text:
Nosy Komba

Nosy Komba is a small island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, located a short boat ride south of Nosy Be.

Understand
Nosy Komba is a small volcanic island almost equidistant between Hell-Ville on the neighbouring island of Nosy Be and Ankify on the mainland. The beaches are clean and excellent for snorkelling. The island is known for its population of black lemurs.

Get in
The only way to get to Nosy Komba is by boat. Trips from Hell-Ville take 20-30 minutes, and can be arranged through the lodge you are staying with.

Get around
There are no roads on Nosy Komba, so you'll either need to take a boat or walk. Trails across the island inevitably involve a hike up and over the peak at the center of the island.

Go next

 * Nosy Be - Nosy Be is offers everything from budget accommodation to luxury resorts located on pristine beaches, but is much more developed than Nosy Komba.
 * Nosy Tanikely - A tiny, uninhabited island that is located west of Nosy Komba, this marine sanctuary offers world-class snorkeling and is also popular with scuba divers.

title: Nosy Komba


text:
Noto

Noto is a city in Sicily, Italy, one of the eight world heritage listed "Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto".

Understand
Noto was once situated on Mount Alveria but destroyed by an earthquake in Val di Noto in 1693 and was rebuilt in another site in Baroque style.

Tourist information

 * Eloro District APP, in free download help you to find any interesting place in Noto and around all district, updated with local events and services.
 * Eloro District APP, in free download help you to find any interesting place in Noto and around all district, updated with local events and services.
 * Eloro District APP, in free download help you to find any interesting place in Noto and around all district, updated with local events and services.

Get in
Get there as a daytrip from Syracuse or a stopover from Syracuse to Ragusa (1½ hour), Gela, or Enna.

By train
The railway station is further from the town centre than the bus station. The station appears to be unmanned at least some of the time with no automated ticket machines (see below for some details).

Combined with some difficulty with getting a return ticket at the station it may be more convenient to take a bus on a return trip despite it takes a bit more time.

You can buy tickets for travel on Regional trains at the ticket offices of the station, at the ticket vending machines, at the authorized travel agencies and points of sale of the circuit Lottomatica, Sisal and Punto Servizi, from the Internet site, or with the App Trenitalia, available for iPhone and iPad, and also for devices with the Android operating system.

A ticket can be also purchased on board with a supplement of €5 to the cost of the ticket. On departure from the station, notify the train crew before getting on.

Get around
On foot!

See

Noto is a World Heritage Site and billed as the most attractive of the Baroque towns in south east Sicily. In fact it's a really nice small town where the most of significant buildings are aligned along a single street.

Unfortunately some of them are closed and/or being restored. It feels, like in many other places in Sicily, there is not enough money available to bring the town back to what it once was.

Some other palazzi:

Buy
Local specialties include marmelades, jams, honeys, biscotti, and granite.

Sleep

 * Macrina B&B - Friendly proprietor (though not English-speaking) with good sized rooms a pleasant garden to have breakfast in.
 * Macrina B&B - Friendly proprietor (though not English-speaking) with good sized rooms a pleasant garden to have breakfast in.
 * Macrina B&B - Friendly proprietor (though not English-speaking) with good sized rooms a pleasant garden to have breakfast in.

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

title: Noto


text:
Notodden

Notodden is a town and municipality (kommune) in Telemark County, in East Norway. The population of the town is 9,000, and that of the whole municipality is 12,000. Heddal is a village in the municipality, not far from the town of Notodden. The town is on the shore of Heddalsvatnet lake. The Tinn (Tinnelva) river runs through the town into the lake, and the Heddøla river runs past Heddal and the airport into the lake. Notodden is along with Rjukan part of the Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

By car
Notodden is 113 km from Oslo and the drive time is 1 hour 45 minutes. Follow E 18 out of Oslo (West) until the city of Drammen.Then E 134 forward to Notodden.

By bus
The easiest way to get from Oslo is by bus. TIMEkspressen runs to Notodden every hour around the clock all year. (daytime) It takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. This bus line also run on this route at night, though only every second hour.

Buses run from Bergen to Notodden. It’s a worthwhile trip, as it crosses the Hardanger Plateau with its beautiful natural scenery.

Notodden is a hub for local and regional buses running in all directions in the municipality and further afield, such as to the town of Rjukan.

By train
The Oslo to Bergen train is a bit tricky, but nice. Look up NSB, the national train company. If you arrive by air to OSL (Gardermoen), take the L12 directly from the airport to Kongsberg, continue by bus. Optionally take the Regional 50 from Oslo to Nordagutu, switch to the L52 from Nordagutu to Notodden.

By boat
It is possible to come from the south up the Telemark Canal into Heddalsvatnet lake.

Get around
There are local bus routes departing every hour from the bus hub. For regional bus routes check out Nettbuss and Nor-way Bussekspress.

See

 * The industrial park and several other sites are inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list.
 * Industrial history museum - Lysbuen (Bedriftshistorisk samling - Hydromuseet).
 * Norsk Hydro: Administrative building - where it all started in 1905.
 * Telemark Art Gallery (Telemarksgalleriet).
 * Notodden church and the church gardens.
 * Heddal Bygdetun, 300 m from the stave church. Based on a rural village. Includes an exhibition about the church, several stages of medieval Norwegian architecture and traditional Norwegian clothing. Kafé Olea has meals and souvenirs.
 * Heddal Bygdetun, 300 m from the stave church. Based on a rural village. Includes an exhibition about the church, several stages of medieval Norwegian architecture and traditional Norwegian clothing. Kafé Olea has meals and souvenirs.

title: Notodden


text:
Noto Peninsula

Noto Peninsula (能登半島 Noto-hantō) is in Ishikawa prefecture, Japan.

Cities

 * — famous for cultivated oysters
 * — provincial seat of government in ancient times
 * — 1200-year-old hot spring town by the seaside
 * — known for lacquerware and its morning market of over 200 stalls
 * — on the furthestmost tip of the Noto Peninsula
 * — the UFO capital of Japan!
 * — on the furthestmost tip of the Noto Peninsula
 * — the UFO capital of Japan!
 * — the UFO capital of Japan!

Understand
Noto is one of the most remote parts of mainland Japan. Its first and most famous chronicler was Ōtomo no Yakamochi (大伴家持), an 8th century poet and bureaucrat best known for compiling a large part of the Man'yoshu, Japan's first anthology of poems. In 745, he was appointed governor of Etchu Province (today's Toyama), and the poems he wrote during his six-year stay often lament the harshness of his remote posting far away from the splendors of the capital:

 * 志雄路からただ越え来れば羽咋の海朝凪したり船梶もがも
 * From the Shiwo Road across the mountains to the morning calm of the sea at Hakuhi — I wish I had a boat! (Man'yoshu 17/4025)

 * 妹に逢はず久しくなりぬ饒石川きよき瀬ごとに水占はへてな
 * Away from my wife for so long -- the clear rapids of Nigishi River shall tell my fortune (Man'yoshu 17/4028)

To this day the west coast, battered continuously by the harsh Sea of Japan, is rugged and thinly populated by scattered fishing villages, while the more sheltered east coast around Nanao Bay houses the bulk of the population.

In March 2007, Noto was hit by a strong earthquake (M6.9) that caused significant damage to the northern part of the peninsula, particularly Wajima. The peninsula was hit by another stronger one (M7.6) on the first day of 2024.

By plane
Alternatively, the considerably larger airports at Komatsu and Toyama are both roughly two hours away by car.

By train
The JR Noto Line putters up from Tsubata on the IR Ishikawa Railway line to Nanao, terminating a stop north at Wakura Onsen. There are daily direct expresses from Kanazawa to Wakura Onsen, and roughly hourly local services from Kanazawa as far as Nanao (1:30, ¥1280). From either Nanao or Wakura, you can transfer onto the privately run Noto Railway to Anamizu. Onward services to Wajima and Takojima have been terminated.

By bus
There are infrequent services from Kanazawa's railway station to most larger towns in Noto.

Get around
Noto is one of those few bits of Japan where having your own wheels will come in very handy. Trains no longer run up to the north coast, while bus schedules are sparse and fares are expensive. The easy way out is to join a guided bus tour, which run from ¥5000 upwards for a day trip from Kanazawa, but being herded around by megaphone-wielding flag-wavers isn't really the best way to enjoy the peninsula's rural tranquility.

Do

 * Go hot-spring hopping at Wakura Onsen.

Eat
Noto is famous for seafood, including oysters (kaki) and a special type of soy-like fish sauce called ishiri (いしり). Ishiri is made from Squid in Noto and sardines in Wajima.

Go next

 * Kanazawa — one of Japan's best-preserved Edo-era towns

title: Noto Peninsula


text:
Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes

Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes is a hamlet of about 700 people (2016) in the Pembina Valley of Central Manitoba. Established in 1891, the people have preserved their French culture.

Understand
The first European settlers, from present-day Quebec, arrived in the 1880s. The post office was established in 1892. A Canadian National Railway point was established in 1912.

By car
The hamlet is 100 km southwest of Winnipeg: take Highway 2 west and take a left at Provincial Road 244 South.

If coming from the Pembina Canada-U.S.A. border, stay on Highway 75 and turn at Highway 23 West and take Provincial Road 244 North.

Get around

 * By car
 * On foot

Do

 * Spring events: ice fishing fun day, the family curling bonspiel, the family hockey tournament and the fishing derby weekend.
 * Summer events: the .22 shoot, the muzzle shoot, and the Howdy Neighbour weekend celebration.
 * Fall events:the Moving Target shoot, the Turkey shoot, the Notre Dame Craft Sale.
 * Winter events,: ice skating show, the snowmobile derby, hockey tournaments, the Notre Dame Hawks hockey season, and the Annual Sportsmen Night.

