Anticipating the greatest Canary Carnival of 2012

detail from the official poster for the 2012 Carnavel de Santa Cruz de Tenerife

There will already be plenty of exciting events related to the carnival before the official opening of the festival. For example, from Thursday 26th of January until Saturday 28th of January, the International Trade Fair and Congress Centre will host the three rounds of the Children Murgas Contest, and the first three rounds of the Adult Murgas Contest will be held in the same location from 6th February until 8th February. The Finals will be held on Friday 10th February at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez.

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Top 5 restaurants of Tenerife

caribean food

Tenerife has more to offer than beautiful beaches and year-round sun. The largest of the seven Canary Islands, Tenerife also has a fantastic selection of wonderful restaurants. Whatever you're looking for - from tastes of the neighbouring African content to traditional Canarian food - you'll find something to suit all tastes and all budgets. To get you in the mood, here's a guide to five of the best restaurants on the islands. And with flights to Tenerife only taking 4 or 5 hours, what are you waiting for?

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BBC's Judge Jules and Kiss FM's Shortee Blitz to play SOHO square, Sharm el-Sheikh

concert sharm el sheikh

Egypt's leading entertainment centre, SOHO Square, has invited members of the UK DJ aristocracy to hit up the land of the Pharaohs and establish the reputation of two epic new venues as Africa's greatest clubs. The legendary Judge Jules, it was recently confirmed, is set to play the main square on the 2nd of January (2012). There is no doubt his nimble hands will be mixing some amazing tunes with the passion and energy the British Dance community has come to expect from his sell out sets.

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Lanzarote, a unique destination

lanzarote sunset beach

Lanzarote is quite unlike anywhere else in the Canary Islands and a unique destination for the discerning visitor. Just 80 miles off the coast of Africa, many parts of the Spanish island are like some kind of alien landscape, thanks to its creation by ancient volcanic eruptions. Of course, there are still plenty of beaches, bars and all-inclusive resorts here, but Lanzarote retains a look and feel that is unmatched elsewhere.

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Lanzarote is the place to be this summer

Lanzarote

As the start of the summer holidays signals a mass exodus to the beaches and resorts of Europe, the relatively stable Pound and a weaker Euro has meant that British holidaymakers are taking advantage of last minute deals to fly off to the sun.

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Fiesta in Honor of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception

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There are a lot of fiestas and other events that take place within Fuerteventura and these are popular with a wide range of people. The Fiesta in Honor of our lady of the Immaculate Conception takes place during April and it is an annual event. There is people from all over the world that enjoy taking part in this fiesta and the range of other events that take place in this area and this is why flights to Fuerteventura are so popular. There are a lot of people that enjoy taking part in this fiesta and celebrating the lady of Immaculate Conception. There is something to suit all ages within this fiesta.

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Ironman Festival in Lanzarote

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The ironman festival that takes place within Lanzarote is a very popular event and this attracts both locals and tourists. A lot of the tourists that travel to this area both to take part and also to enjoy the festival tend to make use of the regular cheap flights to Lanzarote. This festival takes place on an annual basis and it see hundreds of athletes who compete against each other within the resort of Puerto del Carmen. The festival is a one-day event, which includes cycling over one hundred and eighty kilometers, running about forty-two kilometers and swimming just under four kilometers. The main event of this festival sees athletes competing hard against each other in order to win the event. There is a range of parties, fun runs and award ceremonies that are included as part of this festival and there is something to suit all ages, therefore it is a real family event.

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Snorkelling in Fuerteventura

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Fuerteventura is one of the Canary Islands and it is located about sixty miles off the African coast and this island is just over seven hundred and eighty square miles. This island can be classed as a small paradise. A lot of the tourists that come to this area make the most of the regular flights to Fuerteventura. It is true to say that Fuerteventura is a paradise for people that enjoy water sports. The water temperatures on this island range from eighteen degrees to twenty-three degrees centigrade.

