1. Celebrate the Carnival. The dates vary from year to year, but it's usually in February or March. The most impressive fancy dress parades and processions of elaborately decorated floats can be found in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Continue reading... Top 25 Things to do in the Canaries

For the ultimate holiday escape, you don't have to travel to the other side of the world. Flights to Lanzarote can have you living the Robinson Crusoe life in only four and a half hours. Whilst Lanzarote may conjure up visions of tourists and hectic night-life - and there is plenty of that, if you want it - many people don't realise just how much of the island remains authentic. For those who like to visit places that are a little bit different and off the beaten track, Lanzarote has plenty of hidden treasures.

Continue reading... Discover Unspoilt Lanzarote

As the largest and most populous Canary Island, Tenerife is, as you might expect, not short of bars, restaurants and nightlife. The Island's notorious Playa De Las Americas is a neon buzz of night-time entertainment; karaoke bars, lap dancing joints and mega clubs litter the strip. But there are alternative options for visitors looking to ring in 2012 on Tenerife, in style.

Continue reading... New Year in Style on Tenerife

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

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

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

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

Continue reading... Lanzarote, a unique destination

Crete is the largest of all the Greek islands, and arguably the most important and exciting. With two international airports, there are more flights to Crete each year than to any other place in Greece.

Continue reading... Between History and beachside relaxation discover Crete

Ask most people where they've been to in the Canary Islands and the chances are they'll say Tenerife. The largest of the Islands, Tenerife is a perennial favourite with UK travellers, offering a tantalising mix of quality beach resorts, a lush interior full of unique flora and fauna, deserts, volcanoes and sleepy villages. Tenerife manages to package everything into one island, and with flights to Tenerife plentiful from most UK destinations, it's easy to get to as well.

Continue reading... Tenerife a must-see in Spain

A city of spectacular spires, beautiful architecture and a real cosmopolitan feel, Palma de Mallorca still manages to maintain that unique 'island' identity. Despite being the only true city on the island, Palma is a thriving juxtaposition between the best that city life has to offer and a fabulous mix of Spanish and Moorish influenced buildings that give it a truly 'old world' feel.

Continue reading... Why you should spend a few days in Palma de Mallorca

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

Continue reading... Snorkelling in Fuerteventura

The village of Poblado de Balafia is classed as one of the most important places for cultural interest by a number of local institutions. There is a group of five privately owned houses within the village, which are a good example of traditional architecture within Ibiza. These five famous houses within this village can be reached using public bus and they are highly regarded all across the island. It is very easy to get to this village and the houses are actually only a couple of meters down this road. Two of these houses have defense tower, which adjoin the main house. The other house has a tower, which is separate from the main building. As all three of these houses are privately owned they can actually only be viewed from the outside. This village is very popular with tourists who make the most of the regular flights to Ibiza.

Continue reading... Poblado de Balafia in Ibiza

The island that is known as Goat Island is located in the Balearics and this island is also known as Gabrera. Despite the name of this island it is not actually home to any goats. There is a vast amount of untouched nature on this island. Due to this island being so beautiful it is a very popular with tourists from all across the world who make use of the regular flights to Balearics. Although this island is popular with tourists it is not as popular as the other islands within the Balearics.

Continue reading... Goat Island in the Balearics

The island of Lanzarote is home to a number of beaches that can truly be classed as un-spoilt and beautiful. The island of Lanzarote is home to about one hundred and fifty five miles of coastline and nineteen miles of this are man made beaches. A lot of the coastline of Lanzarote is home to cliffs that are spectacular and some of these are six hundred meters in height. There are also a lot of headlands that can be classed as impressive and this is formed by lava that flows down into the sea. These beaches and scenery are all very popular with tourists and these people enjoy the cheap regular flights to Lanzarote.

Continue reading... Beaches in Lanzarote

The island of Menorca has a lot of different landscapes to offer and it can be classed as an extraordinary landscape. The island of Menorca is a spectacular place and it has a lot of natural beauty to offer. The island is home to some very colorful vegetation and there are also luxurious white sandy beaches. To the north of the island is some wild terrain and this part of the island has some unique characteristics that are rather contrasting. There are a lot of tourists that return to the island year after year and they enjoy the flights to Menorca.

