Cupid is getting ready for his big trip around the globe to visit lovers from all countries the 14th of February. If you want to give your loved one something very special this year, surprise him or her with a minibreak to Aphrodite's Rock (also known as Petra Tou Romiou).

Continue reading... The perfect Valentine's surprise: a trip to the birthplace of love

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

Continue reading... New Year in Style on Tenerife

If splashing through the dark, rainy streets dodging puddles, car drivers and little old ladies is cramping your running style, why not head off to the sun of Cyprus this month for one of the most popular half marathons in Europe? The 27th November will see runners from all over the world converging on the Cypriot coast to run the Cyprus Aphrodite Half Marathon - a challenging race set amongst some of the finest scenery the island has to offer.

Continue reading... Limber up for the Cyprus Aphrodite Half Marathon

The historic city of Palma within its winding lanes, baroque mansions and traditional shop fronts conceals a hoard of great restaurants, old and new, to suit any budget. So, avoid the brightly lit, tourist filled tapas bars and gloomy, overpriced taverns and seek out Palma's culinary jewels.

Continue reading... Palma de Mallorca - The Balearic Food Capital

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

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

If you spend your lunch-break googling last-minute flights to Lanzarote and day-dreaming about that depressingly distant summer break, then it's time for you to think about getting a little winter sun this year. It's often more affordable to travel during the winter months, you see a different side of your favourite summer spots, and you'll even avoid the perennial airport queues. So if you're looking for the perfect way to relax on holiday, read on for a five step stress-busting guide to Lanzarote.

Continue reading... 5 activities that will help you relax and forget about stress during your holiday

They say there's an art to writing the perfect postcard. Not only will it require your neatest tiny handwriting to get everything in, but it should also go into a little bit of detail about your holiday without being boastful and make a few polite enquiries about the health of folks back home. However, there's no chance of writing a truly original holiday card without taking a truly original holiday. With cheap flights to Rhodes appearing on the horizon after the summer rush, there's never been a better time to see this uniquely historical part of the world with your family. With so much to do and see here, there's no way that your card home could be anything less than one of a kind!

Continue reading... How to send more original holiday cards

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

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

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

Between 1730 and 1736 there was volcanic eruptions that took place and these covered about one third of the island of Lanzarote. These eruptions added a lot of lava to the surrounding area and this ruined the agricultural land. The wine growers in this area have utilized this land. The black sand and also the half circle that is produced from volcanic stones preserve the humidity of the earth and this helps to protect the vines from the wind and the sun. There are a lot of people that use the regular flights to Lanzarote in order to enjoy things such as the wineries.

Continue reading... Lanzarote Wine Trial

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

Cooking within the Canaries is a very simple and straightforward process and this is certainly the case for Fuerteventura. Before this area became popular with tourists it was actually just a hide away, which had a small population. This cuisine within this area is based mainly around vegetables, fresh meat and fish. All of these foods are cooked in a no nonsense way which is practical. There are a lot of tourists that enjoy using the cheap flights to Fuerteventura in order to enjoy the weather and also the local cuisine.

Continue reading... Eating Out in Fuerteventura

The Paseo Matitimo is a promenade, which follows the coastlines that runs from Marbella town and it covers about six kilometers, which has an area of two kilometers that are laid in marble stone. This promenade is very popular with tourists from all across the world and these tourists make the most of the regular flights to Tenerife.

Continue reading... Paseo Maritimo in Tenerife

Pergamon is a small settlement, which is used during the Archaic Period. It is really only remains that exist now of this settlement but it is still a very popular attraction and every year there is vast number of people that enjoy cheap flights to Turkey to enjoy what this area has on offer. This remains of this city can be seen when you are entering the area that is known as Acropolis. The ruins that are on the left hand are what remain of the monumental tombs that were built by the Kings from Pergamon.

Continue reading... Pergamon in Turkey

The popular attraction that is known as the Wine Museum is one of the oldest cellars that are owned by El Grifo wineries. These cellars were built on top of the volcanic lava that was left by the eruption that happened during the eighteenth century. Reports show that this winery was actually built during 1775 and this actually makes it the oldest winery in the Canaries. This is a very popular attraction with people that enjoy the cheap flights to Lanzarote. The current owners have owned the property since 1880.

