesed Le Abraham Synagogue. To learn more about the place, visit the island’s museum, which opened in 2010. There you can see archival photos, documents and things that are related to the island’s history: household items, kitchen utensils, children’s toys, animal skeletons.
Ferries run from the marina to the beaches. They are rocky, with no white sand and warm water: The Sea of Marmara is colder than the Mediterranean. Still, it’s beautiful there. There are paid beaches, such as Nakibey and Yorukali. Biyuk is free and wild.
Kaş is located at the crossroads of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. It is different from resorts like Bodrum or Side. It has secluded streets that remind you of Greece, off-grid hotels with tiled roofs, antique stores, small family restaurants and old sailing boats at the marina.
One day is enough for sightseeing in Kash: the main ones are the ancient amphitheater and tombs. For example, there are tombs carved right into the rock. The Lycian Tomb of the Lion stands in the center of the city – it is decorated with lion heads.
The city is a pleasant place to just live in. On Fridays there is a market in the center where you can buy local fruits, vegetables, homemade hummus and souvenirs.
Kas owes much of its popularity to Kaputash beach, which is located 18 kilometers from the city. It is a small beach with bright blue water and rocks. It used to be free, but, judging by reviews, since 2024 they started to charge money for the entrance. The average water temperature in November is +22 °С.
Marine activities, such as diving, are also developed in Cacha. Divers encounter huge turtles, swarms of fish and also see shipwrecks.
The 12-kilometer long beach of Patara is located near the ancient city of the same name. There are beautiful dunes and you can also see sea turtles. I advise you to combine your trip there with a visit to the Saklikent Canyon. Its length is 18 kilometers, but you don’t have to go far. There are light-colored rocks, and emerald water flows along the bottom of the canyon.
There is a waterfall about 4 kilometers from the entrance to the gorge. You are advised to wear comfortable shoes for the walk.
The Lycian Trail is another reason to visit Kasha: it is accessible from the city. You don’t have to walk the whole route: you can choose a section that is a comfortable length for you and leave the trail when you get tired. Tourists walk the route all year round, but I think November is the last month before winter when you can go trekking without worrying about the weather getting bad. From mid-November onwards, it can already be raining for a long time.
The trail runs along the coast – along the way you will see the sea of different colors, wild bays, thickets of oranges and pomegranates, and authentic villages. It is difficult to get lost on the route: the trees and rocks are marked with special white and red markers. You can organize a hike with a tent, and a simpler option for those who do not want to carry equipment is to stay overnight in the villages. Interesting places on the section of the trail near Kash are Kuchuk Chakyl beach, the town of Mira, and Kekova Island.
Food – I rarely eat meat, but in Turkey they cook it so deliciously that it’s hard to resist. I advise you to try doner, kofta and other meat dishes. There are no problems with fish in Istanbul either. I liked balik-ekmek – a bun with mackerel – and mussels with rice: a merchant without gloves opens the flaps and hands the molluscs to you one by one.
Turkish sweets are my weakness, especially baklava in milk, thick dondurma ice cream and knafe made of vermicelli and goat cheese. By November, oranges, pomegranates and tangerines are ripe.
What else to do. Take a boat trip on the Bosphorus to see different Istanbul, visit the Turkish Venice – the city of Dalyan, – go hot air ballooning in Cappadocia.
Dominica
Average temperature in November: air – +28 °C, water – +29 °CI visited the Dominican Republic in 2018 – it was my first trip to South America. It made a big impression on me, including the 13-hour flight across the ocean. I think this destination is perfect for a honeymoon, family vacation, or a fun trip with friends.
Boca Chica. I spent two weeks in this Caribbean resort. I woke up at six in the morning because of jetlag, but I was rewarded with the most beautiful sunrises in my life. Everything there is like a picture of paradise beaches: fine white sand, huge palm trees, turquoise water and cocktails based on local rum served in coconuts. If you are going to Boca Chica, take a snorkeling kit with you: there are a lot of colorful fish in the sea. Buying your own will be cheaper than renting one every day.
The resort consists of the small village of Boca Chica, with nothing to see but the poor houses of the locals. This did not upset me: I read a lot, walked along the beach, looked at the fish and ate.
