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Graubünden

Graubünden (Romansch: Grischun, Italian: Grigioni), also known as Grisons, is a canton of Switzerland and the country's largest canton by area.

Other destinations

 * - Italian speaking district with famous Bernina Pass and Val Poschiavo
 * Laax Falera ski resort
 * - pass on the western border of the canton, popular hiking starting point
 * - beautiful canyon with several hundreds meters high cliffs, nicknamed Swiss Grand Canyon
 * - the only national park in Switzerland
 * well known thermal bath
 * well known thermal bath

Understand
Graubünden is a mountainous canton, from maps one can see that it is dominated by the Engadin and Rhein valleys. However these have many a side valley that offers hidden and isolated splendours. From Graubünden, rivers flow to the Mediterranean, North and Black seas; it is the watershed of Europe. It is a spectacular landscape, home to Switzerland's only National Park. Graubünden combines wild rugged scenery with charming villages and a unique Romansch culture. The capital is the ancient Chur which has existed since Roman times (Latin: Curia); it is a small city with a fully cobbled and painted shuttered old quarter. Like the rest of the canton it is modest; concealed here is some of the best outdoor sports in the world, ancient mountain towns, stunning panoramas, three official languages and distinct culture, yet it does not boast; little is known by outsiders of the delights within.

Geography
Graubünden covers an area of 7106 km2, making it Switzerland's largest canton.

The canton is further divided into 11 regions and 106 municipalities. More than 50% of the canton's municipalities have less than 1,000 inhabitants.

Public Holidays
There are no public holidays in addition to those observed in the whole of Switzerland. However there are some local holidays which are only observed in some towns.

Talk
The official languages of the canton are German, Romansh, and Italian.

German is the most widely-spoken language in the canton, with nearly four-fifths of Graubündners having it as their primary language. The variant of Swiss German spoken here is Graubünden German (Bündnerdeutsch), which differs markedly from Standard German, i.e., German spoken in Germany. Most Graubündners are fluent in Standard German.

Romansh is the second most widely spoken language in the canton, spoken by almost 14% of the inhabitants of the canton. Although the number of Romansh speakers has declined considerably over the past few decades and most Romansh people are bilingual in German, trying out a few words of the language is appreciated.

Italian is spoken in regions − namely Moesa, Maloja, and Bernina − close to the border with Italy.

As is the case throughout Switzerland, you should have no problems getting by using English.

Get in
There are no airports in Graubünden so the easiest option is to take the train from either Zurich or Milan, where there are international airports. You can also take the train into Zurich Bahnhof from other European cities, as it is an international train station.

Get around
The Rhätische Bahn is the backbone of railway transportation in Graubünden. Some lines are operated also by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), Matterhorn Gotthard Railway and Thurbo. The trains are nearly always on time and can get you to most places. Services are frequent, usually at least once per hour. Post buses will take you from the stations up the mountains to the villages.

Here can be found a network map of public transportation system in Graubünden.

It is worth buying a network ticket if you are planning to travel around the canton. There is, for example, Allegra 1-day Travel Pass, GraubündenPass (2 days out of 5 / 5 days out of 14) or BÜGA (monthly or yearly ticket).

See

 * The UNESCO World Heritage listed Benedictine Convent of St. John at Müstair in easternmost Engadin
 * The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Reservat da Biosfera Val Müstair-Parc Naziunal
 * The scenic UNESCO World Heritage listed Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes - from Thusis via St. Moritz and Poschiavo to Italy

Itineraries

 * Greina Walking Tour

Do

 * You may want to visit the Thermal Bath in Vals.
 * Skiing is the biggest winter-time activity in Graubünden. There are resorts throughout the Engadin valley, St. Moritz being the most famous, but also in the Prättigau valley, Davos and Klosters, and the Surselva valley. Flims Laax Falera is among the biggest. Apart from these larger famous resorts there are many smaller resorts to be found throughout Graubünden. There are 2,200 km of ski pistes in the canton.
 * Hiking is the main activity in the summer. Cable-cars, railways and ski-lifts can help you up or down in some places, or you can go it alone on the thousands of trails that wind across the mountains, valleys and lakes of Graubünden. The views are absolutely stunning. One of the more famous hikes in this part of the Alps is the Via Spluga.
 * The Swiss hiking trail network is one of the best in the world, and the trails in Graubünden are no exception. Trails marked in yellow, or with a yellow diamond, are the easiest and require very little other than a pair of good shoes. Trails marked with white-red-white are harder and may require hikers to have a good head with heights. Trails marked with white-blue-white are alpine trails and require the highest level of conditioning, as well as specialized alpine hiking equipment (e.g. crampons, ice axe, etc.). Trails marked with pink trail markers are often the same as basic yellow ones, but can also be traversed in winter without much difficulty.
 * Many hiking trails leave directly from rail stations or bus stops, so a car is not needed to access them.

Eat
Traditional Romansch foods include Capuns, Rösti and Pizokel. Rösti is shredded potatoes, fried, with cheese melted on top. Occasionally, bacon and a fried egg are added on top of the rösti.

Drink
Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in Graubünden. The beer Calanda Bräu is brewed in Chur. Wine is made in the canton as well. Von Salis grows wine in the villages Malans, Jenins and Maienfeld, which is unusual for Switzerland let alone Graubünden.

Mineral water is also bottled in vast amounts in Graubünden. The water Valser is bottled in Vals and Calanda Wasser is bottled in Lenzerheide. Apfelmost, available in alcoholic and non-alcoholic forms, is a refreshing apple drink, similar to cider.

Stay safe
There is very little crime in Switzerland, Graubünden being one of the safest cantons. There may be areas of Chur that could be dodgy after dark.

Go next
Italy and Austria border much of Graubünden and both countries are easily accessed from the Engadin and San Bernadino pass. There is also the rest of Switzerland to explore, including the nearby Italian-speaking region of Ticino.

title: Graubünden


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Gravatá

Gravatá is a city in Pernambuco Interior, Brazil.

Get in
Gravatá is in the Agreste Region of Pernambuco. Fly to Recife's Guararapes International Airport. The city is only 86 kilometers west of Recife on interstate highway BR-232. The same BR-232 leads to Caruaru (an addition 54-km drive).

See

 * Alto do Cruzeiro lookout point, with a statue of Christ the Redeemer. Access through the Escadaria da Felicidade (Stairs of Happiness).
 * Artisan Station (Estação do Artesão), handicraft and arts center located in the old train station.
 * City Memorial (Memorial da Cidade), cultural center and museum located in the old prison building (1911).
 * Beautiful historical buildings include:
 * Prefeitura (City Hall) (1909)
 * Matriz de Sant'Anna Church (1810)
 * Cruzeiro Chapel
 * Guimarães House, at Rua Rui Barbosa, 126
 * Antonio Farias House, at Rua João Pessoa, 12
 * Cabral House, at Avenida Governador Agamenon Magalhães, 14
 * Chalets in Avenida Joaquim Didier (Chalet Vallois, Chalet Farias, Chalet Amadeu Battar)
 * Caranguejo Sugar Plantation, in the district of Uruçu-Mirim (16 km from city center)
 * Pernambuco Orchids Center (Centro de Orquídeas de Pernambuco), located at Recanto Baraúna
 * Mountains and hills: Serra das Ruças, Serra das Cãibras, Serra da Estrela, Serra do Maroto
 * Balneário de Dona Nadir, natural pools
 * Cachoeira da Palmeira waterfalls
 * Tao wateralls
 * Flower, strawberry and pineapple farms
 * Flower, strawberry and pineapple farms

Festivities

 * Frei Damião Festivities, every May. Walk from the Matriz Nossa Senhora de Santa'Ana Church to the Riacho do Mel Chapel, where Frei Damião celebrate his first mass in Brazil.
 * São João Festivities, in late June.

Trekking
Several exciting trails are available:
 * Estrada de Chã-Grande Trail
 * Flores Trail (at Fazenda Pedra do Tao, in Camocim district)
 * Fonte de Água Mineral Trail (at Fazenda Pedra do Tao, in Camocim district)
 * Karawatá Trail (at Serra do Maroto)
 * Palmeira Trail (at Sitio da Palmeira)
 * Pedra do Tao Trail (at Fazenda Pedra do Tao, Camocim district)
 * Três Vendas Trail (at Sítio Três Vendas)
 * Trilhos Trail (at Fazenda Canaã)
 * Mocó Stone Park (Parque de Pedras do Mocó)

Train Tunnels: 14 train tunnels are located in the Serra das Ruças mountains. Russinhas village is a pineapple-producing community.

Adventure Sports

 * Cascavel Train Bridge (19th century), built by the British. Extreme sports.  Rappel.
 * Pedra Branca (75 meters). Alpinism, rappel, free flight.
 * Pedra Dourada
 * Pedra do Tao. Rappel, climbing, orchids.

Buy

 * Furniture.
 * Handicrafts.
 * Fresh flowers, strawberries and pineapple.
 * Desserts: Doce de Leite and Garra Sertaneja.

Eat

 * Local traditional dishes include buchada, sarapatel and galinha cabidela.
 * Gravatá is also famous for its fondue restaurants.
 * Desserts: Doce de Leite and Garra Sertaneja.

