It is a system of 16 lakes covering an area of ​​19.5 hectares. The lakes are interconnected by the rivers, cascades and waterfalls – these are around 90. Plitvice lakes are one of the most visited tourist attractions in Croatia.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia by 29cm

The lakes are surrounded by forested hills of the mountain massifs of Mala Kapela, Medvjedak and Lička Plješevica. The lakes are divided into two parts.

The upper part consists of 12 lakes and are situated in the Dolomite valley and are fed by the rivers of Bijela and Crna Rijeka. It is here where you can find one of the largest lakes of the park, Prošćansko lake, with an area of ​​68 hectares. It is also the highest situated lake, as we can find it at an altitude of 639 meters. The largest lake is that of Lake Kozjak covering an area of ​​81.5 hectares which is, with its depth of 46 meters, also the deepest one. The lakes are connected by beautiful waterfalls, from which the best are the cascade of Sastavci, that are 49 metres high.

The second part of the Plitvice Lakes consists of four lakes that are formed by water dropping into underground caves. There are 20 karst caves that can be found in this part of the lake system. The water of these lakes is rich in various shades of blue and green colors.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia by Silviapef

Forest around the national park is one of the best preserved of its kind in Europe. Since there is rare flora, there are several places that are protected and inaccessible to visitors of the park at all. There is also a number of endemic species, very interesting is a meadow with 42 species of orchids and 16 species of lilies. Forest have become a home to big predators such as wolves, lynx and bears. You can also meet wild boars, hares, foxes, weasels, martens, kingfishers and storks.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is changing persistently. The current appearance of the park may be a history in the few years. For example, in the last 35 years the water level of the lakes rose by 0.5 meters, which changed the contours and shape of the cascades. The total area of ​​the park is almost 300 square kilometers and thus lakes and waterfalls are just a tiny fraction of this unique area.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia by René Krečmer

Currently, visitors can access just a part of the park. It is possible to see the lakes by following the trail which is 18 km long. You cannot leave the marked trails. Also swimming is prohibited in the lakes. The park is open all year round and the admission fee is about 10EUR in low season (November 1 – March 31) and about 15EUR in high season (April 1 – October 31). There is a mild climate in the park, temperature in July is around 23 °C, in January around 3°C when the park is usually covered with snow. The park is open daily from 7:00 to 20:00 in summer or from 08:00 to 16:00 in winter.

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This guide explains why it has such an outstanding record in auroral activity and gives a travellers introduction to the area.

Northern Lights by Jens Ottoson / Fotolia.com

Location

Abisko, a village with an official population of 81, lies in the northwest part of Swedish Lapland. Located  90 Kilometres from Kiruna, which serves as the arrival airport to the region and 40 kilometres from the Norwegian border, it is located 250 kilometres above the Arctic Circle and is reached by train ( 1.5 hours) or by road  (1 hour) from Kiruna. The train ride runs on the same tracks used to carry the precious iron ore mined beneath Kiruna to the port of Narvik in Norway.

Why is it so good for Northern Lights hunting?

There are three main reasons why Abisko ranks as one of the best places in the word for seeing consistent sightings of the aurora.

1. Being situated well north of the Arctic Circle, the northern auroral oval, where the solar winds are drawn towards the magnetic poles, is directly overhead. This in itself is not unique but is significant.
2. The second reason is due to the Gulf Stream which draws warm water up the Norwegian coast and leads to a more moderate climate. Coastal regions can be foggy which affect sightings.
3. The third and unique factor is to do with Abisko falling within what is known as a precipitation shadow. This is the result of the location and shape of the high mountains that separates the coast of Norway from Abisko.  Precipitation rising off the North Sea releases its snowfall west of Abisko which means that Abisko has much less snow than the region as a whole. Locals refer to the ‘hole in the sky’ but there is no denying the fact that Abisko has the most cloud free nights in Sweden.  So marked is this that Björkliden, only a few kilometers away, has much fewer clear nights per season.

In terms of hard facts for the latest season, these are the latest statistics for nightly sightings as recorded by professional Northern Lights photographer Chad Blakley on his night tours:

• Looking at the whole season, 74% of nights between 01 December and the 31 March had the most Aurora activity.
• The lowest month was January at 65% and highest March at 91%.

