HalalHolidays Europe

20/10/2023

Hello to all my dear friends,

Our Turkey Group series programs are ready to serve you until 1st April 2025!

12 Day Turkey Group Series Tour Prices Star From £669 plus flights
10 Day Turkey Group Series Tour Prices Star From £575 plus flights
9 Day Tour Group Series Prices Star From £519 plus flights
8 Day Turkey Group Series Tour Prices Star From £469 plus flights
7 Day Turkey Group Series Tour Prices Star From : £415 plus flights

contact us for specific dates for flights quote.

22/07/2022

Istanbul Turkey 🇹🇷

22/07/2022

Hanging Train of Wuppertal
Germany 🇩🇪

17/07/2022

The village of Tjörnuvik is located in the north of the Faroe Islands, hidden within a fjord. I visited the village many times before but only in winter. Due to its location there is not much light during the cold season and I was not able to take a picture that I was satisfied with. When I visited Tjörnuvik in summer I still had no luck in the beginning. On the last evening I came home at midnight and after dinner I sat there and was thinking about what to do now. I wanted a photo of Tjörnuvik but the weather forecast showed cloudy and rainy weather. But from experience I also knew that you can't always trust the weather forecast on the Faroe Islands. So I waited. I waited the whole night and watched the weather forecast. At 4 o'clock in the morning the app showed me clouds and a small sun symbol - so I drove 80km to Tjörnuvik at 4am without having slept. When I arrived it was cloudy but I started to look for a composition above the city with the hope of getting some good light at sunrise.

17/07/2022

Budapest, Hungary 🧡💛

17/07/2022

A wonderful hotel in Italy which is on the seashore, its roof is made of lemon trees 💖

Hotel Costa Diva, Praiano, Amalfi Coast, Italy 🍋💛

Follow the page to see more beautiful places and subscribe to the YouTube channel by clicking on the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/c/BeautyOfTheworld13

23/06/2022

17/10/2021

Corinth Canal, Greece 😯😯😯

09/09/2020

The ‘Staycation’ vacation - England

Sometimes the best things are right in front of us and we don’t even know it. Encourage your clients to explore the delights of local holiday destinations by helping them discover the beauty of the familiar.

30/05/2020

Here’s our summary of the measures which are being taken to protect guests against COVID-19 by hotels and other touristic establishments in Turkey in summer 2020:

The Turkish government has recently announced a new certification scheme to licence hotels and all other touristic establishments, to ensure that they implement the highest standards of health and hygiene required for guests to enjoy happy and healthy holidays in Turkey this summer.

Before they are allowed to re-open, all hotels in Turkey must apply for certificates demonstrating that they have complied with wide-ranging hygiene measures. All staff must also undergo specific training to combat any risks associated with coronavirus.

The measures taken include (but are not limited to):
Hand sanitiser and disinfectant will be provided throughout public areas, including in the reception area and spa areas
Rooms will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected whenever a guest leaves the hotel, including remote controls and other hard surfaces
Restaurants will be organised so that there is a minimum distance of 1.5 metres between tables and 60 cms between chairs
If food is served from an open buffet there must be a glass screen between the food and guests and food is to be served by a member of staff, not self-service
Chlorine levels in pool water must be strictly maintained to between 1-3 ppm in outdoor pools and between 1-1.5 ppm in indoor pools.
A strict cleaning rota, including disinfection, must be carried out and recorded in areas such as toilets, showers and changing cabins around the pool and beach
Each guest can only use facilities such as saunas, Turkish baths and steam baths for a maximum of 30 minutes, after which they must be cleaned for at least 15 minutes by staff after each guest.
Protocols will be set out and implemented to isolate any suspected or actual cases of coronavirus.
For more information about the certification criteria, please visit Turkey Tourism, Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) or download the COVID-19 assessment form for accommodation, cafes and restaurants which lists the more than 100 measures.

