What’s really good about going to Skiathos is that you get a real choice of how to spend your getaway. Yes, sun and sand are pretty much a given if you’re travelling in the summer, but aside from that, you can choose between relaxation and exciting activities, lazy days on the beach and lively nights out. So, this really is one of those destinations that has something to offer most travellers – but what is it ... ]]>

Skiathos Town Harbour

Nearly all of us crave sunshine and a spot of indulgence from time to time, and a luxury holiday is the perfect way to get both. With its great weather and abundance of beaches, the Greek island of Skiathos is a particularly good option.

What’s really good about going to Skiathos is that you get a real choice of how to spend your getaway. Yes, sun and sand are pretty much a given if you’re travelling in the summer, but aside from that, you can choose between relaxation and exciting activities, lazy days on the beach and lively nights out. So, this really is one of those destinations that has something to offer most travellers – but what is it that makes it particularly perfect for luxury holidays?

Great beaches and weather

Part of the Sporades group, Skiathos is an island renowned for its beaches. It’s got pretty much every kind you could think of – secluded spots, quiet sun traps and stretches perfect for water sports. As a general rule, the beaches on the island’s south coast are the most popular, and you’ll find these are normally the most crowded, too.

Perhaps the most famous in Skiathos is Koukounaries, which is on the south-western tip of the island. It’s a great destination if you’re into water sports, since it offers almost every type imaginable (you can even hire out boats here), but it’s also great for couples seeking a little romance, primarily because it’s an amazing place to watch the sun set.

If you’re searching for somewhere secluded, however, you won’t do better than Lalaria beach, which is named after the round stones that are dotted all over the sand. You can only reach it by water, and it’s got a pretty impressive backdrop of white cliffs. Be warned though, it can get pretty windy here.

And, being a Greek island, Skiathos has some fantastic weather – the vital accompanying ingredient to good beaches. Pick a holiday here and you’ll be hard-pressed to leave without a tan.

Luxury hotels

Of course, you can’t have a luxury holiday in Skiathos without a decent selection of Greek hotels to choose from. Fortunately, the destination is well known for its lavish establishments, so if you’re keen to pamper yourself, you certainly won’t be left disappointed.

What’s nice about picking a luxurious hotel here is that the island caters for different kinds of holidaymaker. For example, if you’re planning a family holiday, accommodation in the south of the island, like the Skiathos Princess, does a good job of catering for the needs of both adults and children.

If, however, what you’re really craving is a getaway free from the sounds of children shrieking in the pool, there are adults-only establishments too, like the Aegean Suites Hotel in Megali Ammos.

A narrow street and the white brick houses of Skiathos

Varied attractions

While nice beaches, good hotels and a healthy dose of sunshine all go a long way to creating an ideal luxury holiday destination, there really needs to be a good mix of attractions too – and this is where Skiathos comes into its own. It’s mainly known as a beach destination, but the island is also home to some rich heritage, not to mention a pretty decent nightlife.

In terms of the latter, you’ll need to head to Skiathos town to find the bulk of the bars, clubs and restaurants, as this is where most of the nightlife is concentrated. That said, traditional tavernas are dotted all over the island, so if you just want to get an authentic taste of Greece, you can do this in most places.

If it’s heritage you’re after, there are a couple of particularly famous sites. Among them is Kastro, a settlement in the north of the island that dates back to the 16th century. You can follow a walking route here all the way from Skiathos town (but it’ll take a few hours) to see the ruins of old buildings, as well as great views from the cliff-top.

Joe has long been visting the Greek islands, and his happy to have added Skiathos to his list. He’s back in the UK at the moment but is looking forward to his Crete holidays later this year.

In the 12th century, Geoffrey of Monmouth postulated that the site was erected by Merlin with the help of a giant. In the 17th century, an architect argued that Stonehenge was a Roman temple dedicated to the God of the sky, Caelus. Folk tales from the middle-ages held the Devil accountable for the stones.

These theories offer no practical insight into how the heavy stones were moved and placed, however. Modern ... ]]> For Millenia, the massive monoliths of Stonehenge have baffled historians and engineers – both for the purpose and function of the curious formation, and perhaps more so for the sheer incomprehensibility of how, without modern technology, some distant ancestors of ours managed to move and arrange such heavy stones.

