Author Archive for Steve Woodward

Renting a Holiday Villa in Lagos in the Algarve

Published
by
Steve Woodward
on July 6, 2008
in Travel & Leisure
. 0 Comments
by Steve Woodward

Only in recent years has Lagos, Algarve, Portugal become a popular tourist destination and yet has still managed to retain much of its history. As you wander through its streets you will find some really wonderful buildings to admire including one that dates back to 1445. The town of Lagos (not to be mistaken for the Nigerian city) is situated in the southern part of the Algarve at the mouth of the River Bensafrim.

The town has many wonderful beaches and which are considered to be some of the most beautiful in this part of Portugal. However, to get some like Praia de Dona Ana is not easy and will take you about 25 minutes to walk from the center of the town to it.

However, if you don’t feel like walking you are sure to find a taxi or local bus that can get you to this beach and others further along the coastline such as Praia do Comilo and Meia Praia. The Meia Praia beach is the furthest one along from Lagos town and stretches for 4km. Here you have the chance to enjoy the beach or take in one of the many water sport activities that are available. Plus if you can take a trip out to the sand bank on which stands Meia Praia Fort that was built in the 17th and 18th Centuries to help protect Lagos Bay.

The beaches we have already mentioned are very popular but the one place that most visitors to Lagos like to visit is the Ponta da Piedade which is situated in Lagos Bay. This is close to the town and is sheltered by the bay from the winds coming off of the sea. The water in this area is clear and so you can view much of the sea life and explore caves and rocks which surround it.

Yet even though most people spend time relaxing on Lagos’s beaches there are plenty of other things that one can do and visit during a holiday to this part of the Algarve. Throughout the 15th and 16th Centuries the town was an important naval center and many of the country’s explorers left from here to see what they could find. The town itself also acted as the Algarve’s capital for nearly two hundred years as well.

Although there are still many buildings standing that were erected by the Arabs when the occupied the town many were damaged in the earthquake that took place in 1755. The majority of the buildings you now see in the town have been erected during the 18th and 19th Centuries.

Throughout the town of Lagos there are numerous statues depicting very important people from the town’s history. The most controversial of all of these is the one dedicated to Don Sebastio and which is situated outside the Town Hall in the Main Square.

When it comes to visiting Lagos, Algarve any time of year is acceptable as the weather is generally good all year round. However, the summer months do tend to be the busiest so it is advisable to book your holiday well in advance of your dates to ensure that you get the accommodation that you want.

About the Author:
Pick from one of the numerous holiday villas in the Algarve most of which have private pools & terraces. An advantage of booking an Algarve holiday villa is that you have choice to treat it like your home from home.

Holiday Villas in Croatia - What you need to know about Croatia

Published
by
Steve Woodward
on July 5, 2008
in Travel & Leisure
. 0 Comments
by Steve Woodward

Throughout the early 1990’s Croatia was a place that was not somewhere that tourists were going to be visiting because of the war taking place. Yet today it is a completely different story and now more and more visitors are flocking again to enjoy the splendors of this beautiful country.

Many people who now visit Croatia are doing so enjoy spending time on the beautiful well maintained beaches and exploring its old villages which have yet been unspoilt. Yet there are also plenty of other things to do and see which can further give you an insight into this beautiful country’s turbulent past.

The main locations where generally the tourists flock to are Zagreb which is the country’s capital and has been since 1557. Also Dubrovnik and Split are also towns located within Croatia which are certainly gaining in popularity with tourists as well.

In Zagreb the old and the new seem to have balanced themselves well. Along with being able to enjoy the Austro-Hungarian architecture that the town is famous for there is plenty of good shops as well. Today in this the capital city of Croatia you will find numerous shops that now sell all the latest fashions as seen in France and Italy.

As for Dubrovnik this city remains much of the countries old world charm and the best parts to visit are located in the Stari Grad area of the city. Along with the squares paved with marble, you can enjoy wandering around its cobbled streets, convents, churches and palaces. Plus take in the museums and even though during 1991 and 1992 the city was heavily shelled during the war taking place most of the buildings have been lovingly restored.

