Sunrise at Mediterranean Sea / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

1) Barcelona

Barcelona is the jewel in Spain’s Mediterranean crown. The capital of the country’s Catalonia region, the city blends cultural modernity and a traditional outlook seamlessly. Wandering the city streets, it is entirely possible to get lost in the meandering cobble-stoned avenues, before turning a corner and being presented with a piece of classic and iconic architecture from the city’s most famous son, Gaudi. This isn’t just a culture vulture’s city, however, as Barcelona has perfected the art of beach living. The city stretches right down to the sea, where lounging Spaniards spend their weekends lapping up the sun and sipping on sangria.

Barceloneta beach in Barcelona, Spain by Oh Barcelona

2) Sorrento and Capri

On Italy’s Mediterranean coast, the small, perfectly-formed town of Sorrento and the equally desirable island of Capri form the Mediterranean ideal. Set away from the metropolitan madness of nearby Naples, Sorrento and Capri provide oases of calm on the shores of the Mediterranean. From the streets of Sorrento, you can stare in wonder out over the Bay of Naples towards the awe-inspiring and slightly ominous sight of Mount Vesuvius and indulge fully in the Southern Italian lifestyle, which includes wine at lunchtime, an evening gelato, and plenty of people watching. Capri is an island idyll, with the famous Grotta Azzurra capping off its reputation as an ideal holiday destination. Feeling that you’re living the life of luxury isn’t hard in Capri; the place was made for it.

Capri, Italy by Francesco Sgroi

3) Cannes

There are plenty of famous names along the French Riviera, each one as attractive and appealing as the next; St Tropez, Nice, Montpellier, Antibes are just a few. But Cannes is the crème de la crème, with its reputation for famous faces, the film festival, and pampered lifestyles. There’s more to Cannes than chilled wine on the beachfront, however; with a long history of perfume-making, a visit to the town wouldn’t be complete without taking in the fragrant air of the Molinard parfumerie, which dates back to 1849.

Cannes, France by photophilde

4) Malta

Malta provides the perfect island escape in the Mediterranean. Away from it all, in its own little world, Malta typifies what is best about the Mediterranean. Long summers, a fascinating history, and a laid-back lifestyle have all combined to make this a most desirable holiday destination. The island is a cultural mix of North African, European, Arabian and Sicilian influences, making Malta a heady, atmospheric place to spend time. It also has a rich and fascinating history, with some of the oldest free-standing structures in Europe calling the island home, as well as the Ggantija Temples, which are thought to be the oldest known religious buildings, possibly in the world.

Malta by Jon Rawlinson

5) Corfu

One of Greece’s most famous islands, Corfu still has the languid, Mediterranean attitude that has made it so popular with holidaymakers for so long. Corfu is Greece’s garden, the greenest of the country’s many islands, and it has attracted many famous faces and literary homages in the past – not least of which are Homer’s The Odyssey and Shakespeare’s The Tempest. With its cypress trees, olive groves, and wild flowers in the spring, Corfu is a delightful Mediterranean paradise.

Corfu, Greece by Michael Gleave

The Mediterranean is a special place to visit whatever the time of year, and with its vast variety of towns, villages, islands, and cities, no two places are the same. There are plenty of Europe tours that focus on these wonderful destinations around the Mediterranean, and whichever one you pick, you can be sure that every single one remains beguiling, bewitching, and simply beautiful.

Written by Kat Kraetzer, a travel blogger who loves to visit Europe.

The post Top 5 Mediterranean Destinations appeared first on Europe Explored.