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Nightlife in The Canaries

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The Canaries are located just off the coast of north-western Africa and this area is good for sun, sand and sea. Another good thing about the Canaries is that it has some spectacular scenery. The nightlife within the canaries is varied therefore there is something available to suit all tastes. There are a lot of people that enjoy cheap regular flights to Canaries every year in order to enjoy the beaches and nightlife.

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Beaches in the Balearics

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The Balearics are made up of four different islands, which are Formentra, Ibiza, Majorca and also Menorca. Each of these islands offers an atmosphere that is unique and they each have their own little micro culture. It is true to say that the Balearics is one of the most visited places by tourists within the Mediterranean and a lot of these tourists enjoy the regular flights to Balearics.

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Hippy Markets in Ibiza

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There are a lot of different markets that are held within the popular tourist resort of Ibiza. This resort is very popular with tourists that come from all across the world and they make the most of the cheap flights to Ibiza. One of the most popular markets within Ibiza is the Hippy Markets. This popular resort is home to a vast number of different tourist shops, which can be enjoyed alongside the hippy market. There is a number of different hippy markets within the area. In the resort of Santa Eularia the hippy market is held on a Wednesday and it runs from April until October and this market is home to more than four hundred different stalls which sell a wide range of items including leather goods, silver and some even sell African art. In the resort of Las Dalias the hippy market is held on a Saturday and it runs from May until October.

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Dining Out in Arrecife

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The town of Arrecife is the oldest town on the island of Lanzarote and this town is also the capital of the island. Prior to this town being the capital of the island the title belonged to the town of Tequise and this change took place towards the last part of the eighteenth century. The town of Arrecife is the main area for administration and commerce on the island of Lanzarote. This area is very popular with tourist and one reason for this could the frequent flights to Arrecife. The name of this town translates in Spanish to mean reef and this is where the town got its name from and this town has always been very popular.

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Monte Toro in Menorca

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Monte Toro is located on the highest point of Menorca in Es Mercadal. This highest point has a height of three hundred and fifty two meters. The legend of Monte Toro is that a bull found a statue, which was of the Virgin and it was found within a cleft on the rock. The name of the peak however is more likely to have come from Arabic's. The name al-tor means the highest mountain. This highest point is very popular with tourists and a lot of them make the most of the flights to Menorca. There is a convent that is located at the top of the peak and this convent is home to the Franciscan nuns. The convent is open to the public on the first Sunday within May.

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Markets In Lanzarote

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There are a number of big markets that are held in and around Lanzarote. The biggest of these markets is known as Teguise Market and it is a massive event, which is held on a weekly basis. This market is a large cultural and social event as well as a good place to shop. All of the markets that are held in Lanzarote are very popular with tourists and this part due to the frequent flights to Lanzarote.

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Ribat in Monastir

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Ribat is actually an Arabic term that is used to refer to a small fortification that was built during the early years of the Muslim conquest on North Africa. These small fortifications where used to house the military volunteers. These fortifications were later used to protect the commercial routes and also as centers for the Muslim communities that were isolated. Over a period of time the Ribats then got used as hostels for the travelers as they were located on the main trade routes. The Ribats are visited by an array of tourists even nowadays and a lot of these people make the most of the regular flights to Monastir.

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Banjul Market

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Banjul market is commonly referred to as Albert Market. This market is the biggest urban market that is held within Banjul. This market was named after Queen Victoria's husband who was Prince Albert Gotha and Saxe Coburg. This market tends to be very busy and it is also very lively. There is a vast amount of items on sale within this market and these include wooden masks that are carved, designed fabrics that are vivid and there is also a wide range of fresh produce that is available. This market is laid out within the alleys and there are hundreds of stalls and shops that have been purposely built. The market is open from eight in the morning to seven at night. A lot of tourists that visit the market enjoy the regular flights to Banjul.