In fact if you really want to get a great view of this city then take time out to wander along the city walls and climb one of the 16 towers that are part of it. The actual wall itself was constructed between the 13th and 16th Century and has certainly managed to stand the test of time. However, if you are afraid of heights then a trip up the towers should be avoided as each one stands to a height of 82 feet (25m).

When it comes to planning a visit to Croatia many people choose to come during the spring and early summer months. Yes there is a much higher chance of it raining but the temperatures will not have yet reached those which one will find unbearable and which occur during the summer months.

However, if you do intend visiting Croatia in the summer then heading towards one of its coastal resorts should be considered. Not only will you be able to enjoy fabulous sunshine but the cool breezes will help to keep the temperatures down a degree or two. But you still need to remember to back the sun cream as well. But even in the winter these areas of Croatia can be extremely pleasing as well as the sea stores the heat during the summer to then release it back onto the land as winter comes and actually heats up the air.

About the Author:
Renting holiday villas in Croatia have many plus points over hotels, such as having your own personal pool. There are a large range of holiday homes in Croatia that are available to book direct from the owners.

Algarve Holiday Villas - Tips and Advice on Rentals

Published
by
Steve Woodward
on July 3, 2008
in Travel & Leisure
. 0 Comments
by Steve Woodward

Although Lagos, Algarve has only become a popular tourist destination in Portugal in the last few years, you will still be able to see much of the town’s past as you wander its many streets. Spend time doing this admiring some of the most beautiful and oldest buildings in this part of Europe one of which dates back to 1445. The city which many people often get confused with the city of the same name in Nigeria is in the southern part of this popular tourist destination and is located at the entrance of the River Bensafrim.

But it is not only the town itself which is beautiful it has a number of wonderful beaches as well, considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Portugal. However, be warned that they are not located close to the town itself and the nearest one is Praia de Dona Ana which if you choose to walk will take you 25 minutes to reach.

However, if you don’t feel like walking you are sure to find a taxi or local bus that can get you to this beach and others further along the coastline such as Praia do Comilo and Meia Praia. The Meia Praia beach is the furthest one along from Lagos town and stretches for 4km. Here you have the chance to enjoy the beach or take in one of the many water sport activities that are available. Plus if you can take a trip out to the sand bank on which stands Meia Praia Fort that was built in the 17th and 18th Centuries to help protect Lagos Bay.

The beaches we have already mentioned are very popular but the one place that most visitors to Lagos like to visit is the Ponta da Piedade which is situated in Lagos Bay. This is close to the town and is sheltered by the bay from the winds coming off of the sea. The water in this area is clear and so you can view much of the sea life and explore caves and rocks which surround it.

Yet even though most people spend time relaxing on Lagos’s beaches there are plenty of other things that one can do and visit during a holiday to this part of the Algarve. Throughout the 15th and 16th Centuries the town was an important naval center and many of the country’s explorers left from here to see what they could find. The town itself also acted as the Algarve’s capital for nearly two hundred years as well.

Although there are still many buildings standing that were erected by the Arabs when the occupied the town many were damaged in the earthquake that took place in 1755. The majority of the buildings you now see in the town have been erected during the 18th and 19th Centuries.

As you wander around the streets of Lagos, Algarve you will come across some very interesting statutes depicting famous people from the towns past. Certainly, the most controversial of all of these is the one dedicated to Dom Sebastio and which is to be found in the town’s main square directly in front of the Town Hall.

The best time to visit Lagos, Algarve is at any time as the weather generally all year round is pretty good. But when it comes to booking accommodation if you intend to visit the town during the summer months then arranging it well in advance is advisable. Doing this will ensure that you get the accommodation that you want.

About the Author:
Choose from one of the many holiday villas in the Algarve most of which have personal pools & terraces. An advantage of booking an Algarve holiday villa is that you have freedom to treat it like your home from home.

Booking a holiday home in Croatia - Some help and tips

Published
by
Steve Woodward
on June 30, 2008
in Travel & Leisure
. 0 Comments
by Steve Woodward

Throughout the early part of the 1990’s Croatia was ravaged by war and so very few tourists were venturing to it. However, since the war ended more and more people are making the choice of visiting this beautiful and romantic country.

