12/04/2012 by Dave.

By : Veronique Merlin

Friends often ask me to plan their European vacations, and more specifically, their vacation in Paris. Why me? Being a native of Paris I have the inside scoop as to cheap hotels, how to get special hotel deals and other cheap vacation tips. I can also tell you about travel weather and other useful information.

The first step consists of determining who exactly is coming on this trip, your destination, the length of the trip, and when do you plan on going. Don’t forget the most important consideration- your budget. Believe me, a European tour with two year old toddlers is not the same as the same as a honeymoon or even a vacation in London with just your partner in life. Actually, traveling with a baby may be easier than traveling with a bored teenager. There are ways to get their cooperation however. Young people of all ages, including my 70 years old parents who enjoy “roughing it”, plan very economical European tours living in youth hotels.

The time of year makes a great deal of difference as well. Summer and mid winter are the peak travel seasons, but those who are looking for resort deals along the Mediterranean shores or for ski resorts in the Alps might consider late spring or early autumn. Here retirees have a distinct advantage planning for travel in Europe, or any kind of travel for that matter, since they can be more flexible.

Talking about time and dates, one of the easiest ways to save money is simply to fly out and return in the middle of the week. Airlines are getting crafty though, and “week-end” can mean Thursday to Monday! That leaves Tuesday and Wednesday as mid-week days. Still, if you do fly out on one of those days, it can save you a couple hundred dollars.

Alright, so you’ve decided on your budget, the number of people in your party, the length of stay and when you want to go. Here are a couple of scenarios.

First, let’s take a family of four - Mother, Father, 12 year old and 5 year old. This is their first time so they don’t want to be too adventurous, yet they do want to have fun. The safe part of their trip is London, since they speak English. The adventure is Paris where obviously most people speak French. So our family decides to spend a week in London, and a week in Paris during their children’s Spring Vacation which occurs in April, since that’s outside the peak travel time.

Another scenario could be two retired couples who decide to travel to Europe together. They’ve been there before and know their way around a bit. This group decides to fly to Paris, stay for a couple of days to see the sights and look up old friends, and then take a fast train down to the Mediterranean coast. There they’ll stay in Montpelier for a short visit before taking a cruise to the Greek Islands. Whether they opt for a luxury cruise or not, they will have a wonderful time at a very economical rate.

So you see, planning an European vacation is almost as much of a challenge as the vacation itself!

Author Bio

Veronique Merlin is the owner of VP-TravelArticle Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com

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08/04/2012 by Dave.

By: Brenda Jaaback

Menorca is a magical and exotic island, with towns full of Spanish vibrancy and calming shores lapped at by the endless blue of the Mediterranean. The island provides much more than just incredible sandy beaches and great natural beauty; the attractions on offer are interesting and diverse. We examine the top five places and activities to see and do on a holiday in Menorca, giving you a flavour of this amazing island…

1. Cales Coves

Cales Coves are a short drive from the capital of Mahon, the Cales Coves offer tourists on holiday in Menorca the chance to truly explore. The Coves were once burial chambers for the island’s people, and there is supposed to be ancient treasure buried in some of the many chambers and caves in the cliffs. While any treasure that was there is almost certainly gone now, the caves still make for an exciting experience – with no maps, guides or tours, it’s up to you and a strong torch to do the exploring.

1. Xoriguer Distillery

Intermittent British rule during the 18th century gave the island new tastes in food and drink, specifically creating a love of producing and drinking gin. The Xoriguer distillery dates from the 18th century, and is a great historical site even for tee total visitors. Take a guided tour of the huge copper stills and fermenting process to find out more about a process that has now been continuing here for hundreds of years. Over eighteens may also wish to sample the unique blends that the distillery provides, and can take a taste of their Menorcan holiday home in some of the products sold in the shop.

1. Los Delfines Aquapark

If a distillery doesn’t get the family out of your Menorcan villa and into exploring the island, the Los Delfines Aquapark certainly will. Pull on your swimsuit and jump right into the exciting water rides and fun flumes. A favourite on holidays in Menorca, the water park offers features like “The Giant Toboggan”, “Adventure River”, “The Black Hole” and many Hydrotubes. A must for families, children and big kids of all ages.

