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.

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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.

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Countless people travel to Tavira for a holiday simply to experience the breathtaking beaches that the place has to offer. Aside from the great beaches in the city of Tavira, Tavira Island also has many pristine beaches that you can get to simply by taking a short boat ride from the mainland.

With all of the great beaches that you can find in Tavira, knowing which ones are the best is really important. If you want to find out which beaches in Tavira you should not miss during your visit, check out the helpful list below.

Praia do Barril near Tavira, Portugal by Nemracc

Barril Beach or Praia do Barril

Barril beach is located in Tavira Island and is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches there. The waters in Barril beach are always calm especially during the summertime and the shore is composed of fine white sand that really makes the place an amazing place to just sit back, relax, and have a nice swim. Barril beach has constantly been awarded the blue flag by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) for meeting the latter’s stringent water quality, safety, and environmental standards.

Narrow Land Beach or Praia da Terra Estreita

Located to the East of Barril beach is the Narrow Land Beach or the Praia da Terra Estreita. This beautiful beach came about as a result of the narrowing of Tavira Island ending in this small yet beautiful 50 meter strip of sand. Sometimes called the Praia de Santa Luzia, Narrow Land Beach is a great place to go swimming as well as relax and enjoy the amazing view where you can see beautiful flowers near the beach.

A way to Praia da Terra Estreita, Tavira, Portugal

Cabanas Beach or Praia de Cabanas

Found to the East side of Tavira Island, Cabanas Beach in Cabanas Island offers you one of the most stunning stretch of beaches in Tavira. You can travel to the island by taking a boat from Cabanas de Tavira and after a short boat ride you will already get to experience the beautiful beaches in the island. Though the beach is narrow, it is very long and has pure white sand and warm waters that will surely satisfy the beach lover in you.

Praia do Lacém

Praia do Lacém is a little lagoon beach that you can find amongst the farmlands and orchards. It can be accessed by way of a small cross-country footpath that leads to this beautiful and quiet place. The place is not your typical beach but it offers a unique element for nature loving tourists as you can do some bird watching on your way to this beach.

Tavira certainly has a lot of great beaches and picking just one to visit can be a really tough decision to make. Check out all of the can’t miss beaches above and enjoy the sun, sand, and crystal clear water in Tavira.

This article is brought to you by Tavira House Hotel – the only luxury hotel in Algarve set within the castle walls of the stunning Algarvian town. For more information visit their website or check out their Google Plus page.

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Many northern Europeans, attracted by Javea’s mild climate, have bought retirement homes there, and the town boasts a lively expatriate community. It is a popular tourist destination as well, combining the charm of a traditional fishing village with an abundance of facilities and activities for tourists. Here are 10 things to see and do when you visit.

Javea beach, Spain by Adrian Scottow

1. Playa la Granadella

This rocky beach is situated in a secluded cove about 20 minutes drive from Javea. The beach is popular with divers and snorkelers. Dramatic pathways wind around tall forested cliffs surrounding the beach area.

2. Arenal Beach

This beach is clean, sandy, and dotted with palm trees. There are several play areas and a wide selection of beachfront shops and restaurants.

3. Arenal Promenade

The newly refurbished Arenal promenade offers a wide selection of shops and market stalls, plus outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants. It is a great place to linger over coffee and people watch. A night market is open along the beachfront every night in the summer until midnight.

Playa de la Granadella, Spain by Carlosu7

4. Montgo Natural Park

This park features winding paths up the Montgo mountain. The paths zigzag most of the way, with a steep rock scramble near the peak. At nearly 2,500 feet above sea level, the climb is well worth it for the fantastic views over the town. There is a variety of trails, both easy and challenging, for hiking or cycling. Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park.

5. Churches

Two very different churches dominate the landscape of the town. The Church of Nuestra Senora de Loreto, near the fishing port, was built in 1967 of reinforced concrete in a modern style. Its roof depicts a ship’s hull, and twelve anchors supporting the church are meant to represent the 12 apostles. The Church of San Bartomeu dates back to the 14th century, and is the centerpiece of Javea’s historic district.

