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Today, Monday 23rd of January 2012, processions with Chinese drums, grand dragon and lion dances, colourful festive flags and firecrackers will welcome the Year of the Dragon all over the world. The traditional celebrations will last for 15 days, resulting in the lovely Lantern Festival. The Year of the Dragon reoccurs ever 12 years as part of the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Chinese dragons are a symbol of power, strength, good luck and control over water, rainfall, hurricane, and floods. In 2012, the celebrations will be extra special for people who were born in another Year of the Dragon, such as:

Continue reading... Happy Chinese New Year... even in Cyprus!

Comics will be the central theme of Gran Canaria's famous Carnival in 2012. If you want to see Spiderman, Cat Woman, The Joker and other superheroes in real life, hurry up and book your flights to Gran Canaria soon, as the carnival will take place from the 3rd to the 21st of February this year. In order to make the events more intense, the organisation has decided to host the festival for only 3 weeks rather than the usual 4. If you enjoy a good street party, you especially don't want to miss the Gran Cabalgata parades in Las Palmas. During the final weekend of the Carnival (18 and 19 February 2012), more than 200,000 Canarians in comic book costumes will dance to Latin music in the streets, covering a route of 7 kilometres from north to south.

Continue reading... Gran Canaria Carnival Calendar 2012

There are as many lovely ways to celebrate the year's end as there are families celebrating it. True party animals may have booked flights to Sharm el Sheik, Ibiza or the Canaries to start 2012 dancing to the tunes of world famous DJ's. Others may seek the party a bit closer to home, singing Auld Syne Lang and watching the fireworks at Trafalgar Square or even waiting for the countdown and popping the champagne at their own homes.

Continue reading... Happy New Year!

1. Mask with integrated camera

Continue reading... Christmas pressies for travellers

If Christmas has come and gone in a blur of wrapping paper, cold turkey sandwiches and bad Christmas jumpers, revive yourself and your family with a New Year trip to Tenerife and rediscover the magic of the season. On this beautiful island, not only can you find sun-kissed beaches, family resorts and a host of activities, but on 5th January they celebrate one of the most important festivals in Spain - the Procession of the Three Kings.

Continue reading... Procession of the Three Kings

While in the UK we may occasionally hang out a St George flag on April 23rd, that's about as far as our Saint celebrations go in this country. However, in Spain the Saints' days are a chance for Spanish people, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, to celebrate in style with a fiesta, festival or street party. The 8th December is one of the most important of these feast days - the Day of the Immaculate Conception. Jet off for a winter break with flights to Gran Canaria around this time of year and you can become part of one of Spain's most important festivals.

Continue reading... Day of the Immaculate Conception in Spain

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 Greeks (despite their current financial worries) love a party. They'll take any opportunity to celebrate their identity and to finish it off with a firework display that lights up the entire Mediterranean. On November 17th, it's the kids' turn to party on Polytechneio Day - a celebration and a chance to remember the students who died during the Greek resistance to German occupation in the 1940s. Polytechneio day was founded in 1973 after a tank was driven in to the gates of the Polytechneio Polytechnic during the Greek military junta of 1967-1974. So although it does have a more sombre side, the Greek people hate being too serious about anything, so the day is now celebrated throughout the country as a public holiday.

Continue reading... Polytechneio Day in Greece

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

Every couple should plan at least one romantic holiday a year. Whether you have children or are busy at work, the best way to enjoy each other's company is to leave everything else behind and simply focus on each other. They say a change is as good as a rest and by choosing a supremely romantic backdrop against which to enjoy yourselves, you will find that the fires of romance are rekindled. It's too easy to take your partner for granted; show them just what they mean to you by planning a romantic break abroad.

Continue reading... The Top Five Romantic Destinations

People from all over the world will soon be able to admire the beautiful Perseid meteor shower again and make a wish for every shooting star they see. This meteor shower is annual and extremely regular in its timing. Depending on the weather and your location, it can be visible for weeks in the late summer sky. The meteor shower activity usually peaks around August 12th, when over 60 meteors per hour will streak across the Northeast sky. This year, the night of August 13th is predicted to be the most intense night.

