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

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Skegness, Lincolnshire, England, UK by Dave Leeming / License: Creative Commons

Seaside Day Trips in Lincolnshire

1. Skegness

This seaside town provides visitors with easy access to the North Sea, and many people will choose to spend a day enjoying the beautiful Skegness Beach. For those who have more of a sense of adventure, though, the area also offers an annual motorcycle beach race, a carnival in August, the Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve, the Fantasy Island amusement park and resort, Batemans Brewery and Natureland.

If you prefer to spend the day shopping, there are several local shops that feature great gift ideas such as Mooch Perfect Gifts. Visitors who stay into the evening hours can also take advantage of the great nightlife that Skegness has to offer, including over 40 clubs, pubs and discos. Check out www.lincolnshire.org for more on Skegness nightlife.

2. Cleethorpes

This popular seaside resort is on the northeast coast of Lincolnshire, and it features three miles of sandy beaches. The Ross Castle is a great place to start your day trip, and everyone in your group is certain to be amazed that it was built in 1863 because it appears to be ancient.

Other highlights of Cleethorpes include the Humber Estuary Discovery Centre, the Time Trap Museum, the Cleethorpes Pier, the Pleasure Island Theme Park, the Greenwich Meridian and the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway. If you visit on a Sunday, you should also consider going to the Cleethorpes Sunday Market.

3. Mablethorpe

If your primary interest is spending time on the beach, Mablethorpe’s four miles of beachfront are a great choice, and there are beach huts available to rent if you want to enjoy a more private experience. The town is also home to the annual Bathing Beauties Beach Hut Festival, the Central Amusement Park, Crazy Golf, the Seal Sanctuary, the family friendly Sutton on Sea Gardens and the Rimac Nature Reserve.

On Thursdays, visitors will have the opportunity to purchase local produce and other items of interest at the Mablethorpe Market on the high street. Mablethorpe also offers 14 pubs and bars, including the The Crown Inn in Maltby, the Turks Head Pub and the Book in Hand pub.

Because each of the towns listed above are located on the coast, it is common for hotels to book up in advance. Therefore, if you plan to stay overnight instead of visiting for just one day, you should contact a local hotel as soon as possible to secure a room. If you are just going to be in town for the day, though, you should be able to visit most attractions without dealing with an extended wait.

Georgina Clatworthy is a freelance writer who lived in the County of Lincolnshire during her childhood.  Websites such as www.lincolnshire.org can offer tourists and day trippers information on where to go and what to see in this beautiful county, as well as details of upcoming events and links to accommodations and places to eat.

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Playa De Las Americas, Tenerife, Spain by Mate Marschalko

At the top of the list is a resort located in Tenerife. The magnificent Abama Golf & Spa Resort is a privately owned estate in the prosperous Guia de Isora area. One can enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from this prime location. It provides a wide range of sumptuous facilities which include swimming pools, restaurants, theme bars and a well equipped wellness and spa center. Other facilities include a kids’ club, an extensive lush golf course and Jacuzzi.

Located on the Eastern coast of Lanzarote is the remarkable Sandy Beach Resort. As the name suggests this hotel is situated right on the beach. It is equipped with some of the most modern and technical entertainment amenities available today. Among its facilities are swimming pools, an exclusively private lagoon, numerous wading pools, restaurants and an expansive fitness center. The sandy beach Resort is a great place especially for family vacations.

The Mare Nostrum Resort is close to the famous Beach Of Playa De Las Americas and celebrated as one of the biggest resorts in Europe. It comprises of a couple of 5-star hotels that deliver superlative services to the entire family. Due to its size it can offer a large selection of facilities such as, conference facilities, live shows, casino, and outdoor tennis courts. In addition guests can spend time in hair salons, boutiques, or enjoy snorkeling and diving activities.

Papagayo beach, Lanzarote, Spain by Luc Viatour

Sitting calmly on a private estate along the Mediterranean coastline, the Blau Porto Petro Beach Resort & Spa is a scenic and very beautiful place for tourists to relax and enjoy the many amenities it offers. The most unique feature of this resort is that it has breathtaking views of the luxuriant forest and vegetation surrounding it and extensive sandy beaches. This is a beautiful facility that can meet even the most whimsical desires that anyone could have.

