Here are the Top Vacation spots in Europe based from the 2007 Review of Designer Way Vacation Club, the Holiday Travel Company chosen by travelers around the world.
It is a tiny principality in the Pyrenees, situated on the border between France and Spain. Andorra is a little paradise, especially for travellers interested in all types of winter sports and tax-free shopping. It is one of the oldest states in Europe and the capital is Andorra la Vella. Andorra consists of 7 small parishes or small villages, each with its own atmosphere and style. Between July and September each year, local festivals take place and are not to be missed Read more…
A Destination to suit all tastes, it is wrongly perceived by many people that the Balearic Islands only represent one kind of tourism, this of the holy trinity of sun, beaches and parties. Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza are well-known islands all over the world which captivate low budget tourists, partygoers, fashionable artists or, multimillionaires and celebrities who navigate in luxurious yachts. It is surprising how the mass tourism has not worsened the rich and ancient Balearic identity. On the contrary, its Gothic churches, prehistoric ruins, centenarian customs or hidden coves remain valuable attractions of these privileged Mediterranean islands. Read more…
BARCELONA, always at the forefront
There are cities in which boredom is impossible, cities shaped by some of history’s revered architects, cities filled with vigour, which claim their place in the world context. Barcelona is one of these. Famous by its strong cultural and artistic heritage, the second largest city in Spain really came to the fore by hosting the sublime and exemplary 1992 Olympic Games. From then on, the big Mediterranean metropolis is still getting dressed up to impress the world. Its last offering is the Forum of the Cultures, a huge event running from May to the end of September with which is showing that the ultra-modern creativity and the cultural diversity are not incompatible, but desirable and enriching. By José Carlos Pozo. Read more…
Unwind on sandy beaches and spend fun-filled days and nights in cosmopolitan resorts that boast of water sports, golf, shopping and lively night life. Or if that is not for you, relax in the tranquil mountain villages, vineyards and orange groves. The Mediterranean Sea laps a sun kissed coastline that stretches from Denia to Alicante, where beaches range from palm-fringe sandy bays to hidden coves backed by rocky outcrops. This summer playground offers you the chance to play golf, tennis, try water sports, take boat trips and scream your way around the thrilling rides at the Terra Mitica theme park. Read more…
If you like beaches or Spanish cities, the Costa Brava is for you. The main resorts here are Lloret de Mar, Santa Susanna and Tossa de Mar. They all offer a wide variety of water sports, international cuisine and bars that visitors have been enjoying for over fifty years. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busier areas you can check out hidden inlets and some of the more rural places. In the more isolated villages you will be truly aware of the local colour. Read more…
Costa del Sol
The Spanish Sun Coast rose to prominence in the 1960s, when the package holiday to the sun was the thing to do. Málaga and Torremolinos were the first to welcome these budding sun seekers, since then the number and quality of resorts and other holiday accommodation has soared. Gone are the days of death-trap hotel lifts and dodgy bellies, the Costa del Sol of the 21st century is a paradise of upmarket developments, thriving towns, modern marinas, extraordinary restaurants, sumptuous hotels, an absolutely sizzling nightlife and, of course, beautiful beaches. Not forgetting to mention the almost infinite number of golf courses, which has led to the region being renamed by some as the Costa del Golf. Read more…
When someone mentions County Kildare you immediately think of two things: horses and eh… horses. The landscape of this county is lush and green, full of open grasslands, bog land, rolling hills and dotted with ancient and mighty trees. So put on some sensible shoes (donkey jacket is optional) and enjoy a ramble in this beautiful county, Kildare. Read more…
A splendid revival, if you are searching for a different destination in the Mediterranean Sea with paradisiacal beaches and islands, old and beautiful cities, reasonable prices and total security, Croatia is a great option. In less than ten years this small Central-European country has changed its situation completely. From being the target of the bombs that devastated villages and cities like the beautiful Dubrovnik during the independence war against the former Yugoslavia, Croatia has turned itself around and has become a Mecca for thousands of European tourists. Read more…
Four seasons of sun, discover a country that draws on Europe, the Middle East and 9000 years of constant invasion. Magnificent castles, ancient vineyards frescoed monasteries overlook citrus orchards and sandy sun soaked intricate Roman mosaic floors. If you overlook the Green Line, Cyprus is two countries for the price of one. There is so much to do and see. The landscape varies between rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky hills and forest covered hills. Read more…
Dublin is the best city in the world! A bold claim but I suppose I am a bit bias considering I was born there. I have been living abroad for the last ten years but I always look forward to getting back to “auld” Dublin. It is the only city in the world where you can walk into a pub and find it to be full of writers and poets… in any other city they would just be called drunks. Not so in Dublin. A ramble around this beautiful city could take you a long week end or forty years, either way you will go back, to be sure. Read more…
Sands of time, Fuerteventura is hard to beat with more than one hundred and fifty beaches and three thousand hours of sunshine a year. This island with its naturally peaceful environment is a haven for visitors looking for something a little bit special.
