Arts holiday in Menorca

calm beach of menorca

Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands, although it is smaller and quieter than its neighbour Mallorca. With a beautiful coastline and idyllic rural villages, Flights to Menorca are ideal for creative breaks any time of the year, with virtually guaranteed fine weather in a wonderfully inspirational setting. High quality Menorca villas give visitors the chance to experience this wonderful island at their own pace.

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Fun Fun Fun in Mallorca

amazing coastline of mallorca

Theres an incredible range of things to do on the Balearic island of Mallorca. With the warm sea temperatures and good weather virtually all year round, this is an ideal location for adventure activities both on land and on water. It is a popular choice for many as flights to Mallorca are easy to come by.

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enter to the world of silence

rooftop cityscape view of Larnaca Cyprus hotels condos apartments offices

Mythology is among the popular interest of various people. It never ceases to amaze anyone taking these noted gods and goddesses in terms of their feature, talents, physical attributes and history. One of the prominent places inclined for visits in relation to those mythical creatures is Cyprus, Paphos.

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medieval festival of rhodes

rooftops of Larnaca Cyprus with cypress trees and Troodos mountains in background

Medieval Rhodes Festival will happen next in May-June 2011. It is an annual festival organized by the Medieval Rose Foundation along with the co-operation from the Municipality of Rhodes. The event happens in Perfecture of Dodecanese which is a cultural and architectural heritage monument of the world.

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Rethymno Carnival in Crete

landscape of crete

Rethymno Carnival, which is the largest and surely the grandest carnival in the Rethymno town will happen anywhere in January-February 2011. It is an annual carnival which happens in this town somewhere around the same time. The entry to this carnival is absolutely free though the carnival provides you with ample opportunities to have fun and frolic at this event.

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Music in Malta

Caves in Malta

Listening to the Music in Malta Europe is one of the top selections when it comes to experiencing full length adventure. It is the haven for knights, kings and queens and also takes high praises when it comes to romance. This noted continent is the second smallest continent in the world right after Australia.

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Madeira Wine Festival

Fresh Colours of Grapes and Wine

For tourists who desire to experience a curious mix of culture, music, history, merry-making, and a hint of wordly sophistication, flights to Funchal this September will take you just in time to take part at the the Madeira Wine Festival.

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The beautiful island of Kos

The beautiful island of Kos

Kos is the biggest island of the Dodecanse archipelago, located in the Aegean. It is a very small island measuring about 25 miles in length and less than 5 widths, with a permanent population of about 30,000 people. flights to kos are easy to find and can be found at a good price

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Celebrations in Rhodes Greece

Rhodes beach

In Rhodes, Greece there is a festival known as the "Medieval Rose Festival of Rhodes". You are given the opportunity to take part in the witches and fairy dance or watch the fire eater with his amazing tricks, there are jugglers and other street performers or you can just participate in eating the gorgeous foods on offer. This festival is now a tradition of the town and is put on by the Medieval Rose which is an organization that operates in a non profit way.

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A feast on the Algarve

seafood

Gourmets and gastronauts visiting Southern Portugal this week will surely not want to miss the Festival do Marisco or Shellfish Festival, which takes place in Olhao from the 10th to the 15th of August 2010. This is the 25th year the the town has played host to this celebration of the region's rich heritage of everything to do with seafood.

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Dining in Ibiza

Romantic dinner in Ibiza

If you've booked flights to Ibiza this summer, chances are you've heard some great stories about clubs such as Pacha and Space. We don't doubt you'll find your way to the legendary We Love parties, KM5 (a Bedouin-style garden club) and all the other parties in Ibiza. But do you have any idea what to expect when it comes to food? Dining in Ibiza is more than just lining your stomach! There are so many dining choices that you can take your summer love to a different eatery every day and try all the wonderful traditional dishes together - instead of bringing a different date to the same restaurant every night.

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The Glitz and Thrills of Paphos' Aphrodite Festival

Mosaic of Aphrodite with grapes

If you've ever taken a holiday trip to Paphos, you know that this stunning coastal city in Cyprus has got many extensive attractive choices for visitors. But to crown it all, they also organize a huge annual festival to promote the culture and taste of the land. During the festival, a lot of flights to Paphos are usually overbooked as most of the tourists who have been part of the great event once wish to return. To secure your place at the festival, book your flights via flythomascook and buy a ticket to the festival online.

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Fireworks and Food at Santa Marija fiesta in Malta

Maltese painting of Mary

The 15th of August is a national holiday in Malta and on this day, Gozo and other villages will be bubbling with the Santa Marija festival. The majority of Maltese festivals are religiously inclined due to a strong Catholic presence in the country. But nevertheless, this festival (Santa Marija) is a remarkable attraction for tourists and a huge source of traditional pride for the people of Malta. Every year, families in Malta look forward to this ceremony as they would to Christmas or Easter because it offers that special opportunity for family bonding and that great sense of community in Malta. It works to such extent that family members who are away or abroad come home to take part in the festival.

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August in Kefalonia is festival month

Assos, Kefalonia

Kefalonia is known as one of the more tranquil and un-touristy ones of the Ionian islands. It is also the largest and seems to absorb its visitors seamlessly. There are regular flights to Kefalonia International Airport throughout the year, yet it manages to retain its own essential character. But this beautiful island is not just about languid beaches, peaceful villages and panoramic scenery.

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Viva Mexico!

Cancun beach

Grito de la Independencia is a cry from the heart and history of Mexico that stirs up the dirt and dust on the streets of Cancun the 15th of September. In 2010, it will be exactly 200 years ago that the Mexicans started their indepence war against Spain on the eve of 16th of September 1810 in a church chapel in Dolores Hidalgo, 270km (170 miles) north of Mexico City. This year, the cries 'Viva Mexico!' and 'Viva la independencia!'will be louder than ever before.

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Set your holiday off with a Boom

Man on Accordion

Are you a 21st Century Hippy? Are you concerned with the environment and our planet? Are you into Goan trance techno music? Then the Boom Festival in Idanha a Nova Lake in Portugal is the place for you. Taking place between the 18th-26th August (during the full moon), the Boom festival is dedicated to all free spirits. The idea behind the Boom is to create a space in this time continuum where people from all over the world can live an alternative reality. "It's a celebration of intuition and telepathy as we watch how communication changes along these few days and how in the end there is no more need for words."

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St. Minas Parade in Heraklion

Heraklion coast

The biggest of all the Greek islands, you could be forgiven for thinking that Crete was in fact a whole country. Steeped in ancient history and home to the infamous Minotaur, Crete retains a mythical quality that many other countries have since lost. Book flights to Crete and experience the timeless traditions of this island while you catch one of the intimate celebrations that take place over the summer and autumn months.

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Skiathos Beach Selection

Coastal View Skiathos

On an island like Skiathos, with over 70 beaches and with just a few days to explore them, making a choice can be difficult. Here are a few beach locations to consider when you book your flight to Skiathos.

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Dance Music Festival in Tenerife

Clubbing Scene

The Innovation Summer in the Sun dance music festival will take place on 7th August this year. This popular music event has been held each year since 2006, initially in a night club but growing in size each year. This year the event takes place at MagMa, Costa Adeje.

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Palma Mallorca Jazz

Spanish Musicians on Hill

Palma is the capital of Mallorca and is a fantastic place to visit, whether you are sightseeing, shopping or just taking in the sun and chilling out in one of the many bars and cafes.

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Alicante for golf and much more!

Sunset in Alicante

As any golf enthusiast will probably be aware, the Costa Blanca is ideal for a holiday combining sun, sea and nightlife with your favourite sport. With an abundance of flights to Alicante airport, where better to base yourself? There are over 20 excellent golf courses in the Valencia region with two, El Plantio and Alicante Golf, just a short drive from the city.

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Autumn Sports Holiday in Lanzarote

Coastal scene

For runners, triathletes, and cyclists, summer temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius are not perfect conditions, but neither are the cool, wet and rainy days of a typical British autumn. The island of Lanzarote offers the opportunity of better weather conditions, with autumn rain very rare and average daytime temperatures of between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius throughout September, October and November. Hotels with sports facilities or the specialist Club La Santa are all popular and there are various organised competitive events for athletes to test their fitness.

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International Internet Festival in Tunisia

mausoleum in Monastir

From the 2nd to the 4th of August, Tunisia will celebrate the spread of digital technology with the International Internet Festival. You can't celebrate this festival from behind your computer - if you want to see the ship full of brand new computers and other pinnacles of the latest technology arrive in El Kantaoui Port (Sousse), you're going to have to look for last minute flights to Monastir. Locals and visitors are welcomed onto the ship, where they can try out the flashy equipment.

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Armin van Buuren Live in Larnaca

armin

If there is one DJ that is worth flying to Cyprus for, it's the Dutch dance legend Armin Van Buuren. Worldwide, he has been the number 1 DJ for 2 years in a row, which means his place in history as this decade's most influential DJ is secured. He has won more awards than any other DJ and his State of Trance Radio show has 26 million listeners a week from all over the globe. Glenn Morrison, one of America's biggest up and coming dance icons, will join Armin in his mission to blow the minds of Cypriot clubbers. If you want to see Armin Van Buuren and Glenn Morrison live on Mackenzie Beach in Cyprus, book your flights to Larnaca now and make sure you're there on Thursday the 19th of August.

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Discover Kos

cycling in Mallorca

If you want go jet skiing this summer, you should book flights to Kos because this Greek island is the perfect location this exciting sport. At least, that's the opinion of Jet Ski authorities, which is why they organised National Jet Ski Championships here last summer.

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Mallorca festivals in August

cycling in Mallorca

Towards the end of August, Mallorca will be hosting several interesting festivals which are great if you want to make the most of your money and time during your holiday in Spain. In order to secure your summer holiday, it might be worth booking your flights to Mallorca around the dates of these festivals. What these festivals have in common, aside from having their roots embedded in religion and traditions, are entertaining dances and dainties which are way too tempting to resist.

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Corfu welcomes a new festival

Cricket stumps

Festivals are a constant feature throughout the year with many small local feast days celebrated in towns and villages, the fabulous Sardine Festival at Benitses and the acclaimed Varkarola Music Festival at Paleokastritsa, both held around mid-August. But this year sees a new attraction added - surely unique among the Ionian islands - The Corfu Cricket Festival.

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Sousse International Festival

Market at Sousse

Sousse is perhaps most famous for its annual international festival, running this year between 14th July and 8th August. The 52nd Festival International de Sousse includes around twenty different cultural events including orchestral performances, operas, jazz evenings, theatre productions, dance performances and concerts by popular Tunisian artists. Artists on the programme this summer include Taher Guizani's troupe 'Arabesque', pop group Samsa, Nawel Ghachem, and Lebanese virtuoso Marwan Khouri.

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The Charm of Sharm in November

Ras Mohamed National Park

If you want to make sure you start practicing on time for the Virgin London Marathon in april 2011, book your flights to Sharm now and take part in the half marathon that will be held the 5th of November 2010. The international event called SharMarathon will start at 9.00am in Sharm-El-Sheikh, and the route will lead runners and joggers through Ras Mohamed National Park. The 21.1 km long track passes by Hidden Bay, the salt lake and back to the coast by Yolanda Bay and features sand dunes, rough mountains and mangroves. Even if you're not in shape yet, you don't want to miss out on this stunning setting for a marathon route. If your family is not impressed with your time, just tell them you were distracted by the view.

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Festa de San Gines and the Juego del Palo

tenerife panorama

Between the 15th and 25th of August, the patron saint of Lanzarote's Capital Arrecife is celebrated in style. During the daytime, much of the activity is concentrated around the El Charco area itself, where traditional island sports such as Canarian sailing and wrestling are celebrated and a new Miss Lanzarote is elected annually. The whole event then culminates in an impressive fireworks display on the main beach promenade on the night of the 25th.

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Virgin de Candelaria, patron of the Canary Islands

famous Guanche statues on the shore of Tenerife

Considered one of the major fiestas in Tenerife, the Festival of the Virgin de Candelaria, the patron of the Canary Islands, occurs every year on August 15th, and the festivities are attended by over two million visitors annually.

