Book your vacation in Zakynthos

History

The oldest traces of life that were found in the island come from the Neolithic age, and were located in the Bay of Laganas. The history of the island has its roots in antiquity: according to Plyni, the island was inhabited before 3000 BC and was named Yria.  near the fortress, a marble complex of divine figures was found, such as those of Apollo, Aphrodite and Artemis, which is now located in the Tiepolo Museum in Venice. This also certifies the particular penchant of the ancient inhabitants of the island for music and the worship of Artemis.

The Venetian influence mixed with Greek tradition and produced a particular culture with fine nuances and grace. On the island, all the forms of art were cultivated and developed. For this reason, Zakynthos was rightly named the Florence of the East. Music flows in the veins of the people of Zakynthos. Their penchant for this art began from very ancient times, when the god of music, Apollo was worshipped on the island. During the period of Venetian rule, the art of serenades was cultivated on Zakynthos, and lives on in our time.

Zakynthos center

Today Zakynthos is one of the most significant cultural centres in Greece. Rare concerts and other noteworthy events are organized on the island every year. The spiritual life of the island was also significant. The first Greek Academy was founded in Zakynthos in then 16th century. The people of Zakynthos of today, who are open hearted,  fun loving, and hospitable, with an intense temper, show particular leanings towards art and literature.

Location

Zakynthos is the furthest south of the Ionian Islands and the third in area and population. It is located 8.5 nautical miles south of Kefallonia, 9.5 miles west of the Peloponnese, and approximately 300 km west of the capital of Greece, Athens. Its geographical location allows travelers to visit the other Ionian Islands as well, or even to travel to the shores of the Peloponnese opposite it, where one can find, among other things, the ancient city of Olympia, where the Olympic Games were held in antiquity. In addition, from Zakynthos, due to its direct transport connection, it is easy to reach the large cities of Greece, Patra, Athens and Thessaloniki. An island full of contrasts, Zakynthos is mostly mountainous, with low mountains full of pine trees and fertile valleys.

How to arrive in Zakynthos

Blue Caves Zakynthos

By Air:  Zakynthos can be reached from Athens  (Eleftheros Venizelos Airport) every day,  daily flights  45  minutes flight duration; Kefallonia, Corfu and Thessaloniki Ariports, all yeara around 3 times per week.The  Zakynthos airport is 4 km away from the city center and has an excellent transportation network that connects them. By Road: The Zakynhos Public Bus Company has daily routes to Patra, Corinth, Athens and three times per week to Amfissa, Almyro, Larisa and Thessaloniki. 

Ferries:  Zakynthos has a ferry connection to Kyllini every hour in the summer months and five times per day during the rest of the year. Zakynthos is also connected with Kefallonia daily and with Italy during the summer months.

Accommodation in Zakynthos

Of the forty-four villages of Zakynthos, most are developed but have maintained their traditional color. Tourism developed gradually and the environmental sensitivity of the inhabitants did not allow huge complexes to drown the beauty of the island. Accommodation on the  Island of Zakynthos is characteristic by its large, medium sized and small hotels that offer not only modern comfort, but also service that becomes authentic hospitality.

ContessinaSwiming Pool

$$$ Hotel Contesina –  Situated near the beach, this hotel is close to Tsilivi Beach and Solomos Square. Area attractions also include St. Dionisios Church and Agios Dhionysios. Hotel amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access, mini bar  and laptop-compatible safes. Bathrooms feature showers and designer toiletries.

Mabely Grand Hotel

$$$$$ Mabely Grand Hotel - Located near the beach, this luxury hotel is in Zakynthos (Kambi), and area attractions include Porto Vromi Beach. Regional attractions also include Shipwreck Beach and Xigia Beach. In addition to 2 outdoor swimming pools, Mabely Grand Hotel features a restaurant, a full-service spa, and a poolside bar.

The town of Zakynthos

Capital and port of the island, Zakynthos town spreads at the foot of the hill below the castle. Here buildings and mansions are preserved in their characteristic ochre color, with loggias and Venetian galleries. The Monastery of Agios Dionysios is worth a visit, the holy relics of the saint of the same name are preserved here. So do the outstanding museum of the monastery and the very interesting museums of the town. The area of Bochali, below the castle will enchant you with its small, quiet streets and its old houses, with courtyards drowned in jasmine, with its authentic coffee houses and its restaurants, where the old music of Zakynthos can be heard.