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Maidum Pyramid in Egypt

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The Maidum pyramid was originally a seven-step pyramid however it was later enlarged to make it eight steps in height. The original pyramid was forty two meters in height and one hundred and forty four meters square. This pyramid is located on the edge of the desert and it is actually the only structure within the area. There are frequent flights to Egypt and this lets people make the most of air travel. There is a vast number of attractions within Egypt therefore the various pyramids are just some of them. Egypt is actually one of the most popular areas in Africa and the Middle East for tourists. The River Nile is another very popular attraction within Egypt and it is possible to go on a cruise of the River Nile.

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Nile Dinner Cruises in Egypt

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There is a vast number of different cruises that are available. The Nile in the longest river in the world and it stretches for about four thousand miles. The river Nile follows to the Mediterranean from East Africa. Research has shown that this river changed its size and location over millions of years. Nile Dinner Cruises are very popular with tourists and a lot of the tourists get to there using the regular flights to Egypt.

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Mount Teide in the Canaries

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Mount Teide is one of the highest mountains in the Canaries and also on the Islands that make up the Atlantic. This mount is also the third biggest volcano within the entire world. This is a popular attraction for tourists and a lot of the tourist get to the area using the regular flights to Canaries.

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River Gambia National Park in Banjul

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Gambia is a country that is located in western Africa and it is the smallest area on the mainland of Africa. There is a lot of flights to Banjul therefore it is possible for people to take advantage of air travel when visiting this area. The city of Banjul is the capital city of Gambia. The city of Banjul is located on the island that is known as St Marys and this is where the river Gambia enters into the Atlantic Ocean. There are vehicle and passenger ferries that connect the island to the mainland. The main industry within Banjul is the processing of peanut however there is also industries dealing with palm wood, beeswax and palm oil.

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James Island in Banjul

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Even though Banjul is a small place it offers several sites providing great tourist excursions. There are some river and some land-based trips. Flights to Banjul are available from several domestic and international airports, so traveling should not be a problem. Banjul is also known for a place called James Island. It is an old Fort situated around 30 km upstream and has numerous ruins belonging to the colonial Britain. This is considered to be the last time when the African slaves saw this soil especially before they were transported in the slave ships to America.

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Al Hijra in Sharm

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When taking a holiday at Sharm its always great to be involved with the local customs and feel as if you were a part of this town. Sharm is indeed a very popular holiday destination that is accessible by air. You can book your flights to Sharm if you want to attend the Islamic New Year here and explore how they celebrate it.

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State Puppet Theatre in Burgas

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Burgas is a great place to be especially in winters because winters are mild and there is constant breeze to make you feel refreshed at all times. Burgas also happens to be the largest seaport in the whole of Bulgaria. Burgas can be reached by air as there are daily flights to Burgas from a number of European as well as other airports. The city of Burgas was made a duty-free zone in 1989 and the reason was simply that the state wanted to promote tourism and trade. It consists of total population of about 230,000 and has become one of the most famous destinations for tourists.

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Bao Bolon in Banjul

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Banjul is the capital of Gambia, situated in an island called St Marys. This is where the Gambia River merges with the Atlantic Ocean. Banjul is an important town being a political centre and governments presence in the region. The city is pretty attractive for tourists and it is accessible by air. There are numerous airlines offering several flights to Banjul. Apart from beautiful places, there are several shops here offering authentic local prints such as batiks along with silver, exotic fruits and attractive clothes.

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Kiang West National Park in Banjul

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The Gambian capital called Banjul is situated at a place where the River Gambia begins in St. Marys Island. This cozy city provides a warm combination of colonial architecture and contemporary offices. As you reach Banjul you will also witness their traditional houses that bring a sense of freshness in spite of the old architecture. It is better than seeing those typical modern compartmentalized houses for a while. Banjul displays plenty of African charm and the serene ambience with bits and pieces of tourist attractions all over the city making it a great place to visit. You can reach Banjul by air as there is an airport in the city. You can book your flights to Banjul in advance if need be. Apart from a number of churches, mosques and museums, it also consists of a National park called The Kiang West National Park.