6. Javea Golf Club

This is an inexpensive, pleasant 9-hole golf course with a terrace restaurant.

7. Old Town

The Old Town offers winding streets to explore, the town hall, museums, art galleries as well as a wide variety of restaurants and nightclubs.

Sunset over Javea, Spain by Adrian Scottow

8. The Town Market

Every Thursday morning, Javea hosts a market in the center of town, with dozens of stalls selling fresh, locally grown produce. It is an ideal place to pick up your picnic lunch for your hike up Montgo Mountain.

9. The Marina

Visit Javea’s picturesque marina and fishing port for a flavor of old Spainish maritime life.

10. Cap de la Nau and Cap de San Antoni

Both of these spots have scenic lighthouses and spectacular views of Javea and the coastline.

This article was sent in to us by British expat Bob Green. Bob is retired and moved to Javea in 2010 when he purchased his villa in Javea from expert property finders Spanish Property Sales. Bob enjoys writing about his expat life in Spain and plans to start a blog.

The post 10 Things To Do And See In Javea, Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

Sunrise at Mediterranean Sea / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

1) Barcelona

Barcelona is the jewel in Spain’s Mediterranean crown. The capital of the country’s Catalonia region, the city blends cultural modernity and a traditional outlook seamlessly. Wandering the city streets, it is entirely possible to get lost in the meandering cobble-stoned avenues, before turning a corner and being presented with a piece of classic and iconic architecture from the city’s most famous son, Gaudi. This isn’t just a culture vulture’s city, however, as Barcelona has perfected the art of beach living. The city stretches right down to the sea, where lounging Spaniards spend their weekends lapping up the sun and sipping on sangria.

Barceloneta beach in Barcelona, Spain by Oh Barcelona

2) Sorrento and Capri

On Italy’s Mediterranean coast, the small, perfectly-formed town of Sorrento and the equally desirable island of Capri form the Mediterranean ideal. Set away from the metropolitan madness of nearby Naples, Sorrento and Capri provide oases of calm on the shores of the Mediterranean. From the streets of Sorrento, you can stare in wonder out over the Bay of Naples towards the awe-inspiring and slightly ominous sight of Mount Vesuvius and indulge fully in the Southern Italian lifestyle, which includes wine at lunchtime, an evening gelato, and plenty of people watching. Capri is an island idyll, with the famous Grotta Azzurra capping off its reputation as an ideal holiday destination. Feeling that you’re living the life of luxury isn’t hard in Capri; the place was made for it.

Capri, Italy by Francesco Sgroi

3) Cannes

There are plenty of famous names along the French Riviera, each one as attractive and appealing as the next; St Tropez, Nice, Montpellier, Antibes are just a few. But Cannes is the crème de la crème, with its reputation for famous faces, the film festival, and pampered lifestyles. There’s more to Cannes than chilled wine on the beachfront, however; with a long history of perfume-making, a visit to the town wouldn’t be complete without taking in the fragrant air of the Molinard parfumerie, which dates back to 1849.

Cannes, France by photophilde

4) Malta

Malta provides the perfect island escape in the Mediterranean. Away from it all, in its own little world, Malta typifies what is best about the Mediterranean. Long summers, a fascinating history, and a laid-back lifestyle have all combined to make this a most desirable holiday destination. The island is a cultural mix of North African, European, Arabian and Sicilian influences, making Malta a heady, atmospheric place to spend time. It also has a rich and fascinating history, with some of the oldest free-standing structures in Europe calling the island home, as well as the Ggantija Temples, which are thought to be the oldest known religious buildings, possibly in the world.

