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.

Continue reading... Anticipating the greatest Canary Carnival of 2012

This year the Islanders of Lanzarote are attempting to take their Christmas celebrations to record breaking lengths. The annual Father Christmas Parade, held on the 23rd of December, in Puerto Del Carmen is a tradition long observed and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The main attraction, Santa himself, is led down the promenade aboard his magically decorated, horse drawn sleigh, from 18.00-20.00, and throws gifts and sweets to all the children that come to join the parade. But children are not the only ones expected join in: this year, everyone has is asked to don a Santa suit and aid the Islanders in their attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most Father Christmas' holding hands. Shops all along the waterfront are set to sell costumes for reduced rates, so there is no excuse not to join in.

Continue reading... Festive Fun in Lanzarote - Christmas 2011

Christmas in the UK can become more of a stress than a celebration, with crowded shops, checkout queues and motorway traffic, celebrating abroad often works out as a peaceful option as well as being a Christmas to remember. Though it may not be a traditional white yuletide, spending Christmas in the sunny Algarve is less commercial and, culturally, more family orientated, not to mention, a comfortable 15-16 degrees Celsius.

Continue reading... Father Christmas in Faro

The main attractions for 2011 also include the Atayde Brothers Circus. This record-breaking circus, established over a century ago, has performed globally and boasts some of Central and South America's greatest acrobats and gymnasts as well as 7 Bengal tigers. More theatrical entertainment comes from the foremost Latin American magician and illusionist Eriko Trevensoli. Trevensoli's Extreme Magic Show promises mind boggling illusions, involving motorbikes and deadly animals, as well as a death-defying finale. There will also be a, more peaceful, aquatic show at the 'Dolphinarium' where dolphins, seals and a variety other marine animals perform to an arena of guests.

Continue reading... Feria Yucatan Xmatkuil 2011 - A Traditional Celebration of Contemporary Mexican Culture

Every October, the town centre of Faro is dedicated to Saint Irene (or, as the Portuguese call her, Santa Iria). From 19t until 29th of October, Largo de Sao Francisco will be bristling with activity, fragrant food stalls, colourful displays, art exhibitions and entertainment for all generations.

Continue reading... Faro's favourite saint

Holiday romance isn't limited to intense but insignificant flings. Exploring idyllic shores and lounging in luxurious hotel rooms is a sure-fire way to rekindle the passion between couples who know each other inside out, which is why Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton during their holiday in Kenya. If you and your other half can do with a shot of romance, it's time to book last-minute flights to Cyprus, the fabled birthplace of the Goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite.

Continue reading... Love in Larnaca

To make sure even the youngest holidaymakers enjoy their trips to the full, flythomascook has launched the new Kids' Club on their website with loads of great games, facts, stories and travel advice for the little ones. The Kids' Club has four sections: Before we go, At the airport, On the plane and At the beach.

Continue reading... Extra Holiday Fun for Kids

There are a lot of events and festivals that are held within Mallorca and these are popular with tourists as well as with the locals. There are a lot of things for people to see and do when on holiday in this area and it is easy to get flights to Mallorca, therefore this has helped it to become a very popular destination.

Continue reading... BCM Planet Dance in Mallorca

One of the biggest events that take place within Mallorca is known as Mallorca Rocks and people from all around the world can join in with the festivities thanks to the flights to Mallorca. There are a lot of artists that come from all around the world to entertain the masses of people that want to enjoy this festival. There is a lot of work that goes into making this festival better every year. It is true to say that the line up for 2011 is one that simply cannot be missed. The festival in 2011 will run for seventeen weeks and during these weeks there will be a vast array of live gigs that people can enjoy.

Continue reading... Mallorca Rocks

The fiesta de San Jose that is celebrated within Fuerteventura is a popular event and it encourages people from all over the world. This fiesta is held during March and it dates back to the Middle Ages, however it is not until modern day times that this fiesta has really developed some degree of character. Nowadays this fiesta includes a range of different events, which includes a parade at night and also a procession that goes through the old towns that are known as Valencia. A lot of the people that enjoy taking part in this fiesta tend to make use of the flights to Fuerteventura. There is a fairly comprehensive calendar of events that take place within the island of Fuerteventura. The fiesta de San Jose normally takes place during March and it is a fairly popular event with a wide range of people.

