Home
The Mexican sombrero is an experience everybody should try!
- Details
- Written by: Martin Pramatarov
- Hits: 7085
When I visited Mexico for the first time, I had a very exciting, maybe childish, objective. I really wanted to wear a real Mexican sombrero!
I have seen it everywhere! It’s a fun accessory that can appear in bars or costume parties. If you like sports and Mexicans are participating, it’s very easy to spot their supporters. No matter the size of the stadium or venue, Mexican sombreros can’t be unnoticed.
Once in Mexico, I could see different Mexican sombrero styles, from cheap ones to some really refined and expensive ones with handmade embroidery. I also discovered interesting facts about this popular accessory that I will share with you!
Share your travel experiences with us! Packandgo.info
| Follow PackAndGo.info at: | |
| YouTube | @packandgo. |
| @packandgo.info | |
| X | @packandgoinfo |
| Bluesky | @packandgo.bsky.social |
| @packandgo.info | |
| TikTok | @packandgo.info |
What is the origin of the hat?
This is very interesting because the hat seems not to have a specific origin. It was not a brilliant idea of someone, but a brilliant idea of different people around the world. Hat’s creation was motivated by a simple and clear reason: hot weather. People living in really hot places felt the need to protect their heads and faces to avoid insolation and sunburns.
It’s clear hats were created a long time ago. Some early hats were traced in Ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, and the Middle Ages. And after time, it became a fashion and a popular accessory worldwide.
Is sombrero Mexican?
Yes, the sombrero is Mexican, at least what we know now as the Mexican sombrero. But historians mention there’s a direct Spanish influence on it. First of all, the origin of the name sombrero it’s absolutely Spanish. It comes from the Spanish word sombra (shade), and it started being used in the 15th century. It’s a fact, Spanish was not the native language in Mexico.
Talking about the hat, it’s documented that there was a wide-brim hat in Andalucía, Navarra, and Salamanca. In the first two regions, it seemed to be an accessory for wealthy landowners. And in Salamanca, it was part of the horse rider outfit. When Spanish conquerors arrived in Mexico, for sure the use of the sombrero also did.
An own Mexican sombrero was created in Central Mexico and used by Mestizo cowboys. And then, it spread around the rest of the country.
The exact origin of the Mexican hat has been the subject of debate. Some recognize it as a Mexican creation. Others attribute their origin directly to Spain, even though the differences between the mentioned Spanish hats and the Mexican hat are visible.
What is a Mexican sombrero?
Mexican sombrero is sombrero de “charro” - a big, sometimes even massive, circular hat. This sombrero type has become a Mexican symbol, part of the folklore and culture of the country.
Historically and nowadays, Mexicans have worn different types of hats. Mexico is a big country. The hat’s design (style) varies based on the part of the country where you are. Materials, short or high crowns, narrow or wider brims are different.
But when people say Mexican sombrero, usually they mean the traditional and popular sombrero de “charro”. This is exactly the kind of hat that Mexican cowboys, horse riders, and mariachis wear.
Charro in Mexico refers to horse riders or cowboys who traditionally worked with livestock in the “haciendas” or ranches. Their outfit became popular and easy to spot. Tight-fit pants, belt, short jacket or only “sarape”, vest, wide bow tie, boots, and sombrero (hat). Ornaments, quality materials, and colors on “charros” suits were different based on the “hacienda” they came from.
By the way, now I know that when the hat is massive, the reason is that you didn’t get the proper size. The size of the ideal sombrero for you is defined by the head measures and the height of the person who will wear it.
How is a Mexican sombrero (de charro)?
The Mexican sombrero or “charro” hat varies based on the geographical location you are in. In the North of Mexico, where you find some of the driest areas, sombrero’s materials are lighter, cooler, and the brim is wider. This changes if you are in wooded areas, and in the South, where humidity is higher.
Therefore, a sombrero can be made of palm, wheat straw, wool, leather, suede, or rabbit hair. Materials must be balanced to make the sombrero a solid piece that can stand on the user’s head. It’s a wide-brimmed hat, raised at the back. Its crown can be flat, but usually, it’s shaped with several creases, called “pedradas” in Spanish (frequently four) to provide resistance to the sombrero in case of an impact (mostly falls).
Ornaments are an important detail and usually vary based on personal taste. The most refined sombreros have embroidered designs. Flower figures are usually the most preferred design. Sombreros can have “toquillas”, ornaments placed around the cylinder that shapes the crown, mostly in the lower part. They can be made of chiffon, ribbon, etc. “Ribetes” are also included, narrow strips or trims (ribbon, lace, etc.) to reinforce and adorn the edge of the sombrero. They can be embroidered or openwork trims.
Why should I wear a Mexican sombrero?
You definitely should wear a Mexican sombrero to have fun! That was absolutely my case. It feels rare at the beginning, especially if you are not a regular hat user like me. But it totally gives an accent, a unique touch to your image.
Besides, you should wear a Mexican sombrero because of its benefits. Its wide brim protects you from the sun, wind, dust, and rain. Whether you walk or you ride, you can be protected while keeping your hands free! That’s better than holding an umbrella. It means protection for your head, a sort of helmet, in case of impact (stones, tree branches, or falls).
