Destinations
Traveling without a sailboat – on your own terms. In our "Destinations" category, we share impressions, experiences, and tips from places we've explored on foot, by car, or by other means. From island hopping in the Azores to a road trip through Portugal – here you'll find our highlights, insider tips, and personal recommendations off the beaten track.
Ecuador – Quito – People and Traditions
May/June 2026 Anyone visiting Quito will encounter more than just a beautiful old town with colonial buildings and large squares. It is above all the people who shape the cityscape. Vendors offer their wares, musicians play in the streets, and traditional clothing is as much a part of everyday life as modern uniforms and smartphones. During my wanderings through Quito, I experienced many of these encounters with...
Galapagos sea lions: The beach pros with the most relaxed lives in the world
They lie right in the middle of the path, dozing on the warm sand, stretching out on rocks, and letting the waves carry them. Galapagos sea lions are simply part of the islands' beach scene – and they give the impression that they've invented the perfect life. Please keep your distance – they're relaxing like pros. You'll hardly find a better place to get so close to wild animals. While...
San Cristóbal Galápagos – where the animals rule the island
You can reach Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island's small capital, from Santa Cruz by speedboat – but there's also the option of taking an island hopper. "San Cristóbal is the Galápagos island where nature and everyday life blend particularly closely. While Santa Cruz is more heavily influenced by tourism and Isabela impresses primarily with its volcanoes, San Cristóbal offers a unique experience..."
The Galápagos marine iguana – a dragon that sneezes salt
Anyone seeing a marine iguana for the first time in the Galápagos Islands might almost think a small dinosaur had just crawled out of a volcano. With its black, spiky back, powerful claws, flattened tail, and a head often framed by a white salt crust, it's not exactly pretty. It looks like a small dragon—but it's a vegetarian. And that's precisely what makes it...
In love with blue feet: Our encounter with the Boobies
Blue-footed boobies... The locals affectionately call these charming birds "Boobies." The English name "booby" actually comes from the Spanish word "bobo," which means something like "foolish" or "clumsy." The name originated because the birds are not very shy on land and appear somewhat awkward even from a distance. With their bright blue feet and inquisitive gaze, blue-footed boobies look...
Isabela Island in the Galápagos: Volcanoes, giant tortoises & wild nature
Isabela is by far the largest island in the Galápagos. Its distinctive shape, seen from above, resembles a seahorse. It was formed by the merging of several volcanoes, some of which are still active today. Despite its size, it has only a few thousand inhabitants. The center of island life is Puerto Villamil on the south coast – a relaxed coastal town with sandy streets, small shops, and more.