13/09/2011 by Dave.

By: Dan Williams

The Greek islands form one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Europe. Over 1400 separate islands are spread across the Ionian, Aegean and Mediterranean Seas and make up a fifth of the land mass of Greece. The influx of tourism has had different effects on different islands with some happy to rush along with the demands that modern tourism enforce, while others have been more cautious and are now reaping the rewards of not succumbing to over development. These are beautiful islands and many retain that original charm of vast historical culture wrapped up amongst fertile forest areas, spectacular coastal scenery and charming village life.

Corfu was my first experience of the Greek islands twenty five years ago now. In those days preferences were for action packed beach side holidays with younger companions and Corfu did not disappoint. These days the island still satisfies that need but in a more sophisticated manner and Corfu Town provides that cosmopolitan experience for those that need more that just sun and sand.

Ninth on my top ten list is another Ionian island. Zakynthos, although having a wealth of history behind it, is almost a brand new island in construction terms. In 1953 it took the brunt of a huge earthquake that had its epicentre very close by and almost all of the buildings on the island were destroyed. There was some minor loss of life but the weak construction techniques of years gone by were found out and over the past fifty years the island had been going through a huge reconstruction programme. The poorer elements of this still remain with concrete hotel developments from the seventies scattered around but now building is tightly controlled from a stability and aesthetic perspective. I’ll come back to the Ionian Islands later with a more favoured choice.

Crete is eighth ranked for me and is the largest of all the Greek islands. It has suffered negligent occupations in its past from Turks and by Nazi Germany during the Second World War but the Cretans are resilient and have word hard to retain their own culture. For all the poor tourist areas of Crete there are some spectacular attractions and for that reason I can feature it. Most liked are some of its hidden and quiet beach areas like Xerokampos tucked away on the south eastern corner of the island. Quiet, peaceful and untouched by mass tourism, it defines the get away from it all dream beach we all yearn for. The Samaria Gorge walk, although popular with visitors, should all so be experienced.

Next we have Rhodes, an island closer to Turkey than Greece. Again, this is a large island that has its spoilt tourist areas like Faliraki, but places of culture and great beauty are never too far away. The Street of Knights in Rhodes Old Town takes visitors right back to the era when the Knights of the Order of St John bought the island from a pirate.

Eighty miles north of Crete lies the volcanic island of Santorini in the Cyclades. The crescent shaped island can only be reached by boat and, if arriving by cruise ship, a steep walk or donkey trek up a cliff path to the town of Thira. Another casualty of an earthquake in 1956, Thira has been rebuilt with terraced white houses perching high on the cliffs. Inland the island has charming villages and a wonderful black sand beach at Kamari.

Fourth and fifth come the island pair of Naxos and Paros, the main islands in the centre of the Cyclades group. Both have mountain villages, quaint fishing harbours and sweeping beaches combined with a history of settlements dating back 5000 years.

My third best rated Greek island is Leros. Less well known and quieter for it, it has the same beautiful beaches and wooded interior of others without the hectic feel of tourism intruding.

Preferable to both Naxos and Paros is the nearby island of Mykonos, the post popular island of this group in the Aegean. Classed as an island for the upper well educated classes, it tries to retain that with museums and art galleries everywhere. The beaches are spectacular in places like Platys Gialos.

Finally here is the island I love best. It may not be the choice of everyone but for beauty, peace and relaxation combined with an interesting mix of history and culture Kythira has it all. The reason this island is so quiet is that many residents deserted it to emigrate to Australia, perhaps fearing further earthquakes in the 1950’s. A renovated airport and a new harbour make getting here a little easier now and the mix of amazing beaches, quiet coves and lush valleys really appeal.

Author Resource:->  Dan Williams rates Zakynthos in his best ten Greek islands for visitors. Dan has written widely on the island and suggests flooking for cheap flights to Zakynthos on http://book.flythomascook.com which also offers flights to other European destinations.

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13/09/2011 by Dave.

By: Jessica Nielson

Ibiza belongs to the Balearic Islands in Spain. It has a population of approximately 80,000 people. However, be surprise since Ibiza caters millions of tourists every year, indeed very intriguing. Ibiza is swarmed by tourists every year because it is considered as the nightlife paradise of the world. You would exclusively experience a unique blend mixed by famous celebrity DJs that hosts Ibiza’s night clubs. However, there are more than nightclubs in Ibiza that a family could enjoy. Aside from these nightclubs, Ibiza also offers magnificent beaches packed with several aquatic sports like snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing.

If you are planning to reach Ibiza from United Kingdom, then probably you would reach Ibiza in about two and a half hours.