Sleep

 * Casa Grande Gravatá, BR-232, Km 82, tel.: +55 81 3533-0920 and +55 81 3465-3011
 * Fazenda Céu Aberto, Estrada Velha de Chã Grande, km 3, tel.: +55 81 9126-9600
 * Highlander ], Estrada de Chã Grande, tel.: +55 81 3515-1517 and +55 81 3424-3838
 * Portal de Gravatá, BR-232, km 82, tel.: +55 81 3533-0288 and +55 81 3227-0345
 * Spa Oásis, Fazenda Sampaio, R. Duarte Coelho, tel.: +55 81 3533-0380 and +55 81 9972-0990
 * Sempre Verde/Evergreen Experiences & Horse Trekking, ecotourism, birdwatching, 12 km from central Gravatá, 800 metres above sea level, tel.: +55 81 3533-7524 / +55 81 9958-3861.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Gravatá


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Gravenhurst

Gravenhurst is a town of about 12,000 people (2016) in the Muskoka region of Ontario. Norman Bethune, the Canadian doctor who became famous in China for battlefield surgery, was born here, and is the town's most famous former citizen. The town refers to itself as 'The Gateway to Muskoka' as is indicated on a large archway in the south-end of town. The town is a drawing point for summer cottage season. Many cottagers in the Muskokas use Gravenhurst for groceries and supplies and visit the town once or twice a week during cottage season.

History
Gravenhurst was first known as McCabes Landing and later as Sawdust City. Gravenhurst was named by a postal official who was reading Gravenhurst or Thoughts on Good and Evil, a treatise by William Smith.

Gravenhurst's economic prosperity stemmed from the construction of a colonization road in the 1850s. Steamboating on the Muskoka lakes began in the 1860s. The town was at the northern terminus of the Toronto, Simcoe and Muskoka Junction Railway.

In 1942 the Royal Norwegian Air Force moved their training camp (Little Norway) from Toronto to Muskoka airfield near Gravenhurst. The Norwegians remained in Gravenhurst almost to the end of World War II in 1945. From 1940 to 1946 Gravenhurst was the site of Camp 20, the Gravenhurst Internment Camp, for Nazi Prisoners of War, known locally as "the Muskoka officers club". It housed up to 489 Nazi POWs. The prisoners of war built a set of stone steps leading down to the waterfront which can still be seen at Gull Lake Park today. They also built a light house in the park. Before the war it was the Calydor Sanitarium. After the war it was turned into a TB sanitarium, again, and later became a kosher resort called The Gateway.

Today, all that remains of Camp 20 is concrete pillars, a fire hydrant, and the outline of a fence. There is an information kiosk at the end of Lorne Street where visitors can go to get more information on the camp.

By car
Gravenhurst is about 170 km north of Toronto. The easiest way to get to Gravenhurst is by automobile, as commercial bus service is limited and there are very few passenger trains to the area. To reach Gravenhurst, take Highway 400 north from Toronto through Barrie to the Highway 11 cutoff (direction North Bay). Proceed up Highway 11 and take Muskoka Road 169 - Bethune Drive (formerly Ontario Highway 169) right in to downtown. Summer travel can be time-consuming, as it is a popular tourist destination and the gateway to the Muskoka Lakes region. The roads in Gravenhurst are well-maintained, so no need to worry about using a sport utility vehicle.

By bus

 * Between North Bay and Toronto including stops in Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Washago (some trips), Orillia (stop trips), and Barrie.

By plane
The easiest way in for international travellers to access the region is to fly to Toronto Pearson International Airport, rent a car and proceed north. Northern Airport Service offers scheduled shuttle service from Pearson to Gravenhurst.

Muskoka Airport, near Bracebridge, has flights in the summer from Toronto's Billy Bishop (Island) Airport (as of 2020). Bracebridge is approximately 20 minutes by car away from Gravenhurst.

On foot
Gravenhurst is easily seen by foot. There is no public transit.

By taxi
There are private taxi companies offering local transportation. Intertown/city transport is by private bus companies. Casino Rama transportation provided by PMCL.

By bus
Ontario Northland, PMCL, Hammond Transportation. Connections to major airports and Metropolitan Toronto.

See

 * The Muskoka Wharf in Lake Muskoka in Gravenhurst spreads across 89 acres. The wharf is full of retailers and restaurants like Boston Pizza and the Blue Willow Tea Shop. The wharf hosts a number of events in the summer including Pirate Fest and the Gravenhurst farmers’ market. There are also condominiums and a Marriott hotel for those looking to spend some time in Gravenhurst.

Do

 * The Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park is a 33,505-hectare park on the edge of the town. It has a non-operating park with no services or facilities. There are rugged canoe routes involving lakes, wetlands, and portages. Over 100 km of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail run through the park, and there are a few backcountry campsites.
 * Winter Carnival: There are events for every age at the carnival including donut-eating contests, sno-yoga, ball hockey, a polar dip, and arm wrestling. The town has several dances for those 19 and older, and fireworks on Sunday for the closing ceremony. The fireworks take place at the Muskoka Wharf.
 * Winter Carnival: There are events for every age at the carnival including donut-eating contests, sno-yoga, ball hockey, a polar dip, and arm wrestling. The town has several dances for those 19 and older, and fireworks on Sunday for the closing ceremony. The fireworks take place at the Muskoka Wharf.

Go next
The wonderful thing about visiting Muskoka is that there are plenty of small towns in the area to visit. Port Carling, Bracebridge, Parry Sound, Huntsville, Sudbury and North Bay are all within a few minutes or 1–2 hours driving distance. Toronto is close by if you're a visitor to the province coming in from Highway 17 to the north. The region is rich with museums, shopping, and attractions. For those who like to gamble, there is Casino Rama (located near the small town of Rama) near Orillia. Webers Burgers (go south 25–30 minutes drive on Highway 11) is an attraction unto itself with its rail-car dining area and unique (to the region) overpass walkway. And in Muskoka, one can always find a secluded lake to just sit and admire the scenery.

title: Gravenhurst


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Gravesend

Gravesend is in the county of Kent in the South East region of England. Gravesend is a historic town on the river Thames, opposite Tilbury in Essex. Since the late 14th century passengers have been transported to and from London by water on a "Tilt Boat". It is the final resting place of Pocahontas, whose memorial can be seen.

By train
Trains are operated by SouthEastern, Trains run direct from London Bridge, London Waterloo East, London Cannon St or London Charing Cross. The journey takes about 50 minutes.

HS1 from Gravesend to London St Pancras (via Ebbsfleet International and Stratford International) takes a little over 20 minutes.

Get around
Local buses are operated by Arriva and Nu-Venture

Do

 * Riverside Festival is held on the Promenade in early July.
 * Riverside Festival is held on the Promenade in early July.

title: Gravesend


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Gray

Gray is in Maine.

Get in
Interstate 95 (Maine Turnpike) passes through town.

title: Gray


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Grayling

Grayling is a city in Northern Michigan.

title: Grayling


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Graz

Graz is the capital of Styria (Steiermark) and the second largest city of Austria. Graz maintains a balance between its illustrious past and modern present and features spectacular architecture from all periods, while the warm and sunny climate influenced by the closeness to the Mediterranean makes it a very nice city to visit. The City of Graz, Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg, is a world heritage site.

Understand

Graz has a population of just over 300,000 (2024). It has been a vital urban centre for both Styria, Austria and Slovenia, and has produced a number of talents in many fields, ranging from the inventor Nikola Tesla to the former California Governator and bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Some 40,000 of the city's population is made up of students, as Graz is home to six universities (four "standard" universities and two dedicated solely to applied sciences), and is associated with names as illustrious as Johannes Kepler, Erwin Schrödinger and Nikola Tesla. The first university was founded in 1585 (Karl-Franzens-Universität). Graz is also known for the Magna Steyr (formerly called Steyr-Daimler-Puch) automobile and truck manufacturing plant located there.

History
The roots of Graz can be traced back to Roman times, when a small fort was built where the city centre is today; Slovenians later built a larger fortress in the same place. The name "Graz" is derived from the Slovenian word gradec, which means small castle. Graz was first mentioned with its German name in 1128 when the dukes of Babenberg turned the place into a commercial centre. During 15th century Graz became the capital of Inner Austria (referring to Styria, Carinthia and Carniola) under the Habsburgs.

Due to its importance as a strategic position, Graz was often assaulted by Ottoman Turks in the 16th century. The fortress on the Schlossberg (the picture to the right shows the clock tower, which is on top of the hill) never fell to the Turks (the only place in this region).

During World War II, Graz was part of Nazi Germany (along with the rest of Austria). At the end of the war, Graz was surrendered to Soviet troops largely intact; the historic old town was not seriously hit during Allied bombing raids on the city. In 2003 Graz was the Cultural Capital of Europe.

Tourist information

 * Graz Tourism website

By plane

From the airport you have several possibilities to reach the centre:

 * by taxi: approximate fare to the center is between €35-39.
 * by bus: the bus station is directly in front of the arrival zone. Bus lines 630 and 631 are going to Jakominiplatz (the central point of public transportation) from approx. 05:20 to 23:45, travel time is 20 minutes. Fare is €3.10 for a single ticket (2024).
 * by train: to reach the train station you have to walk ~5 minutes (easy to find, just head straight out the airport and continue to the east). Line S5 connects to Graz Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) from 04:47 (Saturdays and Sundays 05:17) to 22:47 (Sundays: 21:47). Travel time is 15 minutes.

Other nearby airports are in Maribor, Klagenfurt, and a little farther away in Linz, Ljubljana, Zagreb and Vienna International Airport. Railjet express trains and FlixBusses connect Vienna Intl. Airport with Graz. Some run direct, others require a transfer at Wien Hbf station. Travel time around 3 hr.

By train
(Hauptbahnhof) is on the western edge of the city centre, at the end of the Annenstrasse. Graz has frequent connections to Vienna with direct trains every hour. Connections to Salzburg and most other Austrian Cities and Munich are also reasonably frequent. Night trains serve destinations as far as Zurich, and there are two direct day services each day to Zagreb. There are also less frequent services to Slovenia and Hungary. To reach the old town, take tram line 1, 4, 6 or 7, or simply walk down Annenstraße for about 20 minutes and cross the bridge. You can obtain a map from the Tourist Information in the Hauptbahnhof.

It is worth noting that the direct services from Vienna to Graz pass through the Semmering Railway, a rail line listed in the UNESCO World Heritage due to its unique construction involving 14 tunnels and 16 viaducts. Keep your eyes open! From Vienna to Graz, sit on the left; from Graz to Vienna, sit on the right.