And if you have seen old Mexican movies, you know a sombrero can be very useful for different purposes.
- To stir up the fire of a bonfire.
- To collect water for drinking yourself or sharing it with your horse.
- To play and dodge a bull pretending you are a bullfighter.
- To use it as a shield in case of a fight or a knife attack. It will be a one-shot resource, but still, it can save you.
- To protect (cover) your identity.
- To kiss your loved one, avoiding prying eyes with the wide brim.
Charros seemed to be very creative in taking full advantage of their sombrero!
In any case, the Mexican sombrero is an experience everybody should try! Don’t miss it on your next trip to Mexico.
Share your pics and experience with us, packandgo.info.
| Follow PackAndGo.info at: | |
| YouTube | @packandgo. |
| @packandgo.info | |
| X | @packandgoinfo |
| Bluesky | @packandgo.bsky.social |
| @packandgo.info | |
| TikTok | @packandgo.info |
The best waterfalls near Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria) you must visit!
- Details
- Written by: Gianna Esquivel
- Hits: 6590
Guys, Bulgaria is a gem you should explore at least once! This time we are in its north-central part. To give you a clue about our current location, we are close to the famous Veliko Tarnovo. That’s easy to spot on the map. It’s a town that is totally worth a visit. But this time, we want to talk to you about the beautiful waterfalls that you can see around Veliko Tarnovo. Either if you go directly there or if you are around, keep them in mind.
That’s our case, we are heading to the Bulgarian border city called Vidin. But we don’t have an exact date to reach it so we are going slowly to see more interesting things around. Like waterfalls! We love waterfalls and nature in general so here you have 5 waterfalls near Veliko Tarnovo you must visit!
| Follow PackAndGo.info at: | |
| YouTube | @packandgo. |
| @packandgo.info | |
| X | @packandgoinfo |
| Bluesky | @packandgo.bsky.social |
| @packandgo.info | |
| TikTok | @packandgo.info |
1. Zlaten waterfall (Златен водопад), 65km away
Our first waterfall during this trip was Zlaten. It’s 65 kilometers east of Veliko Tarnovo. The name Zlaten means golden, and it comes from the color of the stones. They are a golden color and you can see small twinkling stones in the river, that look like the precious metal.
The trail is not hard and immerses you in a cool, natural place. When we arrived, the current in the channel was strong. We walked along with it, passing through a camping site, BBQ area, and spaces designed for kids and adults to have fun in nature.
Soon, we were in front of the waterfall. It was not the highest, but it was pretty and the surroundings were quiet and enjoyable. The place is ideal for spending a day alone, with friends, or with family. When we arrived it was empty so it was easy to park exactly at the entrance. But the space does not look for many cars to park. Maybe during the high season, you should look for another parking spot.
2. Hotnitsa waterfall (Хотнишки водопад (Кая Бунар)), 20km away
The clue we got was that the waterfall was close to Hotnitsa village. So we drove directly to this village and yes, from there it’s easy to reach the waterfall. We parked a bit after the waterfall because there is a small parking lot. You can leave your car safer there and then walk. It’s not a long distance. So we did and soon we were walking on a well-marked road heading to the waterfall. We were just a few meters from the highway, but everything got different here. Nature is all over! We love nature so we were in the right place. We kept going and suddenly, we saw it! Hotnitsa waterfall is very beautiful! Our eyes were amazed by the emerald color of the water. Someone told us it may be produced by limestone deposits in the rocks. Well, what we can say for sure is that it’s a beautiful waterfall!
It’s 30 meters in height and if you visit it in the right season (Spring or the beginning of Summer), you will see, like we did, a great and strong waterfall. It’s fed by the Bohot river. The trail is not very challenging. It’s something like a kilometer and a half. Walking there is a very relaxing experience. You can enjoy the views and surroundings.
Don’t be confused, the waterfall is also called Kaya Bunar (spring in the rock) and it’s 20 kilometers north of Veliko Tarnovo. We have to say that the signs are written in Bulgarian. But still, is not hard to find the place.
3. Kartala waterfalls (Карталските водопади), 6.2km
The Kartala waterfalls are maybe the easiest to visit if you are staying in Veliko Tarnovo. They are just 6km away from it! So close, that you can go by walking from Veliko Tarnovo to Kartala waterfalls in less than 2 hours. What is so great about visiting these waterfalls is that you will be able to enjoy many beautiful views of Veliko Tarnovo on the way. You can see the Tsarevets fortress, which is a magnificent memory of medieval Bulgaria.
The old name of the main waterfall from the Kartala waterfalls is Kartal bayr, which, translated from Turkish, means Eagle Peak. We didn’t see any eagles, but you might have luck when you pass through there.
The trek is not very well marked, but at least it is very close, so you probably won’t get lost. You will see some marks on the trees, and occasionally some picnic spots, which will show you are on the right track.
The waterfall is around 8 meters high. It is not enormous, but it is a nice ending to the trek.