We believe that other countries will develop and publish similar measures for their travel industry and would encourage you to check our website regularly for any new updates.

Everyone at HalalBooking is looking forward to being able to travel again, just as we know most of you are. You can be sure that when restrictions are lifted, we’ll be here to help you find the ideal halal-friendly destination and to give you all of the information you need for a healthy and relaxing holiday.

21/02/2020

In a year during which global tourism grew by the slowest rate since 2016, Turkey managed to hit an all-time record and welcome over 52 million tourists in 2019

20/02/2020

https://www.dailysabah.com/tourism/2020/02/20/turkey-to-allow-visa-free-travel-for-6-european-countries

Citizens of six more European countries will be able to travel to Turkey without a visa starting next month, a Foreign Ministry official said. Turkey will...

19/11/2019

HALAL FRIENDLY TRAVEL

BESPOKE TRAVEL

No two trips are the same because we believe that no two travellers are either. All our trips are bespoke and can be tailored to your clients preferences.

14/11/2019

BUDAPEST

Budapest is the capital of Hungary, and it offers not only plenty of halal places, but also some very beautiful attractions like the Chain Bridge, the Buda Castle, the Hungarian State Opera House and many more. While you’re there, you shouldn’t miss to dine out in:

Szeraj ( 13 Szent István körút, Budapest, Hungary 1055)
Mughal Shahi (Városmajor utca 57, Budapest, Hungary 1122)
There are a total of 9 mosques and one of them is the Hungarian Islamic Community ( Városmajor utca 57, Budapest, Hungary 1122).

14/11/2019

ROME

Rome is not only the capital of Italy, but also a great place where you can eat halal food, explore the ancient monuments, walk through the squares and the fountains, make wishes and so much more. Check out my guide for 24hrs in Rome. When it comes to halal food, there is also plenty of choices.

Two of the 24 restaurants you can try out when in Rome:

Himalaya’s Kashmir where Indian and Pakistani food is served (325 Via Principe Amedeo, Roma, Lazio 00185)
Chicken Hut ( 465 Via Tuscolana, Roma, Lazio 00181)
With 30 mosques around the city there is plenty of places where you can pray and meet locals. Check out the Islamic Faith Center (via di San Vito, 12A, Rome, Lazio 00185).

14/11/2019

Easter 2020 Gulet Turkey Cruise

8 DAYS BLUE CRUISE FETHIYE - KEKOVA - FETHIYE

1-Fethiye Start
2-Butterfly Valley-Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon) – St Nicholas Island

3- Kas

4-Ucagız Villagerr

5- Simena Castle-Kekova-Sunken City

6- Kalkan

7-Fethiye bays

8-Blue cruise end

INCLUDES:
MEALS ARE INCLUDED, GROUP AIRPORT TRANSFERS

EXCLUDES:
FLIGHTS TO DALAMAN , TURKEY VISA AND DRINKS

£499

13/11/2019

13/11/2019

13/11/2019

Granada, Spain

Tour Islamic Spain as you walk along the steep cobbled lanes of Granada. You will be mesmerised by the Morisco and Moorish architecture since this Spanish city has deep Islamic cultural ties.

Be drawn by the allure of Alhambra, an ancient palace, fortress complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Maybe even explore the Sierra Nevada, one of Europe’s highest mountains.

13/11/2019

Vienna, Austria

Home of artistic and intellectual Austrians namely Freud, Mozart and Beethoven, Vienna is steeped in arts, history and culture. You will be stunned by their mix of modern and imperial architecture as you roam the streets of this Austrian capital notably when you visit the MuseumsQuartier.

Continue to be mesmerised when you visit the charming palaces of Hofburg, Schönbrunn or the Belvedere, which houses 18th-century art. Though it is not a Muslim majority city, you can find Halal Mediterranean restaurants and eateries in the city. You can even explore the many mosques around such as the Haci Bayram Mosque or visit the Islamic Centre Vienna.

