Mediterranean Sea / Photo by admin

Spain

Since its days as a Roman outpost, Spain was a Moorish settlement before evolving into the contemporary European country it is today. Its historic sites celebrate the full breadth of its heritage, but none captures its Moorish past more than the breathtaking, Andalucia. On the left bank of the River Darro and occupying a strategic hilltop overlooking the city of Granada, this breathtaking palace and fortress complex was constructed during the mid 14th century by the Berber rulers of the Emirate of Granada. The Moorish architecture, shady courtyards and beautiful gardens, with views of the Sierra Nevada mountains have visitors from around the world flocking there on a daily basis. The areas open to the public are the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, the Mosque baths and the Generalife gardens. Since entrance is strictly controlled, visitors should purchase tickets in advance, to avoid disappointment. To arrive in Granada and not be able to visit the Alhambra, would be a tragedy.

France

Languedoc Roussillon in southern France has one of the most well preserved Roman aqueducts in existence. The 1st century Pont du Gard is just part of an extensive water system designed to carry water from the River Eure to Nimes, some 30 miles away. The half mile long and 165 feet high tri-level aqueduct was originally constructed without the use of mortar, and its stones are held together with iron clamps. The stones, some of which weigh more than six tons, were hoisted into place by a human-powered treadmill block and tackle winch. The aqueduct was restored during the 18th century, and visitors today can now walk across it.

Italy

Known as the “Eternal city,” no visit to Italy is complete without a visit to Rome, which abounds with historical sites, Roman architecture and masterpieces of art, spanning the different historical layers which have built this amazing city through the centuries, from the remains of the Roman empire, through the Medieval and Renaissance periods to the modern day site of 21st century architectural statements. The city’s quintessential spectacle has to be the, commissioned by Vespasian in 72 A.D. and inaugurated by Titus in 80 A.D. Elliptical in shape, its 76 entrances allowed 50,000 spectators to enter and watch gladiatorial battles. Built from brick and concrete, and faced with travertine and marble, the amphitheatre boasts three levels of arcades in Doric, Ionic and Corinthian styles. The Coliseum deteriorated into little more than ruins, until 1750 when it was saved by Pope Benedict XIV, who declared “this is a holy place, where Christian martyrs’ blood was shed..”

Greece

Athens may be a modern day nightmare when it comes to traffic and getting around, but this should not deter visitors from seeking out the Acropolis, atop of which sits the Parthenon, commonly known as the Temple of Athena. Constructed between 447-432 BCE, the Doric temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena, also known as Parthenos (virgin) and housed a monumental statue of her which was made from gold and ivory by Pheidias. Mathematicians will be interested to learn that with eight columns at the front and seventeen columns at the flank, the temple conforms to the ratio of 9:4, which its builders used to govern the vertical and horizontal proportions of not only the temple structure, but many other proportions within it, such as the height of the columns and the space between them.

Israel

History and archaeology lovers, as well as pilgrims from around the world have plenty of sites to visit in Israel. One of the most visited is the fortress of Massada, built in 30 BCE by King Herod. It sits on top of a steep mountain overlooking the desert to the west and the Dead Sea and Jordan to the east. At the start of the revolt against Rome in 68 BCE, Massada was conquered by a group of Jewish zealots and was to become their final stronghold, before the Romans besieged the fortress, having constructed an earthen rampart on the western side of the mountain. Built on three rock terraces, the most impressive structures still standing are Herod’s northern palace, a large bath house with a mosaic floor and walls decorated with murals.

Egypt

The oldest and only of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to remain largely intact, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis. Built as a tomb for fourth dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu, over a 20-year period from around 2540 BCE, the pyramid, which originally stood 480 feet tall, and comprises more than 2.3 million stone blocks weighing two and a half tons each, remains an amazing feat of construction that still has engineers, archeologists and scholars in awe of its magnitude. Erosion has reduced the pyramid by around 30 feet in height, but it remained the tallest man-made structure for 3,800 years.

Hannah writes for medwelcome.

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Les Voiles de St. Tropez / Michael Reuter

When considering chartering a yacht for a French Riviera cruise, you should know that azure skies are the limit when it comes to high end luxury.  Upon first setting sight of St. Tropez, you will notice that no yacht is too big, too ostentatious, or too opulent.  St. Tropez is a visual feast, and if you sail in on a modest catamaran, you will get to enjoy it just the same.  Choose the powerboat, sailboat, or super yacht that best suits your group, and bear in mind that you won’t spend all of your time onboard once you’ve reached St. Tropez.

