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European Beach Holidays – Where Should You Go?

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Europe is home to a variety of premier destinations. Due to the wonderfully temperate climate, the quality of the beaches, and the range of accommodation offered, tourists have made European beaches and resorts some of the most popular in the world. The following are just a few of the countries that you can choose from:

Spain- Spain is home to a variety of beach excursions that not only offer top notch beaches, but do so at a relatively affordable price. The experiences range from the exclusive island beaches of Majorca or Menorca, to the beautiful mainland beach resorts along the Mediterranean Sea.

Portugal – Portugal is home to a range of beach resorts. Whether you are a young couple looking for a place to party or a family looking for friendly activities, The Algarve hosts many miles of beaches that are clean and fun for all. Another well-liked beach area in Portugal is The Azores, which offers an array of activities among its nine various island hotspots.

Cyprus – Cyprus is a melting pot of Western and Eastern cultures where you can dine on international, gourmet cuisine among some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can gaze out on the vivid, turquoise water of the Kyrenia bay from many locations within the picturesque town or visit any number of other locations with stunning views that will make for many memories.

Greece – The many quaint villages and towns of Greece provide a marvelous backdrop for your romantic get away, and the brilliant white beaches, with their deep blue waters are some of the most beautiful in the world. The ever-present ocean breezes that come off the Mediterranean make the usually hot and humid summer weather very pleasant.

Croatia – Even though the majority of Croatia’s beaches are filled with a variety of rock and pebble, it is still home to a remarkable coastline that draws numerous tourist every year. The National Park Brijuni Islands, Zadar, Sibenik, and Dubrovnik are a few of the admired beach resort towns that Croatia has to offer along the stunning Adriatic Sea.

Turkey – You might not immediately associate Turkey with beaches, but this country has many friendly towns along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts with some of the most beautiful beaches in all of southern Europe. June through October, the weather is mild and the beaches are less crowded though the water is still warm and lovely to swim in. Turkey offers contemporary, well-kept accommodations that are surprisingly affordable while giving you the very best in holiday value.

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Costa Blanca Villas Offer A Lot Of Possibilities

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

People love going to the Costa Blanca not least for its amazing stretch of sandy beaches. That’s why villas Costa Blanca can get very popular so finding on is all that more difficult.

Benidorm despite its reputation is still an extremely popular tourist destination in Spain. The only problem here is that you are not really seeing the real Spain.

The Alicante area has some splendid builds and is definitely worth visiting if you like the city life. The are numerous features to be found at some of the villas available. Having your own swimming pool is one of the key features of having a private villa in Spain. Being able to go for a swim whenever you want is a great benefit of having you own pool.

You will want to make sure you allocate the appropriate amount of time to visit the glorious beaches in the area. Costa Blanca means whit coast in english and was originally named to attract more tourists. The beaches are beautiful with lovely sandy shores.

There are some great destinations to visit like Moraira and Javea. The towns have a nice colonial feel that remind you of Spain’s past. It’s quite easy to get a Moraira villas they have wonderful cobbled street and a real traditional atmosphere worth visiting or staying for a few nights.

All over the country these beautiful little villages can be found. Some of the most intricate and pleasing architecture can be found in these locations. You can be sure that there will be a beautiful cathedral or church near by whatever region of Spain you choose to visit.

Self drive holidays are a good choice if you want to enjoy the wonders that Spain has to offer at your own pace.

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Whilst Visiting England’s South Coast, Don’t Miss Out On These Attractions

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

England’s South Coast is a treasure trove of sights to see and places to visit during any stay in Southern England. Southern England is the southern counties of England. The areas that the UK considers to be part of Southern England include South West England, South East England, Greater London and the East of England. So having established some geographical boundaries, here are some places to go on England’s South Coast:

- Beachy Head: is named after the French Normans term “beau chef” or “beautiful head.” One can reach it by scenic footpath. It is famous for its striped lighthouse as well as it 3.5 mile or 6km long cliff path that passes through Cuckmere, Have and Seaford. This is a wonderful hiking opportunity.

- Bramber Castle: is a place to see the ruins of a gatehouse built by the Normans. It is an English heritage Property found on the west side of Bramber Village.

