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.

Continue reading... Mallorca February Fiesta

If you've ever wondered what the main reasons are that make thousands of winter holiday fans book flights to Hurghada in Egypt, then you've probably quickly come up with sun and sand. And you'd have been right. So what else, if anything, does this resort have to offer that makes it stand out from other winter sun destinations?

Continue reading... Reasons to visit Hurghada

Just when you think the carnival celebrations are over on Lanzarote and the streets of Arrecife have returned to normality, then things kick off again in another resort.

Continue reading... More February Celebrations on Lanzarote

Serious athletes and people who just run for fun are catered for in this year's half marathon race to be held during April in the town of Pollenca on the north coast of Mallorca.

Continue reading... Run for Fun in Mallorca

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.

Continue reading... Mallorca Has Hidden Charms

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.

Continue reading... January Algarve Events

The opening date for the newest luxury hotel in Antalya, Turkey has been set for March 2010.

Continue reading... New Luxury Hotel For Antalya

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.

Continue reading... Gran Canaria Celebrations

For an alternative winter sun getaway why not consider Funchal on the island of Madeira. The typical winter sun locations like Malta, Egypt or the Canary Islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote are all popular destinations for those seeking to spend a week or two escaping from the UK winter weather, but the island of Madeira is also a great option.

Continue reading... Funchal For February

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.

Continue reading... Flamenco in Faro

If we are talking about the January weather in the UK too much, it's because it seems to be the only talking point around at the moment but also because it provides a stark contrast to the conditions in many of our winter sun destinations.

Continue reading... A Far Cry From Fuerteventura

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.

Continue reading... Dance Music in Malta, Sharm and Cyprus

When you fly to Lanzarote the aircraft will arrive at the island's main airport in Arrecife. The airport is conveniently situated midway along the east coast making transfers to most of the island's main tourist hotspots relatively short, in fact as the whole island is only around 35 miles long, transfer distances are rarely more than 20 miles.

Continue reading... Arrecife Carnival on Lanzarote

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.

Continue reading... Antalya Tourist Numbers Climb

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.

Continue reading... Antalya Airport Improvements

The southern coast of Portugal, better know as the Algarve region, is staking it's claim as one of Europe's top surfing locations. There are now numerous surf-friendly locations along the coast and a series of events for both amateurs and professionals.

Continue reading... Algarve's Surfing Crown

Tourists on Gran Canaria during December may have been lucky enough to witness one of the more unusual events on the island.

Continue reading... Gran Canaria Winter Solstice

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.

Continue reading... Race to Lanzarote

Cycling around the roads of Lanzarote may be the choice of professional racing teams for their pre-season training camps or keen amateur cyclists escaping the uncertain conditions of a wet British spring, but Lanzarote has more to offer than just road-based routes.

Continue reading... Mountain Bike Around Lanzarote

If you are visiting Mallorca and like to eat out in the best restaurants then a visit to one of the island's top eateries ought to be on your schedule.

Continue reading... Michelin Star Restaurants in Mallorca

Ask anyone to name the islands in the Canaries and most would, without much trouble, come up with the main four islands of Tenerife , Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. After all that's where most of the holiday companies and airline operators provide services for. However there are actually 8 main islands, the others being La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa, the smallest of the inhabited islands of the Chinijo Archipelago off Lanzarote.

Continue reading... La Gomera In The Canaries

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.

Continue reading... Glorious Golf in Belek

While much of Britain still experienced cold, snowy weather and temperatures in Scotland plummeted to as low as minus sixteen, we thought a round up of the weather in our key winter sun destinations would warm you up a little.

Continue reading... Festive Weather Round Up

The Gran Canaria International Marathon took place on the 24th January 2010. Local council and tourism authorities saw the potential of hosting an international marathon race after witnessing what they called the "magnetic" effect of similar races in other Spanish cities. They quoted the success of cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Saragossa and Palma de Mallorca as some of those that have put on marathon races and attracted huge crowds in addition to the runners themselves. For Gran Canaria the obvious choice was to make the most of the island's mild winter weather and entice runners to take part in one of the only European marathons to be held during January.