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Knossos in Crete

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Crete is the largest in area among all the Greek islands. It is situated towards the southeastern edge of Greece. This picturesque Mediterranean island is 260 km in length and 12 to 60 km in width. The island sits cozily between Africa, Europe and Asia. You can book flights to Crete to enjoy the antiquity in form of its churches, palaces and museums as well as the modern locations such as its vast golf courses.

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The Archaeological Museum of Betancuria in Fuerteventura

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While you are planning your holidays and booking your flights to Fuerteventura, be sure to spare 8 to 10 days for it. The climate here is often compared to Mexico and Florida as they lie along the same latitude as Fuerteventura. At no other destination in the Canaries are seen such huge sand dunes and elaborate sandy beaches.

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Coves de Campanet in Palma

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Palma de Mallorca is a city full of contrasts the old beautifully merged into the and new setting accompanied by palms all around. Palma de Mallorca has an airstrip and there are several flights to Palma that you can take from any location in the world. As you step in the city close to its historic area you cannot miss the prodigious Gothic Cathedral, which will not fail to impress you. It took King Jaume I 300 years to construct the church and the process of building had begun as early as 1229. The streets at Palma de Mallorca are best explored by walking all the way through the citys designer boutiques, lanes with trees in line and the small souvenir shops to buy things from. As you proceed further a whole new drama of Spanish lifestyle will unfold in front of you.

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Askos Stone Park in Zante

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Zante is a great place to be during your vacation with several interesting places to visit. Right from the caves at Keri to the animal park at Askos, Zante has a lot to indulge in during your stay. Most major airlines such as Thomas Cook offer flights to Zante from every corner of the world. Visiting Zante is a must for people who love natural atmosphere, caves and monasteries.

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La Cueva de los Verdes

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Lanzarote is located at the eastern end of the Canary Islands. There are some flights to Lanzarote and further it takes a couple of hours to reach well known areas of the Island. It accommodates a number of long sandy beaches, national parks and excursions through the volcanic ashes. This will urge you to check out the La Cueva de los Verdes that offers the largest volcanic tunnel existing in the entire world.

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Banjul Albert Craft Market

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People come to the city of Banjul to enjoy its different aspects, some are lured by its scenic beaches, while others would like to track down its historic past. The city bustles with activity as you move among shops and houses. The National Museum, Court House and the Heritage Museum are some of the main attractions at Banjul. There are several flights to Banjul from every major international airport in the world, including charter flights by Thomas Cook Airlines from different parts of Europe.

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Monastir Ribat

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Monastir is city in Tunisia with Sousse and Kairouan as its first colonies that Arab had founded in Ifriqiya. Geographically Monastir is the land with the Mediterranean Sea on its 3 sides forming a peninsula. It also forms a water body of the same name in the south that goes beyond till the Cape of Ras Dimassi . The peninsula brings several different scenic landscapes and beaches with it, where some are rocky and others are sandy. It also has a cliff that spans for almost 6 miles. The Ribat at Monastir, also known as, Ribat of Harthema on the sea side is one of the main tourist locations in Monastir. If historic sites coupled with sandy beaches mean an ideal holiday for you, then you can catch flights to Monastir from any of the major international airports nearest to you.

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Hurghada International Fishing Competition

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With more than 40 km shoreline adjoining the Red Sea, Hurghada is a delight for anglers, with scores of sites to catch some amazing fish. Being one of the most popular seaside resorts of Egypt, Hurghada attracts several visitors throughout the year. It is located around 500 km towards southeast of Cairo. There are several direct flights to Hurghada from different European countries. You can also come via Cairo in case you fail to book the direct flight.

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FuerteVentura Christmas

torquoise waters of fuerteventure

Fuerteventura is known to be the 2nd largest Island among the Spanish Canary Islands. The initial settlers are known to have landed on the Island from Northern parts of Africa. In fact, the term Maho or Mahorero is used even today to explain the people belonging to Fuerteventura. The term is actually derived from the ancient word mahos which means a kind of goatskin shoe. These types of shoes were used by the original residents of Fuerteventura.