Malta by Jon Rawlinson

5) Corfu

One of Greece’s most famous islands, Corfu still has the languid, Mediterranean attitude that has made it so popular with holidaymakers for so long. Corfu is Greece’s garden, the greenest of the country’s many islands, and it has attracted many famous faces and literary homages in the past – not least of which are Homer’s The Odyssey and Shakespeare’s The Tempest. With its cypress trees, olive groves, and wild flowers in the spring, Corfu is a delightful Mediterranean paradise.

Corfu, Greece by Michael Gleave

The Mediterranean is a special place to visit whatever the time of year, and with its vast variety of towns, villages, islands, and cities, no two places are the same. There are plenty of Europe tours that focus on these wonderful destinations around the Mediterranean, and whichever one you pick, you can be sure that every single one remains beguiling, bewitching, and simply beautiful.

Written by Kat Kraetzer, a travel blogger who loves to visit Europe.

The post Top 5 Mediterranean Destinations appeared first on Europe Explored.

Scheveningen, The Netherlands by FaceMePLS

1) Scheveningen, Netherlands

This beach may not be able to boast the highest temperatures or the most picturesque seafront, but there are plenty of water sports to take part in and a number of bars and restaurants. However, one of the most appealing things about Scheveningen is its location – you can easily have an early morning dip in the sea before visiting Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam or one of the 17th century palaces in The Hague.

2) The Curonian Spit, Lithuania

The natural, largely unspoilt beauty of this Lithuanian beach needs to be seen to be believed! Unfortunately it’s a protected World UNESCO Heritage Site and sadly, as a result, there are certain areas that are a no go for tourists. However, the parts you can access are absolutely worth the journey, and this beach is a truly beautiful place to spend a day.

Curonian Spit, Lithuania by Tobin

3) Pembrokeshire, Wales

While you can never depend on good weather in Wales you can certainly depend on absolutely stunning scenery in Pembrokeshire. If you’re not convinced take it from the National Geographic magazine, which voted it the second best coastal destination in the world. It’s easy to fit in as part of a trip round the UK so there’s no excuse for not seeing the area for yourself.

4) Barleycover, Ireland

Again, this beach may generally be cold, but the beautiful natural surroundings in County Cork more than make up for it. This beach could be the perfect antidote to a hectic weekend sightseeing and sampling Ireland’s famous Guinness beer in Dublin, which is only a few hours away by car.

5) Pupnatska Beach, Croatia

The Dalmatian Islands off the coast of Croatia all boast delightful coastlines and, as a result, trying to pick out just one is mightily difficult. However, Pupnatska beach, on Korčula Island is a definite contender thanks to its sapphire waters, stunning white sand, and a friendly, laid back atmosphere.

Pupnatska Luka, Korcula, Croatia by Andrea Musi

6) La Rochelle, France

While the South of France boasts some mesmerising beaches, there are plenty of places on the western coast that can give the south a run for its money. La Rochelle is one such resort. What many people will love about a holiday incorporating La Rochelle is the fact that the area is steeped in history. Many holidaymakers will only feel comfortable sunbathing once they are sure they have explored the town and learnt about its rich history.

7) St. Brelade’s Bay Beach, Jersey

Gorgeous views, interesting trails, lovely restaurants… there’s little if anything to fault with this beautiful beach. And, even better, being on an island the size of Jersey means there’ll be another great beach around every turn. So take a wander and you could find yourself your own private piece of beach!

If you are taking one of the many Europe tours available, do make sure to add a beach into your trip. Europe’s architecture, art, culture, food and history are all wonderful of course, but everyone needs time to relax! And what better way to unwind and rest tired feet than on a beach with truly stunning scenery?

Written by Michael Palmer, a passionate traveller and experienced travel writer.

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The area

Historically Torrevieja was renowned for its production of sea salt, which has been one of the area’s leading exports since Roman times. In more recent times the area has become famed for its golden sandy beaches and superb water sports and sports fishing opportunities. As recently as the 1980s Torrevieja was a sleepy fishing village, but in the last couple of decades the area has been transformed into a holiday maker’s paradise. The area boasts some fantastic restaurants offering tastes from all over the world, and if you’re a sucker for the beach, there are four sandy stretches with calm, clear waters right on your doorstep.

