Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Guy MOLL

Beaches

Let’s start with the beaches. There are plenty to choose from, whether you like your beaches bustling or prefer something more secluded. There are beaches with sand as far as the eye can see and others which are just sheltered coves. The busiest area is the central Algarve region, home to popular resorts such as Alburfeira. The eastern area has long stretches of beach while the western Algarve is thought to have some of the most beautiful beaches. Praia da Marinha springs to mind.

Festivals

Away from the beach, if you time your visit right, you will get the chance to enjoy some of the region’s fabulous festivals. Summer sun seekers will enjoy checking out local arts and crafts at the Alcoutim Fair in July. Also in July is a festival celebrating the region’s history – the Moorish Nights. The Algarve is known for its seafood; try some at the Seafood Festival in August. And for something a bit different, check out the Medieval Fair – ever fancied dressing up in historical gear?

Attractions

There are lots of ways to explore the region, and these include some top Algarve attractions. Take a bike trek over demanding terrain with Quad Ventura, Rooster Quad Day Tours or try the Algarve Buggy Tour in Luz. If you prefer to stretch your legs the Alvor Boardwalk allows you to explore a fishing village and estuary, while enjoying stunning seaside views. Need a family attraction? One of the best is Zoomarine Algrarve, which has activities for children of all ages, as well shows with dolphins and other marine animals.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Rui Ornelas

Tours

If you’re looking for another way to explore the region, try a boat trip with Alvor, proud owner of the first solar powered cruiser in Portugal. It’s a great way to explore the coast. Alternatively, you could take to the air with Barlavento Balloons and fly over the western Algarve. If you want to be more active, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and more are available.

Nightlife

There’s no shortage of things to do in the Algarve at night. Alvor, Lagos and Albufeira have some of the top rated night spots in the Algarve, with the latter taking the lion’s share of the glory. Bars and karaoke bars abound. However, the best nightspot on the island at the moment, according to TripAdvisor, is the Alvor Sports Cafe, famous for its party nights.

Enjoy your trip to the Algarve!

Planning a trip to the Algarve? Marian Jaime writes for Suntransfers, whose Faro airport transfers will get you to your Algarve holiday resort quickly.

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A great view of Bass rock / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Karen Roe

History of Bass Rock

The rock was once the home of a group of Christian hermits who lived a simple and isolated life on the island. The most famous of these early inhabitants was St. Baldred, said to have made the Bass Rock his home as early as the sixth century. A medieval castle was built on the island that in later years was used as a prison. Today, however, all that can be seen of the structure is ruins. A lighthouse was constructed on Bass Rock in 1902 and is now the only building on the island. Bass Rock is home to a large gannet colony, making it a prime birdwatching destination. It has also been mentioned multiple times in literature by the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson, Bruce Marshall and James Robertson.

Tours of Bass Rock

Although there is plenty of historical and cultural significance to Bass Rock, most people want to tour the island thanks to the huge gannet colony. From far away the island might look white, but the colour is actually due to the dense population of white birds on Bass Rock. An hour long boat trip from the Scottish mainland will bring you right up to the island itself and costs twenty-two pounds per person. If you want a more elaborate tour, a five hour boat trip actually takes you onto the island and a local guide will let you feed the gannets and even tour the lighthouse. This longer trip will be ninety-eight pounds per person and needs to be booked at least a few days in advance.

A close-up of the Lighthouse on Bass Rock / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Martin Pettitt

Nearby Attractions

The Scottish mainland is just one mile from Bass Rock and boasts plenty of interesting local attractions. Most people choose to explore the town of North Berwick while in the area. Head to the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick in order to learn more about the birds that live in the vicinity and better understand the natural wildlife along the coast. There is a beautiful viewing platform over the sea as well as a popular cafe that offers delicious local Scottish meals. Just south of North Berwick along the coastline is the Tantallon Castle, a fourteenth century fortress that is available for touring most of the year. Admission is £4.70 for an adult to tour the castle and there are discounts for children and seniors.

Accommodations in the Area

Unfortunately there is no accommodation directly on Bass Rock. As a result you will have to stay on the Scottish mainland at night and set off on day boat tours of the island. Since there are not a large number of hotels in the area, you might want to choose one of the many Scottish apartments instead and enjoy a self catering holiday. You can find local apartments for rent in North Berwick or other nearby coastal towns such as Dunbar or Aberlady. By shopping for groceries and using the equipped kitchens in the apartments, you can actually save yourself a significant amount of money on your holiday.

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If you’re on the hunt for somewhere which offers plenty of year-round sunshine, top of your European wish-list should definitely be the Canary Islands.

While they’re owned by Spain, making them part of the European Union, the Canaries are located just off the north-west coast of Africa, which explains the great weather they experience.

Sun, sea and sand are what you’ll get if you head to the island group, which comprises Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, among other destinations.

