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The trouble with a driving holiday in Portugal is that you miss a great deal of everything this beautiful country has to offer. There is another way to see Portugal's countryside from a completely different viewpoint - on horseback. Don't worry if you've never even sat on a horse before; the gentle giants that are Luisitania horses are a placid breed that are perfectly suited to amateur and experienced riders alike.

Continue reading... Riding Luisitania Horses in Portugal

Dalaman is a perfect, family-friendly destination. Full of sandy, safe beaches, great accommodation and quality restaurants, it's the ideal location for a holiday relaxing in the sun. Flights to Dalaman from across the UK make it an easy destination to reach all year round.

Continue reading... Top 5 things to do with the kids in Dalaman

If you've got a hen party to organise, then you'll probably be trying to create an event that's unique, memorable, affordable and has something for everyone. You also need to be sure that where you're going is going to offer sunny beaches where you can get to grips with the morning after the night before.

Continue reading... The Top Five Hen Party Destinations

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

With fantastic beaches, beautiful countryside, and some great things to do on land and on water, the Algarve region of Portugal is renowned across the world for its local charm, natural environment, and sense of adventure. With great weather all year round, and some stylish places to stay, the Algarve is a top destination for a range of adventure activities.

Continue reading... The appeal of Algarve

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

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

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

The Costa de la Luz has been visited by holiday-making Spaniards for many years, but now other Europeans are discovering its attractions including the fact that the beaches have particularly fine, soft sand. These are ideal for a great deal more than just sunbathing. For example, you could borrow a horse from the local stables to enjoy a thundering gallop along a lengthy Costa de la Luz beach.

Continue reading... Off the beaten track in the South of Spain

For equestrian fans, the Club Escola Menorquina that is located between Ferreries and Cala Galdana on the island of Menorca makes an interesting place to visit. Here you'll be able to see the traditional activity of horse riding displayed in frequents shows put on during the summer evenings by the skilled riders of the school. Displays are normally on Wednesday and Sunday evenings starting in June until September. For riders there are options to take lessons or a riding course at the school, but for spectators the show is certainly dramatic enough. Many marvel at the way this breed of horse, specific to Menorca, is able to rear up and walk along on its hind legs, often for extended periods. The horsemanship and abilities of the horses is amazing. This jet black breed also performs in other places around the island and at festivals, particularly the larger ones in Mahon.

Continue reading... Equestrian School of Menorca

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

Continue reading... Algarve Prepares For Sporting Summer

The link between the island of Menorca and Britain was once very strong. In fact, the British ruled the island for almost 100 years during the sixteenth century. Strategic naval aspirations were the reason for the initial takeover during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1708. To cater for the strong British Naval fleet the capital of the island was moved from Ciutadella to its current location in Port Mahon. When the British handed control of the island back to the Spanish in 1802, it was on the understanding that the naval fleets of both countries would continue to jointly use the deep harbours of Mahon. It was under this agreement that the British Navy sent Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood out to Menorca to command the fleet. Collinwood has already made a name for himself, being second in command to Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalger and being instrumental in securing victory following Nelson's death during the battle.

Continue reading... Admiral Collingwood Celebrated on Menorca

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

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

There may be a smaller selection of events taking place on the Algarve during Autumn, but there's still a choice that should satisfy anyone on holiday there during that period.

Continue reading... Events on the Algarve During Autumn

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

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

Continue reading... Dalaman - Part 1

The birthplace of ancient healer Hippocrates,Kos has everything for a healthy holiday: fresh air; sunny skies; clear seawater; and great food. Additionally, the idyllic beauty of this island paradise is perfect for relaxing holidays as well as sporty and cultural getaways. You can experience so much in Kos as the island has everything one would desire for a great beach and cultural holiday all in a splendid setting.

Continue reading... Kos Part 1

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

Continue reading... Paradise for Climbers

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

Continue reading... More than Sun in Paphos