Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain by Alquiler de Coches

Beach Vacation

Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands, and a beach-lover’s paradise. A Spanish island and province, it is located off the coast of northwest Africa and features grey-sand beaches, one of the largest volcanoes in the world and a warm tropical climate. Tenerife’s average year-round temperatures are in the mid-20s C, earning it the nickname ‘Island of the Eternal Spring’ and attracting tourists from around Europe and beyond (more than five million annually). Known for its yearly carnival, Tenerife is a surprisingly affordable cheap, even destination, offering fun and relaxing holidays for the whole family.

Rural Retreat

Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia markets itself as the ‘Green Piece of Europe’ and visitors will find plenty of green in Lake Bled, a pristine glacial lake and sleepy resort town just over 30 miles from the capital, Ljubljana. Surrounded by lush woodlands and the towering Julian Alps, the area is a haven for walkers and mountain-bikers. In the middle of the lake is a medieval church, accessible by boat, with stone walls offering stunning views. Overlooking over the lake in the hills above is the medieval Bled Castle, which is available for tours. Families will find Slovenia affordable on the whole, and off-season, visitors will find Lake Bled to be particularly low-cost.

City Break

Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a city on seven hills that still maintains an historic quarter — including original Roman walls — despite several massive earthquakes throughout its history. It is an affordable cultural centre known for its mournful Fado music, unique carriage museum, imposing cathedral filled with the graves of famous Portuguese explorers, and world-famous pastries. Beautiful countryside awaits a short drive from the city, and a view of the sea is never far. Lisbon is continental Europe’s westernmost city and one of the oldest in Europe, predating London. There are two UNESCO sites to visit, though many things of interest in this affordable capital.

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The most important monument in the town of Valldemossa is certainly the Royal Charterhouse of Valldemossa from the 14th century. The lovers Frédéric Chopin – Polish composer and virtuoso pianist, and George Sand – French writer found a refugee here in winter 1838 – 1839. There are still the rare originals of Chopin scores and the manuscript of the book Winter in Mallorca by George Sand hidden in the cells number 2 and 4. In these rooms you can also see the pianos on which famous pianist composed their works. Every year the town of Valldemossa hosts an international Valldemossa Chopin Festival, where you can see and listen to the famous pianists from all around the world. Charterhouse includes also a church, the historic monastery pharmacy, library, museum and Royal Palace.

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The character of the town and its monuments
Valldemossa is characterized by winding streets and colorful houses. They surround another significant monument of Valldemossa – the church of Sant Bartomeu from 13th century. Its entire interior is devoted to Catalina Thomas, who was born here and was declared a saint.

The area is suitable also for hikers – you can go from the town of Valldemossa to the tops of the natural park of Son Moragues, from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding area.

The final advise!
If you decide to visit any of the local town cafes, do not miss the drink horchata de almendras, which is a popular Spanish drink made from almond milk.

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Torrent de Pareis got its name from the stream Pareis that carved the canyon over millions of years. The most interesting entry into the canyon is by the sea from the village of Sa Calobra through two narrow tunnels in the rock. Tunnels lead to the coast where the stream Pareis flows into the sea.

In summer the stream dried on its way which allow tourist to bath on the beautiful pebble beach. It is also possible to enter the Torrent de Pareis from the upper village Escorca. The entire canyon is 7 km long. The total height from the sea to the highest point is 720 m.

The canyon is surrounded by the steep rocky walls. In the deepest places the walls reach a height of 400 m. At the bottom of the canyon you can see a small salt lake, created by the sea tide. In the walls you can find the caves that were dug by rain water. This also created a lot of water tunnels and deep lakes in the canyon.

During your trip to Torrent de Pareis you will see the huge rocky blocks. They are pieces of canyon walls, which over the years broke off due to erosion and fell to its ground. The whole area of ​​Torrent de Pareis was announced a significant natural heritage for its geological and biological value.

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