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.

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.

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.

1. Barcelona

Located along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is one of the most popular places in Spain to visit. It was originally founded as an ancient Roman city and over the millennia, it has flourished into the bustling metropolis that it is today. The city is surrounded with history and is filled with many historical sites that have attracted millions of visitors throughout the years.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain by Wolfgang Staudt

2. Madrid

The city of Madrid is the capital of Spain as well as being one of the largest cities in the country. With more than 7 million people residing in the metropolitan area, Madrid is the third largest urbanized area in the entire European Union. The Manzanares River can be found flowing through the city’s historical center where you will find countless historical landmarks.

Gran Via, Madrid, Spain by Felipe Gabaldón

3. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Perhaps one of the most popular destinations in Spain is the Canary Islands. Gran Canaria is the second most populous island of the Canary Islands that is located off from the African coastlines. There are countless beaches to lie along and many different archaeological sites that can be found on the island.

Gran Canaria landscape, Canary Islands, Spain by JUAN RAMON RODRIGUEZ SOSA

4. Ibiza, Balearic Islands

You will find the island of Ibiza situated off from the coastlines of Valencia in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. The island is part of a small archipelago (Balearic Islands) for which Ibiza is the third largest in the island group. Over the years, the island has become known for its lively clubs and night life which attracts people from all over Europe and the world.

Cala D’Hort in Ibiza by Federico Capoano

5. Tenerife, Canary Islands

The island of Tenerife can be found within the Canary Islands archipelago. It is the largest and most populated island in the group. Annually, more than five million people make their way to the shores of Tenerife. While there are a lot of places to visit within throughout the island, most people make there way here to relax and simply enjoy their much-awaited holiday in the sun.

Teide National Park, Tenerife by JUAN RAMON RODRIGUEZ SOSA

6. Seville

You will find the Spanish city of Seville situated along the banks of the River Guadalquivir. Founded by the Romans thousands of years ago, Seville has grown into the fourth largest city in the country today. Its well-preserved historical town centre is one of the largest in the European Union.

Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain by seiho

7. Granada

The city of Granada can be found in the Sierra Nevada foothills where the Darro, Beiro and Genil rivers merge. It is popular destination in Spain due to its pristine location and also thanks to Alhambra Palace. The shores of the Mediterranean Sea can be found only an hour from the city and the Sierra Nevada Ski Station is only a short distance from the city.

Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain by Alex Proimos

8. València

The city of València is the third largest in the country. The city was first founded by the Romans back in the first century B.C. Today it can be found along the Turia river banks where the river flows into the Mediterranean. The beautiful historic town centre is filled with countless historical treasures. There are countless places in València to visit, including the largest aquarium in Europe, which is why it has become one of the most popular destination in Spain.

Oceanografic, Valencia, Spain / Photo by Claire (Europe Explored)

9. Benidorm

The coastal town of Benidorm can be found along the Mediterranean Sea. It is a popular resort town which is located just outside of València. There are countless beaches that can be found at the edges of town as well as a number of hotels that dominate the skyline and offer some of the most awe-inspiring views of the Mediterranean and surrounding countryside. It is often called “Manhattan of Europe or Spain” thanks to its skyscrapers.

Benidorm, Spain by Phillip Capper

10. Menorca, Balearic Islands

Located just off shore of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea, you will find a small archipelago group of islands known as the Balearic Islands. It is here that you will find the island of Menorca which has become a popular destination along the Mediterranean. The island is a mountainous one which is home to the 358 meter tall mountain, El Toro.

Calan Porter, Menorca by gerriet

11. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

You will find the island of Fuerteventura situated off the coasts of Africa. It is part of the Canary Islands archipelago. It is the second largest of the islands in the group and as such, offers more than 50 kilometres of pristine white sandy beaches. It also has an additional 25 kilometres of black volcanic beaches as well.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands by Ina Widegren

12. Calvià, Majorca, Balearic Islands

You will find the city of Calvià situated on Majorca Island, the largest of the Balearic Islands. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, just off shore from Spain, Calvià has grown to become a very popular destination in the country. There are a number of historical monuments and buildings that can be found in the city, but most of the visitors to the islands come to relax under the Mediterranean sun.