Punta Cana stretches along the Atlantic coast for 60 kilometers, it is studded with hotels. For a developed infrastructure it is better to go to the beach “Bavaro”: there are a lot of bars with discos, souvenir markets and diving schools that offer to swim among coral reefs. For a more secluded vacation is suitable wild beach “Macau”: there are fewer people and cleaner, but almost no cafes and sunbeds. However, you can go surfing or rent a bodyboard – a board for riding waves lying down.
If you’re tired of beach vacations, head to the themed Scape Park in Cap Cana. It’s kind of like an amusement park in a natural area. There’s a ziplane through the jungle, a Taino Indian village with recreated huts of the first natives. In Monkey Town, there are funny capuchins living in a natural environment. There’s also catamaran rides, cave exploration, swimming in the Caribbean Sea and iguana watching.
La Romana. The main attraction of the area is the man-made town of Altos de Chavon 16th-century Mediterranean village-style . Here, stroll along cobblestone paths, check out art galleries, pottery workshops and a Roman-style amphitheater. Also in the province is the upmarket village of Casa de Campo, with golf courses, a sailing school and luxury villas.
Santo Domingo is the capital of the country. I really liked the historical part – it is called the Colonial City. It is included in the Unesco heritage list. What I remembered most was the Alcazar de Colón – the residence of the viceroys, which was built out of coral reefs. But in September 2024, the website says the museum is closed.
Another important landmark is the Columbus Lighthouse. It looks like pyramids or a giant reclining cross. Inside there is a mausoleum, presumably with the remains of Christopher Columbus. Other beautiful buildings include the neoclassical national palace and the cathedral.
Samana Peninsula. When people ask me about the wildest adventure of my life, I always think of the excursion to Samana. We went there to see humpback whales: they come to the shores of the island to breed.
We bought the tour from the hotel guide. Such tours are also sold on tourist websites. I imagined the excursion as follows: I would lie in a hammock on the shore and watch whales jumping out of the water and launching fountains. But you can’t see whales from the shore – they are hunted by boat and wait for them to come to the surface.
Racing through the sea waves is not for the faint-hearted: all the tourists on our boat got seasick. I didn’t need any whales, I wanted to get back to land as soon as possible. But I did see something: of course, such a big thing does not jump out of the water like a dolphin, but the whale was making a fountain and showing its huge smooth side.
The island itself was no less extreme. We explored the jungle on horseback, and in some places it was scary: uphill and downhill. The horses often stumbled, but all ended safely. Along the way we swam in El Limon Falls, had lunch at the ranch and sunbathed at Rincon Beach. All of this was included in the price of the Samana excursion.
Food: The main ingredients are fish and seafood. The local specialty is sankocho, fish in coconut milk. From fruits I remembered very sweet passion fruit most of all. I also liked the side dish of fried bananas: they are different from what we are used to.
What else to do. Try speleodiving – a type of cave diving, – visit Saona Island and La Palmilla beach like from Bounty commercials, go sea fishing and visit Dolphin Island.
Seychelles
Average temperature in November: air – +27 °C, water – +29 °C
Seychelles is located in East Africa, in the Indian Ocean. Unlike the popular Maldives, Seychelles is covered with forests. There are many national parks in the republic, one of the largest – the Vallée de Mae Reserve on Praslin Island – is included in the Unesco heritage list.
There are about 70 beaches on the island of Mahe, with all conditions for snorkeling, surfing, diving, water skiing and yachting.
I suggest visiting different beaches to find a place to your liking. For example, the west coast of Mahé is wilder and more picturesque than the others. I would rent a car and drive along the coast from Anse Takamaka Bay to Port Lonea, stopping at different coves.
Victoria is the capital of the island and the country. You can start in Market Street, where the Sir Selwyn-Clark Market is located. It is an Asian-style building with rows of vendors selling everything from spices to clothes. It also hosts concerts by street musicians.
The natural attraction of the island is the Morne Blanc mountain. From a height of 907 meters, it offers a panorama of the island and a view of the ocean. The road to the top leads through relict forests. The climb takes about an hour. And on the way you can drink tea, which is harvested from local plantations.
The Victoria Botanical Gardens are also a pleasant place to walk around The Seychelles has a very rich flora and fauna, many plants and animals that are only found here, such as the black parrot, huge turtles, endemic species of palm trees, the coco-de-mer nut.
To get the most out of your trip, it’s best to explore the other islands as well: each has its own peculiarities. It’s easy to travel between them: ferries run regularly.
