Tag: Europe

Why You Should Book A Two Weeks Sailing Holiday Around Majorca & Ibiza

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Ibiza’s famous for its party life whereas Majorca is all about beaches and amazing relaxation on blue waters and warm sand. Well on a sailing holiday you can enjoy it all. A new way of discovering these pearls of the Mediterranean is by yacht charter. Other Balearic islands include Menorca and Formentera which can also be incorporated into your sailing trip.

The great thing about a sailing holiday is that you don’t have to stay in the same place for too long so you have the opportunity to sample different kinds of holiday all in one break. One day you might fancy relaxing in a small pretty harbour and trying the local tipple, whereas another day you might want to party the night away. Well, here are some examples of where you can go and what to see and do on a two week yacht charter sailing holiday around Majorca and Ibiza.

Relaxation in Majorca

Of the larger Balearic islands, Majorca is mostly known for its calm atmosphere and beautiful beaches. There are countless anchorages when it comes to beauty spots around Majorca and you can pretty much have a fantastic view wherever you choose to stop. When you take a yacht charter holiday in these parts you can enjoy many places to stop and relax, be that in a harbour or in the middle of the sea. Here are just a few of the places you should add to your Majorca itinerary.

Porto Christo

A friendly local traditional resort, Porto Christo is famous for its pearl industry. It is one of the only sea side resort towns here that does not see tourism as its primary income. This gives the place a unique charm and atmosphere. A popular attraction for visitors are the nearby Cuevas del Drach or Dragon Caves and for families there’s the aquarium too. The town is a nice place to explore and pick up some local souvenirs or splash out on some pearls.

Cala Rajada

This bustling fishing port has plenty to offer visiting tourists. Be it eating delicious food in the many restaurants, sampling the local drinks in port side bars or relaxing on the nearby beach. There are also many water sports to try here too at the nearby blue flag Cala Allura beach. If you visit on a Saturday you’ll have the chance to pick up a few souvenirs or local produce at the weekly outdoor market.

Alcudia

This large resort is well known for its beautiful and family friendly Mediterranean beaches including the popular Platja d’Alcúdia and Platja de Muro found on Alcúdia Bay. If you enjoy history and discovering ancient architecture you’ll love the neo-Gothic Sant Jaume church which is built into the town’s walls. The medieval old town which is contained within these walls is an excellent place to wander and explore. So once you have finished on the beach head to the old town to enjoy some culture. A great combination for spending a day here.

Cala D’Or

This small area is one of the best places in the area for exploring by yacht. Anchorages are in abundance and perfect for sailing tourists. There are many small beaches and coves just waiting to be discovered and some that can only be accessed by sea. There are plenty of safe harbours so it is a popular place to stop whilst on a sailing holiday and although there are lots of yachters around you will always find a little slice of beach or craggy rocks to call your own.

Ibiza

Whilst Mallorca is relaxing, Ibiza is more well known for its parties and late nights. It is what the island is famous for, although you’ll also find family friendly resorts and quieter places to chill out if you dont want such a frenzied scene. However, if you want to enjoy some fun and lively night life then here are some places to drop anchor and spend the night. Getting you out there easily on the party scene.

Playa D’en Bossa

The most popular resort on the island is a place that never sleeps. Home to famous clubs such as Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza by night the whole town is alive. By day you can also enjoy the other aspects of this resort which makes it so popular. It boasts the longest beach on the island and this beach is dotted with plenty of sun lougers, beach beds and cool laid back beach bars to keep everyone happy. Party by night and relax by day.

San Antonio

For lively night life and fabulous sunsets San Antonio on the west coast of Ibiza, is the perfect place to visit. There’s a large natural harbour, San Antonio’s Bay and a promenade that runs from to the beaches of S’Arenal and Es Pouet. Both of these beaches are great for relaxing and winding down after a busy night, for groups and and couples alike with their calm, shallow waters and chilled out vibe. Between the beaches if you fancy a little culture you’ll find Sa Punta des Molí, where there’s a windmill, an olive oil press and a little botanical garden.

