Cyprus for Holidays and an Idyllic Lifestyle

Cyprus for Holidays and an Idyllic Lifestyle
Word Count:
459
Summary:
Why the stunning Mediterranean island of Cyprus is such a popular choice for holiday makers and those seeking an escape from the rat race and a brand new life in the sun.

Keywords:
holiday,Cyprus,Mediterranean,sun,sunshine,sea,lifestyle,weather,climate,vacation

Article Body:
The beautiful island of Cyprus lies in the Mediterranean Sea, it basks in up to 300 days of sunshine a year making it an island for all seasons. 
Every year Aphrodite’s island effortlessly attracts holiday makers and expatriates in their droves; they come in search of the stunning scenery, the incredible history, the fantastic weather, the warm and welcoming people and the idyllic Cypriot lifestyle.
If you’re looking for your next holiday hotspot or a perfect place to live in the sun here are five top reasons to consider Cyprus.
1) Cyprus has the perfect climate: in the short autumn and winter months the temperature never drops so low that the delicate fruit trees fail to deliver their burgeoning crop and in the summer the temperature never soars so high that the beautiful jasmine and bougainvillea blossoms wilt. 
Because the weather in Cyprus is considered to be so healthy it has long been an island favoured by all the family, it’s not too hot for those looking for an idyllic retirement destination and it’s not too cold or wet for those looking to escape to the sun.
2) With cheap 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.
3) Cyprus has been inhabited for at least the last 9,000 years and as a result it is steeped in history, rich in culture and charm and boasts an abundance of interesting historical sites, castles, fortresses and ruins.
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.
4) Aphrodite’s island is also rich in flora and fauna; it has many rare species of orchid for example as well as being home to rare birds of prey, owls, flamingos and butterflies.  In the spring and autumn walking tours are very popular with those wanting to experience Cyprus up close and personal and the Troodos and Kyrenia mountain ranges both have many paths to explore and views to experience.
5) The Cypriot lifestyle is laid back, warm, friendly and hospitable.  The Cypriot people enjoy a leisurely pace of life that we can all envy…coming 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.
As a destination for your next holiday or a country to consider living in for those seeking a more laid back and idyllic lifestyle, Cyprus truly has it all!

Beach front Resorts of the Costa del Sol

Beach front Resorts of the Costa del Sol
Word Count:
814
Summary:
A guide to the resorts towns of the Costa del Sol, as you drive to Malaga from Gibraltar, Spain.

Keywords:
Costa del Sol, Andalucia, Spain, rentals, towns, holiday, vacation, resorts, Mediterranean