In the 12th century, Geoffrey of Monmouth postulated that the site was erected by Merlin with the help of a giant. In the 17th century, an architect argued that Stonehenge was a Roman temple dedicated to the God of the sky, Caelus. Folk tales from the middle-ages held the Devil accountable for the stones.

These theories offer no practical insight into how the heavy stones were moved and placed, however. Modern dating technology places the beginning of construction around 3100 BC – with no written records from the time, historians and engineers have been left to speculate how, and using what technology it’s Bronze age creators managed to construct the baffling monument.

But now, the mystery of Stonehenge’s construction may have been solved, by an aptly named retired construction worker, Wally Wallington, no less. Using simple materials, levers and counterweights, the humble Wally has demonstrated a technique in which he can move one tonne stone block, all on his own. He is now in the process of single-handedly building a full-size replica of Stonehenge on his property in Michigan.

Check out the video from Canadian TV program Daily Planet to find out how Wally was able to crack the Millenia-old secret of Stonehenge:

Sagrada Familia This is the most famous sight of Barcelona. The church is designed by Antoni Gaudi. The construction of the church began in 1882. After 130 years the church still isn´t finished. They think it will be completed around 2027. Gaudi died in 1926, another architect had to take it over. They ... ]]> Barcelona is  known for the artistic works of Gaudi. The most famous work of Gaudi is ´La Sagrada Familia´. At the same time it will probably also be the most famous building in Barcelona. It is the highlight of Barcelona. You can compare it to with Paris and the Eifel tower. Besides this church there are more beautiful churches. The one is more touristic than the other.

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia
This is the most famous sight of Barcelona. The church is designed by Antoni Gaudi. The construction of the church began in 1882. After 130 years the church still isn´t finished. They think it will be completed around 2027. Gaudi died in 1926, another architect had to take it over. They continue the work with the original Idea of Gaudi. When you visit the church you see the differences. The front and back site are different. It is also possible to go inside. You have to pay €15 to get in. You have to be aware of the fact that the church isn´t finished yet. This means that when you are inside there are many things under construction. The church is 170 meters high.
Cathedral de Santa Eulàlia
The cathedral was constructed throughout the 13th to 15th centuries. This masterpiece is known as the Cathedral of Barcelona. This is the only cathedral in Barcelona. The cathedral is dedicated to Eulalia of Barcelona, co-patron saint of Barcelona, a young virgin who, according to Catholic tradition, suffered martyrdom during Roman times in the city. Behind the cathedral there is a garden. A funny fact to known it that there live thirteen geese. When one dies, they immediately place a new goose in the garden, because there always need to be thirteen geese in the garden.  The number thirteen comes from the fact that Eulalia was 13 when she was martyred.
Santa María del Mar
They build it in the 14th century. It took 55 years before it was finished. The church is situated in the ward La Ribera. The name of the church is derived from the many seamen who lived in La Ribera. The stones which are used to build de church are from the Monjuïc. From the outside, Santa Maria gives an impression of massive severity that belies the interior. The interior gives an impression of light and spaciousness. You can visit the church from Monday to Saturday, from 9.00 till 13.30 and 16.00 till 20.00. The entrance is free.
These are the most famous churches. There are also churches where locals come. These churches are not conspicuous because they are located in a normal street. From the outside you can´t see that it is a church. The churches a listed above are beautiful and have a great history. They are located in the centre of the city.
This article was written by Silvie, a travel writer and blogger for apartime.com, providers of Barcelona rentals and properties Barcelona.

Italian cuisine is famous for its simplicity with the emphasis on the quality and flavor of its ingredients making it a popular cuisine throughout the world. We are all familiar with stereotypical Italian dishes of Spaghetti Bolognese or Carbonara and most famously Pizza. However, Italian cuisine is diverse and even the pizza will vary from region to region, this list will provide you with a comprehensive guide of what to expect:

Rome

Rome has become well known for its culinary excellence and its restaurants can boast some of the World’s best chefs. The Mediterranean climate of Rome is influential in favoured ingredients including ... ]]> Italy is a desirable tourist destination for travelers seeking its vast history, architecture, culture and most prominently for its cuisine.