Many people who now visit Croatia are doing so enjoy spending time on the beautiful well maintained beaches and exploring its old villages which have yet been unspoilt. Yet there are also plenty of other things to do and see which can further give you an insight into this beautiful country’s turbulent past.

Generally those visiting Croatia will visit the towns of Zagreb which is the country’s capital and has been it since 1557. They also are now making trips to the cities of Split and Dubrovnik.

In Zagreb the old and the new seem to have balanced themselves well. Along with being able to enjoy the Austro-Hungarian architecture that the town is famous for there is plenty of good shops as well. Today in this the capital city of Croatia you will find numerous shops that now sell all the latest fashions as seen in France and Italy.

As for Dubrovnik this city remains much of the countries old world charm and the best parts to visit are located in the Stari Grad area of the city. Along with the squares paved with marble, you can enjoy wandering around its cobbled streets, convents, churches and palaces. Plus take in the museums and even though during 1991 and 1992 the city was heavily shelled during the war taking place most of the buildings have been lovingly restored.

To really appreciate everything that the city has to offer then spend time wandering along the city walls surrounding it. Constructed during the 13th and 16th Centuries these have helped to protect the city throughout its history and if you climb one of the 16 towers along its length it provides you with panoramic views over the city. But these towers are not for the faint hearted as they are 82 feet tall.

Most people when visiting Croatia to avoid the high temperatures of the summer will visit it in the spring or early part of the summer. However, it is advisable to bring some waterproof clothing as the chances of it raining are much higher at this time.

But if you are thinking of spending a summer holiday in Croatia then head towards one of its many coastal resorts. As well as plenty of sunshine the breezes that float in off of the sea help to keep the temperatures at a more comfortable level. However, it is important that you still remember to bring the sun cream with you. Also throughout winter these parts of Croatia are enjoyable to visit as the water retains much of the heat throughout the summer to then return it back on to the land once more and keep the air warm.

About the Author:
Renting holiday villas in Croatia have many advantages over hotels, such as having your own personal pool. There are a large range of holiday homes in Croatia that are available to book direct from the owners.

Advice on taking a Holiday in Bulgaria

Published
by
Steve Woodward
on June 26, 2008
in Holidays
. 1 Comment
by Steve Woodward

Although Bulgaria has often become associated in recent years with being a place where students go for cheap holidays. This beautiful country has so much now to offer to those who are looking for somewhere different for their next holiday.

The main reason for why so many people are now choosing to visit this country which is part of Eastern Europe is that it has some of the world’s most beautiful and unspoilt beaches. Yet there is so much more that one can do when visiting here than just laying on a beach. Why not spend time exploring its beautiful countryside either on horseback or by hiking along the many trails that are available for you to use.

Compared to other countries in Europe the weather in Bulgaria is very temperate, but does have extremes. During the summer it is hot and dry, whilst during the winter months it becomes cold and damp. To avoid these extremes in the weather it is best to visit Bulgaria between the months of April and the middle of June.

If you are after the sun and spending time on Bulgaria’s beaches then going on holiday there during the middle of June and September should be considered. But remember this is the height of their summer tourist season so if you have not booked your accommodation well in advance getting what you want may prove difficult. This is especially the case for those who intend to spend their holiday at one of Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast resorts

However, if you would like to see a whole different side to Bulgaria then think about arranging a trip in September. This is when fruit and vegetables are plentiful and the colors of the countryside begin to change. Also actually getting the accommodation you want will be far easier and also be much less expensive as well.

If you intend to go skiing because the resorts that Bulgaria now have are growing in popularity so booking well in advance is essential. The main ski season occurs in this country from the middle of December and can run through well into April, but this is dependent on what the weather has been like.

To get to Bulgaria could not be any simpler as you will soon discover nearly every major airport in Europe is offering direct flights to Sofia Airport. Along with Bulgaria Air (the national airline that took over from Balkan Airlines in 2002) many of the top budget airlines in Europe have regular flights to Bulgaria as well.