Majorca, Spain by Son of Groucho

13. Málaga

The city of Málaga is considered to be the southernmost city on the European continent. Situated just east of the Strait of Gibraltar, along the pristine Mediterranean shorelines, the city has become a popular retreat due to its long summers and warm winters. At more than 2,800 years old, the city is also one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.

El Alcazaba, Malaga

14. La Palma, Canary Islands

While the island of La Palma is only the fifth largest of the popular Canary Islands, it is one of the most populated islands in the archipelago. Much of the homes and buildings that can be found on La Palma were built back in the 17th century and are perhaps one of the most charming aspects of the island.

La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain by pizzodisevo

15. Lloret de Mar

The coastal town of Lloret de Mar can be found along the shorelines of the Mediterranean Sea. Countless visitors have made their way to the town over the years to enjoy a fun-filled holiday in the sun. There are a number of bars and clubs that can be found in the town which has helped to establish Lloret de Mar as a lively party destination as well.

Beach of Lloret de Mar, Spain by Iron Bishop

16. Salou

The city of Salou dates back to the days of the Roman Empire when it was home to one of the most important ports in the region. Today however, the city is known as a popular destination in the country on account of the beautiful pristine beaches that can be found along its shores. Salou is also the transportation hub for those seeking to spend their holiday on the Balearic Islands. One of the best attractions that can be visited close to Salou is PortAventura Adventure Park awarded as the Best Amusement Park in Europe for 2012.

PortAventura Theme Park near Salou by João Máximo

17. Córdoba

The geographical region of Córdoba has become known over the years for its tantalizing wines. There are a number of vineyards and wineries that can be found throughout the region which produces a number of different qualities to choose from. Countless people make their way to the region every single year to visit the vineyards and wineries which can be found throughout the countryside.

Córdoba, Spain by Juan Carlos Guijarro Moreno

18. Tías, Lanzarote, Canary Islands

You will find the town of Tías situated on Lanzarote Island in the popular Canary Islands archipelago. The town is the main municipality on the island and is also home to most of the island’s hotels. While there are countless beaches on the island, some of the finest can only be found in Tías. If you chose Lanzarote for your next holidays, check flighthub.com and find the cheap air tickets to Lanzarote and other parts of Spain.

Sunset in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain by torephoto

19. San Sebastián

In the northern part of Spain, you will find the coastal city of San Sebastián situated along the shores of the Bay of Biscay. With the French border a mere twenty kilometres from the city, it has grown to become one of the most famous holiday destinations in the country. San Sebastián is also known for its international film festival which is held annually.

The beach of San Sebastian, Spain by dynamosquito

20. Toledo

You will find the city of Toledo located in the central portion of Spain. The city is known for its role in the history of Spain as it was once the capital of the country. There are countless World Heritage sites that can be found throughout Toledo as well as a number of archaeological sites that can be found in the city’s outskirts.

Toledo by F H Mira

The post 20 of the Most Beautiful Places in Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

Some can be pretty obvious, but there are also those gems that not many people think or know about and are just waiting for you to discover. The likes of Spain and France can offer busy, vibrant locations, but others such as Corsica and the Greek Islands can allow for a slightly more laid back approach to holidaying. Just remember to look for great currency exchange rates when you buy currency, as it will make the trip much more enjoyable knowing that you’ve got the best rates of foreign exchange.

On the Island of Crete, Greece by Wolfgang Staudt

Spain

Mainland Spain is possibly the most popular tourist destination in Europe and the main reason is very likely because the country offers so much versatility in terms what you can do as a family, a couple or as a group of friends.

Thanks to the country being so vast, there are numerous options of where to go, whether it be out in the countryside or a city break in Madrid or Barcelona and there’s always the endless amount of beach resorts. As if that wasn’t enough, Spain’s Balearic Islands consisting of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, as well as the Canary Islands, offer so much more and can offer great coastline environments, but that little bit quieter than the mainland.

The coast of Mallorca, Spain by Andrés Nieto Porras

The UK

Although it may not be known for its stunning summers, the UK still offers some superb locations to visit. The British Isles has a wonderful array of destinations on its coastlines that include Cornwall, Devon and North Yorkshire towns such as Whitby and Scarborough.

The Scilly Isles and the Isle of Wight also make a visit worthwhile, whilst the likes of Wales and Scotland can offer a completely different feel to mainland England. Other notable locations include the Lake District, The Cotswolds and Norfolk.