Continue reading... The Wine Museum in Lanzarote

Kefalonia is one of the biggest Ionian Islands and it is one of the modern popular tourist destinations. The flights to Kefalonia make this a very popular destination with people from all across the world. There are some tour operators that have been operating on this island for over twenty years. There is a lot of the things on the island that cater for a vast array of different tastes and this includes luxurious sandy beaches, water sports, excellent food and local wines and also wonderful photography opportunities and luxurious scenery.

Continue reading... Boat Excursions in Kefalonia

Santorini is known for its scenic environment and a good tourist hustle bustle. It is a good idea to plan a holiday in Santorini as you can enjoy some great sunsets at various locations around the town. Flights to Santorini can be booked and boarded at anytime of the year as they are quite regular. Oia is one of the most well known towns near Santorini where you can get the best sunset views. Oia is an excellent town where you can simply stroll around and spend lots of time simply shopping. Also make sure that you book a table at one of the restaurants around the caldera to have a good view of the sunset.

Continue reading... Oia in Santorini

Santorini is one of the most popular travel and vacation destinations in Greece. The reasons are varied and one of the most important factors for this is its rich history and cycladic architecture plus the heavenly beaches all over the city. You should book your flights to Santorini in advance if you are traveling with family as every season in Santorini is a tourist season.

Continue reading... The folklore museum at Phira in Santorini

Till the wave of tourism spread through the city of Lanzarote during the early 70s, it was more of an underdeveloped rural town which mainly depended on farming from sea and land. The local economy moved slowly and remained stuck with the basic aim of survival. Today the place has been transformed because of the initiative taken by the locals towards tourism and by making the effort to popularize the region for it while taking pride in the resources and attractions the city possesses. Lazarote can be reached easily by air as there are daily flights to Lanzarote from a number of cities throughout the world.

Continue reading... Monumento al Campesino in Lanzarote

Funchal got its name from a Lisbon Italian sailor who lived in the 16th Century. His name was Joao Zarco and he was exploring the island at that time. Funchal has three beautiful rivers named Ribeira de Joao Gomez, Ribeira de Santa Luzia and Ribeira de Sao Joao. It is truly refreshing to see them while sightseeing. Apart from the natural set up, Funchal consists of urban holiday resorts. Hotels and resorts here offer good amenities and great ambience and some have swimming pools too. Regarding travel, you can expect to travel by air as there are more than 20 flights to Funchal available every day from several international cities and about 50 flights from Funchal to other cities. Funchal is located at 15 minutes distance from the airport.

Continue reading... Funchal in Levada Walks

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

Funchal is a place full of picturesque gardens growing all kinds of trees to preserve its natural beauty. If you are planning your next vacation to Funchal, there are several hotels and resort where you can stay. Regarding your journey, there are many flights to Funchal from almost all the major international airports. Funchal consists of Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Quinta Magnolia, Quinta Das Cruzes, Quinta Palmeira, Santa Catarina Park, Botanical GardenThis property, now belonging to the Blandy family, boasts some of the most valuable and rare exotic plants on the island.

Continue reading... Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro

Kos is located in Greece and is known for numerous cultural sites and an exciting yet safe nightlife in the town. For the beach lovers, Kos has some of the best Aegean beaches that cam be visited with friends and family. Mt. Dikaio is also a great place to visit. The coastal strip is long enough to accommodate several visitors every year. Many are lured here by the vast beaches that simply leave them highly refreshed. The conditions at the northern end are ideal for kite and wind surfing, while swimming gets difficult. You can enjoy all this and more during your visit to Kos. There are several flights to Kos from all major European cities.

Continue reading... Mastichari beach in Kos

Akrotiri is one of the remotest villages in Santoirini and as you reach the village by bus you will come across a lot of twists and turns of the road. The village is located around 12 km away from Fira. It is more towards the south-western part of the island. The village of Akrotiri has the underpinnings of the volcanic eruption that is still evident around the village as it had been buried under the destruction for long. Santorini can be reached by air in 40 minutes from Athens and you can plan your vacation accordingly. There are flights to Santorini from other parts of Greece too.

Continue reading... Akrotiri in Santorini

Rhodes is filled with marvelous beaches, a warm but dry climate complimented by a number of noteworthy historical and archaeological sites. Filerimos, Marine Aquarium, Palace of the Grandmasters, Rodini Park, Seven Springs, Tsambika Monastery, and Valley of Butterflies are some of the known places in Rhodes. If you are interested in the marine life here the Marine aquarium should be your first choice. Palace of the Grandmasters is another place to be if your favorite subject is history. Seven Springs and Valley of Butterflies are places to enjoy the natural beauty of the Island. You can reach Rhodes by air as there are many flights to Rhodes from the neighboring countries.