If you are out for a family holiday, then it is most likely that you would avoid staying in the center of Ibiza town since night clubs are rampant in the town. You could find nightclubs on every corner of Ibiza so I suggest you would stay outside the town and settle at a resort which is very conducive for family affairs.

To name some popular resorts that I think you should stay in are; Santa Eulalia, Es Cana and Cala Llonga which are situated at the east coast. On the other hand, San Antonio Bay and Cala Vadella can be found on the west coast. These places are suitable for family affairs. From the airport, you can reach the east coast approximately 40 to 50minutes, while it would take you 30 minutes to go to the resorts that are located on the west side. It is ideal to rent a car while you are in Ibiza. However, aside from car rentals, buses and taxies are also available. I would also like to stress that these taxies would only cater 4 people and does not have safety sits for children.

The beaches are the ideal place to venue your family holiday. The water temperature could reach up to 24 27 degrees Celsius making this place ideal for summer getaways. Their water one of the cleanest and most preserve waters in the Mediterranean. In fact, their beaches are awarded by the EEC blue flag denoting safety and cleanliness. The Cala Tarida which is situated near San Antonio Bay grabbed the award. The shallow waters and good lifeguards in Sa Caleta are ideal for families with young children.

There are also parks available in the area which your children would surely love. Playa d’en Bossa, San Antonio Bay and Cala Llonga are the popular sites for children where they could spend their time playing around the park with good security. The area offers climbing frames, and several enclosed places for children to roam around, play and socialize. Aside from these exciting activities that your children would surely enjoy, they also offer mini trains that would make frequent tours of the countryside.

Other activities in Ibiza that you shouldn’t miss are; the glass bottomed boats that would let you experience the beauty of Ibiza’s rich waters and marine life, a golf experience at a golf course at Roca Llisa, and shopping souvenirs for a remembrance of your stay in the Island. Although I am sure that once you have visited Ibiza, you would surely want to visit the place again and again.

Author Resource:->  Jessica Nielson documents most of her writings on travel guides at cheap holida 24 - http://www.cheapholidays24.co.uk. Here is a link if you want to read about Ibiza http://www.cheapholidays24.co.uk/holidays-to-ibiza.aspx.

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13/09/2011 by Dave.

By: Brenda Jaaback
Private, Peaceful and Relaxing

While the bustle and personal service provided by commercial hotels may appeal to some, there is no denying that a bit of privacy on a Mediterranean island is a tempting thought. A villa in Son Bou – what could be more relaxing? Son Bou, a small island set in the Balearics, is the perfect place to do nothing at all.

The largest beach in Menorca can be found in Son Bou, with sparkling waters and golden sands. While a trip down to the beach would certainly be enjoyable, a view of the beach from your private Son Bou villa pool could be even better. You can avoid the crowds, throw self consciousness to the wind, and still have your island beach and Son Bou holiday experience from your pool with a view.

A Villa with a View

At the top of your list when picking your Son Bou villa home should be a view of the ocean. Provided you have a magnificent view, you’re already on holiday in an island paradise without even leaving your home. Whether you’re lying in bed gazing out to sea, lounging in the pool while watching the ocean, or simply sitting on your terrace enjoying the sunset, there’s no denying that you’re in holiday heaven without setting foot out of your door.

Set behind the beach is a wetland area, where open waters bordered by reeds offer a contrasting view to the sandy beach. If you pick the right villa, you could experience views of the beach and the wetland without getting off your pool lounger.

An Evening In

Staying in a villa in Son Bou allows for complete freedom when it comes to culinary decisions. If commercial restaurants tickle your fancy, you’re not losing out as a host of restaurants to choose from await you. But if you prefer to dine in your bathing suit, a barbecue on your terrace might just do the trick. Local fresh seafood and a glass of wine as the sun sets beats being waited on in a commercial restaurant any day.

Venturing Out

On days when you feel like venturing out of your villa, Son Bou is waiting to be explored. With a giant maze to get lost in, the ancient graveyard of Basilica de Son Bou to discover, and the resort shops to browse through, you won’t be lacking in activities. Or if it’s an action packed day you’re after, the ocean awaits you with whichever water sport you choose.

But after a day outdoors, the tranquillity and privacy of your villa will be a welcome relief. There’s nothing better than enjoying all the scenery the region has to offer in the total seclusion your Son Bou villa provides.

A Family Home Away from Home

A Son Bou villa holiday would be ideal for a family trip away. You have your own personal villa to turn into your holiday home, where you have nothing but your view, your family and yourself to worry about.

Author Resource:->  Brenda Jaaback is the Managing Director of Bartle Holidays (http://www.bartleholidays.co.uk/index.php?option=com_bartle_resorts&Itemid=223&id=SJ ). They can provide you with a choice of Son Bou Villas, with a wide selection catering to all your family holiday needs. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty

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