Archive for the ‘Beach Resort’ Category
Posted by Admin IQY on September 23rd, 2011 | No Comments »
For dream Turkey holidays the idyllic resort of Antalya is certainly hard to beat, thanks to innumerable sandy beaches, historic architecture, rich, cultural history and of course plenty of fun to be had.
On the west of Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline, Antalya makes for the perfect Turkey Holiday, especially if you’re a fan of a brilliant beach or two. There is a diverse range of spectacular beaches in and around Antalya; each is different and all our bursting with life throughout the summer season. But such is the breathtaking diversity of Antalya that a morning spent swimming in the sea along the Antalya coast can be followed by an afternoon skiing in the Taurus mountains at the neighbouring resort of Davras.
The fastest growing city in Turkey still maintains a rich and colourful history, from the delightful Old Town with its medieval fortified walls to the epic ruins surrounding the city, outdating both the Roman and Byzantine eras.
Antalya is a hotspot for tourism and excitement, and from the busy beaches, visitors can visit the astonishing Beach Park, featuring both Funland (waterslides galore) and Dolphinland (dolphins, sea lions, whales and more). But that’s not all, after an enjoyable day beneath the reliably hot sun, why not take a trip to the old town’s beautiful harbour or the city centre’s myriad bars, restaurants and nightspots of every variety?
If you’re more of a culture vulture than a night owl, there are museums and ancient cities aplenty to offer a spectacular glimpse into this country’s fascinating history.
With so much to see and do, no two holidays in Turkey need be the same and this is very true of the beautiful Antalya.
Filed under Beach Resort | Tags: Ancient Cities, Breathtaking Diversity, Colourful History, Culture Vulture, Eras, Fastest Growing City, Funland, Historic Architecture, Holiday Destination, Holidays In Turkey, Hot Sun, Mediterranean Coastline, Night Owl, Resort Profile, Sandy Beaches, Sea Lions, Spectacular Beaches, Spectacular Glimpse, Taurus Mountains, Turkey Holiday, turkey holidays
Posted by Admin IQY on August 11th, 2011 | No Comments »
It’s officially summer and plenty of us are jetting to far off destinations as part of a much needed break from our everyday routine. But why spend a fortune travelling half way around the world for summer holiday fun when there’s plenty of it to be had right here in the UK?
Ask many holidaymakers what they’re looking for from their holiday and they’ll probably tell you a beach. But we’ve got news for you: there’s lots of beaches to choose from in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Let’s face it, we’re an island, so beaches aren’t a problem for us.
Great Britain boasts around 9,000 miles of coastline and beaches; with something for everybody, from colourful seaside playgrounds like Blackpool to cosmopolitan centres like Brighton and much more besides. Whichever British holiday destination you choose, it’s likely to cost a great deal less in travel costs than it would to travel abroad, and your carbon footprint will be dramatically smaller too. These are important things to consider in times of financial and ecological uncertainty.
Choose any UK holiday or seaside resort and enjoy fun in the sun, cultural heritage, water sports, spectacular scenery, great food and loads more. When you holiday throughout the British Isles you get all of your beloved holiday traditions from yesteryear, along with a host of contemporary thrills.
Nowadays taking a UK beach holiday is so simple because companies can off complete packages. A package Coach Tours holiday can pick you up from your hometown and deliver you straight to you hotel so with almost door to door service you really don’t have to worry about anything apart from enjoying yourself.
Why not head to award winning Bournemouth, renowned for its family-friendly, golden beaches, beautiful parks, gardens and cosmopolitan ambience?
Cornwall has more than 320 miles of the finest coastline anywhere in the world, making it another fantastic choice; and that’s before you consider its many spectacular countryside views, stunning gardens and world class visitor attractions.
There are too many incredible Brit holiday options to mention them all by name, but all of them welcome you to come and share some spectacular summer memories with them. You’ll find beaches, forests, rolling countryside, bustling urban centres, shops, restaurants, museums, market towns and an array of spectacular attractions and events.
Filed under Beach Resort | Tags: Beach Holiday, British Holiday, British Holidays, British Isles, coach holidays, Coach Tours, Cosmopolitan Ambience, Cosmopolitan Centres, Cultural Heritage, England Wales Scotland, Everyday Routine, Fun In The Sun, Golden Beaches, Holiday Destination, Holiday Fun, Holiday Traditions, Playgrounds, Seaside Resort, Spectacular Scenery, Summer Holiday, Travel Costs, uk holidays
Posted by Admin 2 on May 26th, 2011 | No Comments »
So it’s half term, when you want to chill out and relax for a week while letting the kids have fun for a deal that won’t break the bank. But where to start? Hoseasons, Butlins, Centerparks, Haven - they’re all offering competitive deals that claim to be the best around and the most exciting place for your family to be.