Continue reading... The Menorca Waterfront

The Museum of Asian Art that is located on the island of Corfu is very unique and therefore it is able to attract a vast number of visitors every year. There is a vast amount of tourists that visit the island, as it is possible to get frequent flights to Corfu. The island is a very popular destination for tourists and a lot of these people visit the Museum of Asian Art as it is one of the many tourist attractions on the island that is well worth a visit. All of the popular tourist attractions can be assessed easily from all areas of the island. There is a lot for tourists to do when they are on the island.

Continue reading... Museum of Asian Art in Corfu

Kos is well known for its beaches spread all over the town, the most attractive ones being the Thermes beach and the Kefalos beach. The nightlife is worth experiencing. There are some highly inspiring cultural sites and also some museums. As you reach Kos you can keep a day aside for the villages of Mt. Dikaio. The North coast is more organized in terms of packaged tourism and it has been brought up gracefully. The coastline is so long that you will never feel any kind of congestion around no matter how many visitors drop in during the same season. Multiple daily flights to Kos are there from Athens that land at Kos airport which is located in middle of the island, very close to a village called Andimahia.

Continue reading... The Archaeological Museum of Kos

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

Continue reading... The Archaeological Museum of Betancuria in Fuerteventura

Hurghada is a city situated in Egypt that was not known too much until a few years back when the coast of Red Sea became a great tourist attraction. Till then it was a small place that was known only for fishing. There are several flights to Hurghada at comfortable timings from various locations. If you are planning a visit to Hurghada then you should stay long enough because apart from the historical and educational interests there are neighboring islands worth visiting. These islands include Shadwan Island, Umm Gammar Island, Abu Minqar Island and so on. Each of these islands includes a lot of diving, snorkeling and fishing opportunities.

Continue reading... Marine Biology Museum in Hurghada

Skiathos is a scenic and wooded island that is several times greener than other places in Greece. Getting here isnt difficult as there are several direct flights to Skiathos from a number of international locations. Skiathos boasts of 60 to 70 sporty beaches spread out over several kilometers. Some of them may be crowded but the enthusiasm around cannot be compared to any of the other paces in Greece. If you want to have all the beach fun during your vacation then Skiathos is the place to be. Some of the beaches are quieter and might be empty during the early evenings. Since Skiathos is not a massive island, it can be traveled across in just a few hours. This is provided you have hired a speed boat. A local caique can provide you with some leisurely 5 to 6 hours across the lakes.

Continue reading... Koukounaries Beach in Skiathos

Arrecife is known to be one of the oldest of towns in Lanzarote. Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote and also the administrative and commercial centre of Lanzarote. The word Arrecife is Spanish and means reef. The name comes from all the reefs that surround the town along its coastlines. These coastlines too are very popular and you will find a number of tourists taking enjoyable walk along the seaside. While planning your trip during the peak season, make sure you book your flights to Arrecife well in advance.

Continue reading... Castillo de San Jose in Arrecife

Shadwan Island is an attractive Island located in Hurghada popular for its marine life, and scuba diving. In fact, it is precisely because of the marine life that scuba divers show keen interest in the Red Sea. Several expeditions consisting of students of Marine biology, tourists, sailing enthusiasts, and casual cruisers are seen finding their part of the heaven here in Shadwan Island. There are some flights to Hurghada that can be taken from several parts of the world. Further, Shadwan Island can be reached by road as it is a couple of miles away from Hurghada.

Continue reading... Hurghada Shadwan Island

The modern town of Kos cannot really be thought of as being very significant in history. The island in fact was colonized by Carians, was one of the biggest trade centers of the ancient world and even took part in the amazing Trojan War of Troy. However, as you would discover in your visit to the beautiful Greek island, there are quite a many ruins standing as evidence to the rich past of Kos. Your flights to Kos would land at the Kos International Airport.