13/11/2019

Antalya, Turkey

Turkey is more than just fairy chimneys, bazaars and the Blue Mosque. Antalya offers a different kind of escape when you’re in this bicontinental country. This resort city has a harbour filled with yachts and beaches surrounded by female-friendly resorts, making it the perfect Muslim-friendly destination for female travellers.

Bask in the sun, play with sand and enjoy some peace of mind in private beaches without worrying about being watched. Also, treat yourself to a spa day at the traditional Turkish hammams. Don’t worry, there is still plenty of history and culture for you to uncover later especially when you visit Yivli Minare or Alaaddin Mosque (with the fluted minaret)!

13/11/2019

Prizren, Kosovo

rizren is brimming with history and culture for you to immerse in. Nestled in Kosovo, this Muslim-friendly city is a site of religious and cultural tolerance based on previous wars.

Pay a visit to the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in Kosovo. Feeling peckish? Give in to your sweet tooth with a slice of trilece, a delicious Balkan cake made from milk, cream and caramel. For a breath of fresh air, take a trip to the Sharra region, which is rich with scenic mountain ranges and picturesque national parks.

13/11/2019

Finland

Helsinki is the small yet proud capital of Finland. The character of the city is well-represented in its geographical location. Even though the city is pure Scandinavian, a lot of Russian influence can be seen especially in the architecture. The city has over 315 islands and a coastline running over 60 miles. The Suomenlinna sea fortress is one of the prime attractions of Helsinki and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the summer months visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, cycling and many other activities. The winter too has a lot in store for visitors to Helsinki; ice skating, snowboarding and skiing are quite common in the area.

The city is home to a large array of museums. The Design Museum exhibits the Finnish art and style. The Helsinki City Museum gives visitors an entire tour of the old buildings in the city. The National Museum of Finland gives details of the Finnish history and exhibits various archeological finds. For those who enjoy being close to nature there are several parks dotted all around the city. When the sun shines, the beaches around Helsinki come to life. The Hietaniemi Beach is a great place to spend some time in.

Helsinki is also an excellent destination for shopping. The Asematunneli complex is an underground shopping complex in the city. The main shopping streets in Helsinki are Mannerheimintie, Aleksanterinkatu,Pohjoisesplanadiand Fredrikinkatu. There are several shopping malls and centers dotted across Helsinki. Some good shopping centers in the city are Forum, Kluuvi, Kamppi, Mannerheimintie, etc.

Nearby Airports

Helsinki is served by the Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport. The airport is located in Vantaa about 18km from the city center. From the airport visitors can take buses which cost between 3-6 Euros depending on the bus taken. Taxis from the airport to the city center cost around 30-40 Euros.

Halal Restaurants

There are quite a number of halal restaurants in Helsinki. Some of the well-known halal restaurants in Helsinki include RavintolaHabibi, RavintolaGrecia, Singapore Restaurant, Fez, Maharaja Restaurant, New Bamboo Center, TurkkilainenRavintolaHalikarnas, etc.

Mosques

There are several mosques in Helsinki. The main mosques in the city include Helsinki Moskeija, Masjid al-Iman, Masjid DarulAman, HelsinginMuslimit, etc.

Things to Do and See in Helsinki

Suomenlinna Seurasaari Open Air Museum Esplanadi Park Kaivopuisto Park Central Park Linnanmäki amusement park Serena Water Amusement Park Flamingo Entertainment Center National Museum of Finland Helsinki City Museum Ateneum Art Museum Design Museum Museum of Cultures Sibelius Monument Hietaniemi Beach

12/11/2019

Uncovering Istanbul: What To Do, See And Eat (For First-Timers!)

So you're planning for an adventure. You have Europe in mind, but your bank account doesn’t agree with you. Plus, as a novice traveller, you want an adventure to a place that does not require any instant noodle-cooking back in the hotel room. Most important of all, you want to have a good time and probably learn something new.
Well, surprise, surprise, what you are describing is Turkey, and where else in Turkey does the magic happen other than Istanbul!