La Digue Island is famous for its wild beaches with bizarrely shaped granite stones, coconut and cinnamon plantations. La Digue is only 10 km² in size, so the island is traveled by foot, cart or rented bicycles. Right on the street you can meet huge Aldabra tortoises. And for photos with beautiful boulders, go to Anse Sours d’Arjan beach.
Praslin Island is the second largest island in the country. People come here for the unique nature. For example, in the park “Vallee de Me” walk through palm forests, watch rare birds, big bats and Seychelles flying foxes. Another amazing place is the May Valley. Here grow palm trees of the coco de mer species with 20-kilogram nuts and black parrot. And Anse Lazio attracts couples from all over the world: clear water, white sand, secluded coves and boulders make this place a romantic bounty beach.
Food. Prices for food on the islands are several times higher than, for example, in India or Sri Lanka. In dishes here they like to add coconut. For example, zurit is octopus in coconut curry, and ladob is a dessert of bananas boiled in coconut milk with cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg.
What else to do. Explore all the islands – tiny granite Cousin, turtle atoll Aldabra and Silhouette Reserve, the perfect place for snorkeling.
Sri Lanka
Average temperature in November: air – +28 °C, water – +29 °C
Sri Lanka is usually visited for beach vacations, but you can also enjoy nature in the mountains and jungles. There are forts, temple complexes and tea plantations on the island. You can spend months exploring the former Ceylon.
Cities. At the center of Sri Lanka lies the golden triangle, the area inside the island’s three former capitals: Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. These cities are on the Unesco list and are reached by train from Colombo. This is the most scenic transportation to get around the island. Tickets can be purchased on the local railroad’s website.
The nine-arched bridge over which the trains pass is a landmark in itself. It was built in the jungle during British colonial rule. It is made entirely of rocks and is 25 meters high.
The bus routes are also very colorful, but the local driving style is dangerous and sloppy. In addition, sometimes you have to ride standing up.
In Kandy, the ornate Buddha Tooth Temple is worth a visit Inside there are statues of Buddha from many countries – you can compare how the image of the deity differs among the peoples of the world. In Anuradhapura go to see the dagobas – ancient Buddhist stupas, religious buildings in the form of hemispheres. The most famous are Tuparama, White Stupa and Jetavana Ramaya. The first one is considered the most sacred dagoba in Sri Lanka, the second one is notable for the fact that it was painted white, and the last one is the largest on the island.
Polonnaruwa is the ancient capital of the island. It is now an abandoned city where the ruins of ornate palaces, libraries and temples are explored. There is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous temples, Gal Vihara, with huge statues of Buddha carved into the rocks. They date back to the 12th century.
Natural Attractions. I would recommend visiting Adam’s Peak. From the top in the rays of dawn opens a delightful panorama – hills in a haze of fog and the lake. The light changes every second, so the panorama will be constantly changing. The ascent to the mountain with the height of 2243 meters will take two or three hours. You need to overcome about five thousand steps – it’s like climbing to the 250th floor. The place attracts pilgrims, and the atmosphere at the top is hearty and warm.
If you are not ready for such heroics, conquer Small Peak, it takes an hour to climb it. The view from there is also beautiful – mountainous landscapes, tea plantations. Toward sunset, the hills begin to be covered with a misty haze.
Beaches. Unawatuna, with its clear water and gentle approach, is usually chosen for family vacations. Veligama and Hiriketiya are considered surfing spots, while Hikkaduwa is the place to go for diving and snorkeling to swim in the company of sea turtles.
Food: The basis of Lankan cuisine is fish, seafood, curry and rice, and usually all of these ingredients are combined in one dish. Many dishes are cooked in a lot of sauce, so take a roti flatbread – it tastes better that way. Ceylon tea and mango lassi will help quench your thirst in the heat.
What else to do. Take photos against the backdrop of the lighthouse in the port city of Galle, visit Yala National Park, climb a rock in Sigiriya and see the colorful temple of Koneshwaram.
Tunisia
Average temperature in November: air – +19 °C, water – +20 °C
On one side of Tunisia is the Mediterranean Sea, on the other side is the boundless Sahara. In terms of service, Tunisia is not inferior to Turkey and Egypt. I vacationed in the resort of Hammamet as a child. Despite the fact that more than ten years have passed since my trip, I still remember the smell of jasmine flowers everywhere and sweet dates.