It’s hard knowing where to start. Then there’s the pressure that the break is actually looming and you just need to get a great offer in the bag, right now.
One thing for sure though is the fact that the UK really does have it all when it comes to half term breaks that will keep everybody happy. You have all your home comforts like your favourite foods and shopping brands on hand and anything you don’t need to wait around for hours in airports with restless children.
Yet stunning views of the British scenery we often forget about will provide you with some memorable holiday pics and the British wildlife on offer will charm the kids, as they realise exactly what amazing nature we have right on our doorstep!
Hoseasons have some beautiful lodges which are a great route to escapism; also with some picturesque locations around the country. Meanwhile, Butlins have made something of a comeback with a fresh and modern image, showing their commitment to family holidays. They have long been a famous name in Britain and they are proposing some great offers for the half term break.
However, Centerparks are targeting the exclusive end of the market and have their version of special offers in the way of some money-saving deals on their luxury UK breaks.
But Haven are currently boasting some incredible offers for family half term breaks, with prices starting from as little as £199. This is perfect for providing great accommodation and access to their recently £400 million renovated facilities.
With improvements to their caravans, water parks, swimming pools, bars and restaurants, their award-winning parks are now even better than ever and have absolutely everything for families.
Their 35 holiday parks are situated right along the stunning British coastline, from the Scottish highlands right down to the beautiful Devon beaches, with the glitzy Blackpool scenery in-between as well as the beautiful views of Norfolk and Wales, amongst many other fantastic locations. Their parks are perfectly positioned within walking distance to some of the best views in Britain.
The UK is definitely a convenient and beautiful place for a half term break and with offers like these, you won’t struggle to find a fantastic holiday for the coming week.
Filed under Beach Resort, Travel Destinations | Tags: Airports, Amazing Nature, British Wildlife, Caravans, Doorstep, Exciting Place, Family Holidays, Favourite Foods, Half Term, Half Term Break, half term holidays, holiday packages, Home Comforts, Improvements, Memorable Holiday, Modern Image, Picturesque Locations, Scenery, Stunning Views, Swimming Pools, Term Breaks, Uk Breaks, uk holidays, Water Parks
Posted by admin on September 19th, 2010 | No Comments »
Costa Rica is a small coastal country of Central America. This affluent country lies between Nicaragua and Panama and is the most admired holiday spot in Central America. People come from far and wide for vacationing in Costa Rica.
Eco- Diversity
Costa-Rica is diverse in terms of climate, topography, Flora and Fauna. You will find vast difference in climate, in very small distances. While vacationing in Costa Rica, you can visit its sultry beaches, rain forests and cloud forests. Hundreds of species of birds and animals are the treasure of the country.
Tourist Adventures
There is something for everybody vacationing in Costa Rica. The wild life tours take you to see the wild animals and reptiles in their natural habitats. Tourists can take a tour of a forest from a cable car, which gives them a complete view of plant and animal life in that forest. A series of ropes fastened to the trees in a jungle, allow the more daring tourists to swing from tree to tree.
Various inert volcanoes also make for hot tourist attraction. They can see eruptions from active volcanoes like Arenal, safely from a distance. Scuba diving in Costa Rica is a different experience altogether due to the abundance of aquatic life in the Caribbean Sea. The west coast of Pacific Ocean is the spot where scuba diving takes place.
Beauty in Nature
Natural wonders are also in abundance in Costa Rica. Be it the crystal blue lakes formed in craters around the inert volcanoes or the hot water springs surrounding the active volcanoes, they can take you in awe.
Getting There
The tourists have to fly in to the San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, as all major flights are connected to this city. Flying in to Liberia is another option. To move around within the country, the people vacationing in Costa Rica usually hire a vehicle, as there is a lot to see.
Stay in comfort
Besides hotels, tourists also rent houses while staying in Costa Rica. The houses can be as simple or luxurious as you would like to spend. It is a safe country with good food and a very low number of tropical diseases.