Go next

 * Winnipeg

title: Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes


text:
Nottingham

Nottingham is a city in England, affectionately known as the "Queen of the Midlands". It is famed for its links with the world-renowned legend of Robin Hood.

Understand
Nottingham is one of three major cities in the East Midlands of England, the others being nearby Leicester and Derby. Its prosperity was historically derived mostly from the lace making and coal-mining industries, little of which remains. Nottingham has moved towards a more service-based economy. In the 1960s it was famed for having a gender imbalance.

The centre of Nottingham lies on the River Leen and its southern boundary follows the course of the River Trent, which flows from Stoke to the Humber. Nottingham has an estimated city population of 320,000 (2021). The urban area has a population of 730,000 (2021).

The heart of the city is the Old Market Square, which underwent a major redevelopment in 2006. Most of the main shopping streets are around the square. The Council House, whose tall dome can be seen for miles around, is at the top end of the square. The inside of the Council House is the Exchange Arcade, a shopping centre. A bohemian quarter of the city known as Hockley has arisen close to the Lace Market area. Nottingham receives a lot of tourism, mostly because of the legend of Robin Hood, visiting Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle.

Visitor information

 * Visit Nottingham

By plane

 * lies 12 miles (19 km) south-west of Nottingham and flights are available to many European (mostly tourist) destinations. The Skylink Express bus runs between the airport and city centre every 30 minutes during the day. The bus journey takes approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and costs £5 single, £9.90 return, £9 for a day ticket (zigzag plus) including all trentbarton buses in the area. The slower Skylink Nottingham bus runs all through the night (hourly), with the same fares and a journey time of 50 minutes to an hour.
 * is about from Nottingham and serves all major European and many international destinations. It is accessible by train, changing at Birmingham New Street.

By train

Turn right out of the station for an easy 10-minute walk to the city centre.

The tram stop is right above the station, giving access to all tram destinations since both lines pass through the station.

By car
From the south, travel on the M1 and exit at junction 24 or 25. From the North take the M1 junction 25 or 26.

There are nine Park and Ride sites with over 6500 spaces around the city. Many of these park and ride sites are connected to Nottingham city centre by the city's tram network, or buses.

By bus
Nottingham has two sizeable bus stations near to its two major shopping centres, and. Traveline, +44 871 200 22 33

Bus operators offer services to most other UK destinations.

National Express provides cheap advance tickets on a Nottingham-London route, often for as little as £5 each way if booked early enough online. National Express also offers cheap non-changeable tickets (called "Funfare") to many other major cities from Nottingham.

Megabus also serves the city, although only twice a day with one departure at 5AM!

Get around
Nottingham has excellent public transport by buses and trams.

By foot
The city centre is best explored on foot as many of the historic streets are pedestrianised or have good pedestrian access.

By tram
Nottingham Express Transit is the city's modern tram system. There are two branches which run on the same tracks in the city centre and then diverge at both ends to serve 4 destinations (Hucknall, Phoenix Park, Toton Lane and Clifton South). The system has a number of Park and Ride sites along it, which make travel into the city centre easy. An all day tram-only ticket costs £4, single tickets are £2.20. Tickets must be bought from ticket machines on platforms before boarding.

By bus
Nottingham has extensive bus services provided by two main companies, trentbarton and Nottingham City Transport (NCT), running from the Broadmarsh and Victoria Bus stations as well as key termini in the city centre such as Old Market Square, Parliament Street and Carrington Street. Fares: Most NCT buses do not give change. Trentbarton buses do, just ask the driver.

Ticketing
Ticketing can be confusing. Ticketing for most operators is detailed below:

Cash: Robin Hood Prepaid Card (purchase from ticket machines around city centre): Students with valid ID:
 * NCT buses:
 * £1.50 under-19 single
 * £2.50 adult single
 * £4.70 day ticket
 * £7 Grouprider (up to 2 adults and 3 under-19s)
 * (tickets can also be purchased with a credit or debit card when getting on the bus, or in advance through the NCTX Buses app)
 * (detailed information can be found on the NCT website.
 * trentbarton buses: single fare varies by distance (check website), £6 "zigzag" day ticket or £9 "zigzag plus" including East Midlands Airport. This allows travel on all Trentbarton services as far as Bakewell, Derby or Chesterfield
 * NET trams: single fare £2.20, day ticket £4
 * Multiple operators: £4.50 kangaroo day ticket for all public transport in greater Nottingham
 * Buses and Trams: £1.70 single, £3.15 max for single operator, £4 max for all operators
 * £1.50 single fare for many NCT buses and all Trentbarton buses (within Nottingham)

Sports

 * Rugby: Nottingham RFC play rugby union in the Championship, the second tier. Their home ground is, a quarter mile east of Trent Bridge.
 * Cricket:
 * Rugby: Nottingham RFC play rugby union in the Championship, the second tier. Their home ground is, a quarter mile east of Trent Bridge.
 * Cricket:
 * Cricket:
 * Cricket:

Parks and activities

 * In the summer you can hire a rowing boat on the beautiful grounds of the University of Nottingham.
 * Nottingham Castle has extensive grounds, which are planted beautifully in the summer time. Each summer open air theatre performances are held in the grounds.

Events

 * The Forest Recreation Ground also plays host to the city's annual Bonfire Night fireworks display, which also has a funfair.
 * The Riverside Festival at Victoria Embankment is held on a weekend at the start of August each year. It features live music, markets and fairs topped off with a huge fireworks display.
 * The varsity sports series between the city's two universities, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, is the largest outside of North America.
 * LBC is a monthly electronic music event held at The Bodega featuring upcoming artists from all over the world. Entry is fairly cheap and is predominantly aimed at the student population of the city. Once featured in The Guardian, it is seen as Nottingham's forward-thinking music and arts event.
 * LBC is a monthly electronic music event held at The Bodega featuring upcoming artists from all over the world. Entry is fairly cheap and is predominantly aimed at the student population of the city. Once featured in The Guardian, it is seen as Nottingham's forward-thinking music and arts event.
 * LBC is a monthly electronic music event held at The Bodega featuring upcoming artists from all over the world. Entry is fairly cheap and is predominantly aimed at the student population of the city. Once featured in The Guardian, it is seen as Nottingham's forward-thinking music and arts event.

Buy
Nottingham has a large excellent shopping centre in the City Centre, "The Victoria Centre". The Victoria Centre is the modern with plenty of shops & facilities.

Close to Victoria Centre are the main shopping streets: Lister Gate and Clumber Street are home to High Street names, while designer labels can be found on Bridlesmith Gate, Victoria Street and in the Exchange Arcade, within the Council House on Market Square. The alternative shopper will find Hockley Village a haven, focused around Goose Gate, the city's Bohemian district. To buy a Nottingham memento, go to the Lace Centre on the corner of Castle Gate, opposite the Robin Hood statue, to buy traditional Nottingham lace.

With regards to the alternative music and fashion scene, Nottingham is highly regarded and caters well for obscure and eclectic tastes. Void, Wild (and its sister store Wilder) and the local favourite Ice Nine can all be found in the bohemian district of Hockley. These stores can often become busy over the weekend in particular, but many original retro and vintage fashion items can be found for very cheap prices here.

Record stores include:

Budget
Nottingham also has the usual range of chain restaurants and bars that you can find in many cities across the UK. For a budget meal (and drink), JD Wetherspoons is always worth trying. There are also some budget restaurants along Mansfield Road not far from the Victoria Shopping Centre

There is a pedestrianised street full of eateries of varying quality next to the Cornerhouse. These restaurants range from a Pizza Hut and a Subway, to a brassiere (Punchinellos) with an excellent pre-theatre menu. There is also a wide variety of takeaways in Nottingham, catering for many different tastes.

Drink

There are at least three pubs in Nottingham which claim to be amongst the oldest in the city (and the country), so there is no shortage of drinking establishments for visitors. The city has a range of pubs and bars serving drinks late into the night.

A good place to start is the trendy Lace Market area east of Market Square where you will also find many good restaurants. Pubs around the Market Square tend to appeal to younger drinkers with a Wetherspoon's and Yates's Wine Lodge, but the area on the canal side around the Canal House pub tends to be a little more discerning. The Hockley area also provides a range of pleasant bars to suit a range of budgets. The Cornerhouse complex (near the Royal Centre tram stop) contains some really nice bars, particularly, and close to this is The Orange Tree on Shakespeare Street. Slightly further out of the centre in the multicultural and vibrant area known as Sneinton is a wonderful pub called the Lord Nelson with a great garden and real ales. The other historic pubs include The Bell Inn, in the Market Square, and the, on Maid Marian Way, both of which can trace a long history and lay claim to having resident ghosts. Ask at a quiet moment for a tour of the Salutation's cellars, dug by hand into the sandstone rock below the pub and used in centuries past as a secure brewing area. The is also located near the Old Market square and serves local ale from. Rock City hosts one of the biggest student disco nights in town, with standard dance/pop music, when popular live rock bands aren't playing in town. For a different experience, try The Pitcher and Piano bar, with a slightly more mature crowd. Built as a large Unitarian church it has been stylishly modernised but still contains the church's architectural history with gothic decor and stained glass windows.

Camping
In surrounding area

Stay safe
While overall a safe city, Nottingham has been highlighted by the media for gun and knife crime in its suburbs, acquiring the (mostly tongue-in-cheek) nickname 'Shottingham'. It is best to avoid walking late at night through St Ann's (a council estate northeast of the Victoria shopping centre) and The Meadows (between the railway station and the river). Normal precautions for large western European cities should be undertaken by individuals after dark, especially for lone females.