Continue reading... Calling all Stargazers

The best way to make a holiday really memorable is to immerse yourself in the local culture. Faro is renowned for playing host to some of the most prominent festivals and fiestas in the whole of the Algarve - and the low cost and convenience of flights to Faro makes them easily accessible all year round. Whether you're interested in sporting events, religious festivals or cultural celebrations, Faro is the Portuguese HQ for a range of vibrant and spectacular parties.

Continue reading... Festivals in Faro

The town of Arrecife is home to a wide range of different fiestas and events. A lot of these fiestas and events are popular with people from all across the world and they tend to make use of the flights to Arrecife. One of the biggest events that are held in Arrecife is the fiesta of San Juan.

Continue reading... Fiesta of San Juan

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

There is a vast array of different festivals that are held within Mallorca. The festival that is known locally as Nit de Foc however it is also commonly known as the Night of Fire. This festival is one of the most popular events within Mallorca. A lot of people use the flights to Mallorca in order to enjoy the festivities. This festival involves a number of big bonfires and these include displays of fireworks. The festival is held every year and this is held within the resort that is known as Parc de la Mer. This festival marks the start of the summer within Mallorca and this is the start of the summer festivals within this area.

Continue reading... Nit de Foc in Mallorca

There is a wide range of different festivals that take place within the resort of Ibiza. All tastes and ages will be able to find something to do and see on the island. One of the most popular festivals within this resort is the Medieval Festival. This festival is a favorite with both tourists and locals. A lot of the tourists that enjoy this festival also enjoy making use of the regular flights to Ibiza. The medieval festival of Ibiza has been devised to celebrate the time that Dalt Vila was named a world site for heritage. This festival normally takes place during the second weekend of May.

Continue reading... Medieval Festival in Ibiza

The National Ethnographical Museum is part of the National Museum and it was founded during 1892. During 1906 this museum became an independent museum and it is home to collection of traditional Bulgarian suits, crafts, decoration, woven and musical instruments. A lot of the tourists that visit this area take advantage of the regular flights to Burgas.

Continue reading... National Ethnographical Museum in burgas

Lanzarote is a popular place among tourists and is known worldwide for its natural rock formations created due to ongoing volcanic eruptions. Apart from this, the place boasts of great beaches and beach villas and resorts. Flights to Lanzarote are quite regular and can be booked in advance.

Continue reading... Lanzarote Aquarium

The town of Larnaca is large and modern enough to provide travelers with everything they may need but yet it does not remain overcrowded. Even the nearby beaches are least crowded and extend for about 25 km. Flights to Larnaca can be booked in advance for convenient travel and relaxed vacation. Larnaca has several archaeological sites along with 6 museums located in the middle of the city. Some of the adventures include cruises, summer sports and sea activities.

Continue reading... The Church of Ayios Lazaros in Larnaca

Pollenca is situated at the Northern end of Menorcas Tramuntana mountains and it is a special location especially for various festivals of Menorca. If you are planning a vacation here to catch these festivals, you can reach by air as there are regular flights to Menorca throughout the year. Pollenca is characterized by the Lluc Monastery and the Port de Pollenca, the beaches of Menorca, the St Albufera wetlands and the Formentor Peninsula. It is quite close to the Bay of Alcudia. Pollenca has several remarkable churches such as the 16th century museum cum a symbol of baroque style called Convent de sant Domingo, the famous Nostra Senyora dels Angels and the Nostra Senyora del Roser.

Continue reading... Sant Antoni fest in Menorca

Menorca is a great holiday destination for a lot of people. It is the largest island after Mallorca and is located around 34 km from Mallorca. The island of Menorca is quite pleasant filled with a number of family resorts where you can enjoy refreshing breezes in the evening. You can book tickets for your flights to Menorca and land here in any season. It is comparatively quiet and can be a great destination for some relaxation. People who are constantly worked up will find this island to be a blessing. Children can enjoy visits to various churches, museums, parks and harbors.

