Travel Guides and Travel Informations

Archive for the ‘Travel Destinations’ Category

Fantastic beaches. Scenery that is literally out of this world. Unique tourist attractions. Lanzarote really does offer visitors a host of things to do and see. As well as plenty of excellent places to stay.

Lanzarote is located on the same line of longitude as parts of Florida and Mexico. So as a result it is able to offer sunshine all year round – even when Northern Europe is freezing. Making it a very popular winter sun destination too. And this year really cheap flights to Lanzarote are available for the first time ever with operators such as Ryanair and easyJet. With returns available for under a tenner.

Lanzarote first started welcoming tourists during the 19th century as intrepid Victorian travellers headed for the Canaries to aid their constitutons. But modern day package holidays only started to take off in the 1970´s. With the island quickly establishing itself as one of the most popular destinations in Spain. With around 1.5 million visitors a year spending their holidays in Lanzarote.

So what are the key sites? The volcanic region tops most visitor itineraries. And rightly so as the interior of the island was buried in lava centuries ago and today looks like something out of a science fiction film. With burnt out volcanoes and lava fields dominating the landscape. Indeed movies such as One Million Years BC have been shot here – using the dramatic terrain as a backdrop.

Lanzarote is home to nearly 100 beaches. All largely made up of golden grains rather than the black sand found in other Canary Islands. With the best located outside of the main resorts and off the beaten track. In areas such as the North and North West coast – encompassing picture perfect playas such as Famara and Caleton Blanco.

Tourism is concentrated in the three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise. Although demand for rural holidays is also on the increase as growing number of returning visitors seek to connect with the authentic Lanzarote, previously glimpsed from their tour bus or hire car.
The island is best explored on four wheels – and car hire in Lanzarote is very affordable. With rental rates starting at around €90 per week. Petrol is also much cheaper than in the UK, clocking in at around 80 centimos per litre. Making it cheap and easy to get out and explore.

Outside the city limits of Barcelona lie intriguing suburbs, a striking coastline and amazing mountains.  All lie in wait for the intrepid visitor.

Antonio Gaudi, the late famous architect, commissioned Parc Güell, a peculiar array of vibrant ceramic benches, large ornamental lizards, mosaics and pavilions of knotted stone.  It is located behind the city and commands a great view of Barcelona.  Initially constructed with a view to being a market, the 84 stone columns of the Sala Hipóstila are well worth a visit.  Gaudi resided for his last 20 years in the Casa Museu Gaudí the spired house found on the same site.

A well established home of learning, Gràcia has a very down to earth feel.  Vibrant nightlife can be found in its Plaça del Sol which is also a great place to visit by day.

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Ibiza has long been one of the world’s premier summer-sun holiday destinations, although in recent years many visitors (including myself) have been put off by the seedy ‘Ibiza uncovered’ style publicity that the island has received.  Thankfully, the White Island is now moving away from this tacky lads-on-holiday image, and is once again attracting a more up-market style of tourism.

This is hardly surprising if you take a moment to consider what Ibiza can offer to the discerning visitor, with fabulous white beaches adored by the rich and famous for decades, unspoilt pine forests, white-washed villages, a whole range of restaurants offering the best of world cuisine, world-famous nightlife and some of the friendliest locals you will ever meet.

Ibiza is again becoming ‘the’ place to be seen, so for those after a piece of the limelight, strut your stuff through the old Ibiza institution Pacha, or have a long lunch on the beach at the Jockey Club, and you are guaranteed to be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.

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An enticing fusion of ancient and avant-garde, Amsterdam is a beautiful city of creative legacy. Take a walk along the cobbled streets and serene canals and you can seem a million miles from the vibrant nightlife on every corner.

1. Dam Square
Dam Square is the hub of the city and located on the site of the original Amstel dam. The focal point of the Square is the Royal Palace. Originally the town hall, it became regal following Louis Napoleon’s crowning in 1808.

2. Anne Frank’s House
In close proximity to the Square, Anne Frank’s house provides a constant reminder of Nazi occupation during the Second World War. Her infamous diary is kept here; be prepared to queue as it gets very busy during the tourist season.

3. Rijksmuseum
The fabulous Rijksmuseum is home to some of the most important historic art in the world. Perhaps the most famous pieces here are that by Rembrandt; the works of Frans Hals and Vermeer also feature prominently. Beautiful examples of porcelain dolls and dolls’ houses can also be seen.

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