Europe Explored » long walks 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 5 beaches on Britain’s South Coast https://europeexplored.com/2012/09/26/top-5-beaches-on-britains-south-coast/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/09/26/top-5-beaches-on-britains-south-coast/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:42:42 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=11535 With ‘staycations’ on the rise and the UK become increasingly popular for holidays both with tourists from abroad as well as with locals, it is time to celebrate the UK’s many excellent holiday destinations. There is no more quintessentially British choice for a holiday than a trip to the seaside and the UK boasts some […]

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With ‘staycations’ on the rise and the UK become increasingly popular for holidays both with tourists from abroad as well as with locals, it is time to celebrate the UK’s many excellent holiday destinations. There is no more quintessentially British choice for a holiday than a trip to the seaside and the UK boasts some truly superb beaches from the mysterious smugglers’ bays and coves to the west in Cornwall, to the jaunty stretches of shingle with deck chairs and piers east along the coast to Sussex. Here are five of the best to suit all types and tastes of beach-goers.

Camber Sands beach

Best for: windswept romance and adventure
The most easterly of the top five, in East Sussex is the seven miles stretch of soft golden beach known as Camber Sands. Clamber down the dunes which form a protective mountain created by the wind whipping the sand off the beach and building up; look out for the skylarks that dive and swoop on the winds across the vast expanse- it can be a mile and half to the sea when the tide is out. A great place for long walks, kite flying, strolling or horse riding in the surf or, at the end of an action packed day, cuddle up behind a wind breaker at the quieter western end of the beach and watch the sunset.

Camber Sands beach, England, UK
Camber Sands beach, England, UK by davharuk

Brighton Beach

Best for: trendy weekend break or traditional family fun at the seaside
A speedy ninety minutes south of London by car or train sits the groovy town of Brighton in Sussex, recently voted within the top 10 best weekend break destinations. Popular since the 1960s as a seaside getaway, Brighton remains charmingly retro with lines of Vespas parked along the seafront; the famous and well maintained Victorian pier is packed with amusement arcades and fairground rides not to mention the obligatory candyfloss and sticks of Brighton rock. Daytime family fun is guaranteed on the pebbly beach dotted with stripy deck chairs and couples or groups of friends will find the promenade and The Lanes well stocked with cool bars and night clubs, excellent seafood restaurants as well as a huge range of hotels and B&Bs for those making a weekend of it.

Brighton Beach, England, UK
Brighton Beach, England, UK by Alpha

Studland Bay

Best for: peace and quiet and getting back to nature
Studland bay is four miles of beautiful white sand lapped by calm water which is generally warm in summer, attracting swimmers and seahorses. The beach backs onto a protected nature reserve of dunes and heath, conserved by the National Trust and home to many varieties of wildlife. There are three sections of beach, the very northern tip, near to the Sandbanks chain ferry, is a designated naturist spot; Knoll Beach is the main section with a cafe and boat hire and further down is the smaller, shadier South Beach. Walkers will enjoy a stroll east for about a mile along the cliff path to catch excellent, dramatic views of Old Harry’s Rocks, great chalk chunks that have broken away from the cliff and now stand alone in the blue waters.

Studland Bay, England, UK
Horse riding at Studland Bay, England, UK by jennicatpink

Salcombe Sands

Best for: fashionable sailing-club life and water sports
The charming town of Salcombe is a summertime home from home for many city dwellers in need of some relaxation; it is packed with trendy shops, cute cafes and superb restaurants serving fresh seafood. Salcombe South Sands is in a little sun trap of a cove, with rays and water as warm as the Mediterranean in summer. Around the headland- an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is North Sands. Both beaches are extremely popular with water-sports enthusiasts with canoes, kayaks and catamarans for hire, the waters are packed with windsurfers and sailing boats. It is possible to book on to power boating and sailing courses and even go scuba diving around nearby shipwrecks.

Salcombe Sands, England, UK
Salcombe Sands, England, UK by yellow book

Porthcurno, near Land’s End

Best for: magical mysterious hideaway bay
At the very westerly tip of the Cornish south coast, near to Lands End, Porthcurno bay is surrounded and protected by granite cliffs; it has soft, pristine white sand and turquoise waters. When the tide is out, explorers can walk around to neighbouring beaches including a nudist one, look out to sea to spot pirates or search for dragons in the caves. Up above on the cliffs sits the famous Minack Theatre, home to open air dramatic productions and, on the other side stands Treryn Dinas, the formidable Iron Age fort from which the ocean views are unrivalled.

Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall, England, UK
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall, England, UK by Karen Roe

About the author: Ashley Auckle works with B+B Weymouth, a boutique Bed and Breakfast in Weymouth, Dorset: https://www.bb-weymouth.com/

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The 10 Best Things About a British Summer https://europeexplored.com/2012/08/10/the-10-best-things-about-a-british-summer/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/08/10/the-10-best-things-about-a-british-summer/#comments Fri, 10 Aug 2012 09:30:26 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=10540 Finally, here in the UK we’re experiencing some sun during the summer season, rather than the usual rain. This brings about nostalgia for everyone who remembers hot sunny days all summer long in their childhood. But what are the real highlights of summer? What makes us all feel like excited children again? Parliament Sunset, London, […]

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Finally, here in the UK we’re experiencing some sun during the summer season, rather than the usual rain. This brings about nostalgia for everyone who remembers hot sunny days all summer long in their childhood. But what are the real highlights of summer? What makes us all feel like excited children again?

Parliament Sunset, London, UK
Parliament Sunset, London, UK by Greg Knapp

1. Going out

The best thing for most of us the opportunity to do whatever you like, without the thought of ‘oh, it’s raining, we won’t go out today’. When it’s warm and sunny, it does literally feel like all options are open, and the world is your oyster. You can visit an attraction, take long walks, sit in garden pubs for as long as want, and there’s still the rest of the day to enjoy in the sun.

2. Long evenings

This leads us on to the next obvious advantage which is lovely long evenings. You don’t have to have all doors closed up by 4.30pm like in winter – in the summer, you can have doors and windows open until 10pm and it’s still warm and not completely dark yet. Milling around in the garden after work and eating outdoors are all part of the fun.

3. Bright mornings

Bright mornings are lovely, although it often means you don’t get as much sleep as the sun rises at 4am. But there’s still something nice about waking up early to know it’s a hot sunny day waiting to be enjoyed. You have a much happier sense of being, and a renewed optimism.

Yaverland Beach. Sandown Isle Of Wight, UK
Yaverland Beach. Sandown Isle Of Wight, UK by Ronald Saunders

4. Summer fruit

Red berries are all wonderful fruit to be enjoyed during the summer months, such as strawberries, raspberries and cherries. And it’s not just the fruit, but the chance to go to fruit farms to pick your own! Everyone has fond memories of fruit picking when they were children.

5. Freshly cut grass

One of the most popular smells for the human race is freshly cut glass. Something about it is just so inviting. Smell is one of the strongest triggers for our brain of past events, and cut grass is strongly associated with summer.

6. Ice cream

What better way to cool off in the sun than by eating ice cream and devouring ice lollies? The sound of the ice cream van is one of the many pleasures of being out and about, knowing that a sweet and refreshing treat is just around the corner!

7. Fashion

Just being able to wear nice skirts and dresses makes a lovely change to the day-in, day-out fashion that we end up getting too used to. After all, a woman’s wardrobe is full of dresses that they rarely get to wear, so it’s good to finally be able to make use of them.

8. Barbeques

We Brits are in love with barbeques. It’s something about burning meat that we can’t seem to get enough of. The smell of grilled meats and vegetables outside does bring back the nostalgia of past summers and gives us the opportunity to catch up with old friends and family.

9. Cold beer

Or any cold drink – particularly fizzy ones, like lemonade and cola. There’s something wonderful about cracking open a fresh can or bottle of beer with the hot summer sun beating down. Nothing beats it!

10. Beaches

When it’s hot and sunny, everyone heads down to the beach. This can be a bit miserable when everyone packs down there at once as it can get extremely crowded. The secret is to find those gems which are more of an effort to get to, and involve lots of walking. Then you can enjoy a beach that isn’t heaving and you can properly absorb the scenery and paddle in the cool blue sea.

Rainbow’s End is a retailer of summer fashion such as Yaya clothing

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A Few Things to do in Majorca | Balearic islands, Spain https://europeexplored.com/2012/04/17/a-few-things-to-do-in-majorca-balearic-islands-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/04/17/a-few-things-to-do-in-majorca-balearic-islands-spain/#comments Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:37:11 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6916 If you are staying in Majorca and are expecting to see and do everything then you will need a lot more time than you may think. This is because there is so much to see and do that you may not fit it all in at the first try. Here are a few ideas of places to […]

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If you are staying in Majorca and are expecting to see and do everything then you will need a lot more time than you may think. This is because there is so much to see and do that you may not fit it all in at the first try. Here are a few ideas of places to visit whilst on your holidays in Majorca.

Tramuntana Mountains, Majorca, Spain
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Pedro Gonçalves

Tramuntana Mountains

One of the most scenic parts of the island is the mountains of Tramuntana. These mountains are best explored on foot or on a bike. There is so much to see while you climb the trails of the mountains and you may be gob smacked with the views.

There is the Castell d’Alaro that is perched on the top of a rocky mountain overlooking the village of Alaro. This is a ruined castle and hilltop chapel that offers amazing views out towards the Tramuntana Mountains, Palma and further away the Mediterranean.

Coastline

The coastline of Majorca is varied dependant on the area of the island that you are visiting. The north is wild and rocky with steep cliffs while the south has coves, caves and ports. If you are looking for long walks along the beaches then the east and west coasts of the island are your best bet.

If you are looking for some privacy then you could hire a boat and sail to one of the quieter beaches that are only accessible by sea. There are many of these types of beaches so you can have some alone time.