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

The post 20 of the Most Beautiful Places in Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

Ibiza Scenery, Balearic Islands, Spain by Teo Romera

Ibiza- All about Beach, Sunshine and Night Dazzles

While in Ibiza, the options of travel include

• Torre del Pirata
• Atlantis, Las Dalias (the hippie market)
• San Antonio (for Sunset Trip)
• Beaches (Cala Bassa, Cala Comte, Cala Tarida, and Platja de Ses Salines)
• Eivissa Dalt Vila
• Santa Eulària des Riu
• Puerto de San Miguel
• Necròpolis del Puig des Molins
• Iglesia de Santo Domingo
• Museu Arqueològic d’Eivissa i Formentera
• Santa Maria d’Eivissa cathedral
• San Telmo Church
• The Caves of San Marca

The contagious laughter, smile and sunshine start from one end of the town islands of Ibiza stretches to the other. None is spared, be a hotel dweller or a villa renter. Now, for some of prismatic choices of the luxury villa in Ibiza, the below list could be a great help.

Ibiza beach, Spain by David Sim

Beach Villa

Cala Jondal, located on the South-west side of Ibiza Island, is the place where Beach Villa is found. The name of the villa does a complete justice because of the situation of Blue Marlin and Tropicana Beach. Inside, the villa has four suites with bar, swimming pool and hot tub. The private club below it has decks, disco lightings, etc for the family and friends to party whole night without any need to get into the main town. Once out of the door of this property, the person will be greeted with the huge blue of the sea.

Moreover, do not forget to take in to account the professionally trained staff adding to the experience.

Calo un Real

A hilltop villa, it features the panoramic view of Mediterranean Sea and surrounding views. It is exteriorly coloured in Moroccan Red giving hints on the luxury of the interiors. The four bedroom villa, the terrace to enjoy sunsets on sun beds provided alongside the dining areas and the swimming pool leave no stone unturned to make the holidays as special as they could ever be. The facilities of TV, stereo, DVD player, fire place with bar, restaurant, tennis court, etc only add to the vacation experience.

Like the one above, this villa also provides the service of local concierge with a facility to book private yacht or jets.

Casa Voyger

For someone who has come down to Ibiza with family or a big group, this could be perfect with its one double bedroom and 3 room with two single beds. Additionally, a modern kitchen is provided, meant for all the intimate moments that find their place in the culinary heaven while experimenting with new recipes. Enjoy a gas BBQ for the picnic feel and open discussion with spouse / partner, kids and peers alike. When done with the get together, give yourself a secluded time walking along the beaches of Cala Carbo and Cala Vedella.

Not to be forgotten, the availability of helping hands making the Ibiza holidays more comfortable.

The loud parties might present a great contrast to the silence found in secluded private properties but selection of where one stays and what he enjoys, depends upon the mood and inclination. Everyone can find one thing or the other to make the luxury escape in this part of Spain more cheerful than anywhere else.

Rent a villa after going through individual requirements and making sure they match. Then, feel free to explore this tiny piece of heaven, known as Ibiza!

The post Escape to Ibiza and Find Luxury in Private Clubs or Secluded Villas! appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by yachtcharter-griechenland.de

The beauty and elegance of the yacht

Yachtcharter-griechenland is a renowned establishment in Greece. To experience all the ethereal beauty and the serenity, you must get to these guys. Their workmanship and their amazing sense of customer support and interaction will keep you mesmerized. The yachts that are employed for such tours are as huge as 65 ft. You will be ensured full views of all of the beautiful natural structures, caves, waterfalls, lakes and gardens in and around this amazing country. Greece is known for its beautiful lakes and waterways. Here at this amazing establishment you will be given the benefit of experiencing the blue sea in all its glory. If you think that the scenery will be enough to engulf you then wait till you move around and experience the interiors of the ship. The ship is tastefully decorated with serene interiors that will appeal to your mind. Many of the yachts even have the facility of an indoor pool. Therefore it is guaranteed that you will receive ultimate peace and rejuvenation both from the environment and from your yacht.

The unmatched standards of beauty

Yachtcharter-griechenland will surely give you the most majestic tour on planet earth because of the years of experience that they have. The staff here is extremely friendly and is known for their warm and hearty behavior to the guests. The yachts are both elegant and well-built. The yachts have plenty of room space for every passenger and are extremely delightful in every form possible. They can accommodate a large number of passengers too. However if you want to travel and tour around in a tinier group, they will make it possible for you. There are several attractive discount options that pertain to a smaller fleet of travelers as well. They have everything sorted out really well. The entire journey has lunches and dinners included. So your will enjoy the beauty and serenity of the seas, natural beauty the wonders and enjoy your gastronomically delightful dishes.