Continue reading... Countdown to Gran Canaria Marathon

January and February are both popular months for golfers taking a trip to the Algarve in Portugal. The resorts that are within easy reach of Faro airport offer perfect conditions at the start of the year, when many UK courses could be difficult to play or even closed due to the weather conditions.

Continue reading... Fly To Faro For January Golf

The Spanish islands of Mallorca, Menorca and the Canaries are not the only places to hold their carnivals in the early part of the year. The town of Rethymno in Crete also stages a spectacular carnival programme that runs throughout the whole of February.

Continue reading... February Carnival in Crete

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

Continue reading... Paragliders in Tenerife

The small island of La Gomera, one of the less well known of the Canaries that lies just off the west coast of Tenerife, is the start point for a rowing challenge that calls itself the 'World's Toughest Rowing Race'.

Continue reading... Rowers depart Canaries on Marathon Journey

Lanzarote's Open de Canarias de Ala Delta hang gliding competition took place between the 6th and 12th December this year.

Continue reading... International Hang Gliding on Lanzarote

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.

Continue reading... Turkey Celebrates Successful Travel Year

If you are looking for a high energy New Year party followed by some peaceful relaxation in the sun away from the cold, wet weather that is currently shrouding the UK, then Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt may be just the ticket.

Continue reading... Plan your New Year Party in Sharm

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.

Continue reading... Banjul Fine Arts Festival

If many resorts, even winter sun destinations, seem very quite during November and December, then those looking for a little more activity may be interested in a visit to Portugal's Algarve region. Although the weather there may not quite be able to compete with the Canary Islands or the resorts of Egypt and Gambia for reliable warm sunny days, it certainly will not be as cold or as wet as the UK during those months.

Continue reading... The Algarve During November and December

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.

Continue reading... Christmas on The Algarve

November and December are the perfect months to explore the lesser known areas of Mallorca. Hire a car, hop onto a bus or use Mallorca's rejuvenated rail network to travel to some of the islands traditional towns and villages. Many visitors to Mallorca stay in the beach resorts either side of the capital Palma, the coastal areas in the north around Alcudia and Pollenca or the beach resorts on the east coast like Cala Millor or Porto Christo.

Continue reading... Exploring Mallorca

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.

Continue reading... Film Crew in the Canaries

In Europe the Autumn period seems to be the time when many areas host festivals celebrating local produce and cuisine. A little research has revealed that food fairs are now held in many popular tourist areas at the end of the summer season and serve to provide visitors with a taste of local cuisine and traditions.

Continue reading... Food Fairs in Autumn

For anyone interested in ancient history and the legacy left by over five hundred years of Roman civilization, Tunisia has some remarkable offerings.

Continue reading... Roman History in Tunisia

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.

Continue reading... St Peters Singers in Palma

There were two International sporting events that featured on the events calendar of the island of Lanzarote during November.

Continue reading... Lanzarote Sports November

The fifth annual Volta Menorca is a three day off-road mountain bike challenge that was held this year on the 10th, 11th and 12th of October.

Continue reading... Volta Menorca 2009

There were two International sporting events that featured on the events calendar of the island of Lanzarote during November.

Continue reading... Lanzarote Sports November

Colourful skies were promised at the annual Fuerteventura Kite Festival in November this year.

Continue reading... Fuerteventura Kite Festival

Hold onto your hats during early November in Cyprus for a car verses boat challenge.

Continue reading... Cyprus Thunderball

Although Bodrum itself is in a bay and doesn't have a sand beach, the Bodrum peninsula has gorgeous, sandy beaches at Bitez and Gumbet with tons of watersports attractions for every age and ability. You can swim in absolutely pristine, calm seas. Divers and snorkelers will be drawn to the areas numerous reefs, caves and splendid rock formations. Divers can also find multicolored sponges and an astonishing array of other aquatic life.