2.S Albufera des Grau

This nature reserve is a great place to enjoy and explore while on holiday in Menorca. Full of hundreds of interesting specimens of native flora and fauna, the reserve is relaxing and peaceful; a picturesque stretch of scrubland, wetlands, coasts and cliffs. It is also perfect of birdwatchers on holidays in Menorca – the area attracts over 100 species of birds at different times in the season.

1. Mahon

Mahon is the island’s capital city and a must on any holiday to Menorca. The city has been the centre of Menorcan culture and history since the Punic wars of Ancient Rome, and as such is a melting pot of interesting Menorcan historic buildings and museums; of stylish and rustic restaurants serving the local cuisine; of boats and ships riding at anchor and of bars and clubs echoing with fun and excitement. The city has something for everyone on a holiday in Menorca, and is a wonderful port of call at any point in your holiday on the island.

Author Resource:->  Brenda Jaaback is the ¬Managing Director of Bartle Holidays (http://www.bartleholidays.co.uk/). They can provide you a choice of hand picked Menorca villas, resorts and retreats in prime locations for all your Menorca holiday needs.

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30/03/2012 by Dave.

 France is a magical place of great variety.  In fact, it is a fabled land of delicious wine and food, rose-coloured rooftops, picturesque farmhouses, snow-capped mountains, sunny beaches, and beautiful historic cities.  France has so much to offer the holidaymaker.  So, do you spend your holiday in Paris?  What about the Loire Valley?  Perhaps the South of France?  If you’ve never experienced France before, a whole new world of experiences is about to open up to you.  

Best destinations in France Because France is one of the most visited countries in the world, it can be hard to pick a single destination in which to spend your holiday. That’s precisely why you should plan several visits!  The diverse landscape, exceptional scenery and the laid-back lifestyle have so much allure.  Here, in no particular order, are some of the best places to visit. 

• Mont Saint-Michel – This rocky, peaked island is an imposing sight indeed.  Visit the age-old monastery and medieval town for a taste of real French history.
• Loire Valley – Known as the “garden of France” the Loire Valley is filled with natural beauty.  See some historically important architecture and the plethora of fairy-tale like chateaux and mansions.
• Versailles – Step outside of Paris and visit one of the most famous chateaux in all of France.  The gorgeous palace is well preserved and the gardens are exceptional.

• Paris – You cannot go to France without spending some time in Paris.  The quintessential French city has it all.  Don’t miss the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.  Both will be busy but it is worth braving the crowds to visit both of these major attractions. Somewhere to stay? The hotels in Paris are very good indeed and there is a wide range of pricing, choice of location and standard.
• Champagne-Ardenne – Did you know champagne was born here?  This area is one of the most beautiful regions of France. Explore the scenic countryside with its medieval chateaux, and numerous vineyards, some of which can be visited.

Experience the country Taking your holiday in France should be more than just spending time in the capital - great though it is.  If you want a perfect holiday, you must experience some of the rest of France. Three suggestions: 

• Climb Mont Saint-Michel – Normandy’s famed Benedictine abbey is a crowning glory of the coast.

• Cycle through the Loire Valley – With so many impressive castles and so much beautiful scenery en route, a bicycle tour of the Loire Valley is a great holiday idea

• Ski in the French Alps – There’s a very good reason the 1924 Winter Olympics took place here.  This is some of the best skiing and après ski you will find anywhere in the world. See for yourself!

From Monet’s Garden in Giverny to the Palace of Versailles, France is the ideal holiday destination.  Whether you want to have a romantic getaway or travel with the whole family, the country is rich in history, has fabulous food, and a culture unlike any other. The allure of Paris, the charm of Provence and the beauty of the Riviera – they are calling to you!

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19/03/2012 by Dave.

By: Dan Williams

A holiday to Gran Canaria can easily be justified on the weather alone. Its year round mild climate make a trip there worthwhile at any time and during the cold winters of Europe it’s even more attractive. Gran Canaria may be part of Spain but it’s over 200 miles further away from the Spanish mainland than the Mediterranean is from the UK.

So great weather and over 50 kilometers of Europe’s best beaches all washed and warmed by the Gulf Stream should be enough for anyone, but the islands has plenty of other good features to make a break there very enjoyable.

For those who like a bit of retail therapy Gran Canaria has the El Muelle shopping centre, voted one of Europe’s best shopping centres in 2004 by International Council of Shopping Centres in 2004 in the specialised centre category. The centre in Las Palmas which covers an area of over 34,000 square metres includes over 100 shops, restaurants and cafes and even has an open air disco. The centre welcomes over 6 millions visitors per year.