4. Momin Skok waterfall a.k.a. Emen waterfall (Водопадът „Момин скок“), 25km away
The Momin Skok waterfall is located near the Emen village and this is why many people know it as Emen waterfall.
The name Momin Skok comes from a legend from the time of the Turkish occupation. The legend says that the Turkish military was collecting all the young women from the Bulgarian villages and bringing them to the harem of the sultan. The women from Emen didn’t want to join the harem, and they ran out of the village. The Turks were just behind them when they arrived at the waterfall. In a desperate move, they decided that they would rather jump and die than let the Turks catch them. They jumped and died together. This is why it is called Momin Skok. Momim means girls’, and Skok means a jump.
The waterfall is at the end of a beautiful canyon called Emen Canyon. The trek starts with a small cave. Then you will enjoy 50-meter-high cliffs on the two sides of the Negovanka River. The place is really picturesque. Just watch out, because it is a bit high. Take proper trekking shoes.
We totally enjoyed the trek. In the end, you see the 10-meter-high Momin Skok waterfall. It lands in a wide pool, which, if it is warm enough, you can swim in. The place really invites you to jump into the water.
5. Pirineshki Dzhendem waterfall (Пиринешки Джендем водопад), 62 km away
Pirineshki Dzhendem! The name is super hard to say, but it is really worth visiting. Especially if you are already near the Zlaten waterfall. It is just a few kilometers away!
It was easy to park near the road and walk to the waterfall. It was a super short trek of fewer than 10 minutes.
We were surprised to see such a high waterfall. The Pirineshki Dzendem waterfall is 34 meters high! It is among the highest in North Bulgaria.
On the way back, we had a picnic in the so-called “bivak”, the place for rest at the beginning of the trail. It was really nice to visit Pirineshki Dzhendem and Zlaten waterfalls, one after the other. They were two very different waterfalls, both amazing!
Conclusion.
Guys, this is just the beginning of our trip, and it’s getting really interesting and fun. Follow us and enjoy our next stops. If you are on a holiday, have a safe travel. If you are still at home, just pack and go!
We started in Varna and these waterfalls were first on the list. We are now heading towards Dryanovo. Then Etar, then Lovech, and more interesting destinations in North Bulgaria and Romania, on the way to Budapest (Hungary). Join our trip here on packandgo.info
Follow us on:
| Follow PackAndGo.info at: | |
| YouTube | @packandgo. |
| @packandgo.info | |
| X | @packandgoinfo |
| Bluesky | @packandgo.bsky.social |
| @packandgo.info | |
| TikTok | @packandgo.info |
What to do before, during, and after an earthquake?
- Details
- Written by: Martin Pramatarov
- Hits: 5207
Hi guys, when I was living in Mexico City, I experienced two very strong earthquakes. I was totally unprepared, and I was really scared. The earthquakes I have felt in the past have been as a maximum of 6 on the Richter scale, so not really strong. But those two were, 8.1 and 7.1!
The first one hit us during the late night, around 11:40 pm. As usual, me and my girlfriend, we were watching TV, so it was easy to go out on the street and wait until it passes away.
The second was a different case. It hit us during the day, around 1 pm. I didn’t prepare after the first one. I didn’t check a thing, and again I got scared as hell. Trapped in the office environment and with the communication cut down due to overload. What should you do when an earthquake starts?
Finally, after this nightmare, I did my research, and I want to share with you the earthquake protocol “What to do during the earthquake”?
If you hear the earthquake alarm, don’t ignore it, follow these pieces of advice depending on your location.
What is an earthquake?
An earthquake is the shaking and vibration of the Earth’s surface. It is a natural disaster, that is related with releasing of a lot of energy that creates waves. The waves can cause a lot of damage.
What to do during an earthquake If you are inside a building?
Try to run out only if you can escape in 5 seconds or less.
If you are on a higher floor, just forget about this option and wait until the earthquake stops. Many of the injuries happen when people try to go out in a panic. Try to stay calm, as much as you can. It is scary, but you should not panic.
Get down, crawl and cover!
1. Get DOWN
Get down on the floor. Lower your body and you will be more stable. A standing person will suffer a lot more from the vibrations that the earthquake will produce.
2. Start CRAWLING
The best way to move during an earthquake is crawling. Moving close to the ground and use both your hands and legs. It is a lot easier to crawl during this natural disaster.
3. Search for COVER and HOLD ON
Search for something to cover yourself from falling objects. It should be something hard enough to protect you. A sturdy table or desktop is perfect. If there is nothing around, cover your face and get to any of the inside corners of the building.
Don’t stay close to windows, glasses, outside walls and doors, and anything that can fall on you.
Don’t go downstairs and don’t use the elevator! The stairs can easily break, you can get hurt, and the power can go down for a while. You won’t like, to be stuck in a small, dark box without knowing when the help will come. So, don’t use elevators during an earthquake.
4. Leave the building and take the most necessary stuff with you
Follow the instructions that are located on the wall of every building. Use the emergency exit route. There should be a picture on the wall, with clear signs on which doors should be used in case of disaster.