Right at the seafront is the Iberostar Grand Hotel Anthelia. It has countless engaging and relaxing activities that are bound to capture any guest’s interests. This hotel is renowned for its scrumptious meals that are served in a peaceful and relaxed environment that is hard to match. For guests who are after being pampering and taken care of, they are more than accommodated in the hotel’s spa and wellness center.

Spain is truly a land of many beaches, and prides itself with having one of the best summer experiences for the tourists. That is one of the main reasons why its hospitality industry has been growing in leaps and bounds over the years.

Author Bio: Boris Dzhingarov is experienced traveler. He loves writing about his travel experience. He recommends you if you want to find summer vacation (interesting is that the Danish term is find sommerferie) deals to browse on the web.

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We’ve kept everything cheap and cheerful within your budget and free things to do – both day and night, but first things first;

London Eye and County Hall From Westminster Bridge by stephen boisvert

Buy an Oyster Card!

This is your key to getting around London by bus, tube, and even boat. Order online from the transport for London website or buy from a London station. To spot historical landmarks, hop on one of the red buses (the number 15). Not only is the authentic London double-decker, but it is also cheaper than the commercial site-seeing buses. Why not grab a bike from one of the many docking stations located all around the city center?

The West End

West End is London’s entertainment neighbourhood. Major films premier in Lester Square. Don’t pay full whack for cinema tickets here; instead, go around the corner to the Prince Charles Cinema for cheaper screenings. If you fancy seeing a top London show, your best bet is to try the coliseum; one of London’s largest theatres which offers cheap tickets for better performances.  If you are after a quick bite before a show, dive into China Town for some cheap eats. Choose one with lots of Chinese customers because you are guaranteed an authentic meal. To watch the street artists, avoid the premier tables at the outdoor eateries, instead grab a snack and make yourself comfortable on the curb. Next, head to the neighbouring square.

The National gallery offers free entry and cheap Saturday cinema sessions. The national portrait gallery is just next door. I recommend wandering over to Neal’s Street and Neal’s Yard for creative vegetarian dishes at the colourful world food café.

There are plenty of great boutiques and vintage shops to distract you on route. Get out on the river tends and see London from a fresh perspective. Why not use your Oyster Card on the Tate-to-Tate boat? The Tate-to-Tate boat is a service that runs between two of London’s great art galleries. On the south side of the river tends, an area called Southbank will find you one of London’s major constitutions.  Have a browse around the Southbank book fair. You will also find the Shakespeare globe, the national theatre, and the royal festival hall along this stretch. Nearby, the British Film Institute allows you to explore the film archive for free so it is truly a hub for the arts.

Borough Market

At Borough Market, there is fresh and top quality produce for example, premium Monmouth coffee, fresh pastries, stinky cheeses, and hog roasts. Fill up some free tasters or gather up some fresh ingredients to cook back at your hostel. A few stops on the underground and you are in Brixton, South London. Brixton village has plenty of cheapeners to offer. They say the best pizza in town is at the Franco Manca. By nightfall, catch of layback rangy, jazz, and other great like music venues. North of Kingcross station is Camden. You can easily wow-away an afternoon with people watching and shopping around the Camden region canal. This area is also a great place to pick up a cheap hotel in London. With so many hotels to choose from, there are hotels to suit all budgets.

Camden

Camden Stables Market is a labyrinth of crafts tools and outdoor eateries. Skip the first few path heists, and further on there is much more choice in cheap/tasty dishes from all over the world. A short walk from Camden is Primrose hill. A quick but steep climb to the top and you have earned yourself a spectacular view of London. It is an idealist spot for spending lazy summer days on the grass. Out of bed early on a Sunday? Head to Columbia Road flower market where there is a lively atmosphere of proud and loud store holders selling orchids, sunflowers, and sweet smelling herbs. By the afternoon, the place is heaving, but the prices are falling. Keep on walking, and once the air fills with spices, you know you’ve hit Brick Lane. On Sundays its bustling with vendors frogging furniture, second-hand items, and devious looking electricals.