Cove in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, Spain by Jose M Martin Jimenez

The beaches

If you like nothing better than spending a good portion of your holiday flat out on the beach then you will not be short of choice in Torrevieja. Playa de los Locos is one of the larger beaches within walking distance of Torrevieja centre that boasts a 700 metre stretch of sand as well as calm, blue waters perfect for swimmers of all abilities.

Playa del Cura is particularly popular with the locals due to its stunning backdrop of palm trees and charming restaurants. The beach’s small size and popularity does mean it gets busy in peak season, so you might have to set off early to secure your spot.

Playa de la Mata is regarded by many as the most beautiful beach in Torrevieja, and is less protected than the area’s other beaches, making it a haven for water sports lovers. Windsurfers, kite surfers and sailors flock to the beach from miles around, but thankfully the beach has a large of expanse of sand, so you should always find your own little sunny spot.

Beach in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, Spain by Phillip Capper

The attractions

The town’s rich heritage as a major producer of sea salt is encapsulated by Torrevieja’s sea and salt museum. Although you may not think you’ll be immediately taken by the history of the salt industry, this museum is of real interest and well worth an hour of your time.

The Park of Nations is an excellent place to relax, escape the crowds and enjoy an oasis of tranquillity. The beautifully landscaped and verdant park, complete with lake, fountain and palm trees make you feel like you’re a million miles away from a bustling tourist resort.

And what better way to walk off your dinner than with an evening stroll along Torrevieja’s gorgeous beach front and marina. Order a drink and watch the world go by in one of the town’s charming cafes or bars.

Author: If you’re looking for great apartments in Costa Blanca then Los Locos Beach offer comfortable, well equipped, spotlessly clean self-catering apartments with breathtaking sea views. Pop along to the website to see the full range of apartments.

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If you are coming to Malta to enjoy some time on the beach, one of the most important things that you are going to have to consider is accommodation. Hotel accommodation by the beach in Malta can be very expensive, so a great alternative would be to choose a self catering holiday apartment.

Kite Surfing at Ghajn Tuffieha, Malta by Windsor Garage

Not only do these tend to be more affordable, but they can offer you a great deal more flexibility for your holiday. For example, if you are travelling with your family, an apartment is going to allow you to all stay in one place without you having to pay for multiple hotel rooms.

When it comes to accommodation, Malta has no short supply. However, it is a very popular destination, so you should make sure that you book well in advance. Once you have found somewhere to stay, booking an affordable flight is also very possible as Malta is well served by budget airlines. This makes flights to Malta easily available from most European capitals.

Enjoying a holiday by the sea is a wonderful experience, and Malta is certainly one of the best options if you are just looking for a relaxing place to come and get away from it all. That said, Malta is not going to disappoint when it comes to other options either. If you have chosen self catering apartments in Malta rather than a hotel, you are going to need to think about food. This is something that is easy to do because Malta has so many fantastic restaurants.

Whether you are looking for local cuisine, or international favourites, you are sure to be able to find it in Malta. In addition, you will find plenty of supermarkets, so you can take some food back to your apartment and cook for yourself.

Saint Peter’s Pool, Malta by Marco Chiesa

If you grow tired of just relaxing on the beach, another great activity you can do is take a boat out and explore some of the attractions that are located close to the island. Boats operate regularly from the shore and you will be able to find one that will take you to whatever you want to see. Alternatively, simply taking a relaxing walk along the beach can be a wonderful way to pass some time with a loved one.

In the evenings, you will find that there are plenty of active places to get a drink along the beach. As the evening draws on, you will also find lots of nightclub opportunities on the island, if that’s what you fancy. For whatever reason you come to Malta, you’re going to find a fascinating island that enjoys wonderful weather and has a huge amount of culture, not to mention fantastic beaches.