Take the most important items with you. If you have prepared an earthquake bag, with everything you could need, take it, if not go out with your most important items like documents, water, and some money.
Keep evading the elevators. There could be an aftershock, so better go down using the stairs, if they don’t have structural damages, or wait until professional firefighters come to help you.
5. Stay outside until the danger is gone
Stay outside for at least an hour. Be sure that no aftershocks are coming before you move to another place. During this time the communication might be problematic, so try to remain calm and send a message to your family or close friends when you can.
Inform yourself from the news, about the consequences of the earthquake and the current situation in the area where you are. You can get very important information.
What to do during an earthquake If you are outside?
1. Keep staying outside during an earthquake, obviously!
Don’t try to be a hero and rush to a nearby building, in an attempt to help people. You will help them by not blocking their exit route. The time to help will come after the ground stop moving and everything seems calm again.
2. Stay away from buildings, high structures, and electric poles
There is a big risk that they were damaged during the quake. You don’t want something to fall on you. The same goes if you are on foot, in a car, or in another vehicle.
Try to find an open field, like a park, where there can safely wait.
Do you like these earthquake tips? For more great content, follow us on:
| Follow PackAndGo.info at: | |
| YouTube | @packandgo. |
| @packandgo.info | |
| X | @packandgoinfo |
| Bluesky | @packandgo.bsky.social |
| @packandgo.info | |
| TikTok | @packandgo.info |
What to do after an earthquake?
1. Check yourself about injuries
Help yourself, or find somebody that can give you first aid. Bleeding could be a very big problem, so you need to stop the blood as fast as possible.
2. Stay away from the damaged buildings
If you were in one, now is the time to leave it. Stay outside, because there could always be secondary earthquakes. They can be lighter, but they can finish an already broken building.
3. Notify all your family and friend about your status
The first minutes are full of fear and chaos. Everybody will try to call his/her dear ones. The mobile network will probably go down, and it can take hours to get them back on. Use the data on your phone or any Wi-Fi Internet around. My latest experience showed me that Wi-Fi was the most reliable option.
Write in your social networks that you are ok and check on your people. Facebook offers a good option; you can mark yourself as “Safe” and check on certain people.
As I told you, a good connection could be hard to find, so write a short public message “I am safe.” If you use Mobile Data for the Internet, it will eventually post it when it gets a signal again.
*Optional
Help the rest of the people. Maybe you manage to get out of the natural disaster without being harmed, but others were not so lucky. Try to help them the way you can. If you know CPR and how to give first aid, you can really save lives during an earthquake.
If not, but you are strong, you can help with moving debris and cleaning the route for other people to escape from the building.
You can also help those that were left homeless. Bring them tents, and blankets and help them with information about the help they can get from the government.
You can even host some people at your place until they get a place to live.
You decide where and how you are willing to help. Me and my girlfriend, we went to help families in the next neighborhood, Roma (in Mexico City), and we brought food, boxes, and clothes.
We didn’t try to enter the broken building or move heavy stones, because we didn’t feel like we can help a lot in this, and it was risky.
What to do before an earthquake?
Prepare an earthquake emergency backpack. Keep there some ID that you usually don’t use, for example, your international passport. Put some cans of dried food and a bottle of water. A good addition could be a blanket. Don’t overfill it. The idea is that it is light enough that you can grab this emergency earthquake backpack and go in a hurry when you hear the early warning earthquake siren.
Pay attention to the earthquake drills. Take the earthquake drills seriously. If you are living in an earthquake zone, you will have an obligatory earthquake drill that will prepare you for such an event. Check where the emergency exits are, and how to move in case of a disaster.
Keep your home clutter-free. The quake can start when you are at home. Keep your home tidy. Fewer objects around mean fewer potential hits and obstacles to avoid during your exit. Also, you will need a clear escape room, so don’t be messy.
*Optional
Use an earthquake app. Many mobile applications can warn you about the upcoming earthquake. But, you need always to be connected to the internet, to use them. And also they might use your private data for their purposes. Better just pay attention to the earthquake warning siren in your area. If you hear it, start acting.
What country has the most earthquakes?
The single country, that has suffered the most earthquakes is China (according to Statista). The countries that suffer earthquakes often are:
-
China
-
Indonesia
-
Iran
-
Turkey
-
Japan
-
Peru
-
USA
-
Italy
-
Afghanistan
-
India
-
Greece
-
Mexico
| Follow PackAndGo.info at: | |
| YouTube | @packandgo. |
| @packandgo.info | |
| X | @packandgoinfo |
| Bluesky | @packandgo.bsky.social |
| @packandgo.info | |
| TikTok | @packandgo.info |
How is an earthquake caused?
The main cause of earthquakes is the sudden release of stress (energy) along faults in the earth’s crust. The earth has many tectonic plates and they are in movement. Their constant actions and interaction with each other cause build-ups of pressure. The pressure gets so high, that in one moment the energy needs to be released. That tectonic pressure, created from the move of the tectonic plates causes earthquakes.
There are 3 main types of tectonic movements:
-
Trust fault (convergent). The Tectonic plates come together.