- The Kent Battle of Britain Museum: is in Hawkinge. It’s an old armory that contains the Luftwaffe Room, the Aircraft Armaments Room, the R.A.F. room and an art gallery.

- The Eurotunnel is England’s newest and fastest transport system. It crosses under the channel between Folkestone, Kent and Coquelles, France. It was completed im 1994. There is a visitor center in Folkestone and The Exhibition Centre in Cheriton, near Folkestone. The Exhibition Centre is dedicated to the construction of the Eurotunnel.

- Borde Hill Gardens: in Haywards Heath is 200 acres of woods and parkland in Sussex. It is a well known botanical garden. It displays include incredible colour throughout all the seasons of the year.

- Romney Marsh: is 50,000 acres of flowers that extends along the coast from Hythe. Visit in the spring when the flowers are the most beautiful.

- Mermaid Street: in Rye offers a historical stroll. You will want to see the home of Henry James, who wrote “The Wings of the Dove” and “The Golden Bowl” while living at Lamb House on Mermaid Street. Don’t miss The Mermaid Inn, a 15th century pub distinguished by its reputation as a meeting place of smugglers. And then there’s the Old Hospital, a triple-gabled, half timbered 15th-16th century building.

There are so many things to see on England’s South Coast that it would be impossible to recount them in one article. Look into all of the other wonderful things to do and see as you plan your visit to this charming area.

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Whilst In Brighton, Don’t Miss Out On These Attractions

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Brighton England is the summer place to be in the UK, and all other seasons as well! Take a walk along Brighton’s lovely beaches, jump into some water sports or spend some time at the Royal Pavilion.

Brighton is, of course, known for its long, cool, stretch of beaches. As a matter of fact, Brighton Beach has been voted a Top 10 city beach attraction destination in the world! The Brighton Pier is behind the beach so you can jump right out of the water and into one of Brighton’s many beachside clubs when it gets too warm on the beach. So take a siesta on the pebbly beach, walk along the water, enjoy a snack or a cold drink in one of Brighton’s many clubs and cafes, or find a water sport to enjoy. Once the sun goes down Brighton’s clubs come to life and you’ll be able to dance the night away!

Don’t bypass the Royal Pavilion. It is still one of the most dazzling and exotic of all of the UK’s many beautiful buildings. Built between 1815 and 1822 by architect John Nash, it was the summer home of Prince Regent, George IV. You will enjoy historic art and furniture, some of it lent by HM The Queen herself. Don’t miss the Palace tearoom that overlooks the gardens and the Palace Shop is a fun visit for a little shopping.

Right beside of Brighton beach you will find acres and acres of cool, green, inviting spaces within the towns of Brighton and Hove. A must visit is the historic Kipling Gardens in Rottingdean. Rudyard Kipling lived at The Elms from 1897-1902 – the site of these famous gardens. Visit the herb garden and the croquet lawn and bring a picnic to eat in the “wild garden”.

All told, there are 14,000 acres in the Brighton and Hove area that have been awarded National Park status in recognition of the beauty of the South Downs. Go for a bike ride or a walk and enjoy the local plants and wildlife. It is a place of peace and quiet right near the activity of the beaches and night life.

Those are just some of the places to visit and attractions to see in Brighton. Without doubt it is worth visiting, so be sure to find some time to experience it for yourself.

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Natural Wonders And Attractions Of Lanzarote

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Lanzarote has earned a reputation as a package holiday destination over the years but increasingly more and more independent travellers are discovering the island.  Drawn by wonderful weather, more affordable flights, accommodation and scenery that really is out of this world.  There are lots of natural wonders to explore here.  Most of which were created by large scale volcanic activity which hit the island in the early 18th century.

Lanzarote is the fourth largest of the Canary Islands and has been a popular holiday destination since the 1970´s.  It’s still going strong today too – welcoming millions of foreign tourists every year.  And whist many are here to enjoy the glorious sunshine on the beach or by the pool most still find plenty of time to explore too.  The island however boasts enough stunning sights to lure them away from  their Lanzarote holiday apartments for a day or two to see what the island has to offer.

