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.

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.

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.

The Isle of Skye

Skye was recently voted the 4^th most popular island in the world by readers of National Geographic magazine…and with good reason. This jewel in Scotland’s crown is known to be a place of extremes; towering cliffs border beaches which range from black volcanic sand through to white coral sand. Rocky caves and hidden coves await discovery around the edge of Skye whilst inland there is stunning countryside, deep and mysterious lochs and quaint villages with craft shops and some well known restaurants.

Skye is also home to the historic Dunvegan Castle and the famous MacCrimmon Pipers; steeped in myth and legend, the area is synonymous with faeries, ghosts and tales of heroic Scotsmen and women. This is a special place which many people fall in love with and return to again and again. The people of Skye are renowned for their excellent hospitality and their good food!

Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK by New Orleans Bankruptcy Lawyer

The Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran has long been one of Scotland’s most popular destinations and no wonder; this most Southerly of Scottish islands has all that a visitor might expect of Scottish landscapes at their very best. Rugged mountains are juxtaposed with stunning beaches and the southerly part of the island boasts some amazing countryside in the shape of woodlands and rolling green hills – see here.

Arran is only 19 miles long but there’s a lot packed in to those 19 miles and with a number of quaint villages to visit, visitors will find that there are plenty of amenities in addition to quiet countryside locations. The largest village is Brodick which has a ferry terminal as well as a number of shops, restaurants and hotels. Here you will also find the lovely Brodick Castle with its walled gardens and nature trails.

Arran is a wonderful destination for families or for those without children who would like to revel in Scotland’s lovely scenery and perhaps indulge in a spot of fishing or golf.

Glen Rosa, Isle of Arran, Scotland, UK by uplandaccess

The Isle of Mull

Mull is the second largest of the Hebridean Islands and has lots to offer in terms of lovely beaches and an amazing, rocky coastline studded with interesting caves and rocks. One of the loveliest beaches here is Calgary Bay which boasts pale sand and a vast array of protected birds. Here you will also find a number of haunting deserted and abandoned villages. Mull is atmospheric and magical; its closeness to nature and to myth and legend come together to create a place of not only great beauty but also of peace.

Duart Castle, Isle of Mull, Scotland, UK by *pascal*

The Isle of North Uist

This tiny Hebridean Island is only 13 miles long but it remains the favourite haunt of Prince Charles when he is in Scotland. The white sandy beaches and the proliferation of beautiful seabirds make this a very special place to visit. There is another island close to Uist, that of Vallay; Vallay can be reached from Uist at low tide and is home to an amazing deserted mansion.

Isle of North Uist, Scotland, UK by Lews Castle UHI

The Isle of Colonsay

This Hebridean gem is no more than ten miles by two miles and yet it is admired by all who visit. With a wealth of outstanding landscape features and some fascinating archaeological sites, Colonsay is a Mecca for those who love the natural environment and history. Stunning beaches border the island and there are a number of arts based festivals here every year.

Isle of Colonsay, Scotland, UK by dun_deagh

The Scottish islands are many in number and they all have something to offer; because some are physically very close to one another it is possible to visit many in one trip. Scotland is unique and each of its islands has its own personality and gifts to offer. Visitors to Scotland’s islands remember the great beauty of the landscape for a long time and with good reason. The views are unmistakable and individual to this special part of the world.

Derek Devlin is a travel writer and lover of his native Scotland and has written a number of articles on the countryside and has even gone on coach tours with https://www.lochsandglens.com/coach-holidays/ of the wee nation.

The post Scotland’s Best Islands for Tourists appeared first on Europe Explored.

Beach in Mallorca, Balearic islands, Spain by Boris van Hoytema

Mallorca

This is the largest of the islands and hosts the capital city of Palma. Tourists flying in to the Balearic Islands will land here before going on to their final destinations. It is also the port of entry if arriving by ship. Some of the most modern sea vessels offering a delightful experience ply the route between the mainland, from Barcelona to Palma.

Minorca

The name Minorca refers to the smaller island as opposed to Mallorca’s larger island. History buffs visit the island to view the many stone monuments that populate this island. The megaliths give evidence to the notion that there was prehistoric civilizations in this part of the world. Its latest claim to fame was its historic pirate activity at the end of the Punic wars. This was the other attraction from history buffs.