Coast of Majorca, Spain
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Misty

Palma

Palma has a massive reputation for partying as does Magalluf but if you stray from the norm then you will find that Palma has an old town that is worth a walk around. Discovering the architecture and culture that Majorca has to offer. Palma has a cathedral, ‘La Seu’, that took nearly four hundred years to build but the gothic architecture is amazing.

You could also relax in the ‘Banys Arabs’ (Arab baths). These are remnants of Palma’s Moorish past. Or if you would rather do some shopping then the streets of Palma are the best on the island to grab some retail therapy. There is everything from up-market boutiques to some more familiar high street stores.

Most of the towns in Majorca have their own weekly markets that typically start early in the morning and last until noon, the most traditional of these markets is the medieval town of Sineu.

Cathedral in Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Vix_B

Above All

Be sure to enjoy yourself whatever you decide to do while you are on your get away in Majorca. Whether it is relaxing on the beach or exploring the hills and mountains of the countryside Majorca has everything all on one fantastic island.

Majorca is a lively but mysterious place to travel to and there are many resorts to stay at.

Why not find the perfect location to stay at using Majorcanholidays.co.uk


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Copenhagen – the capital and largest city of Denmark https://europeexplored.com/2010/11/09/copenhagen-the-capital-and-largest-city-of-denmark/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/11/09/copenhagen-the-capital-and-largest-city-of-denmark/#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:18:03 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=2050 Copenhagen is a beautiful city with an amazing atmosphere, which is multiplied when sitting over a beer or wine in a port or in a picturesque corner of old town. Copenhagen offers all. Although Copenhagen is still in motion, it’s not a hectic or rushed – but looks very kindly, and perhaps a bit lazy. […]

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Copenhagen is a beautiful city with an amazing atmosphere, which is multiplied when sitting over a beer or wine in a port or in a picturesque corner of old town. Copenhagen offers all. Although Copenhagen is still in motion, it’s not a hectic or rushed – but looks very kindly, and perhaps a bit lazy. When the sun shines, the garden restaurants are open, and lot of people come to eat, drink and have fun.

In the capital of Denmark you can find literally everything you could imagine about culture. Thanks to absolutely flat plain, which is so typical for Denmark, Copenhagen is the perfect place suitable for the construction of beautiful castles and palaces. From the Royal Palace Amalienborg Slot, through Rosenborg Castle and Christiansborg Palace to Borsen palace.

What you definitely should not miss are many small museums in the city. Museum of Danish design, fabulous Museum of Hans Ch. Andersen, Karen Blixen Museum in a short distance from Copenhagen…etc… But on a small area of Copenhagen there is still squeezing something else – it is independent State of Christiania that was founded in the 70′s of 20th century.

For the lovers of modern architecture there is a new library building named the Black Diamond, or a brand new opera house built as a gift for Danish people.

Perhaps the best feature of Copenhagen is the possibility of long walks through the city – through the Pedestrian Zone Strøget or through some of the parks.


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Domaša lake – where to get cold and wet in eastern Slovakia during the hot summer days https://europeexplored.com/2010/05/16/domasa-lake-in-slovakia/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/05/16/domasa-lake-in-slovakia/#comments Sun, 16 May 2010 15:43:55 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=181 Domaša is a multi-purpose hydroelectric project, a water reservoir, located in the district of Vranov, in the eastern Slovakia. It was built between 1962 – 1967. Domaša dam lies in the valley of Ondava Highlands and serves also for the recreational purposes. It covers an area of 1,510 hectares, its length is 13.8 km, maximum […]

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Domaša is a multi-purpose hydroelectric project, a water reservoir, located in the district of Vranov, in the eastern Slovakia. It was built between 1962 – 1967. Domaša dam lies in the valley of Ondava Highlands and serves also for the recreational purposes. It covers an area of 1,510 hectares, its length is 13.8 km, maximum width of about 3 km, maximum depth of 25 m.

Domaša lake, Slovakia
Domaša lake / P.matel

Optimal climate and water temperature of around 23 °C provide pleasant swimming in clean water from June through mid September. Domaša is ideal for lovers of water sports and recreation. Its shores are lined with nice hills and ridges, which offer a unique scenery and a nice view of the water surface.

Its right western side is forested, which creates a paradise for mushroom pickers, hunters and lovers of long walks.

Water surface and its shores are characterized by variety of waterfowl. You can see the black stork, bitterns, plovers, various species of ducks, swans, herons, raptors from the kite, white-tailed eagle and others.

Fishermen will find a beautiful, quiet nooks, with the possibility of hunting different types of fish – carp, perch, pike, ache, catfish, bream, eel, chub. Rich fishing is also provided by a buffer tank adjacent to small towns of Malá Domaša and Slovenská Kajňa.

If you will be looking for an accommodation, there are several hotels, pensions, cottage resorts or campings around the lake. The best time to visit Domaša is, of course, the summer, when several summer festivals take place here. Some of the best known and most popular include Miss Domaša or a music festival, Domaša Fest.


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