Continue reading... Kos Asclepeion

The volcano of Santorini is one of the most significant features of the island near Crete. The Santorini eruption, also called as the Minoan eruption of Thera was one of the most destructive and largest volcanic eruptions on the Earth, and had completely wiped out the island of Santorini and its inhabitants. Though the volcano had had several eruptions in the past, the one in 1650 BC was one of the most devastating events in written history of the world. One of the must see sites of the island, the volcano simply has to be on your itinerary. Your flight to Santorini would land at the Santorini Airport near village Kamari and takes about 30 minutes from Athens.

Continue reading... Santorini Volcano

Part of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote Island was one of the first islands to be occupied by human civilization. Being an island, sun sand and beaches are obvious attractions of the place and coupled with some interesting events throughout the year, it is an ideal location for a holiday. Flights to Lanzarote land at the Arrecife airport, approximately 10 km from Lanzarote. Apart from sightseeing, there are several activities that you can choose to attend during your holiday.

Continue reading... Lanzarote Urban Festival

Imagine yourself sitting in a wonderful garden looking at an amazing flower. In the beginning you are able to admire its beauty only from a distance and that too for a few seconds. Once you come closer to it you touch its smooth colored petals and enjoy the feel of it. Tasting wine at Santorini is something like this. When you notice it from a distance in your own country or town you are able to just admire the Wine making from a distance not fully appreciating the effort and the charm of a wine. Thats why it is a good idea to visit vineyards of Santorini which has been commercialized to a limited extent so that its charm is not completely overwhelmed by the tourism industry.

Continue reading... Santorini Wine Tourism

As summers approach you can get ready to expect a world of art and culture at Heraklion. Starting in July till late September each year, the city of Heraklion situated on a Greek island Crete hosts a small arts festival. Although it is a small scale festival but people involved in art are attracted to places that are not too loud or too noisy. If you are one of those art lovers then Crete is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. Flights to Heraklion can be taken from any part of the world and can even be booked online. Apart from the summer arts festival, there are many places you will find interesting.

Continue reading... Heraklion Summer Festival

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

Picturesque mountains looking down on the sun kissed beach is a typical scene in Tenerife. For an island, the city has very peculiar landscape having one of the highest mountains in Spain, the third largest volcano in the world and tropical forests. Naturally so, these are the most popular attractions of the island, pulling in more than 10 million tourists every year from all over the world. Apart from the beautiful geography, the island also offers lots of entertainment with events such as fiestas and carnivals organized all through the year.

Continue reading... Tenerife Opera Festival

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

The Aegean Sea is home to the Sporades which signifies scattered or sporadic, which consists of a group of 24 islands. Skiathos, Greece is one of five inhabited islands of this group of 24 situated in the Northern Sporades along the eastcoast of Greece.

Continue reading... Skiathos greece one of the 5 islands

Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands, although it is smaller and quieter than its neighbour Mallorca. With a beautiful coastline and idyllic rural villages, Flights to Menorca are ideal for creative breaks any time of the year, with virtually guaranteed fine weather in a wonderfully inspirational setting. High quality Menorca villas give visitors the chance to experience this wonderful island at their own pace.

Continue reading... Arts holiday in Menorca

A friendly, green island, of mountains and beaches, volcanoes and forest, the island of Las Palmas is packed with adventurous things to do. With villas in Las Palmas both on the coast and away from it all, a holiday in Las Palmas is ideal in both summer and winter with some great activities to try both on land and water.

Continue reading... Las Palmas guide to adventure holidays

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

Kos is the biggest island of the Dodecanse archipelago, located in the Aegean. It is a very small island measuring about 25 miles in length and less than 5 widths, with a permanent population of about 30,000 people. flights to kos are easy to find and can be found at a good price

Continue reading... The beautiful island of Kos

Sandford is the truly historical centre of Florida, United States of America. Sandford is also the home to the Alive After Five Street Festival.The festival is all about promoting Sandford and it's colourful history.

Continue reading... Discover the festival delights at Standford

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

Continue reading... The little city of Banjul

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

If you have booked flights to Skiathos, visit the Bourtzi for some culture this summer.

Continue reading... On the Bourtzi in Skiathos

On an island like Skiathos, with over 70 beaches and with just a few days to explore them, making a choice can be difficult. Here are a few beach locations to consider when you book your flight to Skiathos.