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The Nikopolia Festival in Preveza

Beach near Preveza

While most travellers book their flights to Preveza because of the beautiful sun drenched beaches, this destination hosts some unique and lively festivals during the summer months, including the Sardine and Choral festival. The most greatly anticipated of these events is the Nikopolia Festival, which takes place from late June to early September. Covering all art forms, the festival has been running for over 45 years, and is a cherished favourite of the locals.

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The Feira Santa Iria Festival in Faro

algarve beach

The Algarve region of Southern Portugal is home to some of Portugal's best festivals and events. Book your flights to Faro in particular, and catch the mesmerizing celebration of Faros' favourite Saint at the annual Feira de Santa Iria this October.

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Algarve seafood and wine festival

selection of seafoood

Ria Formosa festival is a major celebration in Faro coming up at the end of July to last till the beginning of August. For lovers of seafood and all sorts of other exotic traditional menus, this is the best place to be this summer as there will be vast numbers of these foods from all over Portugal.

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An open-air summer fiesta in Alicante

Alicante Sunset

When it comes to celebrations, the Spanish don't do things by halves. On the 5th of August, Alicante will be hosting the Virgen del Remedio festival, a cultural festival in honour of the matron saint. Among the floods of summer celebrations in Alicante, this festival manages to stand out. It is definitely worth visiting if you have booked flights to Alicante.

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A much-loved summer festival in Rhodes

donkeys in greece

If you want to experience an amazing time in Rhodes, you should visit the island during the summer. Aside from the fantastic sunshine, excellent beaches and historic attractions, there are numerous events and festivals lined up during this season. All of these festivals and many more attractions make Rhodes a popular destination for holidaymakers. In the summer, you are guaranteed to find many cheap deals on flights to Rhodes.

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Royal Sailing in Mallorca

Luxury boats and yachts in a marina

Very few things are more glamorous than late summer sailing whilst rubbing shoulders with royalty. Head to Palma de Mallorca in late August as, during the Copa del Rey regatta, 16th to 22nd August, the Spanish Royal family, celebrities and sailing fiends will spill out onto the bay to enjoy a week of the finest Mediterranean sailing by day and glamorous galas by night.

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Fuerteventura International Jazz Festival

Desert mountains

Fuerteventura, like every other Canary island, is famous for its love for parties and all year round festivals. Every year, from the 9th until the 18th of July, the Canary Islands host a major world-class jazz festival sponsored by Heineken. This year will be the 18th time the festival is held since inception, with a total of about thirty-eight concerts held across the islands during the event. The festival began in Gran Canaria Island in 1992 before it spread across to the islands. Fuerteventura is one of the major venues where many of the massive concerts will take place.

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Nuestra Senora del Carmen fiesta in Lanzarote

The southern coast of Lanzarote

When you feel you have been too hard on yourself and looking for a holiday to release that long built tension, this fiesta will be a good opportunity to let your hair down and mingle with the fun and life-loving locals of Lanzarote.

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Biggest Telescope in the World celebrates 1st birthday

Gran Telescopio Canarias

The world's biggest optical telescope will celebrate its first birhtday. In July 2009, the Gran Telescopio Canarias was completed on the island of La Palma.

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Celebrate ancient wine from Cyprus

Valley in Cyprus

If you're in Cyprus between the 26th of July and the 1st of August this summer, the Koumandaria Festival may be worth attending. The locals of the Kourris Valley, one of Cyprus' better known wine producing areas near Paphos, celebrates the wine called Koumandaria with this annual festival. You are guaranteed to fall in love with this sweet, amber-coloured dessert wine. The main participating villages are Alassa, Agios Georgios, Doros, Laneia, Monagri and Silikou.

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A Paradise called Skiathos

Boat to Skiathos

Skiathos is a popular summer holiday destination in Greece. When it comes to natural beauty, amazing beaches, plus other interesting attractions for holiday makers, Skiathos has got what it takes. There are a lot of things to do on this small island in the Aegean Sea.

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International Festival of Greek Drama in Limassol

An ancient amphitheatre in Greece

The ancient Cypriot town of Limassol, visited by Richard the Lionheart in 1191 during the Third Crusade, is the home of the Cyprus Centre of the International Theatre Institute. This was founded in 1977 and hosts the 14th International Festival of Greek Drama from the 1st to the 27th of July.

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Musicas Del Mundo Festival in Alicante

Musicas der Mundo

From the 10th of July to the 21st of August, Alicante will be holding its annual Musicas Del Mundo Festival, translated Music of the World Festival. Musicians from all backgrounds from around the globe will be gathering to play near the city's port area with a total of 8 concerts throughout this time. The opening of this exciting event will be by Colombian pop group Fonseca and on the final day of the Festival, the legendary Flamenco guitarist, Paco De Lucia will be closing the show. Other people playing between these dates are Mexican Pop star, Alejandro Fernandez, Puerto Rican group Calle 13, Richard Bona, Bela Fleck, Dr John and so many more acclaimed musicians. Tickets will cost between 15 and 40 Euros. Money well spent!

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The Santorini Jazz Festival

 santorini

Santorini has a well deserved reputation for its natural geological wonders and the beautiful skafta (cave houses built into the rocks) that will not disappoint the discriminating traveller in search of a truly unforgettable, sun-soaked getaway. Santorini, also known as Thera, is a volcanic island located in the southern Aegean Sea. With panoramic views of lagoons and sweeping cliffs almost willing the island into the sky, who is not tempted to book flights to Santorini immediately? But be warned, this beautiful Mediterranean gem will steal your heart and you may not be able to leave.

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Get a total holiday package this summer in Larnaca

Diving in Cyprus

There are a thousand and one interesting things to do and places to visit in this beautiful city. However, to avoid disappointment, an early booking of your flights to Larnaca is highly recommended.

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Bodrum Holidays and Historical Enticements

Bodrum Windmill

Bodrum, formerly known as Halicarnassus, has a reputation for its unique holiday attractions with a fascinating mix of both modern and conventional qualities. This combination is responsible for many flights to Bodrum every year, making it the most visited and most attractive holiday resort on the Aegean coast of Turkey. If you are looking for more than just a beach holiday and Blue cruise, this is the best place to be.

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Bliss for Ballet Buffs in Bodrum

Ballet dancers

Ballet buffs should quickly book their flights to Bodrum, because the 8th Bodrum Ballet Festival is scheduled to take place in August this year. Like last year, the historical Castle of St. Peter will be the main venue.

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Top concerts in one of the oldest Roman amphitheatres

monastir tunisia

The cultural heart of Tunisia is Monastir, where Islamic architecture historic sites are the backdrop for a thriving scene of contemporary art and tourist attractions. Located on the central shore of Tunisia but other than that surrounded by deserts, Monastir is an enchanting oasis. From the 10th of July until the 8th of August 2010, the city will celebrate the El Jem festival for the 25th time.

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Religious Pageantry in Tinos

Tinos, Greece

The small Cycladic island of Tinos is home to a very special icon. The icon of the Virgin Mary, founded by the nun Pelagia in 1922, is homed in a spectacular neoclassical church called Our Lady of Tinos. It is believed that the nun found the icon as she was directed by the Virgin Mary herself in a dream. Our Lady of Tinos is not only attributed to have performed a number of miracles, being known as the Greek Lourdes, but it also reflects national identity as it was founded within the first days of the declaration of Greece as a modern independent state and is the Patron Saint of Greece. The icon is encased in gold, silver and jewels, and is surrounded by gifts, while outside the church pilgrims make their way up to the building on a special rubber mat on their hands and knees.

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A plethora of festivals for the cultural tourist in Kos this summer

kos, greece

The small island of Kos is rich in culture, having been part of the Greek Empire first, then the Roman, the Byzantine and finally the Ottoman Empire. The verdant green island with its beautiful rugged coast is not only a place to relax and soak up the sun, but also to experience Greek traditions. Each summer the island comes alive with a variety of cultural events and festivals.

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Palma for Party animals

cathedral of Palma de mallorca

Palma has many cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions, festivals and theatre productions both in summer and winter. In September, for example, Palma de Mallorca will host the Mare de Deu de la Salut fiesta. This means that processions and floral offerings will take over the city. There will be music and theatre entertainment, as well as a solemn mass in honour of the Virgin Mary at the church of Sant Miguel.

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The Malta Military Tattoo

Parade of Russian Armed Forces

This year's Malta Military Tattoo will take place on Saturday 9th October and Sunday 10th October at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC) at Ta'Qali.

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Mallorca Rocks!

A typical night in Ibiza

Mallorca Rocks is the name of a brand new hotel that was opened in Magaluf earlier this month. And they couldn't have named the hotel better, for it truly makes the Spanish island rock!

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Surfers prefer Faro

Surfers at Algarve

The Algarve coast is stunningly beautiful and it is also a first class surfing destination. For surfers, it's well worth booking flights to Faro because the waters here offer ideal conditions and there are amazing reefs and breaks all along the shore. Wide, sandy beaches overlooked by red clay cliffs and very little civilization make the Algarve a perfect culturescape for beach goers, even if you're not into surfing but simply long to relax. The beaches are not crowded here and tend to have a laid back feel.

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MTV on Malta

Grand Harbour from Vittoriosa

If you're on Malta today (30 June 2010), you're probably one of 50,000 youngsters from all over Europe, having a ball. You will most certainly be at Fosos Square because Isle of MTV, Malta's biggest free open-air party is on! There is a great line-up with Scissor Sisters, David Guetta and Kid Rock.

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Alicante Festivals and Gourmet

Spanish paella

Alicante is a prestigious city in Spain, known for its long summers and mild winters. This city is famous for its love of life, music, fireworks, festivals and gourmet dining. Alicante takes pride in its traditions and cultural values which show through in their festivals. These festivals take place throughout the year, but the summer festivals are more popular with tourists due to the number of flights to Alicante during this season.

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Live a magical dream in Orlando

underwater image of snorkelling

If there is one thing Orlando is known for, it is the fact that it's got all its attractions right when it comes to tourist satisfaction. And considering the media attention, the glamour and the reports surrounding this major city in the centre of Florida, it is safe to assume it's a place for only the rich and famous. But whoever says a dream holiday in Orlando is unaffordable? If you are considering your budget, there are a number of cheap flights to Orlando and discounts on travel packages every year to help minimize your cost. So there is really nothing stopping you from going on that holiday you have always dreamed of.

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Explore Fuerteventura

view from Isla de Lobos

The North of Fuerteventura

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Experience Lanzarote's Landscape

timanfaya_national_park

Lanzarote is just 125 km from the coast of Africa, and like its neighbour, enjoys a dry hot climate with little rainfall. With average midwinter temperatures about 21 C and mid summer temperatures around 29, Lanzarote is a perfect year round destination.

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Horses and Events in Menorca

Equine Fiesta

The island of Menorca hosts several celebrations and festivals during the summer and, unusually, many include horses as part of the programme.

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Last Minute Flights to Larnaca

parasol in Cyprus beach

All of those who have been longing to indulge in another culture should stop reading right now and book last minute flights to Larnaca immediately. The 8th of July, the Larnaka Festival 2010 will take off with an impressive performance of Anna Vissi in the Pattichon Municipal Amphitheatre. For three weeks, Larnace will host outdoor concerts, theatre, dance, a poetry night and film screenings in the Amphitheatre, the Medieval Fort, Skala (the regional theatre on Larnaka Pier) and the Kamares Old Aqueduct.

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A Holiday In Rhodes

Ancient town Lindos

Flights to Rhodes are extremely popular with singles, families, couples and those wanting a restful yet invigorating holiday. For good beaches and a sedate pace of life, consider the resorts of Lindos, Haraki, Kalathos, Kremasti, Stegna and Kolymbia. Resorts with nice beaches and a bustling night life include Rhodes Town, Faliraki, and Pefkos.

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The Venetian occupation of Zante

Greek orthodox church in Zante

An excursion on Zante to consider is a boat trip from the port of Agios Nikolaos to explore the island's rock formations off the northern coast as well as the stunning Blue Caves. Tours usually offer a swim and snorkle break around the limestone caves and a freshly prepared lunch. Many trips continue on for more swimming at the famous Shipwreck Cove, which is accessible only from the water.

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The full Spanish experience

View of Ibiza Bay at night

Ibiza, this small Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a famous celebrity destination. If you enjoy a lot of clubbing, you are going to love every minute of your stay on this island. Ibiza is famous for its riotous nightlife, live gigs, tattoos and summer parties. Ibiza hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year which attract thousands of tourists from all over Europe. flights to Spain are very frequent and at a very good deal too.