Northern Lights by ronnihauks / Fotolia.com

Where to see them from

Literally if the skies are clear then you have exceptional chances on any given night to the see the aurora from anywhere in Abisko. For sheer drama you might like to venture by chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station, situated about 300 metres up Mount Nuolja (cost 750 SEK), or consider having the excellent dinner up there (1995 SEK). But this is by no means a necessary expense for seeing the Aurorae.

Where to Stay

Abisko has two main accommodations. The STF Turiststation in Abisko has its roots as one of the stops on the famous 450 km Kungsleden hiking trail which tracks through the mountains of North West Swedish Lapland. The hotel/ lodge has 104 rooms which have seen some modernisation over the last few years. There is a restaurant and lounging area too.

Alternatively there is Abisko Mountain Lodge which has 16 rooms and is run by the welcoming Mina and Dick Johansson. En suite rooms are simple but the communal area and restaurant are packed with atmosphere. The restaurant serves excellent cuisine based on the best local ingredients and is a definite reason for staying.

What to Do

Nights take care of themselves during the aurora season although there are a few enhancements to any itinerary. Besides a night up at the aurora sky station two of the top aurora photographers in the world run courses during the winter months. Chad Blakley and Peter Rosen are both based in Abisko and are worth spending time with, irrespective of whether you are a professional or amateur photographer!

During the day there are numerous things to do. Bookable in advance by your tour operator are husky and snowmobile day tours, both of which have great appeal to most visitors to the region.

For hardier visitors, how about trying your hand at ice climbing up a frozen waterfall in a canyon in Abisko or alternatively spending some time ice fishing on the majestic Torneträsk Lake? This is home to the ice fishing championships and little fishing huts can be seen along the vast length of this lake.

Daytrips from Abisko can either take you towards Kiruna and its neighbour Jukkasjärvi, home to the original and best IceHotel.  Alternatively you can cross the border and descend through the Norwegian Fjords into Narvik, the small interesting port which saw much naval warfare in World War 2. The fjord is still home to a number of sunken German battleships.

Alternatively, for those wishing to learn about Sami life and indeed the mythology of the Northern Lights, then there are a number of settlements within 30 minutes of Abisko that welcome people on Northern Lights tours or day trips where reindeer safaris can be undertaken.

Finally for late season arrivals, the Abisko region is regarded as the best ski destination in Sweden. The main resorts are at Riksgränsen and Björkliden which offer downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross country and snowshoe trails while Abisko itself is regarded as an excellent base for heli-skiing. Dick Johansson at Abisko Mountain Lodge is the pre-eminent guide in the region for this extreme form of skiing.

Northern Lights by Stefan Senft / Fotolia.com

Best time to Go

February and March when the days are getting longer, the climate is at its best and the aurora are consistently good!

About the Author: Kevin Collins is a seasoned Northern Lights expert, having built up a wealth of knowledge over the years about the natural phenomena through his business Weekend a la Carte – a leading specialist in Abisko Northern Lights trips and other top Aurora-spotting travel destinations.

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However, if you have enough time it is also worth getting outside of the city and exploring some of the great destinations out in the local countryside. Due to its prime location on the eastern coast, Dublin is perfectly located for exploring more of the country and there are several easily accessible day trips to choose from. You can spend a day exploring gorgeous mountains, atmospheric old castles, peaceful coastal villages and much more which are just a quick train or car ride away.

Here are a few of the best day trip ideas just outside of the city of Dublin:

Malahide Castle

This castle is one of the oldest in Ireland and was home to the Talbot family, who were the lords of the castle from 1185 to 1976. It is located only a half hour north of Dublin and it is easily accessible either by car or by taking the number 42 Dublin Bus. The inside of the castle can be toured for a fee, so that you can see the impressive Great Hall and the Oak Room and learn about the Talbot family history.

The beautiful old castle sits within 250 acres of parkland which also includes a Children’s Museum, a botanical garden and a model railway. It’s a great place to bring the kids because they will be entertained for hours on the playground, golf course and walking trails.