By car
The A9, runs north-south through Graz, mostly via the 6 mi Plabutsch tunnel. The A2, just south of the city, runs east-west. Vienna (Wien) is 127 mi up the A2 to the east. A just as fast but much more scenic alternative route to Vienna is via Bruck/Mur taking the S6. (Beware that there are lots of tunnels on the S6.) Some might also find the 5 mi (single carriageway) Gleinalm (Toll) tunnel on the A9, to the north of Graz, unnerving. Toll charge: Gleinalm Tunnel: cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t: €7.95  | with caravans/trailers: €9.95 | Motorhomes over 3.5 t: €11.50. It is possible to avoid the tunnel by travelling on the rather longer route via Bruck an der Mur.

By bus
Graz does not have a dedicated bus terminal. Private and public operators all operate from separate terminals: For travels to Austrian or Slovenian destinations check out, they will find you routes with public buses, trains, and trams to your desired destination. (Although in Carinthia and Tyrol it is limited to trains.)
 * Eurolines operates from Hauptbahnhof tickets to many destinations throughout Europe.
 * Linie G1 - Dr. Richard  offers busses from Vienna to Graz.
 * Regional Buses run frequent services from terminals at Andreas-Hofer-Platz. (City Bus 40, 67 or three minutes walk from Hauptplatz),  Hauptbahnhof (Tram 3, 6 as well as 1, 7 evenings and Sundays, City Buses 50, 52, 53, 58, 63, 85) and some others, with many destinations throughout Styria. Many buses also pass Jakominiplatz''.

Get around
The old town of Graz is easily explored on foot and is reachable with a 20 min walk from the main train station. Stop at the Tourist Information at the train station, or any hotel lobby that you come across to pick up a brochure on attractions in Graz. This brochure also contains a map with most of the sights marked, as well as recommended self-guided walking routes through the town.

For other needs, public transportation options exist:

By tram
All tram tickets can be bought inside the tram. Graz has an excellent tram service running through the Jakominiplatz where the different routes meet and you can change trams. You can also buy tickets at the tobacco kiosk (Tabak) in the centre of the square. If you buy tickets from the kiosk, make sure you punch your ticket inside the tram (If you get caught without a valid/punched ticket you will have to pay a fine of €60; if you buy it inside the tram, it is already validated).

Ticket prices: You can buy hourly (€3.10), 24 hours (€6.80), weekly (€19.50), monthly, or 10-trip (€25.20) tickets. Coins, credit cards, debit cards all work at the vending machine in the tram. They are valid on all modes of public transport throughout Zone 101 (Graz plus immediate surroundings including the airport). Children (6 to 14) get 50% discount, Youth (15 to 18) 35% on hourly and 24-hour-tickets.

Trams running through the old city (Altstadt) are free, usually one stop in all directions from Hauptplatz (Main Square) and Jakominiplatz.

By bus
Graz also has an excellent city bus network taking in the parts of Graz not serviced by trams. Many buses go through Jakominiplatz, Hauptbahnhof and Geidorfplatz. The tickets are the same as for the tram. Be sure to get yourself a map (at Jakominiplatz) of the network if you plan to use it frequently. Also check out.

Keep in mind that bus tickets have to be bought in advance (via a vending machine, kiosk or the ticket app GrazMobil (iOS, Android)) and punched when entering to validate them. The tickets for trams and buses are the same, so you can start your journey with one means of transport and switch to another one as much as you like during your ticket's validity.

Bus and tram services operate from 05:00 to midnight during the week. Trams usually stop around 23:30 from Jakominiplatz in all directions. Nightbuses operate only on Fridays and Saturdays and before public holidays. They leave from Jakominiplatz in all directions at 00:30, 01:30 and 02:30.

By bicycle
Graz is a city of cyclists, featuring an excellent network of cyclepaths. Due to this using a bike to get around (at least the central areas of Graz) is one of the best choices. It also helps that it does not rain a lot in Graz. Bikes may be rented, although if you are staying a bit longer buying a used one (and maybe reselling it) from one of the many bike stores may be cheaper (get one of the great restored vintage bicycles from Rebikel, Keplerstraße 55). Bike theft is a common problem in Graz, so take care that your bike is properly locked (if possible against a bar) when you are not using it. Also, if you are inexperienced bicycling around trams, take extra caution (especially noting that getting your wheel stuck in a tram rail could knock you down, with trams potentially coming right behind and beside you!). Counter-flow cycling (cycling in the "wrong" direction of a one-way street) is allowed almost everywhere in Graz - watch out for "one-way street"-signs with a small additional "ausgenommen Radfahrer" ("except cyclists") sign.

An online map of Graz for cyclists is available here:. You can get a big map for cyclists from the Tourist info office (Herrengasse 16), at "Mobil Zentral" (Jakoministraße 1) or at the "Radstation" (Cycling station) next to the central railway station.

Rental bicycles are available for example at the "Radstation" (German only) next to the central railway station (leave the station through the main exit, turn right, walk approx. 200 m) or from one of the shops of "Bicycle" (German only).

By taxi
Taxis are available 24 hr a day. You can hail one on the street, go to a taxi rank or order one by phone. The taxi ranks with the best chances of getting a taxi day or night are "Hauptplatz" (Right side of City Hall) or "Hauptbahnhof". There is a base rate of €4.90 for all rides (2023). Avoid taxis in the early morning and early evening when traffic congestion can make a taxi ride very expensive. A ten-minute taxi ride usually costs about €12. Taxis can be booked at the same price as on the street by calling 0316-878, 0316-889, 0316-222, 0316-2801.
 * Graz Taxi 24 +43316812190
 * Graz Taxi 24 +43316812190
 * Graz Taxi 24 +43316812190

By car
If you can avoid it, just avoid it. Graz has areas with an inscrutable one-way system which makes it easy to get lost. Parking space in central areas are rare and subject to a fee from Monday to Friday (09:00 to 20:00, in front of Hauptbahnhof to 20:00) and on Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00. Tickets can be bought from ticket machines placed in every street. A ticket for half an hour costs €1 ("blue zones", "green zones" are a bit cheaper). The maximum parking duration in blue zones is three hours and in green zones one day. There are a lot of 'ticket-police' around so don't even try to park without a valid ticket (fine €25). There are a number of underground car parks in the city centre for example under the Karmeliterplatz which is called Pfauengarten Parkgarage which is open 24 hr a day. A ticket for one hour costs €2, a 24-hr ticket costs €12, other are as much as €4 per hour.

See

 * The historic old town. It has been designated a World Heritage site.
 * Don't miss the double spiral staircase in the Burg, a castle complex built between 1438 and 1453 by Emperor Frederick III which is today inhabited by the government of Styria.
 * Don't miss the double spiral staircase in the Burg, a castle complex built between 1438 and 1453 by Emperor Frederick III which is today inhabited by the government of Styria.
 * Don't miss the double spiral staircase in the Burg, a castle complex built between 1438 and 1453 by Emperor Frederick III which is today inhabited by the government of Styria.
 * Don't miss the double spiral staircase in the Burg, a castle complex built between 1438 and 1453 by Emperor Frederick III which is today inhabited by the government of Styria.
 * Don't miss the double spiral staircase in the Burg, a castle complex built between 1438 and 1453 by Emperor Frederick III which is today inhabited by the government of Styria.

Churches

 * The mannerist-Baroque Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II., with impressive interior decor by famous Styrian artist Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Its elliptical dome is the oldest of its kind outside Italy. Next to the Mausoleum is the Cathedral of Graz with an exceptional exterior fresco, the so-called Gottesplagenbild (picture of plagues), which is the oldest remained painting depicting Graz.
 * There are some more remarkable churches in Graz: The oldest one is the Romanesque Leechkirche with its tympanon Madonna. The highest building of Graz with 109.6 m is the Herz-Jesu-Kirche, designed down into the last detail by architect Georg Hauberrisser in Gothic Revival style. Except the altar area, which had to be re-modeled after the liturgical renewals of the Second Vatican Council, everything still retains the original conception. On the other side of Mur t there are some beautiful Baroque churches like Mariahilf or Welsche Kirche. In St. Andrä, Baroque and modern elements combine, whereas St. Lukas, situated at one of the largest traffic routes of Graz, is a great example of contemporary sacred art.

Do

 * Walk around the centre of the town and explore the many courtyards and narrow streets discovering many interesting shops, restaurants and cafés as well as the impressive architecture.
 * Walk or climb up the Schloßberg and have a meal in the open-air at the top whilst admiring the views. The easiest way is to walk up the Sporgasse from the Hauptplatz to the "Karmeliterplatz" where you walk under an archway on the left where a road meanders up the gentler eastern side of the Schloßberg. From the west and north you have a choice of zig-zag paths or to climb the steps from "Schlossbergplatz". There is also a lift going up inside the mountain at Schlossbergplatz. You also might see some of the tame red squirrels (Eichkätzchen) at the top. Use the Schloßbergbahn, a cable car which you'll find at the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai, to go up or down if you don't feel like walking.
 * Take the number 1 tram to the terminus at the bottom of the Plabutsch, a hill on the western edge of Graz, and hike up it. It's quite strenuous, and you really need walking boots and perhaps a map.
 * Take bus number 40 to the terminus and walk up (very steep) to the ruins of Gösting castle and enjoy the view over the city.
 * Swim. Normally after May, the water in the outdoor swimming pools very quickly warms-up enough to enjoy swimming:
 * Eggenberger Bad, Janzgasse 21
 * Augartenbad, Schönaugürtel 1, right next to the river Mur and the Schönaubrücke bridge.
 * Bad Strassgang, Martinhofstraße 3.
 * Margarethenbad, Grillparzerstraße 10.
 * Ragnitzbad, Pesendorferweg 7.
 * Stukitzbad, Andritzer Reichsstraße 25a.
 * Boat or skate on the Hilmteich or Thalersee (just outside Graz), depending on the season.
 * A nice trip for a lovely day leads to the Austrian Sculpturepark. Remarkable pieces of art from numerous national and international artists in a pretty park. You can entrer for free, but you better bring something to drink and a Snack. Reachable by a free shuttlebus in summer to Schwarzlsee or with regionalbus 630 from Jakominiplatz. You can also go by bike, it's a nice ride passing by the Airport.
 * Football: SK Sturm Graz play soccer in Austrian Bundesliga, the top tier. Their home ground Liebenauer or Merkur Arena (capacity 16,000) is two km south of city centre.
 * Grazer AK share Liebenauer Arena. They play in 2. Liga the second tier.

