Europe Explored » blue flag https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Top Ecotourism Spots in Larnaca, Cyprus https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/20/top-ecotourism-spots-larnaca-cyprus/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/20/top-ecotourism-spots-larnaca-cyprus/#comments Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:26:09 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=8452 Larnaca is a larger city located at the South Coast of Cyprus. It is blessed with a few beautiful beaches including Mckenzie Beach, Phinikoudes Beach, Vorklini Beach, and Pyla Beach. Although these beaches have black sandy color, the quality of the water has been Blue Flag certified and guaranteed clean by the authorities. These are […]

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Larnaca is a larger city located at the South Coast of Cyprus. It is blessed with a few beautiful beaches including Mckenzie Beach, Phinikoudes Beach, Vorklini Beach, and Pyla Beach. Although these beaches have black sandy color, the quality of the water has been Blue Flag certified and guaranteed clean by the authorities. These are the most sought after tourist destinations of the place, but nature lovers will have a treat during their stay because of the many ecotourism spots available for them.

Larnaca sunset, Cyprus
Larnaca sunset / SBirre

The Wetlands

Larnaca have various wetlands to offer its guests including Voroklini Lake, Larnaca Salt Lake, and Sewage Work Pools.

Larnaca Salt Lake is home to 85 species of water birds with an estimated population ranging from 20,000 to 38,000. Visitors who will choose to include this in their itinerary would be fortunate to enjoy the graceful movements of 2,000 to 12,000 flamingoes categorized as Phoenicopterus ruber. It has been declared as a protected area since the year 1997 and has been a favorite spot of ecotourists all over the world.

The Sewage Pool is also a treat for any bird lover. It allows you to see ducks, gulls, and grebes playing near the water. Other bird species you will meet includes the Whiskered, the Black-Winged Stilts, Spur-Winged Lapwings, Gull-Billed, and White-winged.

The Villages

After enjoying a day watching the birds, you may wish to rest for a while at the comfort of your Larnaca beach hotel. You will need all the energy for the next travel plan we have in mind for you, village eco-tour. There are many villages to choose including Kiti Village, Tochni Village, Kato Drys Village, and Lefkara Village. You will have taste of the true Cypriot lifestyle upon setting food at the premises of their village and appreciate how they value life and nature.

As part of the Cyprus Tourism Campaign, you are given the opportunity to reside at the following villages mentioned above and live with the locales. It is an opportunity worth grabbing because it will allow you to enjoy coffee in the local shop and just enjoy the easy-going Mediterranean lifestyle of the people while appreciating the timeless Cypriot traditions.

Part of the activities you can enjoy includes daily excursion, bike tours, horse back riding, and relaxation at the beach. It would be best if you have more time to spend in Cyprus because only then can you have a full taste of its wonderful culture.

Historical places like the Hala Sultan Mosque and Neolithic settlements are always waiting to be explored by any enthusiastic tourist. You will find variety of things and places to visit in Larnaca during your stay, so it is best to schedule it accordingly. Do not miss the chance to appreciate the beauty of Larnaca. Plan your trip today and have fun in its midst.


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Easy ways to enjoy Paphos for less | Cyprus https://europeexplored.com/2012/05/21/easy-ways-to-enjoy-paphos-for-less-cyprus/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/05/21/easy-ways-to-enjoy-paphos-for-less-cyprus/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 19:49:42 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=7826 If you’re planning a holiday to Cyprus, Paphos is a fantastic destination to choose. Packed with historical attractions and a rich culture, this coastal city is a fascinating one to explore – but how can you make sure you don’t spend over the odds? Fort of Paphos / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created […]

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If you’re planning a holiday to Cyprus, Paphos is a fantastic destination to choose. Packed with historical attractions and a rich culture, this coastal city is a fascinating one to explore – but how can you make sure you don’t spend over the odds?

Fort of Paphos, Cyprus
Fort of Paphos / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by simon.hedge

Many of us are looking for ways to tighten our belts and make sure not a penny is wasted, without sacrificing our annual holiday. Choosing a destination that has lots of low-cost attractions is therefore a good choice, and holidays to Paphos certainly fall into this category.

Indeed, while there are plenty of luxurious hotels in the city – which you should be able to find some great deals for online – this does not mean it is lacking in affordable activities. From awe-inspiring historical sites to glorious beaches, some of the destination’s best attractions can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.

Seek out the best harbour views at the Fort of Paphos

One of the simplest ways to make the most of your break is to take a walk and soak up the excellent views. Among Paphos’s most scenic spots is its harbour; to see it at its best, head to the Fort of Paphos.