The island is divided into two halves as far as tourism is concerned. The northern part is cooler and wetter due too, while the southern half is warmer, sunnier and attracts most of the 2.2 million people who come to the island to holiday every year. In the west there are very few resorts due to the steep rocky coastline and in the east the airport makes it a less attractive area for hotels. The capital, Las Palmas, in the North East is an interesting centre with its own selection of beaches, the best being Playa de las Canteras, a 2 kilometer strip to the west of the town with plenty of room for everyone and the scene of some beautiful sunsets. The resort was one of the first to get established on Gran Canaria and has continued to grow and modernise over the years. At the southern end of the beach is the imposing structure of Auditório Alfredo Kraus, a concert venue that is the home of the Las Palmas Philharmonic Orchestra. The building was constructed in 19997 fro natural stone and houses no less than 10 concert halls. It is the main venue for the annual Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival whose 10th edition took place in March 2009. The Auditório also hosted some events of 25th Canary Islands Classical Music Festival which took place in January and February 2009.

Close to the resort of Playa del Inglés in the south is Maspalomas an area famous for its magnificent beaches, a lighthouse and a natural lagoon. The Maspalomas dunes look very much like an African desert which is not that surprising given that the African mainland and the Western Sahara is only 120 miles away. Due to the fact that the beaches on the island are formed from volcanic rock, many are dark, even black, in colour. The tourism authorities have taken to importing some of the golden Saharan sand for the beaches to make them more attractive for visitors. Hardly environmentally friendly but tourism is very important for the island’s economy.

Unlike Tenerife and Lanzarote perhaps, Gran Canaria has plenty of attractions to tempt tourists away from its beaches. Golf courses, jeep safaris, water parks and tropical gardens are all options. There are now seven golf courses on Gran Canaria, a perfect number for a week’s stay. The oldest course is the Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, which opened in 1891, but international competitions tend to favour either the Campo de Golf de Maspalomas, because of its challenging length, or the El Cortijo Golf Centre which is where Sergio Garcia won a European Tour event in 2002.

A jeep safari on Gran Canaria is a great way of seeing the inland areas of the island, taking guests through old towns and villages and up into the mountains in the centre of the island. For anyone who doesn’t relish the thought of a hot dusty day in the back of an open top jeep on bumpy roads, then a camel safari may be a preferred option. These are available on the Maspalomas dunes and also from the picturesque village of Fataga which lies in a valley in the centre of the island. Sitting at a height of over 1200m the highest and oldest village on the island is Artenara, a strange yet beautiful place, affording spectacular views in all directions, including across to Tenerife and Mount Teide 60 miles away.

Author Resource:->  Dan Williams has spent many years travelling around Europe as a travel journalist. He is well placed to advise on attractions and finding flights to Gran Canaria and the other islands in the Canaries. A current suggestion is http://book.flythomascook.com/ which offers several flights every week.

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18/03/2012 by Dave.

By: Dan Williams
 

You would be amazed how easy is it to escape a dreary UK winter and spend some time under the warm rays of the Mediterranean sun. Picture this, it’s Thursday lunchtime, you turn off your computer in the office, say goodbye to your colleagues, pick up your rucksack and board bag and take a short cab ride to the station. An hour relaxing on the train, reading the newspaper and you’re at the airport and starting to feel that holiday tingle in your bones. Another hour relaxing in the coffee bar in Departures and before you know it the plane is taking off through the cloud and drizzle of a typical January day in England.

Just over three hours later you are looking down from a cloudless sky onto an island fringed by a mix of beaches with a dramatic inland volcanic mountain area. Your flight to Tenerife is almost over and you’re about to start the best winter long weekend you’ve ever experienced. Disembarking the plane and passing through customs of Reina Sofia airport is a quick and painless affair and, after a short 10 minute coach ride from Tenerife’s southern airport, you are sitting on the terrace of your hotel, sipping a well deserved cocktail, overlooking El Médano, the best windsurfing beach on Tenerife.

This all seems light years away from the day to day grind you left behind earlier in the day but this really is reality and with the number of cheap flights available to Tenerife at the moment, this lifestyle, normally associated with the rich and famous, could easily be yours with flight deals costing less than the average price of a family trip to the local Pizza restaurant.