Continue reading... Palace of the Grandmasters Rhodes

During the 18th century, a property was bought by Charles Murray, who was also the English Consul at the time. The property was none other than the Monte located to the southern part of the church. It was bought and converted in to a heavenly estate. It was called Quinta do Prazer which means The Pleasure Estate. As the 19th century arrived, a few rich families from Madeira, who had some vast estates themselves, came to live here whenever they came to visit Funchal.

Continue reading... Funchal Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Planning your trip to Funchal. Dont forget to pack your walking shoes for the amazing walking festival held at Madeira. Funchal makes a great place for a holiday all through the year, being a region with sub tropical weather. The Walking Festival held every year in January presents a great opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of Madeira in the most natural way possible, that is, by simply walking along the natures trail. Started by writer photographer, Terry Marsh, the festival has become quite popular, attracting several visitors from Europe as well as other parts of the world. The main airport being at Funchal, the only way to reach Madeira is by catching a flight to Funchal. There are several airlines offering their services to Funchal, both through major international airports and via different European cities.

Continue reading... Funchal Madeira Islands Walking Festival

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

Continue reading... Santorini Wine Tourism

Cretan weddings are great fun for both the families and they are definitely lavish compared to any of the other weddings. If you get an opportunity to witness a Cretan wedding, you will definitely get to see several ancient, mostly pre Christian traditions being followed in the wedding rituals. For instance, you will find tradition of the serving of braided cinnamon bread sprinkled with some candied fruits. The dough is usually cut in the shape of stars and moons. The amazing aroma of the dough is believed to represent the hopes and joys of togetherness after marriage.

Continue reading... Traditional Cretan Wedding

Zakynthos is known world wide for its wine making. In fact if you truly want to enjoy wine you need to visit Zakynthos during their wine festival. The wine feast is organized during the last week of August through to the first week of September. Throughout the festival you will be tasting excellent wines produced by the residents of the island.

Continue reading... Zakynthos Wine Festival

People of Cyprus celebrate a Carnival and a festival called Kataklysmos. Kataklysmos is a festival of Flood. Anthestiria is another festival and is characterized by the Spring Flowers all over the place. Panigiri is yet another festival celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm all over Cyprus. Limassol Wine Festival is among the largest Cyprus Festivals. It is organized each year with an ever increasing pride and exhilaration. The festival takes place in the charming municipal gardens adjacent to the sea front close to the old town of Limassol.

Continue reading... Wine Festival in Paphos

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

Funchal Film Festival is held every year to celebrate the culture of art and fiction films. Film enthusiasts from all over Portugal as well as several neighboring countries flock around Madeira where the festival is hosted. As the craze of films is building up everywhere in the world with increasing fervor, the crowd attending the film festival is also increasing almost with the same pace. The festival mainly covers fiction feature films of 35mm reel.

Continue reading... Funchal Film Festival

Just like all other amazing locations in Greece, Kefalonia is no less and holds great importance in terms of many celebrations and religious festivals. Flights to Kefalonia can be planned according to the events you wish to attend, as the city offers numerous events all through the year and more so in the summer season. The festival, especially the Kefalonia Carnival, is organised with great amount of joy and excitement around the picturesque villages.

Continue reading... Kefalonia Carnival

Easter also known as Paska, is considered to be the most important day in Greece traditionally. While Easter is on, it spans almost a weeks time and that week is termed as the Great Week or Megali Evdomada. During the Greek celebration of Easter, you will witness deep devotion and rich pageantry. There are celebrations and the excitement is quite contagious. Prior to the arrival of the festival traditional Greek people keep a fast of 40 days called nisteia as Easter is welcomed with preparation of elaborate meat, milk products and pastries. They are all the more excited because of the restriction they undergo during the fasting period.

Continue reading... Easter in Santorini

There is no one in the world who does not get attracted to the colorful fragrant flowers. It does not matter which color you are fond of. When you enter an area completely carpeted by flowers and only flowers, you will probably lose your senses. This is what the Anthestiria Flower Festival is all about! You can also expect to be fed well with some amazing varieties of delightful recipes made for the tourists. The festival rouses a great amount of curiosity among people all over the world and hordes of tourists visit Paphos during this time of the year. The weather is amazingly pleasant and the view of these vivacious flowers unfailingly impresses everyone.