Scilly Isles, UK by Tom Corser www.tomcorser.com

Corsica

Some may think that it is impossible to both avoid mass tourism and have a wonderfully beautiful location to holiday in Europe, but the tranquil island of Corsica can offer just that.

All 600 square miles of the island are unspoilt and delightful to behold and doesn’t suffer from being overcrowded like other Mediterranean islands. As well as beautiful coastlines, Corsica is also adorned with massive mountain ranges that can often take your breath away, as well as numerous lush forests and glacial mountain lakes.

Beach in Corsica, France by Luciano

The post Forget the cold, start planning your next European summer holiday appeared first on Europe Explored.

The four main islands, Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera, attract tens of thousands of families, couples and singles every year.  Ibiza has a reputation as a ‘party island’ and Majorca is top choice for families and golfers.

Menorca is not as commercially developed and is smaller, but it does have plenty to offer and because of its reputation for being unspoilt, many consider the island of Menorca to be far and away the best of the Balearics.

Son Xoriguer, Menorca, Spain by Freebird

6 Great Reasons to Visit Menorca This Year

Relaxation

Unlike its sister island, Ibiza, a week spent in Menorca will not involve falling out of thumping bars and clubs as the sun rises, rather worse for wear after sinking twenty-five shots of Jaeger bomb.  Although not quite as unspoilt as Formentera, Menorca still has a reputation for being the quieter island, which makes it perfect for anyone who prefers chilling out as opposed to dancing the night away and unlike Formentera, there are still plenty of other things to do if the mood takes you.

Beaches

Menorca is blessed with more than its fair share of beaches and with more than two hundred beaches dotted around the coast to choose from, sun-seekers come to the island for the opportunity to lie in the hot Mediterranean sun, far from the madding crowds typically found on the crowded sands of Majorca and Ibiza.  All of the beaches on Menorca are worth visiting, but one of the best beaches on the island is Cala Pregonda.  A stunning stretch of sand in the protected north of the island, Cala Pregonda is easily accessible by foot and although the beach lacks any modern facilities such as cafes and restaurants, it more than makes up for this with its idyllic location.  It does however attract nudists, so be warned: clothing is entirely optional!

Menorca coastline, Spain by Freebird

Dramatic Coastline

Menorca is famous for its rugged coastline and the towering limestone cliffs bordered by spectacular sandy beaches are stunningly beautiful.  The northern half of the island is the most dramatic and the section of coast between Punta Nati and Cala Carbó is particularly beautiful; the limestone cliffs loom over small coves and red sandy beaches, creating an idyllic setting.  To the east, the famous lighthouse of Cavalleria sits atop the highest cliffs on the island, which afford some spectacular views.

Culture

Menorca has a lot more to offer than fabulous beaches and perfect weather and keen historians will be able to spend their entire holiday exploring ancient stone monuments dating back to 2000 BC.  Many of the ancient settlements on the island are highly accessible.  Talatí del Dalt is only 4 km from the capital of Menorca, Maó and is well worth a visit; as is the capital, Maó, which has some fine examples of Georgian architecture dating back to the 18th century.

Talatí del Dalt, Menorca, Spain by David Font Mampel

Explore the Island on Foot

Menorca is relatively small compared to Majorca and Ibiza and thanks to the completion of a coastal pathway, known as the Camí de Cavalls, it is possible to circumnavigate a large part of the island on foot if you are feeling energetic.

The Camí de Cavalls is divided up into handy sections, each of which are about 10km long and of varying terrain.  The path is well signposted and is also suitable for mountain bikers and horse riders.  There are also a large number of other scenic footpaths along old bridleways and tracks snaking through the countryside, and even during the height of summer, it is possible to head out for a peaceful walk without seeing meeting any traffic or other people.

Back to Nature

Thanks to its plethora of important flowers, plants and animals, Menorca is a UNESCO classified biosphere reserve.

The island is great for bird watching and if you are lucky you could catch a glimpse of red kites, booted eagles, Egyptian vultures, peregrines, warblers and even osprey. The best place for watching birds is the S’Albufera des Grau Park, which is a short trip from Maó; there are several walking trails meandering through the wetlands, plus a few bird watching hides interspersed around.

