Posts Tagged ‘tenerife’

Cyprus A Top Island Destination In 2010

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

http://www.trivago have recently revealed the top island holiday destinations so far for this summer, and Tenerife is one of them. Trivago is worth visiting to check out hotel prices.

Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife, the number one destination for British travellers, is the largest of the seven Canary Islands, and also Spain’s busiest resort – the island receives 10 million visitors each year. The island’s crowning glory is the Pico del Teide, the third largest volcano in the world, which rises 3718 metres from the base of the island. From its peak, travellers have a remarkable view of the island’s 350km of coastline, tropical vegetation, volcanic craters and lava formations. Tenerife’s wild nature is undoubtedly the island’s best feature, but the island is also well known for its beautiful beaches. The island has a rich birdlife, and many travellers consider the bird park ”Loro Parque“ a mandatory stop. The Carnival of Santa Cruz – one of the world’s largest carnivals – takes place every year in February.

Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and while many associate its name with historical and political divisiveness, millions of tourists visit the island each year for its spectacular sights and attractions. As a result of its turbulent history, Cyprus has evolved into an intriguing and alluring blend of Greek and Turkish identities. The Tomb of the Kings, a network of underground tombs dating back to the 4th Century BC, are one of the island’s most prominent attractions, and the island’s many medieval forts and citrus groves are beautiful to behold. The Karpas Peninsula is also renowned for its breathtaking beaches.

Majorca, Spain
Majorca is part of the Balearic Islands archipelago and is one of Europe’s most popular island destinations. The island is well known for its nightlife and numerous clubs and bars, particularly in the town centre of Playa de Palma and El Arenal. Visitors are drawn to the island’s turquoise blue bays, pristine sandy beaches, antique ruins and historical buildings, such as the Cathedral La Seu and the Palacio Real de la Almudaina in Palma. It pays to escape the island’s touristic heart and venture out into the wild, however; those who do will discover the true essence of Majorca, in the form of idyllic villages, local markets and the traditional Majorcan way of life.

Gran Canaria, Spain
Located 125 miles off the coast of West Africa, the Spanish island of Gran Canaria is often referred to as a mini continent, due to its many different climates. In the south, the climate is tropical and dry; in the north, it is subtropical and dry. The result is a glorious diversity of plant and animal life, giving nature enthusiasts plenty to explore during their stay. Hikers will also appreciate the 2,000 metre high Pozo de las Nieves mountain in the centre of Gran Canaria, which attracts climbers from around the world. Another of the island’s main attractions is the dune beach, located near Maspalomas, a town in the south of the island. Culture lovers should visit the capital Las Palmas in the north of Gran Canaria which has magnificent buildings, such as the Cathedral Santa Ana. Another highlight is the old fortress Castillo de la Luz that is currently used as a museum.

Lanzarote
Lanzarote is the fourth largest island in the Canary Island chain, and was the first of the islands to be settled in 1100 BC. At first glance, Lanzarote’s sparse, volcanic landscape may seem bleak, but for those willing to look a little closer, many amazing attractions are to be found. Lanzarote’s beaches are particularly well noted, and visitors to the Timanfaya National Park can witness the otherworldly beauty of the island’s volcanic craters and lava fields. Unique experiences abound; guests will certainly enjoy the park’s El Diablo restaurant, where food is cooked directly over a volcanic vent, or a trek through the ‘Tunnel of Atlantis’ – the world’s largest submerged volcanic tunnel.

Crete
The island of Crete is probably best known for its legends ties to Greek legends such as the Minotaur and the tragic tale of Icarus and Daedalus. The ruins of the Minoan palace of Knossos, of Venetian fortresses and former trading ports all point to the island’s rich history and cultural legacy. Yet this ancient island has much to offer the modern world as well: Cretan art, literature and music styles (typically performed with a lyre) are very distinct, and have contributed greatly to the diversity and evolution of Greek culture. Visitors to Crete would be remiss if they did not explore the island’s many ruins and heritage sites, and the island’s fresh produce and Mediterranean cuisine will provide a tantalizing treat for the senses.

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20 Award Winning Tenerife Hotels

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

Tenerife Blog

The best advertising is recommendations from previous users, and to win an award that comes about as a direct result of your guests saying you provide great service is one worth winning - and that’s what’s happened for twenty of Tenerife’s hotels.

Organised by Thomas Cook Holidays, the awards recognise excellence, and it’s judged by actual guests at hotels who share their experience with the company via a Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire.

As well as awarding the best hotels it allows the company to keep on top of which hotels they use are perhaps not performing as well as others, and being able to make sure the hotels in Tenerife they offer are the best in the travel industry.

Some of the hotels that won awards are already well known to tourists, and in Playa de las Americas for example include the Bitacora and the Hotel Sol.

Los Cristianos is another well known resort popular for Tenerife holidays, and winners include the Paradise Park, Arona Gran and the Los Alisios apartments, while the Barcelo Santiago picked up honours from their hotel in Puerto de Santiago.

The Iberostar’s two hotels in Tenerife’s Costa Adeje both were among the winners, along with the Gran, ensuring all the popular areas for tourists from the UK and further afield were well represented and showing that the island is capable of providing great accommodation in different locations and it’s not just the Tenerife weather that attracts tourists.