Go next

 * For keen walkers, Matlock and the Derbyshire Peak District can be reached in about an hour by car. To get there by public transport, catch the Red Arrow (£6 'zigzag' day ticket, takes 30 min, every 10 min) from the Victoria Bus station to Derby, and change to the TransPeak (£5.90 each way, takes about an hour, hourly). An alternative for the more budget conscious traveller is the 6.1 bus from Derby to Bakewell, which takes longer but is included in the trentbarton 'zigzag' day ticket.
 * Derby is a neighboring city and is easily accessible by bus (£6 day ticket).
 * Lincoln is not too far away by rail.
 * Sheffield, about an hour away from Nottingham by rail or road, is a slightly larger city and a popular cultural and shopping destination.
 * There are direct trains from Nottingham to the famous seaside resort of Skegness.

title: Nottingham


text:
Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire is a county in the East Midlands of England. The area is steeped in history and culture and the legend of Robin Hood. Sherwood Forest is a very popular place to explore all year around and the City of Nottingham is vibrant and lively.

Towns

 * is the lively county town, which still has a Sheriff and Nottingham Castle.
 * is set in the last remnant of primeval Sherwood Forest, central to the legend of Robin Hood.
 * is set in the last remnant of primeval Sherwood Forest, central to the legend of Robin Hood.
 * is set in the last remnant of primeval Sherwood Forest, central to the legend of Robin Hood.
 * is set in the last remnant of primeval Sherwood Forest, central to the legend of Robin Hood.
 * is set in the last remnant of primeval Sherwood Forest, central to the legend of Robin Hood.
 * is set in the last remnant of primeval Sherwood Forest, central to the legend of Robin Hood.
 * is set in the last remnant of primeval Sherwood Forest, central to the legend of Robin Hood.
 * is set in the last remnant of primeval Sherwood Forest, central to the legend of Robin Hood.
 * is set in the last remnant of primeval Sherwood Forest, central to the legend of Robin Hood.
 * is set in the last remnant of primeval Sherwood Forest, central to the legend of Robin Hood.
 * is set in the last remnant of primeval Sherwood Forest, central to the legend of Robin Hood.
 * is set in the last remnant of primeval Sherwood Forest, central to the legend of Robin Hood.
 * is set in the last remnant of primeval Sherwood Forest, central to the legend of Robin Hood.
 * is set in the last remnant of primeval Sherwood Forest, central to the legend of Robin Hood.

By plane

 * lies 12 miles (19 km) south-west of Nottingham and flights are available to many European (mostly tourist) destinations. The Skylink Express bus runs between the airport and city centre every 30 minutes during the day. The bus journey takes approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and costs £5 single, £9.90 return, £9 for a day ticket (zigzag plus) including all trentbarton buses in the area. The slower Skylink Nottingham bus runs all through the night (hourly), with the same fares and a journey time of 50 minutes to an hour.
 * is about 40 miles from Nottingham and serves all major European and many international destinations. It is accessible by train, changing at Birmingham New Street.
 * lies to the north of Nottinghamshire.

Go next

 * Derbyshire
 * Lincolnshire
 * Leicestershire
 * South Yorkshire
 * Peak District

title: Nottinghamshire


text:
Nouadhibou

Nouadhibou is the second largest city in Mauritania. It's a major fishing centre and large industrial port.

Understand
A key economic centre, it's home to roughly 120,000 people. Before independence, the city was called Port-Étienne by the French colonists after the first boat which arrived here, the Tienne. Since independence in 1960, it has been called Nouadhibou, which means Place of the Jackal. Many jackals used to come and drink water in a well. The town's three main parts are:
 * Cansado: Means tired in Spanish. This area is about 10 km south of Keran. It was built by the French in 1960, for the workers of the SNIM mining company. It has a nice hotel, tennis courts and petanque grounds.
 * Keran: The city centre was built in 1958. The central police, customs, banks, office supply and central market are here.
 * Numerowatt: Starts with the area of Socogim and is divided into 6 water taps (French: robinets). It was built in 1982-83. The water comes from an underground lake in Boulenoir, about 90 km from here. The pipes were laid in 1960. The district is growing rapidly. Most of the population lives here.

In 1990, the tarmac road from Keran to Numerwatt was built; a distance of about 13 km. In 2000, the city centre roads were paved and Internet and mobile phones arrived.

In 2005, the highway between Nouadhibou and Nouakchott was completed. There is now a clean half-way stop at the 235-km mark built by a Moroccan business where you can get coffee and sandwiches as well as a tajine, a meat stew. They also have separate toilets for men and women, and a tyre changing shop. Nearby is the entrance to the Banc d'Arguin national park.

Nouadhibou without SNIM or fishing would not be the same. SNIM, the Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière, is the biggest company in Mauritania. Iron began being mined in the 1960s when they began building the railway which carries one of the longest trains in the world (2 km). Passengers can pay to sit inside a rail carriage or ride for free on top.

The other economic engine is the fishing industry. There are 3 ports: a commercial port (Port Autonome), a local fishing port (Port Artisanal) and the private SNIM port at Cansado for iron export. If you like salty air, sea food and fish, checking out the Port Artisanal can be a treat.

By plane

If you need a visa on arrival (€55 for EU citizens), turn to the right before entering the passport control building. Right next to the departure waiting lounge there is a small office where the visa is issued. Don't let others jump the queue.

By taxi
From Nouakchott, 470 km away there are frequent collective taxis (Mercedes taking 6 passengers). From Nouadhibou ask for the official taxi station, the Gare Routiere at the town entrance, in Robinet 6. At the first roundabout coming in, turn left and it's 300 m on your left. Taxis like to leave at first light.

From Dakhla in Western Sahara there are collective taxis and minibuses.

By car
There are two sealed roads to Nouadhibou. One connects it towards south with the capital, Nouakchott. The other one goes north to the border and into Western Sahara. There is a 3 km unsealed part between the borders, but it can be passed by a 2WD car without any problems. This is a no-man's land, policed by neither bordering country. Avoid making deals with anyone you might meet there.

Cars and sept-places run from the garage at the exit from town, near the train station. To Nouakchott in a Mercedes (470 km, about 6 hours).

Due to incidents, foreigners going overland have been advised to travel in groups during daylight hours only.

By bus
There are no regular bus connections from outside of the country, however Supratours runs a bus from Dakhla to the Mauretanian border from where is it possible to arrange independent transport. See Mauritania/Get in.

Between Nouadhibou and Nouakchott, however, there are at least five bus lines that provide daily runs. Most leave in the morning, the trip takes around 8 hours. Prices range from 600-700 ouguiyas. Some of the better known bus companies are:

 * El-Bouragh, across from the Nouadhibou airport.
 * Global, on the lower road across the street from the FM radio station.
 * Al-Moussavir leaves around 11:00 and is within sight of the As-Salaam bus line on the main middle road leaving town.
 * As-Salaam, on the middle main road near the 5th Robinet.
 * Somatir, at Robinet 3, uses air-conditioned 20-seater Mercedes mini-vans.
 * Sonef bus line leaves at 12:00 for Nouakchott. It is 200 m on the left from the last roundabout leaving town.

By train
There is only one train line in Mauritania, the Iron Ore Train, connecting Nouadhibou to Choum and Zouerat. It is used to carry iron ore from Zouerat mines to Nouadhibou port. Only one passenger car is attached to one of these trains daily in each direction. There is no strict timetable, but the passenger car typically departs Nouadhibou around 15:00 to 21:00. Tickets for the passenger car to Choum cost 300 ouguiya but it's usually overcrowded. There is no light inside the passenger car. Travel in an ore hopper is possible and free. However, a scarf or other face cover is necessary, as there is lots of dust. The ore is not very dirty stuff. Be careful aboard the train as it lurches violently when accelerating or braking.

Notice that the new railway station is located north of Nouadhibou, around 5km north of the roundabout at the northern end of the town.

Get around
The city centre can be walked in under 15 minutes, so take a walk-about and see the sights.

Taxis are amazingly cheap and everywhere but not marked as taxis, when a car honks when approaching it is a taxi. The one-way taxi fare on the main roads in town is 20 ouguiyas. Taxis from the city centre to the Port Autonome area or Cansado are an additional 20 ougiyas. Two passengers are expected to fit in the front passenger seat and four passengers in the back seat. Should a woman get in the car, men may be asked to move to help her maintain an appropriate distance.

See

 * Fishing harbour with Senegalese boats. Also, there are many shipwrecks in the Nouadhibou Bay. The biggest and most recent shipwreck lies at the tip of the peninsula.
 * At the absolute southernmost tip of the same peninsula, there is a small national park, where for a small fee you can observe the meeting point between the bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The point is home to several monk seals. Some of them have been aggressive, so keep a safe distance.
 * Between the Port Autonome and Cansado are the ruins of an old French coastal gun emplacement designed in its day to protect the French colony from the Spanish border a few kilometres away. There is no fee and no guide. There are underground tunnels which connect the 15-m-high gun towers. Some tunnels drop off dangerously! A torch or flashlight is helpful.
 * You might be tempted to visit the old Spanish buildings at the little town of La Guera on the southern peninsula. They are not in Mauritania, but in Western Sahara, a disputed territory just to the west of Mauritania, so exploring the historic site requires a border crossing. There is a Mauritanian military post nearby. If interested, check with local authorities first.
 * The downtown market, in Keran, behind the main middle road, is full of little shops selling a surprising variety of things from all over the world. It has a well stocked chep-chep or second-hand market. You can find prizes for next to nothing.