Resorts. The country has three main resorts for beach vacations: Sousse, Hammamet and Djerba Island. Sousse is considered more youthful and party. Among the sights there are the Archaeological Museum of Sousse with a valuable collection of ancient Roman mosaics and the Great Mosque.
Hammamet is suitable for family vacations: the entrance to the sea is gentle and there are almost no waves. There are many hotels on the coast with developed infrastructure: all-inclusive meals, water slides, playgrounds and spa centers. There are historical and new parts of the medina
The bathing season in Djerba lasts all year round. The local beaches have fine sand, clear water and many thalassotherapy centers. The oldest synagogue in Tunisia, El Griba, is also located on the island. Ethnographic museum in the village of Gelala will tell you about the traditions of the indigenous inhabitants of the island: each room reproduces the interior and a scene from the life of a local family. And the museum is also located on the highest point of Djerba – see the island from a new angle.
The island’s main town of Humt Suk is known for its handicraft markets, fishing port and 16th-century Borj el-Kebir fortress. Also important to Arab culture are the caravanserais. These were inn houses that served as resting places for caravans on the trade route. Nowadays the caravanserais are fashionable hotels and restaurants.
Carthage. The ancient city is the main attraction of Tunisia. Once it was the most important trading center of the ancient Mediterranean and one of the richest cities of Antiquity. Now it is a museum city with paid entrance.
The Carthage museum complex includes an amphitheater, Roman theater and villas, thermae and other sites. I remember the National Museum of Carthage most of all. It houses archaeological objects from different periods found during excavations: for example, a marble sarcophagus of a priest and priestess from the 3rd century BC, a collection of masks and jewelry made of cast glass, Roman mosaics, a collection of Roman amphorae, ivory products.
Sidi Bou Said is something I would return to Tunisia for. The blue city reminds me of the island of Santorini in Greece: it too consists of snow-white houses with blue shutters and platbands. In 1915 it was forbidden to change the appearance of the buildings, so the whole city looks like a museum.
I would recommend visiting the palace of Baron d’Erlanger, a 20th century building in neo-Moorish style, decorated with arches, stucco and patterned tiles. It used to be the family residence of a French baron, and what remains are lush gardens, a library, and a gallery with paintings. Several rooms of the villa are occupied by the Museum of Arab and Mediterranean Music. It presents a collection of musical instruments collected by the Baron: percussion, bowed, plucked and wind instruments from the Arab East, Africa and the Mediterranean. It also houses a multi-volume work on Arabic music written by Erlanger.
The promenade streets of Sidi Bou Said offer beautiful views of the Gulf of Carthage. You can walk down to the sea, stroll along the promenade and view the expensive yachts.
Sahara. What I remember most was the two-day excursion to the Sahara. We rode through the desert on jeeps and camels wearing special capes that protect us from the sand and sun. Riding on jeeps is an extreme activity: you have to descend from some barchans at high speed almost vertically.
One of the most interesting stops on the itinerary is the Star Wars set. In the story, Mos Espa is a trading city on the planet Tatooine, home of Anakin Skywalker. The streets of Mos Espa consist of houses with semicircular and cone-shaped roofs. There are courtyards, structures with arcades and other objects – in the dry desert climate the buildings are well preserved, although the filming of the saga took place more than 40 years ago.
We met the dawn at the salt lake El Jerid. There you can see mirages in the air, and the water is colored in pink and green shades. As a souvenir they offer to buy desert roses, which are formed from salt deposits. This is quite a durable mineral, so you can not worry that the souvenir will break on the road.
Food. The traditional dish of Tunisia is couscous. It is cooked with lamb, fennel, raisins, squid. Djerbi rice with baked vegetables and seafood or meat is also popular.
I recommend trying harissa, a spicy paste made of red peppers with oil and spices. From hot appetizers I recommend brik – Tunisian cheburek filled with potatoes, tuna, egg and parsley.
Don’t be surprised by the many French bakeries and creperies: for many years Tunisia was a French colony. Under the Pâtisserie sign you’ll find desserts made with honey, almonds, pistachios and other nuts. Particularly delicious are baklava, tiny cakes made of sugar dough in mlabes frosting, sweet kaaber balls and macrud cookies.
What else to do. Visit the oasis city of Duz, the port city of Monastir and Kairouan – a UNESCO city – go to the hammam, take the kids to Hannibal amusement park.