-
Normal Fault (divergent). The tectonic plates move apart.
-
Strike-Slip Fault (transform). The tectonic plates move past each other.
Can an earthquake cause a tsunami?
Yes, an earthquake can cause a tsunami (tidal wave). A large, strong, and shallow earthquake, with an epicenter on the ocean floor, can start a tsunami wave. There are regions where tectonic plates meet, and the movements they do doing the years cause such a disaster. A tsunami wave can travel as much as 1000 kilometers (the Great 1960 Chilean tsunami)! That temblor was 9.5 magnitude (Richter), and usually, it must be at least 7.5 magnitudes to cause serious damage.
Can an earthquake cause a volcanic eruption?
Yes, an earthquake can cause a volcanic eruption. A strong temblor, with a magnitude higher than 6 (Richter) can cause a volcano to erupt if the epicenter is close enough. This happens, if the volcano was already close to erupting anyway. If it had enough magma and sufficient pressure.
Can a volcanic eruption cause an earthquake?
Yes, a volcanic eruption can cause an earthquake. The pressure that volcanoes generate, together with the vibrations from the moving magma can affect the surrounding rocks and trigger a small earthquake. Such earthquakes are called volcanic earthquakes or volcanic tremors.
Can an earthquake be predicted?
No, people cannot predict earthquakes, no matter what technology they use. No device or equipment can predict a tremor. The only type of devices that scientists use currently is to measure it and warn. The earthquake waves move slower than the communication, so you can get an early warning. But it is based just on the distance, from the epicenter to the place where you are.
Conclusion
Earthquakes are unpredictable, even having applications for early warning, still, most probably you will get scared. Just try to remember those tips and stay couscous before, during, and after an earthquake. Like this, you will have better chances of survival.
Other articles that can help you with survival tips:
"Volcano, when the Hell breaks loose"
"Tsunami, the wave that you don’t want to see"
"Hurricane, what to do when it approaches?"
"Tornado, where and how to hide?"
"Avalanche, Surviving natural disasters"
Official sources used for this article:
https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/get-ready/quakesafe/what-to-do-in-an-earthquake
https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/earthquakes/en/
https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/can-earthquakes-trigger-volcanic-eruptions
https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/can-you-predict-earthquakes
https://www.statista.com/statistics/269648/number-of-earthquakes-by-country/
| Follow PackAndGo.info at: | |
| YouTube | @packandgo. |
| @packandgo.info | |
| X | @packandgoinfo |
| Bluesky | @packandgo.bsky.social |
| @packandgo.info | |
| TikTok | @packandgo.info |
Please, do not visit the beaches near Kavala City!
- Details
- Written by: Gianna Esquivel
- Hits: 5153
Greece is such a nice country to spend as much time as you can. No matter where in Greece you are, you always will find a nice spot to eat, a cozy place to stay, a beautiful hidden beach to enjoy, and a cool Greek to chat with. Exploring Kavala City has been very pleasant and exciting! Now, we are curious about its surroundings; the beaches near Kavala City. We decided to pack and go again to discover what else can we enjoy.
If you spot Kavala on a map, it is not hard to realize that is mostly surrounded by beaches and small towns. This is so far one of the most relaxing travels we have made and we don’t mind at all! M and I thought: “If the challenge here is to move from beach to beach every day, perfect! We can do that!” hahaha. We are the type of travelers who instead of taking it easy, walk to death daily to explore as much as possible. Usually, we finish very tired every day. Perhaps, for the first time, we will rest during a trip so we won’t need a break after the holidays! It gets a vicious circle, guys hahaha
Where is Palio?
Palio’s full name is Palio Tsifliki. Get your map and you will see Palio in northeastern Greece, along the coastline of the beautiful Aegean Sea. It is about 9 kilometers west of Kavala City center. Driving (Via EO2, Greek National Road 2), it will take you around 15 minutes to reach it, based on Google’s calculation.
The Via EO2, Greek National Road 2 is a very long road located in the regions of West, Central, and East Macedonia, and Thrace. It connects the Albanian border close to Florina with the Turkish border close to Alexandroupoli. Just following this road could be a cool adventure full of nice places to enjoy.
We have been very lucky because we haven’t found heavy traffic (May 2023). Driving around Northern Greece has been a pleasant experience. The fact that is not high season yet must be a reason. With all the accommodation choices we have seen around, for sure during Summer, traffic increases considerably.
You also can take a KTEL bus from Kavala to Palio Tsifliki. It departs from the Kavala bus station and the fee is around two euro.
What to do in Palio?
Today, we did not drive too long. It only took us 9 kilometers and 15 minutes to reach this small western suburb of Kavala. Palio is a popular recommendation because of its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and chill-out atmosphere. It is a nice destination enjoyed by tourists and locals. For Greeks living in Kavala City, Palio is a nice escape when they want a break from the city's buzz. For tourists, Palio is a quiet and comfortable extension of soft and sandy beaches that gives the perfect excuse to stretch your holidays and enjoy another angle of the Aegean Sea. The beaches in Northern Greece are amazing!
