The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by Zaian

Located, as its name suggests, near the shore, this area of Edinburgh offers a great variety of interesting things to see and do. There are a many great gastro pubs, and very fine restaurants along the shore, all of which offer fresh locally caught fish. The Loch Finn restaurant is particularly good, serving some of the best fish in the area, as cooked by expert chefs. Also good is the Shore bar, a high class Scottish pub, with a modern feel and a very family friendly atmosphere.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the key tourist attractions in Edinburgh, and it is located in the Shore area. A fascinating ship, and a great feat of engineering and naval architecture, the royal yacht has a bold and interesting history, and has housed many very famous celebrities, not the least of which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The tour offers a great insight into this famous Royal residence, and is well worth the time if you are interested in history.

Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by Robert Breuer

If you are looking to do some shopping while you are visiting Edinburgh, there is no better place to do it than the Ocean Terminal shopping centre, which offers various different shops and boutiques, arranged across a series of floors. From Topman, to Dorothy Perkins, to Pizza Express, the shopping centre has every modern convenience, and is a fantastic place to get some quality retail therapy in. There is also a cinema and a gym, so if you aren’t much of a shopper, but your partner is, then you have other options to keep yourself entertained, while your other half satisfies some consumer urges.

There are many interesting attractions which spring up during the summer months in Scotland’s Capital city, be sure to make the most of them by finding yourself a good hotel. Edinburgh festival hotel deals are available at most hotels, some offering a few days, some a week, and some the full four week duration of the festival at discount rates. Accommodation tends to fill up fast during the summer months, and it is not unusual for unwary tourists to find themselves with nowhere to stay if they don’t act fast and make sure to book well in advance, so make sure you don’t make this mistake, and that you plan your holiday well ahead.. The City of the Edinburgh offers a fantastic array of different attractions, and The Shore area is no exception. So whether you are looking for a short break or a longer stay, make sure to include The Shore in your travel itinerary.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by phileole

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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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

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.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Pierre Bona

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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