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

Continue reading... Happy New Year!

Once you've remembered to stock up on sunscreen and grabbed your toothbrush, it's time to think about which holiday read to pack. Here are a few suggestions to compliment the stunning coastlines and fascinating history of the Spanish Canary Islands.

Continue reading... Top Canary Island Reads

For many couples looking to tie the knot, the expense and unpredictable weather can make the idea of getting married in England unappealing. Increasingly, people are going abroad for their nuptials. Whilst the Caribbean might be financially out of reach for many, Gran Canaria can provide a wonderful alternative. Not only are flights to Gran Canaria much more affordable, they only take four and a half hours, which makes it much easier for friends and family of all ages to attend the big day.

Continue reading... Getting Married in Gran Canaria

For all those budding photographers who want their sunshine holiday to offer more than just beautiful beaches to look at, the Spanish islands are ideal destinations. Flights to Gran Canaria take just over 4 hours and transport you to the most wonderful sights to train your camera on and indulge your passion for taking pictures.

Continue reading... Gran Canaria's top 5 photogenic sites

Watching videos about a country are a fantastic way to get a feel for a place before you go over and spend time there. Especially those videos that the locals themselves are watching. Spain may well be a popular and well-known holiday destination but there's still nothing like viewing its sights and listening to its sounds on film. This Viva Espana video starts with a fabulous fanfare and a flash of the Spanish flag before giving you wonderful overview of Spain. It's a lovely introduction to the country.

Continue reading... Viral Videos from Spain

Scarily, Christmas is already just around the corner. If you're wondering whether you can afford to escape to some winter sun, you'd do well to consider going to Gran Canaria, where the temperatures are in their mid-20s. Flights to Gran Canaria only take about four hours, making it a really manageable winter destination.

Continue reading... December in Gran Canaria

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

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

The sophisticated, cosmopolitan bar and club scene of Gran Canaria's principal city defies, and exceeds, most holiday makers expectations. It is easy to avoid sticky floored mega-clubs, lad filled boozers and extortionate, poolside cocktail bars in Las Palmas. As in Madrid, the urbane islanders of Las Palmas like to start their evening with a laid-back supper, grazing and socializing until midnight, in relaxed bar come restaurants such as the family-run Samoa bar (Valencia 46 E - 35006, Tel. 928241471), before moving on to livelier venues open till the early hours.

Continue reading... Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - Nightlife

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

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

The Spanish, as a nation, enjoy a pretty sizable amount of time off with 14 national public holidays, on top of other regional feast days, and an average of 4 weeks paid leave a year. One of the most significant national, secular holidays, 'Dia de Constitution', celebrates Spain's transition into democracy after the death of the oppressive dictator General Francisco Franco. On the 6th of December 1978, in a landslide referendum, the Spanish people voted to establish an advanced democratic society in which welfare, cooperation and liberty where enshrined and promoted.

Continue reading... Spain's 'Dia de Constitution'

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

More than 4,000 miles away from the desert wastelands of Iraq, on the sandbanks of Fuerteventura, Sacha Baron Cohen has been spotted shooting his latest satirical offering: 'The Dictator'. After the controversy stirred up in the wake of 'Borat' and 'Bruno' it is not surprising he had to settle for the sunny Spanish resort rather than 'The Dictator's' intended Middle Eastern backdrop.

Continue reading... The Controversial Sacha Baron Cohen Saddles up in Spain

We interviewed sixteen Spanish people who live in Spain to get an insight in the true culture of this popular holiday destination. To start with, we asked them to translate their favourite Spanish saying for us. Their responses included a couple of familiar ones, such as "You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs", "there is always something good after something bad" and "the past is past". A typically Spanish proverb they mentioned was "when the toreador is bad, he complains about the bull". The one thing all proverbs had in common was that they encourage a positive attitude, even while acknowledging that life isn't always easy. A young man in his twenties summarized them all with "A beber y a tragar, que el mundo se va a acabar" - eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow the world will end."

Continue reading... Locals about Spain: Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow the world will end

After the great success of Locals about Greece, the Flythomascook team decided to gather a panel of seven Portuguese men and three Portuguese women and ask them the same questions about their country, culture and cuisine.

Continue reading... Locals about Portugal: He who warns you is a friend

Corralejo is the largest holiday resort on Fuerteventura. Because it is still a traditional fishing village at heart, most restaurants along the waterfront have fresh seafood on their menu. If you've been on your feet all day, you might prefer to sit down and enjoy your meal rather than opt for takeaway fish and chips. In that case, it's recommended to book a table in advance at one of the following fish houses. It might even be an idea to give one of the following restaurants a call as soon as you've booked your flights to Fuerteventura.