 * Every summer, the AIMS (American Institute of Music Studies), the leading European summer vocal program brings future opera and concert performers together. Locals and visitors enjoy opera and operetta concerts, song recitals and other musical programs in concert halls, castles, courtyards, churches and other venues. The AIMS Festival in Graz features operatic and symphonic works and culminates with the annual Meistersinger Vocal Competition presented with full orchestra.
 * See an Opera at the Opera House Opernhaus . Prices:.
 * During summer months, in the centre between the Jakominiplatz and the Hauptplatz, along the Herrengasse, you'll come across musicians of all sorts. Perhaps a small quartet playing Mozart. Perhaps a barrel-organ.
 * KIZ RoyalKino, Conrad-von-Hötzendorf-Straße 10, . It has Hollywood films in English language and with German subtitles. Take tram number 4, 5 or 13 and get out at Finanzamt. If you are at Jakominiplatz it's a five-minute walk there. Alternative films can also be found at the Rechbauerkino, Rechbauerstraße.

Buy

 * On the Kaiser-Josef-Platz, right opposite the Opernhaus, is a fruit and vegetable open-air market where small farmers from the countryside around Graz bring their produce for sale (or rather their wives do). Morning only.
 * The other main farmers market in Graz is located on the "Lendplatz". Morning only.

Be sure to buy a bottle of "Kernöl" (pumpkin seed oil) in g.g.A. quality. This oil is typical for Styria and has a very unique and wonderful taste. Ideally buy it at a (farmer) market (like Kaiser-Josef-Platz, Lendplatz,...). But you can also buy good quality oil at the normal supermarkets.

There are many possibilities to go shopping in Graz. Good places to shop are: Bigger shopping complexes found outside the city centre are:
 * Herrengasse - the most important shopping street in Graz. It connects the main square (Hauptplatz) with Jakominiplatz.
 * numerous lanes in the old town like "Schmiedgasse" or "Sporgasse".
 * in Kastner+Öhler Graz's big department store, right in the center, next to the main square. Doesn't offer cheap prices. There is an underground car-park right underneath.
 * Steirerhof, Jakominplatz 12. Named after the demolished hotel that used to occupy the site.
 * Mariahilferstraße Just stroll around from "Suedtirolerplatz" behind the Kunsthaus, have a coffee in the "Cafe Central" and advance to Mariahilferstraße with little designshops, 1970s retro furniture and custum made t-shirts and many more to discover
 * City Park shopping mall on south-western edge of central Graz. "Lazarettgürtel 55"
 * Shopping City Seiersberg - A huge build shopping complex just outside the city limits. Take tram 5 to Puntigam and from there take bus 78. Although the centre lies outside of Graz it's still Zone 101, meaning that you will not have to buy an additional public transport ticket.
 * Shopping Center West - It's a lot smaller than the Shopping City Seiersberg, but it's also nearer to the centre. Take tram 5 to Puntigam and then bus number 64.
 * Murpark - Only mayor shopping centre in the east of Graz. Only shopping centre in Graz to have direct access by tram. Take tram 4 to end of line in Liebenau.

Eat
Restaurants have cheap lunch deals ("Mittagsmenü") (12:00-15:00) or a dish of the day ("Tagesempfehlung") that are usually very good, fresh and have the best value.

The SPAR supermarket in the Hauptbahnhof is the only major one open on Sunday. There are various Turkish markets around town, but their selection is limited.

Breakfast
If you don't like a boring hotel breakfast, go out for breakfast or brunch.

Street food
All these are in the city centre:

Drink
Due to its importance as a university city, Graz has a vibrant night life. Bars are concentrated around the old town as well as the Karl-Franzens-University to the west of the old town. The old town has a mixed audience while the bars around university are mostly attended by students. In the old town you'll also find a few Irish pubs. Whereas the most Irish of them is O'Carolan's right next to the main square (Hauptplatz) others include Flann O'Briens and Molly Malone's. The Office is a very laidback and unique new addition to the Irish/British pub scene in Graz. The Office features regular live music and jam sessions, as well as the odd bit of Karaoke, and darts (steel - you know, the real ones from England) every Sunday.

 * Kombuese Small, wooden bar in the Stadtpark, near Kuenstler Haus (Erzherzog Johann Allee 2) . Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, after 22:00 - best times after 01:00 in the morning. Cheap beer, a few but very good sandwiches, sells also cigarettes. What's special about this place is that you can see people of all ages and styles. No-one will care who you are or what you look like, it s all about having this one thing in common: having fun here and now without other concerns. Different DJs every night, especially Friday and Saturday everyone dances until very early in the morning! It usually gets very crowded after 01:00 but if you relax and get into the mood, you will always find your space in there.
 * Babenbergerhof, Babenbergerstrasse 39. Further out of town, towards the station (just off Keplerstrasse) is a legendary old style "Gasthaus". Complete with local art, old wooden decor and a rambunctious landlady one cannot fail to like, they also feature excellent jazz bands and sessions every Wednesday. Serves basic cold, local dishes and Schilcher wine. This place probably pulls the best pint of Gösser Spezial in the city. The crowd is mixed - anyone from about 20–85 years, from roadsweepers to university professors - you will find all sorts in this place. The two common languages are drink and music.
 * Drei Affen (Three Monkeys), Elisabethstraße 31 - Some kind of bar/pub. If you don't know where to go after 04:00 this is the place where all people and students go who want to stay out till 08:00. Don't go there before 01:00, as it will be empty. Entry Fee usually €3. (Opening times Su-Tu usually till 03:00, W-Sa at least till 06:00, when it's crowded it can be open till 09:00)
 * Piere's, Lendplatz - Cheap bar offering the local brew Gösser and a nice variety of whiskies. Piere himself will tend bar. Super friendly guy! Fairly close to the redlight part of town if that's your thing.
 * Babenbergerhof, Babenbergerstrasse 39. Further out of town, towards the station (just off Keplerstrasse) is a legendary old style "Gasthaus". Complete with local art, old wooden decor and a rambunctious landlady one cannot fail to like, they also feature excellent jazz bands and sessions every Wednesday. Serves basic cold, local dishes and Schilcher wine. This place probably pulls the best pint of Gösser Spezial in the city. The crowd is mixed - anyone from about 20–85 years, from roadsweepers to university professors - you will find all sorts in this place. The two common languages are drink and music.
 * Drei Affen (Three Monkeys), Elisabethstraße 31 - Some kind of bar/pub. If you don't know where to go after 04:00 this is the place where all people and students go who want to stay out till 08:00. Don't go there before 01:00, as it will be empty. Entry Fee usually €3. (Opening times Su-Tu usually till 03:00, W-Sa at least till 06:00, when it's crowded it can be open till 09:00)
 * Piere's, Lendplatz - Cheap bar offering the local brew Gösser and a nice variety of whiskies. Piere himself will tend bar. Super friendly guy! Fairly close to the redlight part of town if that's your thing.
 * Drei Affen (Three Monkeys), Elisabethstraße 31 - Some kind of bar/pub. If you don't know where to go after 04:00 this is the place where all people and students go who want to stay out till 08:00. Don't go there before 01:00, as it will be empty. Entry Fee usually €3. (Opening times Su-Tu usually till 03:00, W-Sa at least till 06:00, when it's crowded it can be open till 09:00)
 * Piere's, Lendplatz - Cheap bar offering the local brew Gösser and a nice variety of whiskies. Piere himself will tend bar. Super friendly guy! Fairly close to the redlight part of town if that's your thing.
 * Drei Affen (Three Monkeys), Elisabethstraße 31 - Some kind of bar/pub. If you don't know where to go after 04:00 this is the place where all people and students go who want to stay out till 08:00. Don't go there before 01:00, as it will be empty. Entry Fee usually €3. (Opening times Su-Tu usually till 03:00, W-Sa at least till 06:00, when it's crowded it can be open till 09:00)
 * Piere's, Lendplatz - Cheap bar offering the local brew Gösser and a nice variety of whiskies. Piere himself will tend bar. Super friendly guy! Fairly close to the redlight part of town if that's your thing.
 * Drei Affen (Three Monkeys), Elisabethstraße 31 - Some kind of bar/pub. If you don't know where to go after 04:00 this is the place where all people and students go who want to stay out till 08:00. Don't go there before 01:00, as it will be empty. Entry Fee usually €3. (Opening times Su-Tu usually till 03:00, W-Sa at least till 06:00, when it's crowded it can be open till 09:00)
 * Piere's, Lendplatz - Cheap bar offering the local brew Gösser and a nice variety of whiskies. Piere himself will tend bar. Super friendly guy! Fairly close to the redlight part of town if that's your thing.

Cafés
Graz has a lot of cafés all around the town, very concentrated in the city center and university district and you get tasty coffee almost everywhere. Prices are the same in most cafes, they just get slightly more expensive in Herrengasse or on Schlossberg. The most common coffee beverages are a "Verlängerter" (a small Americano with milk; €2.20-2.40), a cappuccino (€2.40-2.60), a caffe latte (coffee with lots of steamed milk; €2.60-2.90). It is common that you get a glass of tap water to your coffee, if not don't hesitate to ask for it.