Continue reading... Bodrum A Place to Experience

New plans for upgrading the airport at Chania on Crete are being made public at last. The Chania airport in western Crete is one of two operational charter flight airports at the moment. The other is at Heraklion, on the central northern coast and is the larger of the two, although there are plans to upgrade the airport at Sitia in eastern Crete to provide a third airport in the future.

Continue reading... Crete Airport Upgrade Plans

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.

Continue reading... Algarve Film Set

During the summer months the resort of Alcudia on the northern coast of Mallorca transforms into a buzzing beach location, fringed with a huge selection of luxury hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes and one of the best sandy beaches on the island. Once the peak months of the summer are gone, everything starts to move at a slightly slower pace, although the resort doesn't quite return to the peaceful, quiet rural zone it once was before tourism discovered it.

Continue reading... Alcudia Fair in October

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.

Continue reading... Spoilt for Choice in Dalaman

Wine producing co-operatives on Tenerife have joined forces to offer visitors a chance to learn about and sample the wine choices of the island.

Continue reading... Join the Wine Bus on Tenerife

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.

Continue reading... Gran Canaria and Tenerife Open Jazz Festival

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

Continue reading... Tenerife Gomera Rock festival

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.

Continue reading... Felanitx Festival in Mallorca

Visitors to Crete during September will not only have the fabulous autumn weather to enjoy. A selection of cultural events continues throughout the month.

Continue reading... Crete During September

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.

Continue reading... Pick up a Bargain in Tenerife This Week

The beaches of Eastern Crete are often referred to as some of the more secluded on the island, but when windsurfers discover perfect conditions, things tend to get livelier.

Continue reading... Go Freestyle on Crete

This year there was another chance to experience the thrills provided by the Le Mans cars at the Algarve International Autodrome between 30th July and 2nd August

Continue reading... Another 24 Hours on the Algarve

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

Continue reading... Plymouth Banjul Rally

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.

Continue reading... Improve your Windsurfing on Kos

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

Continue reading... World Oceans Day

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.

Continue reading... The Beaches of Corfu

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.

Continue reading... Gran Canaria Much MoreThan Paradise

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.

Continue reading... Paphos A Cultural Delight

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.

Continue reading... Tenerife Island of Eternal Spring

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.

Continue reading... Corfu - Part 2

For a real Greek village experience try Vamos. The town is situated between Chania and Rethymnon, in the rolling foothills of the White Mountains. The sea is less than four miles away, with sandy beaches complete with water-sports facilities at both Kalives and Georgioupoli.

Continue reading... Crete - Part 2

Located on the azure Aegean Sea, the Dalaman region of south west Turkey (also known as Turkey's Turquoise Coast) is a place of wonder and natural beauty that is truly unbeatable.

Continue reading... Dalaman - Part 1

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.

Continue reading... Minorca - Part 1

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.

Continue reading... Lanzarote - Part 1

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.

Continue reading... Hurghada Eygpt Part 1

Faro airport is the primary travel hub into southern Portugal. From the western end of the coast at Lagos right along through Albufeira, Vilamoura, Faro itself and across to Tavira in the east, the international airport welcomes flights from all over Europe. The majority of arrivals however are either from Lisbon or from the UK. Despite some lower traveler numbers this year, airport owners Ana Aeroportos are set to invest around 130 million Euros over the next four years in a multi-phase expansion project.

Continue reading... Faro Airport Improvements Planned

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.

Continue reading... Bourgas Part 1

The town of Polis lies 20miles north of Paphos in the north west of Cyprus. It is a popular town with visitors to the island and the local community provides an interesting selection of artistic and cultural events for tourists to enjoy during there stay in the area.