Whether you’re into lazing around on a beach – perhaps after spending the night in a tent under the stars, or snorkelling along the shoreline, there’s something on offer to you in the Canaries.

For the adventurous types, Tenerife may well appeal as it boasts Spain’s biggest mountain – Mount Teide – which you can ascend through the Canadas del Teide National Park.

En route, you’ll pass the Chinyero volcano, which last erupted in 1909, and you’ll be able to check out some stunning views once you reach the mountain’s summit. Perhaps you might want to consider pitching up tents to watch the sunrise in the distance from the peak the next morning.

More than 12 million tourists head to the Canaries each year, so they’re clearly an extremely popular location. And this is with good reason since they have the weather, beaches and natural attractions to boot.

Average sunshine hours vary throughout the year, but even in the British winter, the Canaries see temperatures of around 17 to 18 degrees C, making for a balmy springtime climate.

If you’re a fan of exploring marine life on your holiday, you’re bound to fall in love with everything on offer on the island group.

The waters boast everything from loggerhead sea turtles to sharks and stingrays, so you’ll see a whole host of different beings under the sea. If you head out on a boat trip there’s a chance you’ll encounter the common or bottlenose dolphin, or even a short-finned pilot whale on your travels.

Whatever you’re after from your holiday, the Canaries are bound to offer it to you, all the year round.

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In the delta of this Lithuanian river lies the island of Rusnė, which is, with its area of ​​4800 hectares, the largest island in the country. Moreover, it is still increasing by 15 to 20cm annually. The island is a haven for 270 of the 325 Lithuanian bird species. Wetlands here are a paradise for ornithologists. The best place for bird watching is Naikupė, Uostadvaris or Rusnė. Among the millions of species of birds that flies over the island every year, you can see also rare species such as black stork, white-tailed eagle, Black-tailed Godwit etc.

Neman (Nemunas) river, Lithuania by Claire

Rusnė Island is also a place of migratory water birds, as it lies on a major bird migration route – East Atlantic Flyway (birds flying from the Arctic through Europe to East Africa). Birds stop here to gain strength.

In Nemunas Delta Natural Park there is also an important ornithological station and museum. The first Ringing station was founded here already in 1929, but just in the years of 1959 – 1960, the large bird traps were installed here. In 1998 the station celebrated its interesting anniversary – ringed its millionth bird.

The information centers, located in Rusnė, Ventė and Šilutė, offer educational trips associated with bird watching and fishing. Another option is a boat trip with an English or German speaking guide, which guides you through the many waterways in the park. It is also possible to arrange accommodation in the farm or to arrange fishing permits.

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In the valley there are three monasteries. The most formidable of them is San Esteve – thanks to its size, style and history. It is accessible only by car or walking. San Esteve monastery was founded in the 6th century, and the oldest parts are the Romanesque cloister and church. Two other monasteries are from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The most beautiful views of the Cañon del Sil are on 14 km trail leading from Loureiro to the village of Parada do Sil. At the very edge of the canyon, 5km north of Parada do Sil, there is Santa Cristina monastery from 12th and 13th century.

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Lemmenjoki National Park borders on Övre Anarjokka National Park in Norway. In addition to nature conservation, the park is also important to wilderness trekking and reindeer herding.

In the Lemmenjoki National Park one can find great rivers alternate with forests. The reasonably permanent populations of the Brown Bear and the Golden Eagle indicate the wilderness-like nature of the National Park. The Moose population is abundant, considering the arctic conditions of the Northern Lapland.

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Photo by seegrotte.com

In the past, up to 1800, the cave was used for making red and white plaster. During World War II the cave housed also the factory for the production of combat aircraft. The first jet fighter in the world (Heinkel He162) was constructed right here.

The underground lake was explored in the 30′s of last century, and later open to the public. There are 9 °C in the cave and the tour lasting 45 minutes includes a boat trip. Seegrotte is now great tourist attraction with about 250,000 visitors a year. It is open every day, all year-round. The basic adult admission is €9 or €6 for children.

Open:
1st April – 31 October from 9.00 to 17.00
1st November – 31 March from 9.00 – 12.00 and 13.00 – 15.00

Seegrotte is one of the most impressive natural attractions in the world. Being also a cultural monument it should be definitely included in your list of places to visit when travelling to Austria.

For further information visit Seegrotte official site.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jojo

Domica cave is a part of Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1995.

The full admission price long tour (tour with boat ride) is €7 (2010). Air temperature ranges from 10.2 to 11.4°C and relative humidity from 95 to 98 %.

Domica is one of the 12 caves opened to the public.

The list of all caves in Slovakia:

• Belianska Cave
• Bystrianska Cave
• Demänovská Cave of Liberty
• Demänovská Ice Cave
• Dobšinská Ice Cave
• Domica
• Driny Cave
• Gombasecká Cave
• Harmanecká Cave
• Jasovská Cave
• Ochtinská Aragonite Cave
• Važecká Cave

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