The Dartmoor National Park / James Farnham

Water Sports

The coastlines in Devon cover more than 250 miles. This affords a wide range of water-sports. If you are the adventurous, adrenaline seeking type, perhaps white water rafting or kite-surfing might be just what you desire. However, if your idea of fun is far more tame, perhaps sailing or fishing might be more what you are looking for.  The diving in Devon is hard to be beat. There are numerous wreckages and reefs to explore while underwater. If remaining on top of the water is a better idea to you, surfing is practiced year round while wakeboarding, water-skiing, and windsurfing have high seasons and low seasons.

Fishing

Fishermen and women flock to Devon from all over the world in pursuit of the many fishing opportunities. There are occasions to visit any of the many fishing ports where sea vessels take expectant anglers on day trips. There are also a myriad of streams and tributaries offering fresh water fishing if wrestling saltwater fish is not to your liking. Fishing is big business in Devon so whatever your needs or desires, it can all be met here.

Beaches

If all the activity of water-sports or fishing is not quite your style, taking a lazy afternoon to soak up the sun on the beach may be just what satisfies your needs. The large coastline offers many opportunities to do just that. The North Devon Coast and the South Devon Coast each offer unique features. The North Devon coast has hanging cliffs and sandy beaches, whereas, the South Devon coast has sandstone cliffs and pebble beaches.  Some beaches have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag award designating those beaches as some of the best and cleanest in the world.

Family Attractions

Many family attractions are available in Devon with possibly Dartmoor National Park being one of the best.  It is an excellent place for lengthy strolls where towns and villages can be explored.  It is free to get into the park so all can go freely.  Morwellham Quay provides an opportunity to step back in time to the 1860’s.  Kids and adults alike can play dress up and experience life as it was in this copper mine and family farm.  There are three theme parks that offer an array of exciting opportunities.  The Milky Way has ferret and falconry displays, the Crealy Great Adventure Park has a tidal ride that will get everyone’s heart pumping, and the Woodlands Leisure Park allows for relaxing on a lengthy toboggan ride.  Finally, if any or all members of the family are animal lovers, the Pennywell Farm provides ample opportunity to interact with various members of the animal kingdom.

If you are planning on visiting this beautiful English county with the family why not book a stay in one of the houses to rent in Devon.  The Owners Direct website has a lot for you to choose from so you are sure to find one that is ideal.

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Filicudi, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy by Ghost-in-the-Shell

The beaches spread out throughout the island are pebble beaches rather than sand and while the main beach is the most readily accessible, many people prefer the secluded locations of the other beaches around the island. However, in order to get to the other beaches on Filicudi, you will have to cross sharp jagged rocks.

The island itself has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Just outside of town, along the man road that crosses the island you will find the archeological site of a Bronze Age settlement that was discovered on the island. The settlement was only discovered back in the 1950s and there are still regular digs going on in the area today.

Filicudi and Alicudi islands, Sicily, Italy by Tore Urnes

For those who want to get a true view of the surround waters and islands around Filicudi, you will need to put on some good shoes and make your way to the heart of the island where you will find Fossa dei Felci. The peak is situated 774 meters above sea level and from there you can see forever in all directions. The views at the peak are nothing less than extraordinary and if you are up to it, you simply have to spend the day trekking to the top.

An interesting place to visit on Filicudi is the Grotta del Bue Marino which up until the 1960s was inhabited by seals. Unfortunately the seals no longer live in the cave which makes visiting it a little easier. The nearby Cane Reef is also a popular attraction around the northwestern part of the island.

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