Spain

Visiting Spain is not only about sun, great cuisine, and a warm welcome, but also its rich monumental heritage and dazzling natural environment. There is a perfect destination for everyone, so choose yours. With its many regions, each with its diverse authority and ways of doing things, travelers to Spain will be certain be treated to a plethora of picturesque sights, sounds and experiences.

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a metropolis known for its nightlife. Be entertained with its bars and terazas and enjoy relaxing and drinking in its many bars and discotecas. Three of the finest museums in the world can also be found in Madrid. travel through Spain’s art history as you view the country’s art collection. Museo del Prado is the most famous of the lot. Don’t miss the Alhambra Palace in Granada, possibly the greatest work of Moorish architecture in Spain. At Cordoba, in the South. Look for the Mezquita, Europe’s grandest and utmost gorgeous mosque. Alcazar is another magnificent tourist destination.

Spain’s excellent beaches and resorts also provide the perfect tourist destination and look for accommodation in Costa del Sol and the Costa Brava, at a string of coves from Palamos to Begur.

Portugal has a rich seafaring past, superb beach resorts, wistful towns and a landscape wreathed in olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields. Littered with UNESCO World Heritage sites and graced by one of Europe’s most relaxed and attractive capitals, it also remains refreshingly affordable.

Perched on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal stands out among its neighbors as one of the best winter holiday destinations. Savouring life slowly is a Portuguese passion, and much of the best is humble – traditional folk festivals; simple, honest food drowning in olive oil; music that pulls at the heart strings, recalling past love and glories; and markets overflowing with fish, fruit and flowers.

The north-south axis of mainland Portugal creates regions of dynamic terrain and unique specialties. The popular Douro Valley stretches 125 miles along a winding river and is famous for the string of port wineries at its edges. Cruises are now offered along the entire length of the Valley, beginning in Porto. The resort town of Lagos in the southern Algarve region attracts sun-seekers and history buffs alike. Prepare to be swept away by this hidden gem encircled by 15th Century walls.

Portugal‘s islands

The Azores Islands archipelago lies 907 miles from the coast and is a haven of turquoise lakes, rolling green hills and sandy beaches. Monasteries, cathedrals, forts and ruins dating back to the 15th Century. To the South, the enticing subtropical climate of Madeira Island and the surrounding volcanic archipelago has, luxurious resort accommodation, Madeira wine and more 15th Century architecture standing dramatically on seaside cliffs. Both of these secluded retreats are easily accessible from major airports on mainland Portugal.

From the Ancient Roman Empire to the Medieval Tuscan fortress towns and the Venetian Republic, Italy’s incredible historical diversity has come together to produce a country so incredible, so remarkable, so beautiful as to leave the visitor with an unquenchable desire to return again and again. The legacy of the Renaissance and its masterpieces of art, music, and architecture have left such a tangible mark on the Italian soul one can barely help being swept along in the tide of culture. If you’re a lover of nature, there are majestic mountains, crystal seas, rolling hills, fertile plains, sweeping cliffs, and magical lagoons, you need to travel to Italy.

The 5 most beautiful villages in Tuscany

Tuscany is a favourite region for both local and international visitors for its spectacular scenery, great shopping, food and wines. The region is also rich with history. If you are planning a holiday in Tuscany and would like to visit some of the most beautiful villages the following suggestions will not disappoint you.
A stop in the village of Lucchio in the Lucca Province is a great way to take in a day of history while touring the remains of the 11^th century medieval castle and quaint stone houses that are built into the side of the mountain.

Just south of Florence is the medieval village of San Gimignano, which dates back to the sixth century and continues to host 13 towers that date from 1150, along with the villages, gates, walls and palaces. Do not miss the Duomo, museums and The People’s Palace.

Deep in the Tuscan hills is the traditional town of San Casciano dei Bagni that has become known for its hilltop tower. It is also known for the Fighine Castle, the Collegiata dei Santi Leonardo e Cassia and the small church of San Michele Archangelo that dates back to 1191.

If you are looking for an authentic gift for the food-lover then a trip to Montalcino should be on your list. This tiny town is located in the remote countryside of south Siena where both extra-virgin olive oil and Brunello red wine is made. The town is also known for its beautiful Duomo and 14^th century La Loggia.

If you are visiting Florence or Siena during September, head to Greve as they celebrate their annual Greve Wine Festival, which just happens to be the largest event in the region. The town is also renowned for its 11^th century architecture and paintings as well as convent and religious artefacts.

