If you wish to get there, you can take a boat from Hvar that is availed by none other than Villa Meneghello and you can reach the resort on the island.

Pakleni islands, Croatia by Rui Ornelas

What to do in the Palmižana resort

You can visit beautiful botanical gardens of the island. There are wonderful exotic plants like agaves, laurels, eucalyptus, opuntia cactus, succulents and cacti, olives, mimosas and many other aromatic plants as well as herbs. You can also check out rosemary on each and every slope. This is why the island is also known as Island of Rosemary.

There is a tourist complex on the island that facilitates a lot of group activities and workshops like diving, jewelry, art as well as undersea photo safari etc. The place is ideal for people of all age groups and preferred by honeymooners too.

If you wish to check out antique stuff or shipwrecks or amphorae collection, you can check out the same at Meneghello family. The island also offers treasures like undersea landscape, corals as well as fishes. You can enjoy the shades of old pines or views from terraces of bungalows and restaurants etc. There is also a marina with the capacity of approximately 200 boats.

You can indulge in sailing, wind surfing too. The weather conditions are favorable and all you need is just go for it. If you think these sports are not for you, then try shopping, bars or restaurants.

You can take your children along as there is no automobile on the island except bicycles and of course, boats. Have fun with them and share activities. You cannot miss it.

The post Palmižana – holiday and honeymoon resort on the Island of Rosemary appeared first on Europe Explored.

Emilia-Romagna is in the Northern Italy, placed between Lombardy and Tuscany and one of its boundaries is the Adriatic Sea. This Italian region is one of the most developed regions of Italy from different points of view such as economic, cultural, gastronomic and touristic. It’s in Emilia-Romagna where famous Italian brands such as Barilla, Maserati, Ferrari or Ducati have their headquarters. It’s in this region where Parmigiano is produced and wine such as San Giovese is created to enjoy every dinner. Moreover Emilia-Romagna is the region where the playful Riviera Romagnola is.

Riviera Romagnola (Rimini), Emilia-Romagna, Italy by

This coast is well known by Italian people for their weekend outdoors and as the perfect place to go if they want to have some fun. In fact here you can find many different coast cities one next to each other where the most famous are Rimini, Riccione, Bellaria-Igea Marina and Misano Adriatico. These cities offer a wide range of golden beaches, restaurants with typical dishes, events, good hotels and a lot of different options to live a wonderful holiday at every age following your passions.

Most of young people find in Riviera Romagnola the perfect place to take a holiday breakaway with sunbathing, nightlife in the most beautiful discotheques of Italy and a lot of live concerts for free in café or in public square. Sportive travelers can find the perfect place to visit the famous Imola and Misano circuits where celebrities such as Valentino Rossi trained and raced with their motorbikes. If they are not keen on motors they can benefit of wonderful bike itineraries to discover the green and characteristic backcountry and take the best photographs of Italy. Families can find in Riviera Romagnola a lot of services also on the beach to make the kids have fun in a safe place and parents have some relaxing hours in wellness centers or at the seaside.

Oltremare in Riccione (theme park and dolphins arena), Italy by ItaliaABC

On the other side all the Italian food lovers can taste the best of Italian dishes such as Piadina, tortellini, lasagna and tagliatelle made by traditional Sfogline (women who prepare pasta in the most traditional and Emilian way). Never forget that great Italian chef started their career here in Romagna to learn how to do great pasta just from flour and water.

Plan your holiday in Riviera Romagnola it’s also really convenient: this region is well known by Italians for the great hospitality that people have and all the hotels have a certain look and feel that makes you always feel like you’re in a top venue but paying a smart price. For this reason, if you plan your vacation in Riviera you can also screen some three stars hotels because most of them have a good mix of services for all the family, a private access to the beach and a staff that can speak English, French and German without problem and make you feel like you’re home. People here also have the tradition to make you discover the best corners of their cities and the history of it helping you to plan a daily itinerary based on your needs and hobbies.