You may think that your Grecian fantasy tour will cost you a fortune but you can be rest assured that your trip will be planned at a much optimized rate. So you can experience the amazement of the Aegean and also get the best deals possible. Each day spent is like a day spent in fantasy land. Your Greek fantasy can be finalized by some mouse clicks, dreams can be fulfilled that simply.

Mike is a freelance writer who writes on different topics such as travel, holiday and nature. He holds bachelor’s degree in electronics. His famous articles includes article on Yachtcharter Griechenland. He loves to travel and make new friends.

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The four main islands, Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera, attract tens of thousands of families, couples and singles every year.  Ibiza has a reputation as a ‘party island’ and Majorca is top choice for families and golfers.

Menorca is not as commercially developed and is smaller, but it does have plenty to offer and because of its reputation for being unspoilt, many consider the island of Menorca to be far and away the best of the Balearics.

Son Xoriguer, Menorca, Spain by Freebird

6 Great Reasons to Visit Menorca This Year

Relaxation

Unlike its sister island, Ibiza, a week spent in Menorca will not involve falling out of thumping bars and clubs as the sun rises, rather worse for wear after sinking twenty-five shots of Jaeger bomb.  Although not quite as unspoilt as Formentera, Menorca still has a reputation for being the quieter island, which makes it perfect for anyone who prefers chilling out as opposed to dancing the night away and unlike Formentera, there are still plenty of other things to do if the mood takes you.

Beaches

Menorca is blessed with more than its fair share of beaches and with more than two hundred beaches dotted around the coast to choose from, sun-seekers come to the island for the opportunity to lie in the hot Mediterranean sun, far from the madding crowds typically found on the crowded sands of Majorca and Ibiza.  All of the beaches on Menorca are worth visiting, but one of the best beaches on the island is Cala Pregonda.  A stunning stretch of sand in the protected north of the island, Cala Pregonda is easily accessible by foot and although the beach lacks any modern facilities such as cafes and restaurants, it more than makes up for this with its idyllic location.  It does however attract nudists, so be warned: clothing is entirely optional!

Menorca coastline, Spain by Freebird

Dramatic Coastline

Menorca is famous for its rugged coastline and the towering limestone cliffs bordered by spectacular sandy beaches are stunningly beautiful.  The northern half of the island is the most dramatic and the section of coast between Punta Nati and Cala Carbó is particularly beautiful; the limestone cliffs loom over small coves and red sandy beaches, creating an idyllic setting.  To the east, the famous lighthouse of Cavalleria sits atop the highest cliffs on the island, which afford some spectacular views.

Culture

Menorca has a lot more to offer than fabulous beaches and perfect weather and keen historians will be able to spend their entire holiday exploring ancient stone monuments dating back to 2000 BC.  Many of the ancient settlements on the island are highly accessible.  Talatí del Dalt is only 4 km from the capital of Menorca, Maó and is well worth a visit; as is the capital, Maó, which has some fine examples of Georgian architecture dating back to the 18th century.

Talatí del Dalt, Menorca, Spain by David Font Mampel

Explore the Island on Foot

Menorca is relatively small compared to Majorca and Ibiza and thanks to the completion of a coastal pathway, known as the Camí de Cavalls, it is possible to circumnavigate a large part of the island on foot if you are feeling energetic.

The Camí de Cavalls is divided up into handy sections, each of which are about 10km long and of varying terrain.  The path is well signposted and is also suitable for mountain bikers and horse riders.  There are also a large number of other scenic footpaths along old bridleways and tracks snaking through the countryside, and even during the height of summer, it is possible to head out for a peaceful walk without seeing meeting any traffic or other people.

Back to Nature

Thanks to its plethora of important flowers, plants and animals, Menorca is a UNESCO classified biosphere reserve.