Listen out for free gigs at the brilliant Rough Trade record shop. Just down the road, you will find the covered Spitalfields market where there are some great places to eat. Don’t shy away from S&M serving sausage and mash. Around the corner, Regent’s Canal is bustling on weekends. Sit back for coffee on the Tall Parks Café and watch the long base glide by. Clubs like cargo often run free nights in live band and DJs. On other nights, arrive early and you may even get in for free. Hungry after a heavy night out? Tackle your munchies at one of the bakeries at nearby Brick Lane. No worries, in London there are always loads of buses to take you home at the end of the night.

If you are staying in London, why not contact outlet4holidays.com for a last minute reservation. We also have limited spaces for the London 2012 Olympic Games too.

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Mykonos is quickly developing into one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world, not just Europe. Its beautiful location to the south of the Greek mainland makes it a perfect balance of linked yet secluded from the busy areas of the country itself.

Mykonos / Charlie Dave

One of the most appealing aspects of the island is how there is something for everyone. Whether it is a lively night-time scene, a cultural experience or a wander around historical landmarks, Mykonos offers activities that anyone can enjoy.

Island Features

As one of the smallest of the Greek islands, Mykonos has a raw and savage feel to it, which, aggressive as the description sounds, merely serves to add to its beauty and charm. While being a land covered in rocky terrain, there is also miles of amazing sandy beaches which makes for a breath-taking landscape given the location of the island.

One other redeeming feature of Mykonos is that, although in recent years tourism has exploded, the island has retained most, if not all, of its authenticity and cultural roots, which made it such an attractive holiday destination in the first place.

Mykonos windmills / Allan Henderson

What to Do

As we alluded to earlier, Mykonos presents an array of activities both for individual holidaymakers as well as for family groups who have taken a trip to the island. During the day time, in addition to the gorgeous beaches there are a number of historical museums around the island, displaying archaeological treasures and details from the islands rich past. By night, the island comes alive and is home to some of the very best cuisine on offer throughout this part of the world. There are dozens of great value restaurants on Mykonos, many of which are situated on the sea front offering stunning views while you eat.

Whether you are looking for a quiet, romantic evening with a partner or a wild party to end your holiday in style, there is something for all tastes on the island of Mykonos. This variety is in stark contrast to many famous holiday destinations in the area, which are well known for their wild party scene however are somewhat one dimensional in that they offer very little else.

In addition, there are options for travellers to the island to go cycling or camping round the island, and given Mykonos is so small, this is arguably the best way to experience the true beauty of what the island has to offer, and have the opportunities to make some amazing discoveries for yourself.

Touristorama is a travel directory designed exclusively for people travelling to Greece and the Greek Islands, such as Mykonos.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Marjolein Knuit

Experiencing tours of Greek islands means priceless memories of sightseeing galore and beach relaxation. In these wonderful islands, one can get hold of the past and the present as they blend in a wonderful array of picturesque landscapes, historical fortresses and landmarks, and awesome beaches.

Here are the top destinations you can go when you are on a Greece island tour. Discover the many riches and glory of the ancient Greece. Add up the natural beauty of its nature and surroundings and you will never regret why you chose to tour Greek islands.

Go Around the Rhodes Town. No one would miss Greece’s capital as well as the financial and cultural centre of the islands, the Rhodes Town. It is interesting to stroll in this town because Greece is seen both from the past and the present. Many will learn a lot from historical landmarks in the Old Town and bask in the modern leisure activities in the New Town.

Visit the Glorious Past of the Old Town. Take pictures on the mighty medieval fortresses built from old centuries as well as discover the legacy of the Crusader Knights of St John in defending the islands. These are just a few of the things you can do while visiting the Old Town.

