There is only one great classical music festival during winter in Europe: The Canary Islands Music Festival. With the start of 2012, the 28th edition of this festival took off. Unsurprisingly, this festival is a reason for music lovers from around the world to book flights to Tenerife, Gran Canaria and the other islands.

Continue reading... Bach on the Beach

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.

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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

Instead of spending another raining weekend talking about how depressingly-soon Christmas is, why not transport yourself to some sun, beach and a fantastic little Spanish festival. On Sunday 13th November, the picturesque little village of Tao, in the centre of Lanzarote, hosts its annual fiesta. And flights to Lanzarote will have you enjoying its mid-20s weather in only four hours.

Continue reading... Fiesta in Tao, Lanzarote

As a country steeped in Catholic tradition, Portugal places much more emphasis on the Christian holiday of All Saints Day (November 1st) than the pagan Halloween festival the night before. However, there are some spooky tales and rituals that seem to have sprung from the Gaelic roots of Halloween.

Continue reading... 'O Dia das Bruxas' - The Portuguese Halloween

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

Continue reading... Faro's favourite saint

On the 28th of October every year Greece celebrates the power of the negative. Military parades, coastal celebrations and special Greek Orthodox Services commemorate the day, in 1940, that Greek President Yanni Mextaxas declared 'Ochi!', 'No!' in Greek, and rejected Benito Mussolini's ultimatum that Greece be occupied by Axis forces or face war. Against all odds, and to their own amazement, the Greeks defeated advancing Italian troops, driving them back into Albania. Although Greece went on to be occupied by Germany, Greeks still celebrate Mextaxas' tenacity, their fierce resistance and unlikely victory with great pride.

Continue reading... Greeks Say 'No Way' on Ochi Day

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

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During July the island of Lanzarote holds the festival that is known as Fiesta of the Virgin of Carmen. This festival is celebrated on an annual event and it usually takes part on the sixteenth of July. This festival is very popular with both locals and tourists alike and a lot of the tourists that take part in this event tend to make use of the regular flights to Lanzarote. This is a catholic festival that takes place in order to celebrate this patron saint and she was also the protector for sailors and fishermen. This is one of the largest festivals that have been set up to commemorate a patron saint. This festival takes place in the northern part of Tenerife in the resort that is known as Puerto de la Cruz. Every year there is thousands of people that gather on the sea front in order to celebrate this festival.

Continue reading... Fiesta of the Virgin of Carmen in Lanzarote

Sant Jordi Festival is referred to locally as the Festa Sant Jordi and this festival takes place around the twenty third of April. This festival is to celebrate the feast day of the patron saints from various towns across the island therefore there is a lot of different areas that celebrate at the same time despite being slightly different. This event is popular with both locals and tourists alike. A lot of the tourists that enjoy this event also enjoy the frequent flights to Mallorca.

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The Monastery known as Saint Maria de Miracoli is actually one of the most popular destinations within Crete. Crete is a very tourist attraction and there are regular flights to Crete, which makes it a popular tourist resort. The popular resort of Crete is offers tourists serenity and aura and this reflects the grandeur and heritage of the area. This monastery dates back to the fifteenth century and it was originally built for the Roman Catholics.

Continue reading... Santa Maria De Miracoli Monastery in Crete

The Palace of Saints Michael and George is one of the best known landmarks on the island of Corfu. The Palace of Saints Michael and George is one of the main landmarks on the island of Corfu. This palace has evolved into being a very popular tourist attraction. This visitor attraction shows some of the best British architecture that is on the island. The palace is located on the northern side of the Esplanade. This palace was built on the site that was once occupied by the Venetian hospital. Getting to Corfu could not be easier as there are many flights to Corfu from most airports

Continue reading... Palace of St Michael and St George in Corfu

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

The beautiful island of Santorini, is a part of the group of Cyclades islands, located right at the centre of the Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea. Santorini is among the most attractive getaways in Greece. It forms part of a small group of volcanic lands and the name of the island is associated with Saint Irene. Santorini has a well equipped airport so you can book your flights to Santorini from wherever you are! The site where Santorini stands today was that of one of the strongest volcanic eruptions across the world. Even though it does not seem to be there at all, it is a well known fact that the volcano is merely dormant.

Continue reading... Submarine in Santorini

Arrecife is probably the only city in Spain that does not really follow any organized pattern of architecture. The same is true of the Spanish people living and working here. It is indeed different among all the other islands around Spain. Several people at Arrecife work or are related to the tourism industry in some way or the other. There are several significant tourist resorts towards both the south and the northern part of the city. Arrecife can be reached by air as there are a number of flights to Arrecife every day from all major locations in the world.