Italian cuisine is famous for its simplicity with the emphasis on the quality and flavor of its ingredients making it a popular cuisine throughout the world. We are all familiar with stereotypical Italian dishes of Spaghetti Bolognese or Carbonara and most famously Pizza. However, Italian cuisine is diverse and even the pizza will vary from region to region, this list will provide you with a comprehensive guide of what to expect:

Rome

Rome has become well known for its culinary excellence and its restaurants can boast some of the World’s best chefs. The Mediterranean climate of Rome is influential in favoured ingredients including globe artichokes and  bell peppers that are used in the typical Roman Jewish cooking found within the city. There are 2 types of pizza to be enjoyed in Rome; ‘Pizza al taglio’ available from the pizza menu in takeaway restaurants is a long, thick pizza cooked in a rectangle and sold by weight. Or you can enjoy a ‘Pizza Romana’ from a pizzeria with a round and softer Neapolitan style base, topped with tomato, mozzarella, anchovies and olive oil.

 Napolitan Margherita pizza

Naples

The city of Naples takes their pizza very seriously; it is traditionally cooked in a wood-burning oven and the ingredients of Neapolitan pizza have even been regulated by law. Since 2004 the recipe must include wheat flour type ’00′ with the addition of flour type ’0′, yeast, natural mineral water, peeled tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes, marine salt and extra virgin olive oil. These guidelines may seem strict but have benefited the city which has been given the name of the ‘home of pizza‘ and is also the home of the ‘Margherita pizza’ which was famously name after Queen Margherita’s visit to the city.

Sicily

Although Sicily is best known for the rich sweet dishes that feature in its cuisine including ice creams and pastries. It is also famous for its regional cheeses that use both cow’s and sheep’s milk, and its love of spices including saffron, nutmeg, cloves, peppers and cinnamon. In Sicily there are many provincial ways to prepare pizza, the biggest differences are more dough and the use of local cheeses and seafood in addition to the common Italian ingredients.

Wherever you choose to visit be sure to always avoid the densely populated tourist areas and try to search for a smaller pizza shop on the outskirts of town instead. This will allow you to find that unique pizzeria that will allow you to sample an authentic taste of Italy.

Guest Post by Danielle Hudson, from Hungry House, the UK’s leading  online takeaway delivery service for indian, pizza and chinese food delivery.

Not surprisingly, the most important and best thing an expat wannabe can do is research. Once you have decided a country and city, the ... ]]>

flickr: kevin dooley

Deciding to move is a big deal. There are few major decisions in life that take up a lot of pondering. These considerations are even more pronounced when they involve relocating to another country on the other side of the world. Whether you are relocating for a job, out of boredom, or spontaneity, a prospective resident has to think about the various opportunities available abroad, a place to live, the prospect of learning a new language, and building new social networks. But, these are all secondary to assimilation and culture shock. Oh, and getting a VISA.

Not surprisingly, the most important and best thing an expat wannabe can do is research. Once you have decided a country and city, the next step is checking out the differences between neighborhoods and what community facilities are available. Canvassing your new landscape is vital. You’ll need to know that a new residence is convenient for commutes and that the monthly rent or mortgage payment is affordable. However, the best real estate agents usually help you out with that. You’ll also need to find out about the local utility companies and banks. You may need to open up new accounts. It’s a good idea to have the utilities turned on a few days in advance, before your move if you can.

flickr: seier+seier

However, probably the most laborious activity is packing. Not only is downsizing mentally draining, but the logistics of transferring your belongings across the planet is complicated, messy, and stressful. What should one put in storage and what should one sell? Will you ever be returning? Most expats find it easier to become minimalists, come over with just a few suitcases. Some make the move with only a large backpack. Moving an entire household into a new house can be costly.

The zeal of exploring a new country, culture, the countryside, big and small is an experience you’ll never want to forget. A liberating and incredibly enhancing hands-on approach to life education, relocating is certainly an adventure.

Below is list of my favorite activities that you must try when visiting the Catalan Capital:

White Water Rafting Prepare to get wet, in this challenging, recreational river race adventure! Rafting has become very ... ]]> The culture and sightseeing in Barcelona is truly fascinating. But if you like variety during your stay in Barcelona, definitely have a look into the water life of Barcelona! Out on the Mediterranean Sea you can have a lot of fun taking part in all kind of water sports/activities that will defiantly create memorable experiences and moments for everyone involved. With over 4 kilometers of beach and plenty of hot sunny days, the city of Barcelona offers an extensive range of water activities for each preference.