Continue reading... Summer Nights in Polis near Paphos

Deciding on a new destination for your next holiday is both exciting and difficult. The prospect of discovering new and wonderful places is set against the worry of potentially being disappointed with your choice of location. Travel brochures have pages of tempting pictures of beautiful scenery and attractive descriptions and the resorts themselves use all kinds of marketing strategies to attract as many visitors as possible. As part of this promotion you may have heard some resorts describe their beaches as "blue flag", but what does that actually mean?

Continue reading... Blue Flag Beaches

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.

Continue reading... Zante Part 1

Sensational Santorini,located in the southern Aegean Cyclades, is a tranquil island set on dramatic cliffs and amongst amazing seascapes. With panoramic views of sweeping lagoons and breathtaking sunsets, this a romantic holiday destination. Santorini has a well deserved reputation for it's natural geological wonders and the beautiful skafta (cave houses built into the rock) that will not disappoint the discriminating traveller in search of a truly unforgettable, sun soaked getaway.

Continue reading... Santorini Part 1

Most tourists simply pass through Faro airport en route to their resort destinations in other parts of the Algarve. But if you're hankering for a cultural city break with wonderful food and year-round sun, then Faro is a delightful retreat.

Continue reading... Faro Part 1

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.

Continue reading... Monastir Part 1

FlyThomasCook have announced an additional weekly flight to extend the existing offerings to three flights per week between Manchester and Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.

Continue reading... Extra Flights to Fuerteventura

Rediscover the true Crete: Beyond the noisy, crowded resorts lies the true heart of Crete which encompasses stunning regional flavours, exceptional land and sea scapes, and the hustle and bustle of traditional village life.

Continue reading... Crete Part 1

Set aside your bias about Corfu strictly being a mass market package holiday destination because in reality, this beloved Greek island has many beautiful beaches and cultural attractions for all kinds of holidaymakers in search a of a memorable getaway.

Continue reading... Corfu Part 1

Exciting things don't usually seem to happen in the small mountain town of Keri on Zante. Tourism has hardly touched this place and even during the earthquake that shook the island in 1953, Keri was just about the only place where no damage was caused. Quaint old houses remain as does a bold yellow chapel and bell tower. Things are still fairly quiet down on Lake Keri or Limni Keri, the small gulf on the coast down from the village. Here a small harbour is home to mainly fishing boats and the small shingle beach is a relaxing place for tourists who venture to this part of Zante. There is a little more in the way of tourist accommodation and a smart new hotel has recently been built to the north of the beach providing spectacular views across the waters to the island of Marathonisi and beyond to the Vasilikos Peninsula but things are still quiet and peaceful here.

Continue reading... Scientists Excited at Keri

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.

Continue reading... Waterpark attractions on the Algarve

FlyThomasCook will add a new Tuesday flight to its Manchester - Arrecife route that, together with the existing Thursday and Sunday flights, will bring more choice and additional flexibility for people flying to the island of Lanzarote. The additional flight will operate from 4th August until 27th October 2009 inclusively.

Continue reading... Extra Flights to Lanzarote

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.

Continue reading... Swim in Style on Tenerife

Holidays in Turkey are certainly increasingly popular with some remarkable beaches, luxury resorts and a spectacular coastline that changes from developed tourist destination to isolated countryside at the turn of a peninsula. At the western end of the south coast, between the Gulfs of Gulluk and Gokova, lies the city of Bodrum. Although it is surrounded by a varied choice of smaller holiday resorts, Bodrum itself is a popular location that offers an eclectic mix of ancient culture, indulgence in luxury and exciting modern trends. By day Bodrum revolves around two attractive bays, a busy marina full of luxury yachts, an ancient castle and long, palm-shaded promenades. By night in Bodrum comes alive with hundreds of bars and restaurants, outdoor socialising and some of Europe's most exciting nightclubs.