Continue reading... Ciutadella cathedral in Menorca

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

Continue reading... Knossos in Crete

Lanzarote is well known for its Cactus Garden, Castle of San Jose and azure lake. You can reach Lanzarote by air. There are several cheap flights to Lanzarote from remote as well as nearby countries. There is one more tourist destination that should be visited when you plan a vacation at Lanzarote. It is the Timanfaya National Park. The park is located in Tinajo in Lanzarote and the basic facilities are run by the Director of Conservation.

Continue reading... Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote

The Zoological park and Botanical garden located at Sanford, Florida is a great place to be especially during childrens holidays. As you reach the Zoological Park you are immediately greeted by the lush green lawns with some good tropical shrubs and trees. Sanford can be reached by air as there is an airport here and there are several flights to Sanford from many parts of the country. The scenic park has a very educational, relaxing and entertaining atmosphere all around and a family with children can have a truly wonderful time exploring various animal species.

Continue reading... Zoological park and Botanical garden in Sanford

Menorca is an ideal holiday destination for those looking for some peace and quiet. Apart from beaches and partying, the history of the place cannot be ignored. Whether you are planning your trip in winters or summers, there are several flights to Menorca throughout the year. however, peak season sees a large crowd and you may have to book your flight well in advance.

Continue reading... The fortress of Isabella II on La Mola

The traditional dance festival of Larnaca is something to be cherished throughout life especially of you are a dance lover. The performances are so euphoric and full of enthusiasm that you will forget you belong to another place. It is a festival but has a competitive touch to it and groups from all over the continent participate in it.

Continue reading... Larnaca The Mediterranean Festival of Traditional Dance

Before 1928, the festival known as St Johns Bonfires was celebrated just as it was celebrated in any other part of Europe. The huge gathering of people coming together to burn things such as old furniture is quite a spectacle. But, during the same year, a man from Alicante called Jose Maraa Py improvised the idea of similar nature. In a short span of 3 months the first such Bonfire was planned and organized in Daa de San Juan.

Continue reading... Alicante-St John's Bonfires

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

With a festa being held almost every weekend, its hard not to bump into one of these during your holiday in Malta. No matter which time of year you visit Malta, you are sure to find at least one festa being organized in one of the villages. Its hard to believe that such a small island can have so many events in a single year. Its strategic location left it bare to several attacks, where the country ended up being ruled by Greek, Roman, French and British rulers. This is probably the reason for its unique culture and a whopping 60 festas held every year from May to September.

Continue reading... Malta Festa - The Village Feast

The unusual tradition of Matances de Bujots marks the Easter Sunday in Menorca. The event involves hanging of effigies of prominent figures which, for some strange reason, are then targeted by marksmen. The term Bujot means a rag doll, which actually stands for someone without any character or personality.

Continue reading... Matances de Bujots in Menorca

Whether you like cultural events or not, the Carnival at Corfu is sure to get you celebrating for no real reason. However, the locals have enough reason to rejoice, as the carnival marks end of evil and beginning of a new year, free from sins. This is the purpose behind the carnival, where Ancient Greeks celebrated it in the beginning of spring to appease the Gods, and get a good harvest throughout the year. Held in February end or beginning of March, it is quite a popular event in the region.

Continue reading... The Carnival at Corfu

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

Continue reading... malta guide art holidays

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

For the rest of this year, there are still many events to come and you can still make this island your number one vacation spot for this year. You have already missed the Heineken Jazz festival, but its annual so you can go next year, it takes place in July. You would have also liked the Easter celebrations, but as stated before, there is always next year. Lets take a look instead on the events that are coming up.

Continue reading... tenerife for the holidays

The Canary Islands are located in Spain and are known for their year round festivities. Gran Canaria as the name suggests, is one of the largest islands within the set and it lives up to the name by offering a calendar of events that makes the island worth visiting any time of the year. The vents are often kept in and around the area of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria which is also the capital of the island. Many of the big festivals took place earlier in the year, but there are still many more to come. You may have missed the Music festival in January; the Opera festival in February or even the Jazz Festival in July, but they will be here again next year and there are still many of the good ones that you can still experience this year.