Where else to go abroad in November
It’s hard to enjoy the city and explore the sights in the heat. And there’s almost no appetite: you won’t be able to try as many local dishes as you’d like. In November, most countries are at a comfortable temperature and you can enjoy an Indian summer and eat fruit.
Spain
Average temperature in November: air – +16 °C
It’s Indian summer in Barcelona in November: gentle sunshine, colorful trees. During the day it is pleasant to bask under the sun on the wide Barceloneta beach. You can eat ripe oranges, clementines, persimmons, pomegranates and cherimoya, a fruit that tastes like mango, strawberry and pineapple at the same time.
Before my trip to Barcelona, I read Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s books, which portrayed the city as very mysterious. This is how Barcelona remained in my memory. I wanted to see the mysterious Montjuïc Hill, which often appears in Safon’s works. From there you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
In 1929, the World Exhibition was held there, for which they built the majestic National Palace in the style of the Spanish Renaissance. In front of the palace there is the Magic Fountain, in the evenings there is a light and music show. The spectacle against the backdrop of the palace is mesmerizing. It’s best to arrive early to get the best view: there are always plenty of people who want to listen to the fountain.
Also on Montjuïc is the Foundation Museum of Catalan artist Joan Miró. The museum houses a collection of his works, including “Woman in the Night Among a Flock of Birds”, “Tenderness of a Bird” and the gouache series “Constellations”.
I find it interesting to visit the historic Montjuïc cemetery, where many famous people are buried: the same Joan Miró, the painter Ramon Casas, the politician Luis Companis. Most of the sculptures and tombstones are made in the Gothic style. There are free tours of the cemetery, though only in Spanish. Information about tours is available on the website.
There are tours in English of Montjuïc Castle, which was built in the 18th century to protect the city. In the 20th century, during Franco’s reign, it was a military prison. You will see bastions, defensive fortifications, moat. You can walk along the walls – from there you can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole of Barcelona.
Barcelona is rich in architectural monuments. I was most excited about Gaudi’s creations. I advise you to mark his main masterpieces on the map and walk around Barcelona in search of the houses of Baglio, Mila and Vicens, the Güell Park and the Güell Palace.
Gaudi’s houses are interesting to see inside and out, but entry to them is expensive: a ticket to the Baglio House alone costs from 25 €. But the design is extraordinary: it takes you into Jules Verne’s fantastic underwater world, with turtle shell ceiling windows and winding walls. The wooden handrails of the staircase look like the spine of a huge animal. You’ll also see the patio, attic, and walk out onto the roof of the house, which resembles the back of a dragon.
What I definitely recommend splurging on is the entrance to the Sagrada Familia, the Shrine of the Holy Family. The cathedral has been under construction since 1882, and work is still underway. The pointed towers of the cathedral can be seen from afar. The building itself can be viewed endlessly: each facade is dedicated to a particular subject, such as the birth of Christ. Inside the Sagrada surprises with high vaults, which resemble the skeleton of a huge animal, and stained glass windows. On a sunny day, the cathedral shimmers with all kinds of colors like a lollipop.
I would allocate one day to visit the 11th century Monastery of Monserrat. It is located in the mountains 50 kilometers from Barcelona. I enjoyed the scenic train ride and the cable car that leads to the monastery. The monastery itself houses the Catalan shrine of the Black Madonna, a statue of the Virgin Mary made of dark poplar wood.
There are several paths from the monastery to the top of the mountain. There is a legend that the Holy Grail is hidden there. It took me about four hours to climb up and down. It was not easy, but definitely worth it: I remember this ascent thanks to the mountain goats I met on the way.
Madrid. On the main street, Gran Via, store and look at the architecture. For example, the offices of Telefónica, Europe’s first skyscraper, are located there. Another beautiful building is the Palace of Telecommunications in neochurrigueresco style: it is characterized by an abundance of decorative details and a mixture of elements from different architectural trends. This is the seat of Madrid City Hall, but the building is open to the public: exhibitions are held there, and there is also an observation deck where you can see the whole city.
If you want to know how Spanish kings live, visit the Royal Palace, one of the largest in the world. Inside, there’s a lavish throne room, ballrooms and a kitchen where servants prepare meals.
The main Spanish museum of fine art is the Prado Museum. Its collection includes paintings by Bosch, Velázquez, Goya and El Greco, as well as Flemish paintings by Rubens and Van Eyck.