Santa Eulalia

Although you can still enjoy some entertaining night life here, Santa Eulalia is the place to visit is you are looking for a quieter type of holiday. There’s a lovely newly restored promenade which takes you through gardens and fountains before finishing at the relaxing Mariners beach. The area has plenty of bars and restaurants but has a more laid back feel that the other busier resorts already mentioned. There are also many shops and items to view and purchase by some talented local artists. Pick up a souvenir at the hippy market before winding the day away on the beach front. The perfect mix of relaxation and partying.

Ibiza town

A resort that will keep you busy all night is the main Ibiza town. You’ll find countless amounts of places to eat and drink and dance the night away. The famous Pacha super night club is nearby and other hits such as Heart and Lio are found in the centre. As well as the clubbing scene, Ibiza town has an historic part to visit including the pretty old town. So you can indulge in some local culture and history during the day before heading off to the clubs by night.

Would you like to take a sailing holiday?

A sailing holiday is like no other. Giving you the freedom to choose your anchoring points, come and go as you please and have the luxury of taking your accommodation with you along the way. You can stay as long or as little as you like in places you discover and change your schedule to suit your own needs.

These destinations are perfect to explore by yacht. There’s something for everyone and the resorts can be explored in one or two days before you move on. With plenty to see and do, whether its relaxing or partying, a sailing holiday in these parts has it all. Would you like to visit these destinations on a sailing holiday?

5 reasons to take a cruise to the Canary Islands

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The Canary Islands have a long history of friendship with the sea. The Canary Islands are basically a volcano chain of islands. As a fun fact, there’s even a restaurant that has a hole cut down to the volcano and the grill is powered by the heat from below. They never have to use any electricity or gas to run it. How cool is it that you can have your meal cooked by a volcano? There’s a lot of good history on the island and they were colonized at the same time as the Americas. The Canary Islands are also not named after the canary bird, as would seem obvious. The highest held belief is that it was named after the Latin word Canaria, which means dog. Seals were often called sea dogs so the locals believe that this is why the islands are called what they are. Here are some of the reasons to go to the Canary Islands on a cruise.

Great sailing 365

The Canary Islands are said to have the best climate and temperatures in the world. There is no real change of seasons, and the temperatures stay at a fair constant throughout the year. Sailing these islands is a joy as there are always reliable winds coming from the Gulf Stream. You can rent a sailboat locally and spend the time sailing the waves as others have hundreds of years before you did. It is just beautiful and peaceful.

Eco de version

With volcanoes and a 2-mile high mountain in the middle of beautiful water and landscapes, there are some very diverse eco-systems. In fact, there can even be snow on top of the mountain. Making this one of the few places in the world where you can go play in the snow and come down the mountain and get a suntan while lying on the beach, all in the same day. There are green jungle like areas as well as there are desert areas. There is just a diversity that has to be seen to be believed.

Ports of call

The 7 main Canary Islands boast 36 ports, each port having its own feel. You can take an island hopping cruise and visit multiple ports and get a feel for the diversity of the whole area. You can travel through the various ports, and it will take you a long time to see them all and pick your favorite.

Volcano

One of the most amazing and often scary things to see is a volcano. If you visit Fire Mountain in the Canary Islands you can learn all about the volcanoes in this chain. There is still enough heat near the surface to turn areas into a desolate moonscape.

Beaches

The Canary Islands have a mix of beaches. There are regular beaches with the normal sand that you can see on most beaches, and as it is a volcanic chain, there are also beaches with volcanic sand. These are the black beaches, similar to the black beaches in Hawaii. It’s just a sight to see.

You really should come see the Canary Islands; it’s an experience that you take with you for life. If you love to sail or even would like to learn how to sail, there is not a better place in the world that you can do that. We hope that these travel tips helped you. Come visit us and become an honorary Canary Island sailor. May your winds be fair and your seas as smooth as they always are here.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Romania

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Romania is not a country that makes the news too often. It’s hidden on the Eastern outskirts of Europe, trying to catch up with its Western neighbors when it comes to democracy, economy and technology. But it is ignored by many, which is a pity – it has some of the best mineral waters of the continent, it has lands mostly untouched by industrial farming, and one of the cheapest and fastest internet services in the world, allowing its people to play mobile casino games, read the news, stream videos and communicate wherever they are. But there are several more reasons why the country is worth a visit, both during the summer and in wintertime.