Talking about the cost of fun you will also discover that Riviera Romagnola is cheaper than other Italian cities because here the cultural nightlife is something that hosts sometimes include in holiday packages or take in consideration seriously. In fact in July all the Riviera Romagnola cities every year organize a big event called Notte Rosa (Pink night) that take place simultaneously on a weekend. It’s a big party where all the “guests” wear a pink accessory to be part of it and celebrate all night long attending free concerts in every corner of the cities and have fun in all the shops, café of the coast and watching fireworks.

Beach games Bellaria-Igea Marina by Albino Di Lieto

In wintertime Riviera Romagnola is particularly warm and can offer a lot of good places to taste great Italian food, museum to visit and many other activities to play sport or have a cultural trip.

If you take a trip to Riviera Romagnola or Emilia-Romagna you will come back with great memories and the feeling you discovered an old friend you can’t wait to see again.

Bio
Valentina is an Italian weekend traveler who enjoys low cost trip all around Europe and take street photography of unique places. Recently she traveled to London in UK and Igea Marina in Italy.

The post Emilia Romagna and Riviera Romagnola: the warm heart of Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

St. Ives, Cornwall, England, UK by waterborough

1. Clodgy Point Beach

This scenic beach is just a short walk down the coast from Porthmeor Beach, which does not allow dogs. At Clodgy Point Beach, however, dogs of all sizes are welcome throughout the year. In fact, they are allowed to explore the area on their own, and well-behaved dogs can go off their leads as long as owners are paying attention. Although Clodgy Point Beach is sometimes covered in pebbles, sand is exposed at low tide, which turns the beach into a perfect picnic spot by the cool water. There are occasionally surfers there, but most visitors are those looking for peace, quiet and seclusion away from the crowds.

2. Lambeth Walk Beach

This lovely dog-friendly beach is situated perfectly between Harbour Beach and Porthminster Beach, but it has none of the same regulations when it comes to pets. Dogs are a common sight at Lambeth Walk, and owners can enjoy the sandy shoreline, the lovely sunshine and the refreshing water during the summer or the winter.

3. Porthkidney Sands

You may have noticed by now that many of the dog-friendly beaches in St. Ives are small or only accessible at low tide, but Porthkidney Sands is one very big exception. The beach itself is more than one mile long, and it is incredibly wide. The sand is clean and white, and you can swim in the sea or hike over to the nearby dunes. If you have a dog who wants to get off their lead, run along the water and not feel restricted, this spacious and beautiful beach is the perfect spot.

4. Bamaluz Beach

This charming spot in St. Ives is sometimes called Secret Beach as it only appears during low tide. In the middle of the day, it gets lots of sunshine and is free from crowds. Bamaluz Beach is only accessible by foot via a set of steps next to the St Ives Museum. The area is perfect for dogs to roam on or off their leads throughout the year.

5. Hor Point Beach

Since reaching Hor Point Beach requires a longer walk along the coast from St. Ives, it is often deserted. This is perfect for pet owners who want seclusion and space for their dogs to explore the area. Hor Point can be rocky at times, but there is ample sand during all tides.

Keep in mind that many of the larger beaches in St. Ives are also dog-friendly during certain parts of the year. From November through Easter, dogs are typically welcome at most beaches in the area.

Abi lives in Cornwall. When she is not working, Abi can be found walking her two Labrador dogs along some of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches or enjoying her stay in pet friendly cottages, The Cottage Boutique.

The post 5 Dog Friendly Beaches In And Around St. Ives, Cornwall appeared first on Europe Explored.

St Anton, Austria

This is a fantastic resort that’s situated in the Arlberg and also between a range of different towns and villages in Western Austria. The area is snow secure and a actually the home of the modern snow slalom – it was invented here.

St Anton, Austria by Nick

Verbier, Switzerland

Situated just on the border between south west Austria and Italy’s northern border, this is a luxury ski resort with access to the Four Valleys lifting system. This means that it’s large and efficient and is as ideal for those looking to party as for families. This can be best seen from the mixture of Prada laden skiers performing side by side with silver taped skiers. So, whether you’re looking for luxury and the best of the best, or just a decent apartment at a good going rate, there’s plenty of choice. It’s also a great place for night’s out and is busy throughout the season.

