3 European destinations for the last months of 2024

2024-10-12 22:30:00, Kuriozitete CNA

Of course, there isn't just one ideal time to visit some of Europe's most beautiful destinations. However, in certain months of the year, their beauty stands out even more, making any trip there undoubtedly exciting.

In a beloved island destination like Malta, with sunny Valletta always brimming with culture and history, autumn has an irresistible allure. That's when the crowds of tourists have left and the authentic face of the City of Knights is more visible than ever. What's even better is that if you decide to visit Malta in October, the temperatures are still high and the summer breeze is still around.

On the other hand, modern, sophisticated Amsterdam, with its endless canals resembling water boulevards, is the ultimate artistic destination for lovers of museums, huge electronic parties, experimental culture and fashion. In November, the atmosphere in the Dutch capital carries with it a sweet melancholy that makes us want to spend endless hours in the warm rooms of the Van Gogh Museum or FOAM, where the art of photography is at its peak.

And, of course, on Christmas days, all roads lead us to cold Copenhagen, where, between the statue of the Little Mermaid and the Nyhavn district, we stop at the spectacular Tivoli theme park, which during the holidays is transformed into a Christmas paradise. for everyone.

October in Valletta

3 European destinations for the last months of 2024

Valletta, a small but very beautiful coastal city that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is better known around the world as the 'City of Knights'.

In its picturesque, cobbled and uphill streets you will discover a fascinating part of European history, when the island of Malta inextricably linked its existence with the Knights of the Order of St. John. Since then, the Grand Master's Palace has been the most iconic and famous attraction of this charming island country. So a visit there is truly a must to get a close look at one of the most fascinating collections of shields, weapons, armor and other dazzling artefacts from another era currently existing in Europe. One of the biggest advantages of a short city break in Valletta is the fact that you can see everything in two 24 hours, enjoy every corner of the city, pass by the places you wanted several times, discover its secrets small. So you will definitely make a stop at the Co-Cathedral of Agios Ioannis, built in the Baroque style, a unique church with a dazzling interior reminiscent of a palace. Indeed, inside the church you will see two shocking works by the great painter Caravaggio, as well as the magnificent floor of the church which is considered by many to be the most spectacular church in the world.

In Valletta, however, it is worth making a stop at the National Archaeological Museum with interesting exhibits dating back to prehistoric times, the National Museum of Fine Arts housed in a former knights' palace, the magnificent Casa Rocca Piccola, which was authentic. The noble Maltese residences, but also in the beautiful, green Barraca Upper Gardens, which are built on the highest point of the city, surround the old fortifications and offer a wonderful view of the Grand Harbour. If you want to enjoy the most breathtaking view on the whole island, then, indeed, this is the place to go.

In all this, perhaps, the best thing is that in Malta you will experience, even in October, the second part of the summer holidays. A Mediterranean island that is bathed in sun even in winter always gives us the feeling of eternal summer - in fact, it is possible to have such good weather that you have to move around in shorts everywhere, while there is no longer an opportunity to good to get. a day trip and to the beautiful town of Mdina in the center of the island, a quaint medieval wonder about 25 minutes from Valletta and an experience in itself.

November in Amsterdam

3 European destinations for the last months of 2024

On one side endless meadows covered with tulips in every color your mind can imagine and valleys with windmills. Outdoor stalls full of local, delicious cheeses and wonderful fish and bars with excellent local beer. And on the other hand, the capital of a big, fun and multifaceted party. Where clubs playing techno music stay open until noon the next day and internationally renowned DJs take to the decks one after the other. Where you will wake up early in the afternoon in a central hotel and look for the perfect breakfast before getting lost in the museums and galleries and before spending the afternoon in the famous cafes of the city. Even if you don't want to try some of the much talked about cannabis-infused sweets that Amsterdam is so famous for around the world, you'll definitely want to make a stop just to browse the variety. The most popular is definitely the super-designed Boerejongens Coffeeshop Sloterdijk, which has everything from multi-colored cream cakes to chocolate brownies and red velvet cakes in its windows. That's what Amsterdam is: a unique marriage of the special local tradition that makes it so distinct and unique and on the other hand the soul of a restless artistic city that never sleeps.

Because it's no lie that the heart of modern art beats strongly in Amsterdam, a city that should be considered primarily the home of parties, electronic music and contemporary fine art much more than it is considered the home of tulips and countless liquid canals.

What is important to bear in mind when trying to understand the reasons why the capital of the Netherlands is a non-negotiable cultural destination is the fact that for Amsterdam art is not a modern issue, but an extensive centuries-old history. In fact, it has significantly influenced the formation of artistic movements in Europe and the rest of the world from the 15th century to the present day. Of course, big names now like the experimental artist Saskia de Brau, the influential visual artist Rob Scholte and the photographer Inez Van Lamsweerde have, at the moment, their share of the pie of the Dutch and international cultural scenes, however, no. however many years pass Amsterdam will always be the home of Vincent van Gogh, the painter who became the cornerstone of European Expressionism and a stop at the museum dedicated to him is essential to contact the depth of his magnificent work.

In Amsterdam it is impossible not to visit the Van Gogh Museum with its permanent collection of more than 700 works from the entire artistic career of the Dutch artist, among them original copies of world-famous masterpieces such as The Bedroom, The Sunflowers and Almonds blooming. An important detail about Van Gogh's work is the element of reproduction of some works in second or even third copies. However, many of the originals are in the Amsterdam museum, stunning viewers with their intelligent beauty. If you're a fan of modern art, then make a stop at the Stedelijk Museum, which houses more than 2,500 examples of modern visual art from both the Netherlands and the rest of the world. Or at FOAM, where the art of photography is at its peak in a wonderful, minimalist space with amazing design./ CNA

Taken from Protothema