Continue reading... Top Five Fish houses in Fuerteventura

The capital city and main port of Majorca in the Balearic Islands, Palma is a paradise for holidaymakers seeking sun, sea and sand (and possibly sangria). In the heart of the Mediterranean, the island has a climate that favours holidays at any time of the year - the temperature stays pleasantly in the high twenties during the summer and remains mild even in winter. Add to this the many great attractions to be found in the city and the surrounding area, and it's no wonder there are millions of people boarding flights to Palma each year.

Continue reading... Palma de Mallorca: a paradise for holidaymakers

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

One of the greatest tennis players of all time, Rafael Nadal, has a soft spot for the Balearic Islands. Although he lost the World No. 1 title during Wimbledon this year (he is now ranked No. 2 by the Association of Tennis Professionals), he was photographed radiating happiness on the beaches of Mallorca last month. The Spanish tennis player went to Mallorca to visit his beautiful girlfriend, Maria Francisca Perello (Xisca).

Continue reading... Nadal: his heart lies in Mallorca

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

As the start of the summer holidays signals a mass exodus to the beaches and resorts of Europe, the relatively stable Pound and a weaker Euro has meant that British holidaymakers are taking advantage of last minute deals to fly off to the sun.

Continue reading... Lanzarote is the place to be this summer

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

Most locals eat their Tapas while standing at the bar because it's cheaper and more sociable than sitting down. It's easy to find out which Tapas bars are best as they're always crowded with locals. If you've been on your feet all day, you might want to sit down and enjoy your Tapas in your own time, in which case it's recommended to book a table in advance. It might even be an idea to give one of the following restaurants a call as soon as you've booked your flights to Tenerife.

Continue reading... Top five Tapas bars in Tenerife

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

Continue reading... Extra Holiday Fun for Kids

There are a lot of festivals and events that are held within Lanzarote. The town of Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote. A lot of the festivals and events within this area attract a number of people from all across the world and the flights to Arrecife make this easy to do. There are a lot of tourists that plan their holiday around an event that they would like to enjoy.

Continue reading... Fiesta of Corpus Christi

Golf is a popular sport all across Fuerteventura and the first golf course on this island was located in that area that is known as Caleta de Fuste, which is also known as Costa Caleta. This course is one of the most exciting courses on the island and Juan Catarineu designed it. This golf course hosted the Spanish Open, which took place during 2004 and this was quite an achievement for the course as it only opened during spring of 2002. There are a lot of tourists that make the most of the regular flights to Fuerteventura in order to enjoy the fantastic golf that is on offer on this island.

Continue reading... Golf in Fuerteventura

The popular attraction of Orotava Botanic Gardens is located within the historic town, which is known as La Orotava and this is in the northern part of Tenerife. This town is located at the bottom of the mountains known as the Teides. This town is also about five kilometers from Puerto de la Cruz and this is the main resort within the northern part of the island. A lot of the tourists that enjoy this area make the most of the regular flights to Tenerife.

Continue reading... Orotava Botanic Gardens in Tenerife

Angel Sunday is an annual event, which takes place during March. Angel Sunday is a festival, which is celebrated at Bellver Castle and this takes place on the first Sunday after Easter. This is a popular festival that is celebrated by the locals and also a vast number of the tourists that come to this area and a lot of these people make the most of frequent flights to Mallorca. Angel Sunday is a traditional event and in previous years bread was blessed during this festivals and then given out to the poor people. Angel Sunday is known within the local area as Domingo del Angel and this is a big celebration within the local area.

Continue reading... Angel Sunday in Mallorca

The Coast of Silence is also known as Costa del Silencio and this is a very popular tourist resort. There are a lot of tourists that visit this and they make use of the regular flights to Tenerife. This resort is located within the southern part of Tenerife. The Costa de Silencio translates as the Coast of Silence. This coast was once silent however this is no longer the case as it is a very popular tourist area and there are regular flights to this area.

Continue reading... Coast of Silence in Tenerife

The area of San Fernando is a town, which is located within the province of Cadiz, which is part of Spain. This town is home to more than ninety seven thousand five hundred inhabitants and this increases a lot over the summer months as a vast number of tourists make the most of the cheap flights to Balearics in order to enjoy everything that this town has on offer.

Continue reading... San Fernando in Balearics

Spain is the perfect place for people that are light hearted and energetic. Spain is a very popular place for tourists and a lot of them make the most of the regular flights to Spain. It is true to say that Spain has a unique concept when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife in Spain is a fantastic combination of drinking, eating, talking, walking, laughing and dancing and the nightlife does not slow down until the sun starts coming up in the morning.