Continue reading... Bodrum Comes Alive at Night

For many visitors to the island of Rhodes, the history and architecture of Rhodes Old Town is bound to be the main attraction when looking to get away from the wonderful beaches. But halfway down the east coast of the island is another location that has its own share of Rhode's history and is certainly worth a visit.

Continue reading... The Second Jewel in Rhode's Crown

The first United Nations World Environment Day (WED) happened in 1972 and over the following 37 years the initiative has been gaining traction as a vehicle to generate awareness of environmental issues. Thomas Cook was one company that supported the initiative with action events all over Europe and in Egypt. A sustainable tourism fashion show fashion show was held in Italy and a coastal walk was organised on the Coast del Sol to raise money for a local charity. In Paphos on Cyprus, Gran Canaria and Zakynthos Thomas Cook staff took part in beach clean up initiatives. The company sees WED as a good opportunity to educate both staff and guests about the environmental impact of travel and the means of making leisure travel a sustainable option.

Continue reading... Zante Clean Up on World Environment Day

There are now several annual jazz festivals held on the island, and a permanent jazz club has found a home in the Hotel Saratoga, a four star hotel in the centre of Palma with views over the harbour area. The hotel hosts the Blue Jazz Club where artists play in the seventh floor bar every Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the season. The venue is perfect for some summer evening jazz as it offers outdoor areas with spectacular views over the bay and city.

Continue reading... Jazz in Mallorca

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.

Continue reading... Desert in Gran Canaria

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.

Continue reading... Hot Work in Turkey for Drivers

Having spent half a million Euros on a campaign to improve beach safety, the regional Government of Majorca is asking local coastal councils to play their part. The problem of jellyfish, which some are expecting to find their way closer to the shore this year, is receiving additional attention. The authorities are hoping to implement a type of early warning system, where anyone making sightings out at sea is being encouraged to contact the emergency authorities on the island, who will communicate with local beach management teams to provide warnings for holidaymakers.

Continue reading... Majorca aims for Safer Beaches

Top tennis player Rafael Nadal may have been beaten in the French Open but he is still fully supporting the promotion of tourism for his homeland, namely the island of Mallorca. Nadal, who comes from the town of Manacor on the eastern coast of Mallorca, had to make the difficult decision to leave the island when aged 14 and move to the Spanish mainland to pursue his tennis career. It proved to be the right move as the 23 year old has been world ranked number one since August 2008, but the top player loves his homeland and still lives in the family home on the island with his grandparents, parents and uncle/coach Toni Nadal. Rafael is a regular at the local tennis club in Manacor and was there recently preparing for the French Open.

Continue reading... Nadal Supports Tourism in Mallorca

The area around Paphos in the south of Cyprus has changed during the last 25 years on the back of better provisions for tourists and an increasing popularity of the area for second-home investors. Control of development is still a concern with conservationists but at least the authorities can see the issues created when developers are given too much of a free rein. What Paphos has to offer, apart from its own cultural attractions, is its proximity to two areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Continue reading... Paphos a gateway to the real Cyprus

If your family is one of the many that are now finding surfing to be the perfect component of an activity holiday then your choice of location is very important. The Algarve coast in Portugal between Faro and Lagos has some of the best family surfing beaches in Europe.

Continue reading... Family Surfing in The Algarve

The sailing industry forms a large and important part of the travel economy on the southern coast of Turkey. The towns of Bodrum, Dalaman, Marmaris and Antalya are all dependent on the trade generated by large cruise ships, coastal cruise companies and private yacht owners. Supporting and developing this part of the travel sector has been a compromise between conservation and improving facilities. One company that has been responsible for two recent marina developments is about to start a third new project in the port of Dalaman.

Continue reading... Dalaman Marina Development to start soon

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.

Continue reading... Fuerteventura - The Canary Islands - Part 2

Most people taking a holiday around the area of Paphos in Cyprus will do so because of the lovely weather. Virtually guaranteed sunshine and mild temperatures make it a great location for beach holidays almost all year round. But if relaxing and enjoying the sunshine is not quite enough for you, Paphos also has plenty of more energetic activities to keep you busy.