Continue reading... Paphos Anthestiria Flower Festival

Apokrias Carnival in Crete is celebrated to appease Dionysos, the God of Feast and Wine. Traditionally it is supposed to prepare the people for the 40 day fast or Lent, during which there is are no parties, weddings or celebrations of any kind. The carnival is held as a form of last time of celebration before Lent begins, when people are not allowed to have meat or drink wine. It is held over a period of three weeks filled with fun and festivities, more to compensate for the abstinence to be held during the 40 day fast.

Continue reading... Crete Apokrias Carnival

Pottery is one of the oldest professions and art forms in the world, where the earliest pottery discovered dates back to more than 18,000 years. Interestingly, this art form has remained untouched by technology and is still hand-made using wheels. The Sanford Pottery Festival is held with the aim of promoting this art. It is the largest event held in North Carolina which is famous for its pottery in the entire world, Seagrove being the pottery capital.

Continue reading... sanford pottery festival

Santorini is a scenic island dotted with several structures in white and blue.Built on the remains of volcanic eruptions, it is one of the most popular destinations in Greece. Apart from the beaches and places of historical interest, the island is also known for various cultural events and festivals held throughout the year.

Continue reading... Megaro Gyzi Cultural Events Santorini

Continue reading... Easter in Skiathos

Being strategically located, Preveza changed several hands before joining Greece as a state. Your flights to preveza greece will actually land you at the Aktio airport, which is situated across the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf. Different historical structures and the atmosphere of the town itself narrate its history, which was ridden by war and occupation by Venice, France and Turkey. Today, the town invites everybody, from holiday goers to history enthusiasts, to explore its rich past and enjoy its natural beauty.

Continue reading... Preveza Womens Carnival

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

Continue reading... tenerife for the holidays

The festival is about 40 years old, and actually marks the end of the watermelon harvest and includes an interesting competition that takes place at Placa Tomeu Penyato, where local farmers are invited to enter their biggest fruit. One of the recent winning melons was weighed in at the incredible mark of 17,780 g. That is quite impressive!

Continue reading... festa del melo in palma de mallorca

Tangosharm 2010 will be organized on 6-13 November, 2010. The event will happen at the Domina Coral Bay Resort under the organizing prowess of Federazione Associazioni Italiane Tando Argentino. Domino Coral Bay Resort is located at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt.

Continue reading... Tango at TangoconSharm 2010

For tourists who desire to experience a curious mix of culture, music, history, merry-making, and a hint of wordly sophistication, flights to Funchal this September will take you just in time to take part at the the Madeira Wine Festival.

Continue reading... Madeira Wine Festival

September is the month of the Mare de Deu de la Salut festival in Palma de Mallorca. This major city in Spain has a reputation of entertaining a large number of visitors during this festival. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday as well as a party destination, you should consider a place like Mallorca. You can check online to see what flights to Mallorca are available during this time.

Continue reading... Mare de Deu de la Salut festival in Mallorca

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

An island which is very much the epitome of Greek history, Crete offers nothing short of a continual succession of seasonal festivals and things to do over the summer months. For those who want to sample these festivals, book your flights to Crete now to catch the highly anticipated annual Music Festival in Paleohora, which takes place over the first ten days of August.

Continue reading... The Paleohora Music Festival

After the great success of his performances on 7th June, 28th June and 12th July in Laganas, DJ Dave Pearce will play on Zakynthos for the last time this season on Monday 16th August. Laganas is the largest resort on this Ionian island and is located in the southern part, near Zante. If you want to support British DJ Dave Pearce on the 16th August, it's best to book flights to Zante.

Continue reading... To Zakynthos for Dave Pearce

From the 2nd to the 4th of August, Tunisia will celebrate the spread of digital technology with the International Internet Festival. You can't celebrate this festival from behind your computer - if you want to see the ship full of brand new computers and other pinnacles of the latest technology arrive in El Kantaoui Port (Sousse), you're going to have to look for last minute flights to Monastir. Locals and visitors are welcomed onto the ship, where they can try out the flashy equipment.