Thomas Cook Holidays whose clients made the nominations are one of the UK’s best known travel companies, along with First Choice and Thomson.

For those who haven’t been before, the Tenerife weather is often near perfect on the southern half of the island for a holiday, while the northern half offers lush greenery and beautiful vistas. The cities are always full of life, and the glorious view of Mount Tiede, Spain’s highest point, is one many tourists remember from past visits.

For specific areas, Thomas Cook Holidays offer good information on their travel site about each one, but some of the less known areas are:

Icod de los Vinos (just Icod to the locals) is Tenerife’s premier wine-growing region. Daily life in Icod moves at a more relaxed pace than some other places on the island. If you visit Icod, be sure to visit the Dragon Tree that the locals say is thousands of years old. The beautiful Playa San Marcos with its inviting black sand can be found nearby.

La Laguna is a good place to stay if you enjoy art and architecture, and is more suited for adults than family holidays. The Cathedral dates back to 1515, and there are many interesting churches to explore. The city was once the capital of the island and still bears the regal air of an important place.

Los Gigantes is a city at the foot of massive cliffs which bears the same name. The picturesque marina offers boat trips for dolphin and whale watching, while the town has a good choice of bars, restaurants and shops while out and about.

For more information including press releases visit yourtenerife.net

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Fun In The Water

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
Cyprus
Cyprus

Holiday islands often have great attractions for family days out, and with the weather being a draw in itself it’s no surprise perhaps that one of the most popular attractions in recent years has been water parks.

 

Happily for Cyprus she has three of the best in Europe, and with a visit to a water park often being a real hit with children it helps make Cyprus holidays a family event.

 

If you’re visiting for a holiday they are dotted around the map of Cyprus, and they are:

 

 

Fasouri Watermania:

 

When it comes to family fun in Cyprus, Fasouri Watermania Water Park is a popular spot. The rides and attractions are all created to fall into age appropriate categories. Some of the more popular rides are the Cross Over Pools, The Black Hole and Extreme Black Hole Slides and the Kamikazi Slide. Back in 2007, Fasouri Watermania won the World Travel Awards for being the best water park.

 

Waterworld, Ayia Napa:

 

Waterworld Waterpark opened its doors to the public in 1996. It’s a total family experience where fun is ensured. The attractions are based on ancient Greek mythology. One of the attractions, the Aeolos Whirlwind, will take you to the mystical land of Calypso. Visitors will enjoy testing their skills against the Minotaur in the Minotaur’s Labyrinth. This is one of the few water parks in Europe that can boast over 20 awards and certifications.

 

Paphos Aphrodite Water Park:

 

At Paphos, special areas for young children allow parents to enjoy a soak while knowing that their children are safe and having fun. The Family Rafting experience is one for all members of the family. After an exciting trip in a dingy, riders will find themselves deposited into a pool at the end of the ride. Attractions are separated into groups, namely for thrills, for fun and for kids.

 

It’s not often that the weather in Cyprus prevents a visit for a fun filled day or afternoon at these three.

 

Away from Cyprus there’s a couple of other water parks worth mentioning.

 

Aqualand, Costa Adeje, Tenerife:

 

Aqualand is reputed to be the best of all the Aqualand Water Parks to be found in Europe. The park’s dolphin shows at the dolphinarium are spectacular and enjoyed by all. The water park features the following attractions: the Tornado, the Twister and the Kamikaze. The Mini Park with its Pirate Galleon and Castle are designed for children.

 

Aquasur, Gran Canaria:

 

For the brave at heart Aquasur water park is the place. The biggest water park on the island, Aquasur has enough rides and entertainment to hold everyone’s interest during holidays in Gran Canaria. The thrilling Anaconda slide will delight with its spiralling route. Like most water parks, there is also the heart-stopping, but fun-filled Kamikaze ride.

 

All three islands are popular with holidaymakers from across the UK and the European mainland.

 

Cyprus is blessed with in excess of 300 days of sunshine a year and the weather in Cyprus helps draw tourists back year after year.. Visitors have beautiful sandy beaches to choose from, including Fig Tree Bay and Ayia Napa. Aside from the beaches, holidaymakers will still find lots to excite them on the island.

 

A trip to Cyprus is enhanced by visits to the Tomb of the Kings, Kykko Monastery and the Curium Amphitheatre. If possible try to visit to Lefkara, known as the lace village. Here tourists can purchase handmade lace of the finest quality. Golfers are finding Cyprus to be an ideal holiday spot. The island boasts three championship golf courses.

 

There is no doubting Tenerife’s magnetism. An estimated five million tourists have holidays in Tenerife annually. The unique natural environment and lifeforms add to the island’s charm. So special are the island’s flora and fauna, almost 50 percent is legally protected.

 

Gran Canaria also offers much more than sunshine and fantastic beaches. This second largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is known for its diverse landscape and climate. The interesting mix has led to the island being called a miniature continent. Approximately one-third of Gran Canaria has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

 

Information about Cyprus holidays is at http://www.yourcyprus.info and individual experiences of holidays are on social media like stumbleupon

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