Continue reading... Skiathos Beach Selection

Palma is the capital of Mallorca and is a fantastic place to visit, whether you are sightseeing, shopping or just taking in the sun and chilling out in one of the many bars and cafes.

Continue reading... Palma Mallorca Jazz

Festivals are a constant feature throughout the year with many small local feast days celebrated in towns and villages, the fabulous Sardine Festival at Benitses and the acclaimed Varkarola Music Festival at Paleokastritsa, both held around mid-August. But this year sees a new attraction added - surely unique among the Ionian islands - The Corfu Cricket Festival.

Continue reading... Corfu welcomes a new festival

Fuerteventura, like every other Canary island, is famous for its love for parties and all year round festivals. Every year, from the 9th until the 18th of July, the Canary Islands host a major world-class jazz festival sponsored by Heineken. This year will be the 18th time the festival is held since inception, with a total of about thirty-eight concerts held across the islands during the event. The festival began in Gran Canaria Island in 1992 before it spread across to the islands. Fuerteventura is one of the major venues where many of the massive concerts will take place.

Continue reading... Fuerteventura International Jazz Festival

The ancient Cypriot town of Limassol, visited by Richard the Lionheart in 1191 during the Third Crusade, is the home of the Cyprus Centre of the International Theatre Institute. This was founded in 1977 and hosts the 14th International Festival of Greek Drama from the 1st to the 27th of July.

Continue reading... International Festival of Greek Drama in Limassol

Jazz lovers will feel right at home in the Canaries this month, because the Heineken Jazz Festival (also known as Festival Canarias Jazz and Mas Heineken) will be hosted on Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria from 9th to 18th July 2010.

Continue reading... Canary Jazz

Mallorca Rocks is the name of a brand new hotel that was opened in Magaluf earlier this month. And they couldn't have named the hotel better, for it truly makes the Spanish island rock!

Continue reading... Mallorca Rocks!

During summer holidays, Greece seems to be paradise for British holiday makers. The abundance of ancient treasures, the surreal surroundings and fanstastic climate aren't the only reason for this: this time of the year is especially popular because the summer months are full of swinging events.

Continue reading... Relax in Rhodes

Ibiza Town is a charming capital steeped in history. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Archaeological Museum contains an impressive collection of Carthaginian treasures, as well as many items from the island's occupations by the Phoenicians, Romans, Turks and Catalans.

Continue reading... Ibiza's Quiet Side

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

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

Although called a 'minor island' compared to other parts of Spain, Menorca is certainly a magnificent place in terms of its attractions. It is still one of the most visited places because of its scenic views and magical resorts. The reported numbers of flights to Menorca as well as the top-rated reviews of its hotels show a huge development in its tourism year after year.

Continue reading... What you need to know about Menorca

Tenerife is the largest island of the Canary Islands. It is reported to be a favourite wedding location and honeymoon destination. The island's climate is fantastic albeit somewhat predictable, as there is no large difference in the temperature between the summer and the winter (around 25-30 C/ 77-86 F). You're guaranteed to find a good number of flights to Tenerife any time of the year.

Continue reading... Discover the Secret Bliss of Tenerife

If your idea of holiday heaven is total R and R, please look away now. Because right now, that's the last thing you'll get in Ibiza, with party season warming up for yet another year and a bevy of banging clubs opening their doors over the next few weekends.

Continue reading... Get the party started in Ibiza

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

As is the case in this corner of the world, Lefkas has an ancient and mysterious past. Legends abound from tales of Aphrodite the Goddess of Love and Homer's Odysseus to the story of Sappho's leaping to her death from the 75m high Cape Lefkata cliffs in the 7th Century BC. The Romans also had a thing about throwing people from the cliffs there, however these days, other than the odd hang glider, things have quietened down!

Continue reading... A trip to the myths of ancient Greece

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?

Skopelos island is part of the Sporades islands in the Aegean Sea to the east of mainland Greece. The Sporades islands offer travellers a different atmosphere to the usual Greek island getaways. Instead of bare hills and packed villages, the Sporades are pine forested and feature some of the best beaches along the Aegean. What is more striking is the difference in architecture that is less whitewashed and features stone roofs. Skopelos is known for its exceptionally gorgeous beaches, hidden away coves and crystal blue water. The capital city is charming and was built around a bay in an amphitheatre design.

