Tag: Southern Europe

Italy’s most romantic spots

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Italy's most romantic spots include the Stone Bridge of Verona ... photo by CC user pcdazero on pixabay

La bella Italia, the country of love and romance. How does one ever go about choosing where to pass a romantic Italian vacation with that special someone? There are just too many options, all enticing and romance evoking. Don’t get overwhelmed, I have compiled a list of the most romantic Italian destinations, from Sicily’s gorgeous villas with pools to Juliet’s balcony in Verona, you are sure to find the perfect spot (or spots) to pass that romantic vacation with your sweetie.

Sunset cruising in Sicily

Rent that gorgeous Sicilian villa, but tear yourself away from the house for a private sunset cruise along Sicily’s pristine, breathtaking, exquisite coast. You can even sail out to the Egadi islands, or the Aeolian for that matter. I can’t recommend one over the other, as they are both beautiful, I just insist you go! Crack open that bottle of champagne, or go Sicilian style with a Passito di Pantelleria. Watch the sun say goodnight to the Mediterranean, caressing her salty waves with orange and pink kisses, and you’re sure to wind up smooching in under the Sicilian sunset as well.

Verona

Verona is home to Shakespeare’s most famous doomed and star-crossed lovers. In Verona, you can take your lover to the house that belonged to Juliet in the classic Shakespearean tragedy. Stand below the balcony where our good ol’ Romeo declared his ever-loving devotion, and touch the breast of Juliet’s bronze statue for good luck (and good love).

Amalfi Coast

While Italy is packed with majestic views, cities, and towns, one of the most magical is just a bit south of Naples. It is called the Amalfi coast, and it is dotted with picturesque little towns clinging to the edge of steep cliffs, overlooking a turquoise Mediterranean below. Rent a car and take the most romantic, memorable, and adventurous drives of your life down these pretty little country roads.

Rome

Rome, the mother of all romance. History is everywhere in Rome, but I recommend ditching the guidebook and wandering down her picturesque cobblestone paths holding hands with your loved one. Savor the sights and sounds, enjoy the chic little shops, eat some of Italy’s best cuisine in romantic mom-and-pop restaurants. If you’re looking for real luxury, get a room in the Hotel Hassler, which is where Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise stayed before they were married in Italy. It is at the top of the Spanish Steps, which are arguably the most romantic stairs in the entire country (maybe the world!)

A helicopter over Mount Etna

Come fly with me, baby, right over Mount Etna and out to the Aeolian islands. Take a helicopter for a bird’s eye view of Sicily’s major active volcano, then head out to another island, much smaller, with another active volcano, Stromboli. Talk about a flaming romance! Stop for a massage, lunch and a swim at Capofaro on the island of Salina before jetting back to your romantic villa. Now that is hot, if I’ve ever seen it!

The history of Benidorm, Spain

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The history of Benidorm has more to it than beaches, though this vintage photo looks pretty sweet ... photo by CC user 49093093@N02 on Flickr

It is the best time of year to plot out your holiday plans for 2015, with many parts of Southern Europe figuring into the aspirations of travelers. If you’re going for a Short all-inclusive break to Benidorm, Spain this summer season, it pays to brush up on the history of the region to give yourself a better sense of the place that you are about to visit.

So read up on the following fun facts about the history of Benidorm and impress newly made travel friends at the bar … no need to thank us!

Origins

Traces of Punic and Roman settlement have been found in the Benidorm area that put the history of human presence here as far back as 5,000 years.

However, it was the Moors that established the first major community here, laying down roots and giving this community its name back in the 13th century.

With the Christian conquest of the area just a century later though, Benidorm officially became a town, with the granting of its charter in 1325.

Its fishing history & struggles with intruders

Being the home to roving fishermen that sailed the high seas in search of the finest marine life to grace the dinner tables of Spain, Benidorm was a humble town that was home to their lonely families for much of the season.

This fact must have made their breadwinners nervous and worrisome as they did their jobs far from home, as their home suffered from a number of pirate attacks that led to the town being razed a number of times over its history.

In response to this, the castle (which no longer exists) was increased in size in the 16th and 17th centuries, providing badly needed security that finally enabled the town to grow, along with an irrigation system that opened up another avenue of growth for the region, as farmers now had insurance against dry years, allowing them to tend the soil with confidence.

Benidorm’s rise as a tourism hotbed

After rising to its apex as a fishing hotspot in the 18th and 19th centuries, the industry began to decline, with economic losses starting to pick up speed around 1952. It was at this time when that the town’s council began to explore tourism as a way to diversify its economy, and by 1956, they began to build the promenades that hordes of visitors stroll along in the present day.

It was the construction of the Alicante airport in 1967 that really fuelled their current success though, as waves of Britons began to arrive after being linked to these significantly sunnier shores by the brand new miracle of jet liner travel.