Davos, Switzerland

This town is surrounded by a number of lifts and these allow access to a range of areas. Davos is also the highest town on the continent. Parsenn and Jakobshorn are the most well-known and also incorporate the most kinds of skiers. Slopes themselves are quite moderate, though there are some more challenging areas too. The area is served by a free transport service and the town itself provides a nice mixture of skiing, shopping and also cuisine.

Le Grand Massif, France

Those looking for a great value trip that is free of many of the pretensions of the typical big French resort will be happy to come across Le Grand Massif. The area is around an hour from Geneva airport and situated near Samoen and Morillon. The area offers an extensive range that most skiers will find the sort of area for them. The area is also beautiful during the summer time and offers amazing lakes, waterfalls and hikes throughout.

In addition, the towns of Samoen and Morillon offer working places where people live and are fully functioning all year round – something a lot of ski towns can’t claim. This means there are all sorts of shops, markets, entertainment and things going on throughout the four seasons. If you’re looking for a luxury ski chalet France for less, this is the place to go.

Le Grand Massif, France by Richard Allaway

Chamonix, France

The love/hate relationship people have with Chamonix is foretold aplenty. The area offers some of the world’s best skiing conditions, however it’s also extremely busy and too much room is not generally something people complain about. It’s a good place for people who like off-piste.

These are just some of the best Alps ski resorts on offer but some of our favourites. Where do you find offers more?

By Cormac Reynolds

Cormac Reynolds writes a range of articles for travel and tourism websites. He loves travel, food, sport and trekking too.

The post 5 Of The Best Resorts In The Alps appeared first on Europe Explored.

Oia, Santorini, Greece by BluEyedA73

Head to Santorini for the first part of your trip, and search out some of the beautiful beaches to relax on. Santorini is known as one of the more glamorous Greek islands, and it is indeed extremely pretty – find the black volcanic beaches at Kamari for picturesque coastal towns and unusual ruins, or the famous Red Beach near Akrotiri if you’re looking for a photogenic place to sun worship for a few hours. If you’re visiting in the summer, and indulging in some sunbathing, a word of advice: pay for a sunbed. The black sand gets extremely hot! As with most tourist beaches, there is no shortage of ‘Looky Looky’ men and women plying their wares, but a polite “No thanks” is usually sufficient if you’re not interested in their goodies.

For a real feel of the island, Akrotiri is where you’ll find remnants of an ancient culture that survived only because of advanced architectural techniques. The island was decimated by a volcanic eruption of the same ferocity as Pompeii around 3,500 years ago, but there are fascinating remains and some amazing art and pottery still in existence that show how sophisticated the island was even back then.

Goulas (medieval castle) of Akrotiri, Santorini, Greece by Klearchos Kapoutsis

If you’re visiting Perissa, the food and hospitality at the Magic Bus is highly recommended. At the end of Perissa beach, the bar/restaurant is famous for its friendly staff, gorgeous décor and delicious food.

The main city, Fira, looks exactly like a Greek island should look – fantastic sea views, beautiful, pristine whitewashed buildings, and for archaeology enthusiasts there’s the Museum of Prehistoric Thera which is full of fascinating Minoan artefacts. There is no shortage of shops and cafes to explore at your leisure, and Fira is best explored at a leisurely pace in the afternoon, while avoiding the daily influx of cruise ship visitors. For one of the best views on the island, try the Palia Kameni Cocktail Bar, which is situated on the Caldera next to Archipelagos Restaurant.

Fira sunset, Greece by hozinja

There is a plethora of nice places to stay in Santorini. In Perissa the Zorzis Hotel is a favourite, rated highly for its friendly owners and winner of a Traveller’s Choice award for service from Trip Advisor in 2013. The Enigma apartments in Fira are also highly rated, and boast lovely accommodation in a fantastic central location.

Once you’ve chilled out and enjoyed the delicious calm of Santorini, you can hop over to Mykonos to liven things up a little. The ferries run twice-weekly and cost around €14 for a six hour trip, or you can take the fast boat, which runs daily; it costs €28 and allows you to shave up to three hours off your travelling time. Ready-made tours are also on offer from tour operators.