Continue reading... Nightlife in Spain

Safari diving within the Canaries is carried out a number of specialist dive centers and the staff members within these centers are all trained to a very high standard. These dive centers are all committed to delivering a high level of safety and they offer specialist training. The safari dives cater for people of all levels and qualifications, therefore they are suitable for divers of all abilities including non divers, children and also disabled divers. These dive centers are popular with tourists from all around the world and they make use of the regular cheap flights to Canaries.

Continue reading... Safari Diving in Canaries

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

Palmintos Park is located in Gran Canaria and this is a very popular attraction with tourist from all across the world who enjoy regular cheap flights to Gran Canaria. There are a number of different displays within this park and this includes the bird of prey exhibition, parrot exhibition and also the exotic bird exhibition.

Continue reading... Palmintos Park in Gran Canaria

The Balearic Islands are typical of Spain as they offer excellent shopping facilities. The island of Mallorca is really no different as there is a vast amount of shopping to choose from and this includes markets, which sell a vast array of things. There are a lot of tourists who enjoy the cheap regular flights to Mallorca in order to make the most of the shopping facilities that are on offer. The larger shops within Mallorca tend to be open from nine in the morning until nine at night and this is especially the case within the main tourist resorts.

Continue reading... Shopping in Mallorca

The Spanish island of Mallorca is home to some of the most luxurious beaches that are within the Mediterranean. When you are on holiday on this island it is certainly worth taking the time to experience all that the beaches that are on offer. All of the beaches on this island are child friendly and some of them are good for water sports such as paragliding and jet skiing. All of the beaches are home to a range of bars and restaurants. There are a lot of tourists that enjoy the cheap flights to Mallorca and then they enjoy the luxurious beaches and sun.

Continue reading... Beaches in Mallorca

The town of Fasnia is located at the bottom of the volcanic mountain that is known as Montana de Fasnia. This mountain last erupted during 1705. There are a lot of people that visit this town from all across the world, as they are able to enjoy the regular flights to Tenerife. The very popular beach of Playa del Abrigo is close to this town. The countryside around the town of Fasnia is home to a number of hamlets and it is also home to a number of different plant species, which includes cacti, pine trees and also rockrose. The town of Fasnia is a fabulous place to use as a base when you want to explore the rest of the southern coast of Tenerife.

Continue reading... Fasnia, Tenerife

The town of Arrecife is the oldest town on the island of Lanzarote and this town is also the capital of the island. Prior to this town being the capital of the island the title belonged to the town of Tequise and this change took place towards the last part of the eighteenth century. The town of Arrecife is the main area for administration and commerce on the island of Lanzarote. This area is very popular with tourist and one reason for this could the frequent flights to Arrecife. The name of this town translates in Spanish to mean reef and this is where the town got its name from and this town has always been very popular.

Continue reading... Dining Out in Arrecife

There is a lively nightlife within the island of FuerteVentura and this makes it a very attractive destination for people of all ages. There is also a vast amount of things for people to do during the day therefore they can enjoy an action packed holiday. There is regular flights to FuerteVentura therefore it is an easy location to get to from anywhere in the world. The area of Corralejo is the main center for nightlife within FuerteVentura. If you are looking for a destination with good nightlife then this area is certainly worth considering. It is best to stay within the resort where you want to experience nightlife, as this will save you a lot of money on taxi fares. All of the main resorts in FuerteVentura are home to a good range of clubs and bars and these are usually quite especially during the low part of the season.

Continue reading... Nightlife in FuerteVentura

Monte Toro is located on the highest point of Menorca in Es Mercadal. This highest point has a height of three hundred and fifty two meters. The legend of Monte Toro is that a bull found a statue, which was of the Virgin and it was found within a cleft on the rock. The name of the peak however is more likely to have come from Arabic's. The name al-tor means the highest mountain. This highest point is very popular with tourists and a lot of them make the most of the flights to Menorca. There is a convent that is located at the top of the peak and this convent is home to the Franciscan nuns. The convent is open to the public on the first Sunday within May.

Continue reading... Monte Toro in Menorca

The Prado Museum is located in Madrid, which is the capital of Spain. This museum is home to a vast collection of artwork that was crafted by Fernando the seventh and other royalty members. The Prado Museum is one of the only museums that will allow the visitors to take no flash photograph of the collection that is within the museum. This museum is open six days a week and it is closed on a Monday. A lot of people that visit this area and this museum enjoy the regular flights to Spain from anywhere in the world.