What to see elsewhere

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and its presence reverberates through the old cobbled streets and beautiful churches. Venice – the most unique and romantic city in the world, stands timeless and beautiful in the midst of the Adriatic, a magnificent creation highlighting man at his most artistic. Finally the majestic and striking natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast, a place to relax, soak in the tremendous natural beauty, dine on the world’s favorite cuisine at its finest, and experience that special joy of being that is uniquely Italian. No matter what you’re seeking, it awaits you when you travel Italy and visit its cities.

In the southern regions, instead, the mean temperatures for January remain around 10C with the exception of the inland mountainous zones. Mean summer temperatures throughout all Italy rise to 24C-25C for July, only being lower in the highest zones. Rainfall distribution also varies considerably, due to the influence of both mountains and prevailing winds. The highest quantities are registered in the Alpine arc (over 3,000 mm pa in the Lepontine and Julian Alps) and on the Apennines (over 3,000 mm pa in the Apuan Alps). The plains, however, including that of the Po, receive scarce precipitation.

Greece

With The Greek Islands are dotted throughout the Aegean Sea, mainly off the south east of mainland Greece. They come in many shapes, sizes and geographical varieties and the people that visit them are as varied as the islands themselves. Whilst you can move between the islands, most people choose to stay on just one for the duration of their holiday. The islands are traditionally divided into seven groups: Cyclades, Aegean, Dodecanese, Sporades, Ionian, Argosaronic Gulf and Crete which, as a single island, is the largest in the group.

Try a Greek Island holiday with a difference by choosing a boutique hotel. You can’t beat the individuality of these small, intimate hotels where detail is a primary consideration and the needs of the guest always come first. Try Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites on Crete, Katikies on Santorini and Ostraco Suites on Mykonos. These are all unique places to stay, offering the ultimate in quiet understated luxury.

The sights

For most people, the attraction of the Greek Islands is the beaches. The quality and size of the beaches varies from island to island, as does the level of development in the main resorts. The sheer number of islands means that you can usually find exactly what you’re looking for; whether its 24-hour entertainment or a quiet relaxing break. For those that want to explore the islands’ culture, there are plenty of historical buildings, traditional villages and museums to visit.

Getting around

You can get to some of the islands such as Mykonos and Santorini by air, but most of the other islands are reached by ferry from Athens. The ferries are regular and there are ticket operators at the harbours, so you can also use them to visit other islands during your stay. To get around an island, you can hire a car or a bike, or use the local bus system. There are no train services once you’re off the mainland. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, hire a sailing boat and navigate your own way around the islands.

France

The South of France, the southern stretch of the country’s coastline that runs between Spain and Italy, has the enviable combination of miles of coastline and fertile rural landscapes and has been the inspiration for artists, composers and writers as well as the new visitor. With its warm climate, fertile landscape and developed coastline, it is one of the most regularly-visited parts of Europe and the perfect winter letting destination.

There is no shortage of hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts and camp sites. For a true taste of the area though, stay in one of our recommended boutique hotels. Small and intimate, they are a home from home and turn a basic holiday into a luxury retreat. All of these hotels offer well-designed and contemporary rooms and the service is discreet and impeccable.

Some of France’s most expensive resorts lie on the south coast, including St. Tropez and Cannes, and where better to watch the yachts and fashions of the rich and famous? The area is famous for its coastline, sailing and water sports and for the cities that lie near it: Nice, Marseilles and Montpelier for example. Inland, Provence is well-known for its rolling landscapes, stretches of vineyards and swathes of wild flowers. With no shortage of historic buildings, local markets and museums to explore, the South of France has something for everyone.

Florida

With 16 million citizens and 170,000 square kilometres of land, Florida is as large and varied as a medium sized country. Florida, of course, is known for many things: the Everglades; the sun, sand, and surf that make up Florida’s 1500 kilometres of beaches; the Florida Keys; South Beach, the trendiest place in the world at the moment; and yes, Disney World. But there is much more…

Florida is one of the top vacation and retirement spots in the country. Orlando, Florida is a particularly well-known destination. Known for its amusement parks and picturesque landscapes that look cut right out of a postcard, Orlando is an ideal place for people looking for a winter getaway.  Over the past few years, high demand for vacation homes in Florida has boomed

Villas, condos, and vacation homes in Orlando, Florida can be rented for a fraction of the price of a regular hotel room. For example, given regular hotel rates, a week’s stay for two could set you back more than $1,000. On the other hand, many Orlando vacation homes can house ten people for a week for half this rate. Most vacation homes come with private pools; some even boast of game rooms and Jacuzzis.