Do

 * Bird watchers can visit the salt marsh estuary next to the bay. It will be on the left as one heads towards the Centre de Pêche. There is occasionally a police check point at the green shipping container on the way there.
 * Fishing for sea trout with spoons or squid can be exciting on the bay. There is a pier at the Centre de Pêche. Look for higher tides for better results. The hotel has a couple of boats to either take people out fishing (you can rent fishing gear as well) or to ferry small groups to a picnic island on the far side of the bay. There is a small cabin structure to shelter you from the often intense sun. Many pelicans and other large sea birds sun themselves on this sandy stretch. The centre has a restaurant with a children's playground. They serve a fresh grilled sea trout and local tea (Arabic: Ataya).
 * Those with kiteboards can take advantage of the steady brisk winds wafting across Nouadhibou bay virtually year round. The bay extends almost 20 kilometres from its northern tip to the Ras Nouadhibou. The shallower small craft portion is much smaller, about 10 km wide. Often the water is only a few meters or less in depth, clear and temperate. Online weather services can provide daily tide and wind details.
 * If you have your own fishing equipment and four wheel drive, there are several places to fish on the very southern tip of the peninsula, known as Cap Blanc, to the right of the SNIM port/refinery facilities. It's wise to go with a local friend as there can be security check points, it's a fairly remote spot and is extremely close to the Moroccan border. Long traces having 2 or more hooks with a heavy lead weight are best for surf cast fishing. If you have a boat, there are Southern Meager (French: Corbine) to be had in deeper waters. They can reach 50 kg.
 * For young sporting types, there are informal and formal football matches in an indoor size format at the Club Sahel. It's on the lower road not far from the Casa Canaria restaurant. There is a fee or just enjoy the great play. Most matches begin in the late afternoon and early evening well into the night.
 * Spend a relaxing afternoon reading a novel or catching up on the latest news at the Alliance Franco Mauritanienne. They have gardens and trees, a rarity in Nouadhibou. It's behind the Central Bank, which is in front of the Governor's (Arabic: Waly) offices. Most of their material is in French. Their telephone is +222 574 58 71.

Buy
The four largest supermarkets are:
 * Carrefour, at the first intersection of the city centre.
 * Bon Marché
 * 28 Novembre
 * the Cansado grocery store.

The first three stores are on the main street within 200 metres of each other. Bon Marché and 28 Novembre face each other. You can find most things including cheese and toiletries. Prices are sometimes a bit expensive. Local corner grocery stores, good épiceries, may have everything you need. The market carries fresh vegetables as well as meat and fish. Staples, such as sugar, rice, milk, bread, yoghurt, insect spray, toilet paper, bleach and soap powder are available in local corner shops or boutiques. Hamburger meat and beef fillet are sold at the Tunisian butcher across the street from 28th Novembre.

Several banks in town have ATMs that accept foreign cards. Société generale bank Atms take Mastercard /visa card. There's a decent Forex or bureau de change at the entrance to Keran, the city centre, at the Carrefour crossroads. Ask for a receipt to avoid any problems crossing the borders next time you cross. They will photocopy your passport along with the receipt. Officially, you should not take ougiyas currency out of the country, although small amounts usually aren't a problem.

Should you need help with your vehicle, look for El-Veteh Siddaty et Freres, a well known car parts store in Keran. Their manager speaks English and French and can help you find specialised mechanics such as for electrical problems. Their telephone is +222 574 5739. There are many other similar shops nearby.

Eat
As Nouadhibou has a big commercial fishing and traditional fishing port, there is a lot of fresh seafood and fish available. Many immigrants from Senegal have restaurants here, serving fish with rice and other delicious meals. A normal price is around 70 ouguiyas. If you like Chinese food, there are several restaurants on the lower road, which cater to foreigners.

For football, the FC Nouadhibou restaurant serves hamburgers, French fries and other hot sandwiches in front of several large TV screens. It's between the second and third robinets on the middle road.

Drink

 * Fresh camel milk. At the entrance to town where large camel herds are gathered. Herders often sell fresh milk close to evening time. It's amazingly refreshing on a hot day.

Stay safe
Nouadhibou is a relatively safe city, but there are almost no street lights. Remember to take a torch when going out in the evening.

The biggest danger is undisciplined road traffic. Be careful, especially in the central area.

Do not cross the train tracks as many areas, even fairly close to the city centre, have not yet been cleared of mines. Only surfaced roads past the tracks are absolutely safe. If you must cross the tracks, or do so with a trusted friend who knows the area or with a local authority.

Women generally stay indoors after dark. Going about town in groups is wise for both men and women. Local women are usually escorted by their male relatives at night. During the day, a woman will go about with at least a younger boy or another female friend. It's unusual to find a woman travelling by herself. As in any modern city, stay in places that have night security personnel and lockable doors and windows.

Parts of the city also has a reputation for prostitution, which is illegal in Mauritania.

Go next
If you need professional travel services, there are several good ones in the central area.

title: Nouadhibou


text:
Nouakchott

Nouakchott is the capital of Mauritania and its largest city, with almost 1.2 million residents in 2019. The city is the hub of the Mauritanian economy and is home to a deepwater port and Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport, one of the country's two international airports.

Understand
Nouakchott is built around a large tree-lined street, Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, which runs northeast through the city centre from the old airport. It divides the city into two, with the residential areas in the north and the medina quarter, along with the kebbe, a shanty town formed due to the displacement of people from other areas by the desert.

History
Nouakchott was a large, fortified fishing village (ksar) in pre-colonial times and under French rule. As Mauritania prepared for independence, it lacked a capital city and the area of present-day Nouakchott was chosen to be a symbol of modernity and national unity. The village was selected for its central location and to avoid the sensitive issue of whether the capital was built in an area dominated by the Arab-descended Moors or Black Africans.

Construction began in 1958 to enlarge the village to house a population of 15,000. Nouakchott was planned with the expectation that commerce and other economic activities would not take place in the city. Nouakchott's central business district was planned with broad streets and a grid-like structure; the new Cinquième Quartier (Fifth District) was located close to this area and became the location of a large open-air market and residential area within a few years. By the 1970s, these new areas had grown so much that they replaced the old ksar in terms of importance, as they also hosted the governmental buildings and state enterprises.

Climate
Nouakchott has a hot desert climate with hot temperatures throughout the year, but cool winter night temperatures. While average high temperatures are relatively constant at around 33 °C (91 °F), average low temperatures can range from 25 °C (77 °F) during the summer months to 13 °C (55 °F) during the winter months. Minimum temperatures can be as low as 10 °C (50 °F) during winter nights in Nouakchott. Nouakchott is affected by the dust-laden harmattan winds.

By road
From Nouadhibou (470 km, ca. 6 hours): the most comfortable option, a Mercedes taking 4 passengers, costs from 4,000 UM. Sept-places are also available. It is also possible to arrange direct transport from Dakhla in Western Sahara. Ask in Hotel Sahara. The duration of the trip depends mostly on border formalities.

From Rosso: cars to Rosso (border with Senegal) depart from Garage Rosso south of town (taxi from the centre is about 500 UM). The journey takes about 3 hours and costs about 3,000 UM in a Mercedes.

Get around
Normal fare in a shared taxi is 100 UM, but taxis around the city for non-set routes can cost up to 300 UM per person.

You can use the Mauritanian version of Uber called “ClassRide”, download the app available on Appstore and Play-store, or call the call centre 1122 to book a ride with comfortable vehicle, the fares starts at 1,000 UM (for less than 4 km), and then counts 200 UM for each km.

There are mainly shared taxis running in the city, but if you want to ride alone, you need to pay for all the seats (600 UM).

For an empty taxi between the fishing port and the city centre, be prepared to pay 1,500 UM, otherwise 100 UM per person should suffice if you find one with people in it.

See
Attractions in Nouakchott include the National Museum of Mauritania, the National Library and the National Archives.

 * Head to the bustling fishing wharf 'port de peche' for a firsthand look at Mauritania's artisanal fishing industry. At evenings one can see teams of fishermen bring in the day's catch on brightly painted sea-canoes. The catch is sold on the spot and loaded onto donkey carts or ancient Renault 12s to be resold in town.
 * Head to the bustling fishing wharf 'port de peche' for a firsthand look at Mauritania's artisanal fishing industry. At evenings one can see teams of fishermen bring in the day's catch on brightly painted sea-canoes. The catch is sold on the spot and loaded onto donkey carts or ancient Renault 12s to be resold in town.

The Nouakchottois go to the beaches on weekend evenings (especially in the hot season). Swimming in the sea at Nouakchott can be dangerous due to the treacherous and strong current.

Do
5 km west from central Nouakchott are beaches, the fishing wharf and a few seaside hotels. Fishing: surf-casting is possible from the beaches near Nouakchott. Bring your own equipment. Some basic fishing supplies can be bought from Lebanese-owned shops in Nouakchott. Travel in groups only for security reasons.
 * Franco-Mauritanian Cultural Center: movies, concerts, exhibits etc.
 * Stade Olympique: run laps at the stade Olympique, or watch a football match.

Buy
Traditional Mauritanian handicrafts are available in hotels, at the museum, and in shops catering to tourists at the top of Avenue Kennedy. Silver jewellery, such as bracelets and earrings, are popular souvenirs. Rugs made of camel wool can also be purchased. Items from Mauritania's fast-disappearing nomadic lifestyle, camel saddles and wooden chests, can be purchased.