Companies like FlyThomasCook, who fly to Tenerife from at least 7 UK airports, specialize in low cost tickets and have a wide choice of options for getting to Tenerife and the other Canary Islands, for very reasonable fares. Granted the exchange rate at the moment gets you fewer euros than last year, but daily rates for accommodation are very affordable at the moment and the total cost of your long weekend in the sun will probably surprise you.

After a pleasant evening watching the sun go down and getting to know your fellow surfers over a convivial drink, it’s off to bed for a good night’s sleep in preparation for the early start the next day to make the most of your time on the Island.

Waking early to mild temperatures, a fresh onshore breeze and a hearty breakfast, the perfect start to a windsurfing day beckons and it’s a short walk to the South Bay where the Official Test Centre opens it’s doors to welcome you to a myriad of the latest windsurfing gear. Experts are on hand to fit you to the equipment you need. With over 50 boards and 100 sails, all the latest models, everyone is sure to find exactly what they need. The centre receives the full support of the local community, many of whom rely on windsurfing visitors for trade. After resolving a recent difficulty with the local council the Centre has opened its doors to the 2009 season. Tourism is the backbone of the economy in Tenerife and although local laws are in place to prevent any harm coming to the island, anything that gets in the way of tourism is quickly evaluated and corrected.

So you’re now out in the Bay, the seas are perfect, the water is a pleasant temperature and there is enough of a swell to test the most adventurous wave jumpers. It really is a perfect tonic to the drab winters of Northern Europe and with a long weekend visit to Tenerife costing very little at this time of year, there is really no reason not to try it. Book your ticket, grab your luggage and get on a flight yourself.

Author Resource:->  Dan Williams brings you interesting and informative travel articles from around the world. You can check the availability of cheap flights to Tenerife and other European locations on http://book.flythomascook.com/ the portal of FlyThomasCook.

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13/03/2012 by Dave.

By: Ken Sand
 

Mallorca is a beautiful island and its natural beauty is the great attraction for tourists. Palma is the capital of this place, which is also a wonderful place to see. Almost 11 million tourists come to this place every year. This place is also known as Majorca in English. Hundreds of accommodations are available at a place where a tourist can choose their living place. Hotels, villas, apartments are all available in the city where you can live with all comforts like your home.

This city has 70 beaches to enjoy and throughout the year, you will get shining sky where you can tan your skin near the beach. You can enjoy this wonderful view from a hotel room as many of the best hotels are located near to the beaches and tourists prefer to stay near to this calm and peaceful place. These white and golden shores make their own noise, which is very much soothing for ears while lying in sunny.

Tourists who love to have more fun with sports activities can enjoy their fullest, they have various options like motorcycling, water diving, hill climbing, several water sports on this thrilling beaches, scuba diving, swimming and many more. You will never get bored at this place, and you will wish to increase your trip and holidays.

People who have love for golf can visit 14 premium golf courses of the city and the newest and world’s famous golf course golfing Mecca should not miss at all. If you are planning your visit in these summer holidays then do not miss their upcoming events, which are as follows:
1. Cool nights
2. Jazz Vayeur festival
3. Music concerts
4. Modern art night
5. Summer s night events

All these events are organized to provide great entertainment to tourist who came here to reduce their stress of work and studies. If you have to choose this destination then you have various things to enjoy, and you will fall in love with city. No matter you are a music lovers or crazy for different they offer various activities for every person. This is a city is rich in cultural as well, and you can enjoy museums, galleries, and other things as well.

Their museums are so beautifully designed with architectural buildings, their collection is also wide, and you can enjoy them. The various artists so beautifully design contemporary and artificial paintings and sculptures. These museums remain open throughout the year and few are also open on Sunday here kids and art lovers can enjoy various things, and they will get a great experience. Modern art is also available in these museums.

You can also enjoy their colorful festivals, which are available in this city, and if you love food and then don’t miss their food & drink venues, which provide special varieties of Mallorca. Their different islands also organize various kinds of parties and party freaks can enjoy throughout the night and off the course lot of fun is available in these parties. You will also best shopping deals in this city where you can buy special gifts and items for your loved ones.
No doubt, Mallorca is a best tourist destination with lots of fun, amusing and thrilling activities.

Author Resource:->  Ken loves beach holidays on Mallorca: http://www.sunandsin.com/categories/Spanish-party-resorts

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13/03/2012 by Dave.

