Author: mytouristmaps

For those who find the idea of observing great white sharks from a cage too daunting, there’s another underwater spectacle that’s equally mesmerizing but far less intimidating. Diving or swimming with sardines offers an incredible opportunity to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary phenomena. Imagine being surrounded by millions of shimmering silver fish, moving in synchronized harmony like a living, breathing cloud. This natural ballet, known as a sardine run or sardine shoal, is a captivating sight that attracts underwater enthusiasts from around the globe.

The magic of swimming or diving with sardines lies in the beauty of their movements. Sardines form large schools as a survival mechanism, creating intricate and ever-changing patterns that seem choreographed. It’s an awe-inspiring experience to float amidst this swirling silver spectacle, feeling a part of their world, even if just for a moment.

But the thrill doesn’t end there. Often, where there are sardines, their predators are not far behind. Depending on the location and season, you might encounter dolphins darting through the shoal with lightning speed, using their agility and teamwork to hunt. In some places, larger predators like tunas or even barracudas join the chase, adding a layer of drama to the underwater scene. For those truly lucky, the breathtaking sight of a whale swooping in to feast on sardines is an unforgettable highlight. These encounters remind us of the delicate and dynamic balance of marine ecosystems.

One of the most famous locations to dive with sardines is Moalboal, on the island of Cebu in the Philippines. Here, the sardines stay year-round, making it an accessible destination for divers and snorkelers alike. Another renowned phenomenon is the Sardine Run in South Africa, an event that occurs annually between May-June and July. During this time, millions of sardines migrate along the eastern coastline, drawing predators and adventurers in equal measure. The spectacle here is on a grander scale, with the added excitement of dramatic predator-prey interactions.

For those new to underwater adventures, snorkelling with sardines can be just as thrilling as diving. The fish often stay near the surface, so you don’t need to venture deep to witness the magic. For divers, the opportunity to explore the phenomenon at varying depths offers a new perspective on the spectacle.

If you’re planning your next adventure, consider adding this extraordinary experience to your list. Witnessing the mesmerizing dance of sardines and their predators is more than just a dive or a swim; it’s an immersion into one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Best places in the world for swimming with sardines:

Philippines
Moalboal, Cebu > Year-round
Panglao, Bohol > Year-round

Mexico
Magdalena Bay, Baja California > from mid-October to the end of November

South Africa
Port St. Johns > June and July

Other places where sardines might also be encountered:
(Reliable sources confirming consistent sightings in these areas are currently unavailable. While these destinations are rich in marine biodiversity and breathtaking underwater landscapes, the chance of encountering sardine shoals is considered lower compared to the primary destinations listed above)

Australia
Shoal Bay, New South Wales > From May to September
Ningaloo Reef > From March to October

Azores
Pico Island and Faial Island > From May to October

Thailand
Chumphon Pinnacle, Koh Tao > From December to April

USA
La Jolla Cove, California > Year-round
Catalina Island, California (Lovers Cove and Casino Point) > Year-round

Other locations: Raja Ampat and Komodo (Indonesia), the Great Barrier Reef, Maldives.

The Genal Valley, a picturesque sub-region within the Serranía de Ronda, Spain, follows the course of the upper Genal River. This area is divided into the Upper Genal and Lower Genal regions, encompassing 15 traditional municipalities. The Upper Genal includes the villages of Igualeja, Pujerra, Parauta, Cartajima, Júzcar, Faraján, and Alpandeire, while the Lower Genal features Atajate, Benadalid, Benalauría, Algatocín, Benarrabá, Gaucín, Jubrique, and Genalguacil.

A hidden gem, far from the usual tourist path, the Genal Valley offers visitors a glimpse of Spain’s historical charm and natural beauty. The valley is often called a “forest of forests” due to its abundance of cork oaks and chestnut trees. In the fall, this landscape transforms into the “Bosque de Cobre” or “Copper Forest,” where the golden foliage of chestnut trees creates a breathtaking sight that attracts locals and tourists alike.

Between the towns of Júzcar, Igualeja, and Pujerra, a scenic road winds through this copper-colored forest, providing visitors with spectacular views. Numerous trails also wind through the forest, inviting exploration on foot.

The Genal Valley has a long history of travellers, smugglers, and bandits. The mountain roads connecting Gibraltar and Ronda—specifically the routes from Ronda to Algeciras and Ronda to San Pedro—were historically used for trade and travel, but also by smugglers transporting tobacco and alcohol due to the valley’s rugged, isolated terrain. Bandits found refuge here as well, drawn by the challenging landscape that made it difficult for authorities to patrol. While bandits are sometimes romanticized as Robin Hood-like figures, many were primarily involved in criminal activities.

The Genal Valley has preserved much of its rural charm and traditional way of life. Visitors can immerse themselves in this heritage, tasting local dishes such as those made with chestnuts or the region’s renowned ham. Each year, Pujerra holds an annual chestnut festival, a community event celebrating this natural resource and its cultural significance.