Unfortunately many items for sale in Nouakchott are of shoddy workmanship. Be prepared for some determined tracking down to find a quality piece. Dakar, Senegal is also a good place to purchase jewellery from Moorish silversmiths. There is a small collection of artisans selling quality good on Autoroute Rosso, away from the airport, but it is hard to find. Sometimes referred to as the Aritsian's Market or the Zoo. Most prices given to you can usually be haggled down to about a third of the given price, so don't be afraid to walk away at an initial offer.

 * Markets: the Marche Capitale and Marche Sixieme are the most interesting for purchasing local specialities and souvenirs. The Camel Market on the outskirts of the city on the road to Boutilimit makes an interesting visit.
 * The city also hosts the Nouakchott Silver Market. One beach is devoted to fishing boats where fish can be bought fresh. Nouakchott is a principal selling place of native Saharan meteorites.

Eat
There is a decent variety of restaurants in Nouakchott with plates from 1,000 to 3,500 UM. Most restaurants in the capital offer pretty much the same menu: pizzas, hamburgers, sandwiches and salads. Nicer places, such as Iman, will have steaks, brochettes, seafood and even curry.

 * There is a string of restaurants on the road from the Stade Olympique to the French Embassy such as Chez Lina on Ave du General de Gaulle (+222 45 24 06 84).
 * Nearby is Tafarit Sun House, +222 45 25 46 73, which, depending on availability, has alcohol if you're a westerner.

 * Near Marche Capitale, there is a street of sandwich shops that offer near-identical menus, the best of which is the Prince (which taxi drivers know by name).

If you wish to cook, there are many large markets, including Deja-Vu, next to Ta-ta on Du Gaulle, which specializes in American products.

Drink
Mauritania is a dry country, but alcohol can still be found if you know where to look. Many of the French- and Spanish-owned clubs and restaurants will have some whisky or beer available, depending on their supply, and cost from 2,000-3,000 UM a drink. If you're checking in the United States embassy, ask the Marines on duty (be subtle about it) if they're having a party. You'll have a great time in a safe place. Same can be said at just about every embassy, as the expat community is very close and will spend the weekends together. Cafe in the American Embassy will also have drinks during the day.
 * Monotel - Run by a Spanish father and son, this local gets busy at around two in the morning and regularly plays hosts to Senegalese DJs. Decent restaurant and bar by day, is a fairly reliable source for whisky.
 * Naf's Cafe, located behind Friso's also has beer, whisky, rum and vodka.

If you're feeling bold, ask around if anyone knows where to get drinks. Several people will sell it here and there, smuggled from Senegal, but don't expect anything top shelf. A small bottle should run you around 6,000-10,000 UM each.

Sleep
There is also a few hotels out at the beach.
 * In central Nouakchott, there is the Hotel Houda at Centre ville, Avenue Kennedy and the Hotel Mouna north of the Novotel/Tfeila.
 * Residence Zahra, opposite Hotel Halima and the Russian embassy, has clean and spacious rooms with air-conditioning, bathrooms, TV and WiFi from 12,000 UM.
 * In central Nouakchott, there is the Hotel Houda at Centre ville, Avenue Kennedy and the Hotel Mouna north of the Novotel/Tfeila.
 * Residence Zahra, opposite Hotel Halima and the Russian embassy, has clean and spacious rooms with air-conditioning, bathrooms, TV and WiFi from 12,000 UM.
 * Residence Zahra, opposite Hotel Halima and the Russian embassy, has clean and spacious rooms with air-conditioning, bathrooms, TV and WiFi from 12,000 UM.
 * Residence Zahra, opposite Hotel Halima and the Russian embassy, has clean and spacious rooms with air-conditioning, bathrooms, TV and WiFi from 12,000 UM.

There are also a couple of camping places not far away.

Stay safe
Like anywhere else, try to stay in groups after dark. You might occasionally run into some rude people, but by and large, Mauritanians are a very nice people. Don't be surprised to be offered a glass of tea in a shop.

Embassies and consulates
Nouakchott has almost 30 embassies and consulates.
 * 🇧🇷 Brazil
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇪🇸 Spain
 * 🇺🇸 United States
 * The United Kingdom and Romania do not provide consular services in Mauritania, and Canada has only an honorary consul in the country. Contact their embassies in Rabat for consular assistance.

Go next
One can get from Nouakchott to the most parts of Mauritania.
 * Nouadhibou - Two buses per day depart from Gare routiére du Atar to Nouadhibou at 08:00 and 16:00. Though probably more convenient option is shared taxis.
 * Atar - to get to Atar, go to Gare routiére du Atar. Plenty of bus companies depart from there, though all seem to have the same time of departure. The first group of buses tends to depart every day at 07:00, but actually you have to wait till 08:00 and the second at 16:00 the bus ticket should cost no more than 400 UM except for Teissir voyage (500 UM) which is reputable among locals as the safest company and therefore requires reservation at least one day in prior.
 * Terjit - there are buses from Nouakchott to Oujeft/Aoujeft that pass Terjit. Price is about 500 Ouguiya (2023). They leave quite far from the city centre on the road towards Akjoujt. One company that goes there is called "Transport Emine / أمين".
 * Rosso - Plenty of buses depart from Gare routière de Nouakchott to Rosso. The bus ticket costs 300 UM and takes you about 500 m away from the border.
 * Kiffa

title: Nouakchott


text:
Nouméa

Nouméa is the largest city in and capital of New Caledonia, lying on the main island of Grande Terre. One of the most westernised cities in the Pacific Islands, it features beautiful beaches and colonial mansions and is not yet a heavily touristed destination.

Understand
Where metropolitan French will hear a bad French accent, wince and say that they speak English, the Francophones of New Caledonia are either less willing or less able to accommodate Anglophones. It is probably a matter of capability, since they are marvellously willing to persevere in determining what it is that a foreigner needs. Without tourist-level French, you may find yourself lost — but it's a lovely place to be lost! The French spoken by Caledonians is much harder to understand than the French of people in Paris: on a par with Quebec French (or think of the challenge offered by broad Scots or Yorkshire for a Londoner). But English rates in New Caledonia are becoming higher, with more of the younger generations learning English.

By plane

Due to the long distance between the airport and the city centre, connecting transport can be very expensive. The cheapest option by far is a public bus, run by Carsud. Ligne C runs 9-11 times a day each way Monday to Saturday, however only twice a day on Sundays. The journey time is about an hour 20 minutes costing 280 F one-way (as of 2018), departing to the city from just outside the airport terminal on the right, and to the airport from the Desmazures interchange near the bingo centre. A pre-booked shuttle service to your hotel will cost about 3000 F per person; there are a variety of options, but the largest company is Arc en Ciel. A taxi could cost up to 10,000 F.

By car
From La Tontouta, it's a half an hour drive via the RT1 east towards Noumea. From Le Mont-Dore, it's a 10 minute drive south west via the expressway.

By boat
Noumea is a popular port of call for people sailing around the Pacific, though most dare not sail during cyclone season.

Get around
The Little Train (Le Petit Train) is a motorised tour on normal roads, that runs several times a day. It is an area tour, but you can also hop off one train, and catch the following service. Check the timetable, though, because it may be cancelled or only offer two services on a given day.

The city is also serviced by several bus routes that costs 210 F if you buy your ticket on board (as of June 2014), or 190 F if you buy them ahead of time. Others have recommended this only if you feel your French is up to scratch, as the bus drivers very rarely understand anything but French. However, it is sufficient to know that the bus goes to "Centre Ville", then hand over the money and state the number of tickets required (une personne, deux personnes, trois personnes, etc.). The big catch is working out where the buses start, as different lines leave from different places. The majority of buses go from near the ticket office in Place de la Marne, where Rue d'Austerlitz passes through the Place des Cocotiers. Other lines depart from a rough piece of ground near the corner of rue Clemenceau and rue de la Somme, within sight of the Municipal Markets and the cinema and a couple of blocks south of Place des Cocotiers. See the official map for more details.

You can buy a number of tickets in advance at the office on rue d'Austerlitz (it's more of a booth, actually) but you need to validate the appropriate number of tickets for the trip when you board the bus (that includes the ones you buy from the driver) by inserting them in a machine that will stamp them with a time and a date, but this is nowhere explained. There are rumours of ticket-selling machines in shops. There may be an all-day ticket. The city bus line is called Karuiabus.

The first trick is to recognise a bus stop when you see one. These are white-ish pillars, usually with a name on them, sometimes with a shelter from sun or rain, but usually with no indication of the lines that stop there.

Also available for tourists is a "Noumea Explorer" service that runs an hourly loop pass the major tourist sites (Museums, Parc Forestier and Zoo, Tjibaou and hotels) hourly. That for 1500 F a day (2010 price), is a great idea to be used to explore each of the sites for an hour before catching the bus onto the next location when it comes past again. The service takes a little over an hour, the stops are hard to locate at the start, and you need both a map that shows the stops, and also a leaflet from your hotel or a tourist office that gives the timetable.

Tanéo also run bus services and run within Greater Nouméa. More information on Tanéo can be found here.

See
Most of the tourist attractions in Noumea are closed on Mondays and open all other days, with the exception of Museum of New Caledonia, which is closed on Tuesdays. Each venue has its own entry costs, but in 2014 for 1700 F a "Pass' Nature and Culture" could still be purchased that provided admittance to the Tjibaou, New Caledonia, Noumea and Maritime History Museums, Zoo and Aquarium that could be used over 6 months.

Another good idea, is to grab the free English publication The New Caledonia Weekly and check in it for local events and ideas. The best map was the "New Caledonia Visitor map" found in many places. This is an A1 sheet that can be a challenge in high winds, but at least it shows you where the "Noumea Explorer" stops are.