Article Body:
Sotogrande
Sotogrande is found within the province of Cadiz and is situated near the Straits of Gibraltar which can offer quiet beaches and coves although the hustle and bustle of the Costa del Sol is only half an hour away.  It is within easy reach of Malaga, Marbella, Cadiz and Gibraltar.
Sotogrande is an exclusive sports and residential development which has developed over the last 30 years.  It is a quiet area based around a substantial marina which will have over 1,000 berths once the second phase is completed.  Sotogrande is also home to the famous Valderrama golf club as well as many others. 
Sotogrande is an all year round resort offering golf, sailing and tennis with lots of good bars, restaurants and large hotels for relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere.
Estepona
Estepona is a coastal town on the Costa del Sol which, despite its expansion, has maintained its character and ‘old town’ feel.   There are still numerous places where one can find traditional Spanish food amongst the narrow cobbled streets. 
Estepona has good, sandy beaches but is also within easy reach of Puerto de la Duquesa and also close enough to visit some of the lovely inland towns and villages such as Gaucin, Casares and Genalguacil.  It is just an hours drive to Malaga from Estepona.  The Plaza de las Flores and the Clock Tower (Torre de Reloj) are attractive places to visit within the town and there is a popular market on Wednesdays.  There are many golf courses in the area which makes it a popular destination as well as the fact that the average temperature is 18C.
The port and harbour are just a short walk from the town centre and is mainly centred around fishing although there are modern marina facilities and aside from the market in the town centre on Wednesdays, it also has its own market on a Sunday.
Puerto Banus
Just a few kilometres to the west of Marbella, Puerto Banus is famous for its marina full of luxury yachts as well as offering expensive bars, restaurants and designer shops.  The beach, the Playa Levante, is to the north of the town and is very clean, long and wide.  There is a market on Saturdays near the bullring.  Puerto Banus has a busy nightlife with a wide choice of bars, clubs or discos to visit, or maybe you just want to sit in the open air with a meal and a drink and watch the world go by.
Marbella
Marbella is probably one of the most well known resorts along the Costa del Sol.  It has a wonderful climate with over 3000 hours of sunshine per year.  It is close to Malaga airport, has an impressive yacht harbour and many golf courses within easy reach.
Away from the glamour of the harbour area the old town still retains some character.  The Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square) is a popular place to take a breather before setting off to explore the many streets and alleyways full of shops selling anything from local produce and crafts to designer clothing.
El Fuerte and El Fontanilla are two of the largest beaches in Marbella or you may just wish to take a stroll along the promenade, the Avenida del Mar.
Lots of people choose to holiday in Marbella because of the busy nightlife which offers a wide variety of bars, restaurants, clubs, theatres and cinemas to suit everyone.  There are many quality hotels to choose from as well as numerous self catering apartments and villas.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is a coastal town on the Costa del Sol situated partway between Malaga and Marbella.  It has been a popular tourist resort since the 1960’s to the extent that tourism has now replaced fishing as the main industry.  It has a lot of high rise hotels and apartments adjacent to the long, sandy beaches although it is still possible to find smaller, more traditional accommodation.  It is a very busy resort, full of entertainment in the summer months but can also be the ideal place to visit out of season when it is much quieter.  Fuengirola is truly an international resort with approximately 25% of its inhabitants coming from other countries, although in the summer it is still very popular with the Spanish and British alike.
Fuengirola offers all the facilities which you would expect to find in a major tourist resort as well as a zoo, Zoologico de Fuengirola, an Arabic Castle, the bullring and open parks.  The old port is still used by local fishermen and the sports marina can provide berths for boats of all sizes.
Two of the suburbs of Fuengirola – Los Boliches and Torreblanca are worth visiting.  In Torreblanca there are thermal baths and in Los Boliches the remains of a Roman villa can be seen.  Los Boliches also has its own beaches and is a little bit quieter than Fuengirola itself.

Areas To Visit On Mediterranean Yacht Charters

Areas To Visit On Mediterranean Yacht Charters
Word Count:
685
Summary:
Mediterranean yacht charters are one of the most popular destinations for a sailing vacation. This area is the birthplace of modern civilizations. You can explore ruins dating to 3000 BC. The area offers a unique blend of the old and the new. The landscape is the result of a variety of geological activity over millions of years, including earthquakes, volcanoes and shifting of the earth’s plates. The result is breathtaking scenery for sailing.
Options for Mediterranean Ya...

Keywords:

Article Body:
Mediterranean yacht charters are one of the most popular destinations for a sailing vacation. This area is the birthplace of modern civilizations. You can explore ruins dating to 3000 BC. The area offers a unique blend of the old and the new. The landscape is the result of a variety of geological activity over millions of years, including earthquakes, volcanoes and shifting of the earth’s plates. The result is breathtaking scenery for sailing.
Options for Mediterranean Yacht Charters