Above Bochali, the Venetian castle stands out with its excellent panoramic view of today’s Zakynthos town and the Ionian Sea.  Stranis Hill, which inspired the verses of the Greek national anthem, by Dionysios  Solomos, but also Bochali, above which the Venetian castle stands, with its outstanding panoramic view towards the modern town of Zakynthos and the Ionian Sea, will impress you. Just one walk on the streets of the town will convince us that in Zakynthos the efforts to preserve the town as it was before the earthquake concern  not only the buildings, but its entire urban fabric.

Churches

Some of the old churches of Zakynthos which were preserved and renovated after the earthquake of 1953, are particularly noteworthy. The church of the patron saint of the island, Saint Dyonysius, located in the city center where the relics of the saint are also kept, is one of the most significant. Agios Nikolaos of Kaliomeno, in the village with the same name, the monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa in Orthonies, the monastery of Anafonitria are only some of the churches of particular architectural interest on the island of Zakynthos.

Tsilivi,  Alykes,  Navagio & Blue Cave

Navagio beach Zakynthos

Immediately afterwards, the most beautiful point on the island, Navagio, with its famous beach, known to all, is ready to enchant you. This unique landscape, surrounded by rocky white slopes, vegetation and the abundant sand that leads to the emerald green water of the Ionian Sea, is the ideal place for a romantic journey by night, in spite of the multitude of people that you may meet.

A few kilometers farther away there is the picturesque enclosed promontory of Porto Vromi, where we recommend that you rent a pedal boat or a boat in order to explore the surrounding caves. There are boats that travel from the small harbor to the beach of Navagio, the trip lasts half an hour and the captain makes stops at the caves with deep blue water and white sand for anyone that wants to swim. Do not forget to bring water. Before Navagio there are also other idyllic beaches, which, however, require a boat of your own for a visit.

Aroma of the Mediterranean

What is it makes the cuisine of the Ionian Islands different from that of any other part of Greece are the local recipes, the historic circumstances of  the past, the economic possibilities and the materials available. The cuisine of the Ionian Islands is mainly in fact Mediterranean, dominated by the use of virgin olive oil, and neutralizes the acidity of tomatoes and lemon with intense garlic and prefers aromatic herbs to hot spices.

Local cuisine

Zakynthos possesses many olive trees and produces oil that is among the most delicious in Greece. Thus, recipes from Zakynthos, which do not change significantly over time, are rich in olive oil and hearty, flavored with garlic. A ,,national” dish could be considered to be Sartsa - beef cooked in a pan with tomatoes, garlic, Ladotyro cheese and a little oregano. Another dish that is established in the collection of recipes from Zakynthos is Skordostoupi, which is made with eggplant and large amounts of garlic.

Book your vacation in Charlotte Amelie :

Hotels in Charlotte Amelie

Columbus arrived at St. Thomas in 1493. Denmark established a firm hold in 1672 and colonized the island, along with sister islands St. Croix and St. John. The United States purchased the island from Denmark in 1917. St. Thomas is one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations. Here you’ll find a wealth of shops, historic sites and scenic views, as well as all sorts of water sports. Shore excursions from St. Thomas permit guests to explore nearby St. John, site of the pristine Virgin Islands National Park.

Bluebeards Castle Hotel

$$$$ Bluebeard’s Beach Club is a great favorite and secluded setting of many repeat visitors. A free-form pool with swim-up bar and a complete water sports center add to nature’s own amenities. Bluebeard’s Castle is an historic property dating back to the 1600s. The resort occupies an entire hilltop with spectacular views overlooking the harbor and town of Charlotte Amalie.

One look at busy dontown Charlotte Amalie and its easy to envision days of old, with hustling, bustling warehouses filled with rum, spices and goods imported from throughout the world. Take a leisurely walking tour through ,,Tap Haus”, or ,,beer hall”, as it was often referred to. Each distinctive building, alleyway and street with tongue – twisting Danish names chronicles the intricate web of history and traditions woven into this cultural melting pot.

Its a good idea to visit your concierge or the Information Booth at the head of Riise Alley on the Waterfront, to stock up on maps, brochures and friendly advice. Start your walking tour earlier in the day to avoid the hot afternoon sun.