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Join the Maltese summer festivals

Woman playing the saxophone

Malta is a country with a rich and vibrant culture. If there is one thing the Maltese are known for, it is their love for cultural and religious festivals. Most of these festivals take place throughout the year. If you are a fun-loving, vivacious music-lover with an appetite for special foods, this is a good opportunity to mingle with the Maltese for these fantastic festivals.

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The Hippocratia Festival in Kos

Ruins at the Castle in Kos

When you think of Greek islands, your mind invariably thinks of golden, dazzling beaches and all year round sunshine. But for tourists that want to experience something a little more off the beaten track, flights to Kos will surprisingly provide just the ticket.

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Camel Wrestling in Anatolia

Closeup of a Camel

Everyone has heard of bull fighting, but how about camel wrestling? This rather unorthodox and much less gruesome sporting tradition derived from Anatolian semi-nomadic custom survives in the city of Selcuk in Turkey. Known for its proximity to the ruins of Ephesus, Selcuk is the capital of camel wrestling. The national Camel Wrestling Championship takes place in the outskirts of the Aegean coastal city in January - but do plan ahead if you want to catch a glimpse of something extraordinary!

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International Festival of Carthage: party in Phoenician Style

Tunisia. Ancient Carthage

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be a Roman Patrician? Well, in Tunisia, over 2000 years later, you may get a small taster. In the months of July and August, the ancient city of Carthage, the birthplace of the infamous Hannibal, becomes alive with its International Festival.

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Celebrating Hippocrates, the founder of medicine

 Odeon in Kos Greece

Kos is the third largest Greek island in the southern part of Dodecanese. Kos is bordered by beautiful sea, beaches, and mountains as well as fascinating landmarks. If you love touring, sightseeing and history, this is an ideal place to visit. You will find there is so much more to a holiday here than just lying by the sea.

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Good reasons to visit Paphos

cyprus aphrodites rock

Paphos is one of the most visited and the most attractive cities on the west coast of Cyprus. It's boasting with big and famous hotels with their own beaches. And if you are looking for accommodations within a smaller budget, there are quite a number of affordable ones with good quality too.

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Sintra Festival

Da Pena palace in Sintra

Nestled amongst the hills of the Grand Lisboa region of Portugal is the picturesque city of Sintra. Famed for its fairytale castles and inspiring architecture, for the last 51 years the city has also hosted the Sintra Festival. This month-long event brings together major names in chamber music and ballet from around the world. In recent years, the festival has witnessed performances by the Soprano Ann Murray and dance companies such as the Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve, the Spanish Compania Nacional de Damza and the Scottish Dance Theatre.

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Exotic experience in the sun and deserts of Monastir

El Jem Coliseum of Thysdrus

Monastir is a city in the heart of Tunisia. This beautiful city is a fusion of both modern and traditional cultures of Tunisia. You can expect a lot of golden, sandy beaches and dunes, scenic views, water parks and plenty of sun. But if you want more than just a beach holiday, then this is a good place to be. Monastir is well-known for its insightful deserts, historical sites and festivals.

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Hellenic Festival in Athens

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

For over forty years the Hellenic Festival of Athens has maintained Greece's status as the cultural heart of Europe. It celebrates the country's proud tradition as the birthplace of Western theatre, and is generally regarded as one of the most important events in the European cultural calendar.

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The Soundtrack of Tenerife

Tenerife auditorium

Fimucite is Tenerife's Film Music Festival which runs between 5th July and 10th July 2010.

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Two day feasting in Malta: Imnarja-feast of St Peter and St Paul

fireworks

Are you looking for a last minute break with a difference? Are you bored with beach driven holidays? Would you like the chance to experience a traditional Catholic country festival? Then the Mediterranean island of Malta is the place for you.

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Celebrate Spanish wine with the locals: La Festa des Vermar

glass of wine and grapes

The Balearic island of Mallorca is known for its hip and happening bars and clubs, its luxurious villas and yachts as well as for being the summer playground of the Spanish Royal family. While basking in the late summer sunshine, this iconic Spanish island deeply steeped in tradition also offers the discerning tourist a chance to experience medieval Spanish custom, and wine, at its best.

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The Festival of San Juan

bonfire on a beach

The Festival of San Juan on June 24th is a major event in the Spanish calendar as it is associated with the coming of summer. The Spanish never need an excuse for a party and the day is celebrated in both urban and rural areas with bonfires and festivities. These fires are particularly popular in the Catalonian and Valencian communities, and in some areas the date is also celebrated as Catalan nation day.

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Folk, Food and Fun in Malta

Panorama of Valetta

Malta is the place to be this weekend. If you have already booked your flight, consider yourself lucky. If not, you might want to check out our last minute flights to Malta, because from Friday the 4th of June until Sunday the 6th, the annual Ghanafest will take place in the Argotti Gardens in Floriana, within walking distance from the capital Valletta. This year's edition of the festival will be dedicated to Indri Brincat, the Maltese guitar maker and folk guitarist known as il-Pupa, who passed away on the 24th of March 2010.

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Green and Pleasant Island

Landscape of Rhodos

Anyone who has ever visited Rhodes, the gorgeous Greek 'Island of Roses', knows that it's easy to fall in love with the environment. But never more so, perhaps, than at the end of June, when the annual Ecofilms festival rolls into town.

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Fuerteventura Music Festival

Lagoon of El Cotillo

This year's must see concert of the Canaries is the 'Fuerteventura en Musica 2010', which will take place on the 2nd and the 3rd July on the beach in El Cotillo Lagoon across from Azzurro, on the north west corner of Fuerteventura.

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The Prodigy in Burgas

Varna south bay on Black sea

Fans of The Prodigy or The Gorillaz Sound System should book their flights to Bourgas now, because the organisation of SPIRIT in Burgas has announced that these artist will be present at the festival this year.

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Corfu's Food and Festivals

roasted chicken with tzatziki

This summer, every village in Corfu will host at least one paniyiri, a local festival with live music, dancing, delicious food and - it's Greece after all - Ouzo. The newspaper "The Corfiot" lists the major paniyiri, but there are many others that only the locals know about. Don't be shy and ask them about it: they will be happy to invite you so they can show off their intricate dance moves and share their special dishes with you. Though you should book your flights to Corfu well in advance, you can't plan what you're going to do on the island until you're there.

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Discover Crete

Frangokastello Castle

The best way to discover Crete may just be on foot. The island is ideal for walks, with mountains, valleys, villages, plains and an expansive coastline to explore. Crete has over 200 gorges which are accessible by walking

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Happy in Hurghada

spices in egyptian bazar

Hurghada is divided into three parts. The downtown (El Dahar or simply Dahar) is the old quarter of the city; Sekalla is the modern section; El Korra Road is the newest, most contemporary part.

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Feel Free in Funchal

market funchal

For shopping, visit the Workers' Market (Mercado dos Lavradores), an open market that is alive with activity, noise, color and the hustle and bustle of the locals. Here you can buy any Madeira's specialties such as fresh fish, vegetables, spices, exotic flowers and local handicrafts. The building is in the late 1930s art deco style and designed by Portuguese architect Edmundo Tavares. Local handicrafts in the region include hand made embroidery and lace items, ceramics, tiles, and wicker objects. Locally made honey is a perfect souvenir.

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Marvellous Malta

Malta blue lagoon in Comino

One way to see the spectacular island of Malta is on an open-topped bus which allows you to take in the views with the win in your hair and the sunshine at you disposal. Each bus tour takes about three hours. The buses here run on two different routes: the south of the island and one on the north. The South tour visits Valletta, a lovely fishing village called Marsaslokk, the Blue Grotto and the Megalithic Temples of Hagar Qim among many other interesting sites. The North tour takes visitors through the marinas of Ta' Xbiex, San Anton Palace gardens, Ta Qali Craft centre, the Aviation Museum, Mosta Dome and over to Mdina. Malta's most magnificent beaches as well as the popular tourist centres of Bugibba and St Julian's can be seen on the return journey.

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Wildlife and Wild Nights in Gran Canaria

Maspalomas in Gran Canaria.

Gran Canaria is great for picking up bargains both in the resort areas many shops as well as more traditional markets.

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Mirthful Monastir

Mausoleum of Habib Bourgiba

The marina of Monastir has a gorgeous palm lined promenade and first class international style restaurants. Towards the old town section of Monastir, there are many charming pavement cafes and more affordable restaurants serving local cuisine. These restaurants offer a more traditional Tunisian experience, with lots of of local specialities. To make life more convenient, most cafes and restaurants here accept Euros, even though the official currency is the Tunisian Dinar.

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Beaches of Sanford

Space shuttle launch at Cape Canaveral

For a performance that is extra special, try a night at La Nouba Cirque du Soleil in downtown Orlando. For another dazzling evening event, The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show combines comedy improvisation with magic and audience participation. Visitors get unlimited pizza, salad, popcorn, dessert, beer, wine and soft drinks, all included in the price.

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The film set of Mamma Mia

Panorama of Skiathos Town

Little Banana Beach has clear water and fine sand. It's a nudist beach but the many beach goers here are clothed, so it welcomes everyone.

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Istanbul International Music Festival

Twilight by the Bosporus, Istanbul

Istanbul has always been a cultural melting pot and is traditionally known as the gateway to Asia, where East meets West. Throughout June the city truly lives up to this reputation by playing host to one of the major events in the cultural calendar, the International Istanbul Music Festival. The festival is a summer extravaganza that straddles every genre from opera and ballet to classical and traditional Turkish music.

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Gran Canaria Fiestas

Gran Canaria bougainvillea

Gran Canaria is an island famed for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. However, there is a hidden world of exotic festivities and colourful celebrations that most tourists remain unaware of. If you can drag yourself away from the idyllic coastline and head inland for a day or two then you can get in touch with a vibrant local culture that has stayed intact for hundreds of years.

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Crete Renaissance Festival

Comedia Masks

From July 12th to 27th the town of Rethymnon in Crete will come to life in celebration of a unique period of history. The Renaissance Festival was created in 1987 as a way for Cretans to reconnect with an era that rejuvenated the island both culturally and spiritually, and the event is still going strong over two decades later.

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Ionian Islands

Porto Katsiki beach at Lefkada

Is there anywhere more enchanting, more atmospheric or, for that matter, better value for a holiday than a Greek island? In particular a holiday on one of the beautiful Ionian Islands, scattered the western edge of the Greek mainland makes for an magical getaway.

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South Nilandhe Atoll, the swankiest of them all

Beautiful white Maldivian beach

The Maldives are a group of atolls in the Indian Ocean to the south west of Sri Lanka. As flights to Male increase in popularity with holiday makers, many tour operators are offering package holidays to many of the better known resorts that are literally a boat ride from the airport. However, for those who want to experience the luxury and tranquillity of atolls that are unspoilt by comparison, the South Nilandhe Atoll has recently opened its luxurious doors.

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More Bangers For Your Buck

fireworks

With its blue skies and balmy climate, Menorca is a hotspot all summer long. For a guaranteed scorcher of a holiday, though, the time to visit is during the midsummer festival of San Juan held from the 20th to the 24th of June this year, when the island is ablaze with bonfires and fireworks and every school kid is armed with a bagful of bangers!

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International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama

amphitheater at Kourion

The Ancient Greeks can lay claim to some of the greatest achievements of Western civilisation, and throughout July the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama in Cyprus will attempt to breathe new life into this proud tradition. The festival was created in 1996 and attracts theatre companies from as far afield as Britain, USA, Russia and Korea. Through this international participation, the Cyprus Centre for Theatre aims to highlight the universality of Ancient Greek drama and its relevance in the modern world.

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Corpus Christi celebrations in Spain

Spanish fiesta with petards

If you happen to be in Spain on June 3rd then expect to get caught up in one of the major festivals of the Spanish calendar. Corpus Christi is a feast day that celebrates the Eucharist, which Catholics believe to be the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The Spanish never need an excuse for a celebration, and as a country with a strong Catholic heritage it is hardly surprising that there are major festivities across the country on this day. However, what makes the festival so exciting for an outsider is that each region celebrates the day in its own unique way.