Cyprus

Cyprus is an island of legends that basks year-round in the light of the warm Mediterranean sun. A storied past 10,000 years long has seen civilizations come and go and the likes of everyone from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra stake their claim here – but then, people do tend to get possessive when faced with such beauty. The island has the perfect climate and even in the short autumn and winter months the temperature never drops to low and is perfect for those looking to escape to the sun. There is so much to do and see in Cyprus that holiday makers return frequently and many decide to settle permanently on this amazing island.

Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment. Here you will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations at the local café.

With low-cost airlines now servicing the airports across Cyprus, Greece and Turkey the island is easily and cheaply accessible from mainland Europe and there are some direct and many connecting flights to North America, Australasia and the Middle East which makes it an easy destination to reach. The island is also rich in flora and fauna and has many rare species of plants as well as being home to rare birds of prey, owls, flamingos and butterflies.  In the spring and autumn walking tours are very popular.

The Cypriot lifestyle is laid back, warm, friendly and hospitable.  The people enjoy a leisurely pace of life that we can all envy. Öcoming to Cyprus on holiday or to live people find they quickly adapt to long lunches and evenings spent out under the stars enjoying a meze of local dishes, some fine Cypriot wine and the company of great friends.

If you’re planning a Caribbean vacation but are unsure of where to stay, look no further than a Caribbean villa. Rather than spending your days in a bland hotel or on a packed cruise ship, choose a more comfortable, spacious villa to relax in. A vacation at one of the islands in the Caribbean offers excitement as well as relaxation in a stunning, tropical setting. The eastern region of the islands, commonly known as the Lesser Antilles, Tobago and Trinidad, begins just east of Puerto Rico and stretches just about to the coast of Venezuela. These islands include impressive mountains, rain forests and black, as well as white, sandy beaches.

The western portion of the Caribbean is well-known for the ancient Mayan ruins that abound, as well as for the luxurious resorts, carnivals and local festivities occurring frequently throughout the year. St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan and Barbados are among the most popular travel destinations in the southern Caribbean and offer tourists an authentic island experience.

Canary Islands in winter

The Canary Islands has a population of 1.84m people, and the weather is generally warm and sunny all year round. If you hate winter, this is the best place to be a lazy beach bum, and have nice and friendly people around you. Most international flights and those from mainland Spain go to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. You can also fly to the Canaries from most European cities. If you are flying from North America, flights usually go to Madrid, where you can get a connecting flight.

The Bahia de Pozo Izquierdo is the best beach on Gran Canaria. It is great for windsurfing, deep sea fishing and sailing. When you snorkel or scuba dive, you will probably see grouper, barracuda, turtles, rays, tropical fishes and the occasional shark. Don’t miss Teide National Park, a marvel of nature with its stunning volcanic landscape and home to Spain’s highest mountain, the dormant volcano Teide. There are numerous walking trails and a cable car to the top of the volcano.

Balearic Islands in winter

Lying to the southwest of mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands (or Baleares) archipelago is made up of four main islands: Majorca (the largest), Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Their favourable position in the Mediterranean has given them a long and colourful history, with evidence of settlement from as early as 5000 BC. In more recent times, the Balearics were one of the first Spanish regions to benefit from the tourist boom. The climate, tranquility and natural beauty of the islands continues to make them a favourite with holidaymakers to this day.

Ibiza – holiday central

The most popular island is Ibiza due to the amazing night life it provides for its visitors. There are many night clubs located throughout the island which could explain for the high amount of young adults that visit each year. The winter temperatures average around 60 Fahrenheit and more than 300 of the year’s days feature sunshine and clear blue skies. Another main attraction is Ibiza’s beautiful beaches which are great for relaxing, sun tanning, swimming, and even surfing. If your preference is something more active, golf courses, go-cart tracks, hiking trails, and biking courses are provided throughout the tourist season.

If you are planning a visit to Ibiza for a quiet holiday, it would be a smart choice not to go during the month of August when most visitors come to the island for clubbing, which tends to a raise in the prices on  accommodation, hotels, and transportation. So families are advised to visit Ibiza outside the main clubbing period if they require a more peaceful stay.