 * Maritime History Museum on the Baie de la Moselle water front (11 avenue James Cook), this little museum is packed with maritime artifacts, like a humongous rudder, light house lamp, and models of New Caledonian ships. It also regularly hosts temporary exhibits like one on the first convict ship to arrive in New Caledonia. 500 F per person (June 2014).
 * Aquarium des Lagons between Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons (61 Promenade Roger Laroque), the Aquarium has a great collection of Nautilus, as well as lots of information about the local marine life of the island. 1000 F (as of June 2014). Tu-Su 10:00 to 17:00. Last admissions at 16:00.
 * Aquarium des Lagons between Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons (61 Promenade Roger Laroque), the Aquarium has a great collection of Nautilus, as well as lots of information about the local marine life of the island. 1000 F (as of June 2014). Tu-Su 10:00 to 17:00. Last admissions at 16:00.
 * Aquarium des Lagons between Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons (61 Promenade Roger Laroque), the Aquarium has a great collection of Nautilus, as well as lots of information about the local marine life of the island. 1000 F (as of June 2014). Tu-Su 10:00 to 17:00. Last admissions at 16:00.

Do
New Caledonia is home of one of the largest lagoons in the world. So naturally water sports are very popular.

Baie des Citrons is also very protected from wind, making it even more enjoyable for the novice. But also if you are prepared to pay for a water taxi ride, Ile aux Canards just off Anse Vata (maybe half a kilometer away) has a snorkeling track in a marine park that has even better coral to see. The visibility can be poor after rough weather, and the charges for almost everything are appallingly heavy (600 F for a chair, the same for an umbrella, and the service is surely the surliest found anywhere in Nouméa, aside from the Tjibaou cafeteria). You get there by water taxi from the lower level of the faré ("native hut") half-way along the Plage Loisirs or Anse Vata beach. The price in June 2014 was 1200 F for a return trip, which was good value.
 * Wind surfing Anse Vata during the afternoons is very popular with Kite and Wind Surfers. There are a few hire companies on the beach that are very friendly and have a wide range of equipment.
 * Snorkeling it is highly suggested to snorkel while in Noumea. The water off Rocher a la Voile around and into Baie des Citrons has coral literally meters from the shoreline, making it very easy to see the coral and fish that inhabit there.

Seeing sea snakes is not uncommon in Nouméan waters, but they are very unlikely to bite a snorkeler. Sharks are very rarely seen though. You can rent a mask, fins and snorkel for 600 F, so you may think it worthwhile taking your own.

 * Island hopping/visiting there are also many tourist operators who will take you to an island to sunbathe, swim and explore — like the Light House tours available from most tourist operators on Anse Vata, or via the hotels.
 * Scuba diving There are a few dive companies who offer dive courses, and day dives on the reef. Abyss Plongée have a couple of boats and are based in Marina Port du Sud, and offer a morning of 2 dives on the reef for around 10,000 F. A whole day including 2 dives, lunch, and transfer from/to Port Moselle is about 16,500 F.
 * Walking The climb up Ouen Toro Park at the South of Noumea (the hill near most of the big hotels) is a great way to spend a few hours. There are many paths through the hill that are signed (though sometimes poorly due to vandalism) and many places to stop, rest and take in the views. At the top of the 128-m summit is a military base (that can not be visited) and an old battery that has BBQ facilities.

The quickest way up from the area near Anse Vata is to walk along rue g. Laroque, but if you reach the pharmacy and the Hippodrome, you have gone too far. Go past the first couple of cross streets, then look for rue Paul Baumier on your right: there is a Gascon restaurant on one corner, and the Val Plaisance Charcuterie on the other. Walk up the street warily (the drivers are a bit wild) then pick up the track at the top end of the street. This leads up to the road that comes from somewhere past the Meridien hotel. The track is a bit of a scrabble, with a number of 5 cm stumps. Once you are on the road, you can either go west to look out over the sea or just look for the walking tracks that start immediately opposite. There is a painted map-sign there, so take some notes, especially of the distances, because these are repeated on the track signage.

The main thing is to be aware that there are many other tracks than the ones shown, and the red tracks (on the signboard map) are indeed "difficult". In the late afternoon, there are other walkers and runners so the place is safe enough. Take some water, and watch where you put your feet, as twisted ankles are always possible on the loose stones and rocks. Keep an eye on where you are going so that you can retrace your steps, because the internal signs are poor. The views, however, are superb.

Most of Nouméa is also very close together, and safe to walk day and night between most of the suburbs (anyway avoid the surroundings of the "place des cocotiers" at night, were many drunken people are roaming. Neighbourhoods of Montravel, Vallee du tir, and Riviere Salee can be also be unsafe place at night). By day, the walk from Anse Vata along to and around the Baie des Citrons is pleasant. Assume that coffee and tea along the way will leave you little change from 500 F (each).

Buy

 * Local markets just off rue Clemenceau, south of the CBD every morning of the week is local markets from approx 05:00 till 10:00, where cheap food, arts and crafts can be purchased. Expect to pay list price; bargaining is not common practice in New Caledonia.

Food is not cheap in New Caledonia, but you can do well shopping at the non-tourist shops. Learn to detect the boulangerie and patisserie for bread and pastries, the charcuterie for meat and pâté and so on, but don't pass by the slightly seedy-looking general stores, where you can probably get tinned pâté, packaged cheese (wedges of brie, for example) and more.

Plan your alcohol purchases carefully because many supermarkets will not sell you alcohol on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Eat

At night, locals who eat out seem to wait until vingt heures (June 29, 2024) before they eat, though most places are open from June 29, 2024.

Drink
The main local beer is 'Number One', it is not a complex beer, but pleasant and refreshing. The other local beer is called "Manta".

There are many French wines to be had, but the New Zealand and Australian wines might travel better. The local tap water is perfectly safe to drink, but bottled water is easy to find if you are fearful.

For Australians, the idea of 'flat white' coffee is familiar. A short black is 'espresso', cappuccino comes heaped high with cream (not froth), and tea is served without milk. The hot chocolate is up to Belgian standards. Fruit juices are pricey but excellent.

Mid-range
Le Surf (www.grands-hotels.nc) Le Parc

Splurge
Ramada Plaza, rue Louis Blériot, Anse Vata

Royal Tera: Excellent accommodation on Anse Vata Bay - self-contained (kitchen incredible), short walk to bus to City. Close to restaurants.

Go next

 * Explore the Grand South and visit Le Mont-Dore

title: Nouméa


text:
Nova Gorica

Nova Gorica is a town in Slovenia on the Italian border. The neighbouring town of Gorizia is in Italy and is approximately 5 minutes walk from the centre of Nova Gorica. The border runs between the two cities and is directly outside the main train station in Nova Gorica.

Get in
Regular trains from Bled and Jesenice (and onwards to Ljubljana) are available from Nova Gorica station which is on the Slovenian-Italian border to the west of the city centre. Trains to Trieste, Venice and Rome are available from Gorizia station which is 10 minutes by bus (across the border) from Nova Gorica. To reach Gorizia station from Nova Gorica station walk across Europe Square (it. Piazza Transalpina, which is the square outside Nova Gorica station and forms the border) and from the bus stop on the next street take bus #1 all the way to Gorizia station. Tickets cost €1.03 and can be bought from a tobacconist at the end of the street. Alternatively you can walk between the two train stations in 30 minutes (useful in the evenings or at weekends when fewer or no buses operate). Cross the border in front of the station, continue along the road and take the first left. Then follow signs into the town centre and look for signs to the Stazione Ferrovia (railway station).

Get around

 * Taxi transfers Gruden, Tolmin , cell: +386 51 60 55 00

There are regular local buses which cross between Nova Gorica and Gorizia.

See
Its main tourist attractions are casinos, such as. They mostly cater for Italian gamblers.

For more cosmopolitan travelers Sveta Gora or should be more interesting. The first is a traditional pilgrimage destination, while the other houses the tomb of Bourbones.

Do
Nova Gorica is the only location in Slovenia where bungee jumping is available.

A half an hour drive can take you to the location of a fantastic castle and caves.

Eat
The best restaurant in town is where many locals eat. It is well priced and delicious. Other places include, (on Gradnikove brigade Street, just off the road from Lavričeva Street). The lunches are quite cheap, abundant and very good. The dinners tend to be more expensive. The quality is excellent. in Solkan, near the Solkan Bridge, serves excellent fish and seafood, as well as a wide variety of pizzas. It is located in a sport park area, and it is popular both with the locals and the Italian visitors. The staff is fluent in Italian and in English. A local eatery is located just opposite to the Park Hotel & Casino: it is called. From the outside, it looks as a coffee house, but it also serves lunches. The food is good, but the service is slow.

Drink
In summer, be sure to check the local student's club evening programme at in the center of the town.

If you are looking for a good beer, try a Slovenian beer called (or, better, "Lasko").

Go next

 * Brda - wine region is near and inviting.
 * Štanjel - a typical Karst village.
 * Sežana and Lipica - the capital of the Karst and a nearby stud farm of the white lipizzaner horses.
 * Bled
 * Triglav National Park
 * Venice - only 2 hours away by train from Gorizia.
 * Ljubljana - trains (3 hours) and buses (2 hours) can take you to the Slovenian capital
 * Trieste - a nearby city with a mix of Italian, Slavic and Germanic cultures. 45 minutes by train from Gorizia station.

title: Nova Gorica


text:
Nova Iguaçu

Nova Iguaçu is a city in Baixada Fluminense, in the metro area of Rio de Janeiro, state of Rio de Janeiro.