Don’t expect a common and massive resort because Palio is not that. It is more like a cute village and it has everything you need to have a nice and relaxing staying. Palio does not have a typical town design. You won’t find a center surrounded by streets. Palio’s design has been defined by the houses, hotels, guesthouses, villas, taverns, bakeries, mini markets, pharmacies, and shops that have grown on both sides of the main road that passes through the suburb (EO2 road), all along the coast.
Relaxation and beach exploration
What to do in Palio? This is our main recommendation: explore the beautiful coast and relax! Beach sand in Palio is soft and the water is shallow around the shore. There are some areas where the beach zone is small or narrow, but we always have found space for our umbrellas. Locals told us that in the high season, several bars are installed on the beach, so a part of the beach space is taken by the sunbeds and parasols offered by these bars or the beachfront hotels to tourists. Right now (May 2023), there are no such amenities so the complete beach is for a couple of other tourists, us, and our umbrellas, and that is fantastic, guys!
You can walk on the beach until you find your perfect spot. Then, it is up to you, to swim, sunbathe, enjoy paddle boarding or snorkeling. Maybe take a break in your accommodation, treat yourself with Greek food, coffee (cold or hot), a glass of Tsipouro or Ouzo (nice Greek beverages), and get back to the beach to enjoy a great and romantic sunset.
Palio exploration can lead you from the beach (the best place to be) to the small background of the suburb where you can walk and find different taverns, a little playground, and the Holy Church of the Assumption. No big sightseeing places within walking distance in Palio, but having that sea, who needs more? We are on one of the best beaches in Northern Greece and crowd-free! Priceless!
How long to stay in Palio?
If you want only to see what’s Palio about, a couple of days are enough. If you have more time, a week here can recharge you to get back home and retake your routine.
| Follow PackAndGo.info at: | |
| YouTube | @packandgo. |
| @packandgo.info | |
| X | @packandgoinfo |
| Bluesky | @packandgo.bsky.social |
| @packandgo.info | |
| TikTok | @packandgo.info |
Where is Nea Iraklitsa?
Let’s go back to your map. Nea Iraklitsa is about 16 kilometers west of Kavala City center. Driving (Via EO2, Greek National Road 2) will take you from 20 to 25 minutes, based on Google’s calculation. If you drive from Palio to Nea Iraklitsa as we did, it takes only 10 minutes and 6.6 kilometers (said Google).
You also can take a KTEL bus from Kavala to Nea Iraklitsa. It departs from the Kavala bus station and the fee is around three euro.
What to do in Nea Iraklitsa?
Nea Iraklitsa is another beautiful gem on the Aegean seaside. Its design is different from Palio’s. It is a small town but you can spend complete days just walking and exploring its bay, the small port for fishing boats and yachts, taverns, cafes, and bakeries. Accommodation offers you many different options and most of them are very close to the beach.
Nea Iraklitsa exploration
What to do in Nea Iraklitsa? You have two areas to explore in Nea Iraklitsa, the village where locals live, its center, and picturesque streets built on a hill overlooking the sea. The tourist area all along the beach its multiple villas, hotels, guesthouses, bars, supermarkets, and taverns. Besides the main road, there is a nice promenade where people can calmly exercise and walk while enjoying the landscape.
It is a very comfortable and relaxing spot where the variety of restaurants, bars, and coffee places is bigger than in Palio. No matter the short distance between these two coastal spots, the landscape is different. Yes, you have again stunning beaches, a lovely and relaxing atmosphere, and impressive clear waters, but you won’t feel you are staying in another exact Palio’s copy. You have to explore Nea Iraklitsa in the morning, midday, and during the evening. It is in general a very calm and relaxing place, however, in the evenings it also offers some party vibes. Live music, Greek and Turkish singers, and their danceable or romantic rhythms set the tone for those who also want to move their bodies and enjoy the night. Still, it never reaches the buzz and alcoholic party levels of those massive resorts we all for sure have visited. It is very enjoyable during the day and night!
Beach relaxation
Take your bathing suit, sunblock, sunglasses, and sandals and drop somewhere on the beach just to take some sun, a nap, and swim as long as you feel like in the awesome Aegean Sea. During our stay, we never saw strong currents or waves. The sea is shallow so it feels pretty safe to swim there. Psatha and Remvi are two small beaches you should visit behind the port. You can rent a sunbed or it can be provided by your accommodation free of an extra charge, be on a terrace of a bar, or take a walk on the sandy beaches to have a great day. All your senses will be indulged with the natural beauty of Nea Iraklitsa, one of the best beaches in Northern Greece!
Fishing
Nea Iraklitsa is another great place for fishing enthusiasts. Take your equipment and pick your favorite spot for fishing while enjoying the very calm dance of the waters. There is a chance to join local fishermen or rent a fishing boat to have the experience and catch your dinner!