Malahide Castle, Ireland by William Murphy

Howth

Only 16km away from Dublin you will find a peaceful fishing village that was once a Norse stronghold up until the 11th century. These days it is a working harbour which has a laid back atmosphere where delicious fresh seafood caught by the local fishermen can be enjoyed at the harbour side restaurants. You can walk the trail along the cliff top around Howth Head and take in jaw-dropping views of the Irish Sea. Astonishingly, on a clear day you can sometimes see all the way to Wales.

If you plan your visit to Howth on a Sunday in the summertime you will be able to enjoy one of the best and busiest Irish Farmers Markets.

Howth, Ireland by William Murphy

County Wicklow

This region is often referred to as the Garden of Ireland and with its abundance of lush green forests it is easy to see why. This beautiful mountainous area is a popular destination for walking and hiking and there are several great trails throughout the area. Some of the best hiking is up on the mountain peaks, such as Lugnaquilla, Tonelagee and Mullaghcleevaun.

County Wicklow is also home to Glendalough which is a historic monastery and village. This 6th century monastery was founded by St. Kevin and has one of the largest and most unusual high crosses in all of Ireland.

Lugnaquilla, Ireland by Andrew Parnell

Bru Na Boinne

This complex of Neolithic standing stones, chamber tombs, hedges and other prehistoric enclosures is one of the most significant Neolithic archaeological sites in Europe. It is located along a bend in the River Boyne. The Neolithic ruins here date back as far as 35th century BC to 32nd century BC, making them older than the Egyptian pyramids. This makes the fact that they were built with a sophisticated knowledge of science and astronomy even more astounding.

The Visitor Centre is open all year round and offers a large interactive exhibition about the fascinating history of this site. The entry fee includes the exhibition, audio-visual presentation, full guided tour and shuttle bus to the two sites of stone ruins.

Bru Na Boinne, Ireland by Cary Bass

These are just a few ideas for day trip adventures outside of Dublin, so why not get out there and start exploring!

Frankie Hughes is a writer who believes that Ireland is one of the world’s most beautiful places to visit. She suggests that if you are looking for hotel accommodation, Dublin City has a great variety of hotels to suit you.

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Skellig Michael, Ireland by Arian Zwegers

The dramatic Skellig Islands

About 12 miles off the coast of southwest Ireland, the jagged Skellig Islands rise steeply from the sea. These two rocky, uninhabited islands are both famous, for different reasons.

Little Skellig, the smaller of the two islands, is a bird sanctuary. This lonely windswept rock is home to the second largest colony of gannets in the world, with 27,000 pairs of these seabirds nesting on the island. Gannets abound here any time of year, along with many other types of birds. If you’re here between April and August, you’ll also find puffins with their cute, colorful bills.

Skellig Michael is the larger of the islands, and it’s a World Heritage Site due to the remarkable archaeological remains here. This rocky crag, isolated from the rest of Ireland by miles of often stormy sea, was home to a group of monks many centuries ago. It’s hard to imagine a more desolate and unforgiving place than this rock where they chose to build their monastery.

Hiking Skellig Michael island, Ireland by IrishFireside

The monastery at Skellig Michael

About 1,400 years ago, a small group of monks decided to leave the mainland for a difficult life of solitude on the island of Skellig Michael. The exact date of founding is not known, but legend has it that the monastery here was founded by St. Fionan in the 6th century. Around the year 950, the site was dedicated to St. Michael, leading to the island’s name today.

It was a harsh, spartan existence here for the small group of monks. They built high on the island, about 600 feet from sea level, and constructed flights of steep, stone steps leading from the water’s edge up to the area where they lived. It must have been a back-breaking task. The monks lived and worked in small stone huts that would have been dark and cold on long Irish winter nights, when stormy seas lashed the rock where their settlement perched. They eked out a living by farming a tiny plot of land and gathering the eggs of sea birds.

The tenacious monks maintained their settlement on the island for over 500 years, but eventually abandoned it in the 12th or 13th century, and returned to the mainland.

Little Skellig from Skellig Michael, Ireland by IrishFireside

Visiting Skellig Michael today

Skellig Michael is an amazing place, and can easily be a highlight of your trip to Ireland. It’s well worth a visit, though seeing the monastic ruins involves a boat ride to the island, followed by a rigorous climb up 618 steps to reach the remains of the settlement. If you’re up for a climb, it’s a memorable adventure.