What would the south coast of France be without beautiful beaches?  St. Tropez’s famous beaches, Plage de Pampelonne and Tahiti Beach, are worth visiting, especially if you are interested in people watching.  There are restaurants and cafes here, of course, but it’s actually an outdoor market that comes most highly recommended for typical French provisioning.  Stop by the Place des Lices to shop for delectable picnic food, and then head to Tarte Tropezienne for the area’s outstanding namesake dessert.  Cap off any evening with a drink at Les Caves du Roy, Le Papagayo, or Café Senequier.  By day, take your guests to Maison des Papillons to see a grand collection of butterflies, or challenge them to a match on the courts at Tennis Club de St. Tropez.  The Musee de L’Annonciade is also a terrific option for visitors to the region who want to experience the beauty of St. Tropez as captured by famous artists over the years.

If you manage to time your trip around the 1st of October, then you are in for a treat.  Les Voiles de St. Tropez is a spectacle whether you participate in it or just watch.  This sailing regatta brings about 3500 crew from all over the globe to compete in the fun that is this end-of-summer sailing race.  You may charter a boat to race, or you may opt to watch from the sidelines.  There is much celebrating either way, and it gives visitors a sense of community with the other boating enthusiasts. Perhaps you’ve made the voyage at another time of year and still want to experience St. Tropez from a different angle; try climbing onboard schooner Le Brigantine, which will take you on an unforgettable tour of Baie de St. Tropez.

Despite its popularity, St. Tropez retains much in the way of village charm.  Many people will have come to its shores on their super yachts, but many others will have traversed from inland.  Not everyone can afford to stay for very long, but anyone can come and feel the sand, surf, and sunshine for a short while.  Book a chartered yacht soon, and be one of those lucky enough to have sailed stylishly into port at stunning St. Tropez.

For more Luxury Yacht Charter information, visit International Yacht Charter Group.

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While the men are all about the cars and roar of their engines, the ladies enjoy the beauty of the little villages of the French Rivera. The most popular one is surely Saint Tropez. Well know for the beauty of its landscapes, glamour, elegance and for its entertainment. If you are also organizing your holiday in the Rivera, here are the places we recommend.

La Citadelle (the citadel): Located on the hill (la colline des Moulins) next to Saint-Tropez, it was built in the 16th century, once served as the defender of the gulf. A short walk down the hill you can find the “nautical” cemetery of St. Tropez, many celebrities are buried here.

The Place aux Herbes is a beautiful square which has been a center of activity in St Tropez for centuries. This is lovely morning market with fruits and vegetables.

The Old Port. Here you can find boats still used by local fisherman as well as the mega-yachts. There is the beautiful statue of Pierre-André de Suffren, the second principal figure of Saint-Tropez and the Portalet Tower.

Place des Lices is one of the most famous areas, where local and international stars are seen with typical Provincial market, Marché des Lices.

The Church Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption is very worthwhile to visit as well.

The most famous of the Saint-tropez beaches is the long Baie de Pampelonne to the south of St Tropez. Along the beach are beach-side boutiques, cafes and clubs.

And how to reach Saint Tropez? If you are arriving by plane, the closest airport is Nice Airport which is perfectly connected with the most important cities throughout Europe and the World.

You can hire a car directly at the airport https://www.carhire-niceairport.com/.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Andrew Crump

An overview of the region

The largest city in the area is Nice with a population of about 350,000. It is a popular tourist destination among celebrities and common people alike. It features a beautiful flower market apart from its commercial port. The airport is the third busiest airport in France after both the airports in Paris. The low budget airlines have contributed greatly to the increased tourists arrivals in this region.

To the east of Nice you will find the resort of Menton, known for its lemon festival and stunning villas. Cannes, the city popular for its film festival, is also located on the French Riviera and witnesses a lot of tourist activity. Towns like Mandelie-La Napoule, located further to the west of the region, are known for their unique chateaux and marinas. St Tropez is another popular holiday destination, which is a favorite among celebrities and movie stars. Small villages surrounding St. Tropez have managed to retain a bit of their fishing village atmosphere.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Michael Gwyther-Jones

The French Riviera is often associated with wealth, glamorous lifestyle and yachts. But taking a stroll into the old areas may change you outlook. You will find a number of quaint towns and villages on the coast. Several of these unassuming little towns attract artists, who find inspiration in the serenity and beauty of the region. Businessmen are known to purchase Cote d’Azur Villas in France, which are primarily used as holiday retreats. Other than painting, which is seen all over the region, Cote d’Azur is also known for activities like perfumery, pottery and glass blowing.

Villas at Cote d’Azur

France exhibits some of its most exquisite architecture in the villas located on the French Riviera. These properties are owned by some of the richest people in the world, many of whom are famous. Sean Combs, Tom Cruise, David Beckham and Johnny Depp are among the some of the rich and famous that own property here.