Continue reading... More than Sun in Paphos

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.

Continue reading... Blue Skies over Portimao

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.

Continue reading... Return of Artifacts to Bodrum

Talking about the nightclubs on the island first. One of the most famous is perhaps Pacha, which is a large venue and the only club that is open all year round, with others not opening until late May. The claim of being the largest club is now owned by Privilege which has an unusual history. The club started life as a local swimming pool which became popular after a bar was added and it started playing music under the name Club Rafael. Name changes, storms, closures and new investment has brought the club to where it is today, the biggest nightclub in the world.

Continue reading... Discover Ibiza

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.

Continue reading... Old Rock in Lindos Rhodes

An intoxicating coastline of white sandy beaches plus top restaurants and clubs, Palma is a mecca for the traveller who appreciates the very best of everything. The capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma is upmarket, eternally chic, and perfectly suited for walking as it's compact and navigable for pedestrians.

Continue reading... Palma de Mallorca - Balearics - Part 1

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.

Continue reading... Larnaca - Cyprus - Part 1

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.

Continue reading... Fuerteventura - The Canary Islands - Part 1

During the months of July and August sixteen trawlers will monitor the coastlines around Majorca and the other islands in the Balearics looking for and catching jellyfish. The creatures tend to move into warmer waters during this time of year and can be swept up onto beaches by onshore winds. By catching any shoals that are close to the shoreline the authorities predict that the threat will be reduced and therefore improve the holiday experience for visitors to the islands.

Continue reading... Jellyfish clean up in Majorca

Travel half an hour East from Faro on the Algarve and you will arrive at the old town of Tavira, a place that ranks alongside Lagos in architectural significance on this stretch of the Portuguese coast.

Continue reading... Festival in the Old Town of Tavira

The regatta that took place in June last year consisted of a series of 5 races and included one race over the direct route from Marmaris to Rhodes that took the winning boat just under 3 hours. Sailing is an important part of the economy for Marmaris with several marinas in the area and the main port being one of the busiest along this part of the Turkish coast.

Continue reading... Rhodes and Marmaris Sail Together

The coastline around Antalya in Turkey is proving increasingly popular, with more and more tourists selecting the area for a summer break. The Turkish authorities are keen to promote the location but are equally concerned about sheltering it from over development. There are no high rise buildings and restrictions on building styles exist to keep development sympathetic to the area. There are also some areas of natural significance that are even more highly protected. But to experience the real Antalya, just as it was thousands of years ago, you don't need to travel very far out of town.

Continue reading... Step back in time outside Antalya

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.

Continue reading... Canaries come to Chelsea

The popularity of Egyptian resort location Sharm el Sheikh seems to be continuing while some other destinations are feeling the effects of the global slowdown. Reports suggest that visitor volumes to Sharm are showing increases of up to 20 per cent this year and building development projects are underway to cope with the extra tourists.

Continue reading... New developments open in Sharm el Sheikh

The site of a wreck just off the coast of Larnaca now ranks amongst the top ten wreck dives in the world.

Continue reading... Diving in Cyprus

Hilton Hotels Corporation is obviously placing a huge amount of faith in the future of this part of Turkey, having announced plans for 11 new hotel contracts last year, which effectively doubles their footprint in Turkey. Ongoing plans are reported to include 40 hotel openings in Turkey over the next 5 years.

Continue reading... New Hilton Dalaman Resort on track for Summer opening

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.

Continue reading... Whale watching in Fuerteventura

Described as a walker's paradise by many, the island combines a mild, dry climate with spectacular high mountains, coastal paths and, in places, wonderful isolation. A huge network of ancient walkways and traditional trails used by shepherds links together hundreds of small villages which provide places to stop and gather refreshments as well as places to stay overnight.

