My European Escape To Transylvania And Santorini

Next stop in my featured destination entries are the enigmatic yet exquisite places of Transylvania and Santorini. These are the highlights of my recent European trip… Enjoy!!!

Since I was a kid, I fascinated by the stories of gods and monsters specifically, Dracula and the Greek gods of old. And so when I’m already capable of travelling, I decided to seek out the truth behind the myths of these legendary figures… So I head off to Greece and Romania where these stories have originated…

A Place Shrouded In Fantastical Mystery

Photo: viagemeturismo.abril.com.br

Santorini is a group of islands situated in the Aegean Sea. It is home to some of the breathtaking spots you can find in Greece and its Cliffside villages offer a dramatic view that is sure to captivate your senses. Although, much of the ancient temples dedicated to Greek gods are not found here, I’m still seduced by the place because it is believed by some to be the ruins of the mythical Atlantis (take note that Altlantis was a city-state built to honor Poseidon, the god of the sea)!

According to scholars, the circular pattern of the islands is eerily reminiscent to Plato’s account of Atlantis. Moreover, it also fits the description of the fabled land as the volcanic islands lie within the Aegean Sea.

Whether or not there is an inch of truth about this theory that is something I cannot confirm for now. But judging from the landscape as well the ancient ruins and the way their structures are being built, I’m somehow led to believe that there might a basis to this claim. Nonetheless, I still consider it as one of the most enticing places I’ve been into in all of my travels.

And It’s Not Really Scary As You Might Think…

Photo: pinterest.com

Transylvania is located at the southern region of Romania and it is known as one of the country’s natural borders. And while westerners commonly associate the place as the land of vampires, there isn’t any hint or semblance of the undead dwelling in this place. In fact, the area is rich in well-preserved medieval buildings and photogenic sceneries from the Council Tower in Sibiu to the imposing Bran Castle where Dracula supposedly lived. Furthermore, I had a wonderful time strolling at downtown Brasov because the feel of the place immediately transported me back to olden times. And the best part is the travel cost is cheap!

Going back into the legend of Dracula, it was really an eye-opener for me to learn how he is celebrated in Transylvania.

Photo: viator.com

He is even hailed a local hero here! But I was a bit disappointed to learn that the vampire side of the legend is nothing more than a fictional portrayal of Bram Stoker since the real “Dracula” is Vlad Tepes, the voivode (prince) of Wallachia. He is a considered a national hero by Transylvanians because his supposed “acts of cruelty” was actually done to deter the invading Ottoman Empire from ruling his land. Hence, it was rational and necessary to preserve the nation’s interest.  Had he not resorted into scare tactics, then Transylvania might belong to a different nation and it may not be as beautiful and enticing as it is today.