Cote d’Azur Villas in France, although expensive, are a worthy investment. The properties often include waterfront houses with private beaches with enough space for a yacht. Others are characterized by beautiful marble staircases and wrought iron grills. A large number of contemporary villas have been seen cropping up recently made entirely with chrome finished glass. This timeless destination is a hotspot for international investors, especially because of its warm sunny weather. Hiring a real estate agent can be helpful when purchasing or renting a villa as they are well versed with the local laws, tax regulations and other such rules.

Want to find out more about luxury holiday villa rentals in France, then visit Burger Davis Sotheby’s International Realty, the luxury property rental specialists for apartments to rent in Cannes and villas throughout the South of France.

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Nice

The capital of the French Riviera Nice is the fifth largest city in France and one of the most exciting places to spend a summer on the Riviera. The city became a popular tourist destination in the 19th century thanks largely to an influx of British traveller’s seeking the warm Mediterranean sun. The beach may be largely pebbled but the city is beautiful. The Promenade des Anglais is one of the most famous sights and provides a beautiful beach side walk. The Orthodox Cathedral is well worth a visit and the medieval town centre is the perfect place for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Here you can find the remnants of the old Chateau and a rambling collection of narrow alleys and beautiful ochre houses. In terms of places to stay apartments in Nice provide you with a real sense of luxury but the many five star hotels are equally impressive and elegant.

Cannes

Cannes is famous as a millionaires playground and is one of the most outwardly extravagant destinations on the Med. The May international film festival is perhaps the most famous draw for the rich and famous and tourists more generally but the town has a rich warm atmosphere throughout the year. The seafront promenade and La Croisette and the Vieux Porte around the bay are a fantastic place to while away your afternoon’s while Le Suquet which forms the central part of the old town is a fantastic series of rambling streets and medieval buildings as well as the impressive 11th century castle. Nearby you can access the popular Iles des Lerins via a brief ferry ride and enjoy some fantastic beaches. In terms of staying here in France, villas are at their most luxurious and hotels aren’t far behind. Further inland you can find cheaper accommodation and numerous camping grounds.

St. Tropez

St. Tropez is one of the most laid back and stunning parts of the South French coast. It manages to retain village like charms despite being an incredibly popular destination. The port and surrounding streets are messy in an ever endearing way and the beautiful buildings and very traditional French culture mean that St. Tropez is one of the best destinations in France all year round. The 11th century citadel with its museum is perhaps the most interesting sight but the views are the most impressive thing about it. The town hall is fairly impressive but really the culture is the most interesting and exciting thing about visiting this town. The real pleasures for many though are the beaches with St. Tropez being in close proximity to some of the region’s most beautiful and popular beaches. In particular Les Graniers and the beaches on Baie des Canoubiers are particularly impressive.

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Ajaccio

Ajaccio straddles a gorgeous bay and is very much a Riviera town with its spacious squares and elegant, upmarket marina. The towns are beautiful and tasteful with some fantastic restaurants and cafes. The 15th century Genoese citadel is a great place to wander and the muse Fesch is home to an incredible collection of renaissance paintings by Botticelli, Titian and Poussin. Of course the town’s beaches are a firm favourite with travellers and the Plage Trottel is the better of the two.

Le Golfe de Porto

Le Golfe de Porto region contains Corsica’s most beautiful landscapes and the blue bay and red cliffs make the area dramatic to say the least. The rock formations of Calanches de Piana are well worth visiting and the surrounding mountains and vast pine forests are a fantastic place to hike and enjoy yourself. Diving is also incredible here if you are feeling adventurous.

Calvi

Calvi is perhaps the most impressive town of Corsica and it certainly has the most impressive history and architecture. The 6km sandy beach is the biggest draw for many but beyond that the town is incredibly impressive. The imposing citadel of Calvi against the mountainous backdrop is an incredible sight to behold. The town itself plays home to the Haute Ville full of twisting cobbled lanes and stairways and the medieval architecture and beautiful street cafes are a fantastic place to stroll and relax. Villas line the outer reaches of town as you head to some of the most beautiful countryside and the mountains.

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Corte

Corte lies at the base of a mountain range with stunning views and is one of the most idyllic locations of Corsica. The citadel and museum of Corsica make a great day trip and you can stroll the castle’s ramparts and enjoy a fantastic view. The town’s main street is a fantastic shopping and street café area with plenty of pokey boutiques and places to rest.

Bonifacio

Bonifacio’s location is what makes it so incredible. Its perched along an isolated peninsula at the most southerly point of the island. The town has a unique identity and the huge citadel is a great place to explore before walking along to the marina. The beaches along the coast are incredible and well worth exploring.