Continue reading... International Internet Festival in Tunisia

If you want go jet skiing this summer, you should book flights to Kos because this Greek island is the perfect location this exciting sport. At least, that's the opinion of Jet Ski authorities, which is why they organised National Jet Ski Championships here last summer.

Continue reading... Discover Kos

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

Continue reading... Mallorca festivals in August

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

Continue reading... Chinese Lantern Festival in Mallorca

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

Continue reading... Sardine festival in Faro

While most travellers book their flights to Preveza because of the beautiful sun drenched beaches, this destination hosts some unique and lively festivals during the summer months, including the Sardine and Choral festival. The most greatly anticipated of these events is the Nikopolia Festival, which takes place from late June to early September. Covering all art forms, the festival has been running for over 45 years, and is a cherished favourite of the locals.

Continue reading... The Nikopolia Festival in Preveza

Because it's the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, you can expect to see a lot of these qualities in the lives of the Cypriots. This heritage especially shows when they're celebrating the Arkadia festival. In the month of August, the village of Kallepeia is packed with tourists who have come to celebrate this summer festival with the locals. If you have already booked your flights to Paphos during this month, Arkadia festival might be something to look forward to. You should not miss out on this opportunity to share in the hospitality and culture of Paphos.

Continue reading... Arkadia festival in Paphos

Ria Formosa festival is a major celebration in Faro coming up at the end of July to last till the beginning of August. For lovers of seafood and all sorts of other exotic traditional menus, this is the best place to be this summer as there will be vast numbers of these foods from all over Portugal.

Continue reading... Algarve seafood and wine festival

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're in Cyprus between the 26th of July and the 1st of August this summer, the Koumandaria Festival may be worth attending. The locals of the Kourris Valley, one of Cyprus' better known wine producing areas near Paphos, celebrates the wine called Koumandaria with this annual festival. You are guaranteed to fall in love with this sweet, amber-coloured dessert wine. The main participating villages are Alassa, Agios Georgios, Doros, Laneia, Monagri and Silikou.

Continue reading... Celebrate ancient wine from Cyprus

Ancient archaeological sites can be found in Minoan. In this settlement, you will see monumental buildings known as 'palaces', such as Knossos, Phaistos and Kato Zakros. Each of these palaces has its own unique characteristics. the settlement of Thera has magnificent remains from the Roman, Byzantine and Hellenistic period. And if you fancy some hiking, this is a good place to be. More on history and culture of Santorini can be found in the Megaro Gyzi Museum in Fira. This museum exhibits a lot of archaic engravings, drawings, dresses and maps.

Continue reading... Greek Glamour in the Aegean Sea

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

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

A trip to the small Greek island of Skiathos will leave you with one thought in your mind: have I been here before? Well, you may not have been here in real life, but you will have certainly seen its blissful surroundings in the blockbuster film, Mamma Mia.

Continue reading... Skiathos Religious Festival

There are a thousand and one interesting things to do and places to visit in this beautiful city. However, to avoid disappointment, an early booking of your flights to Larnaca is highly recommended.

Continue reading... Get a total holiday package this summer in Larnaca

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

Continue reading... Mallorca Rocks!

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

Continue reading... Relax in Rhodes

For a break from museum hopping, the Funchal region offers a wealth of botanical gardens and parks in which you can relax and enjoy the vistas in the area.

Continue reading... Wine and Gardens in Funchal

In Santa Cruz every Sunday morning there's a flea market at Mercado de Nuestra Senora de Africa, Calle San Sebastian. Some of Tenerife's other main markets are located in the Costa Adeje, the Los Cristianos area and in Santa Cruz, including a notable open-air flea market along the Avenida Jose Manuel Guimera, which takes place every Sunday morning. You can find inexpensive items to bring back home plus lots of local produce and handicrafts. Some of the items to look for are hand-crafted lace tablecloths, pottery and ceramics, and local wines.

Continue reading... A Taste of Tenerife

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

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

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

Continue reading... Join the Maltese summer festivals

When you think of Greek islands, your mind invariably thinks of golden, dazzling beaches and all year round sunshine. But for tourists that want to experience something a little more off the beaten track, flights to Kos will surprisingly provide just the ticket.

Continue reading... The Hippocratia Festival in Kos

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

Continue reading... Taste the Wine of Malta

One of the most interesting things about Kefalonia, aside from its magnificent resorts and amazing beaches is its diversity of festivals. These vibrant festivals portray the rich culture and traditions of the Kefalonians. The festivals take place throughout the year, particularly in the summer.