Costa Rica is the best choice for people looking for Eco-tourism. Visit it once, and you would surely like to return there very soon.
Filed under Beach Resort | Tags: Active Volcanoes, Animal Life, Cable Car, Caribbean Sea, Cloud Forests, Coastal Country, Craters, Flora And Fauna, Holiday Spot, Natural Habitats, Natural Wonders, Pacific Ocean, Place Beauty, Rain Forests, Reptiles, Species Of Birds, Tourist Attraction, Vacationing In Costa Rica, Wild Animals, Wild Life
Posted by admin on September 10th, 2010 | No Comments »
Aptly named the sunshine state, Florida reigns as the most popular holiday destination for its long stretches of sandy beaches, larger-than-life theme parks and near perfect climate all year round. Fringed by 1,200 miles of sugary white beaches and lapped by clear blue seas, the Gulf Coast of Florida offers a unique blend of tropical sunshine, modern Miami culture and warm Southern hospitality. The best way to experience the true spirit of Florida is through a vacation rental home and A1 Florida Vacation Rentals is just the destination for choosing an ideal vacation rental.
A beachfront condo on the Gulf Coast offers enthusiastic beach lovers the perfect sand and sea holiday. Whether it is enjoying a round of golf in the cosmopolitan city of Naples; canoeing through the waterways of Sarasota; fishing at Fort Myers Beach or savoring delicious seafood in Tarpon Springs; Florida Vacation Rentals ensures you have a good time both indoors and outdoors with its exclusive vacation homes.
Shopping buffs can loosen their purse strings in the fashionable city of Miami. Literally a melting pot of cultures, Miami has something for everyone and a beachfront condo or an apartment from Florida Vacation Rentals provides the perfect outlet to this vibrant city.
A vacation in Florida would be absolutely incomplete without paying a visit to Mickeys homeland, Orlando. Brimming with extravagant theme parks, shopping malls, late-night bars, restaurants and family catered entertainment; its no surprise why Orlando is called Americas theme capital. In this larger-than-life city, why confine yourself to a boring hotel room, instead opt for a spacious beachfront vacation home from Florida Vacation Rentals. Whatever region or activity you plan to choose in Florida, theres only one choice for vacation rentals and that is Florida Vacation Rentals.
Filed under Beach Resort | Tags: Beach Lovers, Beachfront Condo, Beachfront Vacation, Blue Seas, Cosmopolitan City, Delicious Seafood, Fort Myers Beach, Gulf Coast Of Florida, Melting Pot, Miami Culture, Night Bars, Purse Strings, Sand And Sea, Sandy Beaches, Sea Holiday, Shopping Malls, Sunshine State, Tarpon Springs Florida, Tropical Sunshine, Warm Southern Hospitality
Posted by admin on September 2nd, 2010 | No Comments »
There is no superior starting place for your travel to Spain than the grand and enchanting streets of Barcelona. There is never a dull moment in this city that literally never sleeps, especially in the summer months. Barcelona is studded with the unmistakable modernism of Antoni Gaudi, who single-handedly landed the city on the architectural map. A stroll down the grand avenue Passeig de Gracia will take you directly in front of both Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, which are incredible feats of art and design and fully accessible to the public. Make reservations to have cocktails and watch the sun set on the Alice In Wonderland-like rooftop of Casa Mila (only available for the summer season). Wind your way through the narrow passages of the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of town, until you find the overwhelming and unmistakable Gothic Cathedral (just remember to watch your pockets!).
Just an hour north of Barcelona in the town of Figueres is Northern Spain’s most interesting and unique museum. The Dali museum is so extraordinary because it was designed and constructed by the artist himself and the collection of his works is unsurpassed anywhere else in the world. The coastline north of Barcelona, extending to the French border, is known as the Costa Brava and is one of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive and beautiful vacation destinations. Additionally, Catalonia’s countryside is spotted with superb Spanish wine vineyards and olive groves. Once you fall in love with Barcelona, it will be extremely difficult to leave; however, there are a few other gems in the north to explore in order to have really traveled Spain.
San Sebastian (Donostia)
A blend of cosmopolitan chic and sophisticated resort town, San Sebastian offers all the luxuries of a big city while providing the Atlantic coastline with its most popular beach getaway. San Sebastian, the heart and soul of the Basque region, is widely known for its world-class restaurants and irresistible tapas bars; its location just south of the French border has added a unique flare to the culture and cuisine found nowhere else in Spain. Just a short bus ride inland takes you to Bilbao, home of Frank O. Gehry’s spectacular architectural triumph, the Guggenheim Museum. This is one stop that must be made when you travel Spain!