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A trip to the myths of ancient Greece

Harbor of Nidri

As is the case in this corner of the world, Lefkas has an ancient and mysterious past. Legends abound from tales of Aphrodite the Goddess of Love and Homer's Odysseus to the story of Sappho's leaping to her death from the 75m high Cape Lefkata cliffs in the 7th Century BC. The Romans also had a thing about throwing people from the cliffs there, however these days, other than the odd hang glider, things have quietened down!

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Bliss on the Baa Atoll

Tropical Paradise at Maldives

Everything about the Maldives combines to create the ultimate sun-worshipper's destination: palm fringed islands, sparkling white sand, warm crystal clear seas and spectacular coral reefs, deep blue skies, wall to wall sunshine and inviting shallow lagoons perfect for snorkelling.

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Skiathos Anniversary

 island of Skiathos

Almost three years ago, the small harbour in Skiathos was full of excitement and expectation as film crews descended on the town to film part of what would become one the biggest box office hits of the following year: Mamma Mia!

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The Medieval Rose Festival at Rhodes

medievel shield rhodes

If your only image of the Greek islands is of package holidays, then prepare to have your horizons broadened. From May 15th to June 27th, the island of Rhodes is transported back in time courtesy of the Medieval Rose Festival. Rhodes is an island steeped in history, and the festival is an incredible chance to watch the past come alive in front of your eyes.

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Sonar festival, Barcelona

gothic quarter barcelona

Every year in June, music fans make a pilgrimage to Barcelona for the Sonar festival. Created in 1994, the festival has secured itself a reputation as one of the major events in the European music calendar. The organisation describes it as a festival of 'advanced music and multimedia art', and headline acts in recent years have ranged from Bjork to the Beastie Boys, and Grace Jones to Kraftwerk. As well as music, there are performances in every kind of media you could imagine, and probably a few that you couldn't. Expect to see audio projections, film presentations, technology demonstrations, conferences and debates as well as clothes and music fares.

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History and Tourism Hand in Hand in Bodrum

bodrum city

The town of Bodrum and the surrounding peninsula in the south of Turkey provide a unique mix of abundant history and are a perfect holiday destination.

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May in Malta

Valletta, capital of Malta

Hundreds of Brits are looking forward to a visit to Malta in May and they will travel there for all kinds of reasons. The first reason that comes to mind is the weather, but another reason why so many have booked flights to Malta is the omnipresence of historic and cultural treasures on the island.

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Coral Reefs at Sharm el Sheikh

Coral reef scene

The waters off the Egyptian holiday resort of Sharm el Sheikh are home to some amazing coral reefs. The authorities in the region are working hard to protect the area with various initiatives.

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Alive After Five in Sandford

musician playing steel drums

Visitors to Florida this summer may be interested in sampling Sandford's regular "Alive after Five" event, which is held each month on the second Thursday.

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Taking Sand to the Beach

sand sculpture crocodile

Last Friday, a remarkable exhibition was opened on Lara Beach in Turkey, showing over 100 massive sand sculptures by thirty artists from ten different countries all over the world. One of the sculptures is 15 meter tall and depicts several characters from Avatar, the world's most successful film ever. The exhibition is part of the Antalya International Sand Sculpture Festival, and each round, participating sculptors only have a couple of days to turn 7,500 tons of imported sand into art.

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Where Danielle Got Her Tan

Catch a tan on Tenerife

One of the unfortunate tourists that got stuck on Tenerife due to the volcanic ash cloud were Gary Lineker, his wife Danielle and their five children. After spending Christmas and New Year's even in Barbados, they were polishing up their tans in the Canary Islands right before the ash cloud halted all flights in Europe. Though the journey back to London must have been extremely stressful, the tan the Welsh lingerie model acquired during their prolonged stay seems well worth it. For those who want a holiday tan like Danielle's, flights to Tenerife have resumed.

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The Soundtrack of Greece

Preveza

If you're tired of Glastonbury or feel too old for festivals, then maybe it's time you thought about travelling to the Greek coast for a music festival like no other. From July 1st to the 4th each year the idyllic town of Preveza plays host to the International Choral Festival. Now in its twenty seventh year, the event is unique in that it is split into two distinct parts.

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Malta Performances

tap shoes

The world of the performing arts can take many forms, from theatre and opera to classical music concerts and choral recitals, but April on Malta sees two other varieties taking centre stage.

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Algarve Prepares For Sporting Summer

jet ski with water spray

If you are visiting one of the resorts on the Algarve this summer, then in addition to the usual cultural events, an array of sporting competitions is planned for both spectators and amateur participants. Resorts like Faro, Portimao, Vilamoura and Tavira are all close to the sporting events for 2010.

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Menorca Emerges

laser boat

The peaceful island of Menorca seems to be quickly emerging from its typically quiet off-season period and all over the island there are events taking place for visitors to enjoy. Locals also get their first opportunities of the year to get outside and take part in some sporting competitions with tennis being one of the sports on offer. The 21st edition of Jaime Mascaro Open tennis tournament took place on 11th April. Mr Mascaro is not some former tennis champion from the island but a local shoe manufacturer who sponsored the tournament. Sailing is also popular in Menorca and April saw various regattas taking place with the La Caixa Trophy held between 4th and 18th April. Also, the Sa Nostra Trophy event for the smaller laser and optimist boats was held on 12th April in Es Castell.

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Malta Spring Celebrations

strawberries

By far the biggest occasion during April was the two day visit by Pope Benedict XVI to the island, an event that commemorated an unfortunate event that happened almost two thousand years ago. That was the time when St Paul's boat was shipwrecked on Malta while he was on a voyage to Rome. The Saint remained on Malta for 3 months and there are many locations around the island that exist due to this unfortunate accident. In Rabat there is St Paul's Grotto and Church that was built in the 17th Century. It is claimed that the grotto was also used by the Romans as a prison and it was also an air raid shelter during the 2nd World War.

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Gran Canaria Operas

Gran Canaria

Visitors to Gran Canaria during May and June will have the opportunity to see some of the world's best known operas performed on the island as part of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's 43rd Festival of Opera.

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New Larnaca Marina Award

Boat Marina in Cyprus

A consortium that was recently awarded the contract to design, build and operate a new marina complex at Larnaca in Cyprus will have to wait a little longer to find out if the decision that went in their favour still holds. The two companies who also competed for the project during the tendering process have had their complaints upheld and the review procedure must be done again. Work on the development is due to start at the end of this year for a planned completion date in 2013.

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Madeira's Flourishing Flower Festival

flowers

Earlier this year, the inhabitant of Madeira worked together with determination to recover quickly from the destructive storms that hit parts of the island during February. After showing so much resilience, the annual Flower Festival on Madeira during April provided an opportunity for them to put recent events behind them and look forward to another great summer.

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Gran Canaria Calima

Dunas de Maspalomas in Gran Canary

Visitors from the UK taking a holiday on the island of Gran Canaria will sometimes feel that this island, situated out in the Atlantic Ocean, is not too different from the UK in some respects. There are now plenty of ex-pats who have made their home here, so hearing English spoken is not unusual. Also the reach of globalisation has touched Gran Canaria now and after a Lidl store opening this year, the island now also has a brand new Starbucks to satisfy the thirst for coffee that many Brits seem to be acquiring.

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Luxor and the heart of Egypt

egyptian monument

With flights to Luxor normally leaving the UK from three different airports, there are several options for a trip to this city in the heart of Egypt. Situated on the banks of the Nile, Luxor is famous as a base for the popular river cruises that take tourists up and down the longest river in the world. The Nile, which rises in two places in Ethiopia and East Africa before travelling over 4000 miles and emptying into the Mediterranean, is thought to have been a profound factor in the development of the ancient Egyptian civilisation. Providing not only fertile lands but also a means of transport, it also acted a barrier and defense during times of conflict. As it passes through Luxor the Nile is quite wide and slow flowing and until a bridge was built at a narrower stretch of the river south of the city, ferry boats were the only convenient way of crossing between sides.

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Algarve Arts in March

flowers mixed

We've already mentioned some of the sporting events planned to take place on the Algarve during April, with a round of the World Superbike Championship being one of the most high profile. This event represents a great opportunity for British bike fans who may struggle to get tickets for the home round of this series. Book some time off work, secure some cheap flights with flythomascook.com and spend a long weekend enjoying the Portuguese round of the series in the warm sunshine of the Algarve.

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Play a Part in a Potter Adverture

view-from-magical-castle

Did you stay in to watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, and The Goblet of Fire on ABC Family this weekend? And did that get you and the kids in the mood for a magical holiday? Of course you could go to Oxford and view the university buildings where all Hogwarts school scenes were filmed. But though it definitely is an enchanting city, you won't exactly see students flying around on broomsticks. For the real Harry Potter experience, you should visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida.

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Tenerife on The Big Screen

Los Roques de Garcia and volcano Teide

The island of Tenerife was showcased in a different light on the big screen when a new movie premiered in the UK.

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Seven Wonders Of Portugal

Carrapateira coastline bay

The public still have several months to vote on what they regard to be the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal, in a competition aimed at promoting some of the country's most beautiful natural areas.

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Menorca on Land and Sea

port of Ciutadella

If you are planning to spend a holiday on the island of Menorca during April then, in addition to the wonderful beaches that are just perfect for lazy days in the sun, the island has plenty of plans for other activities and attractions that will encourage you to get out and about in the countryside and on the water.

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Malta's April Offerings

knight on horse back

For many holiday resorts the off season is often a period of complete downtime as far as events are concerned, but places like Malta always seem to have something going on to interest visitors.

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Spring Forward in Mallorca

almond orchard and mountain

Calendars have already been flipped over to March and now on to April, and Spring has certainly arrived on the island of Mallorca. Temperatures are nudging their way towards 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the island is a picture of new life with orchards all over the island proudly displaying their almond blossom.

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Half Marathon in Sharm El Sheikh

Runner on sand

March was the time when Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt received hundreds of hardy athletes, ready to tackle the 4th annual Sharm El Sheikh Half Marathon.

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Music Styles on Malta

girl_performing_on_stage

Two contrasting styles of music were set to be performed on the island of Malta during March and April, and the culturally aware audiences on the island were bound to appreciate both.

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Art and Music in March on Lanzarote

musician_plays_the_clarinet

One of the nicest settings to appreciate art on the island of Lanzarote is the International Museum of Contemporary Art (MIAC). This interesting museum is housed in the old Castle of San Jose and was opened in 1975. The building itself is an unusual semi-circular structure built over 300 years ago to protect the town from invasion from the sea. This castle is situated to the northern side of Arrecife harbour and a similar building, the Castle of San Gabriel, sits on a sea wall at the other end of the town.

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Spring Exhibitions on Malta

Valletta_in _Malta _island

Anyone who visits Malta will be immediately struck by the island's appreciation of art and culture. Malta is not only a great location for a sunny beach holiday, but also a fulfilling place for anyone with an interest in history or culture. The island's past is full of invasions, ownership changes and strategic involvement in many of the region's past conflicts. Valletta is not only a great monument to the island's legacy of architectural influences but also a centre for much of the art culture on the island today.

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Tenerife Announces April Pop Concert

Santa_Cruz _Beach

Many holiday resorts around Europe will be putting the finishing touches to their summer event plans, with several places set to hold music festivals. These multi-act events usually last several days and can attract huge audiences, especially if the mix of artists caters for a wide range of tastes.

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Almond Walks on Mallorca

almond_trees_in_spring

The humble almond is a stranger to British shores but across the Mediterranean, it is grown widely especially in locations with warm, dry weather for most of the year. This includes many parts of Greece, Cyprus and the Balearic Islands. In the Canaries, Christmas is a time when the shelves of supermarkets become stocked with all kinds of almond-based delicacies including the traditional Turron, a type of nougat.

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The Friday Market in Ventimiglia

ventimiglia-market

If you love holidays in the French Riveria, you might want to try going a bit closer to the Italian border and visit the town of Ventimiglia to see the famous Friday market. The town's weekly market attracts thousands of people from both France and Italy and provides a spectacle of vendors selling everything including fruit, flowers and fish. But would you still go there if you knew it was also reputed to be the biggest black market in Europe?

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Multicultural Medley in Montreal

literature from various cultures

Every spring, hundreds of writers, literary translators, journalists and publishers from all over the world gather for the world's greatest multilingual literary festival in Montreal. They come together in Montreal because this city is known for blending the widest diversity of ethnic backgrounds into one fantastic jazz medley. The Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival is an exciting celebration for everyone with an interest in literature from various cultures.