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malta guide art holidays

Malta

For such a small country, the Mediterranean islands of Malta have a rich and vibrant history. With North African and Arabic influences, theres been an incredible mix of rulers and occupiers over the centuries, yet all of these markson this beautiful, sunny nation create something individual with a distinct andcharming character.

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The little city of Banjul

Embera Indian on a long boat at Gambia,

Although the province is called the same, this small city is located in the St. Mary Island, where the Gambia Rivers meets with the Atlantic Ocean. The island is connected to the rest of the continent by passenger/vehicle ferry and many bridges to the south.

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Explore Gambia!

sunset mangroves...

This smallest of African nations has more going for it than many countries several times its size. Flights to Banjul International Airport take you in under six hours to the capital city on the west coast. Here you can take time to slip in to the holiday spirit as you bask on one of the famous sandy beaches and plan your itinerary.

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Jake Gyllenhaal's ideal holiday

Camels by the sea

While the person that sits next to you in the office might come back truly invigorated after a survival holiday packed with extreme sports and rough outdoor activities, your best friend might not be able to relax without getting deep full-body tan, sand between her toes and the sound of sea gulls. Perhaps all you want from a break is to be inspired by a different culture. Everyone has their own preferences. Did you ever wonder about the favourite holiday destinations of celebrities? We all know how fond Katie Price is of Ibiza, but what about, for example, Jake Gyllenhaal, the hero in Prince of Persia (2010)?

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Music Festival in Menorca

Guitar strings

Music festivals are very popular on the island of Majorca and its smaller neighbour Menorca. On Mallorca it seems that even smaller towns are organising their own summer music festivals, with jazz proving to be one of the more popular styles. On Menorca, festivals are equally popular and one of the biggest is the annual Music Festival of Mahon, which features mainly classical performances. This festival may be smaller than some of its Mallorcan equivalents, but the quality of the performers is very high.

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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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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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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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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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A Taste of Tenerife

fresh fish on the market

In Santa Cruz every Sunday morning there's a flea market at Mercado de Nuestra Senora de Africa, Calle San Sebastian. Some of Tenerife's other main markets are located in the Costa Adeje, the Los Cristianos area and in Santa Cruz, including a notable open-air flea market along the Avenida Jose Manuel Guimera, which takes place every Sunday morning. You can find inexpensive items to bring back home plus lots of local produce and handicrafts. Some of the items to look for are hand-crafted lace tablecloths, pottery and ceramics, and local wines.

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A real Sahara experience in Gran Canaria?

A rainbow over the dunes

Gran Canaria is the best place to be this summer, given its ideal location in the Atlantic Ocean and off the west coast of Africa which gives it a fantastic tropical climate all year round. The average temperature in the summer is around 26-30C/79-86 and 10-20C/50-68F in the winter. This island is one of the most popular islands of the Canary Island. Flights to Gran Canaria are very frequent due to the number of tourist it attracts every year.

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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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Ocean Festival Lisbon

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Situated at the point where the river Tagus flows into the Atlantic Ocean, it is hardly surprising that Lisbon has always had a special relationship with the sea. This sentiment is celebrated in the Oceans Festival, which takes place in the city from 31st July to 14th August.

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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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Roots Homecoming Festival in Gambia

african drummers

The Gambia Roots Homecoming Festival is to be next held sometime between late May and early June 2012.

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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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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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Cyprus Is Sporting In Spring

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Spring has already started to make an appearance on the island of Cyprus. Villages on the island have been celebrating the annual almond crop with traditional events. One took place in the village of Limnatis, near Limassol on the 28th of February, where visitors could taste a range of products made from almonds and also join in with the dancing.

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Maspalomas Carnival Details

Maspalomas_in_Gran_Canaria.

Many of the larger carnivals like the famous one in Rio de Janeiro and the carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife were held on the official carnival weekend of 13th and 14th February. Santa Cruz claims to host one of the biggest carnivals after Rio and this year the capital city of Tenerife had four live stages, an 84,000 Watt sound system and lighting rigs totaling almost 140,000 of power.