By: Dan Williams

Across the Aegean there are many dream holiday islands to choose from, but for many holidaymakers the largest of the Greek islands, Crete, still retains unique factors that set it apart from the others. As you examine the vacation possibilities on Crete you will be spoilt for choice with a vast selection of luxury hotels and villas.

Secluded coves, breathtaking bays, golden sandy beaches and dramatic countryside backdrops make the island a very special place. It’s no wonder that the island has attracted the rich and famous including celebrities, royalty, world leaders and stars of film and music over the years.

In terms of history Crete can rank with the best of other islands and locations in the Aegean. Some of the earliest European human settlements from the Minoan era have been found on Crete but for most visitors the island’s main attraction are its weather and holiday options.

The size of the island (almost 250 kilometres from east to west) provides it with around 1000 kilometres of wonderful coastline to enjoy. Daytime average temperatures rarely drop below 15 degrees Celsius, even in winter, and during the months May to October temperatures are always warm and pleasant. Rainfall is also negligible during June, July and August.

Crete ranks alongside Lanzarote in terms of visitor numbers, with around 2 million visitors coming to the island every year. Much of the growth in Crete’s popularity came in the late 1980’s when visitors numbers jumped by 50 per cent.

The capital of the island, Heraklion, is also the main transport hub, providing a port for cruise ship arrivals and an international airport which is currently quite stretched and in need of expansion. The airport is the second busiest in Greece and handles around 5 million passengers per year. Six years ago the Greek government announced plans for a new airport that should become operation by 2014. Reading the reviews, few people have a good word to say about the current airport, especially during busy periods, but don’t let that put you off from visiting Crete. Once you get beyond the hustle and bustle of the airport, this wonderful island will reward you with its treasures.

Crete is a large island and you are unlikely to be able to take in all of its wonderful offerings in one visit. Here are some of the more beautiful bays and coves across the island.

At Elounda you will be greeted by the almost perfect bay, home to a selection of some of the island’s most luxurious hotels. Luxury villas are also a feature of the area and recent constructions exhibit state of the art contemporary design with stunning balconies and infinity pools carved into the hillside around the bay.

For people who want to get away from the mass crowds the bay at Loutro may have everything you need. It’s a small stony seaside village on the south coast of the island and is fairly inaccessible making it amazingly quiet. There are a few local developments so you will not be totally cut off, but peaceful beaches and gentle swims in crystal clear waters may be all you need for the perfect day.

Remember the advertising slogan “a taste of paradise”? The beach at Vai, surrounded by palm trees, was made famous in one of the Bounty commercials and is still called the Bounty beach by some. It is a popular spot with a lovely sandy beach and plenty of sunshades to shelter beneath, but can become crowded during high season.

Finally you may be tempted by a visit to the beach at Matala. Despite having one of the best beaches on the island, with soft golden sand leading down to wonderful waters for swimming, this location retains some of its original relaxed atmosphere. It is here, in the caves near the beach, that German and English hippies made their home during the 1960’s. The village itself now makes the most of its attraction to tourists. It is mainly made up of hotels and rooms for rental and can become very busy during the summer, so perhaps the best time to go there would be out of the main season.

Author Resource:->  Here is Dan Williams’ wrap up of Crete. As an tourist in Crete Dan is seeing changes, with many of the hangovers from its previous popularity now updated. There are now some fantastic hotel choices on the island and cheap flights to Crete are provided by companies like http://book.flythomascook.com

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06/03/2012 by Dave.

Dubai is situated on the western edge of the Arabian Peninsula that projects northwards into the Arabian Sea. This interesting and popular destination with UK holidaymakers is approximately six hours flying time from London.  The city is perhaps best described as a flourishing modern-day oasis for tourists. The striking modern architecture and the extreme level of luxury accommodation provided for visitors really characterizes Dubai.  All this development has been made possible by the region’s vast oil wealth and is driven by the need to establish a major source of future income when the oil does finally start to run out.    

Golf enthusiasts are well catered for with some of the best courses in the world being located in the area.  The Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament is part of the PGA European Tour Schedule and is held every year, attracting the world’s finest professional players.   Dubai certainly provides a feast for the senses and features some of the most unusual tourist attractions to be seen anywhere.  Tourists arriving on flights to Dubai enjoy not just the stunning architecture and luxurious shopping, but also one of the most exciting water parks in the world. Here are just five of the great attractions that Dubai has to offer.   

