This place is special to me because of its importance in the history of Greece, its glorious nautical past that can still be glimpsed through the old houses and monuments. It’s the birthplace of famous sea-captains and heroes of the war for independence. It also has the best sweets made of almonds and orange blossom water ever. It’s one of my favourite places in the world :-)

This place is special to me because I grew up there and I know it by heart. Truthfully working on this map made me realize how special that neighborhood really is with all it's possibilities for social activities and general standard of living. I'm very grateful to have been able to grow up there. So therefore this map is my way of saying thanks. :)

This place is special because talks to me about the mediterranean people and our way of life. Sometimes it’s and easy path through the trees, the most quiet place on earth and it’s all calm and peace of mind. Sometimes it’s narrow and hard and climb it’s a tough thing. This is a strange windy brave coast, with only a few small beaches to get some rest, but it’s worthy to do the walk and celebrate every stop with some fresh good food and nice chat around the table. Enjoy the way!

This place is special to me because it’s the city where I arrived as an outsider, and left as a local. The map depicts “My Leeds” — the landmarks which helped me navigate the city when I first arrived as a university fresher, and the bars where I spent many incredible nights into early mornings. Known as “the London of the North”, Leeds grew out of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, and its rich, diverse history is reflected in the vibrant and eclectic city we see today. From elegant victorian shopping arcades and architectural splendour, to boozy bar-crawls and toe-tapping music venues, Leeds has plenty to offer the wide-eyed country boy when first moving away from home. No matter how many times I return to this city, there’s always a quirky new bar or restaurant to add to the extensive list of interesting places on offer, and although I may not currently live there, I always consider it to be home. Included in the map are not only the places, but the people who made this city an obvious, unquestioned choice for my favourite place — a place “where there’s music, and there’s people, and they’re young and alive” (The Smiths, 1986).

This is my 'happy place' - Folkestone, off the South East coast of Kent, UK. It is such a vibrant hub of creativity and nature combined. You can stroll along the Leas overlooking the sea, or wind down through the pathways to the walk along the sea front. You can visit the Harbour Arm to listen to live music, sip a cocktail, eat from a variety of food trucks or just take in the view over the Harbour. Oh the Harbour! Watch the boats bobbing whilst walking over the disused but renovated railway track, with the beautiful cliffs setting the backdrop. Peruse the independent shops all along The Old High Street and shop at the local markets, and end the day watching a play at the Leas Cliff Hall. I have been visiting ever since I was little'un and it just keeps getting better. Every time I go there I just feel any worries washing away and I feel totally relaxed. It really is my special Happy Place.

Map of Paris

This place is special to me because it’s emotionally connected to the memory of my youth. I discovered Berlin at a time when I was figuring out who I wanted to be, so every corner evokes intense emotions, memories and life expectations. I have recently moved back after ten years (who would have thought!). Reencounters can be a little bittersweet. The city has changed a lot, and so have I, but I am pretty sure it still remains one of the big love affairs of my life. Here goes a bit of the old and a bit of the new Berlin, some of my favorite places to share with the many visits you receive when you don’t live in your country of origin. Hope you enjoy the walk!

This place is special to me because I live in Amsterdam Eastside, which is the most amazing colourful neighbourhood. With colourful I mean there are people of so many cultures living here, it's wonderful. And the last couple of years many students have come to live here too, which means it's the most lively area you can possibly imagine!! You can get food and foodstuffs from all over the world and cafes and restaurants everywhere....see for yourself....

This place is special to me because it is where i spent my childhood summers, at my grandparents’ house. Bueu is a charming fishing village where you can eat the best seafood, octopus, fish... and spend the day at any of its beautiful beaches! Worth the visit just for that sea breeze in any corner.

Map illustrating Southwest France

This place is special to me because I grew up visiting Wales a lot, as my father was born there. I still visit Wales every year, sometimes twice a year to enjoy the great outdoors. Wales is not so well known by many people but it has such amazing things to offer, so I decided to make a map especially for the contest about Wales and in particular the south. I hope this map will encourage you to explore it as well and I hope you will enjoy it just as much as I do every time I visit.

This is a very special place to me because when I lived in Paris as an au pair I was so charmed by the city’s flair that I could just walk around aimlessly while gathering impressions. I remember stopping by each and every patisserie, admiring the window displays of the most elaborate cakes and tartes in delicious colours. I could only imagine how they tasted (they were expensive). Many years have gone by since then! My map features some of the finest and most famous addresses of patisseries one can find in Paris.

Tenerife was the first of the Canary Islands that I visited a few years ago. The reason for the trip was my wish to experience the second biggest Carnaval in the world after Rio de Janeiro. And it was amazing! I was even more impressed by its lovely nature parks with volcano and moon landscapes, the diversity of plants, sweet little towns loaded with history, delicious food, a lot of sun and mild temperatures in February! So after this trip I was sure that I have to visit the remaining six islands of this beautiful and very special place for me!