Kids will especially love going here, because to reach it you have to cross a stone bridge perched over a moat. Once you’re at the fort itself, which is home to cannons pointing out in several directions, you’ll enjoy the finest views of the harbour to be had in the city.

Hit Municipal Beach

Another easy way to get the most out of your Paphos break for less is to hit the beach. Indeed, many of us visit destinations such as Cyprus purely for the warm weather, so heading to the coast is bound to feature on your to-do list.

Many of the local stretches of sand have Blue Flag status, making them great for family holidays. The Municipal Beach, which is perfect for swimming, is a particular favourite.

Paphos hotels, Cyprus
Paphos hotels, Cyprus / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Verity Cridland

Explore the Tombs of the Kings and other archaeological sites

The city’s most famous attractions are its archaeological sites and, fortunately, they do not cost a lot to visit. So, even if you are on a tight budget, you should be able to explore them fully.

Among the best places to see are the Tombs of the Kings, which are spread out over a fairly large area. This series of chambers and tombs was used to bury residents belonging to the higher classes – but not, as its name suggests, kings – between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD.

What draws many visitors is their impressive interiors, the Doric pillars of which earned the Tombs of the Kings its regal name, as well as their peristyle court structure inspired by Egyptian architecture. While the tombs are certainly impressive, you should not expect to see many treasures and artifacts inside, simply because over the years they were stolen by grave robbers.

If you’re keen to explore the local history a little further, head to the House of Dionysus, where you can see a splendid, well-preserved mosaic laid out on the floor. There are several old houses which have this kind of mosaic flooring – often depicting myths – but the House of Dionysus is the most famous.

By choosing to visit low-cost – yet still very exciting – attractions such as these, you can really make the most of your getaway without blowing your budget.

Author Bio: As a fan of Greek history and architecture, Matt has travelled much of the region. This summer he’s looking to escape the chaos in London and has arranged his Sani holidays


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An Introduction to the Costa del Sol | Spain https://europeexplored.com/2012/05/16/an-introduction-to-the-costa-del-sol-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/05/16/an-introduction-to-the-costa-del-sol-spain/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 12:25:04 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=7671 When the summer holidays roll around, Brits and northern Europeans head for the Costa del Sol in large numbers. The area once had a reputation as a haven for British gangsters fleeing the law (as seen in Sexy Beast, The Business and many TV sitcoms) but these days visitors come for a much more mundane […]

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When the summer holidays roll around, Brits and northern Europeans head for the Costa del Sol in large numbers. The area once had a reputation as a haven for British gangsters fleeing the law (as seen in Sexy Beast, The Business and many TV sitcoms) but these days visitors come for a much more mundane purpose – seeking the sun.

Playa del Rincón de la Victoria, Costa del Sol, Spain
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cayetano

The name means ‘sunny coast’ and it’s those long, sunny days and scorching temperatures (well into the mid-40s Celsius on some days) that provide the attraction for millions of visitors each year. Located along the Mediterranean in Andalusia, this area has been a major tourist draw since the 1950s.

Popular Costa del Sol Destinations

Andalusia enjoys the second largest share of tourist traffic among Spain’s autonomous communities which is no surprise as it’s one of the warmest and sunniest places in Europe. Some of the most popular areas include Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Estepona and Marbella. These – and the many other coastal cities – provide a variety of activities for visitors. Many of the towns are linked by a coastal rail line, making it easy to sample the variety of this coast. Estepona stands out for its 325 days of annual sunshine and two Blue Flag beaches. Torremolinos is the place to go to find the largest number of British expats and the beaches in Fuengirola are so popular that you will have trouble finding a free spot in the height of summer.

Torremolinos beach, Spain
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gert Mewes

What to Do in Andalusia

As well as the usual assortment of restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs, this area offers castles, cathedrals, forts and monasteries. The Alcazaba in Malaga, the Alhambra in Granada and the Giralda and Alcazar in Seville are worth visiting. Andalusia has a wide variety of other attractions. The birthplace of Velasquez and Picasso, it has a number of museums and art collections on show. Of these, one of the most important is the Malaga Museum of Modern Art. It’s also possible to see craft, ceramics and jewellery made by the region’s artisans. Andalusia is also a great place for those interested in architecture, as everything from Moorish/Islamic architecture to Renaissance, Baroque and more modern styles are on display. Walk around Malaga city centre and you will suddenly find yourself on distinctive and beautiful tiles or face to face with a beautiful building. And of course, depending on where you are, a visit to Gibraltar can make a nice day trip.

There’s so much to see and do in this area that its popularity is no surprise. If you have ever visited the Costa del Sol or Andalusia, be sure to share your favourite attractions in the comments.