Continue reading... Prado Museum in Spain

Ibiza is a very popular tourist destination and this may be due to the frequent flights to Ibiza. Ibiza is an island that is located in the Mediterranean Sea and it is about seventy-nine kilometers from the coast of Valencia in Spain. There are a vast number of luxurious holiday villas within this area and these all tend to have a swimming pool. This island is one of the most popular Spanish destinations for tourists that want to get away and enjoy the sun and sand. There are a lot of tourists that return to the area year after year.

Continue reading... Smugglers Cave in Ibiza

Kefalonia is a huge island that has dramatic and diverse scenery. It has several scenic inlets and bays. The island also consists of a fascinating history characterized by many archaeological finds from the Mycenaean era. You can reach Kefalonia by air and flights to Kefalonia are quite regular too. It also consists of a castle from the Byzantine epoch. This castle is known as St. Georges castle that took its current shape early during the 16th century and was constructed by the Venetians who almost always seemed eager to build forts near the sea. The aim in mind was mainly to have command over the trade routes. The old fort was constructed built on the mountain located on the edge of a valley called Livatho.

Continue reading... St Georges Castle in Kefalonia

Great Britain initially acquired Malta during 1814. The island supported the United Kingdom staunchly during both World Wars and remained loyal to them in all kinds of ways. It was also a Commonwealth after it gained its independence in 1964. After almost ten years since then Malta was declared a republic. It gained that tourist momentum much later but Lieutenant Governor of Malta, Harry Luke was one person who contributed tremendously in the development of Malta. Regular flights to Malta make it even more convenient for visitors.

Continue reading... Museum of Archaeology in Malta

Palma gives every visitor a brilliant experience because apart from its historically rich ambience it also boasts of a beautiful seafront. The historical centre in Palma is compact and remarkable with pedestrians all over its narrow streets. Palma is accessible by air and flights to Palma are almost every day. Like several other Spanish cities, Palma also offers a good mix of amazing cuisine, hotels, culture, history, nightlife and shopping.

Continue reading... Bellver Castle in Palma de Mallorca

Lanzarote is known for its museums, beaches and fantastic cultural attractions and several visitors from all over the globe come here to spend their vacation. If you are planning something similar then book your flights to Lanzarote today. One of the places worth seeing in Lanzarote is Mirador del Rio. It is a remarkable architectural achievement and was praised at the time as one of the most stunning and significant new buildings in the world.

Continue reading... Mirador del Rio in Lanzarote

Ibiza is one of the most picturesque islands among other Balearic Islands and is widely known for its white houses. For the same reason the island is called as a White island. It is an undisputed tourist destination for party goers from all over the world. Ibiza has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and the entertainment for visitors is incomparable to any of the islands in any other part of the world. Catalan is the official language of the island but you will find people speaking in Spanish. You can plan your holiday to Ibiza at any time of the year. Ibiza is reachable by air and flights to Ibiza are available almost every day from a number of locations.

Continue reading... Dalt Vila in Ibiza

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

Continue reading... Ciutadella cathedral in Menorca

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

The initial settlements at this location, called Real de Las Palmas, explored the area around a ravine here. They then moved ahead into the towns named Triana and Vegueta on the right side and Barranco de Guiniguada on the left. Initially the Castillian Army encampment was located on the hillside close to the Barranco de Guiniguada where you will find the chapel called San Antonio Abad chapel. The elaborate highway of Las Palmas called Calle Juan de Quesada today extends beyond the Barranco de Guiniguada and assists people out of the town into the central part of the island. The highway is the landmark that divides the two historic sides of Las Palmas.

Continue reading... Pueblo Canario in Las Palmas

Ibiza is one of the most picturesque of Balearic Islands. It is also called as a white island because of the white colored houses all around the place. It is a modernized island that has a great atmosphere, offering unlimited sources of entertainment. While planning your vacation here you can book your flights to Ibiza online through websites of different airlines, including those offered by Thomas Cook.

Continue reading... Monographic Museum Punic Necropolis in Ibiza

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

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

Palma de Mallorca is a city full of contrasts the old beautifully merged into the and new setting accompanied by palms all around. Palma de Mallorca has an airstrip and there are several flights to Palma that you can take from any location in the world. As you step in the city close to its historic area you cannot miss the prodigious Gothic Cathedral, which will not fail to impress you. It took King Jaume I 300 years to construct the church and the process of building had begun as early as 1229. The streets at Palma de Mallorca are best explored by walking all the way through the citys designer boutiques, lanes with trees in line and the small souvenir shops to buy things from. As you proceed further a whole new drama of Spanish lifestyle will unfold in front of you.