Clubs
Clubs usually open around 22:00 and get crowded by midnight. All have entry fees (mostly €4-12) depending on the event. Sometimes it is cheaper or even free before 22:30 or 23:00. A beer will usually cost you between €3-4. Most places are open till 05:00.

You'll have plenty of opportunities to drink beer (Bier) or wine (Wein) but perhaps the best one would be sitting, on a sunny day, in one of the many open-air bars.

The local beer brands are Murauer (is considered as the best), Gösser, Puntigamer and Reininghaus. The latter 2 are brewed in Graz itself. But you'll also find lots of possibilities to drink other Austrian (Stiegl, Ottakringer, Schladminger) and international beers.

If you visit Graz in winter try a Bockbier. But beware they are a lot stronger (6-8%) than the usual Austrian beers.

Styrian wine is one of the best wines in the world. Especially the white wine. Try a glass of Welschriesling if you get the chance.

Budget
All budget choices are quite far out of the city center.

Connect
As of Sep 2021, Graz has 4G from 3 Mobile, and 5G from A1 and T-Mobile.

Wifi is widely available in public places.

Consulates

 * 🇷🇴 Romania

Go next

 * Vienna is the capital of the Republic of Austria and by far its most populous city. It is Austria's artistic, cultural, economic and political centre. Only 2½ hours from Graz by train.
 * Take a trip through winding mountain passes on the 41 km long Semmering Railway, which runs from Mürzzuschlag to Gloggnitz. A World Heritage site. Ticket information from ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen - the Austrian national rail network). If you are limited in time and can't be bothered to stop at various points along the railway, just plan to take a direct train between Vienna and Graz, as it will pass through the entire stretch without stopping. From Vienna to Graz, sit on the left; from Graz to Vienna, sit on the right.
 * Leoben is the industrial and educational centre of Northern Styria and home of the Austrian mining industry and university.

title: Graz


text:
Grazalema

Grazalema is a town of 2,050 people (2018) in the south-western Andalucia region of Spain. It is one of the largest 'white towns' (Spanish: pueblos blancos) of the Sierra la Grazalema national park, and is also Spain's wettest city.

Understand
Grazalema is the rainiest place in Andalusia. Because of this and because of the relative coolness, the Moorish rulers of Granada spent their summer months here. You have to be a little lucky to catch a sunny day.

The place was founded by the Moors in the 8th century and was first called Rais lami suli. Then it was renamed Hijo de Zulema, which later mutated to Grand Zulema, until the name Zagrazalema came about after the Christian Reconquista in 1485. In the 17th century Grazalema was a center of the textile industry with its many water mills. Today the place lives mainly from nature lovers tourism.

Get in
Grazalema is served by a bus line operated by the Los Amarillos bus company, which runs between Ubrique and Ronda.

By plane
Gibraltar, Jerez de la Frontera and Seville airports are all around 120 km away.

By train
The nearest train station is Ronda, approx. 35 km from Grazalema. Ronda is on the Spanish RENFE railway line from Bobadilla to Algeciras.

By car
Grazalema is on the A372, a narrow tar road between Ronda and El Bosque. From Ronda you drive on the A376 towards Sevilla and after approx. 15 km turn left towards Grazalema. After 500 m turn left again onto the A372 towards Grazalema. The narrow tar road leads through extensive cork oak forests. After 14 km you turn right and after 2 km you reach Grazalema. From Jerez take the A382 towards Ronda. At the height of Puerto Serranothe A382 becomes the A376 towards Ronda. Shortly after you have passed the reservoir of Zahara, a well-developed tar road branches off to the right in the direction of Zahara. After about 1 km a narrow tar road branches off to the left to Grazalema. This winding route offers beautiful views and leads 12 km uphill directly to Grazalema. From Seville, take the A376 towards Utrera and continue towards Ronda. Behind the reservoir of Zahara, it continues like from Jerez.

See
Grazalema does not have much in the way of tourist sites. Visitors come here for hiking in the mountains.

Do
The highest mountains of the Sierra de Grazalema rise behind the town, and are a popular hiking destination. Although much lower than the Sierra Nevada further west, the rocky peaks here have a high alpine character. The mountainous landscape of the Sierra de Grazalema is also much more varied than the massive Sierra Nevada.

Two particularly good walks are those to El Salto del Cabrero (Goatherd's Leap) and the one past the Pinsapar (a wood containing a very rare Spanish fir) to Benamahoma.

Buy
There are two banks (both with ATMs that accept foreign cards) in the central Plaza de España.

Eat
There are plenty of restaurants in the centre of Grazalema.

Cope

 * The state-run Centro de Salud health clinic is in Plaza Pequena and can be reached by phone at 956-132034. There is a pharmacy on Calle la piedra 37. It is open Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 13:30 and from 17:00 to 20:00. Emergency services can be reached on 085.
 * The post office (Correos), Calle José Maria Jiménez 8, phone 956132161.

title: Grazalema


text:
Gröbming

Gröbming is a municipality in the district of Liezen in Styria, Austria.

Gröbming lies at the foot of Stoderzinken in the Hohe Tauern National Park and is a renowned winter sports resort. Besides that it also is the headquarters of Styrian horse breeding.

See
The catholic parish church (1491-1500) is notable for its richly gilded winged altar by the sculptor Lienhard Astel, with figures of the Twelve Apostles and Christ Enthroned. A remarkable late-gothic masterpiece of 1520.
 * Gröbming's parish church

Do

 * Skiing / Snowboarding
 * Cross-County Skiing
 * Horseback Riding
 * Hiking / Climbing

Go next

 * Schladming
 * Liezen

title: Gröbming


text:
Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island (Māori name: Aotea) is in the outer Hauraki Gulf in northern New Zealand. It lies east of the Northland Peninsula and directly north of Coromandel Peninsula. It is 90 km north-east of central Auckland. It is the 4th largest island in the main New Zealand archipelago and has a population of nearly 1,000. Largely covered in regenerating native forest, with some rare native species, a network of hiking trails across the island and beautiful beaches and inlets, it attracts those who enjoy the outdoors, whether hiking, swimming, surfing or enjoying the natural environment. You can get there by plane, sea ferry or private boat.

Understand
At 285 km2, Great Barrier is the 4th largest island in the main New Zealand archipelago, significantly smaller than Stewart Island, the 3rd largest at 1,683 km2. It is also smaller than the 900-km2 Chatham Island, which is outside the main island chain. Great Barrier is also the centrepiece of its own small archipelago, and some of the smaller islands, such as Kaikōura Island, near Port Fitzroy, can also be visited.

The island's basement sedimentary rocks are overlain by ancient volcanic rocks that give rise to jagged pinnacles, cliffs, bluffs and ravines. It was named Great Barrier Island by Capt James Cook because it formed a barrier between the Hauraki Gulf and the Pacific Ocean – it is not a "barrier island" in the usual sense of a long sandy island close to the mainland.

Copper, gold and silver were once mined on the island and there are relics of this and other past economic activities. A whaling station at Whangaparapara caught humpback whales from 1956 to 1962, and was New Zealand's second-to-last whaling station.

From the 1880s to the early 1930s much of the kauri forest on the island was logged. Parts of the island were turned into farmland, though to a lesser degree than happened on the New Zealand mainland. Now, much of the island is in regenerating native forest, dominated by kauri trees, with a few areas of original, unlogged kauri forest, mainly in the far north. The kauri are unfortunately under threat from kauri dieback disease, and it is important for hikers to stay on the tracks, keep off kauri roots, and to clean footwear before and after visiting an area of forest. More than 60% of the island is conservation land managed by the Dept of Conservation.

While the island has introduced predators – two species of rats, mice and feral cats, dogs and pigs – it thankfully does not have some of the other pests that are common on the mainland, such as stoats, weasels, ferrets, possums and deer. This means there is slightly less pressure on endangered native species, including kākā (parrot), brown teal (duck), black petrel (seabird), chevron skink, Hochstetter’s frog and rare plants.

The island has a resident population of close to 1,000. The main employment is in tourism, farming and service industries. There is no reticulated electricity or water and most houses use solar panels and a battery bank to generate and store power. Wind and water turbines and solar water heaters are also used. The island is administered by Auckland Council as part of the Auckland Region.

There are no litter bins on the island. Dispose of your rubbish in your accommodation, buy council bin bags from a shop or take it to the Aotea Transfer Station in Claris.

Visitor information

 * Destination Great Barrier Island has online visitor info and an information centre in the Claris aerodrome.
 * Department of Conservation Great Barrier Island/Aotea

By boat
A Sealink ferry carries vehicles, freight and passengers from Central Auckland to Tryphena. It runs 3 or 5 days a week, depending on the season, and even 7 days for about 4 weeks around Christmas. It leaves Auckland at 8AM, then from the island at 3PM, and trips take 4½ to 5 hours.

Get around
There is no public transport service. You can hire a vehicle or use one of the shuttle services that operate around the island. It is best to book shuttles before you arrive – in summer it's essential. You can also bring your own vehicle to the island on the vehicular ferry. Most roads are sealed, but some side-roads and more remote roads are unsealed

See
Take in the view from above. Being an island, long views are spectacular on Great Barrier.

Beaches
The island has beautiful beaches, with long sandy surf beaches on the ocean-facing east coast and sheltered bays and coves on the west coast.

Do
Kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and coastal cruises are all generally recommended.

 * Good Heavens Dark Sky Experience - this island is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Good Heavens guides will take you on a whirlwind tour of the universe.
 * Get into the spirit at the sacred waterfalls in Port Fitzroy or Whangaparapara (Kauri Falls)
 * Shrin Yogu nature walk with Vicky Kyan.
 * Trike tour with Go Great Barrier

Hiking
There are numerous tramping tracks. Here is a selection.