Bareboat Yacht Charters
Bareboat charters work just as it sounds. You are chartering the ship and nothing else. If you are qualified, you can skipper the boat yourself. You will have to show proof of your sailing experience before you are allowed to skipper a chartered yacht. Most companies will take you out on a short trip and have you demonstrate your abilities. If you are unable to do this, you will not be able to take the boat without a crew.
If you don’t have the sailing experience, you will need to hire a skipper. In most cases, the charter company or yacht broker can help you find someone. In some cases, you can arrange for sailing lessons, at an additional cost. Bareboat trips include no supplies or food. You will need to shop before you arrive at the marina.
Crewed Charters
With a crewed charter, you can generally take a larger yacht. The size of the crew varies according to the ship and number of guests. You will at least have a captain and a cook. The cook will prepare your meals according to your tastes. The menu will be discussed prior to the cruising.
Some people choose this method because they aren’t qualified to sail. Others can sail, but prefer to relax on a yachting vacation and not have the responsibility of being the captain. You will have more time to relax in luxury or enjoy activities like water skiing or scuba diving with a crew to look after the boat.
Flotillas
A flotilla is a group of yachts sailing together. This is a great option for less experienced skippers. You captain your ship and gain experience in sailing. The flotilla leader is on a nearby yacht to offer guidance, assistance and support as needed. If this is your first time sailing on your own, a flotilla is an excellent option. A charter broker can put you in touch with a group and help you plan your trip.

Areas to Visit

Once you have decided how you will travel, you will need to decide where you want to go on your holiday cruise. When you charter sailing yacht in Greece, the company will help you set your itinerary. The Ionian Sea offers seven islands: Paxos, Antipaxos, Corfu, Ithaca, Lefkas, Zakynthos and Kafalonia. There is plenty to explore in this area that ranges 180 nautical miles from the northern to southern islands.
The Ionian boasts beautiful weather and excellent wind conditions for smooth sailing. The islands offer beautiful beaches and lush vegetation. For evening, there are lively ports bustling with activity and night life. Your crew will help you find activities that interest you and assist in making reservations.
You may prefer to sail the Aegean. The Greek Cyclades Islands consist of fifteen islands in the Aegean. Your charter company will help you set an itinerary and decide which islands to visit. The beautiful waters of the Aegean offer great sailing. The summers are cool and the winters are mild. There is a good mixture of villages and country side to visit on your trip.

Choosing a Company for Mediterranean Yacht Charters

You can either book your trip through the charter company or through a charter broker. The fees for a broker are paid by the charter company. In either case, look for a reputable company that has been in business for ten years or more. Brokers deal with charters in Europe, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. A good broker will be familiar with the charter companies and the ships. Ask for references from people who have travelled with the company in the past.

A visit to the main resorts of Valenica and Catalonia, Spain

A visit to the main resorts of Valenica and Catalonia, Spain
Word Count:
545
Summary:
A short trip to Barcelona, Valencia and Gandia as you travel south along the Costa del Azahar, Spain.

Keywords:
Catalonia, FC Barcelona, Valencia, Spain, rentals, towns, holiday, vacation, Mediterranean, golf, Costa Brava