The Top 3 Greek Family Escapes

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One of the more tantalizing places to plan Greek Family Escapes is in Santorini ... photo by CC user antoniocastagna on Flickr

Greece has always been one of the best places to visit when it comes to family holidays and weekend getaways. Greece is made up of many islands and islets that are scattered all over the Ionian and Aegean Seas.

Around 227 of these islands are inhabited, so some of the others are island paradises still waiting to be discovered. There are a lot of destinations that you should definitely visit for a family escapade, and they are just waiting for you. Here are the top 3 Greek family escapes that you should definitely stop by once you are in the country.

Kavala

One of the best places to visit first in Greece is Kavala, a stunning seaside city. What you should definitely look out first is the seafront, which is very inviting for the entire family. You and your family members will be able to enjoy the urban beaches on this seaside city.

You can also take a picture of your family by the harbor which is the perfect spot. If you are a history junkie, and want to visit some ruins or the sort, then you can go to the archaeological sites of Philippoi and Mount Pangaion.

Mount Pangaion is especially great since it has a lot of ancient artifacts and ruins, such as the Byzantine monasteries and the traditional villages set amidst the lush nature.

Book at www.cyplon.co.uk

Domes of Elounda

While this might not be a town or island in Greece, it deserves to be one of the best getaways for a family to have a vacation. Domes of Elounda is a luxury boutique hotel in Crete, and is nestled grandly on the Elounda Gulf.

It has some secluded suites, a spa that will invigorate you perfectly, and grounds that are full of shrubs and other plants. You can also enjoy the great food from different restaurants in this luxury hotel. All of them are dishes that you can find all over Greece, and some of them from other countries too.

Now, a vacation is not complete without going to a special spot in the area right? Well, Domes of Elounda has their own patch of beach in which you can enjoy all day long and even at night if you feel like it.

Book at www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk

Santorini

If you want a place where you can see a lot of beaches and clear waters, then you should be visiting Santorini. By far, Santorini is the precious gem of the Aegean. After all, it is a sought-after Greek haven known for a lot of things, such as its legendary sunsets, romantic ambiance, caldera, ancient ruins, unique beaches and mouthwatering cuisine.

There are a lot of things to do on this nostalgic island. While the children are away playing on the beach, why not enjoy some romance with your partner on one of their resorts or enjoy some delectable dishes on one of their great restaurants? You can also head to one of the towns if you want to see some great sights, beautiful artwork, and gorgeous locals.

Book at www.tatler.com

Greece is one great getaway for your family. Try to visit these top 3 escapades so you can enjoy your vacation completely.

3 Countries that Have to Feature on Your European Bucket List

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Seeing fine statues in Florence is on the European bucket list of many people ... photo by CC user ashleyhexum66 on Flickr

Europe is a vast continent, and with so many countries offering different experiences for the discerning traveler it can sometimes be overwhelming trying to decide where to go.

If you have endless time and resource available then you could spend your years visiting every single one, experiencing the sights and people of each country, whilst picking out your favorite. However, if you want three that will satisfy your every need and offer you a trip of a lifetime then these three countries will not disappoint as you tick off boxes on your European bucket list.

Italy

Think of Italy and you think of the ancient historic sites, the wonderful food and wines, and the beautiful landscapes of incredible beaches, rolling hills and great lakes. It is all of these characteristics and more that make this a destination that should feature on your bucket list.

Not to be missed are the cities of Florence and Rome which are jam packed full of incredible attractions such as the Coliseum and Roman Forum in Rome and the Ponte Vecchio and Statue of David in Florence.

Away from the cities, in the Tuscan countryside you can cycle through the vineyards and soak up the postcard perfect views whilst stopping occasionally for a glass of locally produced wine. Top things off with a stay in one of the regions stunning luxury villas like these and your trip will be complete.

Spain

Spain oozes charisma and charm with its passionate people and vast number of great destinations for the traveller. In the south, the cities of Seville and Granada with their Moorish architecture and flamenco soul are perfect for a cultural city break. The coastal city Barcelona is great for a city/beach break in the summer and northern San Sebastian serves up a gastronomic treat.

The beaches of the Costa Del Sol offer the holiday maker some great hotels and resorts perfect for relaxing in the sunshine and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada even provide opportunities for skiing!

Spain really does have everything and is often cheaper than other European destinations such as France and Italy.

UK
The UK may not be known for its fine weather but that shouldn’t put you off a visit as there is still plenty to enjoy come rain or shine! Brilliant London is just as you imagine it to be with its iconic red buses and black cabs and wonderful sites such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

Many people come to the UK and only visit London and if you do this then you are most certainly missing out. In the north of England, the historical city of York with its magnificent minster and old cobbled streets will make you feel like you have stepped back in time.

Lovers of the outdoors should head to the Lake District where the countryside is simply stunning. Then you have the quaint villages of the Cotswolds where you can sit back in a beautiful cottage (check these out) and explore wonderful countryside and enjoy village life.

In Scotland, the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow each have their own personality with plenty going on and some wonderful restaurants. If you are lucky enough to visit Wales as well then head to the lovely seaside town of Aberystwyth.