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Opening Parades on 12th February

Portrait of young woman with creative make-up in doll style

Friday 12th February was the date for two spectacular opening ceremonies. In Vancouver, Canada the 2010 Winter Olympics started on that day when the hosts set to stage a stunning event in the BC Place arena. The organisers went to great lengths to ensure everything went according to plan, even asking the audience to arrive early to take part in a rehearsal an hour before the official start.

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Sporting Holidays a Target for Fuerteventura

Beach and Dunes

Just like the authorities responsible for tourism in the Spanish Balearic islands, the Canary Island tourist authorities are also working hard to promote their resorts his year. One segment that they seem to be targeting is the sports tourist, an emerging focus for many resorts because they represent an opportunity to attract high spending clients during parts of the season outside the main peak periods.

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Sanford Street Parties

Sidewalk in Sanford, Florida, USA

Visitors to Orlando in Florida who travel with flythomascook.com during the summer will arrive at the Florida Sanford airport. In addition to visiting all the theme park attractions of nearby Orlando it may be worth checking out Sandford itself. The town is well- known for its "Alive after Five" street festivals that take place every month.

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Remember Monastir

Old fashioned umbrellas at the mediaterranean beach. Monastir, Tunisia

Winter sun tourists quite often focus their attention on the popular resorts of the Canary Islands, the Red Sea beach resorts of Egypt or the slightly longer flight to the hotter climate of The Gambia. But there are also some nearer resorts like the island of Malta and the Monastir area of Tunisia that can also provide the sun and sand that many yearn for at this time of year.

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Get to know the spiritual wealth of Gambia

boat trip along the Hallehein river

The Atlantic beaches of Gambia are soft, sandy and superb for sunbathing. But the country has so much more to offer than its captivating coast. On a typical day near the coast, you can both chill on a white beach, go for a boat trip along the Hallehein river and explore the rich forest with its stunning flora and fauna. All that without stress. But it's the cultural wealth and warm hearts of the natives that make Gambia a place you'll want to return to.

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Film Fanatics visit Florida

silhouette of roller coaster

For cinema lovers, Orlando is the place to be this April. As a result of its moderate climate and year-round sunshine, this area has a long film history. But now is the time to book flights to Florida, because the Florida Film Festival 2010 is promising to be an unforgettable experience.

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Mallorca February Fiesta

a view of valldermossa

If you were lucky enough to be enjoying a holiday on Mallorca during February, then you might have liked to investigate some of the many carnival events taking place across the island.

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Palma's La Seu Cathedral

Cathedral La Seu in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, one of the famous landmarks of Majorca. In the foreground Park del Mar. On the left side you can see the spanish kings palace Palau de l'Almundia.

When you drive into Palma de Mallorca from the east you pass by one of the city's largest but perhaps most perplexing buildings. The huge La Seu Cathedral sits almost uncomfortably on the sea front with busy roads passing close by and only a man-made lake and a narrow strip of parkland separating it from the lines of traffic. It's size also makes it look unwieldy against the surrounding architecture, almost as if it was placed there temporarily until a more fitting location could be found.

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Maspalomas Carnival Get Go Ahead

Maspalomas resort, Gran Canaria

One of the biggest carnivals on Gran Canaria has the green light to go ahead having been given assurances by its local mayor that proper finances would be available.

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Malta in February

Carnival Series Images depicting the mood, spirit, and festivities at the International Malta Carnival 2007 Editorial Images

If you happened to be spending a break on Malta during the second half of February then carnival tradition and sporting excellence awaited as two of the island's main annual events took place before the end of the month.

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Mallorca Has Hidden Charms

Lake Georg Blau panorama

For many people, primarily those who have never been there, Mallorca creates the impression of being a typical beach-based resort, often filled with rowdy twenty-somethings on a cheap week away, but for those who have visited the island and ventured away from the one of two resorts that seem to make the holiday headlines, Mallorca is a real jewel in the Mediterranean.

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January Algarve Events

Portuguese Meat of pig and bread

The rest of Europe may be settling back for a quiet few weeks to help get over the Christmas excesses but the Algarve region of Portugal is still busy at this time of year. The southern coast of Portugal is a long strip of beaches, holidays resorts and golf courses that attract visitors all year round and especially during January and February when its mild weather can provide a welcome break from the harsher winter days of the UK.

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Ibiza Summer 2010

Party People @ Club Amnesia , Ibiza 2006

During the Summer months, many of our passengers on flights to Ibiza travel to the island to enjoy the thriving nightlife as much as the sun and beaches. The six months or more between the time when most of the clubs close in October through to their reopening in May and June may seem a lifetime, but many will already be planning their trips at this time of year to get the best deals.

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Gran Canaria Celebrations

Maspalomas in Gran Canaria.

The carnival season is an important time of the year in Gran Canaria and because the resort of Maspalomas and the capital Las Palmas are the two biggest towns on the island, it is not surprising that the most spectacular carnivals are held there. We will cover those events in more detail as they approach, but there are also other towns on the island that host their own programmes.

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Tenerife Welcomes World's Biggest Cruise Ship

A luxury cruise ship docked in the port

Most people choose to fly to Tenerife for their holidays, but for the 3000 passengers on one of the world's biggest cruise ships, Santa Cruz de Tenerife was a stopping point on their sea voyage that started in Barcelona during December 2009 and had already visited Casablanca before leaving the Mediterranean to head for the Canaries.

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Flamenco in Faro

young woman running at the top of a hill

Recently we reported on a series of Flamenco concerts taking place in the Canary Islands during February. Perhaps it's that time of year but there was also a brace of Flamenco concerts which took place in Faro on the Algarve at the 6th Flamenco Festival in early February.

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February Sports Bonanza on The Algarve

Skydiver falls through the air

If anyone doubted the importance to the Portuguese of sport and getting into the great outdoors, then a visit to the Algarve in Portugal during February will have put those doubts to rest. Of course the weather in the region is a crucial factor, with dry, mild conditions during the early part of the year permitting sporting events that could only take place during summer in the UK. Another factor is the attitude of the local communities towards sporting activities and events. Whether these be football tournaments, water sports events in the sea or motorsport competitions, there seems to be an endless stream of options for both spectating and taking part.

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Dance Music in Malta, Sharm and Cyprus

dj

Dance music fans have their favourite venues around Europe where the world's top DJs and dance music performers typically appear. These include of course Ibiza during the summer months but also, in the earlier part of the year, several other holiday resorts get their chance to promote dance music events featuring the stars.

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Classical Times on Tenerife

Tenerife capital city view from the distant

The events that are currently in full swing on Tenerife may not be everyone's cup of tea. The excitement and revelery of the annual carnival is the highlight of the year for many, but for others a selection of quieter more sedate events may be preferred.

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Shake Out Your Castanets in The Canaries

Young Spanish flamenco dancer playing the castanets

The Spanish music style of Flamenco is the kind of music played during traditional dances with performers dressed in stylish costume. The ladies wear long flowing skirts while the men dress in outfits that symbolise the attire normally associated with bullfighting. But in Spain, Flamenco is better known as a form of music rather than a dance. The castanets, or palillos as they are known locally, are small-hand held percussion instruments usually played in pairs.

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Canary Islands Music Festival Schedule

Young girl playing violin outdoor

There may have been a big freeze across northern Europe at the beginning of January but the attractions for tourists soaking up the sun in Gran Canaria were added to on 8th January when the Canary Islands Music Festival started in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

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Canaries Football Spotlight

Sex stereotype, girl watching while boy is ready to play

If you go to the Canary Islands for a winter break, don't be surprised to find the locals with a healthy appetite for watching football. The islands currently have several successful teams, one that competes in the top Spanish League and others that play more locally.

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Antalya Tourist Numbers Climb

Panoramic Olympos Beach. Antalya, Turkey

The Mediterranean resort of Antalya in Turkey claims to have grown its January tourist numbers by over 30 per cent in 2010 compared to the same month in 2009. This claim is based on the number of tourists arriving at Antalya airport during the month.

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Antalya Airport Improvements

thomas cook plane

The operators of Antalya airport in Turkey, which acts as a gateway for tourists travelling to this part of the Turkish Mediterranean coastline, have announced a series of improvements including an improved domestic terminal which is set to open before the end of March.

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Almond Blossom In February

Almond flowers with selective depth of field

Tree blossom brings a welcome boost of colour to UK trees in spring, but for Mediterranean islands like Mallorca and Menorca, as well as the islands of the Canaries, spring blossom arrives a little earlier in February thanks to the almond trees.

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December What's On For Tenerife

Tenerife national landmark: Auditorio de Tenerife - The Tenerife Opera House which is a symbol for the capitol of Tenerife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Canary Islands.

There is no doubt that Christmas is the theme highest on the events list for December on Tenerife with concerts and carol services being held all over the island in the run up to the Christmas break.

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International Volleyball in Tenerife

Beach volleyball field

Since beach volleyball became part of the Olympics in 1996, its popularity has boomed. In October last year, Tenerife hosted a top level mens tournament at Siam Park.

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Unusual Events in Sharm

two people dancing tango on the street

The Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheikh is best known as a winter sun destination and a favourite location for Scuba divers, but other, more unusual, events also find their place there.

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Sharm Flights In January

Sandy beach

Winter breaks to the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh are proving very popular this season and flythomascook.com had some very competitive prices for journeys during January 2010.

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Life in the Open Air in Larnaca

Palm trees by beach on the island of Cyprus.

In Cyprus the resort of Larnaca always does its best to make use of the great weather it benefits from. Outdoor activities are the norm here from dance festivals to concerts and theatre performances. If it can take place outdoors, then in Larnaca it always does.

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October Culture in Larnaca

costa mesa april

Barely a day goes by in Larnaca without some kind of cultural, artistic or sporting event taking place, even during the quieter months of the holiday season. We have already reported on the classical music concerts being performed by the island's Symphony Orchestra and the visit by one of China's best-known international dance troupes, both were in early October.

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New Year Arts in Mallorca

View of Palma de Mallorca and mountains behind it

The sun is already shining on Mallorca and the island hasn't even got to its main event of the year yet. Just like all Spanish towns, Palma's biggest festive event took place, not on 25th December, but on 6th January.

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Music Marathon on Lanzarote

A group of elementary children racing across their school parking lot.

The holiday island of Lanzarote organised a group of marathons with a difference in October 2009, where musical accompaniment was the main feature of running events aimed at athletes of all abilities.

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December Events in Malta

Red seats in theater

The social calendar during December on the island of Malta has a familiar British ring to it and that's no surprise given Malta's history and its long associated with Britain.

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Boogie Boarding Lanzarote

body boarder riding a big wave

Body Boarding or Boogie Boarding is not a new sport, in fact this easier version of surfing is claimed to have been invented in California almost 40 years ago. But don't be fooled, those Californians have a habit of picking an ancient custom and skill, adding a twist and claiming it as their own. The Californian surfboard designer who carved his first body board from a chunk of polystyrene foam was in fact doing exactly what Polynesian natives had done thousands of years earlier to allow them to float and surf the waves around their islands.

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Glorious Golf in Belek

Golfcourse in ANtalya, Turkey

Rapidly turning into Turkey's hottest new kid on the block in terms of tourism, Belek is a region on the coast of southern Turkey which includes the town of Belek itself, the city of Antalya and the stunning Aspendos amphitheatre. Here the coastline is scattered with "blue flag" quality beaches, newly developed tourist centres and a variety of historic and cultural attractions.

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Funchal's Shortest Day

View over the mountains of Pico Do Arieiro, Madeira, Portugal

The 17th December, was the shortest day of the year in Funchal on the island of Madeira in 2009, dusk arrived at 4 minutes to five in the afternoon only 600 minutes after sunrise. Compare that to London whose shortest day came a day or two later and was only 470 minutes long. So a winter break on the island of Madeira will not only provide more sun and warmer temperatures, but the days will be over two hours longer too.

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End Of Year Events On Cyprus

view of Limassol, Cyprus

On Cyprus the event calendars for the resorts of Paphos and Larnaca are never quiet for long and looking back through the end of the year to January 2010 and beyond that seems to ring true. These holiday destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean always have plenty going on in terms of music concerts, theatre performances, local traditions and sporting events.

