Tuesday, 10 January 2012

Hurghada - Red Sea Paradise

It's easy to see why the dramatic landscapes of this Red sea resort are so popular with tourists looking for blazing hot sunshine, crystal clear waters and culturally rich Egyptian bazaars. This modern resort offers all manner of superb Egyptian holidays, ranging from cheap deals to the more expensive all inclusive, luxury holidays at the other end of the scale. You'll find that Hurghada is very much a place of contrasts. Ideally placed between the warm waters of the the Red sea Riviera and the barren desert situated outside of the resort, you'll find that exploration and day trips take in both, allowing you to really sample this awesome Red sea resort.

Many people choose Hurghada holidays because of the wealth of boat trips that head out into the Red sea from here. Trips are easy to come by and are offered at very reasonable prices, around 20 Euros for a half day, and your trip is likely to take in many of the best beaches in the area and some fantastic snorkelling spots. For more snorkelling havens try heading south of Hurghada and to Makadi bay where the fish are plentiful and the waters are fantastic for hard coral and all of its inhabitants.

A Jeep safari in the majestic Sahara desert should also be high on your agenda with a holiday to Hurghada. Prices are reasonable and seats in the Jeeps are easy to come by either through your hotel or via one of the many tour operators on the the streets of Hurghada. If you're feeling even more adventurous, why not try something a little more extreme and rent a quad bike! You may also be given the chance to hop aboard a camel if you venture into the desert, and what better way to really appreciate this mystical place than with a trip on the most traditional of all desert plains transport! You'll really discover a passion for the desert with a trip to Hurghada and when leaving you will really come to appreciate the expanse and solitude that this still mysterious place has to offer.



Spread the Word: Share/Submit or Bookmark this Post...
Digg Technorati del.icio.us Stumbleupon Reddit Blinklist Furl Spurl Yahoo Simpy

Thursday, 5 January 2012

Skiathos of the Sporades

At just 12km long and 6km wide Skiathos is one of the smallest islands that lie within the Sporades group making it an excellent choice for those looking for a classic quiet island getaway offering plenty of options for the more discerning holiday-goer. With over 60 beaches dotted around the rugged coastline, Skiathos has plenty of solitude to offer those looking for a little peace and quiet and with its range of primarily family run hotels, you are sure to find your own little piece of paradise on your Skiathos holiday.

 The the main town on the island is the island's namesake, Skiathos, and is the liveliest of all the island's towns. The town itself is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde, with half the town being classically Greek with its white-washed architecture and cobbled, windy streets, whilst the other half of the town is very much a modern Greek town with European influences and an influx of tourist restaurants and exceptional facilities. There are plenty of holiday options to be had here and some excellent cheap deals for those who wish to venture to Skiathos with a little extra spending money. Skiathos town is also a fantastic place to base yourself if you are looking for dive trips whilst on your Skiathos holiday. Quality dive centres such as Dolphin diving centre and Skiathos diving centre are all ready to take out amateurs and experience divers alike for an unforgettable dive amongst abundant Greek sealife. 

For an ultra-chilled Skiathos holiday you should certainly head to Kolios beach. This quaint holiday town is Greek island holidaying at its best. A selection of small tavernas and classical Greek restaurants are dotted around this quintessentailly Greek town and the beach is stunning, with its vast expanse of golden sands and calm, blue waters that are perfect for bathing. 

For something a little different on your Skiathos holiday, head to 'Little Banana beach' which attracts legions of naturists from all over Europe! Obviously you should heed warnings though and only head here if you are looking for that classic, nudist all-over tan!
Little Banana Beach



Spread the Word: Share/Submit or Bookmark this Post...
Digg Technorati del.icio.us Stumbleupon Reddit Blinklist Furl Spurl Yahoo Simpy

Kefalonia - the largest of all Ionian islands

Kefalonia is located off the west coast of Greece and is the largest of the seven Ionian islands. This picturesque island is great for those looking for a peaceful holiday where tourism has yet to really take hold. The strange shape of the island, with its many coastal inlets and coves, has been formed by centuries of battering Ionian waves that have effectively carved the rock like some deranged sculptor! The conditions of the sea and prevalent winds make the area a favourite for those looking for world class sailing, this also means that the island is perfect if you are looking for a Kefalonia holiday that combines all the usual trappings of a luxury all-inclusive holiday with sailing tuition and island exploration.

Perhaps the best place on the island for admiring your surroundings is Myrtos bay. You may recognise this place from almost every travel brochure advertising Kefalonia and it's little wonder this place is so photographed with the bay's white sands and striking bright blue waters. Beware though, as the road leading down to the beach is steep and winding, striking fear into even the boldest of drivers! The bay is also home to much of the setting of the famous Hollywood blockbuster, 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin', which was also filmed in the town of Sami and in the bay of Antisamos. There are plenty of hotels in these areas offering luxurious all inclusive holidays if you're after pure Greek indulgence on your Kefalonia holiday.

The island is also a good spot for exploring the marine life of the Ionian seas. The best boat trips are those exploring the waters at Melissani cave with its deep crystal clear waters and beaming sun that blazes in through the cave opening above your traditional Greek sailboat. You could also go a little further afield and sail to the nearby ancient island of Ithaka. As the home to Odysseus and his epic voyage, the island retains its links to the past and is perfect for those looking for history fused with the Greek love of the sun and relaxation.


If you enjoy all things natural then you may be charmed by Kefalonia's beautiful landscapes and mountainous regions. The highest point of island is Mount Ainos which is 1620 metres high. The view from the top is astonishing on a clear day with many of the surrounding Ionian islands being visible. The area around the park is a wildlife haven and you will spot an abundance of wild goats roaming in the thick forests and Greek firs that make up the fauna of the area. If you enjoy a glass of the finest Greek wine, you could also visit the lush, green vineyards at the wineries of Omala valley, located at the foot of Mount Ainos and a great attraction for the many wine connoisseurs who visit the island for this very reason. 
 Melissani cave 


Spread the Word: Share/Submit or Bookmark this Post...
Digg Technorati del.icio.us Stumbleupon Reddit Blinklist Furl Spurl Yahoo Simpy