Mykonos, Greece by Ion Androutsopoulos / License: Creative Commons

Mykonos’ reputation as a gay party island has faded in recent years, possibly due to a concerted effort by the island’s tourism department to reposition Mykonos as a family destination. That said, the island, and especially its nightlife, is still lively and gay-friendly.

The atmosphere of Mykonos is glamorous and ever-so slightly Bohemian. You might find the beaches eerily empty before midday due to many of the island’s visitors sleeping off the night before, so if you’re an early bird, you have the perfect opportunity to bag a decent space on the sand before lunch.

There’s plenty to see in Hóra, including the pretty Matoyianni Street and two museums, Maritime and Folklore, although the Folklore museum’s opening times can be hit and miss. Little Venice is another picturesque spot, which looks as it sounds and is the ideal place to wander with your camera on a balmy day. The water’s edge restaurants and bars are gorgeous, but be prepared to part with a fair number of your Euros if you eat at any of them. However, the amazing sunsets are worth every penny.

Elias Beach on Mykonos, Greece by Squirmy2000

For slightly less expensive eating options, you could try M-eating in the town centre for contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, or Karavaki Restaurant at Agios Eleftherios, which boasts some spectacular views of the Aegean Sea and fantastic Greek food.

For retail therapy, you’ll find a lovely selection of fashion and jewellery, as well as the ubiquitous tourist shops. Like Santorini, though, Mykonos is a haven for cruise ships and Hóra can become extremely busy between 10am and 5pm.

The Carbonaki Hotel is highly recommended for its family feel and well-developed eco-policies, but it’s also clean, well-placed and very comfortable.

The nightlife of Mykonos deserves a special mention – Paradise Beach is the island’s main party beach, and is also great for water sports during the day. Little Venice, while pricey, is a popular place to start off an evening’s entertainment, and then if you’re up for a night of clubbing, you can expect to find a lively atmosphere at Cavo Paradiso (close to Paradise Beach) or Space in Hóra. For a more laid back evening’s entertainment, there’s also the Piano Bar in Little Venice.

Little Venice, Mykonos, Greece by Zitumassin

For a more gay-centric night out, the drag acts at Pierros are legendary. Lola Bar near Little Venice is a chic bar complete with rather plush furniture, and down on the harbour front you’ll find Jacky O and Babylon, both great party venues, with Jacky O having a reputation as being quite ‘hands-on’.  There’s also an annual gay festival, XLsior in Santorini and also Mykonos in August, which takes place around the indoor bars and beach venues and features top international DJs, cabaret and more!

Island-hopping between Santorini and Mykonos is the perfect combination of lively and laid back, and promises a holiday that offers culture, scenery and a fabulous selection of cocktails on the beach…

Written by Katharina Kraetzer, a blogger who loves to travel in Europe. This summer she will visit Italy and Slovenia.

The post Spotlight On Mykonos And Santorini | Greece appeared first on Europe Explored.

Villa accommodation varies depending upon your requirements. Villas range in size; from those adequate for a couple, up to large complex villas that can sleep as many as 20 there is something for everybody. Villa holidays in Mallorca which cater for such large groups are normally set in their own garden/grounds and have their own swimming pool.

Areas in Mallorca

You can rent villas in the middle of the bustling city of Palma de Mallorca. Such apartments are often rooftop villas and they offer stunning views across the city and down into the port of Palma and into the turquoise beyond. Such villas are ideal for some city break living that you might not normally associate with an Mallorca holiday.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain by SBA73

Port-side and coastal villas at Palma city can include a pool and grounds complex. Here you can enjoy all the benefits of city living whilst also having access to the beach and beautiful Mediterranean waters.

Other areas on the island that are popular for villas are; Alcudia, Cala Dor, Magaluf, Puerto Pollensa, and below we will explore Alcudia and Magaluf in more detail:

Villa holidays in Mallorca – Alcudia

Alcudia offers an array of stunning holiday apartments ranging from budget accommodation to top-of-the-range luxury. Terraces, swimming pools, coastline views are all available in this beautiful region. This is one of the many reasons why it is one of the most popular destinations for villa holidays.