Your boat will go by Little Skellig, where you can see and hear the immense flocks of birds, and land you at the base of Skellig Michael. Then it’s time for the climb. As you climb, think about how hard it must have been for the first people here, when they had to begin by building the steps and the stone huts at the top, with little shelter or comfort for themselves.

When you reach the top, you’ll see the well-preserved site, protected from vandals over the centuries by its isolation. This early Christian site has a church, oratories, beehive huts, a graveyard, and many crosses. The buildings are made of stacked stones, and have survived remarkably well given their age. You can walk around the site, take in the views, and enter some of the buildings.

It’s quite a feeling to be here high atop the rugged island, imagining what it would have been like to live here. Hopefully the day of your visit will be sunny and warm, and you can relax at your hotel afterwards. Things were different for the monks, who had a difficult existence here with many hardships.

Another view of Skellig Michael island, Ireland by Jerzy Strzelecki

Practical details for your trip

Skellig Michael is about 12 miles off the southwest tip of Ireland. You can reach the island by boat from the town of Portmagee. The boats run between April and September, but there are many days when the weather or sea state prevent the tour boats from landing at the island. Your best chance is to plan a few days in the area, so that if one day doesn’t work, you can try again the next day. There are no facilities on the island, so bring water and something to eat.

You can also visit the Skellig Experience Centre in Valentia, very near to Portmagee. Whether you make it out to the island or not, this visitor center will give you a better understanding of what life was like for the dedicated monks that made their life on the inhospitable island of Skellig Michael.

Deanna Keahey is a lifelong lover of adventure. After running an international travel company for years, she now writes about travel tips and ideas. Most recently she’s published a timeshare book called Winning the Timeshare Game: Buying the Bargains. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hector Garcia

If you should head to the Canary Islands then you will be certain to have a great holiday and there are many things that bring visitors to them time after time. First of all, these islands boast incredible weather. Being just off of the coast of Africa they are very hot as you can imagine, and this makes them ideal for beach holidays and for relaxing in the sun. At the same time as islands they also have lots of beach, and many of these are great for surfers.

The tourism on many of these islands is very pronounced meaning that there is a lot laid on for anyone wanting to visit including great nightlife and clubbing, and lots of places to eat and relax. However the islands are also known for their unusual and often stunning scenery – these islands feature volcanic terrain that looks sparse and desolate and almost like the surface of the moon or Mars.

If you want to visit the Canary Islands then you have several options of places to visit:

Tenerife

Of the Canaries, Tenerife is perhaps the best for night life and the one most associated with clubbing holidays and nights out drinking. To this end it has a fantastic strip of clubs and activities and a hugely bustling nightlife. At the same time though it also has plenty to do in the day and has great beaches and places to eat. One of the sites of most interest for tourists is undoubtedly Mount Tiede which is a volcano you can travel to the top of. Here the volcanic terrain is perhaps at its best – and interestingly this was actually the site on which the original Planet of the Apes was filmed.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Bill

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is another great spot if you’re after a good nightlife and the best spot for that is the YUMBO center which has everything you could need for a great night out. Again the island also has brilliant beaches for relaxing and even a small desert that you can trek through and get some great photos.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is similar to both Tenerife and Gran Canaria in terms of climate and night life, though it enjoys a slightly more muted evening out with a little less drunken debauchery (though some of that still goes on) and a marginally cooler climate due to an ever-present breeze. This makes it the Canary island of choice for those who want to relax and kick back. At the same time it is also the island with the most impressively varied landscape of all – with more volcanic terrain, as well as mountain ranges, another desert and even caves. At the volcanic region of the island you can also enjoy having your dinner cooked for you by the heat of a volcano.

Nick Ball is a web enthusiast and maintains a Lanzarote Guidebook for all his travel queries which he likes to share through his blog. The latest column added to his guide are the list of Flights to Lanzarote.

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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.

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.