Continue reading... Kefalonia Festivals

Tenerife is an island known for its spectacular events. Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival is one of such events. This carnival attracts millions of people from everywhere being one of the best celebrated events in Spain. If you are looking for lively entertainment and the time of your life, now is not the time to miss this carnival. Since this is a very popular event, it might be a good idea to book flights to Santa Cruz de Tenerife in advance. This time of the year is a ideal for getting great deals on flights and cheap hotels.

Continue reading... Don't be left out of the parade in Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival

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

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

The 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

Greece is famous for its ancient history and warm climate. Usually, when people hear the word Greece, the first destination that comes to mind is Athens. But there are other places in Greece that boast beautiful historical sites: Corfu is one of them. Its treasures of Greek civilization make it hard for other interesting places in the world to compete against Corfu. The island is well known for both its history and amazing beaches.

Continue reading... Massive Vegetable Pies in Corfu

Choosing a destination for a holiday can be a tough decision to make, especially if you have fallen for several tourist traps and ended up disappointed when such places refused to meet your expectations or your money's worth.

Continue reading... Get a good deal on your holiday in Burgas

As it is situated on the Atlantic, the Algarve region has a bounty of fresh fish on its doorstep. Portugal on a whole is among Europe's highest fish consuming nations. Cod is a hugely popular fish and it is reputed that the Portuguese have 365 different ways to prepare it - one dish for each day of the year! Also popular are grilled sardines, octopus, squid, crabs, shrimp, sea bass, lobster, and shellfish. Expect to see the fish and shellfish here prepared in a multitude of ways. Additional dishes to try are the rich bean stews and presunto, which is a wafer thin smoked ham and bread served with pate and olives. Speaking of bread, you may want to sample the acorda which is a thick bread-based casserole made with garlic, coriander and seafood. Potatoes and rice dishes are also mainstays of the menus here.

Continue reading... The Fantastic Food of Faro

This summer, every village in Corfu will host at least one paniyiri, a local festival with live music, dancing, delicious food and - it's Greece after all - Ouzo. The newspaper "The Corfiot" lists the major paniyiri, but there are many others that only the locals know about. Don't be shy and ask them about it: they will be happy to invite you so they can show off their intricate dance moves and share their special dishes with you. Though you should book your flights to Corfu well in advance, you can't plan what you're going to do on the island until you're there.

Continue reading... Corfu's Food and Festivals

For a performance that is extra special, try a night at La Nouba Cirque du Soleil in downtown Orlando. For another dazzling evening event, The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show combines comedy improvisation with magic and audience participation. Visitors get unlimited pizza, salad, popcorn, dessert, beer, wine and soft drinks, all included in the price.

Continue reading... Beaches of Sanford

Bulgarian cuisine is not known for its international appeal. But if you understand what the strengths are in terms of food choices, you can eat well while visiting here. Bulgarian food shares characteristics with other Balkan cuisines. Due to the climate and diverse geography, Bulgaria has excellent growth conditions for many vegetables, herbs and fruits. So vegetable dishes are often a good bet when eating in restaurants here. The tomatoes, aubergines and other assorted vegetable dishes are staple here. Meat eaters will see lamb and rabbit on the menus. Bulgarian cuisine also offers variety of hot and cold soups. There are many different Bulgarian pastries to try such as banitsa. You will often see rich salads offered at most meals, which are almost a meal unto themselves.

Continue reading... Bulgarian Bites

From July 12th to 27th the town of Rethymnon in Crete will come to life in celebration of a unique period of history. The Renaissance Festival was created in 1987 as a way for Cretans to reconnect with an era that rejuvenated the island both culturally and spiritually, and the event is still going strong over two decades later.

Continue reading... Crete Renaissance Festival

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

Continue reading... National Agricultural Fair in Santarem

The Ancient Greeks can lay claim to some of the greatest achievements of Western civilisation, and throughout July the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama in Cyprus will attempt to breathe new life into this proud tradition. The festival was created in 1996 and attracts theatre companies from as far afield as Britain, USA, Russia and Korea. Through this international participation, the Cyprus Centre for Theatre aims to highlight the universality of Ancient Greek drama and its relevance in the modern world.