Swimming Pool Elysian

$$$$ Elysian Beach Resort –   On palm-shaded hills and overlooking a yacht filled  cove, the Elysian Beach resort  offers ocean views from every private terrace. Located next to the St. Thomas Yacht Club on the eastern end of the island, the resort amenities include tennis, a fitness club, swimming, sailing and snorkeling. Its sister resorts, Bluebeard’s Castle and Bluebeard’s Beach Club are located within close proximity.

Shopping on St. Thomas

Downtown Charlotte Amalie is a shoppers heaven, with hundreds of stores lined up on Main Street, the Waterfront and the numerous malls and alleyways adjoining them. St. Thomas boasts more gemstones per square foot than anywhere else in the Caribbean!

You need only take a glance at the streets of Charlotte Amalie to understand this island’s reputation as a shopping mecca. Scores of stores offer jewelry, perfume, clothing and accessories, island crafts, books, maps and fine spirits.

Hotels in St. Thomas

Many of Charlotte Amalie  major shops are located along Main Street and the Waterfront and in the quaint alleys, malls and passageways that connect them. Others can be found in Havensight Mall near the cruise – ship dock.  If downtown seems a bit energetic for you Havensight Mall is a relaxing alternative, with outlets for many of the same stores at the same unbeatable prices.  American Yacht Harbor in the Red Hook area, located on the East end, boasts clothing, jewelry and unique gift shops. The Crown Bay Commercial Center is the newest shopping heaven to the west of Charlotte Amalie.  Many hotels located throughout the island have boutiques and gift shops as well. As you explore St. Thomas, make sure also to walk down the commercial alleys and visit the many small shops tucked between historic structures. One of them is Vendor’s Plaza beside Fort Christian, a colorful and lively bazaar of local vendors selling jewelry, handbags, t-shirts and souvenirs. No matter what or where you buy, you’ll enjoy the duty free prices and no sales tax. 

Royal Dane Mall 

Called the Emporium of the West Indies during the Danish colonial era, Charlotte Amalie remains the modern-day Shopping Mecca of the Caribbean, and nowhere does the past meet the present with more panache than amid Royal Dane Mall.

Lined in each ballast brick walkway by lush tropical foliage and rare photographs that echo the era of sailing ships, Royal Dane Mall offers a delightful array of duty-free boutiques bearing precious cargo from around the globe.

Royal Dane Mall

Located in the heart of Downtown Amalie (between Waterfront and Main Street), Royal Dane Mall is one of the oldest group of warehouse building in St. Thomas. This upscale Mall features 21 fine shops, all unique with unusual imports, local handicrafts, antiques, jewelry, art dealers, an internet café and the finest West Indian dining on the island. With so much to explore and so little time, savvy shoppers in search of unique treasures, historic landmarks and fine local cuisine head straight for the shaded passage ways of Royal Dane Mall.

One of the most prominent artifacts in Royal Dane Mall is Sundial Monument. The Virgin Islands were often the site of astronomical observations because of their clear atmosphere and distance from the U.S. and Europe. Royal Dane Mall is a real shopping delight ready to be discovered.

Charlotte Amalie attractions

Directly in the center of the downtown historic district, across the Emancipation Park, is the Grand Galleria. This block, long structure is a wonderful example of 19 th century architecture. Built in 1837, it served as the elite Grand Hotel until 1975 and now contains boutiques, offices and restaurants.

Across from the north east corner of Grand Galleria on Main Street is the Frederick Lutheran Church. As the Danish state religion, the Lutheran Church has been prominent in St. Thomas since the formal colonization in 1666. The Frederick Lutheran Church was first erected in the 1780′s and has been rebuilt twice on its present site after devastation caused by fire and hurricanes.

Sky ride St. Thomas

Ride the view on the scenic Sky-ride to the Paradise Point. The sky ride takes you 700 feet above to one of the most spectacular views in the Caribbean. Excellent photo opportunities are guaranteed. The round trip takes 15 minutes, leaving plenty of time at the top for relaxing with a frozen drink or lunch on the spacious observation deck, browsing in the boutiques, or taking a walk on the nature trail.

Mountain Top is located at one of the Charlotte Amalie’s highest elevations of 1542 feet above the Caribbean Sea. The view of Magen’s Bay, rated as one of the 10 best beaches in the world by National Geographic, is truly spectacular. Mountain Top  houses a unique  mini Caribbean village, shopping mall and an observation lookout. It is also known as the home of the famous Mountain Top banana daiquiri. Scenic views of St. John, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and more than 20 other Virgin Islands and cays provide a spectacular photo opportunity.