As well as a reliable tourist industry and great weather Lanzarote also offers holidaymakers plenty of attractions and activities.  Factors which have helped to maintain the island’s ongoing popularity.  These include an array of natural wonders, such as the verdant Valley of 1000 Palms in the north of the island.  And the number one tourist attraction of the Timanfaya Volcano Park – where visitors can gaze in awe at over 300 now dormant peaks.  There are also close to 100 beaches to explore along with some very pretty little villages such as Haria and Yaiza.

With so much to do it can be hard to choose what to do or where to go, but many peoples lists include:

Rancho Texas; As the name suggests the park is westerned themed with tepees and wagons the kids will enjoy going in and climbing over. There are a number of shows through out the day including tame parrots, falconry and perhaps the most frightening of all crocodile wrestling. The host does pick out the smallest of the bunch so it is not too much of a challenge compared to the antics of crocodile wrestlers in Florida but the crowd enjoys the show which is the main thing. or perhaps Jameos Del Agua. The term Jameos in the local dialect describes the formation of the geology and literally means “cave where the roof has fallen in”. Manrique, an artistic and architectural visionary was highly skilled in blending his version of natural art with nature and Jameos Del Agua was a stunning example of his early visions and became a foundation of some of his later works.

If these are not to your taste you could also try The Cesar Manrique Foundation – Given his contribution to the shaping of the very fabric of Lanzarote and its view on tourism development it is only fitting that Cesar Manrique should have his own foundation and legacy. Even more fitting is the fact that it is built around one his best examples of his work which was of course his former home. As you tour round his former home lovingly created from the natural occurrence of volcanic lava bubbles you can truly sense the vision that drove his dedication to natural architecture and the maintenance of the originality of the Lanzarote landscape. 

More tourist info Lanzarote activities and attractions is available here.

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European Beach Holidays – Where Should You Go?

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Europe is home to a variety of premier destinations. Due to the wonderfully temperate climate, the quality of the beaches, and the range of accommodation offered, tourists have made European beaches and resorts some of the most popular in the world. The following are just a few of the countries that you can choose from:

Spain- Spain is home to a variety of beach excursions that not only offer top notch beaches, but do so at a relatively affordable price. The experiences range from the exclusive island beaches of Majorca or Menorca, to the beautiful mainland beach resorts along the Mediterranean Sea.

Portugal – Portugal is home to a range of beach resorts. Whether you are a young couple looking for a place to party or a family looking for friendly activities, The Algarve hosts many miles of beaches that are clean and fun for all. Another well-liked beach area in Portugal is The Azores, which offers an array of activities among its nine various island hotspots.

Cyprus – Cyprus is a melting pot of Western and Eastern cultures where you can dine on international, gourmet cuisine among some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can gaze out on the vivid, turquoise water of the Kyrenia bay from many locations within the picturesque town or visit any number of other locations with stunning views that will make for many memories.

Greece – The many quaint villages and towns of Greece provide a marvelous backdrop for your romantic get away, and the brilliant white beaches, with their deep blue waters are some of the most beautiful in the world. The ever-present ocean breezes that come off the Mediterranean make the usually hot and humid summer weather very pleasant.

Croatia – Even though the majority of Croatia’s beaches are filled with a variety of rock and pebble, it is still home to a remarkable coastline that draws numerous tourist every year. The National Park Brijuni Islands, Zadar, Sibenik, and Dubrovnik are a few of the admired beach resort towns that Croatia has to offer along the stunning Adriatic Sea.

Turkey – You might not immediately associate Turkey with beaches, but this country has many friendly towns along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts with some of the most beautiful beaches in all of southern Europe. June through October, the weather is mild and the beaches are less crowded though the water is still warm and lovely to swim in. Turkey offers contemporary, well-kept accommodations that are surprisingly affordable while giving you the very best in holiday value.

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A Look At What Spain Offers Tourists

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

It is no wonder that over 50 million tourists visit Spain every year. It is a beautiful country that has an abundance of history and culture to explore. With virtually every area of the country easily accessible by an airport, there is no shortage of destinations around the Iberian Peninsula for you to choose from. Whether it is Paella or Picasso that takes your fancy, the choices are endless. If you are interested in visiting Spain yourself, then you might be wondering what are some of the highlights.

Barcelona is a great place to start your travels. This beautiful city, founded in Roman times, rests on the Mediterranean Sea. For architecture enthusiasts, there are a variety of impressive sights, including Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Eulalia. Whether you are looking for exciting festivities or a relaxing day at the beach, Barcelona has it. For anyone with a long weekend to spare, Barcelona offers a variety of attractions, restaurants, and shopping.