Continue reading... Fiesta de San Jose

Fuerteventura hosts a large number of festivals and these are popular with a wide variety of people. There are a lot of people that use the flights to Fuerteventura as they can join in with the festivities. This carnival allows people to experience the party atmosphere of Fuerteventura. There are carnivals hosted within most of the cities, towns and villages throughout Fuerteventura that host their own carnivals and these take place between January and April. These carnivals all feature a range of musical, sporting and cultural events. Another event that forms part of all of these carnivals is a procession of floats that involves a wide range of wheeled vehicles, which are all colorful and most of them also play some type of music.

Continue reading... Fuerteventura Carnival

Our Lady of Sorrows Festival is a very popular event on the island of Lanzarote and this is annual event. This festival takes place during September and this event mainly focuses on the resort of Mancha Blanca however there are a lot of things that happen all across Lanzarote. This festival has been designed to play homage to the patron for the resort of Mancha Blanca. The patron was known as Virgin de los Dolores and this translates as the Lady of Sorrows, hence the name of the festival. This festival is a religious festival and it includes a church mass, massive craft fair, folkloric festivities and also a religious procession. A lot of the tourists that enjoy taking part in this festival tend to use the cheap flights to Lanzarote.

Continue reading... Our Lady of Sorrows Festival in Lanzarote

There are a lot of tourists that enjoy the regular flights to Mallorca and they enjoy the vast array of attractions that are on offer within this area. The Carthusian Monastery reached its peak level of fame during the winter of 1838 when it welcomed two controversial guests and this was Frederic Chopin who is a Polish composer and pianist and the other person was a female romantic novelist from France. The area where the two guests stayed is still laid out in the same manner and tourists can view this.

Continue reading... Carthusian Monastery in Mallorca

Between 1730 and 1736 there was volcanic eruptions that took place and these covered about one third of the island of Lanzarote. These eruptions added a lot of lava to the surrounding area and this ruined the agricultural land. The wine growers in this area have utilized this land. The black sand and also the half circle that is produced from volcanic stones preserve the humidity of the earth and this helps to protect the vines from the wind and the sun. There are a lot of people that use the regular flights to Lanzarote in order to enjoy things such as the wineries.

Continue reading... Lanzarote Wine Trial

There is a large number of different water parks that are located across Mallorca and this area is home to some of the best water parks anywhere in the world. These water parks are very popular with both locals and tourists alike. A lot of the tourists that enjoy spending time at these water parks also enjoy the frequent flights to Mallorca. There is a lot of things for people to do within this area however this water park will be able to fill at least one full day.

Continue reading... Aqua City in Mallorca

The Western Water Park is located within Mallorca and it is a very popular attraction for both locals and tourists alike. This attraction is a great place for thrill seekers and it has a vast array of different rides, which are perfect for people of all ages. One of the most popular attractions within the park is the slide that is known as the Kamikaze and this slide has a drop of thirty meters therefore it is perfect for people that enjoy thrilling rides. This water park is very popular with tourists that come from all across the world and make use of the cheap regular flights to Mallorca.

Continue reading... Western Water Park in Mallorca

The area of Patara is commonly known as the birthplace for Santa Claus. This area of Dalaman is very popular with tourists and locals as it is home to some luxurious long beaches and these tend to be fairly quite, as it is away from the main resorts. A lot of the tourists that enjoy these beaches and the area of Patara make the most of the frequent flights to Dalaman.

Continue reading... Patara Ruins in Dalaman

Antalya is a very popular tourist destination and a lot of these tourists enjoy shopping within this area. A lot of the tourists that enjoy shopping within this area make the most of the cheap flights to Antalya. There is a number of very popular areas for shopping within Antalya and it is true to say that this area is a dreamland for shopaholics. It is fair to say that this area has some of the best shopping within the Middle East and it is also a very magnificent area.

