Europe Explored » sun worshippers https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Enjoy an exhilarating family day out at Aqualand! | Abruzzo, Italy https://europeexplored.com/2013/03/14/enjoy-an-exhilarating-family-day-out-at-aqualand-abruzzo-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/03/14/enjoy-an-exhilarating-family-day-out-at-aqualand-abruzzo-italy/#comments Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:22:59 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=14153 Picture the scene: it’s a scorching hot summer’s day in Abruzzo and the sun’s rays are beating down. You may be relaxing in your villa’s private garden with a cold refreshing drink in hand, and the kids are playing outside, but they’re getting more and more restless. What you need is a fun, outdoor activity […]

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Picture the scene: it’s a scorching hot summer’s day in Abruzzo and the sun’s rays are beating down. You may be relaxing in your villa’s private garden with a cold refreshing drink in hand, and the kids are playing outside, but they’re getting more and more restless. What you need is a fun, outdoor activity that all the family can enjoy…something that will bring lots of laughter and smiling faces…what you need is a fun-filled day out to Aqualand!

Aqualand Vasto, Abruzzo, Italy
Aqualand Vasto, Abruzzo, Italy by aqualandvasto.com

Aqualand is a spectacular aqua park in Vasto that is perfect for all the family – adrenaline seekers, nature enthusiasts and sun worshippers alike! About 50 minutes drive from Villa Ducale in Abruzzo, it is ideally situated so you can visit when you have a day free, without having to plan in advance. This is especially convenient, as we would recommend you visit a water park on a fairly warm, sunny day to make the most of the water-fuelled fun.

For those of you that love the thrill of water slides, you will discover around a mile of slides at Aqualand, ranging from the terrifyingly-exciting Kamikaze vertical drop slide or the high speed hill slide where you can race to the finish against your family and friends, to the gentler ride along the slow-moving rapids. There are even a couple of mini slides especially for babies and younger children, so they too can enjoy the excitement of the water park.

Aqualand also offers 3,000 square metres of swimming pools to enjoy, including everyone’s favourite – the wave pool! There is even a whirlpool where you can sit amongst massaging bubbles, perfect for lifting any stress away. Isn’t that what holidays are for after all? So whether you want to ride the waves, have a relaxing swim or complete some lengths for a bit of exercise, there is a pool for you.

Tobogans in Aqualand Vasto, Abruzzo, Italy
Tobogans in Aqualand Vasto, Abruzzo, Italy by aqualandvasto.com

There are so many more attractions than just swimming pools and water slides to discover at Aqualand, however. For example, you can choose to watch a musical or dancing show at the Aqualand Theatre or take part in some sports and fitness, including the gym. There are also lots of wide open green spaces where you can enjoy a spot of sunbathing, reading a book or eating an ice-cream.

Another favourite attraction you will find at Aqualand is the petting farm. With many different animals including ponies, donkeys, rabbits and goats, the whole family, especially the younger children, will adore being able to pet the cute animals.

As you can imagine, at the end of a day out at Aqualand everyone will be feeling extremely tired after lots of laughter and exhilarating fun. And when the kids are fast asleep in bed early, you can enjoy a nice relaxing evening – that’s if you’re not fast asleep too!

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An Introduction to Majorca – the biggest of the Balearic Islands | Spain https://europeexplored.com/2012/05/19/an-introduction-to-majorca-the-biggest-of-the-balearic-islands-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/05/19/an-introduction-to-majorca-the-biggest-of-the-balearic-islands-spain/#comments Sat, 19 May 2012 20:14:50 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=7782 Majorca is the biggest of the Balearic Islands, an autonomous community and province in Spain. With Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, the island forms part of an archipelago in the western Mediterranean sea off Spain. Majorca is also known as Mallorca, the name of the island in Catalan, which is one of the island’s official languages […]

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Majorca is the biggest of the Balearic Islands, an autonomous community and province in Spain. With Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, the island forms part of an archipelago in the western Mediterranean sea off Spain. Majorca is also known as Mallorca, the name of the island in Catalan, which is one of the island’s official languages (the other is Spanish, of course). The name means ‘the bigger one’ while Menorca is ‘the smaller one’. Its capital, Palma, is also capital of the Balearics group. With mild winters and scorching summers, the island is very popular with European visitors looking to enjoy the excellent climate. In an average year, there are 21 million visitors flying via Majorca airport.

