Niš is a vibrant place that offers you the chance to get off the beaten path and enjoy an authentic Serbian city with plenty of green spaces to relax and recharge. For those of you who are drawn to the macabre and unusual, a visit to Ćele Kula (literally Skull Tower) is a must. It was built in 1809 by a Turkish general out of the skulls of defeated Serbian rebels to serve as a warning against future resistance. In the city, the Seventh of July Park, near the Nišava river, has memorials to significant local figures, making for an interesting and educational stroll, St. Sava Park in the east of the city is a peaceful park with fountains and Park Čair has paved walking and cycling trails.
Skopje is truly a city with something for everyone – natural beauty, art, culture, history, architecture, nightlife – the capital of the Republic of North Macedonia has it all. If you enjoy spending time in nature, head to one of the city’s many parks or green spaces, such as City Park, in the heart of Skopje and the biggest park in North Macedonia or Žena Borec (woman warrior) Park with its collection of statues and monuments. Alongside other cities, Skopje is working on a Green City Action Plans (GCAP) to address local environmental challenges and improve life for residents and visitors.
Communities in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia are dedicated to keeping the historic city clean – so why not visit and help them? The ‘Let’s Clean Up Bulgaria Together’ initiative encourages volunteers to collect litter and keep the city streets clean. Recycling is a priority in Sofia – 84% of collected waste is recycled! DiscoverEU travellers looking to spend some time in nature may wish to hike to the impressive Boyana Waterfall, located just outside the city limits.
Previously named European Capital of Culture, Thessaloniki boasts a unique mix of historic landmarks, cultural traditions and tasty cuisine. It also used EU funds to transform the waterfront area into a green, healthy and enjoyable space. The waterfront area connects two of the city’s must-see attractions, the White Tower and the Concert Hall, and would make the perfect place for a sunset stroll along the coast. For DiscoverEU’s nature lovers, Thessaloniki is also situated on the Delta Axiou, an EU nature reserve that protects wildlife living in the wetlands near the Axios/Vardar river.
Welcome to a magical city where east meets west. A visit to Istanbul will be an experience of a lifetime with its centuries of history, fascinating sights and amazing food. In 2021, Istanbul committed to a Green City Action Plan to address environmental challenges and make the city greener for future generations. It has also developed an Urban Mobility Plan that will help move its 16 million residents around in an environmentally sustainable way.