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Traditions

Romania is a melting pot of multiple civilizations. Its Western parts were mostly influenced by Austria, France and Italy, while its East bears signs of a Turkish, Slavonic and Balkanic influence. This mix results in an amalgam of traditions, spread across its multiple regions, which show in its time-honored attire, its foods, wines and wont.

Nature

Romania has everything from an untouched mountain wilderness inhabited by bears, boars and wolves, to the largest rivel delta in the European Union. While its Black Sea shoreline is mostly covered in resorts and beaches, it has mountains barely even seen by the eye of man. And hidden among these mountains you can find small villages, tarns and caves, and picturesque places to relax.

Dracula’s birthplace

Don’t expect to find the undead, not even skeletons chained to the wall, in the dungeons of the Sighisoara (Schabburg) Castle. But it’s a place of great significance, as it is most likely the birthplace of the most famous Romanian ruler of them all, Vlad Tepes – also known as Dracula. Schabburg was for years the place of residence for Vlad II Dracul, father of the famous Impaler.

The Sighisoara Citadel was built in the 12th century, and is inhabited even today. A UNESCO World Heritage sight since 1999.

Transfagarasan

While Romania is a country with hardly any freeways, lacking the basic infrastructure at times, it is also known for being the country with the most beautiful highways ever (according to the guys from Top Gear). The Transfagarasan is a highway crossing over the Southern parts of the Carpathians, and the second highest road in the country, with an altitude of over 2 kilometers. Surrounded by an incredible, arid landscape, driving there is an out of this world experience.

The Bran Castle

Back to the most famous Romanian brand, Dracula. The castle, built in the 13th century, represents the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. It was never actually the dwelling of the feared Impaler, but it has served as an inspiration to Bram Stoker to describe the vampire’s castle in his famous book. A landmark and a museum, the Bran Castle is open for tourists and visitors all year long.

We hope this post and tips will help make your visit to the top tourist attractions in Romania a memorable one!

What to do in Lanzarote!

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Wondering what to do in Lanzarote? Jameos del Agua is a good option!

For those that delight in taking regular breaks from life in the modern world, the Canary Islands have long been an option for rest and relaxation. While many choose to spend their time of the partying hotspot of Tenerife (and in the past, so have you), this time around, you decided to give one of the other isles in the archipelago a whirl.

So recently, you have been looking at flights to Lanzarote and with good reason, as this island has just as many unique attractions that Tenerife does. What can one do during an active holiday in Lanzarote, where one does more than simply cook under the Spanish sun? Below, we will profile what to do in Lanzarote so you can mix it up on your vacation with nature, culture, and new experiences.

1) Tour Timanfaya National Park

Lanzarote was created by the processes of volcanism millions of years ago in the same manner that the other islands in the Canaries, and those in the rest of Macaronesia were molded. These processes are still at work today, and have influenced the look of the landscape throughout much of Lanzarote. Timanfaya National Park protects this portion of Lanzarote, covering a quarter of its total land area.

Free exploration of this park is not possible due to safety hazards caused by active volcanic processes and due to extremely fragile flora that clings to the edge of existence in this hostile but starkly beautiful environment. Taking the official tour is still well worth it though, as guides will show you steaming geysers, rusty hills, and even roast meat over exposed hole in the ground, where the heat reaches hundreds of degrees Celsius only a few metres down.

2) Appreciate the arts at Los Jameos del Agua

The next can’t miss attraction in Lanzarote is also related to the island’s rampant volcanism, but this point of interest has more to do with the arts then with any active volcanic features. A tube of an extinct volcano that had a stunning lake within it was converted to a performance space many years ago, being named Los Jameos del Agua for the presence of that central water feature.

Seating 600 smartly dressed patrons (no beachwear folks!), musical performances are often held here, and if you feel like having dinner and a drink afterwards, a restaurant and bar will fill those needs handsomely.

