Mongolia in Devon

Devon might be best known for its seafood restaurants and beaches but a new style of getaway is now welcoming travellers from across the world. Head to the 30-acre Cuckoo Down Farm, near Ottery St Mary and you can experience life like Genghis Khan – with a few extra creature comforts.

Guests can expect spacious double beds, with Mongolian inspired rugs, cushions and carpets. You might be camping, but with a shower on hand and plenty of space in your personal yurt you’ll never be wanting for comfort.

Mongolia, Devon, UK

Bus station on the Shetland Islands

Consider yourself a connoisseur of all things quirky? Then why not head to this truly unique bus shelter located on the remote Shetland Islands. Originally used by just three local children, the shelter was badly damaged in a storm in the late 1990s. When Bobby Maculay, a local schoolboy complained of the chill when waiting for the school bus, the council updated it.

Then some strange things started happening. The bus station was slowly transformed to include a range of unexpected creature comforts, like a television, a wicker sofa and even a stuffed parrot. This is certainly a bus station with a twist.

Unst Bus Stop, Shelter Islands, UK by Anne Burgess

Narrowest street in Exeter

Want a quirky fact to impress your friends with? What about having explored Britain’s smallest street, located in Exeter? Parliament Street (formerly Small Lane) dates back to the 14^th century and measures just over 60cm at its tiniest point.

Keep an eye out for a miniature doorway, which is the former home to the independent newspaper, The Exeter Flying Post.

Parliament Street, Exeter, UK by J Morley

House in the Clouds in Thorpeness

Some of the best accommodation experiences are the ones that you can’t wait to tell your family and friends about. House in the Clouds in Thorpeness, England is just that sort of accommodation, offering guests all the usual creature comforts with a dash of altitude.

Located several stories high and situated on beautiful private acreage, this fascinating home away from home includes a dishwasher, fridge, freezer and television. The building was designed for a children’s book author and today still exudes a mystical and creative feeling.

House in the Clouds, Thorpeness, UK by Martin Pettitt

Sleeperzzz in Scotland

Ever wanted to journey through the Scottish highland on a beautiful first class train? Well now you can do just that, with a slightly quirky edge.

Sleeperzzz in Pittentrail offers accommodation in three carriages from an old railway car. There are bikes on hand to explore the beautiful local townships and stunning natural scenery.

With all three carriages named after Scottish whiskies, they are the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a local tipple after a hard day of sightseeing. Best of all Sleeperzz is also surprisingly easy on your wallet.

Ecopod in Scotland

Ecopod offers quirky and fun accommodation, whilst allowing guests to also do their bit for the environment. With views over the stunning west coast of Scotland, the Ecopod features innovative technology to lower every guest’s carbon footprint. You also can enjoy a fun goodie bag on arrival, including hand-dived scallops, locally brewed beers, hand-made chocolates and Scottish malt whisky.

Written by: Sheryl Lovenkrandz – a freelance blogger who loves to write about travel and accommodation.

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Visit the city of Alghero

The historic city of Alghero is a must-see on any trip to Sardinia. It has a picturesque old town, brilliant fresh seafood restaurants and plenty of places to sit with a cold drink watching the sun go down. The town is not heavily reliant on tourism, meaning that it’s a great place to experience true Sardinian culture, though it does get busy during the summer months. A gently shelving sandy beach stretches the length of the bay, making it a great choice for those travelling with young family.

A family holiday in Torre del Porticciolo near Alghero, Sardinia, Italy by Dave Haygarth

Explore the coastline in a kayak

If you’d like to explore Sardinia’s beautiful coastline, hiring a kayak for the day is the best idea. This will give you the opportunity to paddle to the secluded beaches, as well as view the caves and sealife along the coast. Be sure to check out the idyllic Cala Luna, the setting of Madonna’s film Swept Away, which can only be accessed by boat. Kayaks are available for hire on the promenade in Cala Gonone.

Enjoy Laguna di Nora’s turtle sanctuary

Located on the south coast of Sardinia, the Laguna di Nora turtle sanctuary makes a great day out for the whole family. As well as the rescued sea turtles and aquarium, there are fascinating Roman ruins and a beautiful beach nearby.