A Shoreline in Majorca, Spain
A Shoreline in Majorca, Spain / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Andrew Havis

Majorca’s Beaches

Majorca has more than its fair share of sun, sea and sand – in fact, it’s known for having some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. The only problem for visitors is which beach to choose. Magaluf in the south west is every popular, with 900 metres of beach, a new promenade and lots of bars and restaurants. It’s great for singles and young couples as the area is known for its nightlife. In fact, it’s the island’s nightclub capital. Families may prefer somewhere a bit quieter.

You can find a great family beach at Alcudia. Not only is the sand as fine as that on a golf course, but there’s a children’s playground and shallow water. Lots of watersports and restaurants on the beach make this the perfect place for a day out. With three beaches, Palma Nova is another good option. If you’re not bothered about watersports then Cala Tuent in the north east and Calas de Mallorca in the south east both offer plenty of space for sun worshippers – and nice scenery too!

Palma Majorca, Spain
Palma Majorca, Spain / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by John Burke

Exploring the Capital

If you want to spend some time out of the sun, there’s still plenty to do in Majorca. Palma is a good place to start. You can pick up transport around the island from Plaça d’Espanya which is underneath a large park. Kids will enjoy the themed play areas while you wait. Included in Palma’s chequered history is a period of Moorish rule and one of its most famous sights, La Seu, is a cathedral built on top of what used to be a mosque. This heritage is also on show in the warren-like Old City whose narrow streets are well worth exploring and the Arab Baths, though in disrepair, are well worth a look.

Outside the capital are other historic and picturesque sights, so be sure to leave the beach for a sightseeing trip at some point during your stay.

Marian Jaime writes for Suntransfers who offer transfers from Majorca airport to get your holiday off to a fabulous start.


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Aeolian Islands – unique volcano islands near Sicily, Italy https://europeexplored.com/2010/07/01/aeolian-islands-in-sicily-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/07/01/aeolian-islands-in-sicily-italy/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:34:59 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=426 Aeolian Islands (sometimes called shortly “Lipari”) lies at the northern coast of Sicily. Lipari consist of seven islands: Vulcano, Lipari, Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Alicudi and Filicudi. This archipelago is unique for a volcanic activity, which along with numerous geological attractions make these islands grateful to the tourists. Still active volcano on the island of Stromboli […]

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Aeolian Islands (sometimes called shortly “Lipari”) lies at the northern coast of Sicily. Lipari consist of seven islands: Vulcano, Lipari, Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Alicudi and Filicudi. This archipelago is unique for a volcanic activity, which along with numerous geological attractions make these islands grateful to the tourists. Still active volcano on the island of Stromboli offers a remarkable experience for observers, while sulphurous lakes on the island of Vulcano are attractive for their therapeutic effects.

Aeolian Islands, Volcano island, Sicily, Italy
Photo by admin – that’s me and my wife in Vulcano island : – )

It is not a secret that the Aeolian Islands are called the pearls of the Mediterranean. Surely you enchant their unique atmosphere, clear sea, white houses contrasting with the black volcanic beaches and agile life regardless of the presence of volcanoes. In the fertile areas off the coast of Sicily you admire growing vines, olive and fig trees in the wild mountainous inland countryside and smoking a volcano Mount Etna. In deep valleys you can see a beautiful cities with many ancient and Norman sites.

Due to its climate, beautiful landscape, exotic wildlife and beautiful coastline are Aeolian Islands looking forward a growing interest of tourists. They are suitable for lovers of nature and hiking, as well as for a sun worshippers and swimmers. Clean seawater and rugged coastline make these islands a paradise for divers and water sports operators.

Vulcano Island from volcano, Sicily, Italy
Photo by admin

Geographical location of the Aeolian islands guarantees a subtropical climate. Average temperatures are acceptable due to fresh winds that pleasantly cool hot air from the sea and bring soothing moisture. In summer the temperature reaches around 35 °C, annual average temperature is 14 – 16 °C. An important climatic factor is the distribution of annual precipitation. Rainy seasons are mainly autumn and winter. Rain is usually rare in summer, it is usual that six months are totally without rain.

You can get to Lipari by a ferry from Sicily (a town Milazzo), where you can be transferred with your car. It is possible to move between islands by fast ships Aliscafo. The most popular type of accommodation on the Aeolian Islands are bungalows or apartments.

Aeolian islands offer really a lot. Certainly you should not miss the greatest attraction of the islands – a trip to the active volcano Stromboli. In 2000, the Aeolian Islands were included in the list of UNESCO’s cultural and natural heritage sites.

Vulcano island, Aeolian Islands, Italy
Photo by admin – Vulcano island


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