Continue reading... Shopping in Antalya

Holiday World is a theme park that is popular with both tourists and locals alike. This theme park allows people to enjoy an array of different amusements in the open air. Holiday World theme park is the biggest funfair within the Canary Islands and it is home to a number of different amusements that are breathtaking. The popular rides within this park includes a roller coaster, shooting stalls, dodgems and also a Ferris wheel that is twenty seven meters in height. This park also offers parrot shows and seal shows which are very popular with children. This park is very popular with tourists that make the most of the frequent flights to Gran Canaria.

Continue reading... Holiday World in Gran Canaria

The carnival celebrations do not only take place within clubs as it also happens on the surrounding streets. One of the biggest things that take place is the massive street parade and this is very popular attraction. These parades and festivities tend to involve a lot of people from the GLBT community. It is true to say that these events are a lot of fun and they are also very colourful. All of these qualities mix together to create a very good atmosphere for a street party.

Continue reading... Ibiza Carnival During February

The island of Ibiza is very popular with tourists and there are a lot of things for them to see and do. It would be fair to say that for a lot of tourists the main attraction of Ibiza is the beaches and the nightlife however there is a lot more than this to the island. A lot of the tourists that come to this area enjoy having regular flights to Ibiza.

Continue reading... Cova Des Culleram in Ibiza

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.

Continue reading... Markets In Lanzarote

Omega Parque Zoo is located within the Algarve and it is located amongst the scenic mountains. This zoo is home to a number of different endangered animals and this includes crowned sifakas, limos, cheetah, bamboo lemurs and also oryx to name a few. This zoo offers the perfect day out if you want to be entertained whilst also getting a bit of an education on endangered animals. A lot of the tourists that visit this attraction make the most of the frequent flights to Algarve.

Continue reading... Omega Parque Zoo in Algarve

Bodrum has numerous places to visit but Pamukkale is a great change from the usual sites, historical and cultural, simply because of its whitish appearance visible even from large distances. You simply cannot miss this site from flights to Bodrum, as you are likely to view it even from the aircraft. Pamukkale is located at 300 km from the city of Bodrum which turns out to be around 3 hours drive. Because of its whitish appearance, people of Turkey call it Pamukkale meaning a Cotton Castle. Pamukkale is a remarkable and astounding natural site, unique in every aspect which looks fairylike with its sensational white petrified cascading layers of neatly spaced rocks.

Continue reading... Pamukkale and the city of Hierapolis in Bodrum

The Cyprus International 4 Day Challenge is an event that brings out the adventurous streak in participants. Those who want to participate or maybe witness the event can catch a flight to Paphos from any major international airport nearest to your city. The event mixes conventional road running and remarkable trail running through a National Park called Akamas National Park situated in Paphos. The participants take part in 4 events and the final winner is the person who achieves best scores in all four events.

Continue reading... Paphos Cyprus International 4 Day Challenge

If you think making sand castles is difficult, you will be left speechless by the Sand Sculpture Festival held every year at Burgas. Sand art has truly evolved from making simple sand structures on the beach to more professional works displayed on different occasions all over the world, Burgas being one of them. The festival is a must see if you are planning your holiday in the months of July-August. Flights to Burgas can be easily booked online through the Thomas Cook website.

Continue reading... Burgas Sand Sculpture Festival

The very first trade fair was held in 2005 and the Gambia Chamber of Commerce has been successfully able to conduct the trade fair regularly for the past three years. The trade and commerce in the Banjul has definitely picked up in the past few years as more and more people are visiting the region because of the fair. The trade fair allows more than 200 local traders and several and international firms to take part in the fair. This way they not only increase their revenue but also improve the relations existing between various economies.

Continue reading... Banjul Trade Fair

Varkarola is a popular festival of Corfu that is held here in every summer season. The festival has got everything to do with Saint Spyridon. It is the belief of the locals of Kalami that Saint Spyridon saved the people of the Island from the persistent attacks of the Turks. The event celebrates this miracle that took place on 11th August 1716 in the most incredible manner. The festival is celebrated by performing nautical fights among sailors of the Island. It is a depiction of how the Turks were defeated and sent back from the Island.