Be Mesmerized with Mandraki Harbor. This is the place where once stood an ancient wonder of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes. Today, two deer made of pure bronze can be seen on the tall columns overlooking the marina filled with boats, yachts and excursion boats. Tourists are attracted with its beautiful views as well as the remains of the historical landmarks such as century-old fortresses, palaces, and Turkish minarets.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Fiore Silvestro Barbato

Send a Postcard From The Historic Lindos. Medieval and architecture enthusiasts will definitely get hooked with the famous antiquity. Lindos is actually built around the foot of a steep rock rising more than a hundred meters. On top, tourists are offered with amazing landscape views of the town, bays and the best of coastline overlooking Aegean Sea from the ancient Acropolis.

Get a true beach experience in Skiathos. With the long strip of crystalline beaches, clearly transparent waters, green vegetation, sumptuous food, Skiathos is nevertheless the perfect choice to relax in a short period of time. The island is also an excellent haven for night-outs. With bars, restaurants and other activity centres operating at night, your time will surely not be wasted during your stay at Skiathos.

These are just a few of the sumptuous treats that you will experience while on Greece island tour. If you wish to be a part of them all, arrange a day tour upon your arrival. Visit the sights and landmarks, take a dip on their blue waters, choose a water sport to enjoy, enjoy the green scenery, give way to your gastronomic pleasures and discover the rich culture the whole day, but do not miss out the night scene after those activities. Your Greece experience would surely be a lifetime memory you wanted to remember.

Post supplied by Sally at Explore-Earth Travel Blog – recommended for quirky and different destinations for your next vacation!

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Paul Wordingham

Skara Brae

This is the best attraction for those wanting to explore a prehistoric village. Amazingly, the architecture of the village is in great condition despite the fact that Skara Brae is thousands of years in age. The village is located just a short walk from the Bay of Skaill and was hidden from view until the middle of the nineteenth century. It is part of the Orkney UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. Admission is £6.90 for adults but there are reductions in price for children as well as for students. Skara Brae is located on the Mainland and is just a thirty minute drive from the town of Kirkwall. Accommodations include hotels, guesthouses and some of the most affordable apartments in Scotland which are ideal for long term visitors or those looking for additional privacy and the comforts of home.

Scapa Flow

Few people associate the Orkney Islands with incredible diving, but there are a number of exciting things to explore underwater in Scapa Flow, the body of water off the coast of the islands. During World War II, many of the German military boats and submarines were sunk in this area. Today many of them are easily located and at depths that can be reached by a beginner scuba diver. For holiday ideas that are truly adventurous, contact one of the many scuba diving companies on the islands to book a tour. It is suggested that you dive with a local resident to ensure that you find the best sunken ships during your submersion.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by yellow book

Stromness Museum

If you only get a chance to visit one museum during your stay in the Orkney Islands, make it this museum. The Stromness Museum is located on the mainland and boasts a large amount of information regarding the history of the islands, some of the oldest historical landmarks like Skara Brae and a recap of the maritime history in the region. There are even exhibits about the natural wildlife in Orkney. In short, this is the perfect rainy day activity to enjoy alone or as a family. Admission is £1.90 per person. The museum is located in the Mainland town of Stromness which boasts some attractive architecture as well as a hostel, a budget hotel and several private apartments available for rental.

Tips from Locals

If you plan to visit the Orkney Islands, be sure to book your accommodations in advance. In busy summer days it is not unusual for some visitors to be without a place to stay and even without public transport on some of the more remote islands. For some of the best views in the region, walk along the coast of the Mainland Islands until you get to Ness Point, the location where some of the most incredible photos on the entire island are taken.

By using these helpful tips and visiting the top attractions, you will undoubtedly have an amazing holiday in the Scottish Orkney Islands.

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The combination of geographical location, natural scenery and historical landmarks makes Veliko Tărnovo to be historically and architecturally one of the most important towns in Europe.

The first thing a visitor of Veliko Tărnovo will notice is the dominating feature of the city – a high rocky hill Carevec, surrounded by a massive medieval walls. The area is connected to the outside only by a narrow bridge and hide the ruins of Czar’s palaces and churches.

Steep slopes below the walls are several hundred meters deep. All the impressive scenery is completed with thousands of small houses from the 18th and 19th century, which, from the distance, look like they were built one above the other.

With a beautiful view of the city would be satisfied also the tourists who have no idea how many historical events took place in the context of European history.

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