Below is list of my favorite activities that you must try when visiting the Catalan Capital:

White Water Rafting
Prepare to get wet, in this challenging, recreational river race adventure!
Rafting has become very popular since the mid-1970s and it is considered an extreme sport and is mainly booked by groups. Feel the adrenalin rush with the water splashing in your face while you battle the elements with your fellow paddlers. The average price will be €50 per person for approximately 2 hours and is located in Lleida, nearby Barcelona.

White Water Rafting

Barcelona Yachting experience
If you are interested in a more relaxing activity, a luxury Yachting experience is a perfect way to see the scenery of the Costa Brava as well as kicking back under the Spanish sunshine. During this activity you will enjoy an extravagant boating experience and explore the fascinating seaside town of Barcelona and neighboring places. This activity is the perfect option for groups of are keen to enjoy the sun, sea and air, but in a relaxed environment.

Wakeboarding, Jet ski and Banana Boat
Do you want to zip trough the waves at a much higher speed and get your blood pumping? Wakeboarding, Jet skiing or surviving on a Banana Boat are perfect choices then. All these short but very exciting activities are ideal for individuals, pairs and groups. As they are often short termed, it might be recommended to combine 2 or 3 of these extremely fun activities. However they are costly and therefore often purchased/rented only once.

Kite surfing
Kite surfing is becoming one of the most popular water sports for adrenaline in Spain right now. Kite surfing involves tearing over the sea waves and the power of the wind is the only need to propel a rider across the water on a small surfboard or a kite board, which is similar to a wakeboard.
It is fast, it is exiting and an unforgettable adventure is guaranteed. The not very strong but constant winds in summer make Barcelona an ideal place for kite surf beginners. Afterwards you can savour the moment in one of the many beach bars and local tapas restaurants.

Kite surfing

Did you become more interested in Barcelona’s water activities, and cannot wait to try one or more of these exciting adventures? Definitely give it a try! All these sport activities and lots more, are ideal for groups of friends or individuals looking for a day of fun in the sea and sun.

This article was written by Sarah, a travel writer and blogger for Apartime.com, providers of vacation apartments Barcelona and Barcelona property for sale.

 Hot Cross Buns

In Britain leading up to Easter the stores and bakeries are stacked full of Hot Cross Buns. The buns are flavored with raisins, cinnamon and have a white cross on the top. Crossed buns used to be eaten by Saxons in honor of goddess who represented the four quarters of the moon, but Protestant Englanders thought it was an attack on the Catholic faith and ... ]]> Many of us think only about Chocolate during Easter. The lure of shinny eggs and smiley Easter bunnies is simply too hard to say no to. But in some European countries, chocolate isn’t the vocal point; there are bigger and better things to be consumed!

 Hot Cross Buns

In Britain leading up to Easter the stores and bakeries are stacked full of Hot Cross Buns. The buns are flavored with raisins, cinnamon and have a white cross on the top. Crossed buns used to be eaten by Saxons in honor of goddess who represented the four quarters of the moon, but Protestant Englanders thought it was an attack on the Catholic faith and tried to permanently ban the buns! But they semi- failed, making Hot Cross buns only available at Easter.

Orthodox Greeks in Cyprus bite into delicious cheese pastries on Easter Sunday as a celebration of the end of lent. Flaouna are generally made on Good Friday in preparation for Sunday and can be filled with up to four different cheeses!

 Tsoureki

Tsoureki, a sweet, egg heavy bread is eaten in many Eastern European countries over the Easter break. It is normally baked in a plait pattern making it easy to tear apart and is served with Easter eggs dyed blood red to represent Christ’s blood.

Denmark and Iceland share the same mouthwatering Easter treat, a Fastelavnsbolle. It is a light puff pastry, filled with whipped cream and a dollop of jam on top. The Fastelavnsbolle is so popular that in Iceland, Shove Monday is called bolludagur after it.

If you aren’t in any of these countries over Easter, you can attempt the recipes yourselves! Best of luck to you!