Continue reading... The Varkarola Festival of Corfu

The Tenerife Wine Route is an association that is not for profit. It was established in 2005 and consists of close to 50 members. The aim behind its establishment is to generate awareness about the traditional and cultural wine growing that forms part of Tenerifes heritage. Foreign visitors who want to experience something unique can hop on to this bus. It is indeed a welcome tourist option that not just promotes Tenerifes wines but also takes you to the nitty gritties of running vineyards and preparing wines. There are several flights to Tenerife from many parts of the world. From London you can reach Tenerife through Thomas cook flights. You can also fly from Liverpool to Tenerife through Ryanair airlines.

Continue reading... Tenerife Wine Bus

The yearly carnival is a much awaited event in Arrecife-Lanzarote. Every year the processions are held between 3rd February and 9th March in Arrecife. Arrecife, which also happens to be the capital of the island, is visited by tourists all over the world because of the various festivals celebrated with merriment and enthusiasm. The annual carnival is one of the most famous festivals of the Canary Islands. The festival has been in vogue for a very long time. It is not celebrated only by the residents of the Islands but several tourists across the globe joyfully participate in it.

Continue reading... Arrecife Lanzarote Carnival

If you are a big fan of carnivals, festivals and any forms of parties, then Lanzarote is the place to be. This island hosts a vast number of events for any one calendar year and of course, 2010 is no different. Some of their famous festivities have already occurred, but you can attend those next year if you missed them this year. They are the February carnivals, the festivities for Holy Week at Marchs end, the Day of the Cross celebrations in May, Junes Lanzarotes Corpus Christi celebrations and of course the Heineken Jazz festival which takes place every July.

Continue reading... year-round festivities in lanzarote

Anatalya, Turkey actually celebrates every national festival and other important events, therefore if you plan to visit or spend your vacation there, you will get to enjoy all the festivities that Turkey has to offer. They even celebrate the events that are derived from the Islamic calendar. Antalya, however also have its own festivals that it celebrates that are meant for and celebrated to highlight the city and its own characteristics and culture.

Continue reading... Fun, Frolic and Food in Antalya

On the island of Fuerteventura, there is no lack of festivities and celebrations. There calendar of events is extensive and even though most of the year has already passed, there are still many reasons for you to book flights to Fuerteventura today.

Continue reading... Enjoy the luxuries of eventful Fuerteventura

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

Continue reading... Celebrations in Rhodes Greece

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

Continue reading... The Feira Santa Iria Festival in Faro

Faro, the Algarve's capital, is a hotspot for festivals, cultural events and rallies - notably its renowned Motorcycle rally from the 16th-18th July. If you are a racing enthusiast and are looking for something to do over this weekend, then book your flights to Faro now to avoid disappointment, for this is a hugely popular event.

Continue reading... Fancy a Weekend of Sun, Sea and Motorbikes

Spain is famous for its all year round festivals. Though most of them are religiously inclined, they are nevertheless enjoyed by all kinds of people, which is why a great number of flights to Arrecife and other Spanish cities are sold every year. Arrecife is a city in the Canary Islands with unique and colourful festivals. If you are looking for a really great time, San Gines festival is well worth a visit.

Continue reading... San Gines festival in Arrecife

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

Continue reading... Celebrate ancient wine from Cyprus

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

Continue reading... The Malta Military Tattoo

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

Continue reading... A Holiday In Rhodes

Much the same as their Spanish neighbours, food is a big thing in the Algarve. This popular Portuguese coastal region is peppered with eateries for all pallets and budgets, from local taverns to internationally renowned Michelin starred establishments. The locals however believe that food should not only be tasted, but also celebrated.

Continue reading... An Epicurean's delight in the Algarve

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

Continue reading... Sintra Festival

Tenerife is an island known for its spectacular events. Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival is one of such events. This carnival attracts millions of people from everywhere being one of the best celebrated events in Spain. If you are looking for lively entertainment and the time of your life, now is not the time to miss this carnival. Since this is a very popular event, it might be a good idea to book flights to Santa Cruz de Tenerife in advance. This time of the year is a ideal for getting great deals on flights and cheap hotels.

Continue reading... Don't be left out of the parade in Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival

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

Continue reading... The Festival of San Juan

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.