3) Try surfing at Caleta de Famara

When was the last time you learned a new skill? If it’s been a while, then may we be as bold to suggest that you try surfing? If you’re up for the challenge, the best place on Lanzarote to take this on is in Caleta de Famara. Here, some of the most forgiving surf breaks in Europe and the presence of dedicated surf bums make this peaceful seaside village both an excellent place to learn how to carve up the waves, and chill out in a place largely unspoiled by mass commercial tourism.

Europe’s top natural views

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The Lycian Way in Turkey boasts many of Europe’s top natural views

Europe has some amazing natural attractions and there are outstanding views on several of the top walking trails in the continent. We’re going to give you a rundown of a few of the best places to go if you want to enjoy amazing vistas while you’re hiking. Get out there and enjoy some of Europe’s top natural views!

Balcony Walk, Madeira

Madeira has long been renowned for being a hiking paradise, with a host of trails around the island’s coast and through its mountainous interior. Because of these peaks, many of the inland treks boast stunning views as they run around the mountains’ slopes.

One of the best is the Balcony Walk, which is among Madeira’s most famous hikes. It begins at Pico do Ariero, which is at an altitude of 1,818 m, and continues over some of the island’s high mountain passes, promising fantastic views throughout – provided the weather is clear.

It can be stunning to see the clouds drifting across the mountain slopes as you hike, revealing breathtaking panoramas when they pass. At certain points, the path runs close to the edge of steep cliffs, allowing you to look straight down at the valley below. This is just one of Madeira’s wonderful treks – for more ideas, visit this website.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

There are some amazing walks in Croatia, with the country boasting a variety of stunning landscapes both along its coast and further inland. One of the best places for hiking and wonderful views is the Plitvice Lakes National Park.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to a range of lakes, waterfalls and caves that all work together to make the scenery absolutely spectacular. There’s an outstanding trail here that takes you to a vantage point where you can look out over the forest-covered slopes of the hills, spot waterfalls as they tumble down cliffs and look at the tranquil blue lakes that are nestled among the valleys.

You should keep your eyes open for the wide variety of creatures that inhabit the national park, too, with more than 100 species of bird found here, as well as enchanting animals like wolves and bears.

Lycian Way, Turkey

The Lycian Way is a long-distance walking trail in Turkey that covers over 500 km and skirts along the country’s south-western coastline. Its name comes from the fact that there are a number of ruins and archaeological sites dating from the Lycian era along the route.

While there are many picturesque stretches on this hike, one of the most striking has to be near the starting point of Oludeniz. This beach and its lagoon is renowned for being one of Turkey’s most stunning seaside spots and you can have a wonderful view of it as you walk from the village of Ovacik up the slopes of Baba Dagi, a 1,989 m-high mountain.

Further along on this walk, you’ll be rewarded with another beautiful panorama from the head of Butterfly Valley, which runs down to a secluded beach that’s only accessible on foot or by boat. From the village of Faralya, you can look out over the sheer limestone cliffs that tower over the valley and end in the sea. If you find yourself in Istanbul, be sure to take a Bosphorus dinner cruise

This is just a snapshot of the amazing views you can find in Europe on a walking holiday – there are stunning vistas just waiting to be discovered all over the continent. For hassle free travel, you can apply for Turkish visa online before you take your trip to save you time.

A Resort With a Bit of Everything: Hisaronu

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Hisaronu is situated away from the crowded beach resorts of the Turquoise Coast, but is still within easy driving distance of beach gems like Oludeniz

Hisaronu is an excellent choice for a holiday in Turkey if you’re looking for a resort that’s got a bit of everything. It’s particularly good if you’ve never visited the country before, as it’s well placed to allow you to explore some of the surrounding area.

I’m going to give you a bit of information about Hisaronu itself, as well as some of the nearby attractions that are easily accessible – you can find out more about booking a holiday in the resort by clicking here.

Hisaronu: why go?

Hisaronu is one of the liveliest resorts on the Turquoise Coast, boasting numerous restaurants, bars and clubs, not to mention a variety of shops. This makes it perfect if you’re looking for somewhere with all the amenities you’ll need in a relatively small area.