Ibiza

Aside from all the partying that Ibiza is usually associated with, this is another historian’s paradise. Ibiza was at the forefront of the changes that occurred to this area after decline of the Phoenicians. The area was inhabited by settlers as far back as 650BC. As the Assyrians ascended to power while the Phoenicians waned, Ibiza came under the control of ancient Carthage. Today, its status as a party town is almost legendary and it continues to attract a crowd that is young and energetic.

Typical coastline of Balearic islands, Spain by David Sim

Formentera

Of all the Balearic Islands, this is the smallest and lies far to the south of the group. It is also the least populated of all the islands and offers a serene and tranquil Mediterranean lifestyle. The island is a throwback to the ways of the ancients that inhabited the island and it is a real getaway from all the walking and dancing the other islands offer. The best thing to do here is to lie on the beach and enjoy the ocean spray and pristine air as it cools your skiing while the sun tans it.

Travel Tips

As with any venture out into the unknown, or away from your home, it is always best to understand the exact local culture and local offerings of your destination. The best way to enjoy it is to plan everything and be prepared for everything. Getting European travel insurance is not a bad idea. This will give you peace of mind as you venture into the unknown.

James Rowland works in SEO for a prestigious marketing company in the UK. With years of experience in copywriting he enjoys writing about travel, insurance, finance and sport.

The post Balearic Holidays – A Guide to the Balearic Islands appeared first on Europe Explored.

Skellig Michael, Ireland by Arian Zwegers

The dramatic Skellig Islands

About 12 miles off the coast of southwest Ireland, the jagged Skellig Islands rise steeply from the sea. These two rocky, uninhabited islands are both famous, for different reasons.

Little Skellig, the smaller of the two islands, is a bird sanctuary. This lonely windswept rock is home to the second largest colony of gannets in the world, with 27,000 pairs of these seabirds nesting on the island. Gannets abound here any time of year, along with many other types of birds. If you’re here between April and August, you’ll also find puffins with their cute, colorful bills.

Skellig Michael is the larger of the islands, and it’s a World Heritage Site due to the remarkable archaeological remains here. This rocky crag, isolated from the rest of Ireland by miles of often stormy sea, was home to a group of monks many centuries ago. It’s hard to imagine a more desolate and unforgiving place than this rock where they chose to build their monastery.

Hiking Skellig Michael island, Ireland by IrishFireside

The monastery at Skellig Michael

About 1,400 years ago, a small group of monks decided to leave the mainland for a difficult life of solitude on the island of Skellig Michael. The exact date of founding is not known, but legend has it that the monastery here was founded by St. Fionan in the 6th century. Around the year 950, the site was dedicated to St. Michael, leading to the island’s name today.

It was a harsh, spartan existence here for the small group of monks. They built high on the island, about 600 feet from sea level, and constructed flights of steep, stone steps leading from the water’s edge up to the area where they lived. It must have been a back-breaking task. The monks lived and worked in small stone huts that would have been dark and cold on long Irish winter nights, when stormy seas lashed the rock where their settlement perched. They eked out a living by farming a tiny plot of land and gathering the eggs of sea birds.

The tenacious monks maintained their settlement on the island for over 500 years, but eventually abandoned it in the 12th or 13th century, and returned to the mainland.

Little Skellig from Skellig Michael, Ireland by IrishFireside

Visiting Skellig Michael today

Skellig Michael is an amazing place, and can easily be a highlight of your trip to Ireland. It’s well worth a visit, though seeing the monastic ruins involves a boat ride to the island, followed by a rigorous climb up 618 steps to reach the remains of the settlement. If you’re up for a climb, it’s a memorable adventure.

Your boat will go by Little Skellig, where you can see and hear the immense flocks of birds, and land you at the base of Skellig Michael. Then it’s time for the climb. As you climb, think about how hard it must have been for the first people here, when they had to begin by building the steps and the stone huts at the top, with little shelter or comfort for themselves.