Pamplona
The captivating words of Hemmingway and the dangerous art of bull running are inescapable symbols of this historic township. Another cultural staple of the Basque region, Pamplona should be a stop on as you travel Spain in July when La Fiesta de San Fermin (The Running of the Bulls) takes place over 14 days. The population of 250,000 explodes to over 1 million, so reserve a place to stay early or simply do what the locals do: eat, drink and dance in the streets until the sun comes up and the bulls begin to run!
Months would be needed to travel Spain’s diverse cultures and distinct regions. With more limited time, these fascinating destinations provide an intimate window into the authentic Spanish way of life.
For more information on travel to Spain and other destinations in Europe, and discount airfare to Spain, visit www.cfares.com.
Filed under Beach Resort | Tags: Alice In Wonderland, Antoni Gaudi, Atlantic Coastline, Basque Region, Beach Getaway, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, Costa Brava, Dali Museum, Gothic Quarter, Narrow Passages, Northern Spain, Passeig De Gracia, Popular Beach, San Sebastian, Sophisticated Resort, Spanish Wine, Unique Museum, Wine Vineyards, World Class Restaurants
Posted by admin on August 26th, 2010 | No Comments »
Somewhere in Southeast Asia between the Philippine Sea and the East China Sea, east of Vietnam, south of Taiwan and just north of Indonesia, lies a much neglected but historically and ecologically prized archipelago known as the Philippines. This understated cluster of 7,107 islands is the perfect tropical getaway balanced with just enough colonial cultural intrigue and undulating urban energy to keep you going. Despite the country’s somewhat turbulent recent history, the Philippines has reached a level of stability making no better time than now to travel the wonders of the island-nation.
Colonial Legacy, Indigenous Heritage
The first western encounter with the Philippines occurred when Spain’s Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521, initiating over 300 years of Spanish colonization. A tremendous amount of today’s Filipino population is a fraction Spanish, although a negligible number of residents are completely Spanish. The United States took over colonization in 1899 until the Japanese invasion of the strategic islands during World War II. Following Japanese defeat, the Philippines received its independence in 1946. American cultural and military influence still permeates through island culture, although the last U.S. military base has finally been closed. Original human settlement in the region began about thirty thousand years ago when people crossed then-existing land bridges from Asia. Malaysian and Indonesian settlers joined the fray a few thousand years later to constitute a most interesting blend of semi-indigenous cultures still present in the Philippines today. Direct descendents of the first arrivals currently live in the northern province of Zambales.
A Pocketful of Paradise
The nation is divided into three main regions, each with its own metropolitan hub and particular points of interest. Luzon to the north is the most populated region, with the expansive capital city Manila as its main destination. Travel farther north to Banaue where a spectacle of rice terraces had been etched up along the hillside by the Ifugao tribespeople over 2000 years ago. Also, don’t miss the truly isolating beauty of Hundred Islands National Park where you may just find a beach all to yourself, as there are literally hundreds to choose from. The central region of Visayas is mostly smaller island clusters and famous for Boracay Island’s White Beach and surrounding resort and aquatic activity areas. Make sure to explore the island’s less crowded, but just as white-and-turquoise beaches. The southernmost region of Mindanao is home to Davao, the largest city in the world by land area, and the stately Mount Apo, the Philippine’s tallest mountain. Enjoy a thrilling river rafting trip in Cagayan de Oro or get back to basic Filipino life in the Tiruray Highlands where the remote shores of Lake Sebu are peacefully inhabited by the T’boli tribe.
While the Getting’s Good
With nearly 40,000 kilometers of coastline, a fantasy-like landscape of tropical greenery, and world-class cities offering world-class cuisine and lifestyle, it’s hard to imagine that this puddle-jump in Southeast Asia will remain a secret for long. See for yourself why the Philippines is one of the last remaining gems of biodiversity and indigenous culture in this ever-growing region of the world!