Where to Stay?
Ok, first things first. You need a place to stay. There are two famous areas in Istanbul that comes to mind when you talk about travelling to Istanbul, namely Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu. These two areas are almost neighbouring each other, separated by the Golden Horn, a river valley that connects with the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. Depending on what type of person you are, you might have a tendency to choose either one.

Consider getting an Istanbul Museum Pass to skip the line, save money, and get access to other attractions in Istanbul, especially if you're visiting in summer! Depending on the number of attractions and museums you wish to visit.

Hagia Sophia

Built by Emperor Justinian as the greatest church of the Byzantine Empire, the Aya Sofia or formally known as the Hagia Sofia was converted into a mosque after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire. It is now a museum and one of the greatest landmarks of Istanbul.

Address: Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi, Ayasofya Meydanı, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Opening Hours:
Summer schedule from 1 April - 31 October
Daily, 9AM - 7PM (last entrance at 6PM)
Winter schedule from 25 October - 15 April
Daily, 9AM-5PM (last entrance at 4PM)

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)

The Blue Mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet 1st from 1609 to 1616. The nickname “Blue Mosque” comes from the interior decoration of the mosque that consists of tens of thousands of blue Iznik tiles. Muslims are welcome to pray in the mosque, but for non-muslims, visiting is only allowed outside prayer times.

Address: The Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Opening Hours: Daily, Mon-Thu & Sat-Sun, 8.30AM-11.30AM, 1PM-2.30PM, 3.30PM-4.45PM (subject to prayer times)

Note: Do note that the mosque is still an active space for worshippers and closed to tourists during prayer times. In general, the daily opening hours are from 8.30AM until one hour before dusk. It excludes 90 minutes prayer times (there are five daily prayers) and two hours of Friday noon prayers.

Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)

Topkapı Palace was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in the 15th century. Located beside the Bosphorus, this palace is where the Ottoman Sultans ruled over their empire until the 19th century. It is a stunning display of Islamic architecture.

Address: Topkapi Palace, Cankurtaran Mahallesi, Topkapi Palace Museum, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey | Gulhane Park, near Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours:
Summer schedule from 1 April - 2 October
Wed-Mon, 9AM- 6.45PM (Closed on Tue)
Winter schedule from 2 October - 1 April
Wed-Mon, 9AM- 4.45PM (Closed on Tue)

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is a huge underground hall supported by 336 columns in 12 rows. It was once used to store the imperial water supply. It was built by Emperor Constantine but only finished during Emperor Justinian in the 6th century.

Address: The Basilica Cistern, Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3, Istanbul 34410, Turkey

Opening Hours: Daily, 9AM-6.30PM (subject to the summer and winter schedule)

Galata Tower

Credit: .chavez on Instagram
Get a birds’ eye view of the city of Istanbul from the top of the Galata Tower, located in Beyoğlu. Constructed in 1348, the tower was part of a sub-city belonging to the Genoese that stretched all the way to the Bosphorus.

Address: Galata Tower, Buyuk Hendek Cad., Istanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Daily, 9AM-8.30PM

Istanbul Archaeology Museums

This huge museum complex that's equivalent to the British Museum brings together historical artefacts from Turkey and throughout the Middle East while sweeping through the vast history of the region. There are 3 main sections, Museum of the Ancient Orient; the main Archaeology Museum; and the Tiled Pavilion of Mehmet the Conqueror. Expect to spend a good part of a day in this area.

Address: Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Osman Hamdi Bey Yokuşu, Gulhane Park

Opening Hours:
Summer schedule from 1 April - 30 October
Tue-Sun, 9AM- 6.45PM (last entrance at 6PM; closed on Mon)
Winter schedule from 30 October - 31 March
Tue-Sun, 9AM- 4.45PM (last entrance at 4PM; closed on Mon)

Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)

Credit: on Instagram
For the shopping “kaki’s” the Grand Bazaar offers a wide range of Turkish local products. It is basically the world’s first shopping Mall and takes up a whole city quarter.