Berlin

The city has been transformed, and is now one of Europe’s capitals of fun. If you’re looking for nightlife in Berlin, head towards Savignyplatz in Charlottenburg, or the Mitte district. Around Alexanderplatz, in the heart of the city, there are dozens of venues to suit all ... ]]> In Europe’s major cities, evenings and nights are always full of fun. Anyone who, for business or pleasure, chooses a hotel in Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Barcelona or Milan, knows there’s a party to be had, from Happy Hour until early in the morning. The following is a short guide to help you enjoy your time in some European cities, where you can find bars, pubs and discos.

Berlin

The city has been transformed, and is now one of Europe’s capitals of fun. If you’re looking for nightlife in Berlin, head towards Savignyplatz in Charlottenburg, or the Mitte district. Around Alexanderplatz, in the heart of the city, there are dozens of venues to suit all tastes. Among the most famous clubs in Berlin: Tresor, where the best DJs usually perform, and King Kong Klub, where you can drink cocktails and listen to good music in a retro atmosphere.

Some pre-party drinks at a bar in Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is famous for its red-light district, but for those not interested in this kind of entertainment, Amsterdam’s nightlife is concentrated in De Pijp district, also known as the ‘Latin Quarter.’ One of the most fashionable venues in Amsterdam is definitely Club Air, on Amstelstraat, near Rembrandtplein, which has lots of different music genres, depending on the dance floor and the day, from electro house to techno music.

Paris

Along the Champs Elysées, an area which only seems quiet in the evenings, there are lots of discos and clubs, but tourists tend to prefer the areas of Montparnasse and Saint-Germain. Here you’ll find the city’s historic, more refined clubs. For a wilder night, head towards the Bastille, which hosts plenty of discotheques; one of these is Barrio Latino, a multi-story club with long opening hours. Other famous venues in Paris are Buddha Bar, in Rue Boissy d’Anglas, and Sunset & Sunside Jazz Club, a historic club hosting jazz concerts located on Rue des Lombards.

London

If you want to drink the most expensive cocktail in the world, around 50 000 Euros, go to Movida on Argyll Street. Among the ingredients: Louis XII cognac, Cristal Rose champagne, 24-carat gold leaves (edible) and a small diamond (not edible) sitting at the bottom of the glass. Otherwise, take your wallet towards SoHo and Notting Hill. You can listen to good music at many ethnic restaurants in London, which are concentrated on Brick Lane, around Tower Hamlets, and Islington. In the City, one of the most trendy venues is Fabric, where you can also have excellent sushi.

Barcelona

The most famous area for fun in Barcelona is definitely the Gotic Quarter, with dozens of bars, restaurants and pubs. For those looking for trendy clubs in Barcelona, the best areas are between Calle Balmes and Carrer Casanova, which have classier venues, that are a bit expensive. For cheaper fun, the ideal place is the Sants district, in the west area of the city. Among the top venues in Barcelona: Sidecar Factory Club, in Plaça Reial, where you can dance to the rhythm of classic 70’s and 80’s rock music; Pacha, for house music; and the intriguing Bosc de les Fades, which has something of a fairytale atmosphere.

Some live music in Milan

Milan

The European capital of fashion offers endless opportunities for fun. The most famous area for nightlife in Milan is the Navigli area, in the south of the city, between Naviglio Pavese and Ripa di Porta Ticinese. The hot spots on the Navigli canals include Le Scimmie, with  live music; Cox 18, very alternative; and Puerto Alegre, with a Central and South American atmosphere. Two other areas in Milan where you can find clubs, pubs and nightclubs, are Porta Garibaldi station and Corso Como. These nightclubs are popular with footballers and models, such as Hollywood, Shocking Club and Tocqueville 13.

When to Visit?

The most popular time to visit is springtime, but this, naturally, means the city is its busiest, with hordes of visitors competing to take in its beauty. If you’re on a budget, you’ll be best advised to come in Autumn or Winter – the weather might not be as pleasant, but Paris retains of its charm. For giving up nice sunny ... ]]> Paris, the capital of France lies in the north of the country on the river Seine and enjoys the reputation of being one of the most romantic cities on the globe. The city has a lot to offer, so here are some quick tips for a first time traveler.

When to Visit?

