#offthe beaten

If you are planing to visit South Spain this year, think twice and take a different route towards the charming and yet overlooked north. For visiting this part of the country, you may choose to start your journey either from the nearby airports or from the center of Spain and then move there either by car or with the public transport.

A good starting point could be Madrid, where you can find an affordable flight thorough the year and then get something more than a weekend get away by renting a car.

Segovia can be your first stop which is about 90km away (around 1h and a half), famous for it's natural beauties and its local delicacies. There, you can experience some interesting outdoor activities provided by locals, such as an adventurous air balloon flight with full view of the city, hiking in a secret location full of natural beauties that only locals know, and canoeing routes for more off the beaten path moments. 

  You can either spend the night in Segovia or move to Burgos, the historical city of Castilla, that will amaze you with it's stunning UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral.  

The following day you could reach the arty Bilbao, the capital of the Basque Country, which is two hours away from Burgos.

There, you can feel the cultural diversity that makes this part of Spain unique and original. 2-4 days of sightseeing are probably not enough to experience the Basque cultural heritage. You may also pop up in Bemeo, a stunning seaside city and Vitoria a picturesque city and European Green Capital for 2012 and this years gastronomic capital.

  San Sebastian-Donostia can also be one of the stops in your journey, a famous holiday resort of the basque coast which is also well-known for its seafood and pintxos(tapas). 

If you are a foodie then, don't miss La Rioja, the gastronomic paradise for wine lovers that worths a visit.

Pamplona is another option as well, where you can watch the Running of the Bulls in july arranged by a local. 

Special thanks to Ander Fernandez for his amazing pictures and tips from the Basque Country.

The Italian Capital has many more things to offer except from the classic sightseeing spots of the center. This week i'm spotting 5 extraordinary places that will get you thrilled and show you another side of this glorious city.

1.Via Piccolomini

An authentic optical Illusion in Rome. Check the illuminated dome of St Peter's church and get amazed by the unexpected change of its size. When you get closer it get's smaller and smaller, but when you move away it's magically stretched. Creepy?

2. The Zodiac Hill

Undeniably one of the best views in Rome. A Lovers panorama surrounded by kisses, hugs and whispers. It's located right next to the Observatory of Astronomy and it's a romantic off the beaten spot for lovebirds.

3. Parco degli acquedotti

Located in the Roman suburbs. A park that will remind you the opening shot of the ''la dolce vita'. Typical Roman countryside of archaeologic and Naturalistic interest that attracted numerous artists, architects, writers and travelers of the Romantic era. It's located in the Roman suburbs and a bike ride is a must-do! 

4. Chiesa del Gesu

One of the most superb jesuit churches in Rome. The magic happens at 17.30pm every day, when the statue of St. Ignatius which is hidden behind a large painting is suddenly revealed with large spotlights switched on to show the piece. Loud religious music covers the baroque happening. Lovely.

5. Ostia Antica

An ancient Roman port quite well-known in the ancient world. It's easily reached from the centre of Rome. It's ideal for a short break from the center of the city. For some it's significantly more impressive than Pompeii. A must-do stroll in the wonders of ancient Rome.