Continue reading... Coves de Campanet in Palma

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

Las Palmas is set amidst magnificent scenery comprising of two vast bays and picturesque beaches named Playa de las Alcaravaneras and Playa de las Canteras. Las Palmas was founded in 1478 and it boasts of significant cultural and historical heritage especially in a district called Vegueta. Vegueta happens to be the oldest part of the island. The place was even proclaimed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990. There are several airlines that provide flights to Las Palmas including Thomas Cook. You can always look for some discounts offered when planning your vacation to Las Palmas.

Continue reading... Santa Ana Cathedral in Las Palmas

Maltese culture and economy has had influences almost throughout its existence. These influences have sometimes been from the Romans or Phoenicians, sometimes from the Carthaginians and at other times from the French, Normans or Spanish people. The British were the last ones to have colonized Malta as they left in 1964 when Malta gained its independence. There are several flights to Malta from many locations across the world.

Continue reading... Malta Fort St Angelo

Windsurfing and Kiteboarding are probably one of the cleanest sports in the world, using no engines and creating absolutely no pollution. The event is a must watch if you plan to come here in end of July. There are several flights to Fuerteventura from almost all the major airports of the world.

Continue reading... Fuerteventura Windsurf

The Panerai trophy is a Classic Sailing Regatta at Menorca. It is an event that involves keeping a close eye on the points that the vessels score depending on the way they perform in the different races among them. Vessels from the Spanish period and the Classic ones are free to participate in the Championship to win the Panerai Trophy. The race is conducted at the island of Menorca.

Continue reading... Panerai trophy Menorca

Fuerteventura is known to be the 2nd largest Island among the Spanish Canary Islands. The initial settlers are known to have landed on the Island from Northern parts of Africa. In fact, the term Maho or Mahorero is used even today to explain the people belonging to Fuerteventura. The term is actually derived from the ancient word mahos which means a kind of goatskin shoe. These types of shoes were used by the original residents of Fuerteventura.

Continue reading... FuerteVentura Christmas

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

Continue reading... Tenerife Wine Bus

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

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

If you are a resident of Spain you sure may be looking forward to the Carnival of Las Palmas, but if you are a visitor or going to visit Las Palmas, be ready to get shocked and enjoy it too. Gran Canarias party also called the carnival is a grand event of the year. It extends to 3 weeks at a stretch and starts before Lent. You can plan your vacation in Las Palmas in a way that you are able to attend the main events such as the popular Drag Queen Day held in January. Flights to Las Palmas are available from all the major cities of Europe.

Continue reading... Carnival in Las Palmas

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

Ibiza, the third largest island among the Balearic Islands, is one of the most sought after party destinations of the world. The fun begins as your flights to Ibiza land next to the pristine waters at Ses Salines. A unique contrast of natural beauty and modern structures welcomes you as you enter the city of Ibiza. Interestingly, for a place famous for its nightlife, a large part of the island is registered with the United Nations as World Heritage Sites. Different festivals and events organized throughout the year add to the party atmosphere.

Continue reading... Three Kings Day Fiesta-Ibiza

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading... La Tomatina Festival in Spain

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

Continue reading... Chinese Lantern Festival in Mallorca

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

The capital of the Canary Islands, Las Palmas, plays host to the International Festival of Theatre, Music and Dance. The festival is in its fourteenth edition from 8 July to 14 August and has been gaining in strength and recognition every year. Las Palmas is a candidate for the prestigious award of European Capital of Culture for 2016, spurring large investments in everything cultural happening within the city.

Continue reading... Paving the way to becoming European Capital of Culture

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

Very few things are more glamorous than late summer sailing whilst rubbing shoulders with royalty. Head to Palma de Mallorca in late August as, during the Copa del Rey regatta, 16th to 22nd August, the Spanish Royal family, celebrities and sailing fiends will spill out onto the bay to enjoy a week of the finest Mediterranean sailing by day and glamorous galas by night.

Continue reading... Royal Sailing in Mallorca

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

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!

The North of Fuerteventura

Continue reading... Explore Fuerteventura

Lanzarote is just 125 km from the coast of Africa, and like its neighbour, enjoys a dry hot climate with little rainfall. With average midwinter temperatures about 21 C and mid summer temperatures around 29, Lanzarote is a perfect year round destination.

Continue reading... Experience Lanzarote's Landscape

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

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

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

Paphos is one of the most visited and the most attractive cities on the west coast of Cyprus. It's boasting with big and famous hotels with their own beaches. And if you are looking for accommodations within a smaller budget, there are quite a number of affordable ones with good quality too.