The streets of Alcudia town, Mallorca, Spain by Karl Baron

Villa holidays in Mallorca – Magaluf

Perhaps the most famous holiday destination on Mallorca among the Brits is Magaluf. Probably not a place for those with a young family or for retirees – Magaluf delivers the ultimate party experience on a budget. Villas here are available in large 20 birth complexes, centred around swimming pools. There is easy access to both the beach and the main town where the famous strip of bars and clubs can be found. Again, Magaluf is not for the faint-hearted and if you are looking for a cultured holiday then another region of the island is probably best for you!

Magaluf beach, Mallorca, Spain by Hullernuc

The island of Mallorca really does offer a perfect holiday experience, whatever your preference. For 22 million visitors a year, the island needs accommodate to meet a variety of interests and tastes. Even for the history enthusiast there is more than a holiday’s worth of experiences, which is why many people return time and time again. The island has been conquered and re-conquered constantly for the last two thousand years by nearly all the civilizations in the Mediterranean – causing for an eclectic mix of history – making the city of Palma de Mallorca such an interesting experience, alongside its modern designer labels of Gucci, Prada and the successful La Liga team – Real Mallorca!a

After working as a content writer in the travel industry for many years, Kristian regularly frequents Mallorca and therefore, understands a lot about villas to rent in Mallorca.

The post What You Need To Know About Villa Holidays In Mallorca appeared first on Europe Explored.

• Most significant national park in 8 of Croatia’s.
• One of 5 fascinating waterfalls in the world.
• First natural place as part of UNESCO World Heritage

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia by 29cm

There are approximately 200 beautiful waterfalls in this national park that spreads to some 200 km sq area. What’s more are about twenty lakes that add the magnificence and breathtaking views of this park.

Things to do

If you are planning to travel to Croatia, then you should definitely spend a day or two at Plitvice Lakes National Park. Here is a list of what to do:
A shuttle bus called Panoramic Train follows a specific route that you can take up. Simply walk through the beautiful wooden paths above water. If you wish to trek, then mountains offer wondrous lakes views. You can take up a climb. Once you decide to end it, hop into the bus and you can easily reach back to the entrance.
Otherwise, if you wish to, you can ride a boat. Smaller boats are available for rent and larger boats take travelers on pleasure ride. However, no other water activity or swimming is allowed in the park.

Wooden paths in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia by Jimmy Harris

Accommodation

You can rent apartment in villages that are situated closer to the national park. These places are designed to make sure your stay is pleasurable and comfortable too. If not, you can check out hotel accommodation and pre-book accordingly. Do plan to stay for at least a day and a night minimum.

Food

Local restaurants located in closer by villages offer wonderful Croatian delicacies. If you want to eat in the park, Licka Kuca is there in the park itself where you can enjoy traditional Lika food.

Boat in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia by ornello_pics

Flora and fauna

Some wildlife worth checking includes rare bird species, deer, boars, wolves and bears.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is open all year round, from 7:00 to 20:00 in summer, or from 8:00 to 16:00 in winter, when you can see the lakes covered by ice and snow. The basic admission for adults is 80Kn (€10) in winter and 110Kn (€15) in summer. For further information you can visit https://en.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/

The post Plitvice Lakes – largest and most popular national park in Croatia appeared first on Europe Explored.

Corfu, Greece by Michael Gleave

Mon Repos

Until 1967, this beautiful villa was used as the summer residence of the Greek Royal family. In its time it has seen many royal births from Princess Alexia of Greece and Denmark, to most notably Prince Phillip, husband of the Queen of England. Although it lay derelict after the monarchy ended it was restored in the early 1990s and now contains an archaeological museum. However while exploring the ancient artefacts associated with Corfu can be enthralling, it’s the glimpse into how the other half live that makes this place a true highlight. Look out for the secret beach and the beautifully manicured gardens.

Albania

Just two miles away from Corfu, Albania is a whole other country just waiting to be explored. You can catch the ferry from Corfu Town and surprise your friends and family by sending them a postcard from the former communist state. The boat docks in the pretty seaside resort of Saranda, where you can enjoy a traditional lunch before moving onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. The former Roman town has many remains from a classic amphitheatre to a pharmacy and temple.