The valley also holds historical and cultural significance. Alpandeire is famous for its association with Fray Leopoldo, a beloved religious figure whose legacy continues to draw visitors. Ernest Hemingway once described Faraján as “a white swan on a pool of hope,” while Cartajima offers one of the most breathtaking views of the valley.

And for those seeking something truly unique, Júzcar is a village like no other. Painted entirely in blue, Júzcar gained fame in 2011 when Sony Pictures selected it to promote the 3D Smurfs movie, transforming it into a real-life Smurf village. Visitors here can enjoy a drink and some delicious tapas at El Casarón, a charming bar-boutique that captures the spirit of the village.

El Caminito del Rey is a stunning walkway that runs along the cliffs of El Chorro Gorge, near Ardales in Málaga, Spain. Its name comes from its association with King Alfonso XIII, who crossed the path in 1921 during the inauguration of the Conde del Guadalhorce Dam. Originally built between 1901 and 1905, the path was designed to give workers access to hydroelectric plants at Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls, facilitating maintenance and the transportation of materials.

When the original path was being built, workers had to endure incredibly dangerous conditions, often securing themselves with nothing more than a rope while they worked high above the gorge.

By the late 20th century, the walkway had fallen into disrepair, with large sections of the path collapsed and numerous accidents occurring, leading to its closure in 2000. Between 1999 and 2000, five people tragically lost their lives while attempting to walk the dangerous path. In response, the regional government of Andalusia, together with local authorities, initiated a €9 million restoration project in 2011, which took about three years to complete. The walkway was officially reopened in 2015, offering visitors a safe yet thrilling experience. Today, the Caminito del Rey is a 7.7 km trail suspended more than 100 meters above the gorge floor, offering panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and the Guadalhorce River below.

Though much of the original structure has been preserved, including some of its iconic steel rails, the pathway has been modernized with new safety features. The route, which takes about 3-4 hours to complete, winds through the dramatic Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge.

The trail is linear, and visitors can walk from north to south, starting at the northern entrance near the Guadalhorce Dam in Ardales and finishing at the southern exit near the El Chorro railway station in Álora. Shuttle buses are available to take hikers between these two points, with parking available at designated areas. If travelling by train, there is a shuttle bus to the northern entrance from the El Chorro-Caminito del Rey railway station.

Despite its transformation into a safer tourist attraction, El Caminito del Rey remains today one of the most stunning and unique walks in the world. If you are planning a visit in Andalusia, make sure to not miss it.

General info and tickets: https://www.caminitodelrey.info/en/

Borobudur, whose name is derived from “Boro” for “big” and “Budur” for “Buddha,” is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It ranks alongside Bagan in Myanmar and Angkor Wat in Cambodia as one of the great archaeological sites of Southeast Asia.

Borobudur has faced many challenges over the centuries. It was neglected around the 14th or 15th century AD when Hindu-Buddhist civilization began to decline in Indonesia and Islam rose. In 1985, it was targeted by a bomb that destroyed nine stupas and two Buddha statues; the perpetrator was a Muslim preacher. An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck on May 27, 2006. Before its complete restoration, Borobudur was also targeted by looters who took Buddha statues to sell to antique collectors or museums. Many parts of the temple were lost and diminished due to these looters, which is why many Buddha statues are headless.

Today, Borobudur is completely restored and considered one of the modern wonders of the world. It is a popular site for pilgrimage and is Indonesia’s most-visited monument. UNESCO listed Borobudur as a World Heritage Site in 1991.
Once a year, during the full moon in May or June, Buddhists in Indonesia observe Vesak Day, commemorating the birth, death, and enlightenment of Siddhārtha Gautama, the Buddha.

The temple is estimated to have been built during the glory of the Syailendra Dynasty, between 760 and 830 AD. It likely took at least 100 years to complete and is thought to have been finished during the reign of King Samaratungga.

Archaeological excavations during reconstruction suggest that adherents of Hinduism or a pre-Indic faith had already begun to erect a large structure on Borobudur’s hill before it was appropriated by Buddhists. The foundations are unlike any Hindu or Buddhist shrine structures, suggesting the initial structure is more indigenous Javanese than Hindu or Buddhist.

The original foundation is a square, approximately 118 meters (387 ft) on each side. The temple has nine platforms, with the lower six being square and the upper three circular. It is decorated with relief panels and originally had 504 Buddha statues. The upper platform contains 72 small stupas surrounding one large central stupa. Each stupa is bell-shaped and pierced by numerous decorative openings, with statues of the Buddha inside the pierced enclosures.

The monument’s three divisions symbolize the three “realms” of Buddhist cosmology: Kamadhatu (the world of desires), Rupadhatu (the world of forms), and Arupadhatu (the formless world).

Ordinary sentient beings live in the lowest level, the realm of desire. Those who have burnt out all desire for continued existence leave the world of desire and live on the level of form alone: they see forms but are not drawn to them. Finally, fully enlightened Buddhas go beyond even form and experience reality at its purest, most fundamental level, the formless ocean of nirvāṇa.