For walks, I recommend the beautiful parks Retiro and Casa de Campo. The Retiro is home to Velázquez’s red brick palace, granite fountains and the Crystal Palace, a former greenhouse with many windows and a voluminous roof. The park’s large lake is explored by boat. Casa de Campo is comparable in size to New York’s Central Park. There are crowded rides and paths where you walk in silence.
Seville. There are also lesser-known cities in Spain, which are not inferior to Madrid and Barcelona. In the south, the capital of Andalusia and home of the flamenco dance, Seville, is worth a stop. If choosing one attraction, I would go to the Seville Alcazar, a royal castle built in the Moorish style. Those who have been to Tunisia or Morocco will notice the similarities to the luxurious riad mansions.
The tour takes you to Charles the Fifth’s apartments, the royal bedrooms and the ambassadors’ hall, which is decorated with a cedar stalactite vault. I love the court of the maids of honor with its arches, arabesques, and marble columns. The royal gardens are no less impressive: palm trees, jasmine bushes and a Renaissance orange grove – created especially for the wedding of Charles the Fifth.
I love the Gothic – I specifically went to see Cologne and Milan cathedrals. In Seville, I would like to see the cathedral. Inside there are paintings by Velázquez, Goya and Murillo.
Bullfighting has a special place in Spanish culture, so I would love to learn the history of the spectacle. Seville is home to the famous and oldest bullfighting arena, the Maestranza. You can tour the arena itself and visit the bullfighting history museum, which contains portraits and costumes of famous bullfighters, as well as posters of important fights.
Food. The most famous dish is paella, which is brought in huge pans for two people at once. I bring home several packs of jamon: it’s cheaper and tastier in Spain than anywhere else. For dessert, try creme catalana, the local version of crème brûlée, or flao pudding, the local version of cheesecake. It’s made with fresh cheese, mint, anise and honey. Among the street sweets, I remember crispy churros – a type of doughnut – with hot chocolate.
There are many Michelin restaurants in Spain. For example, you can dine at Abac, a Barcelona institution with three stars.
What else to do. Ride the extreme slides in PortAventura Park, visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, visit wineries in the Rioja region.
Ticket price per person without luggage. Prices are updated every 5 minutes
Morocco
Average temperature in November: air – +20 °C
Autumn is the velvet season in Morocco. There is no more exhausting heat and it is comfortable to sightsee in ancient cities.
Agadir is a city on the Atlantic coast. Not everyone will want to swim in November: the water cools down to +18 °C. Thalassotherapy – spa programs using sea water and seaweed – will be a worthy substitute. There are even special hotels-resorts. One of the most famous is Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa.
Morocco is not as famous among surfers as Bali or Australia, but it has all the conditions for them. The Taghazout area is very popular among wave surfers.
In the city, it makes sense to go to El Ahad souk and visit the medina, the old town. Prepare to start exploring every city in Morocco with the medina and the souk: the main square is the heart of the city, and the market is where you can feel the rhythm of the city and get to know the people.
Essaouira. 170 kilometers from Agadir is a pirate town that was once a haven for hippies. The local Moorish-style medina with a clock tower is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Essaouira was also the setting for the filming of the TV series Game of Thrones: it played the role of the city of Astapor in the Gulf of Slave Traders. Fans of the saga are advised to take photos against the backdrop of the Rock Fortress.
Casablanca is known for its white-washed buildings. The main attraction is the mosque of Hassan the Second. The imposing building accommodates 25 thousand worshippers and stands on the ocean shore, half of the building is floating above the water. The marble columns are beautifully combined with turquoise-colored patterns.
Boulevard Mohammed Fifth sees a curious mix of Art Deco and Moorish style, while the waterfront has the best sunsets. For shopping, nightlife and luxury oyster restaurants, go to the waterfront too.
There are two medinas in Fez: one is over a thousand years old, the other about seven hundred. Many of the houses in the city are painted green, a holy color for Muslims. I advise you to look at Al-Qaraouin, one of the oldest universities in the world, and the Emir’s Palace. It is also worth visiting the Jewish quarter of Mella.
The city is famous for leather workshops – you’ll find the Shuar dyeworks with their unforgettable smell in the tanners’ quarter. I would choose a riad for accommodation to get a feel for how the affluent locals live.