The island is great for bird watching and if you are lucky you could catch a glimpse of red kites, booted eagles, Egyptian vultures, peregrines, warblers and even osprey. The best place for watching birds is the S’Albufera des Grau Park, which is a short trip from Maó; there are several walking trails meandering through the wetlands, plus a few bird watching hides interspersed around.

If you have been looking for somewhere amazing to spend your holidays Menorca is a fantastic choice!

The post Six Reasons Why Menorca is the Best of the Balearics | Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain by Ramon Llorensi

City Highlights

This excursion gives you the chance to see the areas and landmarks of Barcelona that have made the city famous and characterise it to this day. Seeing the city on foot is also a great way to really immerse yourself in the local culture and engage with local residents as well as other travellers. Some of the highlights of this trip are the Gothic Quarter and the Spanish Village and two unforgettable places are the religious sites. The 600-year-old, quintessentially Gothic Cathedral of St Eulalia is built on the site of a former Roman temple to Hercules. The world-famous Sagrada Familia, designed by Gaudi, is spectacular despite still not being completed to this day.

For Football Fans

One of Barcelona’s greatest highlights is its football team. It’s renowned worldwide for its success, both nationally and internationally and usually fields a team of some of the footballing world’s best players. Their home is at the Nou Camp stadium, known locally as simply the Barca and a guided tour is a great way to soak up a real feel of the team and the ground. This tour allows you to pass through the visiting team’s changing room, down the tunnel and on to the pitch, as well as seeing other areas such as the press and interview rooms. There is also a great chance to wander round the Barca Museum, which houses memorabilia from the club’s immensely successful past.

Nou Camp stadium, Barcelona, Spain by Börkur Sigurbjörnsson

Sun and Sea

A chance to make the most of Barcelona’s coastal location is offered by the nearby town of Sitges, accessible by a 45-minute coach journey. This quaint town with its whitewashed houses has plenty on offer, from winding lanes with little shops to explore to seventeen beaches where you can relax, catch some sunshine and enjoy a cool drink. There is something for everyone in Sitges, whether you’re looking for sedate sunbathing or a frolic in the waves. If playing in the water is what appeals to you and your family, then a visit to Isla Fantasia is a must. It’s a giant water park with countless slides, splashdowns and a children’s area. A day at Isla Fantasia will be one that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Into the Mountains

For those who want to see the surroundings of Barcelona, a trip to Montserrat is a great starting point. Literally meaning ‘jagged mountain’ in Catalan, Montserrat is a striking feature of the local landscape and lies only a short distance from the city. One of the most interesting features is the 1000-year-old monastery nestled at the foot of the mountain which hosts the sanctuary of the Black Virgin of Montserrat a site of pilgrimage in the region. From the monastery, it is possible to take the rack railway to the summit of the peak, which is over 4000-feet high and offers spectacular views across the local area.

Any trip to Barcelona will allow you to experience cultural attractions, many great landmarks and hopefully some glorious weather too.

Post by Tony, a UK based travel blogger on behalf of cruise.co.uk.

The post Shore excursions in Barcelona | Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

If you are coming to Malta to enjoy some time on the beach, one of the most important things that you are going to have to consider is accommodation. Hotel accommodation by the beach in Malta can be very expensive, so a great alternative would be to choose a self catering holiday apartment.

Kite Surfing at Ghajn Tuffieha, Malta by Windsor Garage

Not only do these tend to be more affordable, but they can offer you a great deal more flexibility for your holiday. For example, if you are travelling with your family, an apartment is going to allow you to all stay in one place without you having to pay for multiple hotel rooms.

When it comes to accommodation, Malta has no short supply. However, it is a very popular destination, so you should make sure that you book well in advance. Once you have found somewhere to stay, booking an affordable flight is also very possible as Malta is well served by budget airlines. This makes flights to Malta easily available from most European capitals.

Enjoying a holiday by the sea is a wonderful experience, and Malta is certainly one of the best options if you are just looking for a relaxing place to come and get away from it all. That said, Malta is not going to disappoint when it comes to other options either. If you have chosen self catering apartments in Malta rather than a hotel, you are going to need to think about food. This is something that is easy to do because Malta has so many fantastic restaurants.