Address: The Grand Bazaar, Sokak 12, Kapalicarsi, Istanbul

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat, 9AM-4.30PM (Closed on Sun)

Süleymaniye Mosque

Not to be mistaken as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque or the Blue Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque sits on the hill above Sultanahmet district. In its garden area lays an interesting Ottoman cemetery, home to the tombs of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and his wife Haseki Hürrem Sultan, also known in the west as Roxelana.

Address: Süleymaniye Mosque, Sinan Aga Mah. Zeyrek Cad. No:4 | Zeyrek, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Daily, 9AM– 5.30PM (subject to prayer times)

Note: Do note that the mosque is still an active space for worshippers and closed to tourists during prayer times.

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

A visit to Turkey is incomplete without learning about its arts and culture. Housed in the palace of İbrahim Paşa, who was Grand Vizier for Sultan Süleyman, it is a must-see when you are in Istanbul. Turkish carpet collections, exquisite ceramics, calligraphy and wood carvings are on display here for your viewing pleasure.

Address: The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Binbirdirek Mh. Atmeydanı Sk. No: 12, 34122 Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Opening Hours:
Summer schedule from 1 April - 31 October
Daily, 9AM- 7PM
Winter schedule from 1 November - 31 March
Daily, 9AM- 5PM
Note: Do note that the museum opens at 1PM on the first of religious holidays

Dolmabahçe Palace

Built by Sultan Abdul Mecid I in 1854, the Dolmabahçe Palace replaced the Topkapı Palace as the main residence of the Sultan. Unlike the Topkapı Palace, it clearly portrays European influence in its decorations and architecture.

Address: Dolmabahçe Palace, Vişnezade Mahallesi, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş, İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Tue-Wed & Fri-Sun, 9AM-4PM (Closed on Mon and Thu)

12/11/2019

10 day Balkan Tour

12/11/2019

Balkan Tour

12/11/2019

Let me know below what is your favourite European destination as a Muslim. We will add to our destination list.

12/11/2019

Portugal

Wondering how Portugal made it to this list?

Well, don’t be surprised Portugal has around 65,000 Muslim living in the country.

Also, there is a lot of Islamic heritage in Portugal and many Muslim travellers to even today visit Sintra, proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Sintra is home to beautiful yet ancient castles, ruins, and monuments with many bearing Islamic architectures.

Throughout history the Islamic influence is noticeable and even today many words in the Portuguese language have an Arabic origin.

A commonly used phrase similar to Insha’Allah called “oxala” is used today.

Even the city of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal was once known as Al-Ishbun.

In recent years Portugal has started to work hard in attracting Muslim tourists in the country which usually skip them in favour of Cordoba in Spain.

Halal Hotels in Portugal are quite popular and there are several Halal Hotels in Lisbon that you can also enjoy. It is great to see many more halal hotels in Europe coming up for Muslim travellers to enjoy.

Halal Food in Portugal is not a problem and plenty of places to visit in the country it won’t be long before it blooms with Muslim travellers.

With great weather, all year around it makes a perfect weekend destination from the UK.

These are only a small percentage of the Muslim friendly destinations in Europe you can choose for your halal holidays. Europe has so much history and beauty that not visiting will be a shame. As you can see the places above are so diverse in beauty, history and location in Europe but they all offer halal food options for you to enjoy and a friendly face to welcome you.

12/11/2019

Malta

For many Muslims, Malta isn’t exactly one of the destinations that come to mind when it comes to Muslim friendly holidays in Europe but you’d be surprised at how much the country has in stock for Muslim travellers.

The history of Malta is never complete without mentioning the impacts of Muslims in the country’s development and language. If you go and their accent you will realise that it has so much influence from the Arabic language due to its geographical location.

