My top 5 destinations
- Orla Casey
- Apr 21, 2017
- 4 min read
*I am far from seeing all countries in the world but this is my top 5 so far, gathered from the map below.
1. Florence, Italy
Out of everywhere I have ever been, this place always comes out on top as the most beautiful. It is just so god damn pretty! Every single corner that you turn here has something amazing to see whether it is a cathedral, a dome, a gallery or a bridge. With its lined cobblestone pavements and narrow streets, it truly is a gem.
The Duomo
Giotto's Campanile
This place, and this place alone was the reason that I decided to study art history. The art work here is incredible and the prime example of this is young David, shown below. If that is not reason enough for anyone to go I don't know what is! Florence is also home to some masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Giotto, and Titian to name merely a few. If art is your thing, this is the place to go.
Also on every corner in Florence is Italian food, amazing Italian food at that and endless Gelato to eat until your heart's content.
If I really can't tempt you with the scenery, art, architecture or food, then, Florence is also home to Pizzeria O Vesuvio; the restaurant that the Jersey Shore cast worked in for weeks back in 2011. It has the evidence to prove it.
Florence has everything to offer and stepping here seems as if you are quite literally jumping back into the Renaissance.
2. Los Angeles
Ah LA - I still dream about being back here every day and can not wait to explore it all over again one day. The LA that I am talking about is not grubby Downtown (although the Hop on- Hop off tour is fascinating to see all the locations for movies that everyone knows and loves) but I am talking about the LA with beaches and an abundance of palm trees.
Driving up along the coast is arguably some of the best scenery you can see as you drive up the Pacific Coast Highway and see Venice Beach, Santa Monica and Malibu to name only a few locations. Although there is not much to do in Malibu or at most beaches, they are so scenic. Santa Monica Pier allows for loads of activities, is home to Bubba Gump Shrimp as well as endless amazing shops across the road including Pacsun- possibly the greatest shop ever.
Malibu
Santa Monica Pier
One word: Disneyland! Also, this is an incredible Disneyland, much better than Paris- sorry not sorry. Although this is not technically in LA, it is very near and is a must when in the area. The fireworks display here is outrageous and beyond anything I have ever seen before.
Also, Universal! Who doesn't want to meet their favourite transformer or favourite actor made out of wax or watch fire explosions in water?
This whole place is beyond dreamy and is more amazing than what you see on 90210 or Melrose Place which I don't think anyone thought was possible. Also driving around Bell- Air to creep on super expensive mansions is fun too.
Venice Beach sunset
3. Ko Tao/ Koh Phangan
My exact reasons are given at... http://orlacasey1.wixsite.com/allthingsart/single-post/2017/02/25/Which-Thai-island-is-the-best
The number one reason for both of these islands taking my number 3 slot is because of how truly picturesque and relaxing that they are.
Ko Tao
4. Venice
From the moment I got to Venice I honestly fell in love with it to be super cliche. I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to revisit this magical city last year and again, was not disappointed.
Again, seeming to dominate all of my opinions, this place is beyond scenic and downright charming. The architecture is incredible especially the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Library in the main square, Piazza San Marco. This floating area is dominated by canals which I'm sure everybody knows but I don't know if people understand just how many that there are. You can't walk more than 4 minutes I would say without seeing a canal which makes this city truly breathtaking.
St. Mark's Library and Campanile ft. seagull
A lot of people argue about how expensive Venice is but if you're smart, it is so easily done very cheap. A tasty glass of Prosecco is €4 and a large pizza is usually €7- €10 = perfection. For anyone sick enough to try it, Venice also offers pizzas with chips as a topping..
The island of Burano within the Venetian lagoon quite literally defines magical as it bursts at the seams with colours and souvenir shops- arguably life's greatest things. A boat out to this small island won't cost you much and won't take too long but is certainly worth the trip, especially when the sun is shining or just about to set.
Burano
5. Malta
My main reason is supplied at... http://orlacasey1.wixsite.com/allthingsart/single-post/2016/10/17/Game-of-Thrones-Maltese-road-trip
However, there is certainly more to Malta than Game of Thrones. The Blue Lagoon is enough reason on its own to fly here, it is incredible and cheap as chips to go over on a boat and rent some snorkel gear. It will 100% not disappoint. MDina is also a lovely quaint area to explore full of narrow streets and an ancient atmosphere, definitely something out of Game of Thrones.
Now somewhat of a party place, Malta has quieter areas like the capital, Valletta, which hosts St John's cathedral with two of Caravaggio's paintings as well as the Barrakka Gardens which are so relaxing to stroll around in the sun and offer exceptional views of the harbour.
St. Jerome Writing, Caravaggio
Barrakka Gardens
The best part about these places is that 3 out of the 5 places mentioned are in Europe and are extremely accessible for just about anybody. All should certainly be on everyone's bucket list!
*My opinion.
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