Continue reading... Iglesia de San Gines in Arrecife

Kefalonia is situated on the western coast of Greece and is governed by a moderate climate where walks on the beaches can be enjoyed thoroughly. The shooting of the film called Captain Corellis Mandolin was organized here and since then the island has become a great holiday destination. Kefalonia has some of the cleanest beaches among the Greek islands. As your flight to Kefalonia lands you will instantly be tempted to explore the island. It has some mysterious caves that stay cool and pleasant no matter what, as they are full of stalagmites and stalactites in some very attractive colors.

Continue reading... Monastery of St Gerassimos in Kefalonia

Skiathos, though a tiny island with an area of just about 50 square kilometers, is one of the most sought after holiday destinations among the islands in the Aegean Sea. Surrounded by mainland Greece on the west and island of Skopelos on the east, the island is a mix of modernity and natural beauty. Your flight to Skiathos will take you to the Skiathos Island National Airport.

Continue reading... Skiathos the Monastery of Evangelistria

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

Continue reading... The Varkarola Festival of Corfu

Larnacas residents welcome the procession of their patron, St Lazarus, with great cheer. The portrait of Saint Lazarus is brought from the St Lazarus Church for a while. It is then taken through the procession covering all the streets of Larnaca. The procession is led by the priest, who provides a service just before starting off from the church. The feast day of the St Lazarus is considered to be a significant event and the liveliness of Cypriots becomes quite evident during the procession. It is great experience and Larnaca is worth visiting at this time of the year.

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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

Kefalonia, Greece is one of several islands within the Ionian group of islands. It is the largest island of the group. There are many villages located throughout Kefalonia both in the mountainous terrain and on the coastline. The fine sand beaches with its turquoise waves lure tourists from all over the world to them during the summer months.

Continue reading... Ever thought of a holiday in kefalonia in Greece

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

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

Continue reading... Enjoy the luxuries of eventful Fuerteventura

A Celebration of Sainthood in Menorca Among the many annual festivals celebrated in the Balearic Islands, the upcoming Processio de la Beata is considered one of the most important. It is a celebration in honor of Saint Catalina Tomas, the patron saint of the town of Santa Margalida.

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For the purpose of relaxation and the getaway adventure that loads of people love, countless numbers and faces of places cover the pages of internet and travel guide magazines. If there is the island of Palawan for the Philippines and there are the beaches in Miami at Florida U.S.A., then there is the island of Skiathos, the pride of Greece.

Continue reading... Commemorations and Relaxations in Skiathos

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.

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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

Kefalonia is known as one of the more tranquil and un-touristy ones of the Ionian islands. It is also the largest and seems to absorb its visitors seamlessly. There are regular flights to Kefalonia International Airport throughout the year, yet it manages to retain its own essential character. But this beautiful island is not just about languid beaches, peaceful villages and panoramic scenery.

Continue reading... August in Kefalonia is festival month

The biggest of all the Greek islands, you could be forgiven for thinking that Crete was in fact a whole country. Steeped in ancient history and home to the infamous Minotaur, Crete retains a mythical quality that many other countries have since lost. Book flights to Crete and experience the timeless traditions of this island while you catch one of the intimate celebrations that take place over the summer and autumn months.

Continue reading... St. Minas Parade in Heraklion

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

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

Considered one of the major fiestas in Tenerife, the Festival of the Virgin de Candelaria, the patron of the Canary Islands, occurs every year on August 15th, and the festivities are attended by over two million visitors annually.

Continue reading... Virgin de Candelaria, patron of the Canary Islands

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

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

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

If you want to experience an amazing time in Rhodes, you should visit the island during the summer. Aside from the fantastic sunshine, excellent beaches and historic attractions, there are numerous events and festivals lined up during this season. All of these festivals and many more attractions make Rhodes a popular destination for holidaymakers. In the summer, you are guaranteed to find many cheap deals on flights to Rhodes.

Continue reading... A much-loved summer festival in Rhodes

The Yakinthia festival is one festival you shouldn't miss if you are planning a holiday in Crete this summer. And in order to be a part of this year's festival, the best time to start booking your flights to Crete is now! This cultural and artistic festival will be held from the 21st to the 25th of July in Anogia, a small village in Crete.

Continue reading... Yakinthia Festival, the place to be this summer in Crete

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

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

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

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

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

Gran Canaria is an island famed for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. However, there is a hidden world of exotic festivities and colourful celebrations that most tourists remain unaware of. If you can drag yourself away from the idyllic coastline and head inland for a day or two then you can get in touch with a vibrant local culture that has stayed intact for hundreds of years.

Continue reading... Gran Canaria Fiestas

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.

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Happy St George's Day, England! The 23rd of April has been a national feast day since 1415, after the Council of Oxford declared this date to be St George's Day and after St George replaced Edward the Confessor as England's patron saint in the 14th century. His emblem is a red cross on a white background, which is incorporated in the British flag, so you'd think that it's safe to assume that he's a typically English Saint.

Continue reading... Horse Races on St George's Day

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

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

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

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

Continue reading... Fuerteventuras Lady of the Rock

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

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

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