Spend a day at Il Lazzaretto beach

There are many wonderful beaches in Sardinia, but the Il Lazzaretto beach is a favourite even amongst the locals. Located in the Porto Conte regional park, it is sheltered by a headland on which stands a beautiful 16th century tower. The soft white sands and crystal clear waters make it an ideal place for rest and recuperation. If you do fancy some further exploration, it’s just a short walk or drive from the prehistoric settlement of Nuraghe Palmavera.

Sample the local cuisine

We’re all familiar with the delights of Italian cuisine, and the food in Sardinia manages to encompass all of its delights whilst keeping a strong identity of its own. A Sardinian meal typically starts with antipasti, including proscuitto, cheeses, octopus, salami, olives, and marinated vegetables. The first course often comprises of sa fregula, a small round shaped pasta served in fish broth with clams, ravioli made with semolina or panadas, a round pie filled with vegetables, meat or eels. The second course will usually be a fish or meat dish. Traditional Sardinian meats are spit-roasted suckling pig, baby lamb, goat and rabbit. If you’re a bit more adventurous, you may want to try sa cordula, lamb intestines with peas plaited into a braid. Another specialty is sanguinaccio, a pig-blood sausage sweetened with currants and sugar. With such a plethora of wonderful food options available, visitors to Sardinia will never go hungry.

Pizza, Sardinia, Italy by Dave Haygarth

Conclusion

Sardinia is a beautiful island with plenty to offer travellers, so make sure you hire a car. It makes a wonderful holiday destination for those looking for a little bit of laid back luxury.

The post Sensational Sizzling Sardinia – Sun, Sea, Food and Turtles appeared first on Europe Explored.

Beach in Sicily, Italy / photo by admin

1. Ostia

Ostia is about thirty minutes from Rome by train, and is one of the most popular summer day trips for Roman citizens. Three miles of golden sand is bordered by the Paolo Toscanelli boulevard; a great place for you to stroll down, popping into the cafes and restaurants for bite to eat. The beautiful beach is divided up into public and private areas- you can access the private for a fee; these beaches are usually less crowded with better facilities. If you’re tired of the sun, check out the Roman ruins or the historic port of Ostia Antica.

2. Nettuno

Slightly further from Rome is the bay of Nettuno. Easily accessible on foot, the sea esplanade leads to modern Nettuno; whereas the older ‘Il Borgo’ part is located near the town centre. Il Borgo contains some of the Amalfi coast’s best restaurants, with a beautiful view over the port area. Live music and other activities take place over the summer on the esplanade and the marina. The best small beach is the Spiaggia le Sirene.

3. Santa Marinella

It’s just a quick train ride from the Rome Termini station, (only 45 minutes) to this picturesque beach commune. The clean Mediterranean sand and crystal waters attract many locals, so this isn’t the place to go if you’re looking for privacy and seclusion! Adding to the allure, one of Italy’s most famous seafood restaurants – L’Acqua Marina – is located only ten minutes away.

4. Sperlonga

When you need a break from the history, consider Sperlonga. Although it’s two and a half hours from Rome, the journey is definitely worth it when you see the stunning pale sandy crescent and open ocean view. The beach is well-developed, with all facilities within easy reach; and the local eateries serve everything from fish and chips to authentic Italian cuisine. Some places will even deliver food direct to your beach towel!

5. Santa Severa

With the officially-recognized cleanest waters around Rome, this beach is easy to get to from Rome by bus or train. In addition to the pristine sand, there’s a nature reserve located on a nearby headland; as well as a naturally formed cave system once used as a hiding place by slaves.

Whether you’re renting one of the Rome apartments or staying in an Amalfi coastline villa; visiting a local beach is the perfect way to finish off your summer vacation. Make sure you leave early to grab that prime spot on the sand!

Next time you are heading over to Europe, why not rent one of the apartments in Rome from Worldwide Accom.There are many within the city centre, close to the metro stops as well, meaning you can easily hop on the metro to all the attractions or even to the beach.

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