Continue reading... Ocean Festival Lisbon

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

Continue reading... Happy in Hurghada

From June 4th to 14th the historic Portuguese city of Santarem will hold the National Agricultural Fair. If the name puts you off, it is important to remember that the festival is a million miles away from the farmers markets you may have seen back home. The Portuguese never do things by halves, and the festival is a celebration of every aspect of their traditional rural culture. The event takes place two kilometres west of the city centre and is one of the largest agricultural fairs in Europe. Attractions include horse riding competitions, cattle herding and a nocturnal bull run. Dancing is also an important part of any celebration in Portugal and you can expect to see an array of local dances, including the fandango.

Continue reading... National Agricultural Fair in Santarem

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

Continue reading... Corpus Christi celebrations in Spain

Lefkas is a beautiful location you'd probably miss if you weren't in Greece on an island hopping trip. Surprisingly, because it technically isn't an island at all. Lefkas was not an island until the locals dug a channel through the sandbanks to sever it from the mainland in the 5th Century BC. Today, it is reattached to the mainland by long causeway and floating bridge that have replaced the original ferry introduced in Roman times by the Emperor Augustus.

Continue reading... Is Lefkas an Ionian Island?

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

Continue reading... The Medieval Rose Festival at Rhodes

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

Continue reading... Sonar festival, Barcelona

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

Continue reading... Roots Homecoming Festival in Gambia

In 2010, the eightieth edition of the Feira do Livro, a great open air book fair in Lisbon, will take place again in the Parque Eduardo VII from 29th April to 16th May. Opening hours are from 12:30 to 23:30 on weekdays and from 11:00 to 23:30 on Saturdays and Sundays. It's bound to be a sunny and lively festival because participating bookstores and libraries will organize street sales with great discounts, autograph sessions, book launches and entertainment for children, and from 21.30 to 22.15, there will be live music every weekday.

Continue reading... Buying Books in Lisbon

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.

Continue reading... Menorca Emerges

The usual influx of visitors to Crete over the Easter period took place as expected but there were some subtle changes to normal behaviour that has got local tourism authorities thinking hard.

Continue reading... Crete Holiday Season Kicks Off

The celebrations of Easter, or Paska, are some of the most important of the year in Greece and for anyone on the island of Crete for a break during early April, the events will add a dash of local colour to their stay.

Continue reading... Easter In Crete

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

Continue reading... Spring Forward in Mallorca

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

Continue reading... Music Styles on Malta

The resort of Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife's West coast is the venue for a more unusual tradition that is very popular these days. The annual Canarias Infinity Xtreme Race is a type of obstacle course for adults and is certainly a spectacle that anyone in the area at the time is bound to enjoy. The emphasis here is not on professional sports performance, but having as much fun as possible whilst raising money for local causes.

Continue reading... Mad Race in Puerto de la Cruz

Unusual Atlantic weather patterns for this time of year may still be rolling into southern Spain and Portugal, but for one traditional event on the Algarve, the inclement weather actually seems rather fitting.

Continue reading... Spring on the Algarve

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

Continue reading... Almond Walks on Mallorca

There are only a few days to Easter now and all over Europe villages, towns and cities will be making plans to celebrate the event in many different ways. Easter is also a time when the holiday season starts to take off and, for many, the two weeks that surround the Easter weekend are a perfect opportunity to fly off for a short family break. Places like the Canary Islands are popular as are the closer islands of Mallorca, Menorca and Corfu.

Continue reading... Easter on Corfu and Mallorca

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

Continue reading... Sporting Holidays a Target for Fuerteventura

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

If you were lucky enough to be enjoying the warmer weather on Cyprus in January then various music and motoring events may have been of interest to you.

Continue reading... Motor Show and Music Sundays in Cyprus

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

Continue reading... Malta in February

During the early part of the year, between January and April most of the towns, villages and cities on Fuerteventura put on some form of carnival celebration. The typical Fuerteventuran carnival includes a street parade, fair ground rides, plenty of food and drink and the endless beat of music from live bands. There are also Carnival Queens in many towns.

Continue reading... Fuerteventura Carnivals in 2010

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

Continue reading... Tenerife Welcomes World's Biggest Cruise Ship

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 Malta puts on events, they are normally very ambitious. For such a small island you do wonder where they get all this desire to host big promotions. From music concerts and sporting events to international trade fairs and cultural celebrations, things are not done by halves in Malta.