It’s also great if you enjoy having a night out or two during your holidays, as there are plenty of places where you can let your hair down. Among the top bars are Hakuna Matata, the Grand Boozey and Zombie – although there are lots more to choose from.

Another thing that makes Hisaronu popular is its location set slightly back from the coast in the hills. While this may initially sound like a disadvantage, it’s actually something of a blessing as the town remains cooler in the hot summer months than the coastal locations, making it much more pleasant, particularly overnight.

It’s also within easy reach of the nearest beaches, so you don’t have to worry about travelling for hours on end just to reach the seaside.

Excursions from Hisaronu

I think one of the best things about Hisaronu is its location – nestled between Fethiye and Olu Deniz, it’s well placed for you to visit a range of attractions. Olu Deniz’s blue lagoon is one of the most popular spots to head to, but nearby you also have Babadag mountain (which is great for paragliding) and the start of the Lycian Way walking trail.

Another must-visit is Kayakoy, an abandoned village that is fascinating to explore. This was once home to a thriving Greek community, who all moved on in 1923 following the Greek and Turkish exchange of population agreement.

This ghost town is made up of well-preserved buildings, although many of them now have no roofs or windows. Among the landmarks you should look out for here are its various churches and its fountain that dates back to 1888.

It’s also worth taking your walking boots and following the trail that leads from the village to Cold Water Bay – a lovely, secluded spot where you can relax and go for a swim before heading back to Hisaronu. Another reason to come here is to visit the small restaurant that serves up a host of local dishes, including wild boar stew.

From Hisaronu you can also travel to another of the Turquoise Coast’s resorts – Dalyan. This charming town has a strong connection to the region’s Lycian past, with rock tombs carved into the cliffs behind the town. It is also close to the impressive archaeological site of Kaunos, where you can see ruins that are centuries old.

However, Dalyan’s main appeal is Iztuzu Beach, which is a protected area where no development is allowed. This is because it’s a nesting site for the endangered loggerhead turtle, which also means that there’s no public access to the beach overnight.

Dalyan isn’t right on the coast – it’s set slightly inland on the banks of the Dalyan River. The best way to get around here is by one of the local water taxis, which can take you to the beach for a relatively low cost.

 

Top Reasons To Visit Berlin

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The world class street art found all over the city is one of the top reasons to visit Berlin...

One of the top reasons to visit Berlin is the simple fact that it is the capital and largest city of Germany. Truthfully however, this is not enough reason to go there. And so we bring you six reasons why you should visit this city for business or pleasure.

1) Eat döner kebabs. It is the staple street food in Berlin and more popular than the “currywurst” which so many people recommend. Costing only 2 Euros, it is a cheap way to fill your stomach. The döner kebab originates from 1971 and was created by Turkish immigrant Mahmut Aygun. He made it for his restaurant called Hasir which is still open to this day.

2) Berlin has an upbeat nightlife. Most people in the city are young and are responsible for the lively night scene. Northern Neukolin is one of the most popular hang-outs in the city but if you want the same buzz minus the attitude, Kreuzberg is a better destination.

3) Oranienburger Strasse is not wildly popular among tourists but a good place to get cheap cocktails. A thriving nightlife is one of the top reasons to visit Berlin, Germany.

4) Berlin is the historic center of Germany. Explore important sites of the Third Reich such as Lutwaffe HQ. Take a walking tour of Topographie des Terrors which displays the horrors of the Nazi era. Reichstag, the throne of the German Parliament, is one of the best reasons for visiting the city. While its original structure burned down in 1933, it was renovated after German unification. The best attraction in Reichstag is the glass dome.

5) Pay your respects to Holocaust victims. A Holocaust Memorial was set up in Berlin in their memory. The memorial, though controversial, is one of the top reasons to visit Berlin. It has a unique structure wherein as you get closer, the concrete blocks become larger; as if to intimidate you. It was designed by Peter Eisenman.

6) Berlin has the most amazing street art. Others even jokingly call it the “street art capital” of the world. For the best graffiti, walk around Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.