Understand
Nova Iguaçu is the second largest city of Baixada Fluminense, and, together with Duque de Caxias, it polarizes the municipalities of this sub-region of the metro area of Rio. In turn, these two municipalities - just like all other peripheral municipalities of Baixada Fluminense and Greater Rio as a whole - are polarized by the downtown area of Rio de Janeiro, the metropolitan core.

Between 1943 and 1999, the current municipalities of Duque de Caxias, São João de Meriti, Nilópolis, Belford Roxo, Queimados, Japeri, and Mesquita (all belonging to Baixada Fluminense) were emancipated from Nova Iguaçu. It is, therefore, the municipality of Greater Rio from which the largest number of districts was dismembered during the 20th century.

Get in
From the Central Zone of Rio de Janeiro, urban bus, van and train lines depart to Nova Iguaçu. Most bus lines that connect the Rio's downtown area to Nova Iguaçu depart from Terminal Américo Fontenelle, in the neighborhood of Gamboa, and the trains depart from Central do Brasil station. The vans to Nova Iguaçu also depart from the region of Central do Brasil.

The main road access to Nova Iguaçu for those coming from the downtown area of Rio are the BR-116 highway (Via Dutra) and the Light highway (Via Light).

See

 * Área de Proteção Ambiental de Gericinó-Mendanha - APA de Gericinó-Mendanha (Gericinó-Mendanha Environmental Protection Area) - An Environmental Protection Area located between Nova Iguaçu, Mesquita, Nilópolis and Rio de Janeiro.
 * Rio Tinguá (Tinguá River) - River that crosses the urban center of Tinguá.
 * Rio Iguaçu (Iguaçu River) - River that crosses Iguaçu Velho.
 * Rio Guandu (Guandu River) - A major river in Baixada Fluminense.
 * Estação de Tratamento de Água do Guandu (Guandu Water Treatment Station) - The largest water treatment station in the world in continuous production, which supplies around 9 million people in the municipálity of Rio de Janeiro and in the region of Baixada Fluminense.
 * Ruínas da Fazenda São Bernardino (Ruins of the São Bernardino Farm) - in Iguaçu Velho.
 * Ruínas da estação ferroviária de Cava (Ruins of the train station of Cava) - An old train station of the 19th century Rio d'Ouro Railway, located in Vila de Cava.
 * Estação ferroviária de Tinguá (Train station of Tinguá) - An old train station in Tinguá.
 * Área de Proteção Ambiental de Gericinó-Mendanha - APA de Gericinó-Mendanha (Gericinó-Mendanha Environmental Protection Area) - An Environmental Protection Area located between Nova Iguaçu, Mesquita, Nilópolis and Rio de Janeiro.
 * Rio Tinguá (Tinguá River) - River that crosses the urban center of Tinguá.
 * Rio Iguaçu (Iguaçu River) - River that crosses Iguaçu Velho.
 * Rio Guandu (Guandu River) - A major river in Baixada Fluminense.
 * Estação de Tratamento de Água do Guandu (Guandu Water Treatment Station) - The largest water treatment station in the world in continuous production, which supplies around 9 million people in the municipálity of Rio de Janeiro and in the region of Baixada Fluminense.
 * Ruínas da Fazenda São Bernardino (Ruins of the São Bernardino Farm) - in Iguaçu Velho.
 * Ruínas da estação ferroviária de Cava (Ruins of the train station of Cava) - An old train station of the 19th century Rio d'Ouro Railway, located in Vila de Cava.
 * Estação ferroviária de Tinguá (Train station of Tinguá) - An old train station in Tinguá.

Eat

 * Restaurante Sabores de Lisboa - Rua Dom Walmor, 438 - Centro, Nova Iguaçu.

Sleep

 * Apart Hotel Mont Blanc Diamond Flat - Rua Iracema Soares Pereira Junqueira, 99 - Centro, Nova Iguaçu.

Go next

 * Queimados
 * Japeri
 * Paracambi
 * Seropédica
 * Mesquita
 * Nilópolis
 * Belford Roxo
 * São João de Meriti
 * Duque de Caxias
 * Rio de Janeiro

title: Nova Iguaçu


text:
Novalja

Novalja is a city on the island of Pag. Novalja used to be a popular family resort due to its pristine beaches and clean sea. It is now nicknamed "The Croatian Ibiza" because the Zrće beach, has been declared as the #1 spot in Croatia. It has many clubs popular among Croatian celebrities and affluent youth.

Understand
It had approximately 3,600 permanent residents in 2011.

History
The earliest settlers on the island were an Illyrian tribe that came to the region in the Bronze Age; traces of their settlement can still be seen around Pag. In the 1st century BC, the Romans took possession, and left many archeological and cultural artifacts.

The Croats arrived in the 7th century along with the great migration and settled in the area. From the 12th to 14th centuries, Novalja and other Dalmatian towns and islands were fiercely contested between the Republic of Venice and the Croatian-Hungarian rulers. For four centuries from the start of the 15th century it was held by Venice, until Venice lost its independence. Austria fought and defeated France for the Dalmatian area.

The island passed from Austria to Yugoslavia after World War I. When Yugoslavia broke up, it became part of the new state of Croatia.

By car
If coming from north or Zagreb, take the A1 highway and follow the direction Split. The highway has two major tunnels, Mala Kapela and Sveti Rok, both over 5 km long. In tourist season, delays are often in front of the tunnels, so be patient, but don't worry, Croatia's tunnels are among the safest in Europe. When you pass the tunnel Sveti Rok and the Maslenica bridge, look out for Pag/Novalja exit. Follow the signs saying Novalja or Pag. If you're coming from Istria, you can use the A1 highway, but use the D8 (better known as Adriatic Highway - Jadranska magistrala on Croatian) and follow the sign to Pag (50 km after Senj). You can use the ferry or drive 60 km south and access it via bridge. Listen to HRT-HR1 or HRT-HR2 (the only difference is that the second one plays more up-to-date music) because every hour traffic information is given in English, German and Italian.

By bus
There are several bus lines from Zagreb or inland to Novalja, but some of them operate only in tourist season. However, Zadar is 60 km away from Novalja, and it's connected to it via bus. Here you can find buses to Novalja from other cities Bus in Croatia

By boat
There is a catamaran line between Novalja and Rijeka. It's very fast (2.5 hours) and very comfortable.

Get around
Although 99% of the visitors use a car, you can walk around downtown due to its small and tight streets and a large pedestrian zone. Scooters are also very popular, and the city has a rental service with fair prices. Quads are also popular since there are many unpaved country roads to test your off-road skills. If you still decide to use a car around downtown, parking fees are a bit pricey but there is always a place to park, specially near the beachfront. Public transport consists of three beach shuttles which are actually open minivans that connect downtown, Gajac and Zrće for a  ticket. There is also a rent-a-car and three gas stations. If you're lucky enough to have your own boat, this is also an excellent way to explore around since there are many hidden bays and beaches.

See
Novalja is a small city, and everything important is in the three main streets, all well connected, so you won't find any addresses here.

The Roman aqueduct. It was manually chiseled out in solid rock and is 1042 m long, about 60 cm wide and its height varies. There are 9 ventilation holes along its route and the highest is at 44 m above the level of sea. Aqueduct provided with drinkable water the locality and various artisan workshops situated in it as well as ships stopping by. For many centuries it was out of function and was rediscovered in the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century it was again used for three short periods. Nowadays the aqueduct can be visited in about 150 m length and local authorities constantly work on its further revitalization.

is a planned apartment community 2 km away from Novalja. It has a long beachfront sidewalk ideal for jogging or walking, scenic parks for relax and picnic, and very clean beaches. It's also very quiet so it's ideal for families.

is an old bay village 3 km away from Novalja. Features a public (but often overcrowded) beach and many private accommodation. A great number of real estate development is in Stara Novalja, but be careful, prices are often sky high. Sometimes, during the strong Adriatic wind bura, car ferries operate through a port just at the end of Stara Novalja (just follow the road direction north, it gets you straight there) but this occurs rarely. The western part of the bay is unpopulated so there are many small beaches accessible only via boat which are great if you enjoy nudism.

is a beach located 2 km from Novalja, right across the crossing for mentioned Gajac. It features three main clubs, Papaya, Aquarious, Noa, Kalypso and Euphoria. During the day it's a normal beach with many things to do (bungee jumping, jet ski...) The party starts somewhere after 15:00, with the so-called "After beach party", which can include foam and other themed parties. Then, after midnight, it gets out of control. As mentioned above, Zrče enjoys high media coverage so it's popular among Croatian celebrities, and many Croatian popular singers open the summer season right there. The clubs host internationally acclaimed DJs, and many electronic and house music events are held there. The beach has its own parking lot, but avoid it if you can, because it can get extremely crowded. If possible, walk to the beach or use the shuttle. There is really no rule when does the party end, but all-day partying is not unusual.

is a beach a bit smaller than Zrće, but more suitable for families. Basically, the two beaches are in the same bay and you can walk from one to another if you don't mind the sharp rocks bordering them. There is also an urban legend about ruins below the sea surface near Caska but no one has ever seen anything yet, although some claim that the top of the lighthouse is still visible when the sea level is low.

Do
Besides party, Novalja and its surroundings offer interesting sights. Beach Ručica in the village Metajna is a prime example. It gives a feeling of being in a canyon, and it has crystal clear water and pristine sand. Look for other hidden beaches (they often have a sign) but be careful, most of the roads leading to them are in poor condition. North of Novalja is a small village of Lun, great for getting away from the party hustle.