Chefchaouen. What I would like to see most of all is the blue town of Chefchaouen. There it is good to wander through the narrow streets of different shades of blue and look at the colorful tiles on the walls of the houses. The Kasbah fortress has an ethnographic museum with an art gallery and an Andalusian garden. The second attraction is the Spanish Mosque, which offers the best view of the city.
Food: The traditional dish is tagine: meat and vegetables cooked in a dish of the same name. The most common side dish is couscous. For dessert one eats baklava, pastilla cake, almond cookies. The main drink is mint tea, and Morocco also likes avocado juice.
What else to do. Check out Marrakech and Tangier, visit the Todra Gorge – an impressive canyon with Berber villages around it – go hiking in the Talassemtane National Park.
Namibia
Average temperature in November: air – +30 °C
Namibia is a country in southwest Africa with access to the Atlantic Ocean. It has a semi-desert climate with hot days and cool nights. For example, after a 30-degree heat wave during the day, the temperature can drop to almost zero at night.
Windhoek is the capital of Namibia, a young and modern city. The main attractions are located in Independence Square, Werner List and the pedestrianized Post Street. There you’ll see colonial mansions, and on Post Street you’ll also see a clock tower and a meteorite exhibit. Windhoek is seen from a different angle in the Katatura slum area: poor dwellings made of sticks and metal leaves.
The National Museum of Namibia is the best way to get acquainted with the country’s culture It consists of two parts: the ancient German Fort Alte Feste and the modern Ovela Hall. The latter presents everyday objects of different Namibian tribes: national dwellings, clothes, utensils and tools.
I advise you to see the “Acre of Heroes” memorial in honor of the soldiers who died in the fight for Namibia’s independence. It is located on a hill and offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city. Other interesting sights are the Namibian Parliament building with its picturesque garden and the neo-Gothic Jesus Church. The church with its long spire stands among palm trees, and inside there are colorful stained glass windows.
My main purpose for traveling to Namibia would be to go on safari. National parks are usually free to drive your own car into and spot wild animals in their natural habitat. Near Windhoek is the Dan Vilune Park where you can spot giraffes, antelope and zebras.
For the most vivid emotions you should go to the Etosha National Park in the north of the country. It is home to a large population of rhinos, leopards and cheetahs. There are several places for overnight stays in the park – you can stay in your own tent or bungalow. The most interesting thing is to observe the life of the savannah in the dark. For this purpose, tourists gather at special viewing platforms.
Swakopmund was founded by German colonists, and since that time there have been low buildings and well-maintained public gardens. In some places it reminds of a provincial town in Germany. In my opinion, the most beautiful buildings are the former train station, the building of the former tribunal, the lighthouse and the old Lutheran church. And the natural point of attraction is the sand dunes, from which you can go down on skis, snowboards or quad bikes.
Wolfish Bay is a former port, first belonging to Great Britain, then to South Africa. In Afrikaans, the town’s name means “whale cove”, where people come to see whales. The bird sanctuary in the lagoon is home to colonies of pink flamingos.
There is a tour of the salt works in Wolfish Bay. During the tour you can see huge mountains of salt – they look like a desert. On the way to the salt pink lake, the water is strawberry-colored.
Sossusflei is a clay plateau in the heart of the Namib Desert surrounded by high dunes. As the sun rises and sets, the sands turn a vibrant pink-orange color. Bare tree trunks against the smooth red sands appear as if burned. You feel like you are on another planet.
I would also recommend a trip to Cape Cross, which is one of the largest harbor seal rookeries in the world. In November they start their mating season and watching the animals becomes even more exciting.
Food. Namibian cuisine combines indigenous and settler culinary traditions. The most common dish is pap, an analog of maize or millet porridge. It is served with sugar and milk for breakfast, and with meat stew or fish for lunch and dinner. The menu of local restaurants includes steaks made of crocodile, ostrich, antelope or zebra meat.
The most unusual dishes for tourists and familiar to locals are mopane worms and termite eggs. Worms are grilled and termite eggs are steamed in banana leaves with minced pork and spices. You can try them at Xwama Cultural Village, for example.
What else to do. Go to the ghost town of Kolmanskop, visit the Skeleton Coast, a graveyard of stranded ships, see the five-thousand-year-old rock paintings in the Twyfelfontein Valley, walk among the basalt rocks and aloe trees in Fish River Canyon.
