If you are looking for a decent family resort for visiting the Algarve region of Portugal, you could do little better than the former fishing village of Carvoeiro, situated between Portimao and Albufeira. A charming little town with an emphasis on self-catering apartments, Carvoeiro has a friendly feel and boasts a fine sandy beach, attractive coastline and some decent facilities. A good base for touring some of the historic towns in this section of the Algarve, the town enjoys a super climate with Carvoeiro weather, sunny and warm throughout the summer months, and mild during the winter. One of the highlights of a trip to Carvoeiro is a boat trip to Algar Seco, a local beauty spot where cliffs have been moulded by the sea into stone arches, grottoes and fascinating shapes. Carvoeiro Map.
August 31, 2009
Mallorca Resorts Cala d Or
The chic seaside resort of Cala D’Or lies on the east coast of Mallorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands. Popular with ‘package holiday’ tourists it also has a beautiful marina where countless fine yachts are moored. A super resort for water sports, Cala D’Or has facilities for diving, sailing and windsurfing, it has numerous small beaches and coves along its 4 km of coastline. Holiday makers come to relax and enjoy the superb Cala D’Or weather and dine in the many waterfront restaurants. Cala D’Or Map.
August 30, 2009
The Volcanic Islands of Santorini Greece
Also known as Thira, Santorini comprises a small group of islands situated in the southern Aegean Sea, Greece. Santorini is volcanic in nature and has a total area of 28 square miles, it was formed by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions that have ever been recorded, an event which happened some three thousand six hundred years ago. These days Santorini is a popular holiday destination, boasting some beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and peaceful atmosphere making it a perfect holiday environment. Santorini weather is typical for the region, being dry and hot in summer, and mild though somewhat wet in winter, the wettest months generally being January and February. Santorini can be accessed from most international airports via Athens, the flying time from Athens being about forty minutes, it can also be reached by ferry from various destinations. Santorini resorts include Pyrgos, Thira, Kamari, Perissa, Imerovigli, Oia, and Perivolos. Santorini Map.
August 28, 2009
Taunton Bridgewater and Wellington Somerset
While visiting the county town of Taunton in Somerset, England, you might also want to consider dropping in at a couple of the nearby towns such as Bridgewater or Wellington, both are historic towns and both have their own stories to tell. In Taunton itself, there is plenty to see and do, with a history going back to Saxon times and beyond there are lots of interesting places to visit. The River Tone cuts through the town centre and it was this river that gave Taunton its name, the important strategic situation of the town led to Taunton Castle being built as long ago as the 7th century. Taunton is a pretty town and has some nice parks such as Vivery Park and Victoria Park, lovely green areas where local people can enjoy peace and quiet. Rebuilt by the Normans, parts of the castle remain and now house the Somerset County Museum. To the north of Taunton, Bridgewater, another town on a river (this time the River Parrett), was a trading centre of significance way before the Normans invaded Britain, its mention in the 9th century Anglo Saxon Chronicles give evidence of this. Bridgewater even later acted as a port, receiving coal from Wales. Wellington, of course, gave is name to the Duke of Wellington (Sir Arthur Wellesley), and during the Industrial Revolution was an important wool making town. Among places to visit in Wellington are the Cothay Manor Gardens. A lesser known town which might also attract your attention is Wiveliscombe (or Wivey as the locals call it), settled in Pre Roman times, it was later another town to prosper from the wool trade. Wiveliscombe is also well known for its brewery built by the Hancock family in 1807.
See a map of Taunton here: http://www.my-towns.co.uk/taunton-map.html
Honiton Seaton and Ottery St Mary
When travelling around the East Devon region of England in the United Kingdom, you will find some interesting little towns which are well worth a visit, among the more desirable are Honiton, Seaton and Ottery St Mary. Honiton and Ottery St Mary are both inland towns, and both side next to the lovely River Otter which cuts its way through this part of Devon, whilst Seaton is a seaside town and popular retirement location. Honiton is most famous for its lace, a trade which has been practised since Elizabethan times, it is also well known for pottery production. Ottery St Mary’s claim to fame is its best known son Samuel Taylor Coleridge who was born there on 21st October 1772, his father a well respected vicar of the parish. Worth a visit in Ottery St Mary is the parish church which resembles a mini Exeter Cathedral. Changing rivers to the River Axe and heading for the coast will find you at the seaside resort of Seaton, a popular town for retirement but also a well known family holiday destination since Victorian times. Be sure to visit the pretty harbour which was a significant port for many centuries until the estuary was mostly blocked by heavy storms during the fourteenth century. Though made of pebbles Seaton beach is still an attraction for the town.
Majorca Resorts Cala Bona
If travelling to the east coast of Majorca for your holidays this year, you may want to consider staying at the pretty little resort of Cala Bona (which means “Good Bay”). Less well known than its bigger neighbour Cala Millor, Cala Bona has an attractive harbour and its original network of narrow streets and alleys from its former days as a small fishing village. Lacking a real sandy beach , Cala Bona may not suit all holidaymakers, and if it is a beach holiday that you prefer you may be better advised to head for Cala Millor or one of Majorca’s other big coastal resorts. Cala Bona still has some small beaches, located in little rocky bays and inlets along the coast and it is a good base for exploring the east coast of Majorca and its many attractions. Cala Bona Map.