When you reach the top, you’ll see the well-preserved site, protected from vandals over the centuries by its isolation. This early Christian site has a church, oratories, beehive huts, a graveyard, and many crosses. The buildings are made of stacked stones, and have survived remarkably well given their age. You can walk around the site, take in the views, and enter some of the buildings.

It’s quite a feeling to be here high atop the rugged island, imagining what it would have been like to live here. Hopefully the day of your visit will be sunny and warm, and you can relax at your hotel afterwards. Things were different for the monks, who had a difficult existence here with many hardships.

Another view of Skellig Michael island, Ireland by Jerzy Strzelecki

Practical details for your trip

Skellig Michael is about 12 miles off the southwest tip of Ireland. You can reach the island by boat from the town of Portmagee. The boats run between April and September, but there are many days when the weather or sea state prevent the tour boats from landing at the island. Your best chance is to plan a few days in the area, so that if one day doesn’t work, you can try again the next day. There are no facilities on the island, so bring water and something to eat.

You can also visit the Skellig Experience Centre in Valentia, very near to Portmagee. Whether you make it out to the island or not, this visitor center will give you a better understanding of what life was like for the dedicated monks that made their life on the inhospitable island of Skellig Michael.

Deanna Keahey is a lifelong lover of adventure. After running an international travel company for years, she now writes about travel tips and ideas. Most recently she’s published a timeshare book called Winning the Timeshare Game: Buying the Bargains. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.

The post Rugged Skellig Michael – a historic island in Ireland appeared first on Europe Explored.

Sunset in Ibiza, Spain by Steven Straiton

1. Go Shopping at Las Delias Marketplace

With over 200 stalls to explore, the market at Las Delias takes place on Saturday afternoons between 10am-8pm and Monday nights from 8pm-1:30am. Selling a variety of unique items such as books, jewellery, antiques and paintings, the vibrant atmosphere of Las Delias is a must for those eager to immerse themselves in the heart of Spanish culture. After experiencing the delights the stalls have to offer, visitors are able to unwind at a number of the market’s outdoor restaurants and bars. If that doesn’t fully satiate your entertainment needs, after hours, Las Delias bursts into life with music from live bands in the concert hall, and Pascha DJ sets at Soul Bar.

2. Dine at Sa Capella Restaurant

Renowned for its breathtaking décor, Sa Capella is a dining experience like no other. Based in a sixteenth century church, this restaurant is perfect for those wanting to discover the architectural beauty of old-world Ibiza. Serving a traditional Mediterranean menu, Sa Capella is sophisticated and serene, with a magnificent stone hall and accompanying outdoor terrace for early diners to watch the sun go down.

3. Chill Out At Cala Xuclar

If you want to escape the inevitable overcrowding of many of Ibiza’s beach destinations, the secluded Cala Xuclar is a perfect getaway for those wanting a more tranquil atmosphere. Situated in the North-West of the island, the serene cove of Cala Xuclar may not have the extensive range of facilities the more popular beach destinations in Ibiza flaunt, but its authentic picturesque surroundings and highly-commended beach bar make this the perfect day out for those wanting to relax.

4. Pamper Yourself At The Atzaro Spa

If you’re thinking of adding a bit of high-class to your holiday, a day at the spa is a perfect way to unwind. Atzaro has a Far-Eastern theme, with treatment rooms designed like temples and a waterfall backdrop, creating a beautifully serene and relaxing environment. Run by a team of Balinese trained therapists who offer a wide range of different treatments, why not go ahead and treat yourself?

5. Go Clubbing At Space

The night-life scene in Ibiza is arguably one of the most talked about in the world, and if you’re looking to see what all the fuss is about, Space is the place to go. With a six-room layout playing electronic music from a range of famous DJs, you’d be foolish not to visit one of a handful of clubbing institutions that put this tiny Spanish island on the map.

These destinations alone make the island more than worth a visit, and with its glorious climate, unrivalled vibrant atmosphere and a range of stunning accommodation such as luxury villas, Ibiza is definitely the place to be this summer! Already been? Tell us what you recommend!

Daisy Greaves is a holiday fanatic with a passion for travelling and night-life. She is currently completing an English degree in Manchester, specialising in creative writing. She writes for Dynamic Lives.

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