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Sun Not Snow

Sunset over sinai mountains Sharm el Sheikh  Egypt

Well, for those looking forward to some winter snow, the UK was able to compete with the alpine resorts with their ample blanket of the white stuff during early January. If your preference is for warmer weather, then any of these flythomascook.com winter sun destinations would have provided a stark contrast. In the Gambia, the early January weather in Banjul was hot sunshine, day after day, and daytime highs of 34 degrees Celsius. Short flights to the Gambia from the UK make Banjul a convenient location for UK travellers who prefer to guarantee their winter sunshine, without having to fly to Australia or South Africa.

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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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Lanzarote Prepares To Celebrate

fireworks

Forgive us for mentioning carnival events yet again, but for our travellers to Lanzarote, here is a review of the island's carnival events which kicked off on Saturday the 13th of February. There were also some events in the period leading up to this date including a children's fiesta and a series of plays.

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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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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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Race to Lanzarote

Pigeons over the sea

One of the more unusual sporting events on Lanzarote this year saw over 700 competitors setting off on the 23rd January from the African coast and racing the 100 miles or so to Lanzarote. The cash prize for the first one home was a healthy 6000 Euros, so competition was fierce with only the very fittest and fastest in with a chance of winning.

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Banjul Fine Arts Festival

African mask on a white background

For the first time Banjul,in The Gambia, will host its Fine Arts Festival to run for two weeks from 4th January 2010. The organiser of the event, Yusupha Kula, claims to be taking a small, local art show and transforming into a fine art festival that will attract up to 150,000 visitors and showcase talented and emerging artists from all over the world.

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Musical Magic in Banjul

african drummers

Restaurants in Banjul offer international style menus. You can also try local dishes such as domodah (a peanut stew served with either meat or fish) and benachin (a spicy risotto). For a simple Gambian meal of rice and sauce, you can visit the market stalls. For a quick snack, street vendors sell fruit, nuts and homemade fritters.

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Banjuls Beautiful Beaches and Wildlife

beautiful beach

Visitors can easily spend lazy days on the beaches here. One of the best for tourists right in the city is the man made beach near the Atlantic hotel on the Marina Parade. The main resort area is Banjul Beach and located about two miles west of the city. Banjul Beach has golden sands and lots of water sports

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Plymouth Banjul Rally

cars in desert

Cars of all shapes, sizes and age will depart Plymouth in England during December on a long journey to Banjul in The Gambia.

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Gran Canaria Much MoreThan Paradise

Gran Canaria sunset Mountains

Reputed to have the world's best climate, Gran Canaria is a tourist destination with so much to offer, entertainment and marvellous beaches, antiquities and culture, outdoor sports and nature. More than just an island paradise, GranCanaria is an experience to savor.

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Tenerife Island of Eternal Spring

Teresitas beach of Tenerife Island

Tenerife is an exotic island that's known for a large ex-Pat British community delivers so much more ithan what you've come to expect. It is a scenic volcanic island, the largest of the seven Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of north west Africa. Tenerife is the most populated island of the Canary Islands and Spain and is famous as the "island of eternal spring" (Isla de la Eterna Primavera) as the average winter temperature is 22 degrees Celsius while in summer average temperatures remain about 28 C. Tenerife is sunny all year round.

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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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Lanzarote - Part 1

Playa de Puerto Muelas Lanzarote

The eastern most island of the Canaries, Lanzarote is a place of spectacular natural beauty. This unspoilt volcanic island will bowl you over with its extraordinary rock formations, mountains, seascapes and desert plains. With so much to enjoy here, Lanzarote is a superb beach break for a relaxing or active holiday.

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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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Fuerteventura - The Canary Islands - Part 1

Windmill in Fuerteventura

With a lush and dramatic landscape and so much to do both on sea and land, Fuerteventura possesses riches to attract both the budget and discriminating traveller all year round.

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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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