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December Culture in Larnaca and Paphos

The moon shining over Paphos, Cyprus

In Cyprus the towns of Larnaca and Paphos are favourites of both British tourists and ex-pats who have gone there to live and enjoy the milder climate. As you might expect the Christmas cultures of the towns are both a mix of Greek Cypriot traditions and those more modern derivatives that the mix of nationalities brings to the area.

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Music Festival in Tenerife

Auditorio in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

During January Tenerife hosts the Festival de Musica de Canarias, a celebration of classical music that first started in 1985.

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Photography Exhibitions on Tenerife

 Teresitas beach of Tenerife island, Canarias

The island of Tenerife offers photogenic landscapes all year round, but once the busy beaches of the summer take on a quieter Autumn feel the island reveals a slightly different side to the many photographers who attempt to capture the beauty of the island through their lenses. A special exhibition is taking place in Tenerife at the moment to showcase the works of hundreds of photographers. FotoNoviembre, as it names suggests, started during early November, runs through the whole month and on to 10th January.

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Paragliders in Tenerife

Para-motor gliders in different positions

The first weekend of December saw the skies of Tenerife filled with colourful paragliders as the island hosted an international competition.

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Antalya Hosts First Folk Festival

The Duden waterfall in Antalya. Turkey

The Turkish holiday resort of Antalya hosted its first ever folk festival during early December this year.

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Tom Jones Performs Concert in Malta

cheering crowd at concert

When we report on big music concerts in some of the resorts we fly to, it's often the older stars that are performing. Earlier this year Rod Stewart performed in Tenerife and Alice Cooper played a concert this summer in Cyprus.

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Christmas Events on Malta

christmas market

There are all kinds of festive events on the calendar for Malta in the run up to Christmas.

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Cyprus During November

fencing players

There is plenty of activity to interest the tourist visiting Cyprus at this time of year. The first thing travellers to Larnaca will notice will be the improved airport facilities that were opened to the public on 10th November. Phase One of the new developments were unveiled by the company who assumed control of the airport back in 2006.

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Mallorca Gets Classical

Castle Bellver

You are never too far away from a classical music performance in the town of Palma de Mallorca. The cultural roots of this town are deep in Mallorca and all forms of music are frequently represented on the event calendar. From the annual Chopin Piano Festival in Valldemossa to the outdoor summer concerts at the towering Bellver Castle in Palma, Mallorca has more than its share of inspirational venues too.

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Music Variety in Mallorca During December

Sea parc in Palma de Majorca and view to the Cathedral

Visitors to Mallorca during the peak months of the summer more often than not stay in their resorts for the duration of their stay. But for those coming to the island during December there are plenty of reasons to take a trip into the capital Palma, to experience the sights and sounds as the Mallorcan Christmas approaches. In terms of music there are many different Christmas concerts, during the early part of the month there was also a varied choice of concerts in different musical styles, that provided something for everyone.

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Forthcoming Events on Tenerife

Auditorio de Tenerife in Santa Cruz at dusk. Canary Islands Spain

Whilst many European holiday resorts go through a quite spell before the start of the festive holiday period in mid December, Tenerife still has plenty of activities and events to interest visitors during November and early December.

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Turkey Celebrates Successful Travel Year

Panorama of Bodrum city

We knew that Turkey was gaining in popularity as more people discovered the attractions of the Mugla area on the southern coast on the country. The coastline has a number of established holiday resorts with others developing rapidly under the close control of the local tourist authorities. The weather in this part of the Mediterranean is amongst the best in Europe as far as warm sunny days go.

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Mallorca's Seasonal Shift

Cathedral La Seu in Palma de Mallorca, Spain behind the sea. On the left side the spanish kings palace Palau de l'Almundia and in the foreground a bar/restaurant with unrecognizable people drinking

As a holiday island that relies on tourism for much of its commercial activity, the authorities in Mallorca have a responsibility to their business community to provide a continuing stream of events and attractions that help bring visitors to the island all year round. Mallorca has slowly developed a tried and tested seasonal shift that sees the springtime favouring the activities of cyclists and athletes, who come to the island for warm weather training. Then the long summer panders to the millions of sun and beach lovers who enjoy the island's many perfect resorts. Autumn sees a switch to sailing and also culture that brings art and music festivals to the island. At the end of the year Christmas provides a perfect bridge to the golfing season that takes over in the New Year.

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WOMAD Festival in Gran Canaria

Panoramic view Maspalomas beach. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Spain

The Canaries version of the WOMAD Festival took place from 12th to 15th November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

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Festival Mediterranea on Gozo

Ggantija Temple Remains in Gozo

The small island of Gozo, which sits off the North Western corner of Malta, hosted its annual Festival Mediterranea at the end of October and beginning of November.

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Special Authentic Christmas in Palma Mallorca

Red Christmas bells

When promoters were looking for the perfect place to host a Christmas Fair in Palma de Mallorca, the unique Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) was always going to be a frontrunner. This unique open air museum, village and shopping centre was an obvious choice for somewhere that could be transformed at Christmas into something very special.

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New Years Eve on the Algarve

celebration of the new year, firework over the sea

New Years Eve celebrations seem to be getting bigger and bigger every year. London now stages a major public fireworks display, centred on the London Eye on the Thames, while TV news broadcasts always show the New Year being welcomed in different parts of the world. These reports usually show fireworks displays in Edinburgh, Paris, Sydney, Copacabana beach, Hong Kong and or the million or so revelers who converge on Times Square in New York. The New York celebrations are interesting as they first started in 1904 to commemorate the opening of the New York Times' new offices, when 200,000 people came to enjoy an all-day party put on by the newspaper. It is now estimated that 1 billion people worldwide watch the Times Square celebrations.

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Thomas Cook Flights Assist Charity Jailbreak

Sand beach under a red volcano in Lanzarote

Flights to Lanzarote donated by Thomas Cook helped a team of three that triumphed in a charity jail break challenge during November.

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Christmas on The Algarve

 A well light metal christmas tree in the main town square of Oporto.

Imagine the traditional Christmas scene and snowy forests or icy lakes may spring to mind. Well the festive season on Portugal's Algarve coast is highly unlikely to feature either of those, benefitting as it does from mild, dry weather right through the months of November, December and January. Of course you may be unlucky enough to catch a stray band of rain or be subjected to one of the onshore Atlantic breezes but largely the weather will be mild and sunny.

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Disney World Marathon Week

Active family - mom with kids running on green meadow

Plan ahead now if you have Disney's World Marathon Weekend in mind for January. The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will be the stage for a 4 day running festival planned to take place between 7th and 10th January 2010. Taking alongside the running events is a health and fitness expo or exhibition. With an accent on family fun, the marathon weekend runs start on Friday with a short 5 kilometer race for all the family.

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Film Crew in the Canaries

Mount Teide on Tenerife

The islands of Tenerife and Lanzarote are no strangers to the international film industry. Tenerife hosts an international film festival, the next edition of which happens in June 2010 and the islands have also been used numerous times in films such as The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy and also several episodes of Dr Who.

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Harlem Globetrotters on Tour

Basket ball in hoop

Does the name Meadowlark ring any bells with you? Maybe not, but if you were a watcher of children's TV back in the 1970's the name may start to awaken some fond memories of your carefree childhood days. Meadowlark was one of the happy-go-lucky characters in the children's Hanna-Barbera cartoon representation of the famous Harlem Globetrotters basketball team. That team became a worldwide phenomenon at the time and the current members of the team are still pleasing audiences around the world today. Their recent international tour included visits to the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The team made one of their final appearances of the current tour when they performed in Monastir , Tunisia on the 16th October at the Pavillion Salle Couverter.

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Choir Competition and Festival on Malta

old town of Valleta in the island of Malta

Choir festivals and competitions are a feature of the social calendar for a number of holiday destinations around Europe. This year it started on the 29th October with Malta's 4th International Choir Competition and Festival taking place using various locations around the island. Malta is fortunate to have an expansive choice of concert venues, with there being 365 churches on the island.

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Premier League Football on Tenerife

Player kicking the ball. Fragment of the football(soccer) game

If you were due to be on holiday in Tenerife during the first weekend of November and were upset about not being able to get to Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea play Manchester City or to Upton park to watch West Ham play Everton, then you could try a little local football on your holiday island.

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Sa Pobla Autumn Fair

Traditional horse carriage in Malaga. Spain. Touristic transport

The town of Sa Pobla is one of the larger towns in Northern Mallorca, but being situated around 20 miles to the north of Palma and set inland it doesn't receive much attention from tourists visiting the island. This is a town populated largely by native Mallorcans, without the abundance of holiday homes that are a feature of some of the more picturesque parts of the island. The main industry around Sa Pobla is agriculture and the flat countryside around the town is a patchwork of well cultivated fields growing all kinds of produce.

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St Peters Singers in Palma

Cathedral Le Seu, Mallorca

During October the St Peters Singers, a fifty strong chamber choir from Leeds, England performed a number of concerts during a short tour of the island of Mallorca.

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Tenerife Tattoo Fest

 A man making temporary henna tattoo

One of the more esoteric events on Tenerife this Autumn was the Tenerife Tattoo Fest, which took place for the second time this year on the 7th and 8th November.

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Disney World Marathon Week

Paris, September 2007, women marathon of 6,5 km around Tour Eiffel

Plan ahead now if you have Disney's World Marathon Weekend in mind for January. The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will be the stage for a 4 day running festival planned to take place between 7th and 10th January 2010. Taking alongside the running events is a health and fitness expo or exhibition. With an accent on family fun, the marathon weekend runs start on Friday with a short 5 kilometer race for all the family.

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Ayia Napa Medieval Festival

Renaissance dancers

This local festival first started back in 2006, despite its name which would indicate it dates back much further than that. The content however does look back many years to the ancient traditions of an island that has plenty of history to recall.

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International Dance Gala in Faro

Young woman modern dance. Dark blue tint.

The Teatro das Figuras in Faro was the venue for a Dance Gala evening on the 10th of October 2009.

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Cheese, Rock and Art Celebrations

closeup of guitarists hand during a live performance

Gran Canaria in October is much the same as Gran Canaria in September and November. The usual warm Autumn weather, lots of tourists arriving on the island for a late summer break and plenty of things going on. However the first weekend of October this year did seem to have an unusual combination of events on the calendar.

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Lanzarote to Fuerteventura Swim

Photo Of A Man Swimming And Creating Splashes Of Water Drops

With the Canary Islands being surrounded by Atlantic Ocean you would expect much of their commercial and leisure activities to involve water, but that is not always the case. However during October this year a group of hardy athletes tackled a challenging journey across the waters between two of the islands.

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Suwannee River Music Festival

Canoeists paddle down the Suwannee River.

You may have heard of the Suwannee river in the lyrics of the song made famous by Al Jolson but did you know anything about this beautiful location in Florida?

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Fun and Festivals in Florida during September

common dolphins jump and swim playfully in the pacific ocean

Anyone flying to Florida for a break during September is bound have warm weather on their mind, but there's more to a holiday there than just sun and sand.

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Leonard Cohen in Palma

Singer Leonard Cohen performs onstage at Kilmainham Royal Hospital June 14th, 2008 in Dublin, Ireland.

Almost 20 years after his last performance on the island, Leonard Cohen returned to Mallorca to give a concert at the Palma Arena.

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Cycle Tour of Ibiza in October

people series: high speed run cyclist on cycle

With professional cyclists competing in the 21 stage Tour of Spain, or Vuelta a Espana, the island of Ibiza was putting together final preparations for its own, smaller scale, event.

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Algarve Film Set

BERLIN - JULY 28: Brad Pitt greets his fans - German premiere of the film

Portugal's Algarve coastline will become a film set for part of summer 2010 when production staff and celebrity stars including Brad Pitt will use locations near Portimao for a classic remake. The new race track on the Algarve will be the base for filming over two weeks next summer.

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Spoilt for Choice in Dalaman

mud treatment

There is so much to do and see in this area of Turkey that children, adults, couples and singles will be spoilt for choice. There are top water parks here,the ghost town of Kayakoyu, and a cruise to Cleopatra Isle. For a relaxing break visitors can indulge in the natural thermal pools at Pammukale Falls or stop in a hammam for a good hot soak. The coast itself is literally crammed with history as the Lycian Tombs are embedded in the rocks here, visible from Dalyan town and very scenic.