Continue reading... Good reasons to visit Paphos

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

Continue reading... Sintra Festival

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

The Balearic island of Mallorca is known for its hip and happening bars and clubs, its luxurious villas and yachts as well as for being the summer playground of the Spanish Royal family. While basking in the late summer sunshine, this iconic Spanish island deeply steeped in tradition also offers the discerning tourist a chance to experience medieval Spanish custom, and wine, at its best.

Continue reading... Celebrate Spanish wine with the locals: La Festa des Vermar

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

Continue reading... The Festival of San Juan

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

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

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

Continue reading... National Agricultural Fair in Santarem

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

Continue reading... Corpus Christi celebrations in Spain

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

The coast of light or Costa de la Luz is in the far south west of Spain, a full 300km of stunning coastline beside the Atlantic Sea. It stretches from the Portuguese border to the Straits of Gibraltar and features some of Spain's loveliest fine-sanded beaches.

Continue reading... Costa de la Luz

Next Wednesday, most USA citizens will celebrate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on the 5th of May, 1862. Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for "fifth of May", is celebrated all throughout the USA because the 4,000 Mexican soldiers defeated the much better-equipped French army of 8,000 that had not been defeated for half a century and, since the Battle of Puebla, no American country has been invaded by an army from another continent.

Continue reading... Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Like many islands, Tenerife has been the subject of attack by invaders numerous times during its history and that's why the traditions of this beautiful island have been created from an unusual mix of cultures that have ruled there over previous centuries. From the original Guanche settlers to long periods of rule by the Spanish, Tenerife has been targetted by French, Dutch and even English invaders in the past.

Continue reading... Tenerife Castle Tour

The peaceful island of Menorca seems to be quickly emerging from its typically quiet off-season period and all over the island there are events taking place for visitors to enjoy. Locals also get their first opportunities of the year to get outside and take part in some sporting competitions with tennis being one of the sports on offer. The 21st edition of Jaime Mascaro Open tennis tournament took place on 11th April. Mr Mascaro is not some former tennis champion from the island but a local shoe manufacturer who sponsored the tournament. Sailing is also popular in Menorca and April saw various regattas taking place with the La Caixa Trophy held between 4th and 18th April. Also, the Sa Nostra Trophy event for the smaller laser and optimist boats was held on 12th April in Es Castell.

Continue reading... Menorca Emerges

In Spanish areas, there's always something festive happening and the Canarian Islands are no exception. One of the most popular events on the Canarian island Fuerteventura is the Feria de Artesania, a festival that annually takes place in May. For three days, locals gather in Antigua to display things they have made by hand, from furniture, weaving, clothes and musical instruments to local cheese, sweets and dried fish.

Continue reading... Find new Furniture in Fuerteventura

The capital of Mallorca has always taken pride in its ability to attract and showcase the best of art, culture and music and at any time of year there is always a great choice of concerts, performances and exhibitions to choose from.

Continue reading... Palma Exhibitions Open

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

Every spring, hundreds of writers, literary translators, journalists and publishers from all over the world gather for the world's greatest multilingual literary festival in Montreal. They come together in Montreal because this city is known for blending the widest diversity of ethnic backgrounds into one fantastic jazz medley. The Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival is an exciting celebration for everyone with an interest in literature from various cultures.

Continue reading... Multicultural Medley in Montreal

Those who enjoy the Spanish food tradition that is tapas will be treated to the best the island of Fuerteventura can offer thanks to a competition sponsored by the local tourist board. The exact origin of the tradition and the reasons why it has remained popular are varied. One theory is that an ancient law prohibited people from just drinking in taverns without eating anything, so the availability of small meals was a workaround to allow people to drink alcohol freely.

Continue reading... Spanish Tapas Competition in Fuerteventura

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

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

After losing to a dominant Barcelona in their home game against the Spanish champions on 10th January, Tenerife's footballing heroes were up against it once again at the end of February when Spain's second most powerful team Real Madrid headed across the Atlantic to take on the home team. Despite dropping further and further down Spain's equivalent of the UK Premier division as the season goes on, Tenerife's local football fans are making the most of the promotion they gained last year to welcome some of the world's best footballers to their doorstep.

Continue reading... More Big Football On Tenerife

The general slow down in many industry sectors across Europe is not being taken lying down by the tourism authorities responsible for the Balearic islands that include Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca.