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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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Lisa Nichols

History & Tradition

According to legend, an army of Norsemen under King Haakon of Norway landed at the coast of Largs intent on conquering the Scots. They moved inland under the cover of darkness, and to be all the more stealthy removed their boots to remain silent in the night. As they drew near to the slumbering camp of the Scots one of the Norsemen stepped on a prickly purple thistle and shrieked out in pain, awakening the clansmen to the danger of the advancing enemy. The Scots won the day and the lowly purple thistle was adopted as the Emblem of Scotland during the reign of King Alexander III (1249-1286).

The history of Scotland is filled with such incredible legends. These are stories of heroes and heroines filled with romance, thrills, mysteries and tragedies. These are stories of famous warriors and famous battles both won and lost that echo down the centuries from ancient bygone times. These are stories filled with the triumph of the Scottish spirit. To visit Scotland is to be immersed in these stories, and everywhere one might visit has a tale to tell. There are hundreds of historic sites to visit across the length of Scotland, from the Orkney Isles in the far north where the neolithic village of Skara Brae has been standing since before the pyramids of Egypt were built, to the castles, cairns and standing stones of Dumfries and Galloway in the southwest. A few of the most popular historic sites to visit in Scotland include:

• Edinburgh Castle – the seat of Kings and the scene of some of the bloodiest events in Scotland’s long history.
• Scone Palace – the ancient seat of the Pictish Kings.
• Bannockburn Heritage Centre – site of Robert the Bruce’s 1314 victory over Edward II that secured Scottish independence for 400 years.
• Wallace National Monument – built in the 1830s to commemorate Scotland’s National hero, the museum there houses the mighty sword of William Wallace.
• Culloden – Blar Chuil Lodai was the site of the last pitched battle ever fought on British soil on April 16, 1746, when the Jacobite cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie died under the English guns on Culloden Moor, an event that roils the hearts of Scotsmen to this very day.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by genevieveromier

These are just a few of the over 300 sites preserved across Scotland, from castles to abbeys to battle sites to stone age villages, all designed to preserve the history and culture of this storied land.

Sarah is a dedicated travel author who when not exploring different parts on the world, writes about them. She has a particular love for cosmopolitan cities and thrives of finding quirky places to hang out! Currently focusing on travel in the UK, she is looking into self catered holidays in Scotland. Edinburgh apartments have mnay great places to stay, as do Glasgow apartments. They have been a great resource so far as they have provided a wealth of information.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by JUAN RAMON RODRIGUEZ SOSA

Hiking in Tenerife

The point is that there is so much more to the landscape of this magical island. For one it is home of Pico Del Teide, which is Spain’s tallest peak, at a towering 3718m. It has incredible forestry and rock formations, volcanic colours as you go inland, so definitely pack your walking boots. The basic rule if you are looking for a more unique and cultured experience is to head away from the south-western resorts. The capital of Tenerife is a prime example and is actually largely untainted by tourism, being right up on the north east of the island. It has the most incredible carnivals second only to perhaps Rio De Janerio, with amazing traditional fiesta spirit.

The English Tenerife

If however you are looking for white sand, neon lights, night clubs, foam parties and banging tunes, get yourself down south to Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Américas or Costa Adeje. You will be able to buy pie and chips, and even a full English breakfast! Also down in the southern region, you can go to one of two of Tenerife’s incredible waterparks. Siam Park is a Thai themed park with a multitude of thrilling slides, or Aqualand where you can even get to see a dolphin show. Other more animal orientated water activities are the submarine safari, where you can go dolphin and whale spotting in a transparent submarine. Spectacular underwater scenes where bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales are known to migrate, also white and sperm whales are known to have been sighed.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Javier Sanchez Portero

Culture in Tenerife

For a more ‘intellectual’ attraction you could go to the region of Chacona and visit The Gumar Pyramids. The pyramids are not, as you at first may think, ancient like the Giza Pyramid in Egypt. They are in fact the subject of serious controversy, implying that they may be as recent as the 19th century. It is said that there were many such constructions throughout Tenerife, but they have been systematically taken apart for cheap building materials. The site of the Gumar Pyramids used to contain 9 structures, but today only has 6. Excavations have as yet only been inconclusive.

On the south coast, you can go to Icod De los Vinos and visit Cueva Del Viento (Cave of Winds) which is the largest volcanic cavity in the world. Also this is where you can find the ancient and mystical Dragon Tree, which is said to be over 800 years old. It is called a ‘Dragon Tree’ as when the leaves are cut they secrete a red resin which is said to be the dried blood of dragons. This apparently has healing properties, and in the past it was extracted on an industrial scale to make varnishes and lacquers, and as a result, the Dragon Tree is a protected species.