Continue reading... Summer in Skopelos

From June to August each year, the majestic Greek island of Corfu plays host to the International Festival. Created to demonstrate the rich local heritage of the island, its main events are known as the 'Ionian Concerts' and are a series of music productions designed to mix the traditional music of the islands with more contemporary sounds from Greece and further afield. Expect to see local choirs and philharmonic orchestras rubbing shoulders with modern jazz and swing musicians. The variety of music on offer means that, no matter what your musical tastes, you're guaranteed to find something you can enjoy.

Continue reading... International Festival of Corfu

Other European clubbing locations may be on the rise or the fall but Ibiza still heads the pack, with the best clubs and the most impressive list of high profile DJ's this summer.

Continue reading... Ibiza Still Club Capital

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

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

I truly feel for all those tourist who got stuck on Malta due to the ash cloud. The only consolation I can offer is that, when it comes to the weather, April is the best month of the year to be on Malta and I really hope they'll make the most of their prolonged stay.

Continue reading... Make the Most of Your Time on Malta

Earlier this year, the inhabitant of Madeira worked together with determination to recover quickly from the destructive storms that hit parts of the island during February. After showing so much resilience, the annual Flower Festival on Madeira during April provided an opportunity for them to put recent events behind them and look forward to another great summer.

Continue reading... Madeira's Flourishing Flower Festival

Visitors from the UK taking a holiday on the island of Gran Canaria will sometimes feel that this island, situated out in the Atlantic Ocean, is not too different from the UK in some respects. There are now plenty of ex-pats who have made their home here, so hearing English spoken is not unusual. Also the reach of globalisation has touched Gran Canaria now and after a Lidl store opening this year, the island now also has a brand new Starbucks to satisfy the thirst for coffee that many Brits seem to be acquiring.

Continue reading... Gran Canaria Calima

A quick straw pole around the office showed that more than half of the people had never heard of the Greek island of Santorini. I wondered why that was and thought that, although it has been a popular tourist destination for over 20 years, perhaps UK travel companies don't specialise in trips there, preferring to focus on places like Kos, Mykanos and Rhodes.

Continue reading... The Secret of Santorini

The island of Tenerife was showcased in a different light on the big screen when a new movie premiered in the UK.

Continue reading... Tenerife on The Big Screen

If you are planning to spend a holiday on the island of Menorca during April then, in addition to the wonderful beaches that are just perfect for lazy days in the sun, the island has plenty of plans for other activities and attractions that will encourage you to get out and about in the countryside and on the water.

Continue reading... Menorca on Land and Sea

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

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

If you were lucky enough to be enjoying a holiday on Mallorca during February, then you might have liked to investigate some of the many carnival events taking place across the island.

Continue reading... Mallorca February Fiesta

The start of February traditionally sees one of the first professional races of the European season taking place on the island of Mallorca. Many of the top European riders use the event to test their form and get used to racing with new teammates. This year the event clashed with another top level race taking place in Qatar, with several teams attracted to the warmer desert weather as a place to start their 2010 campaign.

Continue reading... Pro Cyclists in Mallorca Race

The carnival season is an important time of the year in Gran Canaria and because the resort of Maspalomas and the capital Las Palmas are the two biggest towns on the island, it is not surprising that the most spectacular carnivals are held there. We will cover those events in more detail as they approach, but there are also other towns on the island that host their own programmes.

Continue reading... Gran Canaria Celebrations

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

Continue reading... Funchal For February

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

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

Continue reading... Gran Canaria Winter Solstice

There is no doubt that Christmas is the theme highest on the events list for December on Tenerife with concerts and carol services being held all over the island in the run up to the Christmas break.

Continue reading... December What's On For Tenerife

As well as many tourists from Britain, the Canary Islands are also popular with Scandinavian visitors, who probably also value the region's mild winter weather as means of escape from their naturally cold climate at home. Take the Swedish for example who have a shorter working week than anywhere else in Europe and, according to a 2008 study, take an average 33 days annual leave each year, much higher than the European average of 25.2 days. The Danes and Germans are both calculated to have 30 days annual leave, while in the UK, workers have to make do with a meagre 24.7 days, ranking them only 13th in Europe. Estonia and Cyprus come bottom with only 20 days per year.