Continue reading... Menorca Benefits from Tourism Investment

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

The events that are currently in full swing on Tenerife may not be everyone's cup of tea. The excitement and revelery of the annual carnival is the highlight of the year for many, but for others a selection of quieter more sedate events may be preferred.

Continue reading... Classical Times on Tenerife

The Spanish music style of Flamenco is the kind of music played during traditional dances with performers dressed in stylish costume. The ladies wear long flowing skirts while the men dress in outfits that symbolise the attire normally associated with bullfighting. But in Spain, Flamenco is better known as a form of music rather than a dance. The castanets, or palillos as they are known locally, are small-hand held percussion instruments usually played in pairs.

Continue reading... Shake Out Your Castanets in The Canaries

If you go to the Canary Islands for a winter break, don't be surprised to find the locals with a healthy appetite for watching football. The islands currently have several successful teams, one that competes in the top Spanish League and others that play more locally.

Continue reading... Canaries Football Spotlight

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

Continue reading... Top Flight Football in Mallorca

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

Continue reading... New Year Arts in Mallorca

If you travel to the island of Menorca during January for a quiet winter sun break and you may stumble across an unexpected national celebration.

Continue reading... Celebrate National Day On Menorca

The Gran Canaria International Marathon took place on the 24th January 2010. Local council and tourism authorities saw the potential of hosting an international marathon race after witnessing what they called the "magnetic" effect of similar races in other Spanish cities. They quoted the success of cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Saragossa and Palma de Mallorca as some of those that have put on marathon races and attracted huge crowds in addition to the runners themselves. For Gran Canaria the obvious choice was to make the most of the island's mild winter weather and entice runners to take part in one of the only European marathons to be held during January.

Continue reading... Countdown to Gran Canaria Marathon

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 Spanish islands of Mallorca, Menorca and the Canaries are not the only places to hold their carnivals in the early part of the year. The town of Rethymno in Crete also stages a spectacular carnival programme that runs throughout the whole of February.

Continue reading... February Carnival in Crete

The first weekend of December saw the skies of Tenerife filled with colourful paragliders as the island hosted an international competition.

Continue reading... Paragliders in Tenerife

We have just read an article that questioned whether Menorca effectively "died" during November, meaning did everything shut down following the end of the summer season. The conclusion was a resounding "no", with there being plenty to interest visitors on this beautiful island during Autumn. Of course there are fewer people on Menorca once the main summer season slows down, in fact the people count may drop to as low as 30 per cent of the summer peak, but that just means more space and a more relaxing environment for everyone.

Continue reading... Menorca During November

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

Continue reading... Transatlantic Yachts in Gran Canaria

Visitors to Mallorca during the peak months of the summer more often than not stay in their resorts for the duration of their stay. But for those coming to the island during December there are plenty of reasons to take a trip into the capital Palma, to experience the sights and sounds as the Mallorcan Christmas approaches. In terms of music there are many different Christmas concerts, during the early part of the month there was also a varied choice of concerts in different musical styles, that provided something for everyone.

Continue reading... Music Variety in Mallorca During December

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

Continue reading... Lanzarote Christmas

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

Continue reading... Special Authentic Christmas in Palma Mallorca

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

Continue reading... Christmas Fairs and Markets

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

Continue reading... Planning for 2010 in Gran Canaria

If you were due to be on holiday in Tenerife during the first weekend of November and were upset about not being able to get to Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea play Manchester City or to Upton park to watch West Ham play Everton, then you could try a little local football on your holiday island.

Continue reading... Premier League Football on Tenerife

Mention International Film Festivals and places like Cannes, Berlin, Edinburgh and Moscow spring to mind. But there are many other festivals celebrating the work of filmmakers and the island of Madeira hosts its own event which has slowly been growing in stature since it first started four years ago.

Continue reading... Funchal International Cinema Festival

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

Continue reading... Transatlantic Yachts in Gran Canaria

The world famous club scene on Ibiza approached the big closing party season in late September.

Continue reading... Ibiza Clubs Round Off 2009 Season

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

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

Continue reading... Tenerife Symphony Orchestra Starts New Season

Another top cultural on Tenerife spot is The Museum of Nature and Man (Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre). This collection includes some of the best examples of objects from pre-Hispanic Canary Islands history.

Continue reading... Tenerifes Cultural and Natural Treasures

Exposaldo 09, an annual retail sale, took place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife this year. The event took place in the International Fair and Congress Centre which is located on the coast in the centre of Santa Cruz close to the Tenerife Auditorium and the Parque Maritimo, an outdoor swimming and leisure complex. The Fair and Congress Centre, which opened in 1996, is an impressive architectural building which was designed by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Calatrava also designed the spectacular auditorium nearby which features an amazing arching wing that hangs over the top of the structure. In June the auditorium put on a mix of events including jazz, ballet, classical and dance productions. In July, The Pretenders performed a concert and later in the year, in December, the hit musical Mama Mia comes to town.