The rich history is also prevalent in virtually every sector of the company including agriculture and food industries.

Funny enough, most of the places in this lovely island nation have gotten Arabic names like Zammit, Cassar, and Farrugi, just to name a few.

Although, the country is home to just one officially recognized mosque – Mariam Al-Batool Mosque in Paola – there are many other prayer places.

What’s more, you can quench your hunger with various kinds of halal food. Don’t miss out on visiting St. Julians, a seaside town brimming with plenty of fishing activities. In addition, you can explore other places including Spinola Palace and Baroque museum.

Hilton in St Julian is good place to stay Plus there is a halal restaurant there around the corner.

12/11/2019

Cordoba, Spain

When you hear the word ‘Cordoba’, what comes to mind?

For many people including non-Muslims, the first port of call is usually the magnificent Great Mosque of Cordoba!

The city was an important Roman city and a major Islamic centre in the Middle Ages and it once served as the capital of the Umayyad dynasty between 929 to 1031 AD.

Thanks to its impressive interior and sheer size, the mosque has gained popularity as one of the world’s most visited attractions.

Muslims from all over the world plan to visit this beautiful city and there is no doubt that Cordoba is a Muslim friendly destination in Europe.

When visiting Cordoba make sure you also visit the Alcazar gardens, Viana Palace and the Museo Romero de Torres.

There are many tours organised with an Islamic heritage perspective of Cordoba and I have several friends who are happy with Andalucian Routes.

Halal food in Cordoba is not an issue and there are plenty of choices, even in other cities major cities like the capital Barcelona.

Spain has good weather all year round but their peak season is from May to September and of course prices are higher.

12/11/2019

Kazan, Russia

When you think of tourism in Russia, the first few places that come to mind are Moscow and St. Petersburg.

But little did you know that Kazan has a lot up its sleeve and it is also predominantly a halal holiday destination with a majority of people there being Muslims.

Kazan is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan often described as where Europe meets Asia because of its history and rich heritage from both continents.

Ideally, you would want to visit in Summer because temperatures in winter can be as low as -13C and I assure you it’s not fun to be around.

Taking a walking tour around the city will probably be the best option, as it’s not a big place and you can truly capture the essence of the city and the Muslim friendly options Kazan can to offer.

I love the free walking tours and it is a great way to learn more about the rich Islamic history and get a proper view of the gorgeous mosques that surround the city including the Qolsharif Mosque, which was once rated the biggest mosque in Europe.

Now is it the most famous building associated with Kazan.

Halal food in Kazan is not a problem and there are several restaurants and hotels that offer it so going hungry is a no-no.

Gulfstream Hotel in Kazan is a halal hotel offering halal food and serves no alcohol also they have ladies only swimming pool hours.

12/11/2019

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the underrated tourist destinations in the world. They are trying to change this and currently, a lot of tours are coming up. It can easily be one of the most halal travel destinations in Europe.

The country promises mind-blowing beauty and Islamic heritage to explore.

The Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empire archaeological sites scattered all over the country will leave you spellbound.

Take a walking tour along the streets of Sarajevo, the nation’s capital and immerse yourself in the rich history of the country.

If you have time take a tour or even the local bus to get you to the famous Mostar city where you can visit the world famous the Stari Most, a beautiful bridge designed by popular architect, Sinan.

The bridge has undergone renovation and today it is proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Other places you can visit for their history and beauty are the Blagaj village, a 16th-century village, the Sutjeska National Park for its natural beauty and Sarajevo for its city vibe but also Islamic heritage.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a Muslim friendly destination and almost 51% of the population is Muslim.

Finding halal food in Bosnia is not an issue with many Muslim owned restaurants and options which makes it easier when exploring.

Halal Hotels in Sarajevo are easily found and they also offer halal food options to guests such as Malak Regency hotel and Pino Nature hotel in Sarajevo.