Article Body:
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, and covers a large expanse of the Catalonian coastline.  The city is built around its port, which is one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, though many would believe that it is built around its football club FC Barcelona (Barca) which is a major player in both the Spanish football league as well as the international.
Much more than just the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona with its international airport is a "major league player" on the world stage, having hosted the 1888 World Fair and more recently, the 1992 Olympic games.
The city can be dated back to a Roman settlement in the 2nd century BC, and has been occupied by differing Mediterranean tribes over the centuries each leaving their own identity on the area.  The old town is the best place to see this within the many architectural designs and facades that adorn the buildings. Barcelona’s most famous street is Las Ramblas, a busy street 24 hours a day, though more so at the weekends and during the evenings.  Market stalls, souvenir sellers, street traders, musicians and street acts keep you entertained as you stroll along the tree shaded walkway or drink cafe americano from the many cafes lining the street.
The Barri Gotic, Gothic Quarter is home of the cathedral and royal palace and the oldest part of the city.  The Sagrada Familia is a work of art by Antoni Gaudi, it is the city’s most bizarre building and was built when the city was in a period of modernist revival.
Valencia
Situated in the middle of the Costa del Azahar, which runs down Spain’s eastern coastline, Valencia, the city where El Cid, a famous Spaniard and folk hero who battled the might of the Moorish armies, is one of the most vibrant cities in Spain. Renowned for its nightlife and outdoor living, the city is bathed in a micro-climate, which explains both the party atmosphere and the garden plantations of oranges that surround the city and the local area.  Valencia has both an International Airport and also a busy port.  You can catch a ferry to the Balearic Islands from here.
Built by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, Valencia again, as with most Spanish cities, has a wealth of history and Moorish influence that is still evident today in some of the buildings that mingle together with more modern and modernistic designs.  The city centre is dominated by the cathedral, originally built in 1262. The towers of the cathedral offer fine views over the city.  Valencia has a modern tramway system which also connects the beaches to the east with their lively promenade full of bars and eateries.
Gandia
The small city of Gandia, is on the southern edge of the Costa del Azahar. Valencia is the closest major city to the north by about 1 hour and it is here that you will find the international airport that serves this region.  Once an important cultural town, formally run by the Duke of Gandia, the city is now more of a tourist destination, though the region is still important commercially for the orange industry, which is evident from the millions of orange groves that surround the regions and the fragrant aroma they exude.

A visit to Ronda, Malaga and Nerja, Spain

A visit to Ronda, Malaga and Nerja, Spain
Word Count:
811
Summary:
A day trip to Ronda, Malaga and Nerja, Spain

Keywords:
Andalucia, Spain, rentals, towns, holiday, vacation, white villages, Mediterranean, Costa del Sol, Ronda, Malaga, Nerja

Article Body:
Malaga
Malaga is the capital city of the Costa del Sol, it is also one of the provinces of Andalusia, a port city and also the location for the international airport which is the largest airport in Spain.
The population of Malaga and the surrounding area is estimated at over 1,000,000 and this number swells in the summer with the influx of visitors.  Malaga is surrounded by mountains and there are two rivers, the Guadalhorce and the Guadalmedina which flow past the city into the Mediterranean.
Malaga has a wealth of history going back over 3,000 years.  It was founded by the Phoenicians and named ‘Malaka’, meaning salt, probably because of the fish which was salted by the harbour.  In the 8th century it was inhabited by the Moors and became an important trading city.  In more recent times, tourism has naturally boosted the economy.
Malaga is a very popular tourist destination, made more so in recent years, because of the number of cheap charter flights which now operate in and out of the international airport.  But it is also from here that people can reach a large part of Andalucia and may choose to stay in the famous ‘white villages’ or the historic cities of Sevilla or Granada.
There is plenty to do and see in Malaga – the Arabic Fortress, the Gibralfaro Castle from where there is a beautiful view over the city, the harbour which is one of the most important in Spain and various museums, cathedrals and churches as well as, of course, the bullring and it can also be known as the birthplace of the actor, Antonio Banderas!
Nerja
Nerja is found at the eastern tip of the Costa del Sol, approximately 50 km from Malaga, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Granada and the infamous Alhambra Palace and from there just another half an hour to reach the skiing regions of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Nerja is steeped in history and is well known for the primitive paintings in the Nerja Caves, which were discovered in the late 1950’s and which have now become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Spain.  The caves are also home to the world’s longest stalactite.  Nerja is also famous for the Balcon de Europa, ‘the balcony of Europe’.  A wonderful promenade which sits between two small coves on the edge of a towering cliff which was once the sight of a great Moorish castle. It offers magnificent views across the Mediterranean as well as numerous bars and cafes where one can sit sipping refreshments while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
Nerja has some lovely beaches which are mostly rocky coves with sharp sand and there are some good restaurants along the beaches which specialise in local fish dishes.  The old town of Nerja has small, narrow streets which are busy in the summer and the weekly market is held on a Tuesday.
Nerja is also becoming a popular destination for walkers exploring the mountainous areas of the Sierra Almijar and the Sierra Tejeda.
Nerja has a wide range of good hotels as well as many private apartments and villas to choose from where you can enjoy your holiday and the surrounding area.
Ronda
Ronda is one of the most beautiful historic towns in Andalucia and is part of the province of Malaga.   Ronda can be found approximately 50 kilometres from the coastal town of San Pedro de Alcantara along a very winding road through the mountains, the Serrania de Ronda and it is 113km from Malaga.   Ronda has a population of approximately 35,000 people and it is 739m above sea level.  The average year round temperature is 15C and has around 2700 hours of sunshine per year.
There is lots to do and see in Ronda.  It is famous for having the oldest bullring in Spain and together with the New Bridge, the Puente Nuevo, these are two of the symbols of Ronda.   The New Bridge is, in fact, over 200 years old and took more than 40 year to complete.  The masonry stones were brought up from the depths of the Tajo gorge.  The Bullring, The Plaza de Toros, is recognized as one of the oldest in Spain and one of the most monumental in design.  It took 6 years to build and opened in 1785.  The City Museum and the Bullfighting Museum are also very popular sights to visit.  The Sierra de las Nieves natural park is within the province and has the most important forest of Spanish firs.
The fair and festival of Pedro Romero is usally held at the beginning of September and is a good time of year for tourists to visit.
Ronda is a wonderful place to visit, but an even better place to stay.  There are many lovely villas, apartments or townhouses available to rent or maybe choose to stay in one of the picturesque surrounding villages such as Montejaque or Gaucin.