Camping
In Northern Greece is not hard to find campsites to park your vehicle (van, camper, or regular car) and stay there without worries, having access to services like showers, electricity, or Internet, and sharing time and conversations with other visitors. In Nea Iraklitsa, the campsite could not be better. It is exactly in front of the beach. Besides, there is a car park (free, at least during the low season) where you can comfortably park your vehicle without any worry and enjoy the whole day, if you want, on the beach. We found out a big community of van life fans. They gather both, at the campsite and the car park, especially during the evenings. The environment is very nice. Tourists mostly from Polland, different Bulgarian cities (Varna, Sofia, Plovdiv, Kardzhali, etc.), and Turkiye were having a great time while preparing the grill, cooking, and watching the sunset all together. Some were cooking the fish they fished so fresh food from the sea to their plates, cooking in front of the beach. That is life!
Water Sports
During the high season, the offer of more services like snorkeling, windsurfing, jet skiing, or paddleboarding is added to the variety of things to do in Nea Iraklitsa. It is not hard to get such services because they are offered by the vendors on the beach or even at your accommodation.
Boat tours
The small but active port of Nea Iraklitsa is the place to hire a boat for you to drive or pay for a boat tour. On such a tour, you can explore nearby islands or hidden coves, and enjoy from a boat the beauty of the Aegean Sea.
Eating Greek cuisine
We won’t be repetitive. Just remember Northern Greece and its beautiful coast gives you a priceless chance to try fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes. In Nea Iraklitsa we tried some of our favorite souvlaki and moussaka.
How long to stay in Nea Iraklitsa?
From a weekend to a week and even more, could be ok. Here you can combine days of doing nothing more than swimming and enjoying the beach, with days of more activity because Nea Iraklitsa’s offer is bigger.
Where is Nea Peramos?
Nea Peramos is located 22 km (27 minutes by driving) west of Kavala City center. It is 3.5 km or 7 minutes away from Nea Iraklitsa. You can reach it by taking the via EO2.
You also can take a KTEL bus from Kavala to Nea Peramos. It departs from the Kavala bus station and the fee is around four euro.
What to do in Nea Peramos?
Yes, we only drove 3.5 km hahaha. Exploring Greece at this pace can take you a life, but we don’t mind! You will agree when you come, you will see.
Nea Peramos is another charming coastal town in northern Greece, well known for its scenic views and of course, beautiful beaches. Visiting Greece is to step into ancient history and cultural and archeological treasures. You can learn a lot here and visit many museums or archeological zones. But you also can have very relaxing holidays just enjoying the marvelous beaches all around the country and its many islands. You can also combine the two experiences, so Greece gives you plenty of choices to stay longer or get back several times.
This town’s design is similar to Nea Iraklitsa’s. The main road (via EO2) passes exactly in front of the beach and the shops, hotels, and taverns, but there is a long nice promenade for you to walk without worries and be even closer to the Aegean Sea. Nea Peramos is a town where many Greeks live, work, and study daily. They share their town with the tourists that every year come here to have fun and relaxing time. After spending more than a few days there, you can realize that many businesses are run by families, people know each other, and this makes a cozy, familiar, quiet, and safe environment.
Nea Peramos has everything you need to stay there. Accommodation (different sizes of rental departments, hotels, and villas), restaurants, taverns, shops, and some of the best beaches in Northern Greece!
What to do in Nea Peramos?
Beach relaxation
You know, swimming, sunbathing while napping, reading a book, or chatting with locals.
Water Sports
If you want more exciting experiences, practice snorkeling, windsurfing, jet skiing, or paddleboarding. A note for you, snorkeling is very easy here. You can directly jump into the water only wearing your snorkel mask and you will see many cool and colorful fish thanks to the sea’s clarity. They swim just next to you and it is beautiful! But ok, a paid service can take you deeper into a beautiful reef.
Boat tours
People like a lot to rent and drive boats. This choice is available or you also can be only a passenger on a tour.
Eating and drinking Greek stuff
We ate some of our favorite gyros here in Nea Peramos in a small, local, and full of nice food and people place. Try different foods and places until you find your favorite. Money and time spent on trying local dishes is always worth it!
Sunset spotting
This is one of our favorite activities so far. We stayed in a very comfortable apartment with a balcony. The place was in front of the beach. It was 40 EURO per night (May 2023). From there we had a great view of the main street, the beach, and the island Thasos was visible from there too!
Visit Anaktoroupolis Castle
You can visit the castle of Anaktoroupolis and see its ruins (byzantine time). You can easily spot this attraction from the Nea Peramos beach. The ruins are exactly on the top of a slope leading towards the sea.
Go to Thasos Island
Being at Nea Peramos will put you in front of a hard-to-resist temptation: Thasos Island. There is a port in the town and locals told us they have been asking to reopen the ferry route Nea Peramos-Thasos that once operated. If you are lucky and the port opens and operates this route again, you could have a great choice right in front of you.
How long to stay in Nea Peramos?
A weekend, a week, and even more could be ok. Nea Peramos is another good place to mix days of only beach time, with days of a bit of effort. A perfect combination to recharge yourself and get back to your regular life.
Where is Ammolofoi Beach?
Ammolofoi Beach is located 26 km (33 minutes by driving) west of Kavala City center, based on Google’s calculation. And it is 5 km or 9 minutes away from Nea Peramos. It can take less, it depends on the exact part of Ammolofoi you visit. It is a long beach.