Just a short distance from Barcelona sits the city of Alicante – a beach lover’s dream. The aged narrow streets are perfect for a curious stroll after a day out on one of the beautiful beaches. It is no wonder this city is one of the most preferred destination spots in the country. If you are looking for a more relaxing experience, the old pirates’ hangout of Tabarca is a short boat trip away. By train, vacationers can see one of the largest palm groves on Earth – the Palmeral of Elche, which also happens to be a World Heritage Site.

A short drive down the road is the city of Murcia, which is famous for its shear variety of options. Take in the breathtaking views of the great mountains, or absorb some of the best architecture in the area. There is plenty of sunshine, of course, as well as the spectacular Mar Menor. You will never forget that picture-perfect sunset of the pristine waters of the Mar Menor’s great lagoon.

If you truly want dry and hot, than head for the port of Almeria. This great city has an average of 330 days without a drop of rain every year. Take a trip to the nearby desert of Tabernas and you will probably feel a sense of deja-vu, since so many of Hollywood’s great westerns were filmed here. The history fans in your party will enjoy a tour of the amazing Alcazaba, the Moorish castle that has been a part of this city for centuries. Or, if you prefer the great outdoors, head to the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, home to some of the world’s most exciting geological features as well as some excellent diving.

The city of Malaga is a favorite of tourists and native Spaniards alike. Situated next to the Costa del Sol, the town is easy to travel to and offers a variety of experiences in a compact area. Anyone wanting to fit in a skydiving adventure, a bull fight, and a visit to the renowned Picasso Museum (all in one day) must fit this town and the surrounding areas into their travels.

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Lanzarote Sporting Vacations Keep Fit In Lanzarote

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

Most visitors to Lanzarote spend most of their time chilling out by a pool or relaxing in the sunshine on the beach.  But there are plenty of other tourists who visit the island for a more active break. As the saying goes one mans meat is another mans poison, and the same applies to holidays, many find just lying on a beach simply tedious.

Water Sports Or Land Based activities?

The islands great year round climate makes it a real mecca for sports enthusiasts of every stripe.  Offering a wide array of sporting activities which can be enjoyed both on dry land and at sea.

Lanzarote Flights

There are loads of cheap flights to Lanzarote too thanks to the fact that low cost airlines operate services from across the UK. Flight times to the island from most European destinations tend to be around 4-5 hours, which is quite short to get to such an ideal climate. Having arrived safely its time to get active so what does the island have to offer the sports and activities enthusiast?

Lanzarote’s Big Event Of The Year

Lanzarote´s major sporting event is the Iron Man contest – which is held every May and which is widely regarded as one of the toughest triathlons in the world.  And rightly so – as competitors are asked to complete a gruelling course comprising a 3km swim, 180km bike ride and then a full marathon in temperatures that are often in the 30´s.  With 60 out of the 1000 strong field winning a coveted slot in the Iron Man grand final which takes place every year in Hawaii.

Two Wheel Tours

There´s plenty of scope for a superb cycling holiday on Lanzarote.  As the islands volcanic terrain provides plenty of dramatic backdrops as well as gruelling hill workouts.  Whilst the year round climate makes it an ideal location for cyclists looking for an accessible spot for over winter training.  With many booking a stay at the internationally renowned La Santa sports complex in the north of Lanzarote.

Water Sports

Watersports are also an integral part of the islands activity break offering. The conditions for diving in Lanzarote are absolutely ideal – as the waters around the island offer great visibility as well a huge selection of exotic sea life.  And the island is also very popular with surfers from across Europe.  As the beaches and bays on the wilder and more rugged northern coastline offer ideal conditions for riders. Sailing holidays are also big business – with numerous companies offering full blown breaks as well as daily yacht charters. Most of which depart from one of two marinas on Lanzarote at Puerto Calero and Marina Rubicon in Playa Blanca.

Lanzarote Island has a literal abundance of quality sporting activities to suit all manner of tastes and levels of experience making sure it is the perfect activity vacation hotspot.