The Burj Al Arab Shaped like a sail, the iconic Burj Al Arab is the tallest hotel building on earth, but its true magnificence lies in its opulence, which is highlighted by the generous use of gold leaf in the interior. Many tourists will not be able to afford to stay at the hotel but they can enjoy an extended look inside if they book a reservation at one of the several restaurants.  Two of these are, the Al Muntaha, located on the top floor and the Al Mahara, a seafood restaurant that features an aquarium so large that it would dwarf most London flats.  Perhaps the best of all, however, is the Majlis Al Bahar, which is situated outside the hotel and has a beach themed decor.  The most interesting view from this restaurant is of the impressive hotel itself. 

Shopping malls A shopping expedition in Dubai is as much about entertainment and pampering as it is about the shopping itself.  The Souk Madinat, situated in the interior of the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel, features a man-made waterway, with boats to ferry people to the various shops and eateries.  Even more amazing is the Mall of the Emirates, where tourists can visit the Dubai Ski Centre, a large indoor ski slope that welcomes both skiers and snowboarders. 

The Gold Souk Even those uninterested in buying precious metals or gemstones will want to take a leisurely walk through the Gold Souk, a mall where gold, silver, platinum and even diamonds are on offer.  Tourists should always be prepared to haggle, but they need have no fear of being cheated as the government keeps a close eye on the dealers at the Gold Souk.  

The Jumeirah Mosque Built of white stone, this beautiful structure pays tribute to modern building techniques and the medieval traditions of the Fatimid school.  Non-Muslims can view only the exterior of most mosques, but the Jumeirah Mosque welcomes them in at ten o’clock on each Sunday and Thursday morning.  After a guided tour is concluded, visitors are welcome to remain and ask any questions they may have about Islam. 

The Wild Wadi Water Park The heat of the desert can make tourists long for a real oasis – one filled to overflowing with fresh water.  The Wild Wadi Water Park delivers all one could hope for in that regard.  Considered by many to be the finest water amusement park in the world, Wild Wadi is located a short distance from the amazing Burj Al Arab hotel.  With several gentle rides and slides as well as really steep ones that take plucky tourists over heart-stopping drops, Wadi Wadi offers more than 30 attractions in all.  A “sundowner” ticket is available for tourists that prefer to swim and frolic at twilight instead of during the day. 

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28/02/2012 by Dave.

By: Brenda Jaaback

Menorca is famed as one of the most relaxing holiday destinations in Europe. Less touristic than Mallorca or the Costas, it offers a traditional island culture, relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural attractions. There are numerous outstanding hotels, apartments and villas in Menorca and there’s plenty to see and do on the island, from the horse show in Cala Galdana to the panoramic sights from the summit of Mount Toro. But without a doubt the biggest attraction for a holiday in Menorca is going to be the beaches.

The island has more beaches than Ibiza and Mallorca put together, ranging from long, bustling beaches to peaceful little coves. Whether you want to enjoy fully developed beaches close to the hotels and villas of Menorca or secluded stretches of sand where you can swim and sunbathe in peace and quiet, you are sure to find a beach here that is perfect for your needs. Here are five of the very best beaches on the island…

Cala Pregonda

Perhaps the finest secluded beach on the island, this stunning bay features crystal clear water and is backed by tamarisk and pine woods. It is unspoilt, with a few nearby Menorca villas the only local buildings. It is hard to get to, a twenty minute walk from Binimella, but the effort is well worth it.

Punta Prima

Located in the far south east of the island, this beach is a long, attractive stretch of sand that is well populated with bars and restaurants. The strong currents mean that it is sometimes not safe for swimming, but the beautiful sand and stunning vistas more than make up for it. Parents should supervise their children at all times due to the strong waters.

Cala Santa Galdana

Cala Galdana is one of the best beaches on the island, combining plenty of facilities with a beautiful and unspoilt beach. This horseshoe bay is the most photographed beach on the island, and it is especially good for those on a family holiday in Menorca due to its safe shallow waters. But adults will delight in the natural beauty that surrounds Cala Galdana.

Son Bou

Son Bou is the longest beach in Menorca, a glorious 3 km piece of sand that has plenty of bars and watersports facilities to keep visitors entertained. It is big and usually packed solid, so it isn’t the place to go for privacy, but it is one of the finest large beaches on the island. Make sure you check the flags on the beach before you swim, as the currents can be strong.