If you have been looking for somewhere amazing to spend your holidays Menorca is a fantastic choice!

The post Six Reasons Why Menorca is the Best of the Balearics | Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

Binigaus, Menorca by Boladevidre

The Port of Mahon

The capital, Mahon or Mao, is situated at the world’s second-largest harbour. The historic town is a scenic gem, with the sapphire-blue sea providing the ideal backdrop for a remarkable collection of buildings.

If you fancy a trip out of town, visit the S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, a huge park around three miles from Mahon, which is renowned for its range of flora and fauna. A haven for everything from turtles to olive trees, it is ideal for those seeking a change from the usual sun holiday experience.

Binigaus Valley

Another site of immense and varied beauty, Binigaus Valley is best known for Cova des Coloms, one of the island’s biggest cave complexes. Nearby is an idyllic beach, which is perfect for swimming.

Algendar Gorge

Stretching over four miles, this vast limestone gorge is one of the most impressive natural features on the island. A surprising variety of flowers and wildlife thrives in the limestone fissures, and the area is also home to a range of rare birds and reptiles. Keep an eye out for the kites and kestrels that prey on the lizards and turtles that dart from the cracks in limestone. Algendar Gorge is certainly one of the most impressive areas in the whole of Menorca.

Beaches

As a sun-holiday paradise, Menorca has all the beaches you could ever want. If you’re looking for sand and sea, Menorca doesn’t tend to be as crowded as the other Balearic Islands.

One of the island’s favourite spots for swimming and sun bathing, Son Bou is a beautiful, long beach with fine sands. Resorts and villas nearby tend to be highly popular among families. In comparison, Punta Prima is more adult-orientated, offering a range of water sports facilities, bars, and restaurants. With some of the strongest currents on the island, it is not suitable for children who want to swim.

Diving

The island is one of the most impressive places in the Mediterranean for scuba diving and offers over 15 schools for would-be divers. If you don’t have PADI certification, this could be the perfect opportunity to get it and see some amazing sea life in the process.

Menorca is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the entire Mediterranean, and, although it is famous as a sun holiday destination, it is relatively unspoiled. It represents the ideal mix of amenities and pristine beauty, something few other places can offer.

So, why not enjoy yourself and see the sites with car hire in Menorca. The island is deceptively large, so car hire means you can see the area’s natural beauty quickly and easily.

The post Explore the Natural Beauty of Menorca | Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

A Shoreline in Majorca, Spain / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Andrew Havis

Majorca’s Beaches

Majorca has more than its fair share of sun, sea and sand – in fact, it’s known for having some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. The only problem for visitors is which beach to choose. Magaluf in the south west is every popular, with 900 metres of beach, a new promenade and lots of bars and restaurants. It’s great for singles and young couples as the area is known for its nightlife. In fact, it’s the island’s nightclub capital. Families may prefer somewhere a bit quieter.

You can find a great family beach at Alcudia. Not only is the sand as fine as that on a golf course, but there’s a children’s playground and shallow water. Lots of watersports and restaurants on the beach make this the perfect place for a day out. With three beaches, Palma Nova is another good option. If you’re not bothered about watersports then Cala Tuent in the north east and Calas de Mallorca in the south east both offer plenty of space for sun worshippers – and nice scenery too!

Palma Majorca, Spain / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by John Burke

Exploring the Capital

If you want to spend some time out of the sun, there’s still plenty to do in Majorca. Palma is a good place to start. You can pick up transport around the island from Plaça d’Espanya which is underneath a large park. Kids will enjoy the themed play areas while you wait. Included in Palma’s chequered history is a period of Moorish rule and one of its most famous sights, La Seu, is a cathedral built on top of what used to be a mosque. This heritage is also on show in the warren-like Old City whose narrow streets are well worth exploring and the Arab Baths, though in disrepair, are well worth a look.

Outside the capital are other historic and picturesque sights, so be sure to leave the beach for a sightseeing trip at some point during your stay.

Marian Jaime writes for Suntransfers who offer transfers from Majorca airport to get your holiday off to a fabulous start.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Alejandro Sánchez Marcos

S’Albufera des Grau Nature Park

Whilst Menorca is certainly the lesser visited of the Balearic Islands, during the summer months the number of visitors naturally increases. Escape the busy resort beaches for a day and relish in the natural beauty of the island’s only nature park. The network of wetlands, coastline and farmland welcomes a wide variety of both flora and fauna and a visit here will be sure to keep you at ease with the world. A lighthouse is found at the northern end of the park and a trip to the top will afford unbeatable views over hidden beaches and rocky coves.