Continue reading... Chess, Opera, Jazz and Pop on Malta

Football fans are always treated to a feast of action over the Christmas period when most of the top UK clubs have a series of games. In Europe too, the New Year also sees renewed interest in the game and football fans who travelled to the island of Mallorca during January had a chance to watch some of mainland Europe's top players.

Continue reading... Top Flight Football in Mallorca

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

Continue reading... New Year Arts in Mallorca

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

The island of Mallorca and its capital Palma , like many places in Spain, prepare for a traditional Christmas and New Year that centres around four main events. Christmas Eve is important with concerts and Midnight Masses held in many churches, including the famous Seu Cathedral in Palma itself. Christmas Day is a time for relaxation and spending time with family. New Years Eve sees another excuse for celebration, with parties and fireworks displays illuminating the island's skies and then finally the celebration of the Epiphany on January 6th sees children receiving gifts in much the same way as UK children do on Christmas Day.

Continue reading... Mallorca Beyond New Year

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

Continue reading... Tom Jones Performs Concert in Malta

Once again Gran Canaria briefly became home to over 200 yachts as the fleet for the annual ARC trans-atlantic yacht race assembled in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria ahead of the event.

Continue reading... Transatlantic Yachts in Gran Canaria

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

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

Continue reading... Christmas Events on Malta

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

Continue reading... Mallorca's Seasonal Shift

For many the Christmas period presents the perfect opportunity to take a short break and get away for a little rest and relaxation. For some a cosy chalet in snow covered mountains is the ideal break while others yearn for some warm sunshine. Being only a short flight from the UK, Lanzarote offers the combination of convenience and value for British tourists seeking some warmer weather.

Continue reading... Lanzarote Christmas

The normally quiet town of Inca, lying 17 miles north east of Palma on the island of Mallorca, suddenly became the centre of attention during November. The Autumn fairs of Inca are traditional events that go back many years and attract huge crowds over the 4 weekends which started on 24th October.

Continue reading... Dijous Bo on Mallorca

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

Continue reading... Special Authentic Christmas in Palma Mallorca

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

December is now upon us and Christmas celebrations are starting to begin in earnest with many countries seeing traditional Christmas fairs and markets springing up in their towns and villages.

Continue reading... Christmas Fairs and Markets

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

Tourists heading for Gran Canaria early in 2010 will be interested to know about some of the important dates on the events calendar for the island.

Continue reading... Planning for 2010 in Gran Canaria

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 island of Fuerteventura has a long history of successful agriculture, so what better way to sample some of that produce than to try some traditional Fuerteventuran dishes during your visit.

Continue reading... Fuerteventura Food Tradition

The Mallorca Festival of Music has now concluded, its two final concerts were held in October and November.

Continue reading... Mallorca Festival of Music

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

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

Continue reading... Sa Pobla Autumn Fair

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

Continue reading... Tenerife Tattoo Fest

Once again Gran Canaria briefly becomes home to over 200 yachts as the fleet for the annual ARC trans-atlantic yacht race assembles in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria ahead of the event.

Continue reading... Transatlantic Yachts in Gran Canaria

You don't have to go to Germany to enjoy the traditional German Oktoberfest celebrations. The state of Florida is just one of many in the United States that is hosting its own versions of the traditional beer festival.

Continue reading... Oktoberfest in Florida

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

Continue reading... Suwannee River Music Festival

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

Continue reading... Fun and Festivals in Florida during September

Visitors to Florida during the month of October have a choice of local festivals to try out as an alternative to lazy days on the beach.

Continue reading... Florida Festivals in October

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

A new season of concerts by the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra starts in November.

Continue reading... Tenerife Symphony Orchestra Starts New Season

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

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

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

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

Continue reading... Sanford For Orlando

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

Continue reading... Escape To Malta

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

Continue reading... Bike Meet in Faro during July

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

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

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

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

Continue reading... Medieval Festival Planned for Rhodes

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

Continue reading... Annual Kataklysmos Fair in Larnaca

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