The most popular time to visit is springtime, but this, naturally, means the city is its busiest, with hordes of visitors competing to take in its beauty. If you’re on a budget, you’ll be best advised to come in Autumn or Winter – the weather might not be as pleasant, but Paris retains of its charm. For giving up nice sunny weather, you get a slightly cheaper holiday and less competition from other tourists.

Where to Stay?

Finding a hotel in Paris is as easy as looking for a London hotel if you’ve been there before. The hotels are spread all across the city and it ultimately boils down to budget. If money is no object there are the usual luxury chains – Marriot, Hilton, Hyatt – but you might also like to try one of the many design hotels, such as Bel-Ami in Saint Germaine. If you’re on a budget you’ll be advised to aim for a little bit away from the city center and major districts, and be sure to stay within walking distance of a metro stop.

What Not to Miss?

A visit to Paris could be well spent simply ambling along its cobblestone streets and reading in cafes, but you probably want to see a bit more if you’ve come all the way. If you want see what all the fuss is about, you can’t miss:

• The Eiffel Tower: the world’s most visited monument – interesting fact, a con artist in the early 20th Century managed to sell the tower, twice, to two unlucky victims.
• The Louvre: one of the world’s most famous art galleries.
• Centre Pompidou:  a creatively designed building housing a host of the arts, including exhibitions, concerts and cinemas. This is a great destination for foodies too as the complex offers attractive eateries.

The famous Louvre pyramid

Where to Eat?

Paris takes gastronomy seriously. Parisians don’t go for heavy breakfasts, so skip your fry-up and grab a croissant with a cup of coffee.  You can make up for it at lunch with Croque Monsieur or Escargots in a bistro. Crepes are one of the most common French fast foods, and make a great afternoon snack – sweet or savory.

Where to Shop?

The city offers interesting destinations for discount hunters, window shoppers, fashion victims and designer divas. Shopaholics have a lot to explore as they visit Paris for the first time. There are flea markets, outdoor markets, malls and much more to browse through. If you’re short of time and want to get a bit of everything, head to Galeries Lafayette’s flagship store at Rue de la Chaussée d’Antin – the building itself is breathtaking, and the shopping world class.

If you want to spend your next vacations on Lanzarote, this website is a good possibility for you to get informed before. Here you can have a view at different kind of photos of the unique landscapes and you can get a lot of interesting and helpful information about the isle.

Isle of Lanzarote webpage is informing about hotels on Lanzarote, holiday cottages, apartments and other kinds of holiday residences on the isle. On Lanzarote you find apartments and hotels near the coast side, near to attractive beaches or in the middle of ... ]]> Isle of Lanzarote is a very informative and innovative webpage, where you can find nearly every kind of information about the volcanic island of Lanzarote.

If you want to spend your next vacations on Lanzarote, this website is a good possibility for you to get informed before. Here you can have a view at different kind of photos of the unique landscapes and you can get a lot of interesting and helpful information about the isle.

Isle of Lanzarote webpage is informing about hotels on Lanzarote, holiday cottages, apartments and other kinds of holiday residences on the isle. On Lanzarote you find apartments and hotels near the coast side, near to attractive beaches or in the middle of a quiet and peaceful landscape far away from mass tourism.

El Golfo

One of the most interesting places on the isle of Lanzarote is the capital Arrecife, here you find lots of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and nightlife. Other places of touristic interests are Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca. Near to Puerto del Carmen you can find the wonderful beaches of Playa Papagayo, which is a real adventure. Other sights you shall visit in your holiday on Lanzarote are the volcanic tunnel system Cueva de Los Verdes, Jameos de Agua and the national nature park Parque Nacional Timanfaya, called as well the fire mountains. Here you can enjoy real volcanic landscape and a special landscape hard to find in other places.

On the webpage of isle of Lanzarote as well you can get information about rental cars, excursions, sights, gastronomy, sports and culture.

The webpage of isle of Lanzarote has got as well a nice blog, where you can read entertaining stories, reports about sights, restaurants and different kinds of holiday experiences on the isle of Lanzarote.

As you see the webpage isle of Lanzarote is offering a lot of helpful and interesting information all about the wonderful isle of Lanzarote, where you could spend a nice and exciting holiday.