Glacial lake, Valbona National Park, Albania by Les Haines

Sidari Water Park Fun Park

Kids take to water parks like ducks to, well, water! In fact if you’re bringing the little ones along we’re prepared to bet good money that it will be their holiday highlight. The slides are free if you choose to stay in the Water Park Hotel; otherwise a small entrance fee will cover your time here. Whizzing down the flumes in to an ice cool pool is one way to stay hydrated on your holidays. The park also contains a children’s play area and table football and hockey games for those that want to stay above water.

Sampling Sofrito

Greece is famous for its food and Corfu has some of the best. While staying on the island be sure to check out the classic dish of sofrito. Some claim that this dish was influenced by the Venetian settlers who first arrived on the island – although the dish which consists of beef cooked in wine with garlic and parsley is too many people’s minds classically Greek. Try it home-cooked in a traditional tavern.

Mouse Island, Corfu, Greece by Christine und Hagen Graf

Mouse Island

This trademark of Corfu was supposedly formed when the ship that had taken Odysseus back to Ithaca was turned to stone by Poseidon. Whether you believe the myth or not, the legend makes it one of the most magical places to visit. More recently the island was a location for the James Bond movie, For Your Eyes Only. However the island can get crowded particularly during the summer months and is best viewed from the nearby Royal Hotel with a glass of Ouzo in hand. Shaken not stirred.

Emily Collins often travels to Greece and she recommends booking packages with Purple Travel.

The post Five Memorable Experiences In Corfu appeared first on Europe Explored.

Tavira – Ponte romana, Portugal by Rui Ornelas

The Best Time to Visit Tavira

Summer season, when temperatures are highest, is the best time to visit the Island. The best months are therefore July and August. During this season, the daytime sky is always clear blue due to high temperatures and more hours of sunshine. The Tavira weather is generally good throughout the year.

Weather in Tavira

Temperatures are lowest in January and highest in July. Summer temperatures may go as high as 30˚C with sunshine throughout the 12 hours of the day. In winter, spring and autumn seasons, temperatures are always above 15˚C and sunshine hours are reduced to six. Generally, Tavira weather is a typical one from January to December.

Ria de Tavira, Tavira, Portugal by F Mira

Taxi Fares

Traveling may involve hiring a car or taxi for people staying away from the city centre. If you are interested in seeing Tavira’s tourist spots and multiple beaches, hiring a car is your best option. The taxi may cost as high as $45 from the outskirts of the city to the Island. It costs around $20 for adults and $5 for children. There is also an ample packing in the Praia Verde and Manta Rota, a few kilometers away from the Island.

Best Places to Stay

Most of the best hotels are far from the city and people have to know in advance the best locations to stay and those which suit their needs. Some hotels are situated in places with easy beach access perfect for beach holidays and are also near the city centre. These include the Pousada Convento da Graca, Vila Gale Tavira and Hotel Porta Nova in the Tavira city.  Other top hotel choices but may take a while reaching the city are Vila Gale Albacora, Pedras D’EI Rei in Santa Luzia and Pedras da Rainha in Cabanas de Tavira. For economy travelers, there are also lots of guest houses, private apartments and camping facilities in the Island.

Hotel Rates

Hotel prices range between $160 and $260 for hotels such as Pedras Raihha Holiday village, Vila Gale Tavira, Vila Gale Albacora and Golden Clude Cabanas. These prices do not include $12 for fees and taxes, and are available for one room and double occupancy partners.

Tavira Beaches

Tavira has some of the most pristine, secluded yet very inviting beaches in the world. Listed below are four of the top tourist choices for beach holidays.

Praia da Terra Estreita (the Narrow Land Beach)

This beach is 50 m in width and found to the East of Praia do Barril, on narrow part of the Tavira Island. It’s also called Praia de Santa Luzia, a village where boats are set off towards the island. Tourists enjoy a warm seawater swim and admire sea daffodils flowers.