Marian Jaime enjoys visiting the Costa del Sol. She uses Suntransfers’ Malaga airport taxis to get to her resort.


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Costa del Sol – three hundred days of sunshine a year | Spain https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/13/costa-del-sol-three-hundred-days-of-sunshine-a-year-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/13/costa-del-sol-three-hundred-days-of-sunshine-a-year-spain/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:16:00 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5124 One of the most visited areas in the southern Spanish Andalusia is certainly Costa del Sol (Suuny Coast). It stretches from the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada to the Gibraltar and continue with the Costa de la Luz. Costa del Sol is about 300 kilometres long and is rightly proud of its name and […]

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One of the most visited areas in the southern Spanish Andalusia is certainly Costa del Sol (Suuny Coast). It stretches from the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada to the Gibraltar and continue with the Costa de la Luz. Costa del Sol is about 300 kilometres long and is rightly proud of its name and boasts at least three hundred days of sunshine a year.

The constant sunny weather is almost guaranteed here. There is subtropical Mediterranean climate with an average annual temperature of 18 °C and average summer temperatures above 30 °C. Tourism started to develop here in this area in the 60′s of the 20th century. Until then there were just small fishing villages on the coast with the quiet life.

Costa del Sol - three hundred days of sunshine a year | Spain
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Stephen Heron

Costa del Sol is still relatively sparsely populated in comparison with northern parts of the coast, such as Costa Brava or so. In addition to a wide range of accommodation there is also a wide range of entertainment and shopping options. You can taste the famous Spanish cuisine and meet with the locals who are very friendly.

The area features the long beautiful beaches, many of which have previously received the Blue flag of the European Union, which proves their high quality. These beaches boast not only for its cleanliness and grooming, but also a high quality of services. Costa del Sol consists of a large number of large and small beaches, most of which has a gentle access to the sea, which is especially appreciated by families with children. Swimming is offered in a crystal clean and warm Mediterranean sea, whose waves are also ideal for various water sports. It is a popular destination for the lovers of windsurfing, kiting, water skiing or riding on water scooters.

Costa del Sol is an ideal place to spend quality holiday full of sun. In addition to great swimming in the sea and sunbathing on the beaches here you can also find beautiful landscapes and many historically significant places. Top cities worth a visit are Malaga, Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Torremolinos, or resorts like Benalmadena, Fuengirola and last but not least is Gibraltar. Costa del Sol is also very close to African continent, it is not a problem to get for example to Morocco.


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The town of Hornbæk in Denmark – seaside resort called “Danish Saint-Tropez” https://europeexplored.com/2011/04/20/the-town-of-hornbaek-in-denmark-seaside-resort-called-danish-saint-tropez/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/04/20/the-town-of-hornbaek-in-denmark-seaside-resort-called-danish-saint-tropez/#comments Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:30:36 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=3565 Hornbæk is a pleasant town in Denmark, which is called “Danish Saint-Tropez” for its beautiful beach and unspoiled nature. It is located about 20 km from Helsingør, in the northern part of island of Sjælland (Zealand), which is the largest island of Denmark. Today there live almost 6000 inhabitants. The biggest attraction of Hornbæk is […]

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Hornbæk is a pleasant town in Denmark, which is called “Danish Saint-Tropez” for its beautiful beach and unspoiled nature. It is located about 20 km from Helsingør, in the northern part of island of Sjælland (Zealand), which is the largest island of Denmark. Today there live almost 6000 inhabitants.

The biggest attraction of Hornbæk is its local beach. It is also one of the best beaches in Scandinavia, awarded by the Blue Flag. Hornbæk Beach has fine white sand and you can enjoy here really clean air. It is a popular place of windsurfing and kitesurfing. Unfortunately there is no rent available, so you must bring your equipment yourself. In summer, the swimmers are secured by the Coast Guard. Hornbæk beach stretches on both sides of the harbor.


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Those who like walking and hiking are invited to the public forest Hornbæk Plantage, which stretches several kilometers along the coast. In the forest there are several marked routes. You can stop at one of many small parks and pick up the map of the trails at the local tourist Information Centre.

Hornbæk is also a popular place for fishing enthusiasts. Here you can rent a boat here either at the local Information Centre or in the office of Captain of the port, located on the south side of the harbor. Prices are around 600 DKK (80 EUR) per boat per day and up to 3 people.

You can stay in the local camp, which is well equipped and offers also cabins, a playground and an air trampoline for children. Or in one of the hotels. In the port you can visit the fish market.

Hornbæk is best accessible by train and car. The nearest international airport is located in Copenhagen, which is 50km away.


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