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A Look At What Majorca Offers Tourists

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Majorca, the biggest island of the Balearic archipelago in the Mediterranean sea, has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in the past forty years. The English and Germans are mainly responsible for creating the island’s growth as a tourist spot. With the hot summers and wild winters typical of the Mediterranean, there is a variety of accommodation, restaurants, and bars to make your stay a welcomed retreat on the island (which is sometimes also spelled Mallorca from the Catalan and Spanish influence).

The capital of Majorca is Palma, located on the island’s western coast. The international airport, Son Satin Joan Airport, is situated just eight kilometers from the capital. If flying from the United Kingdom, the flight is just over two hours. A large percentage of the locals speak English due to the island’s status as a tourist destination, though the official languages are Spanish and Catalan.

Majorca is extremely diverse, offering a different experience no matter which corner of the island you are visiting. Try to give yourself as much time as possible to discover the great variety to be explored. The East abounds with amazing beaches and caves; the North East is home to a great deal of the island’s history; the North West is full of sleepy villages and scenic mountain views; the South boasts the tourist hub of hotels and other accommodations. If you only have a week on this beautiful island, renting a car would be a good investment. It will allow you to see as much of the island as possible – from its peaceful mountains to the beautiful beaches.

Majorca is a place where people know how to love life. You will be able to find just about anything there to keep you busy. You can sunbathe along the pristine beaches, go shopping in the afternoon and visit the local nightclubs in the evening after an exceptional dinner. There are plenty of activities as well such as hiking, biking, golf, and many other outdoor activities which will keep you busy and let you enjoy the outdoors. You can also catch horse racing, cricket and football (soccer). Majorca is also famous for its many fiestas and carnivals that are held many times a year. So there is always something entertaining going on.

Majorca is an island which will please the senses, no matter your age. This is a great place to visit is you just want to have an island getaway, but it also a great place to take your kids and have a ball. There are so many different activities to do that you should never find yourself bored or disappointed in the scenery. Whether you are looking for an exciting nightlife in the southern most parts of the island or if you are looking for peace and tranquility to the north, Majorca has something for everyone.

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Whilst In England, Don’t Miss Out On Visiting Brighton

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Just fifty miles south of London, England is the coastal city of Brighton – a laid back and unpretentious city that is home to unique restaurants and lively nightclubs. If fortunate enough to visit this popular vacation spot, be sure to stop by the following attractions:

The Royal Pavilion – This regal building sits in the town’s center and is often known as the “Brighton Pavilion’ or locally referred to as “The Pavilion”. Though it was constructed as a farmhouse, Prince Regent (later known as King George IV) renovated the structure to be used as a seaside vacation home. Though the tour costs a small fee, it is definitely worth the charge. The inside is highly decorated and furnished with exquisite original pieces, while the outside is an impressive show of grandeur. At the perimeter of the Pavilion garden sits the Brighton Museum – a free attraction that is home to an array of historical pieces from the area, in addition to artwork from the community.

The Palace Pier – Though a few piers had been built in Brighton, this 1899 Pier is the only one that remains. It was originally built to allow easy access for pleasure craft and to house amusement rides. Today, it is home to an array of tourist shops, nightclubs, restaurants, arcades, and even a modest fair. Though some view it as flashy and garish, it is well worth the time to explore the Palace Pier. Considering the cost is free and the promenade provides a view of the seashore, taking a stroll along the pier is an attraction not to pass up.

The Lanes – Another great place to visit while in Brighton is the Lanes. It is by far the best place to see when you are there. There are a ton of independently owned businesses along the Lanes and you can shop till you drop. There are clothing stores, jewelry shops and antiquities dealers. You could actually spend your entire trip in the Lanes and never get to see everything because there are so many streets, shops and hidden treasures to be found. The Lanes is the oldest area in Brighton so it would be a good idea to visit their chamber of commerce and visitor information center so you can learn about the area first.

The Beach – And last but not least, when you are in Brighton, you have to visit the beach! Brighton sits along the south coast of England and is infamous for not having sandy, pristine beaches. What it is known for is its pebbled beaches and its many bars and nightclubs that dot the beach line. It is a totally different atmosphere and a lot of fun. The beach is also a great place to catch a free movie, a free street performance or live music. It is a fun place to be and an even greater place to visit! You definitely have to make it a priority when you visit Brighton!

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