Praia da Terra Estreita, Tavira, Portugal by Rafael Tovar

Praia de Cabanas

Found on a strip of land that is narrow and long to the East of the island and river estuary, Praia de Cabanas  is located in the Cabanas village, a fishing village. The beach is identified by numerous fishing boats anchored around the Rio Formosa area.

Praia do Lacem

A small lagoon forms this beach and it’s surrounded by vineyards, farmland and orchards. It’s accessed by a footpath with thick vegetation growing on its sides.

Praia do Barril

It’s found in the South coast of Algarve and one of calm beaches as high floods of season don’t affect it. During spring and winter seasons, the water is warm and calm making it a great place for swimming. Tourists visit the beach to jog and watch birds.

Travel Necessities

Some important documents like a valid passport and hotel tickets and confirmations are necessary when traveling to Portugal. Some extra cash and debit and credit cards are important in case of emergencies. Someone needs to have a travel medical insurance plan in case of health problems requiring medication.

Praia do Barril, Tavira, Portugal by Alexmol

Footwear such as flip-flop, pairs of padded socks and sneakers are important for walking on beaches. Jacket is also necessary in case of rain and cold weather. Other clothing basics should be at least four tops and three bottoms, dressy shirts and T-shirts. Personal hygiene items such as soap, sunscreens and hair products are also travel necessities. A map or any guide material for people who may not be able to speak Portuguese is necessary.

About the Author:

Lori Harp is travel blogger and writer for Tavira House Hotel – one of the best hotels in Algarve set within the castle walls of the stunning Algarvian town. For more information visit their website or check out their Google+ Page.

The post 7 Things You Need to Know When Visiting Tavira Island | Portugal appeared first on Europe Explored.

Break of dawn, Majorca, Spain by David Petty

Here are some of the best ways you can save money on a trip to Majorca.

Flights

Comparison websites are the best way to check out your flights. They do the legwork for you, finding the cheapest deals on your selected dates. Travel Supermarket, Expedia and Cheap Flights all offer a useful service.

Contrary to popular belief it can pay off to book flights early. Particularly during the popular months there may be a late rush to buy tickets. Avoiding peak times, such as the school holidays and weekends may also help to cut costs.

A good tactic is to sign up to email alerts from your favourite travel sites. Then you don’t miss out on any ticket sales. This article by the Guardian offers expert advice on bagging cheap flights.

Food

The key to eating on the cheap is to avoid the major tourist spots. You will often pay a premium to dine where the masses want to go. Instead find out where the locals recommend. Not only will you save money, but you will get a real feel for native life and cuisine.

The best tactic is to dust off your Spanish, and talk to shop owners or the proprietors of your hotel. If you want to establish what’s out there before you depart, you can find useful lists of expert recommended restaurants online.

Playa de Muro, Majorca, Spain by PRINSOTEL HOTELS

Activities

Majorca’s warm climate means that there are plenty of activities you can do that won’t break the bank. The island is strewn with beautiful beaches like Playa de Muro, a never-ending stretch of golden sand and turquoise sea.

Adrenaline junkies can get their fix with Experience Mallorca and their range of instructed activities, such as scuba diving for around sixty pounds.

Accommodation

Just as with flights the key to getting a deal on your accommodation is to do your research and compare. Sites like Hotelopia offer hotels in Majorca for as little as 15 pounds a night.

You can get deals if you book last minute or out of peak season. The best thing is to subscribe to emails from travel sites to get alerts about sales.

Palma de Majorca, Spain by Cristian Bortes

Extra Tips

If you fly with a budget airline you are likely to pay extra to store luggage in the hold. Instead try to minimise how much you take and pack it as hand luggage.

Many travellers also overlook the fact that most credit cards add a 3% cost to the exchange rates banks themselves get. The Halifax Clarity credit card has no foreign exchange rate fee anywhere in the world. Using one just for spending overseas can save you money, as long as you make sure to pay it back in full to avoid interest.

A holiday in Majorca doesn’t have to break the bank. In comparison to many destinations you can find very reasonable deals. A little extra legwork could mean that you can enjoy a great family holiday for a great price. Do you have any money saving tips to share?

The post How To Do Majorca On A Budget: All The Fun Less Of The Cash appeared first on Europe Explored.