The Mt Whangaparapara Peak and Whangaparapara Pack tracks are permanently closed due to kauri dieback risk.

Buy
Groceries can be more expensive than on mainland New Zealand because of the cost of freighting them to the island. You can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, meat and general groceries at the local stores. Local crafts, products and souvenirs are available. There are several art galleries. Barrier specialities include manuka honey and locally brewed beer.

Eat
In addition to these listings, see also the 'Drink' and 'Sleep' sections for places to eat.

Connect
There is free Wi-Fi at Barrier Social Club and Claris Airport. Free Wi-Fi, computers and printers at Auckland Council's public library at Claris. Computer at Great Barrier Lodge, Whangaparapara. Mobile phone coverage: Vodafone around Claris, Port FitzRoy, Okiwi and at least parts of Okupu, and Spark at Claris, Tryphena and at least parts of Okupu. Other places coverage is limited or non-existent.

Go next
If you have a boat, Leigh is one of the nearest harbours on the mainland.

title: Great Barrier Island


text:
Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a coral formation, the largest in the world, and one of the seven natural wonders off the Pacific coast of Queensland, Australia. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a spectacular array of marine life and offers awesome diving opportunities.

Understand
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef on earth has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, one of the earliest world heritage sites. Unfortunately, due to climate change, the reef is extremely endangered and various factors are responsible for this. There's the change in the global climate and the increasing pollution of the sea through shipping and the sewage through the increasing settlement of the east coast are all some factors. Tourism is also a reason to blame for this. Every visitor to this sensitive region should be aware of their responsibility and do their part to preserve this unique natural reef.

Flora and fauna
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on earth with 359 hard coral species and providing habitat for a variety of species. Among other things, there are 80 species of soft corals and seapens, over 1,500 species of fish, 1,500 species of sponges, 5,000 species of molluscs, 800 species of echinoderms such as starfish, 500 different species of seaweed and 215 species of birds.

Six of the world's seven species of sea turtles are found in the Great Barrier Reef. These include the endangered loggerhead sea turtles and Pacific green turtles that use the reef to lay their eggs. The dugongs (manatees) that live there are also threatened with extinction. In addition, the humpback whales living near Antarctica use the warm waters to give birth to their young, along with other whale species found there.

The jagged and branched coral masses offer ideal conditions for snails and rare mussels such as Arthritica species or spiny snails such as Murex pecten.

Coral reproduction
A special event is the annual colourful coral bloom, which serves to propagate the corals. This takes place on the Great Barrier Reef during the Australian spring in November and follows a schedule that is strictly set by nature. The factors influencing the time are the water temperature of around 27 °C, the length of the day and the phase of the moon. Only a meticulously coordinated ejection of the egg cells and sperm in large quantities can ensure successful reproduction of the animals under the difficult conditions caused by predators and strong sea currents.

By day trip reef boat
Day trips to the reef run from most of the length of the Queensland Coast. Generally speaking, the further north you leave from, the shorter the trip to the reef, as it approaches the coast near Cape Tribulation.

The general trip plan for the major operators provides for an early-morning departure,  Tie up a few hours later off a pontoon or cay where they have purchased rights, usually lunch is available (or included) and a late afternoon return to port. They always return to one or two specific locations, and it is not unusual for several boats to be within a few hundred metres of each other.

These types of trips are offered (at least) from the mainland coastal towns out of Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, Cairns, Townsville, Airlie Beach (Shute Harbour), Mackay, Gladstone, and 1770 (from north to south). Check destination guides for more information, as not all trips run every day from every town.

Reef islands

There are many islands scattered off the Queensland Coast in several different island groups. Many cater for day trips, overnight stays, or both, offering widely varying standards of facilities accommodation. Not all islands off the coast are on the reef. Some are continental islands, some coral cays. Some of the continental islands have coral gardens off the beach, others do not. Some islands are teeming with marine life, and others have little. Check the specific destination guides, to see if the island you are thinking of visiting is a snorkeller's paradise, or just a nice place to pull up a deckchair and relax.

The islands that are not on the reef, generally run some sort of day trip by boat to the reef. Some of these trips, especially those in the Whitsundays, can pick up from the mainland prior to picking up from one or two islands, servicing daytrippers from the islands to the coast, coast to islands, and coast and islands to the reef. In these cases, prices are usually similar to what you would pay from the coast. However, there are some islands (typically the premium ones) that offer their own trips, and these can cost considerably more.

Get around
Cairns is considered the gateway to the reef but boats also leave from Airlie Beach, Cooktown, Port Douglas, Mission Beach, Townsville & Yeppoon.
 * Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. There are many places to depart from to get to the reef.

Reef tours

 * Mike Ball Dive Expeditions offers 3,4 and 7 night trips to the Great Barrier Reef, including the Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea.
 * Cruise Whitsundays offers a reef trip at Queensland's a reef pontoon at Knuckle Reef. Knuckle Reef Pontoon features an underwater viewing chamber and a giant waterslide.
 * Great Barrier Reef Liveaboards. Large range of Great Barrier Reef liveaboards and Coral Sea dive trips. Great Barrier Reef trips from Whitsunday Islands can be found here.
 * Cairns Tour Advice & Booking Centre. A Cairns travel agency on the esplanade in Cairns for over 12 years offering independent Cairns tour advice & bookings for all Great Barrier Reef & Rainforest day tours.
 * Ocean Free is a Cairns based tour company taking visitors to Green Island and Upolu Cay daily.
 * Passions Of Paradise: From Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef on a 25 metre custom designed sailing catamaran. Depart daily to beautiful Michaelmas Cay and Paradise Reef, giving you the choice of two destinations where you can sunbathe, snorkel, scuba dive, glass bottom boat ride or simply sail. The trip is suitable for all ages. or +61 7 4041-1600, for free in Australia : 1800 111 346

Scuba diving

The Great Barrier Reef is a famed diving destination, although divers with experience of the tropics find parts of it overused and damaged.

Most travellers learn to dive in Townsville, Cairns or Port Douglas: all have a very competitive dive industry. Most students prefer to do a two day pool and classroom course, followed by a two or three day liveaboard visiting the reef to the east of Cairns. It's possible to learn with some of the operators that travel to the Coral Sea, but check first about the difficulty of their dive sites. Land based learn to dive courses cost about $500, dive courses including a liveaboard start at about $700.

Some day trips to the reef are available from Cairns and Port Douglas diving operators. These trips involve about 2 hours boat travel in each direction and will cost $170-$200. Most operators do three day liveaboards to the reefs east of Cairns, starting at about $500 for 3 of days diving and 2 nights on the boat, meals included. Snorkelers can travel on these trips for reduced prices, but check first about the suitability of their sites for snorkelling. Serious divers generally prefer the five or seven day liveaboards visiting the Coral Sea to the north.

Most boat trips, particularly liveaboards, may be up to 40% cheaper if booked at the last possible moment on standby rates. A certain amount of risk is involved in doing this: you must arrive at the destination hoping that a booking will become available, you need to be able to be somewhat flexible about your date of departure, and you may not be able to travel with your first choice operator. However, most divers report that they are able to find at least one standby trip when they try this. Dive travel agents may also be able to advise you.

Some of the islands have a fringing reef, and it is possible to dive or snorkel from shore.

The southern part of the reef off Townsville is known mostly for the wreck of the Yongala, visited on both liveaboards and day trip operators from Townsville, Ayr and Magnetic Island. The Yongala sank in 1911 in about 30 metres (100 feet) of water. As the bottom is otherwise featureless in this area, it is a haven for fish and coral. However, as the site is unprotected many trips have to be cancelled if weather conditions are not favourable.

Eat

 * Seafoods at the Great Barrier Reef islands and nearby coastal areas are delicious. There are restricted fishing areas, although it would be better if you go a restaurant. Reef fish are also available in fish and chip shops.

Drink
Reef day trips sell alcohol on board. Reef islands nearly always have at least one bar, usually much at the centre of island life. Some have innovative pool bars. Some have a young party scene, others have cocktails by the pool, and others close early, targeting the demographic that prefers to wake early to see the dawn, rather seeing it through the haze of the night before. Check the destination guides.

Stay safe
There are marine threats on the reef, from Stonefish to Sharks, Sea Snakes to Jellyfish. Many trips to the reef are made all year around, and injuries due to any of these causes on the reef are rare. Still, take advice from authorities, obey all signs, and pay close attention to safety warnings.

 * Box jellyfish occur near beaches and near river estuaries from October to April north of 1770. They can occasionally be found outside these times.  They are usually not found in deep water or over coral, and most people snorkelling on the reef do so without stinger protection.  However wearing a wetsuit (available on all the dive boats) will give you added buoyancy, and also some protection against stingers.  They are very rare, but deadly.
 * Sharks do exist, however they rarely attack humans. Most sharks are scared of humans and would swim away.
 * Saltwater Crocodiles. Crocodiles do not actively live in the ocean, their primary habitat is in river estuaries north from Rockhampton They can use the ocean as a means of travel between river systems and islands. It is very rare for them to enter the coral reef areas. Most crocodiles will not swim through the reefs.
 * Sunburn and dehydration The QLD sun can burn unprotected skin within a very short time (approx 20 minutes). Even on cloudy days sunscreen is recommended for all exposed skin areas, particularly for children.  Most advice available suggests staying out of direct sun between the hours of 10am and 3pm, but a broad hat, sun-smart clothing and high SPF sunscreen will go a long way towards making sure you can enjoy your time in the tropics.  A nasty case of sunburn will force you to remain indoors for a couple of days, so its just not worth it.  Also, carry drinking water with you as even mild dehydration can lead to heatstroke/ sunstroke.  Drinking alcohol in hot weather without also drinking plenty of water is not safe, and at the very least will lead to a nasty hangover!

title: Great Barrier Reef


text:
Great Barrington

Great Barrington is a pleasant town in the Berkshire region of Massachusetts.