Where to stay
There are plenty of accommodation options on the island from camping to all-inclusive resorts. The main towns have an abundance of hotels with some particularly good ones to be found in Calvi. Along the coast there are few large resorts but villas in Corsica along small bays and in small villages are fantastic. Camping lets you get into the heart of Corsican countryside and is a great option for hiking and walking.

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In France, “le camping” is something of a religion. Families take everything but the kitchen sink to their favourite destinations – often setting up for a whole month of alfresco living.
Almost every commune has a “camping municipal” a publicly provided campsite – which are cheaper than the private ones and usually have excellent facilities. These can be particularly useful if you’re only staying for one or two nights as you travel around. A couple of good Vango sleeping bags and a cheap tent are all you’ll need any time between May and September.

Where you decide to go camping in France is entirely dependent on what you most love to do. France is a very diverse country with varied landscapes.

In the north, the coastline is rugged, while the south coast offers classic Mediterranean stretches of golden beaches.

Inland, the landscape is lush with landscapes carved by famous rivers such as the Loire and the Dordogne, whilst the Alps offer a mountainous landscape beloved by outdoor sports enthusiasts in every season for different reasons. You’ll need you best Merrell gear during any season here.

Also, the Vendée, Royan and the South-West along the Atlantic coast are perfect for family holidays camping in France. There are huge stretches of open sandy beach and the sea is perfect for swimming and water sports during the summer. Be warned, though, it can be exposed in these regions during the hottest months as the beaches are so open and the landscape generally flat.

Wherever you decide to camp in this magnificent and hugely varied country – you won’t be disappointed by the camping facilities.

Bon voyage!

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In the 19th century it became a very popular place among European nobility, Napoleon III., Alfonso II. from Spain and others and still offers lots of attractions and vibrancy for the tourists. Can be said that Biarritz competes with Saint Tropez, however it offers much more than just beaches, casinos, bars and entertainment oriented only to spend money.

During the day you can sunbathe and watch the surfers on the Great Beach (Grande Plage). Along the beach is a trail where you can ride on roller skates, and in the evening you can try the luck at the Town Casino (Casino Municipal).

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Interesting places and buildings

Another town beach is Miramar where you can stay in a king of local hotels – luxury 5 star Hotel du Palais. It was built in 1848 by Emperor Napoleon III. Its lowest rate for single room is €300 per night, but you will surely feel like the emperor himself. A little farther, on the tip of St. Martin, you can see Biarritz lighthouse, dating back to 1831.

You should also visit the old whaling port which is no longer working, but the locals love it and keep its original appearance.

Be sure to go to Rocher de la Vierge (virgin reef), which resembles a tooth and offers really great view and atmosphere at sunset. To get here, you have to go through the bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel.

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Porticcio holiday resort which is situated in one of the most beautiful bays of the west coast of Corsica has become a popular destination for water sports lovers from all over Europe. You will find a wide and long sandy beaches here lined with numerous restaurants and bars. There is also the only water park on Corsica nearby. Visitors can go diving, sailing, surfing, water skiing or playing tennis. There is also a sailing school. Very popular here are Porticcio ship cruises.

Tips for your trips

The advantage of the site is that you can easily get to Ajaccio and other parts of the southern half of the island. South of the capital of Corsica, Ajaccio, you will find one of the most beautiful bays of the west coast. It is right opposite the Bloody Islands (Les sanguinaires) in the Ajaccio’s bay, protected by guard towers Capitello a Frassu. There are numerous hiking trails and mountain biking trails. Very attractive are the central parts of the island with picturesque villages and beautiful countryside of Corsica’s National Park.

The most romantic way how you can get to Corsica across the sea, is by ferry either to Bastia in the north or to Bonifacio or Ajaccio in the south. If you have a luck, you can see some dolphins around the ship.

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The first records of settlements in the island of Corsica comes from the times of ancient Greece, when the island was inhabited by Greeks, Etruscans and Carthaginians. The entire island of Corsica contains of a huge mountain massif, which dominates the hill of Monte Cinto, which is with his elevation of 2706 m the highest mountain on the island of Corsica. The administrative center is the city of Ajaccio. The biggest and most important port is Bastia.

Corsica is the pearl of the Mediterranean Sea. It offers a beautiful diverse nature. There you will find high mountains with lakes and meadows with streams and creeks, as well as beautiful white beaches and clear sea. Parts of the island are registered on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best known is the Gulf Port, where is the Gulf Girolata, Cape Porto, and Scandola Nature Reserve. These sites provide habitat for protected plants and animals such as gulls, cormorants and sea eagles. Gulf Port is therefore registered on UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983.

Among the most important monuments on the island of Corsica is a prehistoric menhirs and dolomens, mountain cascades, and the historic city of Bonifacio.

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