Continue reading... International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama

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

Continue reading... Summer in Skopelos

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

Continue reading... International Festival of Corfu

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

Continue reading... Mallorca February Fiesta

Colourful costumes, street parades, plenty of parties and of course great food and drink are the ingredients for most carnival events and things are not too different on Ibiza. For five days during February the main towns on the island seem to stop work and get down to the serious business of letting their hair down. If you can't quite imagine what goes on there, then think back to the best fancy dress party you ever went to and multiply it by a factor of ten. Everyone, whether part of an organised group in the parade or just watching from the pavements, is encouraged to dress as brightly, even as outrageously, as possible.

Continue reading... Ibiza Celebrations

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

Continue reading... Funchal For February

Tree blossom brings a welcome boost of colour to UK trees in spring, but for Mediterranean islands like Mallorca and Menorca, as well as the islands of the Canaries, spring blossom arrives a little earlier in February thanks to the almond trees.

Continue reading... Almond Blossom In February

The island of Mallorca and its capital Palma , like many places in Spain, prepare for a traditional Christmas and New Year that centres around four main events. Christmas Eve is important with concerts and Midnight Masses held in many churches, including the famous Seu Cathedral in Palma itself. Christmas Day is a time for relaxation and spending time with family. New Years Eve sees another excuse for celebration, with parties and fireworks displays illuminating the island's skies and then finally the celebration of the Epiphany on January 6th sees children receiving gifts in much the same way as UK children do on Christmas Day.

Continue reading... Mallorca Beyond New Year

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

Continue reading... Madeira Food Focus

As a holiday island that relies on tourism for much of its commercial activity, the authorities in Mallorca have a responsibility to their business community to provide a continuing stream of events and attractions that help bring visitors to the island all year round. Mallorca has slowly developed a tried and tested seasonal shift that sees the springtime favouring the activities of cyclists and athletes, who come to the island for warm weather training. Then the long summer panders to the millions of sun and beach lovers who enjoy the island's many perfect resorts. Autumn sees a switch to sailing and also culture that brings art and music festivals to the island. At the end of the year Christmas provides a perfect bridge to the golfing season that takes over in the New Year.

Continue reading... Mallorca's Seasonal Shift

The island of Fuerteventura has a long history of successful agriculture, so what better way to sample some of that produce than to try some traditional Fuerteventuran dishes during your visit.

Continue reading... Fuerteventura Food Tradition

The town of Sa Pobla is one of the larger towns in Northern Mallorca, but being situated around 20 miles to the north of Palma and set inland it doesn't receive much attention from tourists visiting the island. This is a town populated largely by native Mallorcans, without the abundance of holiday homes that are a feature of some of the more picturesque parts of the island. The main industry around Sa Pobla is agriculture and the flat countryside around the town is a patchwork of well cultivated fields growing all kinds of produce.

Continue reading... Sa Pobla Autumn Fair

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

Continue reading... Join the Wine Bus on Tenerife

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

Continue reading... Vintage Run on Lanzarote

Popular tourist destination Gran Canaria was selected to host the World Cheese Awards in 2009.

Continue reading... Gran Canaria gets the Cheese

The island of Kos celebrates a series of cultural events during the summer, with many having their roots in the ancient past that defines this island. Local produce is also important to this island and several events profile the traditional products of local farmers and producers. These include the fish and wine festivals during early August in the port of Mastichari and the Ouzo Festival in Kefalos. Also during August is an evening of traditional Greek dancing in the harbour area of Kefalos and a celebration of dance and traditional music at the harbour in Kardamena.

Continue reading... Honey and Wine Festivals on Kos

A heady combination of natural delights, culture, and activities, Funchal is a colourfully vibrant place to visit. The attractive city is known for its appealing Mediterranean temperatures, Madeiran wine and local handicrafts. It makes a great spot for a weekend break or a week away to explore this region in the Madeiran archipelago.

Continue reading... Funchal - 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

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

Continue reading... August Wine Events in Kefalonia

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

Continue reading... Crete Part 1

The area around Paphos in the south of Cyprus has changed during the last 25 years on the back of better provisions for tourists and an increasing popularity of the area for second-home investors. Control of development is still a concern with conservationists but at least the authorities can see the issues created when developers are given too much of a free rein. What Paphos has to offer, apart from its own cultural attractions, is its proximity to two areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Continue reading... Paphos a gateway to the real Cyprus

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