Kamadhatu is represented by the base, Rupadhatu by the five square platforms (the body), and Arupadhatu by the three circular platforms and the large topmost stupa.

Borobudur is covered in an astonishing 2,670 individual carvings, a mix of stories and decorations spread over a massive 2,500 square meters. These carvings tell a grand story, with a hidden base depicting the law of karma, followed by a journey through the Buddha’s life and past lives on the lower levels. As visitors ascend, they encounter tales of Sudhana’s quest for enlightenment. The entire experience is designed to be followed in a specific clockwise direction, mirroring the ritual circumambulation performed by pilgrims.

The 160 hidden panels at Borobudur don’t tell one story but act as individual illustrations of karma. Each panel shows a cause-and-effect scenario, depicting bad actions and their punishments, good deeds and their rewards, and everyday life caught in the cycle of rebirth. These panels were once hidden from sight but were photographed and are now on display at the nearby Borobudur Museum. Currently, only a small corner of the hidden base with these reliefs is visible to visitors.

Borobudur’s hundreds of Buddha statues may seem identical but they hold their hands in different mudras: symbolic hand gestures. These mudras represent the five cardinal directions and are associated with specific Dhyani Buddhas and their meanings.

As you walk around Borobudur in a clockwise direction, following the Pradakshina, here’s the sequence of mudras you’ll encounter on the Buddha statues, starting from the eastern side:

Bhumisparsa mudra: Symbolizes calling the earth to witness, representing unwavering determination (Akshobhya).
Vara mudra: Represents benevolence and offering alms (Ratnasambhava).
Dhyana mudra: Represents concentration and meditation (Amitabha).
Abhaya mudra: Represents courage and dispelling fear (Amoghasiddhi).
Vitarka mudra: Represents reasoning and discussion (Vairocana or Samantabhadra).
Dharmachakra mudra: Represents setting the wheel of dharma (law) in motion (Vairochana).

Borobudur is a great destination for photographers. Despite large groups of tourists, you can always find a spot with the right angle to take great shots without people. Many tours organize visits at sunrise, but keep in mind that the last available tour in the afternoon, close to sunset, also provides good lighting for photography.

When planning your visit, don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance, as access to the temple is limited.

Nestled between the Veneto and Emilia-Romagna regions of Italy lies a hidden gem steeped in millennia of history and natural wonder: the Po Delta. This vast land, spanning 66,000 hectares, is not just a geographical marvel but a testament to the intricate relationship between nature, history, and human endeavour.

The story of the Po Delta unfolds like chapters in a historical epic. Its origins date back thousands of years, with the river Po carving its path through the landscape during the Bronze Age. The ancient Etruscans and Romans left their mark, shaping the delta’s course and forming bustling settlements along its banks.

Over the centuries, the delta has been moulded by human intervention, from Benedictine monks reclaiming land to modern-day reclamation efforts funded by the Italian state. The ever-changing course of the river, marked by floods and diversions, has shaped the land we see today: a delicate balance of nature and human ingenuity.

Despite its tumultuous past, the Po Delta is a sanctuary for biodiversity, boasting rich habitats teeming with life. From the tranquil lagoons to the bustling paleo riverbeds, the delta is home to over 370 bird species, diverse fish, and mollusc populations. Do not forget to bring your camera (a telephoto lens is recommended) and binoculars.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the delta offers great experiences, from birdwatching along the coast to exploring the vibrant marine ecosystems. Every year, events like the International Bird Watching Fair draw visitors from around the world, celebrating the region’s natural heritage.

No visit to the Po Delta is complete without indulging in its culinary treasures. From succulent seafood to exquisite Delta oysters, the region’s gastronomy reflects its bountiful waters and fertile lands.

Sample the finest mussels and clams from the Sacca di Scardovari or savor the renowned eels from the Comacchio valleys, do not miss a taste of the traditional “moleche”, a delicious crab caught just after they shed their hard outer shell, leaving them with a soft, edible shell.

For travellers seeking adventure, the Po Delta offers also opportunities for exploration. Start your journey at one of the visitor centres scattered throughout the region, where you can learn about the delta’s history and plan your itinerary.

Whether by foot, bike, or boat, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the delta’s diverse landscapes. Take a leisurely stroll through quaint fishing villages or immerse yourself in the Renaissance splendour of Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As tourism flourishes in the region, efforts to conserve and protect the delta’s delicate ecosystem are more important than ever. Organizations like the “Consorzio di Bonifica Delta Po-Adige” work tirelessly to manage drainage systems and preserve the delta’s natural heritage for future generations to enjoy.

In the heart of the Po Delta Biosphere Reserve, the delicate balance between nature and human activity is a reminder of the resilience of this unique landscape. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or culinary connoisseur, the Po Delta offers a journey unlike any other, an enchanting blend of past and present, where every moment is a discovery waiting to be made.