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Vintage Run on Lanzarote

run

Runners who love wine were able to combine both of their desires on 21st June when Club La Santa on Lanzarote held its first ever Wine Run. The race, over the half marathon distance, took runners through the wine region of the island, providing them with tasting samples en route.

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Port de Soller Festival on Mallorca

close up of grand piano keys

Music and the island of Mallorca seem to be very closely linked and the pretty port of Soller hosted its own series of concerts during September and October this year.

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Fuerteventuras Lady of the Rock

carnival dancer

During September the island of Fuerteventura celebrated one of its most important annual festivals.

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Music in Rhodes - A Classical Festival

BUDAPEST - SEPTEMBER 10: Opening concert of the Budapest

The holiday scene in Rhodes may be slightly quieter during September and a music festival follows the trend.

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Gran Canaria and Tenerife Open Jazz Festival

saxophone lying on box wardrobe trunk

The Canary Islands International Jazz Festival was in full swing this year kicking off with a series of great performances where the beach at Telde on Gran Canaria and Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast of Tenerife both played host for opening night concerts.

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Tenerife Gomera Rock festival

cheering at concert

The smaller island of Gomera, off the coast of Tenerife hosted its first Gomera Rock festival in August this year.

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Felanitx Festival in Mallorca

cheffs dish up spanish food

Mallorca has a fine reputation as a summer beach holiday destination however there is a lot more to this amazing island than just fine beaches and holiday resorts.

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Tenerifes Cultural and Natural Treasures

 El Teide

Another top cultural on Tenerife spot is The Museum of Nature and Man (Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre). This collection includes some of the best examples of objects from pre-Hispanic Canary Islands history.

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Dance and Celebrate on Ibiza

traditional folk dance costumes with castanets

The night clubs are well known but dancing of a different type took centre stage on Ibiza during August.

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Pick up a Bargain in Tenerife This Week

Colored clothes hanging on in an open market

Exposaldo 09, an annual retail sale, took place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife this year. The event took place in the International Fair and Congress Centre which is located on the coast in the centre of Santa Cruz close to the Tenerife Auditorium and the Parque Maritimo, an outdoor swimming and leisure complex. The Fair and Congress Centre, which opened in 1996, is an impressive architectural building which was designed by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Calatrava also designed the spectacular auditorium nearby which features an amazing arching wing that hangs over the top of the structure. In June the auditorium put on a mix of events including jazz, ballet, classical and dance productions. In July, The Pretenders performed a concert and later in the year, in December, the hit musical Mama Mia comes to town.

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Mallorca Surf Action 2009

A surfer riding a wave as another surfer paddles over the wave

The beachfront area in Palma, Mallorca played host to an exciting surf event at the end of August.

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Rhodes welcomes Blind Athletes

panoramic view of the rebuilt stadium at monte smith rhodes greece

The ancient Greek's love of sport goes back many thousands of years and the stadium, that forms part of the Acropolis of Rhodes, is a breathtaking structure that allows visitors to imagine what times were like. The stadium was unearthed after a large excavation and most of the original 600 feet of straight are still preserved together with lower levels of seating and the rounded sphendone at one end.

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Improve your Windsurfing on Kos

windsurfers in the sea

Windsurfers tend to come to Kos during the late season to enjoy the quieter beaches and the range of surfing conditions provided by the island.

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World Oceans Day

coral reef scene - red sea

Sunday 8th June was World Oceans Day, A United Nations initiative to honour the world's oceans, celebrate the marine life and bring greater awareness of the role oceans have in daily life. Conservation and environmental issues are also part of the day and it brings a focus for groups to participate in beach cleanups, educational events, competitions and other activities based around the oceans. In Sharm el Sheikh , groups in the area were keen to participate in the initiative and work to protect the Red Sea environment that brings thousands of people to this Egyptian resort every day

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The Beaches of Corfu

empty beach corfu

Corfu has many gorgeous beaches including Agios Georgios (Saint George) North on the west coast. This beach has a large sweeping sandy cove and is perfect for kids to make sandcastles and play in the tame surf. Confusingly, there is also Agios Georgious South (Saint George's Bay South ) which is also on the west coast. This more southerly beach has a long sandy dune and is located on the south west of the island, about 45 minutes from the airport. The bay is surrounded by olive groves and boasts a truly splendid sandy beach.

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Paphos A Cultural Delight

Paphos Castle

With year round sunshine and warm temperatures, a treasure trove of ancient landmarks and cultural sites, and the backdrop of coastal Cyprus, Paphos is a dazzling and exciting place to visit.

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Corfu - Part 2

Wonderful nature scene. Wild, yellow sand beach on Corfu Island (Greece)

Corfu has many gorgeous beaches including Agios Georgios (Saint George) North on the west coast. This beach has a large sweeping sandy cove and is perfect for kids to make sandcastles and play in the tame surf. Confusingly, there is also Agios Georgious South (Saint George's Bay South)which is also on the west coast. This more southerly beach has a long sandy dune and is located on the south west of the island, about 45 minutes from the airport. The bay is surrounded by olive groves and boasts a truly splendid sandy beach.

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Rhodes - Part 1

More: rhodes greece
Lindos in Rhodes, Greece

Set aside your preconceptions about Rhodes and its hard partying image. Rhodes is supremely picturesque, a predominantly slow-paced sanctuary of sunshine,beaches, and ancient history with lots of natural beauty to behold. Rhodes holds a timeless appeal with visitors.

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Kefalonia - Part 1

Secluded beach - Kefalonia

Incredibly picturesque and utterly laidback, Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands in western Greece. With it's ruggedly beautiful topography, fine sand beaches, and gorgeous sunsets, Kefalonia is easily one of the most ravishing islands in the Med. Although it welcomes tourists warmly, it is conversely, one of the least touristy places in all of Greece.

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Minorca - Part 1

A small cove on the island of Menorca with clear blue water

The small but perfectly formed island of Menorca is somewhat overshadowed by its flashier and more famous neighbours Ibiza and Mallorca. But this compact slice of paradise which lies off the coast of Spain in the Med is a Balearic jewel, too, and a great getaway for families, couples and singles.

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Funchal - Part 1

Madeira Cabo Girao

A heady combination of natural delights, culture, and activities, Funchal is a colourfully vibrant place to visit. The attractive city is known for its appealing Mediterranean temperatures, Madeiran wine and local handicrafts. It makes a great spot for a weekend break or a week away to explore this region in the Madeiran archipelago.

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Greeks Islands Proving Popular

The Ancient Temple of Apollo, Rhodes City, Greece

In a move that appears to be bucking the trend experienced in other parts of Europe, the Greek Islands are seeing improved tourist figures for the first four months of the year.

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Hurghada Eygpt Part 1

Island Giftun Hurghada

Picturesque coral reefs and brilliant azure waters that are ideal for windsurfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling have made the spectacular Hurghada, on Egypt's Red Sea Coast, a popular resort town. Within easy reach of the gorgeous Giftun Islands and the Eastern Arabian Desert, the captivating resort of Hurghada has experienced massive amounts of development in the past decade. The Hurghada area now runs 25 miles along the Red Sea. There is so much to enjoy in Hurghada that it is a perfect place for couples, singles, and families who want a wonderful break under the hot Egyptian sun.

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Sanford For Orlando

Lake Eola Orlando Florida

Sanford is the airport that escorts visitors into to Orlando, Florida, the place with the most theme parks in the United States. The sunshine in Orlando is eternal, and the amount of things to do are almost infinite. In fact, Orlando has more activities than almost anywhere else on earth. Besides the plethora of theme parks, the nearby beaches, space shuttle launches, there is the central Florida wilderness which surrounds Orlando that is a treasure trove of flora, fauna, and wildlife.

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Bourgas Part 1

Sunset over Sozopol bay, Bulgaria

For an exciting summer getaway with a difference why not try Bourgas, Bulgaria. It has the pretty sand beaches, hot climate, and varied activities that a Summer getaway requires, all at a more affordable price than the Med. With its preserved medieval villages and monasteries, it's also a cultural mecca. No wonder that Bulgaria has been named the world's best budget destination.

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August Wine Events in Kefalonia

Fishing Boat at Kefalonia

Visitors to the Greek island of Kefalonia during August have the choice of a number of traditional local events during their stay, with wine featuring prominently.

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More To Ibiza Than Clubbing

Ibiza harbour

Ibiza is a place where the club scene is nothing short of legendary. But beyond the nightlife, Ibiza sizzles during the languid summer days with sublime beaches, hippie charm, and nature's beauty. The locals are hospitable with long held artistic traditions and inventive culinary skills. In short, Ibiza is much more than the party capital of Europe and has fast become a favourite holiday vacation for families and couples, too.

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Escape To Malta

St Joseph's Church, Vittoriosa, Malta

Sunny, picturesque Malta has been invaded by the Romans, Turks, Knights, and then the British. Now it's time for you to enjoy this sun drenched island country in the Mediterranean and the culture, food and hospitality of this very special slice of paradise.

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August for Music in Orlando

Orlando, Florida at night

Visitors flying into Sanford Airport ahead of their annual holiday in Florida can look forward to a full events programme in August and music fans are particularly lucky.

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Zante Part 1

Smugglers Cove Zante

The unspoilt coastline of the Greek island of Zakynthos, Zante for short, is a haven for endangered sea life and for those in need of spectacular beaches amongst breathtaking surroundings. Famed for its postcard-perfect Smugglers Cove and the loggerhead turtles that annually nest here, Zante is a memorable getaway for families, couples, nature lovers and anyone who appreciates great beaches and beautiful vistas.

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New Bus Route to Paphos Airport

Coral Bay Beach -Cyprus

At the beginning of July 2009 a new bus route running between Coral Bay and Paphos airport was started.

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Bodrum Ballet Festival

Bodrum Castle

The 7th Bodrum Ballet Festival is scheduled to take place in August this year, with the historical Bodrum Castle being the main venue.

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Concerts and Ballet in Cyprus

Ampitheatre In Cyprus

Art and Culture lovers are well catered for in Cyprus with plenty of events being promoted all over the island to showcase music, dance, theatre and other forms. Typically the major towns of Limassol and Nicosia are home to most of the promotions with venues like the Municipal Theatre, the Medieval Castle and the Athletics Stadium, all in Limassol, being ideally suited for different sized events. The big summer concert this year at the stadium in Limassol features American rock musician Alice Cooper who comes to the island as the last date on the first European leg of his "Theater Of Death" tour. Cooper then moves onto the States and Australia in August and September, before coming to the UK in November and December.

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Bike Meet in Faro during July

Algarve Coast Line

Over four days in July the Moto Club Faro holds its annual Bike Meet on the Concentration Showground right next to Faro airport.

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Monastir Part 1

Panoramic View of Monastir

Exotic Monastir, Tunisia is a glistening tourist resort located on the north east coast of Tunisia. The city has a marina, stunning beach, an impressive fortress that serves as a landmark, and a traditional medina in the old town. Monastir is a blend of east meets west, beach holiday and cultural break, ancient ruins within a modern edge.

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Larnaca Festival during July

Marana in Larnaca

July and August is the time when many towns in Cyprus hold their annuals cultural festivals.Paphos in the west of the island is currently hosting a festival of ancient Greek theatre with numerous performances of famous Greek plays being performed in the outdoor amphitheatre in the town. In Larnaca the festival is more varied but also includes performances of ancient Greek Theatre.

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Gran Canaria Resort Reports Record Figures

Aerial View of Puerto Morgan, Gran Canaria

Puerto Mogan,Gran Canaria became known as "Little Venice" when the water channels running beneath buildings between the marina, harbour and beach were highlighted in an advertising campaign. The marina area of the resort was built on reclaimed land during the 1980's and was developed on a principal of low level, low density housing in order to maintain the original charm of this once small fishing village. The beach area of the town, Playa de Mogan, has also seen numerous improvements including the importation of clean white sand from the Sahara and new pedestrian areas behind the beach.

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Lanzarote Festival in Arrecife

A View of Arrecife City

Visitors to the island of Lanzarote next weekend will have the opportunity to sample the Festival of Arrecife, a series of musical events taking place at different venues around the city on Friday and Saturday.

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Peaceful Menorca

Menorca Beach

Menorca is often quoted as being preferred over Mallorca as a holiday destination for Spanish tourists and it may be the quieter, more relaxed feel of its resorts that attracts them. Certainly Menorca is a great place for a family holiday.