Written by Leila El-Dean on behalf of UniqueHolidayMalta.com, specialists in Malta Holiday Rentals.

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Now what would you say if this could all be but one day of your itinerary? Well, it could be, if you and your spouse choose to honeymoon in beautiful, historical Croatia!

Baška, Krk, Croatia / Photo by admin

In Croatia, you can enjoy both untouched, expansive scenery from rolling hills to mighty mountains to the picture perfect villages, or you can dance until dawn and enjoy world class shopping and the finest array of cuisines in the capitol, Zagreb, a lively metropolis of more than three quarters of a million people. Or a yacht charter; Croatia has a vast coast line, too!

Croatia offers its visitors both a glimpse of Old Europe, with restored castles and ancient cities dotting its picturesque landscape, with all the charm and history of any of its European neighbors, as well all the comforts and amenities of the most up to date modern conveniences. You can have the best of both worlds, the Old and the Modern, in lovely Croatia.

Baška, Krk, Croatia / Photo by admin

And what better way to see a country that boasts so much beautiful coastline — hundreds and hundreds of miles of rugged cliffs and perfect beaches lining the Mediterranean sea — than by boat?

When you and your spouse arrange for a yacht charter Croatia spreads its beauty before you from the deep blue seas. There truly is no better way to explore this lovely land than by traveling up and down its coast and visiting both the continental mainland and also its many wonderful islands. With a yacht  charter Croatia becomes a country of both the land and the sea. Where else can you spend time in breathtaking mountains with views down to the Mediterranean sea below and then in hardly any time at all be sailing across the seas and looking back up at rugged mountains dotted with centuries old villages, churches and castles?

Baška, Krk, Croatia / Photo by admin

Croatia is a land that invites you to enjoy it in your own way. If you and your spouse want a relaxed honeymoon, there are beautiful beaches and resorts and the finest spas in Europe at your disposal. If you wish to start your marriage off with rugged outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling in the summer and world class skiing in winter, you can do that too! And don’t forget about the sea — a yacht charter, Croatia’s coast line at sunset, and a bottle of local wine — perfection!

Jillian Johnson is a professional marketing content writer with an interest in writing about travel and leisure. Follow her @MissWritey.

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There are quite a few restaurants, cafés and shops along the promenade overlooking the beach. You will also find several mini supermarkets and a larger one (called Baptista) in Luz.

There are many good water sports facilities on the beach of Luz. You will be able to try out scuba diving, waterskiing, boat trips and much more. If you prefer to stay on the mainland you will be happy to know that there are a two great and well known golf resorts within a ten minute drive from Luz. The Boavista and Palmares courses make Praia da Luz an ideal base for golfers in Portugal.

Praia da Luz beach, Algarve, Portugal by MamaPyjama

It is really easy to see why Luz is so popular among tourists. The town has practically everything you need. Everything is very close at hand when staying in Luz. Therefore it is also a great family resort as you don’t really need to travel very far.

If you choose to explore other areas of the Algarve coast you will have an excellent starting point in Luz. Luz is only a very short drive (10 minutes) from the larger city Lagos. In Lagos you will find numerous dining opportunities (including a Michelin starred restaurant!) and also a weekly market as well as a large selection of shops.

Other points of interest near Luz are the two large shopping centers in the area (one of them is one of the largest shopping centers in Europe). You will also find that the ZOO near Lagos is a great idea if you have children. The ZOO is only a short drive away from Luz.

The holiday resorts on the Algarve coast normally close up at the end of the season but on Praia da Luz they will remain open all the year round because of the large amount of English people staying there year round. Note that you probably will find the opening hours are much reduced if you visit Luz during the off season.

If you want to experience Portugal it would be a great idea to rent a holiday villa. There are many holiday villas in Portugal in Portugal and you can find many online.

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