Es Grau

Located close to Mahon, the capital of the island, Es Grau is one of the most naturally beautiful beaches on the island. The shallow waters in this horseshoe shaped bay are great for family bathing, and just behind the beach is the wetland park of Albufeira, a stunning national park filled with wildlife and fauna.

Whether you want to stay in a resort hotel or a secluded rural villa in Menorca, or are there for a family holiday or a romantic getaway, you are sure to find a nearby Menorca beach that is perfect for your needs!

Author Resource:->  Brenda Jaaback is the ¬Managing Director of Bartle Holidays (http://www.bartleholidays.co.uk/). They can provide you a choice of hand picked Menorca villas, resorts and retreats in prime locations for all your family holiday needs.

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28/02/2012 by Dave.

By: Dan Williams
 

The island of Malta, situated between Sicily at the foot of Italy and Tunisia on the North African coast, is unique in terms of its history, culture and nationality.

Unlike Crete, which is part of Greece, Sardinia which is part of Italy, Corsica which is French and Mallorca which is Spanish, Malta is an independent Republic. Like many islands in the Mediterranean, Malta has gone through various states of foreign ownership during its past. Rulers of the island include the Romans, Arabs, the Knights of St John, the Ottoman Empire, the French under Napoleon, and the British in 1800 before Malta finally gained independence in 1964. It played a huge role during the Second World War were it acted as a refuge for injured member of the Allied Forces, while under attack by Italian and German forces until 1943. Malta has been a member of the EU since 2004 and adopted the Euro in 2008.

Today the Republic of Malta is slowly building its own reputation as a centre of commerce and tourism. Despite the turbulent past of the island, the capital Valletta still retains many interesting archaeological and architectural points of interest.

During their 270 year occupation of the island, the Knights of St Johns constructed many impressive buildings, just as they did on the island of Rhodes. Of course some were damaged during the Second World War, but many remain intact in Valletta.

They key attraction of Malta besides its interesting past, buildings and culture is of course its weather. Located right in the centre of the Mediterranean, azure blue waters surround an island that benefits from over 200 days of sunshine each year. For 8 months of the year the average daytime temperature sits between 19 and 32 degrees Celsius and doesn’t really get much hotter than that, making a very pleasant place to spend a holiday.

One of the more interesting attractions on Malta is the prehistoric Hypogeum or underground chamber, discover in 1902 and consisting of over 500 square metres of rooms, chambers and corridors. It was built on three levels and dates back to before 3000BC. The Hypogeum is UNESCO World Heritage site and only a limited number of tourists are permitted to enter each day so best not try and go there during busy periods unless you‘ve had your name on the waiting list for tickets, which can grow to as long as six weeks at times.

Flights to Malta arrive from all over the world at Luqa airport, just south of the capital. The island has had various airports over the years, especially during its important period as a military base. The old airport at Ta’ Qali is now used as a centre for recreation. There are parks and open spaces there as well as the National sports stadium. It is also the location for many of the island’s biggest festivals and concerts.

As far as holiday resorts are concerned, Malta has plenty of choices from busy thriving cosmopolitan areas with an abundance of restaurants, shops and clubs. The best are on the northern coast, providing the opportunity for walking along promenades and watching the world go by. For a quieter location visitors could take a trip to the nearby island of Gozo. This small island sits just three miles off Malta’s North West coast and everything here is run off at a much slower pace. Made up primarily of small fishing villages there are also a selection of quiet beaches such as Ramla Bay, the tiny San Blas beach or the amazing inland sea at Dwejra Lake, which is fed by a tunnel through the rocks.

Back on Malta the best beaches are at Anchor Bay, Golden Bay, Paradise and Hola beach in the north of the island. In the south Peter’s Pool is popular, as is Pretty Bay if you don’t mind overlooking the commercial port. For swimmers the outdoor pool that sits on the island’s south east tip is an interesting location. This 50m salt water pool is home to the island’s Marsascala Sports Club, was the National Pool until a new one was built in 1993 at Ta’ Qali (Tal Qroqq). Often during the summer the pool hosts tournaments for the sport of water polo, which is unusually popular on the island.

Author Resource:->  Malta has a fantastic history and is an increasingly popular holiday destination. Dan Williams provides information and advice about finding flights to Malta from sites such as http://book.flythomascook.com and a choice of interesting things to do once on the island.

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