Fuerteventura enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year. With sunshine and warm temperatures every month of the year you have no excuse for not enjoying the 285 kilometres of coastline. The beaches are low lying and fairly empty and perfect for all sorts of water sports. Or simply take a stroll along the beach with the fresh trade winds in your face. Read more…
Gran Canaria
With its year round spring-like climate, Gran Canaria appeals to a wide range of holidaymakers and golfers alike. The central mountains of the island form a barrier against the north-westerly winds so the southern part of the island tends to have higher temperatures. The north has more rainfall and is, therefore, more fertile which has led to numerous banana plantations. Read more…
Greece lies at the foot of the Balkan Peninsula in the southeast of Europe. The peninsula, which comprises the Greek mainland, is surrounded by about 1,400 islands, of which less than 170 are inhabited. The two biggest islands, Evia and Crete, are not part of any group, whilst the remaining islands are divided into distinct groups, the principals being the Dodecanese, the Cyclades, the Ionian and the Sporades. From Athens to Zakynthos, from the mainland to the numerous rocky outcrops near Turkey, warm and sunny climates are assured. Read more…
Ireland, also known as the Emerald Isle, is a place where anybody can have an unforgettable holiday. The Irish landscape is diverse and deep rooted love of history and culture have left a legacy of monuments, settlements and buildings that will make sure the traveller will have plenty to see and experience. The Irish people are friendly and hospitable and you are guaranteed a warm welcome wherever you go. The weather in Ireland can be a bit unpredictable, but if it does unexpectedly rain, you can ramble into the nearest pub and enjoy a pint of Guinness or two, to be sure. Read more…
Italy
The most recognizable country in Europe, on a map anyway, has something for everyone. The thigh-length boot of the Mediterranean offers la dolce vita to any one of the thousands of travelers who pass through every year. In Italy you can take in the ruins of Ancient Rome, gaze in awe at Renaissance art, ski in the Alps, relax in the tranquility of hillside towns, discover the canals of Venice and visit more beautiful churches than you could ever imagine one country having. And, unsurprisingly, you can indulge yourself in the simpler pleasures of life: enjoying fantastic food and wine in stylish pavement cafes and sumptuous restaurants, fill your wardrobe with designer Italian clothing, or simply while away the hours on the beautiful beaches that form the Italian coastline. Read more…
lanzarote
Despite the scale of tourism in Lanzarote, the tourist presence is a fairly recent development on the island and only became conspicuous in the early ‘80s. Previous to the arrival of mass tourism the island profited from the exporting of local produce such as vegetables, cereals and fruit of different types. Fishing, which still caters for the local and tourist markets, formed an essential part of Lanzarote’s export industry. So it was that Lanzarote, with its beautiful beaches and unique volcanic landscape, found that mass tourism was unavoidable. Read more…
LISBON: Discover a city of contrasts
Few cities in the world could combine so many contradictions in such harmony as the capital of Portugal. Provincial and cosmopolitan, melancholic and happy, decadent and renovated, old and young. So does Lisbon: a postcard of contrasts in permanent struggle with its future. Its next challenge will be in June 2004 when will become the headquarters of the football Eurocup. At that moment it will face against the numerous avalanches of football fans. Read more…
This exhilarating city is a cosmopolitan mix of businessmen, tourists and shoppers. There are endless entertainment opportunities by day and by night. You can shop on Bond Street or Camden Market, check out some opera or a bit of Brit pop, eat in expensive restaurants or have fish and chips; London has everything. It will live up to your expectations and more!!! By Paul Tuthill. Read more…