Sant Lluis

One of the fastest growing yet traditional towns in Menorca, Sant Lluis, surrounded by picturesque countryside, makes for a great day trip. On your approach the huge traditional windmill will capture your attention so pull up and venture inside. The streets are chock a bloc with inviting pastry shops, the perfect stop for a tasty mid-morning snack, interspersed with small intriguing shops. The impressive church, Eglesia de Sant Lluis, is also deserving of a visit.

Ciutadella

The other main city of Menorca and the old capital, Ciutadella is located on the western coast of the island. A visit here will be particularly enthralling for anyone with an interest in history, as many buildings erected during the 17th century populate the old town. Be sure to stop by at the Castell Sant Nicolas, an old defence tower come exhibition gallery with the best views of the sunset, and the Cathedral; a stunning building that was originally a mosque before it was rebuilt in 1287. The picture perfect port area is the ideal setting for a long and relaxing lunch or dinner at one of the numerous fish restaurants.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Freebird

Somni Dancing Horses

Although not a full day trip, the Somni Dancing Horses are not to be missed. Menorca has long had associations with horses and is in fact famous for its own breed of black horses. Make your way to the stables on the road to Cala Galdana and you can enjoy an unmissable night that will show you the legends and traditions of Menorca whilst you enjoy a mix of equestrian arts and fantasy! After the show, you can often take a walk around the stables and paddocks and get up close to the horses and foals.

There is much to be enjoyed in Mahon itself and across the island of Menorca and this is just a selection of some of the best day trips you can enjoy during your holiday.

Bio: Kerri Ware is a travel blogger and writes for Economy Car Hire, a car hire broker offering great deals for car hire across Europe and beyond. Follow us on Twitter @economycarhire.

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Spain is a country which welcomes its tourists with open arms. Tourism forms inseparable part of a national economy. About 10,000 accommodation facilities is available here so you can choose from the cheapest one up to the most luxurious offering all types of service you can even imagine.

Photo by admin

Spain belongs to one of the cheapest western European countries, so this is why about 10% of all tourists travelling abroad choose this place for their holidays. Hotels are rated by stars from one to five and are marked with the letter H. Stars are awarded mainly for the room’s equipment but also for overall quality. Hotel restaurants are usually available also to other tourists.

If you prefer homelike atmosphere, you can choose from a network of Spain apartments. There are two kinds of such facilities – HA (Hotel Apartamentos) or RA (Residence Aparthotel).

Other accommodation options are Paradores Nacionales, which are state-owned hotels ranked from three to five stars, so those are luxurious and more expensive. The first Parador was established in 1928. Now you can find them both on the mainland and the islands. They are easily accessible, often presented as a mansion, medieval castles and other luxurious hotels.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cayetano

The most luxurious hotels are located on the Costa del Sol and Balearic Islands. Tourists across the country can choose from a wide variety of accommodation for different occasions, from short-stay apartments to long-term lease. Cheaper accommodation can be found in guesthouses, campsites or various casa rurales, which are family village hostels with a homelike atmosphere. They generally have a limited number of rooms/beds and are open only in the peak season. In Spain there are more than 600 campsites, which most of them are on the coast and offer standard services.

Accommodation prices vary by location, number of stars, and depend on the season. Prices should be displayed in each reception. It is common that rural and suburban hotels and hostels are cheaper than similar facilities in the city centers and along the beaches. Peak season starts in July and ends in August, but in some areas lasts from April until late September. At the time of national holiday (Fiesta) hotels may require a special fee.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Wolfgang Staudt

One of the hottest destinations in Spain is Barcelona without a doubt. Barcelona is experiencing a real boom since the early 90′s, when the preparations for the Olympic Games have changed and modernized a character of the city. Today, Barcelona is really a busy city (sometimes too much in terms of traffic intensity…), full of culture, art and all sorts of activities.

However there are lots of Barcelona apartments, hotels, B&B and other accommodation facilities here, it is still recommended to book your room in advance to avoid any troubles and stress.

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