Continue reading... Pick up a Bargain in Tenerife This Week

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

The small but perfectly formed island of Menorca is somewhat overshadowed by its flashier and more famous neighbours Ibiza and Mallorca. But this compact slice of paradise which lies off the coast of Spain in the Med is a Balearic jewel, too, and a great getaway for families, couples and singles.

Continue reading... Minorca - Part 1

The eastern most island of the Canaries, Lanzarote is a place of spectacular natural beauty. This unspoilt volcanic island will bowl you over with its extraordinary rock formations, mountains, seascapes and desert plains. With so much to enjoy here, Lanzarote is a superb beach break for a relaxing or active holiday.

Continue reading... Lanzarote - Part 1

Despite so many opportunities to relax here, Palma also is a city that encourages activity and exploration. Main tourist beaches offer a range of activities such as volleyball, windsurfing, water and jet skiing.

Continue reading... Palma Part 2

One of Malta's biggest annual festivals takes place over ten days starting on Friday 24th July 09.

Continue reading... Open Air Festival in Malta

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

Continue reading... Bike Meet in Faro during July

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

Starting on the 3rd of July 2009, the 18th Canaries Jazz Festival kicks off with performances on Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Acts from all over the world are playing during the week long festival and on the second day concerts are taking place on 4 different islands in the group.

Continue reading... Canaries Jazz 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

Festival MED takes places in the cosmopolitan town of Loule between 24th and 28th June 2009. This will be the sixth time the MED has been organised and it has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most highly-regarded World Music festivals. Seventeen acts have been confirmed for the festival this year including Stewart Copeland, former drummer from The Police, and Orquestra Buena Vista Social Club. Two main stages and three smaller stages will be home to the acts in a celebration of world music that also includes other attractions. Events supplementing the music include theatre and street entertainment, exhibitions of art together with gastronomy and handicrafts exhibitions.

Continue reading... Algarve hosts Festival med in June

Top tennis player Rafael Nadal may have been beaten in the French Open but he is still fully supporting the promotion of tourism for his homeland, namely the island of Mallorca. Nadal, who comes from the town of Manacor on the eastern coast of Mallorca, had to make the difficult decision to leave the island when aged 14 and move to the Spanish mainland to pursue his tennis career. It proved to be the right move as the 23 year old has been world ranked number one since August 2008, but the top player loves his homeland and still lives in the family home on the island with his grandparents, parents and uncle/coach Toni Nadal. Rafael is a regular at the local tennis club in Manacor and was there recently preparing for the French Open.

Continue reading... Nadal Supports Tourism in Mallorca

Club La Santa in Lanzarote is regarded by many as one of the best sports resorts in Europe. It certainly has plenty to offer in terms of facilities and the mild winter climate helps to attract thousands of sports people to the island throughout the year. The club first opened in 1983 and has grown in stature and size consistently ever since, however a recent issue has brought a temporary halt to development work aimed at expanding facilities.

Continue reading... Additional Sports Facilities in Lanzarote

Divers will be spoilt for choice here as Corralejo offers many diving sites for all diving levels to view vibrant fish, sea urchins and volcanic rocks.

Continue reading... Fuerteventura - The Canary Islands - Part 2

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

Keen to showcase the natural and raw beauty of the their islands, the Canary Islands Tourist Board has sponsored a garden at this year's Chelsea Flower Show. The tourist board responsible for promoting the Canary Island Archipelago is working hard to maintain the strong ties between the island group and visitors from the UK. Tourists from the UK have always formed the majority of visitors to the seven Spanish islands located off the North African coast which include Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

Continue reading... Canaries come to Chelsea

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

Mount Teide in Tenerife is the spectacular high point of the island. In fact, as well as being the highest point of the Canary Islands, it is also the highest mountain in the whole of Spain which is all the more remarkable when you consider that Spain is also home to the Pyrenees. In the Pyrenees, which strech from the Atlantic coast across to the Mediteranean between France and Spain, there are almost fifty peaks higher than 3000m but none are as high as the 3718m peak of Mount Teide.

Continue reading... Tenerife High Point

For wine regions around the world the harvesting of a new vintage is the most important period of the year and many, including the Spanish region of Andalucia, celebrate with a range of traditional festivals.

Continue reading... Celebrate the New Vintage in Andalucia