If you intend to visit Bulgaria by car then you need to be aware that a tax will be levied on your vehicle as you cross the border into the country and as you leave again. So arrange to have plenty of small currency with you before you go.

About the Author:
As the country is becoming more popular, more holiday villas in Bulgaria are being built and are available to book straight with the owners. Bulgaria ski holidays are great for adults and kids alike.

Cornwall Holidays

Published
by
Steve Woodward
on June 26, 2008
in Travel & Leisure
. 0 Comments
by Steve Woodward

Although for many years people have looked at Cornwall as a place for going on a more traditional seaside holiday, today things have certainly changed. When it comes to Cornwall holidays this county in the UK now offers a wealth of other activities for people to participate in.

Yes, you can spend time on the beach still, but along with just enjoying the sand and the sea why not having a go at the many different water sports now available. Today Cornwall has become a very popular destination for those who enjoy both surfing and windsurfing.

Along with the water, sports there are plenty of other activities and places of interest that you can visit. Also today, some of the countries most well known chef’s including Rick Stein have restaurants located in some of the towns located around the County. This provides you with the chance to try some superb food at a fraction of the cost you would normally pay in their restaurants in London.

Yet this county is still a place to take children on holiday to as it offers a wide range of activities for children and adults to do together. One particular location that you may want to visit during your time here is the Eden Project. This is now the center where they are trying to combat the effects that are caused by global warming. So offers you and your family a chance to find ways of working together and with others to help save the planet we live on. In fact, the Eden Project is now ranked alongside both the Taj Mahal and the Grand Canyon as being a world heritage site.

Another major attraction as to why so many people choose to holiday in Cornwall is that no matter where you stay you are never very far from the coastline. Plus you are also located only a short distance away from some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK and a quick trip and you find yourself in the county of Devon as well.

But yes, you can spend your time on the beach whilst staying in Cornwall but if you want to see a little more of what Britain has to offer then take a visit to Dartmoor or Bodmin Moor. Here you will be able to view some of Britain’s native animals and for some you may actually find yourself spotting the Beast of Bodmin also.

When it comes to accommodation in Cornwall, you have a number of different styles available to you. You can either stay in a hotel or for that more friendly and homely feeling why not try out one of the many B&B’s that are dotted around the county. However, if there is a large group of you going to being staying together during your visit to Cornwall then why not rent a holiday cottage instead.

But whether you are after a holiday that allows you to relax and unwind or where you can participate in some great outdoor activities then you should seriously be considering Cornwall for your next vacation. There are plenty of places online that can offer you some great deals on Cornwall holidays and all of which will suit your budget and requirements perfectly.

About the Author:
About the writer: Steve Woodward has written many holiday home related articles and reviews holiday cottages in Cornwall. You may learn more about holiday homes in Cornwall and take a look at related holidays and holiday villas.

What to know before taking a Holiday in Croatia

Published
by
Steve Woodward
on June 26, 2008
in Travel & Leisure
. 0 Comments
by Steve Woodward

During the early 1990’s Croatia was a country that was not on top of everyone’s list as a tourist attraction because of the war taken place there. However, today it is now a completely different story and visitors are flocking once more to this beautiful country.

Most tourists travel to Croatia to enjoy its beautiful well kept beaches and wander around it unspoilt villages. But yet there are plenty of other things for one to do and see when visiting this country and which will provide you with further insight into the country’s turbulent past.

The main locations where generally the tourists flock to are Zagreb which is the country’s capital and has been since 1557. Also Dubrovnik and Split are also towns located within Croatia which are certainly gaining in popularity with tourists as well.

In Zagreb the old and the new seem to have balanced themselves well. Along with being able to enjoy the Austro-Hungarian architecture that the town is famous for there is plenty of good shops as well. Today in this the capital city of Croatia you will find numerous shops that now sell all the latest fashions as seen in France and Italy.

Dubrovnik is a city where you can almost feel as time has stood still. As you wander along the steeped cobbled streets in the Stari Grad area of the city or just stop to admire the views in one of its marble paved squares you get a sense of the city’s history. Although the city was severely damaged during the war especially in 1991 and 1992 considerable amounts of time and money have been spent on restoring the buildings to their form glory.