Continue reading... Walking and Climbing in Crete

Following the opening of new terminal buildings at the airport and recent plans to start development on a new marina this year, the resort of Dalaman is bound to become a must-visit destination for many European travellers.

Continue reading... Dalaman Attractions

Visitors planning to take advantage of the special diving conditions available in the waters of the Red Sea off Sharm El Sheikh will have a safer, albeit smaller, selection of dive centres to choose from following a review of operations by Egypt's Chamber of Diving and Watersports.

Continue reading... Safer Diving in Sharm El Sheikh

Depending on which report you read, the number of tourists travelling to Turkey this year has increased by between 10 and 15 per cent.There are a number of reasons suggested for this but there is no doubt that the Turkish authorities are seeing a fantastic opportunity for their country and are doing all they can to make the most of it.

Continue reading... Bodrum enjoys more Tourism

The island of Fuerteventura in the Canaries has its own unique mix of wildlife dictated largely by its climate. The weather is rarely cold on Fuerteventura and warm dry days are the norm almost all year round. It is because of this that the island has a very limited number of animals living wild. There is however a zoo on the island at Oasis Park that is home to 200 species but hardly any are native to the island.

Continue reading... Find the Wildlife in Fuerteventura

Authorities on the Greek island of Zante have issued requirements that all beaches within popular resorts of four council areas need to have full time lifeguards on duty. The two councils on the island that currently have Blue Flag beach status, namely those at Alykes and Arkadion already have permanent life guards on duty, as that is a requirement under the FEE scheme, but until now others have been left to make their own decision. The councils of Zakynthos and Lagana are the other two areas that fall under the new scheme.

Continue reading... Zante Improves Beach Safety

If you've ever been to Corfu, or Kerkyra, during your younger years then you probably spent most of your time either on the beach or in a bar or nightclub, but a return to the island later in life may reveal a different side. Traditional holiday hot spots for the twentysomethings include Benitses on the East coat and Kavos in the extreme south. Both have the benefit of the sheltered and warmer waters that lie between Corfu and the mainlands of Albania and Greece which are visible in the distance on a clear day.

Continue reading... A Return to Corfu

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

Continue reading... Beaches of Rhodes

Bitez Bay, a stone's throw from Bodrum on the Southern Turkish coast, may just be the perfect holiday bay. The weather during the long summer season is ideal, the almost perfectly circular shape of the Bay is enchanting and the lack of highrise blocks and apartments around the bay help it to retain its charm and beauty. It offers a quieter alternative to the livelier and busier Bodrum beaches of Gumbet and the main beaches closer to the town.

Continue reading... Bitez The Perfect Bay

The opening of the Siam Park water complex was certainly long awaited. Construction started back in 2004 on what is reputed to be the biggest water park in Europe, but delays and construction problems delayed the opening by 16 months.

Continue reading... New Water Park in Tenerife

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.

Continue reading... Tenerife High Point

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.

Continue reading... Bodrum Nights

If your holiday to Mallorca needs to include more than just endless lazy days relaxing on the beach then the island has plenty to offer those willing to explore the island. Mallorca has dramatic coastal scenery but inland the Tramuntana mountains provide a completely different geography. Almost one hundred years ago a railway line was built to link the capital Palma with the town of Soller in the north west of the island. The purpose of the 27 kilometer line was to ease the commercial development of the Soller area as previously the only way to reach the capital was the long journey over difficult mountain terrain.

Continue reading... The Old Train to Soller in Mallorca

The Turkish resort of Marmaris has used its special location on the coast to become a central hub of tourism, but just along the coast there are many more secrets to uncover.

Continue reading... Along the Coast from Marmaris

For wine regions around the world the harvesting of a new vintage is the most important period of the year and many, including the Spanish region of Andalucia, celebrate with a range of traditional festivals.

Continue reading... Celebrate the New Vintage in Andalucia