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Medieval Knights in Rhodes Festival

St Johns Castle Towers in Rhodes

The town of Rhodes owes much of its wonderful architecture to the Knights of St John who came to the island in 1309 and built their dwellings, fortifications and churches on the remains of structures left by previous Roman and Byzantine rulers. In 1291 the Knights had been forced out of Jerusalem and after a brief, unsuccessful period in Cyprus, they selected Rhodes as their new domain. The initial years on Rhodes, and some other small islands that also formed part of their occupation, were not entirely peaceful and some disquiet saw the knights attempt to assassinate their leader. Grand Master Foulques de Villaret, had instigated the conquest of Rhodes, but found himself seeking refuge in the castle at Lindos on the island, while another Grand Master was appointed to replace him.

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Waterpark attractions on the Algarve

Wave crashing on a beach in the Algarve

AquaShow Park opened at the beginning of June and has various new attractions to excite visitors this year. It trademark ride is a long water roller coaster which, it claims, is the biggest in Europe. The ride is 740 meters long and a trip is said to last around 5 minutes in cars which twist, turn, climb and drop through various water channels. If you can cope with the thrills, it's a great way to cool off. The park also has other rides including a vertical drop slide called White Fall, a water play area suitable for smaller children and a huge wave pool for just bobbing around. A bird park and a wide choice of places to find something to eat and drink, rounds things off. The park, which is only 10 miles from Faro airport, seems to get great reviews.

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Canaries Jazz Festival

Aerial view of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Starting on the 3rd of July 2009, the 18th Canaries Jazz Festival kicks off with performances on Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Acts from all over the world are playing during the week long festival and on the second day concerts are taking place on 4 different islands in the group.

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Hot Water and Mud in Dalaman

Thermal Springs in Turkey

The traditions of communal bathing and the geological features around Dalaman go hand in hand to create two special phenomena that are proving a hit with visitors to this part of Turkey.

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Paphos venue for celebration of Drama

Amphitheatre in Kourion

The festival is being organised by the Cyprus Centre of International Theatre, which was founded in 1977 to promote theatre on the island. During the month of July eight different theatre groups will be welcomed to the island with performances taking place at venues in Paphos, Limassol and Nicosia. Prices for each performance are 17 Euros.

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Paradise for Climbers

Bridge across gorge above Rodakino

The wilder parts of Crete are already well known for Gorge trekking and even some skiing high in the mountains, but places like the beach at Plakias are home to some challenging climbing locations. At Plakais, a sheer limestone wall rises directly off the beach, making it a great spot for some recreational climbing. The location is becoming more popular and additional routes are being documented.

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Swim in Style on Tenerife

Cactus Garden by Cesar Manrique

The Canary Islands are rightly proud of their residents and one of them, artist Cesar Manrique, has left a distinct impression on many of the islands but particularly on his home of Lanzarote. Manrique was sadly killed in a car accident in 1992 but his life on the islands has left behind many legacies.

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Rhodes Eco Film Festival

Fort of Rhodes at Aegean Sea

In late June, EcoFilms, an international film and visual arts festival takes place in Rhodes. The main venue for the festival is the Rodon Cinema Theatre in Rhodes Town.

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New Larnaca Marina Award

Marina in Larnaca

A consortium that was recently awarded the contract to design, build and operate a new marina complex at Larnaca in Cyprus will have to wait a little longer to find out if the decision that went in their favour still holds. The two companies who also competed for the project during the tendering process have had their complaints upheld and the review procedure must be done again. Work on the development is due to start at the end of this year for a planned completion date in 2013.

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Desert in Gran Canaria

Dunes of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria

Of course the Canary Islands are not that far from the West African coast and the Sahara Desert but you wouldn't expect to find a desert in Gran Canaria. Amazingly there is one - well sort of. In the south of the island of Gran Canaria are the Dunas de Maspalomas or the Maspalomas Dunes. This is a protected area of land over 300 hectares in size that resembles the deserts of Africa. The fine sand is formed from ground shells and the shifting dunes themselves reach heights of 10m.

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Hot Work in Turkey for Drivers

Boats in Bodrum

Turkey provided the world of Formula 1 with a great track, warm weather and fantastic spectacle, but the teams did seem to struggle with the hot track that warmed up to over 50 degrees Celsius during the event and tested the car's tyres to the limit. The air temperature was a very nice 30 degrees and those forced to sit in uncovered stands decided to take to the shade, hence the empty spaces that appeared around the track.

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Algarve hosts Festival med in June

Loule Signposted

Festival MED takes places in the cosmopolitan town of Loule between 24th and 28th June 2009. This will be the sixth time the MED has been organised and it has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most highly-regarded World Music festivals. Seventeen acts have been confirmed for the festival this year including Stewart Copeland, former drummer from The Police, and Orquestra Buena Vista Social Club. Two main stages and three smaller stages will be home to the acts in a celebration of world music that also includes other attractions. Events supplementing the music include theatre and street entertainment, exhibitions of art together with gastronomy and handicrafts exhibitions.

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Medieval Festival Planned for Rhodes

Saint John Knight's Castle in Rhodes

The Greek island of Rhodes certainly has plenty of history to call upon when it comes to creating festival events and a recent Medieval Festival that started in 2005 is repeated this year at the end of June.

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Additional Sports Facilities in Lanzarote

Wave Crashing in Lanzarote

Club La Santa in Lanzarote is regarded by many as one of the best sports resorts in Europe. It certainly has plenty to offer in terms of facilities and the mild winter climate helps to attract thousands of sports people to the island throughout the year. The club first opened in 1983 and has grown in stature and size consistently ever since, however a recent issue has brought a temporary halt to development work aimed at expanding facilities.

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Fuerteventura - The Canary Islands - Part 2

Beach in Fuerteventura

Divers will be spoilt for choice here as Corralejo offers many diving sites for all diving levels to view vibrant fish, sea urchins and volcanic rocks.

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Blue Skies over Portimao

Jet Manouvering Against a Blue Sky

Situated on the Algarve coast between Lagos and Faro, the town of Portimao is no stranger to high adrenalin sports events. Kitesurfing, motorcycling and powerboat racing have all used the location on the southern coast of Portugal for professional calibre competitions.

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Annual Kataklysmos Fair in Larnaca

Seaside in Larnaca Cyprus

The annual Kataklysmos Fair starts on 5th June in Larnaca, Cyprus with a performance of Greek dancing and music on the seafront stage, followed by a fireworks display. The word "kataklysmos" means flood and the celebration is unique to Cyprus, coinciding with the Greek Pentacost. The celebrations are thought to link back the birth of Aphrodite who emerged from the waves and turned the ground around her into a sea of flowers. The flood is celebrated as something that cleanses mankind and enables new life, and is a event marked in a similar manner in many cultures around the world.

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Return of Artifacts to Bodrum

Bodrum Castle Tower and View

The coastline around Bodrum has a rich history dating back many through thousands of years of rule by Persians, Ancient Greeks, Crusader Knights and the Ottoman Empire. All that has left the area scattered with enough relics and artifacts to keep today's archaeologists very happy and the museum in Bodrum is a popular attraction for them.

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Majorcan Monastery hosts Concerts

Historical Houses in Felanitx Majorca

The most prominent feature of the small town of Felanitx on the island of Mallorca is certainly an imposing one. Felanitx is a thriving town in the south of the island, 12 miles north east of Palma but perched on the top of a 510m high hill on the outskirts of the town is the stunning Monastery of Sant Salvador.

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Old Rock in Lindos Rhodes

Sea just off the coast of Lindos

The features that attract people to the Greek island of Rhodes include the weather, the beaches, high quality resorts and a typically warm welcome. These are all things that other locations can claim but very few have the history of Rhodes and a place like Lindos shows that side of Rhodes very well.

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Larnaca - Cyprus - Part 1

Larnaca Marina

With an abundance of ancient ruins, rich cultural traditions and panoramic beaches, Larnaca is an irresistable holiday destination. Holidaying in Larnaca means never having to choose between a beach vacation and a cultural experience because Larnaca is blessed with both: truly magnificent beaches and some of the ancient world's most riveting historical sites.

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Bodrum - Turkey - Part 1

Bodrum Marina

The imposing crusader Castle of St Peter sits atop this Turkish city while yachts quietly hum in the ancient harbor below which spans not one but two crescent shaped bays. Bodrum has long been a tourist magnet for its heady mix of east and west. But there are still unspoilt parts of this Mediterranean jewel just waiting to be discovered.

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Canaries come to Chelsea

Bird of Paradise Flower in Tenerife

Keen to showcase the natural and raw beauty of the their islands, the Canary Islands Tourist Board has sponsored a garden at this year's Chelsea Flower Show. The tourist board responsible for promoting the Canary Island Archipelago is working hard to maintain the strong ties between the island group and visitors from the UK. Tourists from the UK have always formed the majority of visitors to the seven Spanish islands located off the North African coast which include Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

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Stars travel to Antalya to open new hotel

Mardan Palace Hotel

The world of show business comes to Antalya in Turkey this weekend as a large new hotel prepares for a grand opening following a delay from the original planned date in February. Stars including Tom Jones and Maria Carey will take to the stage and perform while others such as Paris Hilton, Sharon Stone and Richard Gere are amongst the invited guests of the Mardan Palace hotel.

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Whale watching in Fuerteventura

Sperm Whale Skeleton in Fuerteventura

It is possible to see the occasional dolphin or basking shark in UK coastal waters, particularly off the Cornish coast, but if you are looking for bigger creatures such as Minke whales, Sperm whales or Blue whales then Fuerteventura is only a four hour flight from the UK.

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Plans Announced for Canaries Celebration Day

Beach

A varied mix of over forty events are planned across the seven islands, featuring cultural performances of music, film and theatre, sporting competitions and traditional celebrations.

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Peaceful Menorca

Beach in Menorca

The Balearic island of Menorca is often overshadowed by its larger neighbour Mallorca, but there are some wonderful places here that have remained largely unknown to many. Menorca is often quoted as being preferred over Mallorca as a holiday destination for Spanish tourists and it may be the quieter, more relaxed feel of its resorts that attracts them. Certainly Menorca is a great place for a family holiday.

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Aphrodite Gets Rave reviews near Paphos

Golf ball in the grass

So named after it's location near to the point where Aphrodite, the goddess of love allegedly emerged from the waves, Aphrodite Hills, the resort that includes the newest gold course in Cyprus, is receiving great reviews from all those who have played there.

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Beaches of Rhodes

Beaches of Rhodes

Fantastic beaches are what most people expect to find when they travel to a holiday island like Rhodes and they will not be disappointed.

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Larnaca Prepares for Summer Season

Summer Festival in Larnaca

The town of Larnanca in Cyprus is famous for all kinds of reasons. It has a large modern airport, is a popular destination for holidaymakers from all over Europe and also hosts a large Summer festival that features all kinds of music, dance and theatrical events. Many international performers are booked for this year's festivities.

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Tenerife High Point

Cable car to Mount Teide

Mount Teide in Tenerife is the spectacular high point of the island. In fact, as well as being the highest point of the Canary Islands, it is also the highest mountain in the whole of Spain which is all the more remarkable when you consider that Spain is also home to the Pyrenees. In the Pyrenees, which strech from the Atlantic coast across to the Mediteranean between France and Spain, there are almost fifty peaks higher than 3000m but none are as high as the 3718m peak of Mount Teide.

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Bodrum Nights

Nightlife

The town of Bodrum in Turkey is well known as a gateway to various coastal holidays resorts that lie within reach of the town. But Bodrum itself is a fascinating town and is well worth a visit, if only for a few days, to see the sights and sounds of real Turkey. Tourism is becoming ever more important for Bodrum but the economic roots of the town lie in fishing, boat building and farming and many historical elements of those trades can still be found.

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Canarias Live Sun Festival

guitar and stage lights

Having seen the excitement caused by the UK concert series announced by Michael Jackson recently, it's interesting to see other pop stars popular with previous generations still performing at concerts around the world. The Canary Islands have attracted various stars in the past including Elton John and Rod Stewart is the latest to announce a concert date on Tenerife as part of the Canarias Live Sun Festival in May this year. The concert will take place at the Campo de Golf, Costa Adeje in Tenerife.

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Fly Thomas Cook - Little fares from the big travel company

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