Continue reading... St Lucia Day on Gran Canaria

When the big nightclubs on Ibiza are approaching the end of their long season the island is gearing up for a ten day Jetski festival that will attract riders from all over Europe.

Continue reading... Jetski Festival in Ibiza

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

Continue reading... La Gomera In The Canaries

The Corfu Trail was established as a way of seeing some of the forgotten highlights of the island. The full length of the trail is over 80 miles, so would present a serious challenge even to an experienced walker, but taken in sections or with the help of a guided trip, it will take walkers to some of the prettiest villages on the island and through some of the most spectacular scenery.

Continue reading... Walk The Trail in Corfu

Ibiza is one of those holiday islands that enjoys a bit of a break from September onwards. The busy summer crowds have subsided and the vast sandy beaches are more easily admired. The tourists who take their holidays in September, having waited until the school-age children have returned home, have been able to enjoy a more peaceful time on the island. Once October arrives everything eases back to a slower pace, the international nightclubs that Ibiza is famous for have had their end of season parties and the islands is given back to the locals for a few months.

Continue reading... Christmas on Ibiza

The month of November on the island of Madeira is certainly one when food seems to take the centre stage.

Continue reading... Madeira Food Focus

The Challenge, or to give it its full name the Malta International Challenge Marathon, took place again in November for the 19th time. The format of this popular running event is very different to that of your typical London or New York marathons. In this race the distance to be covered was split into three more manageable pieces and tackled over consecutive days. It gave runners more chance to see different parts of this remarkable island whilst at the same time making the challenge of running a marathon slightly more accessible.

Continue reading... Malta Marathon Challenge

The small island of Gozo, which sits off the North Western corner of Malta, hosted its annual Festival Mediterranea at the end of October and beginning of November.

Continue reading... Festival Mediterranea on Gozo

Almost 20 years after his last performance on the island, Leonard Cohen returned to Mallorca to give a concert at the Palma Arena.

Continue reading... Leonard Cohen in Palma

As the summer parties and cultural festivals came to an end, the island of Kefalonia continued to entertain its visitors with several artistic celebrations.

Continue reading... Autumn Festivals on Kefalonia

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

Continue reading... Join the Wine Bus on Tenerife

Runners who love wine were able to combine both of their desires on 21st June when Club La Santa on Lanzarote held its first ever Wine Run. The race, over the half marathon distance, took runners through the wine region of the island, providing them with tasting samples en route.

Continue reading... Vintage Run on Lanzarote

For anyone visiting the island of Madeira during the middle of October, the town of Ribeira Brava provides the chance to experience some traditional local music and culture.

Continue reading... Autumn events on Madeira

During September the island of Fuerteventura celebrated one of its most important annual festivals.

Continue reading... Fuerteventuras Lady of the Rock

September saw the promotion of the Kypria Festival, with events in all the major towns of Cyprus during the month.

Continue reading... Kypria Festival on Cyprus

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

The main holiday season may be starting to wind down in some mainland European resorts, but the Canary Islands have a year-round season to enjoy.

Continue reading... Events in Lanzarote during August and September

Corfu has many gorgeous beaches including Agios Georgios (Saint George) North on the west coast. This beach has a large sweeping sandy cove and is perfect for kids to make sandcastles and play in the tame surf. Confusingly, there is also Agios Georgious South (Saint George's Bay South ) which is also on the west coast. This more southerly beach has a long sandy dune and is located on the south west of the island, about 45 minutes from the airport. The bay is surrounded by olive groves and boasts a truly splendid sandy beach.

Continue reading... The Beaches of Corfu

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

Continue reading... Tenerife Island of Eternal Spring

Corfu has many gorgeous beaches including Agios Georgios (Saint George) North on the west coast. This beach has a large sweeping sandy cove and is perfect for kids to make sandcastles and play in the tame surf. Confusingly, there is also Agios Georgious South (Saint George's Bay South)which is also on the west coast. This more southerly beach has a long sandy dune and is located on the south west of the island, about 45 minutes from the airport. The bay is surrounded by olive groves and boasts a truly splendid sandy beach.