12/11/2019

Cyprus

Cyprus is a popular Muslim friendly destination in Europe and does offer the option to explore a Halal holiday in Europe whether you chose the North or South of Cyprus.

Bordered to the south by Turkey and to the east by the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is a beautiful island nation that will leave you captivated.

Despite its small size, Cyprus boasts rich historical past and unique cultural heritage brimming with impeccable white-sand beaches.

It may be surprising to know that Cyprus has been practising Islam since 649, during which time the country was conquered by Caliph Uthman, the 3rd Caliph of the Rashidun Empire. And ever since, the presence of Islam has strengthened.

Even today there are a lot of halal restaurants in Cyprus and also it is home to a wide range of Islamic landmarks and mosques including the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque where you can learn more about the rich Islamic history present in the country.

Number of mosques in Cyprus available is a lot, I didn’t expect to find this many but I guess it will be a nice tour of the country based on its mosques.

If you are in Paphos I would totally recommend visiting The Tombs of the Kings archaeological site.

It is a large necropolis lying about two kilometres north of Paphos harbour in Cyprus. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For the best way to explore Cyprus, I would recommend renting a car. They do drive on the same site as Britain so it’s easy to drive. Plus prices are very reasonable.

Finding a good hotel in Cyprus is never a problem and you can find places starting from as little as £40 per night going to several hundred. Please note that there is nudity on the beach and resorts and there are no halal hotel options in the Greek / Cypriot side of the island.

12/11/2019

I haven’t found a place in Europe where I cannot find halal food or seen other Muslims visiting or travelling. Mostly it comes down to the perception of people in how halal friendly a country is.

Now, before we go deeper let me say that no European country is 100% halal in terms of nudity, alcohol etc. Like in the UK which is a Muslim-friendly European country we still see these things, but they are also welcoming Muslim travellers too.

My favourite thing about living in Europe is that you can fly for 2-3 hours and be in a totally different country.

I love the feeling of leaving the rainy UK and arriving in a sunny place for example.

Also what I love the most is how many Muslim friendly countries Europe has. Honestly, I don’t think I have been to a European country where I have not felt at home.

Some of the best cities for halal food are also in Europe which makes it great fun to travel and discover options for Muslims in Europe.

12/11/2019

Sofia Bulgaria
Did you know that Bulgaria was once home to countless Muslim empires?

It is believed that the early Muslim settlers found their way to Bulgaria in the mid 9th century. Fast forward to 1382, Sofia, the nation’s capital was invaded and captured by the Ottoman.

During this time, they installed as many Ottoman monuments as possible.

In the present time, you will find the Banya Bashi mosque. The mosque takes you back in time to the Ottoman era.

Bulgaria has a great nature and there are many trekking paths as well as the history that you can discover in cities like Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo as well. If you find yourself there you can check out the local mosques Dzumaya Mosque in Plodiv and Tumbul Mosque in Shumen.

Bulgaria is welcoming, hospitable and features a friendly atmosphere for Muslim travellers.

You won’t be alone on the street walking with a hijab or an abaya and even a friendly Salam is lovely to hear. 🙂

If you are looking for ski in Bulgaria as a Muslim Bansko is great and close by there is a local village with a mosque.

Halal food in Bulgaria is also pretty easy to find below are some of the best rated halal places.

Punjabi Food Restaurant – 11 Ulitsa Profesor Atanas Ishirkov, Sofia, Sofia-city 1700
Turkish restaurant- 34 Ulitsa “Yuri Venelin” , 1142 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
Avrasia – Bulevard “Hristo Botev” 42, 1606 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
Hotel near a Mosque in Sofia can be found in the city centre and walking distance from many hotels. The closest will be the Balkan Hotel in Sofia which is 2 minutes walk.

There are no halal hotels in Sofia or in Bulgaria but you can find halal food easy in surrounding areas.

Flights to Sofia can be had for as little as £20 return.

That’s it that is no more wondering if Bulgaria is Muslim-friendly anymore