The KTEL bus we have been mentioning only reaches Nea Peramos. We were told that during high season, there are vans that take people from there to Ammolofoi but when we were (May 2023) there, this service was not available yet. We drove there.
What to do in Ammolofoi Beach?
Greek people told us we must visit one of the best beaches near Kavala City, and of the complete Greece, and they were not kidding. So we went. Ammolofoi in Greek means “dunes”. It is a very wide and long beach, at least 3 km beach. There is not such a wide beach in the previous destinations we visited (Palio, Nea Iraklitsa, Nea Peramos). You will find some rocky spots that are used as a reference to divide and locate three areas known as first, second, and third Ammolofoi (from east to west).
Thousands of tourists visit this beach every year to enjoy its clear and shallow waters, but also its party vibes. Yes, here you are on a different type of beach. While in the previous stops relaxation and quietness are the notes, people come to Ammolofoi to party, dance, drink, and have fun with other locals and tourists.
If you search on the Internet, Ammolofoi is truly considered one of the best beaches not only in the northern but in complete Greece. That is not minor if you consider the beauty in terms of beaches this country offers.
All along the beach, you can find beach bars providing tourists with umbrellas and sunbeds. You can swim, drink a coffee or another Greek beverage, and eat snacks and local dishes while having in the background the notes of electronic music and other rhythms to dance. In front of you, is the endless blue of the Aegean archipelago. When weather conditions collaborate, you can see from Ammolofoi, the island Thasos, and the mountain Athos (Halkidiki). If too much party is not for you, there are some quieter spots in Ammolofoi Beach. You only have to walk until you find your ideal place.
We visited Ammolofoi before the high season and it was not crowded, not so noisy, and very enjoyable. Please, do not visit Ammolofoi! Leave it like this, only for us!
How long to stay in Ammolofoi?
It depends on where you stay. We saw a campsite and several villas close to Ammolofoi Beach, but not many accommodation choices nearby (meaning walking distance). If you get a place exactly there you can stay as long as you feel like. But if you are staying in Nea Peramos or another town in the surroundings, you can go to Ammolofoi as many times as you want but that does not mean to literally stay there.
What else to do on the best beaches near Kavala City?
We recommend you what to do in every destination (Palio, Nea Iraklitsa, Nea Peramos, and Ammolofoi Beach), but if you have time to go further, you can go to some interesting attractions like:
Explore Alistrati Cave
This is a large cave, 3 km long, full of stalagmites and stalactites. From Palio, Nea Iraklitsa, Nea Peramos, and Ammolofoi Beach, it will take you approximately one hour and twenty minutes (maximum) to reach the Alistrati Cave.
Visit Ancient Philippi
If you did not visit Philippi while staying in Kavala, you still can do it from these destinations. You will be 30 km (30 minutes) away as a maximum. Ancient Philippi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit the theater, Roman forum, basilicas, and more remnants from Roman and Byzantine times.
Hike the Pangaion Mountain
Pangaion Mountain is approximately 40 km from Kavala. From Palio, Nea Iraklitsa, Nea Peramos, or Ammolofoi the distance is pretty similar or a little bit less. The highest peak (Koutra) is 1,956 m. Climb it and discover its great views and nature, and have a look from the top to the Aegean Sea. If Pangaion conquers you, there is a very cozy place where you can spend the night or more days. Pangeo Forest Village is 10.93 km from Pangaion Hills. Ask for Eleftherios, he runs the place and you can have the best time there following his recommendations and chatting about Greek history.
Visit Drama
Drama City is another choice if you want to combine your beach holiday with some history and even a wine tour. You can drive to Drama and it will take you from 40 to 50 km (one hour approximately) to reach it.
Explore Kavala
We started our exploration in Kavala (east to west), but if you arrive in northern Greece from west to east, you can visit Kavala, its historic old town, the fortress, port, etc.
Please, do not visit the beaches near Kavala City!
If you have been to the most popular Greek destinations, you know how is to be in a paradise fully packed with tourists every year. For us, to be smashed with others like canned sardines is nightmarish.
The Northern part of Greece has been a very pleasant experience because it is beautiful and it is like a hidden paradise kind of reserved mostly for Balkan visitors. There are tourists of course, but not the crazy figures Athens, Santorini, or Mykonos register.
Seriously, do not visit the beaches near Kavala City! Leave them for us! It is fantastic not to share the beauty of these beaches with others.
Conclusion
Greece is a country you should explore as much as you can. All your senses will deeply appreciate the constant repetition of the experience. Follow our adventure and let's explore together the next stop!
| Follow PackAndGo.info at: | |
| YouTube | @packandgo. |
| @packandgo.info | |
| X | @packandgoinfo |
| Bluesky | @packandgo.bsky.social |
| @packandgo.info | |
| TikTok | @packandgo.info |
Check more interesting articles about Greece:
Why do young people dislike Kavala?
It is official, Fanari has been occupied by Bulgaria!
Kardzali is a hotspot for Turkish and Greek tourists, but not Bulgarian. Why?!
Page 1 of 6