Continue reading... Festivity Non stop on the Gran Canaria Island

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 Virgen del Pino festival, also known as the 'Feast day of the Virgin of the Pine', will be taking place on the 8th of September in Terror, a beautiful village in Gran Canaria. During the time of this festival, a lot of flights to Gran Canaria bring thousands of pilgrims to this annual religious festival. If you really want to know more about the culture and history of the Island, then this is an ideal destination for your holiday.

Continue reading... Virgen del Pino Festival in Gran Canaria

There is a week-long preparation that goes into the festival. Many shop owners cover their shops before hand with huge plastic covers as a protection from the mess. There are also few rules to adhere to. It a part of the rule to squash the tomatoes before hurling them at people. However, any objects other than tomatoes are not to be thrown!

Continue reading... La Tomatina Festival in Spain

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

Continue reading... Fireworks and Food at Santa Marija fiesta in Malta

Santorini is in fact the biggest of a group of five small islands, two of which are volcanic. Originally just one island until a volcanic eruption in split them into their individual positions, Santorini covers an area of 73 square kilometres and is 120 nautical miles from Piraeus.

Continue reading... Magic and Events in Santorini

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

Continue reading... Mallorca festivals in August

When it comes to putting on a show, the Spanish can always be counted on. To say otherwise is to understate the fact that they like all forms of entertainment. You can expect an extraordinary performance with an oriental flavour when Mallorca celebrates the Chinese Lantern festival. With so many festivals happening in the month of August, this traditional Chinese festival, also known as La Fiesta de les Llanternes, is one spectacular and unique celebration that every family and the Chinese communities in Mallorca look forward to. This colourful festival has also been a source of attraction to thousands of tourists on holiday in Mallorca. You can still be a part of this festival which takes place on the 24th of August, if you start the booking of your flights to Mallorca now.

Continue reading... Chinese Lantern Festival in Mallorca

The Algarve is famous for its excellent seafood cuisine. This remarkable attraction can be tied to the long stretches of seashore and harbours dotting the whole region, which contribute to the richness and beauty of Algarve. The area shows off its qualities during the Sardine festival in Faro. Every year, there is an influx of visitors and flights to Faro because of this summer festival, which takes place in the month of August on the Riverside zone in Portimao. Thousands of sardine enthusiasts return to Faro during this event to participate in the fun and challenging competitions which this festival offers.

Continue reading... Sardine festival in Faro

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

Continue reading... Festa de San Gines and the Juego del Palo

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

Continue reading... An open-air summer fiesta in Alicante

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

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

Continue reading... Nuestra Senora del Carmen fiesta in Lanzarote

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

Continue reading... Religious Pageantry in Tinos

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

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

Steeped in antiquarian history, natural beauty, the clearest blue skies and the finest culinary delights, the islands of Greece are understandably popular destinations. But there is much more to Greece then just sea, sand and fine food. Try booking flights to Kos and you will be left speechless at the peculiar island festivals that are on offer over June, July and August.

Continue reading... The Feast of Aghios Ioannis in Kos

It was volcanic activity that created the island of Santorini and the islanders celebrate the fact with their annual Ifaisteia Festival during August. But don't worry, the volcano is dormant and it's safe to book flights to Santorini.

Continue reading... Ifaisteia Festival in Santorini

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

Continue reading... Alicante Festivals and Gourmet

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

Continue reading... Horses and Events in Menorca

Madiera, known for holding a Guinness World Record for the largest firework display, looks set to hold yet another birthday celebration as judging by last years 502nd they would be mad not to repeat proceedings on the 21st August. As well as the main parade, with participants dressed in various costumes, there will be outdoor concerts, theatre performances and other celebrations.

Continue reading... Funchal set to celebrate its 502nd birthday!

The answer to why Lanzarote is perfect for competitive endurance events is quite simply the fact that it has perfect weather throughout the year. Rain is an almost non-existent event throughout the months of winter, and the summer maintains a perfect heat.

Continue reading... Non-stop adventure Sports in Lanzarote

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

Continue reading... The full Spanish experience

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

Continue reading... Join the Maltese summer festivals

Every year, the biggest wine festival in Malta takes place at the beginning of August in Valletta.