Filed under Beach Resort | Tags: Colonial Legacy, East China Sea, Ferdinand Magellan, Filipino Population, Human Settlement, Indigenous Cultures, Indigenous Heritage, Island Culture, Japanese Defeat, Japanese Invasion, Land Bridges, Military Influence, Negligible Number, Northern Province, Philippine Sea, Province Of Zambales, Spanish Colonization, Tropical Getaway, Urban Energy, World War Ii
Posted by admin on August 19th, 2010 | No Comments »
Traveling to any new country away from ones homeland for a vacation is exciting and filled with fun and when the destination country is such as Greece the excitement and joy attached with it are limitless. Traveling throughout Greece has been a hot favorite amongst both the historians and modern day vacationers. Many of the cities in Greece like Athens, Crete, Macedonia and other Islands of Greece hardly need any introduction. They are the most famous cities of ancient times and offer limitless opportunities for a present day traveler.
The geographical location of many cities in Greece favor wide spread physical structures in those regions. People can find both mountains and seacoasts along side the main city region. This creates an exotic view for any traveler that they would long cherish even after their vacations. A trip to any city in Greece would prove the richness of ancient culture and architecture in this country. A walk around any city would reveal the magnificent historical remains and the museums throughout Greece carry the stories of rich cultural past.
Names such as those of Aristotle, Plato, Socrates and many more all have their roots in the city of Athens in Greece. One of the most popular places in Greece is Athens which is a must visit region for any traveler here. It offers numerous options for sight seeing, visiting the most world famous museums and also a great shopping spree. Being a center for tourist visit the area also has various choices of hotels and eateries. All provide excellent services and things as suited to individual requirements.
Greece presents an amazing mix of ancient and modern culture. The archeological sites and latest modern structures all co-exist on the streets of Greece. Also there are immense food options available here. The recipes are mouthwatering and the delicacies served are an excellent blend of traditional food adapted to the modern eating habits. Restaurants in Greece are world famous for providing fabulous traditional dishes and hence it is also a paradise for food lovers.
Numerous islands here are a perfect place for water enthusiasts and the hotels offering rooms with an ocean view only make the place more attractive. Most places in Greece require some movement on foot to enjoy the best experience in these islands. The streets are narrow and vehicular traffic could cause congestion at those places hence vehicles are best avoided. Also an added attraction of the region is the lively nightlife that spreads through the entire region. Nightlife here is rampant and high in sprits offering another option for fun loving people.
As if the ancient views, exotic eateries and other reasons were not enough, being a home to many of the mountains and water bodies Greece also offers numerous facilities for water games and mountain hikes. Sea beaches along the islands are perfect time pass for visitors who can spend the day strolling through the fantastic views of the seashore. Rowing, rafting and boating are also common in this area. Hiking on mountains is an adventurous activity possible in Greece. Whatever be the taste of any traveler Greece has a reason for everyone to visit the country.
Filed under Beach Resort | Tags: Ancient Culture, Archeological Sites, Athens Greece, Cities In Greece, City Of Athens, Delicacies, Destination Country, Eating Habits, Excellent Services, Food Options, Greece Athens, Islands Of Greece, Limitless Opportunities, Modern Culture, Physical Structures, Plato Socrates, Shopping Spree, Tourist Visit, Traditional Food, Vacationers
Posted by admin on August 14th, 2010 | No Comments »
The distinctive regional culture of Barcelona is largely due to geography and a plentitude of national pride and elitism. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, one of Spain’s 17 semi-autonomous states. The regional language is Catalan, along with the national language of Castilian Spanish. There has long been pressure from the Catalonian government and nationalists to earn complete autonomy from Spain. Consequently, the exclusive culture can be difficult to adjust to and there is significant animosity towards foreigners around the main tourist street of Las Ramblas. To thoroughly enjoy the sweet life and gentle hospitality of Barcelona, leave this busy area and explore the many diverse districts, endless with possibility.
Caf Life and Nightlife for the Night Owl
Barcelona is truly a city that never sleeps, particularly during the warm Mediterranean summers. Avoid standing out like a sore thumb by eating dinner when the locals do: after 10 p.m. It is common to see children, grandparents and the family dog gathering at the outdoor cafes at these hours when the day’s work is finished and time for friends and family has commenced. Since Barcelona hosted the Olympics in 1992, the city has been revamped with visitor friendly attractions such as the massive Olympic Village, a string of swanky restaurants, state-of-the-art nightclubs and boutiques along the beach. Most nightclubs do not get going until after 1 a.m. and club-goers typically wander out onto the beach around 5:30 to watch the sunrise over the Mediterranean.
