The area

Historically Torrevieja was renowned for its production of sea salt, which has been one of the area’s leading exports since Roman times. In more recent times the area has become famed for its golden sandy beaches and superb water sports and sports fishing opportunities. As recently as the 1980s Torrevieja was a sleepy fishing village, but in the last couple of decades the area has been transformed into a holiday maker’s paradise. The area boasts some fantastic restaurants offering tastes from all over the world, and if you’re a sucker for the beach, there are four sandy stretches with calm, clear waters right on your doorstep.

Cove in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, Spain by Jose M Martin Jimenez

The beaches

If you like nothing better than spending a good portion of your holiday flat out on the beach then you will not be short of choice in Torrevieja. Playa de los Locos is one of the larger beaches within walking distance of Torrevieja centre that boasts a 700 metre stretch of sand as well as calm, blue waters perfect for swimmers of all abilities.

Playa del Cura is particularly popular with the locals due to its stunning backdrop of palm trees and charming restaurants. The beach’s small size and popularity does mean it gets busy in peak season, so you might have to set off early to secure your spot.

Playa de la Mata is regarded by many as the most beautiful beach in Torrevieja, and is less protected than the area’s other beaches, making it a haven for water sports lovers. Windsurfers, kite surfers and sailors flock to the beach from miles around, but thankfully the beach has a large of expanse of sand, so you should always find your own little sunny spot.

Beach in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, Spain by Phillip Capper

The attractions

The town’s rich heritage as a major producer of sea salt is encapsulated by Torrevieja’s sea and salt museum. Although you may not think you’ll be immediately taken by the history of the salt industry, this museum is of real interest and well worth an hour of your time.

The Park of Nations is an excellent place to relax, escape the crowds and enjoy an oasis of tranquillity. The beautifully landscaped and verdant park, complete with lake, fountain and palm trees make you feel like you’re a million miles away from a bustling tourist resort.

And what better way to walk off your dinner than with an evening stroll along Torrevieja’s gorgeous beach front and marina. Order a drink and watch the world go by in one of the town’s charming cafes or bars.

Author: If you’re looking for great apartments in Costa Blanca then Los Locos Beach offer comfortable, well equipped, spotlessly clean self-catering apartments with breathtaking sea views. Pop along to the website to see the full range of apartments.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Reinis Traidas

A Beach with Worldwide Recognition

As the song goes, ‘Well we do like to be beside the seaside’, and Brighton had the honour of being voted into the top 10 of the best city beach break destinations in the world. The famous Brighton Pier makes a stunning backdrop to the cosmopolitan and super cool Brighton promenade, where you can go for a stroll on a beautiful summer’s evening, or lap up the atmosphere of the various cafes and bars along the sea front.

The beach at Brighton can offer more than just a place to chill out however. For those seeking a little bit more excitement, there are loads of activities for you to do including a variety of water sports, from windsurfing to kayaking.

A Haven for Culture Vultures

Unlike some coastal towns that have a vacuum of creativity, Brighton has a whole host of things to see for those who wish to feast on something a little more enriching.

Brighton has a huge population of different artists and creative types, and therefore it is no surprise that there is a whole host of culture to sample. From dance and performance art, to comedy and some of the best festivals in the UK, whatever you’re into, you’ll find something for you.

The best month for festivals is May, when you have the Brighton Fringe, The Great Escape, and the Brighton Festival – the biggest arts festival in the whole of England. The 2012 Brighton Festival will be an extra special one, guest directed by the fabulous Vanessa Redgrave!

A Buzzing Nightlife

Brighton prides itself on having the liveliest music and club scene on the south coast, and some of the town’s most famous exports include Fatboy Slim, The Who and The Kooks. Regardless of your taste, you will be able to find a club that caters to your tastes amongst the smorgasbord of music on offer.

For those who love finding intimate music venues, the Latest Music Bar just off the front is one of Brighton’s favourite venues. Grab a bite to eat, catch the latest up and comers in the world of music or comedy, or book yourself in for a private party you’ll never forget.

With all of this fantastic entertainment on offer, Brighton is the ideal destination for stag and hen weekends, or just for a short break with your mates.

There are many places to visit in the UK, and all of them have different things going for them. Choose Brighton though, and you will find everything you could possibly want from a summer holiday.

This guest blog was written on behalf of Stonehills, offering fantastic holiday apartments in Brighton, the rest of the UK and in Europe.

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Arts Outside

Many of the Eternal City’s most famous historic sites morph into elegant alfresco entertainment venues in the warm summer evenings. The Villa Celimontana, the Capitoline Museum and the church of Sant’lgnazio host plays, musical performances and dance exhibitions. Enjoy Shakespeare in a recreated Globe theater in Villa Borghese Park, attend readings by famous authors in the Roman Forum or thrill to opera performed against the stunning backdrop of the Baths of Caracalla.

Café on the Piazza

With its magnificent piazzas, stylish streets and hordes of fashionistas and international celebrities, Rome is the ideal city for people-watching. Whether at sunset or late in the glittering Mediterranean night, stake out a table at a one of many little outdoor cafés and watch the colorful crowds parade by in the Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori. With the prevalence of conveniently located apartments in Rome, you may find a charming hangout close to your cozy home-away-from-home.

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Hit the Roof

Rome’s bewitching rooftop bars and terraces provide astonishing views along with creative cocktails and fine international wines, many within walking distance of delightful Rome apartments. Wake to bruschettas and coffee under balmy Mediterranean breezes or savor evening aperitifs overlooking the glittering city. Many elegant terraces are atop the city’s luxury hotels, including the Hotel Raphael, the Hotel Minerva and the Sofitel Villa Borghese.

Dine Out

Rome is famous throughout the world for its fantastic food, and restaurants are everywhere, from gelato bars to casual trattorias to elegant fine dining establishments. Savor some of the city’s finest seafood at Il San Lorenzo, crispy pizza at popular Da Bafetto or creative Roman haute cuisine at Agata e Romeo. Fortunately for touring foodies, many Rome apartments for rent are close to some of the city’s best eateries.

Dance

Testaccio is the sizzling center of stylish Rome’s dazzling night life, with fashionista haven Hulala, celeb haunt Ketum Bar and exclusive Joia among the countless trendy lounges and dance clubs. Those looking for more laid-back hangouts can head to the area around the University of San Lorenzo, where the prevalence of students has spawned loads of pubs, pizzerias and wine bars. The little beach town of Ostia, just 20 kilometers from Rome, rocks in the summertime with plenty of beachy bars, magnificent mojitos and dancing under the stars.

There are lots of places to stay when travelling round Europe.  Instead of staying in a hotel, why try renting apartments in Paris, London and Rome.  Robin Sharman is a travel blogger who writes about places to visit all over Europe.

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