If you would really like to see the city in all its glory take time to wander along the city walls and climb one of the 16 towers that are part of its defensive structure. The walls themselves were constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries and are still as strong as they were when first constructed. But climbing up the towers is not for the faint hearted because they all reach a height of 25m (82 feet). But the climb is worth the views that you get of the city once you reach the top.

Generally when it comes to visiting Croatia the best time of year is in the spring and early summer. Although the chances of it raining are much higher the temperatures will not have reached the stifling ones that you will get throughout the summer months.

However, if you do intend visiting Croatia in the summer then heading towards one of its coastal resorts should be considered. Not only will you be able to enjoy fabulous sunshine but the cool breezes will help to keep the temperatures down a degree or two. But you still need to remember to back the sun cream as well. But even in the winter these areas of Croatia can be extremely pleasing as well as the sea stores the heat during the summer to then release it back onto the land as winter comes and actually heats up the air.

About the Author:
Renting holiday villas in Croatia have many advantages over hotels, such as having your own personal pool. There are a large selection of holiday homes in Croatia that are available to rent direct from the owners.

Holiday Homes in the Costa del Sol - Travel Tips

Published
by
Steve Woodward
on June 23, 2008
in Travel & Leisure
. 0 Comments
by Steve Woodward

The Costa Del Sol which has more than 150km of coastline is the most popular tourist destination in Spain with tourists from around Europe and the world. The main reason for its popularity is that it offers good weather nearly all the time throughout the year.

This part of Spain is made up of two distinct areas stretching on either side of Malaga city. The eastern part covers only 54km of the coastline and starts on the eastern side of the Malaga Province capital heading towards Grenada.

The other 100km of coastline that makes up Malaga province again starts on the western side of Malaga city but goes as far as the border with Cadiz Province. This is the area where most development has been taking place and where many tourists will spend their holidays.

The airport in Malaga is one of the busiest in the country and each year has more than 2 million visitors passing through its gates. These people will then head off to many of the resorts that stretch along the province’s coastline the main ones being Nerja, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Marbella.

Although many people come to spend time just relaxing on the wide open beaches that the Costa Del Sol has to offer. It is now becoming a very popular all year round destination for those who enjoy playing golf. Today the area has now more than 70 golf courses which can be played on and has earned the name of being the “Costa del Golf” as well.

As well as the golf courses there are plenty of other activities that visitors to the area can enjoy including scuba diving, sailing, wind surfing, dolphin safaris and horse riding. For those who would like to try something a little different or more strenuous then taking a trip further inland is worth considering.

If you are someone who has been rock climbing before the Province of Malaga offers a location called El Chorro. This is a very popular location in Spain with climbers from around the world and is especially popular with them during the winter months.

For those who would rather just relax and unwind then spending time in Marbella, Torremolinos and Benalmadena are great locations for doing this. You have the best of both worlds, great beaches and beautiful bars and restaurants to eat and drink in as well.

Even though Malaga is very much a commercial city there are numerous things one can do and see during a day visit to the city. Along with wandering around the old port and quarter there is the Roman theatre and Moorish palace to be seen. Plus no visit to this city will be complete without taking in the Picasso Museum as this is the city where the artist was born and lived.

Certainly of all the tourist destinations to be offered around Spain the Costa del Sol is one that offers so much more than a relaxing beach holiday. This is probably one of the reasons why so many people return year after year.

About the Author:
Costa del Sol holiday villas are becoming more popular and allow flexibility on your holiday. There are a wide range to pick from which are available to book direct from the villa owners. Many have their own shared or personal swimming pool as well.

Holiday Rentals in Sicily

Published
by
Steve Woodward
on June 22, 2008
in Travel & Leisure
. 0 Comments
by Steve Woodward

If you are looking for somewhere that offers a wide variety of activities to participate during your vacation then the Island of Sicily may be the ideal spot for you. Along with some beautiful hotels on this island, there are also Sicily holiday homes, which you can rent for the time that you intend to, stay on the island.