Whether you are looking for local cuisine, or international favourites, you are sure to be able to find it in Malta. In addition, you will find plenty of supermarkets, so you can take some food back to your apartment and cook for yourself.

Saint Peter’s Pool, Malta by Marco Chiesa

If you grow tired of just relaxing on the beach, another great activity you can do is take a boat out and explore some of the attractions that are located close to the island. Boats operate regularly from the shore and you will be able to find one that will take you to whatever you want to see. Alternatively, simply taking a relaxing walk along the beach can be a wonderful way to pass some time with a loved one.

In the evenings, you will find that there are plenty of active places to get a drink along the beach. As the evening draws on, you will also find lots of nightclub opportunities on the island, if that’s what you fancy. For whatever reason you come to Malta, you’re going to find a fascinating island that enjoys wonderful weather and has a huge amount of culture, not to mention fantastic beaches.

Written by Leila El-Dean on behalf of UniqueHolidayMalta.com, specialists in Malta Holiday Rentals.

The post Holidays by the Sea in Malta appeared first on Europe Explored.

Now what would you say if this could all be but one day of your itinerary? Well, it could be, if you and your spouse choose to honeymoon in beautiful, historical Croatia!

Baška, Krk, Croatia / Photo by admin

In Croatia, you can enjoy both untouched, expansive scenery from rolling hills to mighty mountains to the picture perfect villages, or you can dance until dawn and enjoy world class shopping and the finest array of cuisines in the capitol, Zagreb, a lively metropolis of more than three quarters of a million people. Or a yacht charter; Croatia has a vast coast line, too!

Croatia offers its visitors both a glimpse of Old Europe, with restored castles and ancient cities dotting its picturesque landscape, with all the charm and history of any of its European neighbors, as well all the comforts and amenities of the most up to date modern conveniences. You can have the best of both worlds, the Old and the Modern, in lovely Croatia.

Baška, Krk, Croatia / Photo by admin

And what better way to see a country that boasts so much beautiful coastline — hundreds and hundreds of miles of rugged cliffs and perfect beaches lining the Mediterranean sea — than by boat?

When you and your spouse arrange for a yacht charter Croatia spreads its beauty before you from the deep blue seas. There truly is no better way to explore this lovely land than by traveling up and down its coast and visiting both the continental mainland and also its many wonderful islands. With a yacht  charter Croatia becomes a country of both the land and the sea. Where else can you spend time in breathtaking mountains with views down to the Mediterranean sea below and then in hardly any time at all be sailing across the seas and looking back up at rugged mountains dotted with centuries old villages, churches and castles?

Baška, Krk, Croatia / Photo by admin

Croatia is a land that invites you to enjoy it in your own way. If you and your spouse want a relaxed honeymoon, there are beautiful beaches and resorts and the finest spas in Europe at your disposal. If you wish to start your marriage off with rugged outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling in the summer and world class skiing in winter, you can do that too! And don’t forget about the sea — a yacht charter, Croatia’s coast line at sunset, and a bottle of local wine — perfection!

Jillian Johnson is a professional marketing content writer with an interest in writing about travel and leisure. Follow her @MissWritey.

The post Set Sail for Your Honeymoon in Croatia appeared first on Europe Explored.

Blue Lagoon, Comino, Malta by Simon

A Short History of Comino

The name Comino derives from the cumin seed, which was once prolific on the small island. Most notably, from today’s age to centuries ago, Malta has always been best known for its isolation and tranquillity. For prolonged sections of its history, Comino has either been sparsely populated, privately owned or been completely vacant. During the Roman Times, it was mostly inhabited by farmers, but in the Middle Ages and with the rise in sea faring vessels, Comino became a popular hideout for pirates and looters. This was due to Comino’s rugged coastline, which ran jagged with sheer limestone cliffs, providing the ideal coverage for rouge ships. Comino’s many caves and coves were also used by pirates to ambush unsuspecting ships sailing between the islands of Malta and Gozo.