A Modernista Mecca
The architectural wonders of Barcelona will keep even the most novice eye bewildered and intrigued. Antoni Gaudi decorated Barcelona with his treasures of modernism as a painter on a canvas. The grand boulevard of Passeig de Gracia is lined with elaborately adorned Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, both with the most intricate rooftops known to modern architecture. Arguably the most stunning of Gaudi’s work is the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. Each of the church’s facades are meticulously designed with different themes and styles combining nature with religion and the soaring towers topped with mosaic grapes are built around a conch-like coiled staircase that visitors may choose to take instead of the elevator. Another tribute to Barcelona’s artistic heritage is the Palau da la Musica Catalana. A view of the glass and mosaic inverted chandelier on the ceiling of the theater is alone worth the visit. Daily tours are offered in addition to the regularly held musical performances. Afterward, get lost in the tiny twisting passages of the surrounding historic Gothic Quarter.
Traveling Barcelona Right Not Your Weekend Visit
It is best to avoid traveling to Spain in August, when most of the locals (and most of Mediterranean Europe) take their vacations. Chances are that the restaurant you wanted to visit will be closed and museums will have extremely curtailed hours. August can also be uncomfortably hot.
Barcelona should be traveled with care and patience. The only disappointment visitors have is the inability to see all of the city’s landmarks and hidden corners in a realistic amount of time.
For more information on international travel and discount airfare to Barcelona, visit www.cfares.com.
Filed under Beach Resort | Tags: Architectural Wonders, Casa Mila, Castilian Spanish, Club Goers, Gentle Hospitality, Grand Boulevard, Las Ramblas, Modern Architecture, Modernista, National Language, National Pride, Night Owl, Olympic Village, Outdoor Cafes, Passeig De Gracia, Plentitude, Regional Culture, Regional Language, Sore Thumb, Tourist Street
Posted by admin on August 10th, 2010 | No Comments »
Perched on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal stands out among its neighbors as one of the oldest and yet most traditional and conservative European civilizations. Visitors can view 22,000 year-old Paleolithic art on the rock faces of Vale do Ca, and human occupation of this region dates 500,000 years back in time! The Celts settled here around 750 B.C. and were followed by Romans, Visigoths, and Greeks among others. The Moors enjoyed their infamous occupation from the 8th to the 13th Century and left their culture and ornate, whitewashed architecture as an eclectic signature on the Iberian Peninsula.
Today, Portugal’s homogenous culture and dedication to tradition is largely due to Salazar’s oppressive rule during the mid-1900s. As a result, visitors can enjoy a more culturally authentic stay in Portugal than any other European nation.
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.
Travel Portugal in the Atlantic
Two groups of islands off the Atlantic Coastline belong to Portugal and are a perfect and serene escape from the mainland, offering centuries of Portuguese history all their own and a look into the region’s natural beauty. 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, when Portuguese navigators encountered the outcropping, are sprinkled about the islands. To the South, the enticing subtropical climate of Madeira Island and the surrounding volcanic archipelago is a bastion for adventure-seekers, resort luxuries, Madeira wine and untouched 15th Century architecture standing dramatically on seaside cliffs. Both of these secluded retreats are easily accessible from major airports on mainland Portugal.
Tips to the Savvy Traveler
Nearly all of Portugal works on Siesta time and 97% of the country is Catholic, therefore also affecting commercial hours and holidays. Most shops, banks and pharmacies are closed between 1pm and 3pm (yes, even in major cities). Make special note that museums also close in the middle of the day between 12:30pm and 2pm. Almost everything except museums closes by 1pm on Saturdays, and plan on simply eating and resting on Sundays when nothing is open. To plan your trip wisely, check the hours of operation of attractions you’d like to see before planning your trip or booking your room!
Lastly, be aware when traveling by taxi. Fare is metered within urban limits, but once you leave these boundaries, you will be charged by the kilometer in addition to the price of the driver’s return trip to the starting point. When taking a taxi after midnight, negotiate the price with the driver before getting in the car, especially if you’ve been indulging in Port!
Filed under Beach Resort | Tags: Algarve Region, Atlantic Coastline, Azores Islands, Douro Valley, Dynamic Terrain, European Civilizations, History Buffs, Human Occupation, Iberian Peninsula, Madeira Island, Mainland Portugal, Oppressive Rule, Paleolithic Art, Portuguese History, Portuguese Navigators, South Axis, Subtropical Climate, Sun Seekers, Travel Portugal, Turquoise Lakes