Continue reading... Taste the Wine of Malta

If you are a beach lover, at the same time looking for other fantastic attractions to make your holiday a fulfilling one, you will love this beautiful and popular province in Turkey. Antalya is famous for its long summer, coastal attractions, mountainous scenery and natural beauty. Its beaches are unique for their long sandy stretches, rocky nature, and sparkling water. One of the most popular amongst families is the Lara beach for its beautiful long length of golden sand, curved cove and turquoise crystal clear water. There are various collections of recreational amenities available on the beach for holiday makers like water slides for kids, Turkish bath, sauna and aqua therapy at a much reduced rate. You will also find water sport activities like jet-skiing, wind surfing, parasailing and boat trips.

Continue reading... Sun, Sand, Sights and Side attractions in Antalya

There's a massive dance festival coming up in Malta: Creamfields. People from all over the world have booked flights to Malta in order not to miss this fabulous festival. The strictly over 17s party will take place in Ta Qali National Park and 3 dance arenas at Numero Uno grounds on the 28th June 2010. Regular tickets will cost 40 euros and can be booked via info@creammalta.com.

Continue reading... Cream of the Crop

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

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

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

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

The town of Pollensa in the north of Mallorca has a dual personality. Inland lies the old town of Pollensa itself with its fine architecture, pretty market square and a choice of luxury hotels. More recent development has created the area of Puerto Pollensa, a yacht marina flanked by a sweeping sandy beach on one side and shady promenade walk on the other.

Continue reading... Two Festivals in Pollensa on Mallorca

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

Continue reading... Discover Crete

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

Continue reading... Feel Free in Funchal

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

Continue reading... More Bangers For Your Buck

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

When thinking of Sri Lanka, the first things that come to mind are aromatic coffee, images of palm-fringed beaches and, unfortunately, the tsunami of 26th December 2004 and the bitter civil war between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority that lasted for 25 years before finally coming to an end in May last year.

Continue reading... Light of Hope for Sri Lanka

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

Continue reading... Malta Performances

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

Continue reading... Malta Spring Celebrations

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

Continue reading... Play a Part in a Potter Adverture

Everyone is asking when the severe winter weather in the UK, the harshest for the past 30 years, is finally going to let up. But the UK shouldn't feel too bad, because there are plenty of other European countries that have experienced equally poor weather. Countries like Belgium and Germany have also been suffering under very cold, wet and snowy conditions for several weeks now.

Continue reading... Storms Force Tenerife Events To Be Postponed

The local council on Tenerife decided to maintain some access restrictions to certain mountain areas and woodlands, following the high winds that blew across the island at the end of February. The authorities were worried that some of the damage caused could still be hazardous to visitors, so they placed restrictions on certain activities.

Continue reading... Access to Tenerife's Mountains Restricted

After a string of big cultural events during early January, Mallorca switched to music for the remainder of the month with a varied mix of concerts in Palma and other towns across the island.

Continue reading... Mallorca Music

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

The tourist authorities of the island of Madeira have recently published a listing of some of their most significant cultural events for 2010.

Continue reading... Madeira Publicises 2010 Events

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

Continue reading... Lanzarote Prepares To Celebrate

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

While many towns and cities across Spain are gearing up for their annual carnivals during February and March, the island of Mallorca steals a march on them with its Fiesta of San Sebastian during January.

Continue reading... Celebrate San Sebastian 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

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

Continue reading... Funchal's Shortest Day

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

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

Continue reading... New Years Eve on the Algarve

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

Continue reading... Fuerteventura Kite Festival

September is a wonderful month to spend some time in Cyprus and this year was no different. The very hot days of the high summer are gone and milder weather, together with a wide selection of cultural events, make the island a pleasant place to spend a week or two.

Continue reading... September Events in Cyprus

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

Continue reading... Dance and Celebrate on Ibiza

The annual summer festival in Chania, Crete showcases all kinds of traditional Cretan theatre and music, but international bands will rock the festival into life on 11th July, when rock band Scorpians headline an outdoor concert in the town.

Continue reading... Summer Festival Rocks into life in Crete

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

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

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