Continue reading... Corfu - Part 2

Set aside your preconceptions about Rhodes and its hard partying image. Rhodes is supremely picturesque, a predominantly slow-paced sanctuary of sunshine,beaches, and ancient history with lots of natural beauty to behold. Rhodes holds a timeless appeal with visitors.

Continue reading... Rhodes - Part 1

Continue reading... Banjul- The Gambia Part 1

Visitors to the Greek island of Kefalonia during August have the choice of a number of traditional local events during their stay, with wine featuring prominently.

Continue reading... August Wine Events in Kefalonia

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

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

Continue reading... Extra Flights to Fuerteventura

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

Continue reading... Crete Part 1

Extra flights have been added to the schedules at FlyThomasCook which bring greater flexibility for passengers travelling to the island of Lanzarote from Manchester, East Midlands and Gatwick.

Continue reading... Extra Flights to Lanzarote

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

Continue reading... Corfu Part 1

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

Continue reading... Scientists Excited at Keri

Menorca is often quoted as being preferred over Mallorca as a holiday destination for Spanish tourists and it may be the quieter, more relaxed feel of its resorts that attracts them. Certainly Menorca is a great place for a family holiday.

Continue reading... Peaceful Menorca

The town of Rhodes owes much of its wonderful architecture to the Knights of St John who came to the island in 1309 and built their dwellings, fortifications and churches on the remains of structures left by previous Roman and Byzantine rulers. In 1291 the Knights had been forced out of Jerusalem and after a brief, unsuccessful period in Cyprus, they selected Rhodes as their new domain. The initial years on Rhodes, and some other small islands that also formed part of their occupation, were not entirely peaceful and some disquiet saw the knights attempt to assassinate their leader. Grand Master Foulques de Villaret, had instigated the conquest of Rhodes, but found himself seeking refuge in the castle at Lindos on the island, while another Grand Master was appointed to replace him.

Continue reading... Medieval Knights in Rhodes Festival

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

Continue reading... Extra Flights to Lanzarote

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

Continue reading... Jazz in Mallorca

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

Continue reading... Majorca aims for Safer Beaches

The largest of the Greek islands is not merely a place for beach holidays. The landscape here is both varied and challenging once you move inland. Crete is also the location one of Greece's Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO's World Network of 553 Biosphere Reserves are recognised as places which innovate and demonstrate approaches to conservation and sustainable development. There are only two Biosphere Reserves in Greece, the other being Mount Olympus on the mainland and the highest mountain in Greece. Both sites became part of the scheme in 1981.

Continue reading... Samaria Gorge Crete

The islands are no strangers to motorsport events as the larger Rally Islas Canarias takes place earlier in the year and usually attracts large crowds. As a nation the Spanish are great fans of all motor sports. Fernando Alonso is their top Formula One driver while Jorge Lorenzo, who was born in Palma de Mallorca, is a top Moto GP rider.

Continue reading... Fast Cars in Gran Canaria

The most prominent feature of the small town of Felanitx on the island of Mallorca is certainly an imposing one. Felanitx is a thriving town in the south of the island, 12 miles north east of Palma but perched on the top of a 510m high hill on the outskirts of the town is the stunning Monastery of Sant Salvador.

Continue reading... Majorcan Monastery hosts Concerts

The features that attract people to the Greek island of Rhodes include the weather, the beaches, high quality resorts and a typically warm welcome. These are all things that other locations can claim but very few have the history of Rhodes and a place like Lindos shows that side of Rhodes very well.

Continue reading... Old Rock in Lindos Rhodes

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

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

The Balearic island of Menorca is often overshadowed by its larger neighbour Mallorca, but there are some wonderful places here that have remained largely unknown to many. Menorca is often quoted as being preferred over Mallorca as a holiday destination for Spanish tourists and it may be the quieter, more relaxed feel of its resorts that attracts them. Certainly Menorca is a great place for a family holiday.

Continue reading... Peaceful Menorca

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

Continue reading... Find the Wildlife in Fuerteventura

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

Continue reading... A Return to Corfu

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

Continue reading... Beaches of Rhodes