Along with offering a wealth of different activities, the Island of Sicily (the biggest one in the Mediterranean) is only a short distance away from Italy. So if you feel inclined you can take a trip and visit some of the beautiful parts of this country also during your vacation.

As for holiday, homes on this island there are a number of different styles that you can choose from villas, town houses, apartments, bungalows along with chateaus and country homes as well. Some of which will have the added facility of a swimming pool that you can use to relax in during those long warm summer days.

In most cases, the homes that are available to rent on any part of the island will be privately owned. So you are always going to be getting a home away from home during the time that you stay in them.

When it comes to choosing which kind of holiday home it is you wish to rent on the island there are certain decisions that you need to make prior to booking it. Below we take a look at what some of these are.

1. Location of the Property - When looking to book holiday homes you need to decide upon where you want it to be located. For those who are after some nightlife as well as things to do during the day then staying in a country house or chateau may not be the ideal option for you. Rather you should be looking to book an apartment or house in one of the more tourist areas of the island.

2. How Many People Will Be Going? - You next need to take into consideration just how many people will be going on holiday with you. In most cases, you will find that the apartments are generally designed to accommodate no more than four people. So if there is a large group of you intending to holiday together ideally a house or chateau would be the best option for you.

3. Budget Constraints - This is an extremely important factor that needs to be taken into consideration before you make your booking. Certainly, if you are able to book your vacation out of high season then you will find that you can often get better accommodation at a much fairer price.

If you keep the above three factors in mind then finding the right kind of Sicily holiday homes for your next vacation will be much easier. Do a quick search on the internet and you will be amazed at just how many different types of holiday homes are now available to rent on this beautiful island.

About the Author:
About the author - Steve Woodward is an author for Click4HolidayHomes who advertise holiday homes in Sicily straight to holiday-makers from the property owners. He also reviews properties including many holiday apartments.

Renting a Holiday Villa in Austria

Published
by
Steve Woodward
on June 20, 2008
in Holidays
. 0 Comments
by Steve Woodward

Austria is a landlocked country surrounded on all sides by other European and Eastern European countries which include Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia. The capital of this very beautiful and dramatic country is Vienna which is located on the banks of the River Danube.

However, along with the spectacular vistas that both Vienna and Salzburg offer this country has a lot more to offer its visitors. There are mountains, lakes and rivers where a variety of different outdoors activities take place from mountain climbing, to skiing and even kayaking.

The best time of year for visiting Austria will depend on the kind of activities that you would like to be doing whilst there. For those who enjoy hiking and mountain biking then going in the summer is best. Whilst for those who want to have a go at skiing or snowboarding of course the winter months are the ideal time to plan a break to this country.

The weather is at its warmest from April through to October, however be prepared as these two months can be slightly colder so it is worth bringing some warm clothing with you. However, if you find heat somewhat difficult then avoid the months of July and August as at these times the heat can become extremely unbearable for some people. Plus what you will also find is this is their high holiday season and prices for accommodation etc increase as does the heat.

Another reason why many people do not choose to visit Austria in July and August is that many of the major attractions such as the Spanish Riding School and the Opera House are closed. Simply because the heat is unbearable and it is difficult for people to work in it.

However, although these attractions may be closed there are plenty of other events going on throughout the year. Certainly when it comes to music festivals these seem to be continuous in Austria. In Vienna in January there are the New Year concerts with their lavish balls. Then in February the Shrovetide Carnival (Fasching) takes place and this celebrates the return of spring.

Then on the second Thursday after Whitsun more carnivals take place to celebrate Corpus Christi some of which are held on lakes. One such one is the one that is held at Salzkammergut. But really the highlight of the music festivals each year in Austria is the Wiener Festwochen which takes place from May until the middle of June.

Certainly what you will find if you choose to go to Austria on holiday there is so much more to do than just the skiing in winter. For those who are after a bit more culture or just want time to relax and unwind then a visit to this beautifully landlocked country should be considered.

About the Author:
There are many Austria holiday homes available to rent which can offer a wide selection of attractions depending on the season of year. In the winter season, then skiing holidays in Austria are fantastic for the family.