Understand
Great Barrington was home to 7,200 people in 2020, and it does not feel like a tiny town at all, as it has a row of buildings around a half a mile long on Main St. (US Highway 7) and a few side streets, including a couple of nice churches. Great Barrington also has a claim to fame as the childhood home of the famous civil rights leader, W.E.B. Du Bois.

By car
From points south and north, take US Route 7 North and South, respectively. For points east and west, take I-90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike), which is a few miles north of town, and Exit 2 (from the east) or B3 (from the west).

By bus
Regular service on the routes up and down Route 7 from New York City to Vermont.

By train
There was once a passenger train to Great Barrington, as witness the name "Railroad St." However, it has been a long time since it was operational. The closest passenger train stops, nowadays, are in New York State and not worth going to for access to Great Barrington.

By plane
Albany International Airport is a 60-minute drive away. Hartford-Springfield Bradley International Airport is an 80-minute drive away.

Get around
You can get around the downtown area fairly easily on foot. To go further than that, you will need a car or at least a bicycle.

Do

Buy
Great Barrington is home to a successful local currency experiment. The local currency is called BerkShares. You can use BerkShares at hundreds of stores and businesses throughout the Berkshires. Using Berkshares helps local businesses and community residents by increasing the local money supply. Visitors and shoppers benefit as Berkshares can be purchased at several local banks for 90% of face value and redeemed at full value at local merchants. Berkshares banknotes are beautiful notes featuring images of local artists and historical figures.

Eat
Great Barrington has a wide variety of dining options despite the town's small size. Although the restaurants skew towards the pricey farm-to-table end of the spectrum, there are options to satisfy any price point.

Go next

 * Lenox, where the Boston Symphony Orchestra has its summer home at Tanglewood
 * Becket, a tiny town that is home to Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival

title: Great Barrington


text:
Great Basin

The Great Basin is the part of the western United States that does not drain to the sea. Its landscape has given its roads names such as the "extraterrestrial highway" and the "loneliest road in America," and few people live here. It's truly remote wilderness that average tourists rarely reach, but once you've seen the magnificent mountain ranges and the lonely, Bad Day at Black Rock-esque towns that are a remnant of more prosperous times in the region, you'll never forget the Great Basin.

Understand
The Great Basin comprises most of Nevada and adjacent portions of eastern California, southeastern Oregon, southern Idaho, western Utah and southwestern Wyoming. Geographically, this region is bounded by the Sierra Nevada in the west, the Wasatch range in the east, the Columbia Plateau in the north, and the Mohave desert in the south. Central Wyoming's Great Divide Basin also does not drain to the sea, but is not considered to be part of the Great Basin.

The Great Basin is a high-elevation desert.

Cities
Major cities in the Great Basin include Reno, Carson City, and Salt Lake City. Boise lies just outside the Great Basin, in the Columbia River watershed.

Understand
The Great Basin is characterized by a series of north-south running mountain ranges separated by relatively flat basins. The highest peaks in these ranges are over 13,000 feet, while the lowest points in the basins are about 4000 feet. Due to the "rain-shadow" effect from the Sierra Nevada and the numerous mountain ranges in the basin itself, the Great Basin is very arid, with annual precipitation varying from approximately 4 inches per year to 10 inches per year, although the highest peaks can have significantly more precipitation. Most of this precipitation occurs in the form of snow in the winter, and is thus not available to plant life during the growing season. The predominant vegetation is sagebrush and shadscale in the lower elevations, dispersed Pinon-Juniper woodland at middle elevations, and Bristlecone and Limber Pine just below the alpine zone. Runoff collects in "playa" (dry lake-beds) or in a few cases year-round lakes and from there evaporates.

As well over 80% of the land in the Great Basin is publicly owned, opportunities for outdoor recreation are, quite literally, everywhere. Due to the region's remoteness and harshness, though, thorough planning is a necessity. Always bring reserves of fuel and water, and do not count on getting cell phone reception.

By plane
Major airports in the region are in Reno and Salt Lake City. Boise, which lies outside the geographic Great Basin, also serves portions of that region. Smaller airports are in Elko and Ely.

By train
Reno and Salt Lake City are both served by Amtrak.

Get around
To get anywhere in the Great Basin outside of the major cities will require a car. Four-wheel drive is not a necessity during the summer months, but a high-clearance vehicle is necessary for traveling to the remote areas.

See

 * Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
 * Lunar Crater
 * Black Rock Desert

Hiking
Interesting hikes in the Great Basin are plentiful. Water, rather than access, is generally the limiting factor. Many people limit themselves to a series of day-hikes rather than overnight trips in order to ensure water supplies. Aspen groves are a good indication of year-round water supplies, and in the autumn their golden leaves can be easily visible from a great distance.

See California desert camping for more advice.

 * Arc Dome Wilderness Area
 * Ruby Mountains
 * Great Basin National Park
 * White Mountains
 * Mount Jefferson
 * Mount Charleston
 * Steens Mountain
 * Deep Creek Mountains
 * Schell Creek Range

Fishing
Native cutthroat trout are rare, but still found in remote streams and two large lakes. Most streams have been stocked with brook, brown and rainbow trout. These have become established and offer fishing for wild, but not native trout. In most of eastern Oregon's part of the basin, redband trout are the natives. These are closely related to rainbow trout, but are more vividly colored. Good places to try for native Cutthroats:
 * Pyramid Lake
 * Walker Lake
 * Sheldon Wildlife Refuge

title: Great Basin


text:
Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park is a national park established in 1986, in east-central Nevada near its border with Utah, five miles west of the tiny town of Baker. The park's name is derived from the Great Basin, the dry and mountainous region between the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Mountains. The park is dominated by one of the many mountain ranges in the Great Basin.

Understand
The region surrounding the park has a low population, spread out in small communities over a large area. Therefore, unlike other national parks in the West, such as the Grand Canyon, Great Basin is not particularly well-known as a national park. However, if you're willing to make the journey to this park in eastern Nevada, it's an excellent example of Nevada's mountainous scenery.

History
Great Basin National Park is at the western end of the area in which the Indian Fremont culture used to dominate.

Landscape
Great Basin National Park is, despite the name, a mountainous park region. It is in many ways similar to the Sierra Nevada Range of California, and has high, rocky peaks from which small creeks descend into the valleys below.

Approaching the park from Baker, the land is flat until the visitor center is reached; then steep-sided mountains block road travel westward across the mountains at this point within the range. The scenic drive to Wheeler Peak follows the mountain slopes until the mountain range becomes too steep to climb by road.

Flora and fauna

At lower elevations, sagebrush dominates. Higher elevations include many juniper trees, and these collect in woodlands in some places. The highest elevations have very little vegetation.

Climate
There is almost an difference in elevation between Wheeler Peak and the valley floor. Weather conditions in the park vary with elevation. In late spring and early summer, days in the valley may be hot, yet the snowpack may not have melted at high elevations. The Great Basin is a high-elevation desert, with low relative humidity and sharp drops in temperature at night. In the summer, fierce afternoon thunderstorms are common. Weather conditions are highly variable, so come prepared for all types of weather. It can snow any time of the year at high elevations.

Due to the elevation, temperatures can get cold at night but quickly get warm when the sun rises, as sunlight does not have to pass through much of the earth's atmosphere before hitting the ground. As a result, it could be 40 degrees above freezing (Fahrenheit), but there could still be snow above 7,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation. Temperatures can be cold during winter in both Baker and Great Basin National Park, but temperatures should get pretty hot in Baker during the summer months.

Visitor information

 * Park website

By plane
The nearest airport is in Cedar City, Utah, away. Major airports are found in Salt Lake City, Utah, away, and Las Vegas, Nevada,  away.

By car
From the east or west, from U.S. Highway 6 and 50, turn south on Nevada State Highway 487 and travel to Baker, Nevada. In Baker turn west on Highway 488 and travel to the park.

From the south (Utah), travel north on Utah State Highway 21 through Milford and Garrison, Utah, which will become Nevada State Highway 487 as you cross the border. Turn west on Highway 488 in Baker and travel to the park.

From the south (Nevada), travel north on U.S. Highway 93 (Great Basin Highway). At the junction of U.S. Highway 6 and 50, drive east to Nevada State Highway 487 and turn south. Travel to Baker. In Baker turn west on Highway 488 and travel to the park.

By bus
No public transportation is available to, or in, Great Basin National Park.

Fees and permits
The park is open daily, year round, from 8AM to 4:30PM, with extended hours in the summer. It is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Great Basin National Park has no entrance fee. Cave tour fees vary depending on length of tour. 60-minute tours cost $12 for an adult and $6 for a child, while the 90-minute tours cost $15 and $8 respectively. Golden Age/Golden Access card holders pay child rates. Camping fees are $20 for developed campgrounds per night/per site. Primitive campgrounds have no fee.

Get around
Most of the park's attractions and facilities can be reached from the visitor center and the roads surrounding it. However, there are some attractions in the park that require you to drive to Baker and take the main highway south and turn onto a dirt road that leads into another section of the park.

Two main roads in Great Basin National Park are paved; the first road leads to the visitor center, and the other goes up Wheeler Peak. All other major roads are dirt track, often four-wheel drive recommended routes.

See and do
In 2016 the park was designated as an International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). This designation is given to lands which provide exceptional viewing of starry nights. Great Basin National Park received this title due to its location in one of the least populated areas of the contiguous United States and conservation efforts which seek to reduce sources of light pollution and educate visitors on the importance of the park’s dark skies. For visitors this means that in good weather conditions the park is a particularly good location for stargazing. The park hosts ranger-led stargazing activities, including a multi-day astronomy festival each year in late September.

Buy, eat, and drink
More restaurants are found in Baker; for a more varied cuisine, the town of Ely is an hour's drive away.

