Cantabria is one of those places that leaves you wondering, “How did I not know about this sooner?” Nestled between the sea and the mountains in northern Spain, this relatively unknown region is bursting with diversity. One moment you’re winding your way through a rugged gorge, the
Maartje's enthusiasm and curiosity knows no bounds. She loves museums, nature, food, walking, architecture, history, animals. Writing and photography is a big passion and she has been writing about cooking, minimalism, food, hotspots and travel for many years. Above all, she has a special place in her heart for castles, royal jewels and ancient Egypt. Maartje gave up her job as a lawyer to bring more balance to her life: less work and more life. Besides to The Orange Backpack, she works as a legal entrepreneur.
Puglia is one of those regions that’s best discovered by car, a good dose of curiosity, and, most importantly, a thoughtfully planned route. On our road trip through Puglia, we traveled from whitewashed hilltop villages to rugged sea cliffs, slept beneath the cone-shaped roofs of trulli, tasted
Sicily is filled with historical treasures, but nowhere does the ancient world feel as alive as it does in Agrigento. Here, you can wander among temples that have stood proudly for 2,500 years, explore ruins where one of the most powerful cities of the Greek world once
The iconic city of Matera is known as one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on the planet. For thousands of years, people have lived here, slowly shaping a fascinating maze of narrow alleyways, ancient cave homes, and churches carved straight into the rock. Its rugged and
Mostar is not only one of the most well-known destinations in Bosnia, but also one of the most captivating. Set along the banks of the Neretva River, this city is famous for the Stari Most—a stunning arched bridge that gracefully links the east and west sides of
Looking for a fun day out in the Netherlands with kids? A museum might not be the first idea that pops into your head—but maybe it should be. All across the Netherlands, there are museums created especially for children. These aren’t the kind with endless glass cases
Castelsardo feels as though it’s been lifted straight from the pages of a history book. This charming medieval town clings to a rocky hillside, its narrow streets winding through ancient city walls, while a castle proudly overlooks the coast. The colorful houses create a stunning contrast against
When you think of Sardinia, chances are you imagine white sandy beaches, turquoise seas, and dramatic coastlines. And you’d be absolutely right. But northern Sardinia offers so much more than just postcard-perfect shores. This part of the island is full of surprises—from charming medieval towns and mysterious
Do you find yourself dreaming of turquoise bays, soft white sands, and a touch of Italian elegance? Then the Costa Smeralda might just be your perfect escape. Tucked away in the northeast of Sardinia, this captivating coastline is famous for its breathtaking views, high-end resorts, and crystal-clear
Corsica is wild, green, and mountainous: a rugged gem rising from some of the clearest, most stunning waters you’ll ever see. Although it belongs to France, the island feels like its own little universe, full of dramatic landscapes, rich history, and irresistible charm. From medieval hilltop towns