Pearl of the Atlantic, there are differing opinions as to what is the best way to fill remote islands. Some tend to view pieces of land surrounded by large tracts of water as perfect sites for penal colonies such as Alcatraz, Robben Island, St. Helena and Australia. Others of a more gentle nature build hotels and invite people to sit back and relax in the sub-tropical sunshine and call it paradise… read more…
Malaga City
The most that the vast majority of the Costa del Sol’s visitors see of Malaga is the view from the airplane window as they land, and take off, at the city’s airport. Little do they realize just what they are missing as Malaga is awash with history, culture and modern joie de vivre. The Phoenicians called the town Malaca when they landed over 3,000 years ago, this probably comes from the word ‘malac’ which means ‘to salt’ as the Phoenicians used the harbour as an important fish-salting centre. Read more…
Megaliths, medieval dungeons and Calypso’s cave – Malta is positively mythic. The narrow cobblestone streets of its towns are crowded with Norman cathedrals and Baroque palaces. The countryside is littered with the oldest known human structures in the world. Malta is very good at selling its romantic past of Copper Age temple builders and crusading celibate knights, and it has used this image to crank up a formidable tourism industry. Not that the islands are overrun with high-rise resorts – yet. Read more…
Leave all the hustle and bustle behind and make this tranquil island your home for a little while. Crystal blue waters, peaceful coves with golden sand and a peaceful atmosphere make this a perfect place to holiday. Maybe it is the whitewashed houses, laid-back atmosphere and fantastic seafood restaurants that make Majorca so popular with holidaymakers. Or could it be the excellent water sports and the wide choice of beaches that range from the small sandy cove Cala Blanca to the horse shoe bay at Arenal d’en Castell. There are lots and lots of things to keep you amused. A good idea is to hire a car and explore the prehistoric sites and the traditional villages that are nestled in the gentle countryside. The charming towns of Mahon and Ciutadella are well worth a visit. Read more…
Portugal
Situated alongside Spain on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is the westernmost country in mainland Europe, with the Atlantic Ocean running the length of its southern and eastern coastline. One of Europe’s smallest countries, measuring only 350 miles north to south, the northern and central regions are densely populated. The landscape is characterized by rivers, valleys, dense woodland and mountains. To the south, the country is less populated and, aside from the spectacular mountain scenery of the Algarve, a lot flatter and drier. Read more…
First things first: Prague is a very beautiful city – it looks great! With some six hundred years of architecture virtually untouched by natural disaster or war, few other cities, anywhere in the world, have stood such a test of time. Straddling the winding River Vltava, with a steep wooded hill to one side, the city retains much of its medieval layout and the street facades remain smothered in a rich mantle of Baroque, Rococo and Art Nouveau, all of which successfully escaped the vanities and excesses of post-war redevelopment. Of course, while the Iron Curtain was still in place, westerners seldom visited Prague; since the 1990s, however, all that has changed. Prague is now one of the most popular city break destinations in Europe, and is enjoying the sort of economic boom not seen since the 1920’s. Read more…
TENERIFE
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is a tropical paradise with a wide range of plant life, large, wooded mountains and extensive areas farmed with bananas, tomatoes, potatoes and other agricultural products. Although geographically the islands are part of the African continent, from an historic, economic, political and socio-cultural viewpoint the Canaries are completely European. Read more…