Lodging
Lodging is available outside of the park in the town of Baker and at Hidden Canyon Retreat, which is south of Baker and is in a canyon on the east side of Great Basin National Park. Lodging is generally on the basic side in the Great Basin National Park area, since there are no major towns within thirty miles' travel of the park. Internet connectivity and cell phone service can often be poor.

Camping
Great Basin National Park has four developed campgrounds with vault toilets, picnic tables, tent pads, and campfire grills. There are no hookups or leveled parking sites. Campsites are limited to eight people, three tents, and two vehicles per site. There are three campgrounds that have accessible sites.

Lower Lehman Creek is the only campground open year round. Other campgrounds are generally open from May until October, weather permitting. Water may not be available early and late in the season, and is not available in the winter at Lower Lehman Creek. Fees are reduced if water is not available. Since exact opening and closing dates are dependent on weather conditions, contact a visitor center at +1 775 234-7331 or check the current conditions for information specific to your arrival date.

Reservations: All park camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations can be made, except for the Grey Cliffs Group Campground where they are required. Campsites may not be "saved" or reserved for family or friends arriving later. Campgrounds often fill on weekends and holidays in the summer months. Visitors are advised to find a campsite early in the day.

Snake Creek and Strawberry Creek Roads are open year round, but can be muddy or snowy in the winter and spring. High clearance vehicles are recommended for these rough, dirt roads. RVs and trailers are not recommended.

Backcountry
Backcountry camping does not require a permit, but registration is free and strongly recommended. Stop at a visitor center to register and obtain a copy of the regulations. Registration not only allows the park to monitor use, but also provides critical information in the event of an emergency.

Stay safe

Keep in mind the remote location when you're in or near the park, since it's necessary to be especially careful here. This region of Nevada is remote for the United States in general, let alone more densely populated regions of the country, so those who visit the park must keep in mind the distance from cities (and therefore services) when visiting.

Climbing
The area in and around the park offers a very limited amount of technical rock climbing. The hazardous nature of the rock the remoteness of the sites are the main contributors to this. All routes in the Wheeler Peak area are hazardous, with deadly rockfalls possible at any time of year. Chiseling, chipping, gluing, or breaking away rock or otherwise physically altering the rock is prohibited. This includes placing bolts or other fixed protection. Clean aid, top-roping, or traditional lead climbing are permitted. The use of motorized drills, hand drills or other portable motorized equipment is not allowed. Free climber registration at park visitor centers is recommended for anyone who plans to climb in the park. Rescue resources are limited and may be hours away; parties should be capable of self-rescue.

Weather
Check weather forecasts before hiking in any canyons in the park, since rains can cause the normally dry washes on the east and west sides of the park to suddenly become great rivers that carry large amounts of rain and melted snow from the mountains nearby. Warmer weather can also cause snow melt, although snow melt will occur more slowly and send water down the washes at a steadier rate.

Go next

 * A small settlement, Baker, is from the park, and offers lodging, food, and supplies.
 * Farther away is the town of Ely, which has a supermarket and some restaurants.
 * Still farther away is a larger city, Salt Lake City. However, both Salt Lake City and Ely are quite a long way from Great Basin National Park, so prepare accordingly.

title: Great Basin National Park


text:
Great Diamond Island

Great Diamond Island is an island located in Casco Bay in Maine and part of the city of Portland.

Get in
There are several water taxis available near the Ferry Terminal.

Get around
There are no cars on the island. Most people get around using golf carts or walking.

Do
Outdoor activities include kayaking around the island.

Go next

 * Portland

title: Great Diamond Island


text:
Greater Boston

The most densely populated region in Massachusetts, Greater Boston is roughly bounded by the I-95 beltway, Boston Harbor, and Massachusetts Bay.

Inner core
Directly abutting Boston proper, these cities offer years of communal history and a multitude of shared transit options. To the casual visitor, it can be difficult to tell when you've left one town for another. Visitors can easily fill itineraries with just the offerings found here.
 * — The Hub of the Universe
 * — a suburb tucked inside the city, ranging from urban bustle to peaceful streets and birthplace of John F. Kennedy
 * — highly urbanized city across the Charles River from Boston; home to prestigious universities such as Harvard and MIT
 * — Working Class city with a vibrant community of Blue Collar workers, immigrants, students and artists.

Northern suburbs
Connected to public transit, these destinations have expanded in popularity as rising housing prices push folks further and further from the city. You won't find many "must see" tourist sights, but reclaimed industrial spaces and the closeness of the ocean do offer options.
 * — working class city much like Chelsea, home to Encore Casino
 * — suburban city along the Northeast Expressway, similar to Everett
 * — home to Tufts University.
 * — home to Revere Beach
 * — across the harbor from Logan Airport

Western suburbs
Similar to the northern suburbs, this collection of towns is also feeling the squeeze of the increasing Boston metro population. These places are generally leafy and exclusive, and are sometimes rooted in an agrarian heritage instead of an industrial background.
 * — residential communities along Route 2 and close to Cambridge
 * — historic town, site of the first battle of the American Revolution
 * — upscale suburb directly west of Boston.
 * — center of the Route 128 technology corridor, and home to Brandeis University and Bentley College
 * — home to an Armenian immigrant community
 * — wealthy suburb, home to Wellesley and Babson Colleges
 * — one of the most affluent towns in the United States

Southern suburbs
Thoroughly suburban, this collection of towns boasts a proud colonial past. Today, their transit connections to Boston put these locations on the radar of many recent arrivals.
 * — a wealthy suburb, home to Milton Academy, the Blue Hills Reservation, and former home of George H. W. Bush
 * — middle class residential suburb
 * — "City of Presidents", home to the Adams family

Far northern suburbs
The main attractions in this area are its many large parks and lush green spaces.
 * - similar to Burlington, but further up 128
 * - north of Malden, home to a lengthy commercial strip along Route 1 with anything you could ever want
 * — a good zoo and some nice countryside here
 * — a commuter suburb along 128 with a 4 mile walking trail near the town center
 * — wealthy suburbs along Route 3/Route 128/I-93

Other destinations

 * — Where you can remove yourself from civilization without having to give up good cell phone reception.

Understand

 * Greater Boston is home to more than 110 institutions of higher education, including Harvard University in Cambridge, the nation's oldest.
 * Greater Boston has some of the oldest and most visited historic sites in the country.

By car

 * Masspike — The Massachusetts Turnpike, Interstate 90, begins in the western part of the state at the border with New York and travels all the way to Logan National Airport. It’s an easy route from the New York Thruway or from Connecticut, by traveling through or around either Springfield or Worcester.
 * Route 128/I-95 — is the beltway that surrounds the Greater Boston region, separating the region from the rest of the state.
 * Other major highways in the area radiate from Boston in almost every direction. Route 2 in the northwest suburbs, Route 1 in the northeastern suburbs and Interstate 93 to the north and south.

Get around

 * Mass Bay Transportation Authority, MBTA. Commuter rail service to Worcester, Providence and most of the Boston suburbs. Offers extensive bus and subway service throughout Boston and bordering cities.

Traffic congestion on the highways and major arterials are notoriously bad in this part of Massachusetts, even on the weekends, given the limited coverage of transit and bike networks in the area. Check travel times before heading out, and a GPS is quite useful for navigating the streets.

Parks

 * Boston Common
 * Boston Public Garden

Monuments

 * Holocaust Memorial

Museums

 * Museum of Science
 * New England Aquarium

Sports

 * Fenway Park

Itineraries

 * Black Heritage Trail — This trail covers ten sites important in American black history scattered throughout Boston's Beacon Hill.
 * Freedom Trail — Seventeen historical sites in downtown Boston that are crucial to understanding revolutionary era America.

Do

 * Boston Duck Tour
 * Freedom Trail

Go next

 * Merrimack Valley — Along the mighty Merrimack river you'll find 19th-century industrial mill towns blended with modern suburbs, rural farms, and quaint orchards.
 * North Shore — A charming collection of wealthy towns and fishing villages; this region's many beaches make it a notable summer destination.
 * MetroWest — As the name implies, this is a collection of commuter suburbs and superb historic attractions just west of Boston.
 * Bristol-Norfolk — A collection of forests, rural communities and bedroom suburbs on the way to Providence, Rhode Island.
 * South Shore — Stretching south to the Cape, it's here where you'll find the "Irish Riviera"; a handful of beach communities nestled along the Atlantic.

title: Greater Boston


text:
Greater Charleston

Greater Charleston is a region in South Carolina.

Go next

 * Golden Corner
 * Grand Strand
 * Santee Cooper Country

title: Greater Charleston


text:
Greater Cleveland

Greater Cleveland is a five-county region centered around the city of Cleveland, Ohio, USA. It is a core component of the 13-county region of Northeast Ohio.

Do
As the birthplace of the holiday, scattered celebrations of Sweetest Day still occur in this region on the third Saturday of October.

title: Greater Cleveland


text:
Greater Columbia

Greater Columbia consists of the cities that surround Columbia, the capital of South Carolina.

Principal city

 * is the capital of South Carolina and is home to the University of South Carolina and the Gamecocks.

Get in

 * | Columbia Metropolitan Airport

See
One place you won't be able to visit, but you might want to tell folks back home that you were near, is what the US Geological Survey calls "Alcohol and Drug Abuse Lake". In Columbia, it is a 92-acre body of water inside a state-run drug rehab facility, which prefers to call it the Morris Village Pond. The pond is enclosed by a fence, part of which runs along Wood Circle.

title: Greater Columbia


text:
Greater Luanda

Greater Luanda a region of Angola.

Cities

 * - the capital city

Other destinations

 * — Angola's most accessible park, near Luanda, with accommodations for tourists.
 * — a beautiful extension of land in the south of Luanda that's famous for its natural beauty; explore some of its typical food such as ‘pirão’, funge, and moamba.
 * — a canyon just outside Luanda with very impressive cliffs.

title: Greater Luanda