Daryl loves to discover places off the beaten track and stays in tenerife villas all the time, but you could also find him in a ibiza villa from time to time.

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Churnet Valley railway

Just a short drive away from Alton, the railway is located in Cheddleton Village. From Cheddleton Station, the route passes through some of the most glorious spots and boasts breathtaking panoramic views including nature reserves and limekilns. The trip finishes at Kingsley and FrogHall station.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Dominic Sayers

Blackbook Zoological Park

Located in Winkhill, the zoo is a fantastic opportunity to observe and get up close with some of the world’s rarest species. This is a great day out and very popular with children of all ages. The staffs at the zoo are very accommodating and friendly and can cater for large groups as well as families.

Photo by admin

Carsington Water

If you still fancy a little bit more exhilaration after the theme park, then why not get down to Carsington Water. Here you can indulge in the various aqua pursuits such as wind surfing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing and power boats. There is also a newly installed outdoor climbing tower for the equally adventurous.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Loz Pycock

Historic Buildings

For those keen on history, you will find many great examples to feast upon. Located in Bakewell, Haddon hall is a fortified medieval house which dates back to the 12th century. It was the setting for the film Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightly and has been owned by Lord and Lady Edward Manners since 1567. Also there is Croxden Abbey which houses some beautiful unspoilt remains which used to be home to the Cistercian White Monks in the 13th century.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Rob Glover

Dimmings Dale

A perfect way to round off the day would be to embark upon the wonderful setting that is Dimmings Dale. Very close to Alton and the Alton Towers theme park, the land is owned by the Forestry Commission and boasts scenery that is second to none in the area. Take a leisurely stroll around the grounds and you will feel like you are in another world. The water features are unique and will provide plenty of opportunities to take those all important photographs. Mountain biking is another to enjoy the area and the Dale has many bridle ways which the keen cyclist can utilise to further enhance their enjoyment. Once you are a little worn out, then take a break and relax at the Rambler’s Retreat where you can rest your feet and enjoy a cup of tea and cake.

All in all, Alton is a fun filled and extremely interesting place to visit and there is as we have seen something for everyone!

This collection of places to check out in and around Alton was written by Alton Towers Breaks, offering hotel stays in and around alton towers!

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Malá Fatra is located in the northern part of the country. Its tourist centre is Terchová village. Accommodation is offered mostly by private owners in their home areas or cottages. The prices are around €10 per night. There are also several hotels with prices around €35 per night. In every village around the park you can find local restaurants offering delicious meals for little money.

Charming small waterfalls and gorges in Vrátna Valley

One of the most interesting trips that can be undertaken in a national park, is a visit to two waterfalls. One of them is Šútovský waterfall which is set at the river Sut in Šútovská dolina valley. The stream is more than 2 meters wide and falls to 38 meters deep gorge.

Another one, which is one of the rarest Slovak falls, is 10 meters high Klacký waterfall, declared a national natural monument. There is stunning countryside around with wild rapids and a giant pots (holes carved by water).

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Petrusia1

Gorges in Vrátna valley and Terchová valley are popular hiking attractions thanks to a beautiful scenery of rocky formations but also to local folklore festivities. They are held here every year in honor of Juraj Jánošík, a native of Terchová village.

You can also visit Crystal cave in Malý Rozsutec or climb to the highest peak of Malá Fatra – Veľký Kriváň (1709 m). If you get tired you can relax in nearby thermal park Meander Park in Oravice featuring geothermal water with temperature ranging from 35 to 37°C, or in another thermal park Bešeňová.

If you wish to learn more about famous Juraj Jánošík you can visit museum in Terchová or another popular open air museum in the village Nová Bystrica – Vychylovce. It documents the local folk architecture and life in the past. An interesting exhibition is the historic forest railways from the early 20th century.

Malá Fatra National Park with the equally interesting surroundings is simply the perfect place for a nice and cheap holiday. If you want to save some money in these hectic days and enjoy great nature at the same time, come to Slovakia.

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