Buy
The promenade in Novalja, or Riva, has small stands with souvenirs and similar stuff, as well as many fast food stands and few cafes. The city itself has few shops providing everything for a decent vacation, and they are all located downtown. Novalis is the biggest, and it even has a scooter dealership. Fish market provides daily fresh fish, but in order to buy it, you have to get up early because most of it is sold by 9AM. Three large supermarkets (Kerum, Hiper Novalis and Kastelo) are located in the entrance to the city. Newsstands are located everywhere, with drug stores and postal offices. A special blend of cheese is the symbol of the island, so don’t forget to try it (especially if you’re planning to buy it, since it has a unique taste and it’s quite pricey).

Eat
Lamb from the island of Pag is a nationwide specialty, so don’t forget to try it. The city has many restaurants with fair prices, and also many fast food stands. Pag's sheep cheese is worldwide famous and delicious specialty which has won lots of gold medals for top quality and with modern cheese factory its processed and delivered to many countries, but because of limited production its price is little higher ~€30-35/kg.

Wine production is an oldest profession and you can find best quality white (called Zutica) and rose and its taste is unique and comparable to French vines. There is a Boskinac bottled product of good and tasty wine.

Drink
Lounge bar Cocomo is the first stop in the city, and don’t go to Zrće beach before going there. Except Cocomo, there is a small street full of bars and cafes if the overcrowded lounge bar isn't your thing.

Sleep
There are lots of 3- and 4-star hotels such as Hotel Boskinac, Loza, Liburnija, Hotel Villa Palcic and Hotel Luna, but the majority of accommodation resorts lie in private accommodation in high-class apartments in Novalja and surrounding nice villages which are more suitable for a family vacation. There are also agencies with complete accommodation service for the guests.

Connect
The city features many pay-phones, and the cell phone signal coverage is excellent. There is a Wi-Fi enabled bar right near the center called Gaudino. There are lots of cyber-internet cafes as Harpun, but it’s very overpriced.

Stay safe
Novalja has a reputation of being a very safe city, however, party lifestyle has its consequences. First of all, drug presence on the beach Zrće is extremely high, so the police often patrols around there. Because of the beach’s high reputation and fame in Croatia, many young people who cannot afford to stay in Novalja come for a weekend and sleep in the car, drink in the car and then go to party. Picking a fight is possible with them, so don’t respond to provocations. Conservative Croatian public often refers to Novalja as the Sodom and Gomorrah of Croatia. Public sex is a common thing, so don't be surprised. Condom vending machines are located around the beach, so feel free to use them. But in general Novalja is safe place and top tourist destination with respectful and most hospitable inhabitants which will make you return to this location again and again.

Go next

 * Pag (town)

title: Novalja


text:
Novara

Novara is the capital city of the province of Novara in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. It had 104,000 residents in 2019, and is the second most populous city in Piedmont after Turin.

Understand
Novara is not a city of particular attraction to tourists, nor can it be defined as a "city of art", nevertheless it preserves interesting artistic and architectural treasures such as the bold dome of the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, the symbol of the city, and the early Christian baptistery. Its duomo is one of the oldest religious buildings in Piedmont.

By plane
Milan Malpensa International Airport is about 35 km away.

By train
Novara is about 40 minutes by train from Milan central station.

The city is served by three railway stations:

 * Vignale FS, a small station operated by the Ferrovie dello Stato (regional trains)
 * Novara FS, the principal station of the Ferrovie dello Stato, Italy's national railway (regional, national and international trains).
 * Novara Nord, the station operated by the LeNord railway in via Leonardo da Vinci. It serves regional and high-speed trains.

By car
Novara is linked to Turin and Milan by the A4 motorway (via the junctions Novara Ovest and Novara Est). The A26 motorway crosses most of Novara province, but there is not a junction that links it directly with Novara. To reach Novara from the A26, one must exit at Vercelli Est, but one can also reach Novara by way of the A4, which crosses the A26 at a junction. Novara is served by a system of dual-carriageway bypasses.

The S11 trunk road from Milan and Magenta passes through Novara on its way to Vercelli and Turin. Trunk roads to the north and south also link Novara to the motorway network.

By bus

 * Troiolo Bus, +39 0964 381325.

Get around
The historic centre of the city has an almost pentagonal shape and is mostly surrounded by "bastions", tree-lined avenues that have taken the place of the ancient walls that surrounded the city.

The two main arteries are Corso Cavour-Corso Mazzini, with a north-south direction, and Corso Italia-Corso Cavallotti, with an east-west direction, corresponding to the route of the ancient Roman Cardo and Decumano.

 * SUN provides local bus service, €1.90-2.50 per trip (July 2021).

 * There is a driving ban for all petrol (gasoline) vehicles that do not meet at least the Euro 2 standard and for Diesel vehicles below the Euro 3 standard. The ban applies from Monday to Friday from 08:30-12:30 and 14:30-18:30. Motorists can leave their car in one of the free interchange parking lots located on the outskirts of the city and continue by public transport.

By taxi

 * Radio Taxi Novara Cooperative, +39 0321 691999.
 * Novara city taxi, +39 0321 611755.

See

 * The old urban core makes up the Historic Centre. Novara once had an encircling wall, which was demolished to permit urban development. Of the old wall there remains only the Barriera Albertina, a complex of two neo-classical buildings that constituted the gate of entry to the city, the required passageway for those who traveled from Turin to Milan. After their removal, the walls were replaced by the present-day baluardi, the broad, tree-lined boulevards that surround the Historic Centre.

Festivals

 * Patronal feast of San Gaudenzio: January 22 modification
 * Historical re-enactment of the Battle of Bicocca: March 23

title: Novara


text:
Novara (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called Novara:

Italy

 * Novara - capital of the province of Novara in Piedmont.
 * Novara di Sicilia - a town in Sicily.

United States of America

 * Novara (Washington) - a town in Washington (state).

title: Novara (disambiguation)


text:
Novara di Sicilia

Novara di Sicilia is a town in the Province of Messina in the Sicily region of Italy. The village of Novara di Sicilia, nestled in the mountains overlooking ancient Tyndaris and Abacaenum, is the archetype of a typical medieval town, with its friendly and accommodating people who speak a distinctive dialect. The town of Novara di Sicilia was inhabited by the Noae until it fell under control of the Normans, who populated the town with Lombards. The intricate cobble stone street form a mosaic between the ancient small houses that stand shoulder to shoulder along the mountainside, with a breathtaking view of the Aeolian Islands.

Novara di Sicilia is listed among "I Borghi pui Belli D'Italia" (The Most Beautiful Towns in Italy) and provides a convenient central point for day trips to visit the Aeolian Islands, Tindari, Taormina and Giardini Naxos.

Get in

 * From Messina: 75 km
 * From Catania: 95 km
 * From Taormina: 55 km

Get around
See the town on foot.

See

 * There are five churches. The 16th century Cathedral is in the Piazza Duomo. The Churches and palace ruins were constructed by the craftsmen of the town. Other churches include Santa Maria di Noara, S. Nicolò, S. Antonio, S. George and Annunziata. There are also palaces from the 16th-18th centuries.
 * The Anthropological Museum, which features tools of local farmers and artisans as well as displaying the early culture of the local people, is also of note.

Do

 * Sculpting Seminars are held in May and provide a great chance to meet local artists and see new works in the making.
 * The Festival of Saint Anthony Abbot is celebrated in January, with a parade of horses and livestock and a “Blessing of the Animals” in the bell tower.
 * Events during Carnival include the Gioco of the Maiorchino, where wheels of maiurchèa (a seasoned pecorino cheese) are rolled along a predetermined route, the Carnival of the Children and a masked ball which takes place in the renovated Communal Theatre.
 * Pastoral rituals with a silent procession of the Confraternite occur during Holy Week.
 * In July there is a Flower Festival and the “Climbing of the Rocca Salvatesta”, which is seen as a test of character.
 * The Festa dell'Assunta (the assumption of the Virgin Mary) is the largest annual event in the town, attracting thousands of visitors. The festivities run from July 31 to August 15, when a procession is held with a statue of the Virgin (the patron saint of the town), illuminated with more than 150 candles, is carried through the streets on the shoulders of more than 30 men. The relics of Saint Hugh are also included in the procession and each every five years statues of other saints also join in. The event is followed by a firework display.
 * In the first few weeks of August an exhibition is held of vestments, church furnishings, handicrafts, paintings, photographs and local handicraft.
 * A “Living Manger” is displayed during the Christmas period.

Eat
When in Novara di Sicilia, look for the nero e bianco ("black and white"). It is light like a mousse and incredible. Also try the biscotti nel forno with a nice cappuccino.

Novara is renowned for the maiorchino, a particular Pecorino cheese (sheep cheese).

Other delicacies are:
 * Ricotta infornata
 * Provola
 * Risu nirù (a mix of hazelnuts toasted with cocoa, candied orange peel and cinnamon)
 * Cassatelli (puff pastry with a filling of dried figs, honey, cinnamon and hazelnuts)
 * Raviiò (fried ravioli pasta soaked in wine and filled with fresh ricotta and scented with cinnamon)
 * Pignurada (fried puff pastry cut in squares and fried
 * Diti d’Apostolo (iiditi d’aposturu) or in English "Apostles Fingers", is a special ricotta roll with glazed pastry
 * The traditional dish of the mid-August festival is a kind of pasta called ncasciada served with a veal and mutton ragù sauce, crumbled meatballs, egg-plant, egg and breadcrumbs. Another typical dish with the wonderful name of Lempi e Tuoni ("thunder and lightning"), is prepared with beans, chickpeas, maize, lentils and grain, that are boiled and then seasoned. For those with more robust mountain appetites there is frittui, pork meat mixed with lard and boiled with the crackling, tripe, lung, heart and liver of the same pig.

title: Novara di Sicilia