Comino’s early history is also linked to knights. It was used as the hunting ground for the Knights of Malta and in the 16th and 17th century, it became a place of exile for wayward knights, who were given the tedious task of guarding St. Mary’s tower. The tower was built in the 15th century to help spot invasions and to also deter pirates from hiding on the island.

Comino Caves, Malta by Simon

Tourist Attractions

Malta only has a handful of permanent residents and the majority of people on the island are just temporary visitors, who stay over at one of the Comino hotels. Large sections of the island are cornered off as a bird sanctuary and nature reserve, making Comino a haven for wildlife. Because of its tranquillity and crystal clear waters, Comino is an excellent diving spot, although some of the waters are restricted. The most popular attraction is the Blue Lagoon, a postcard bay that boasts crystal clear waters and a stretch of smooth, white sand. It’s visited by tourists on a daily basis and is popular with swimmers, snorkelers and divers. Because of its spectacular beauty, Comino has appeared in many films, notably Troy and The Count of Monte Cristo.

Penny Munroe is an avid writer in travel news and tips. Articles include travelling safety tips to outlining the beautiful holidays Malta offer.

The post The Short on the Tranquil Maltese island of Comino appeared first on Europe Explored.

The Minoan Palace at Knossos, Crete, Greece by Sonja Pieper

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and it is set within the Mediterranean Sea, just south of the Peloponnese. It is arguably one of the most beautiful Greek islands and it is well known for its beautiful beaches and seascapes. The geography here offers everything from coastal plains to busy cities to rugged mountains. The island is bathed in sunshine all year round and you are sure to enjoy great weather during your visit.

Whether you are visit on your honeymoon, anniversary, or just for fun, there are plenty of romantic things for you and your partner to enjoy on the island of Crete. Here are some ideas of fun activities to get you started:

The Minoan Palace at Knossos

This beautiful ancient palace is one of the most popular attractions on the island of Crete and you and your sweetheart will want to spend at least a full day exploring it. The palace was originally built in 2000BC but was destroyed in an earthquake 300 years later. It was built even larger, then destroyed again in 1450BC, likely by an eruption of a volcano on Santorini which caused a huge tidal wave. The palace once had over 1,200 rooms and many of them have been recreated to depict how grand and beautiful they would have looked. It is a truly stunning place to walk around with your special someone.

Samaria Gorge, Crete, Greece by Ben Ellis

Samaria Gorge

Taking a long walk with your partner can be a great opportunity to enjoy some time together and engage in deep conversation to get to know each other even better. It’s even nicer when you are surrounded by gorgeous scenery!

Walking along the Samaria Gorge is one of the best hiking routes in Crete, as it is the longest gorge in all of Europe. The scenery is spectacular along the 11 mile path and it can be managed by any reasonably fit hiker. You will have a great sense of achievement at the end when you reach the Libyan Sea after hiking all the way from the White Mountains.

The Beaches

Lying in the sun, feeling your toes sink into the soft sand and gazing into your partner’s eyes… what could be more relaxing? There are miles and miles of gorgeous sandy beaches on the island of Crete and the weather is sure to be warm and sunny.

At the beach, Rethymnon Beach, Crete, Greece by jechstra

If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful beach, head to Rethymnon Beach, Aghios, or Nikolaos Beach. These spots offer a laid back atmosphere with a few cute shops and restaurants along the pretty harbour. In the harbour at Rethymnon, you will be able to enjoy live music while you relax in the warm sea breezes. If you are looking for more of a party beach, head to Malia Beach which is a popular hotspot for young tourists and has plenty of exciting bars.

These are just a few of the romantic activities that you can enjoy on the island of Crete. Of course, simply being on this island is romantic, as you soak up the warm sunshine and the laid back pace of Greek life. Taking the time to spend a holiday together can be a great way to rekindle your romance and put the spark back into your relationship.

An all inclusive holiday in Crete can be a great way to spend quality time with your special someone in a beautiful sunny setting.

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