5 Reasons Why Turkey Remains Top Hotspot despite Avian Flu Fears

5 Reasons Why Turkey Remains Top Hotspot despite Avian Flu Fears
Word Count:
368
Summary:
The five reasons why Turkey is remaining the number one emerging holiday hotspot for Europeans despite its recent bird flu fears and the five reasons why Turkey is one of the most exciting destinations in the world for travelers today.

Keywords:
Turkey, Avian Flu, Bird Flu, Travel, Vacation, Holiday, Destination, Mediterranean

Article Body:
According to the latest reports from the tourism industry Turkey remains the number one emerging holiday hotspot despite recent cases of the human form of avian flu having been discovered in remote areas of the country.
The appeal of the country for those in search of a dream vacation destination stems from the following five key reasons: -
1) Turkey is a vast country with a rich historical and cultural background that offers the summer holidaymaker some of the most stunningly beautiful and unspoilt beaches on the Mediterranean Sea and some of the most exciting resorts which are becoming increasingly popular with European sports stars and celebrities.
2) The summer sunshine shines in southern Turkey from March until October giving tourists the chance to sample the delights of this inimitably interesting nation throughout the spring, summer and autumn.
3) In the winter Turkey plays host to winter sports fans and those in need of some après ski fun in a wide range of sophisticated ski resorts where prices are far lower than in Austria, Italy or Switzerland but where the quality of facilities and amenities are on a par with those of the best European winter sport resorts.
4) Prices for holiday accommodation to rent or even buy in Turkey are the lowest in the entire Mediterranean region and it’s possible for a family of four to rent a villa with sea views and a private pool for a tenth of the price of a similar property in Spain, Cyprus, Italy or France.  Furthermore anyone wishing to buy a holiday home in the sun will save hundreds of thousands of dollars, euros or pounds by buying property in Turkey rather than buying property on the Greek Islands or on the Spanish Costas for example.
5) The accessibility of Turkey is improving all the time as more airlines open up more routes to and from Turkey from across Europe.  One of the most recent developments in this area is a new regular British Airways flights from the UK to Dalaman and in terms of domestic flights within Turkey they are incredibly affordable which gives the holiday maker a chance to enjoy a dual or multi location holiday in the vast nation of Turkey.