Situated in one of the most salubrious climates in the Western Hemisphere, the Virgin Island Lottery, the oldest under the U.S. jurisdiction, is also one of the most socially responsible gaming institution anywhere. Contributing to programs such as Educational Initiative Fund, Disabled people special fund and Summer Employment Youth Program, this iconic institution has added the excitement of Power Ball, Instant Scratch, Lotto and Video Lottery to name a few.

Book your vacation in St. Croix:

Hotels in St. Croix

Few islands can boast such geographical complexity as St. Croix. Its gentle northern grasslands were perfect for sugar cane crops, making it an agricultural hub during colonial times. To the west are lush tropical rain forests. Eastward are the rocky shores of Point Udall, the easternmost point of the United States. No matter which corner of the ,,Big Island” you visit, you will find a completely different landscape to stun your senses. Add to this the plentiful historic ruins, a dynamic cultural mix and sultry beaches,  and you will find St. Croix’s  extremes to be the ultimate vacation experience.


North shore’s Christiansted, the hub of St. Croix’s business, culture and history since the early 1700′s, is the best experienced on a leisurely walking tour. Roam the picturesque stone alleyways filled with shops, restaurants, old Danish buildings and churches, most notably Apothecary Hall, the Danish Customs House and the Steeple Building, originally the island’s first Lutheran Church built in 1753. Visit Fort Christianvaern, which has protected Christiansted’s shores for over 260 years.

Christiansted

Christiansted is the beneficiary of an ongoing revitalization project spearheaded by the Virgin Islands Government and the St. Croix Foundation. Historic Sunday Market  Square is restored as the center of commerce it once was. Beautification projects such as new sidewalks, decorative bricks, tree-lined streets and the renovation of some old architectural gems make  Christiansted a lovely place to spend the day exploring. The Visitors Bureau at the corner of Queen Cross and Company streets can provide you with maps and other useful information.

Captivating view of the Caribbean Sea

Frederiksted

At the west end of St. Croix is the more expansive Frederiksted. This sleepy village is also in the midst of renovations. Stroll Strand Street for shopping and a tour of its historic structures. Amble over to the Frederiksted Pier to glimpse a cruise ship and explore the open-air market. The museum at Fort Frederik built in 1752, is just a stone’s throw away.

St. Croix Beaches

Not to be outdone, St. Croix has an abundance of terrific beaches perfect for a day of rays. These long sweeps of sand are great for sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts alike.

Buck Island Turtle Beach and  Reef National Museum is but a short boat ride away. Explore the underwater snorkeling trail from Turtle beach or dive the wrecks of the freighter Cartanser. The longest beach on St. Croix, Sandy Point located at the southwestern tip of the island on route 63,  is a National Wildlife refuge where endangered leather-back turtles nest and hatch.

Hibiscus Beach Resort

$$$ Hibiscus Beach Resort. The Hibiscus Beach Resort is located on four acres of the most prestigious beachfront property. Each of their rooms is a retreat in itself, with a private veranda overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Calm your senses beach side or let one of their friendly attendants outfit you with complimentary snorkeling gear. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or Sunday Brunch at their award winning H2O Bistro.

Looking for a romantic secluded beach, check the Green Cay Beach. This exclusive beach for two persons is located across from the Green Cay Marina east of Christiansted and is accessible only by boat. Located east of Christiansted on Route 82, through the Buccaneer Hotel you enter the sandy Shoy Beach. There are no facilities, but its heavenly shores are worth the effort.

Divi Carina Bay Casino

$$$$ Divi Carina Bay Casino in St. Croix. If you enjoy the excitement of casino gambling, you’ll love Divi Carina Bay Casino in St. Croix. The casino features an array of the world’s most preferred games including Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Craps, Roulette, video Poker and hundreds of slot machines. Divi Carina Bay Casino offers free live entertainment in the upbeat Carina Bay Show bar.

North of Frederiksted, on the western shore of the St. Croix island, Rainbow beach is a local beach, favorite known for its great kayaking, snorkeling and sunbathing and there’s always a party at the beach bar. Seven miles east of Christiansted on the opposite side at the Teague Bay is the Reef beach. This beautiful beach has a great view of Buck Island and a constant breeze for windsurfing. Grab a satisfying bite to eat at nearby Duggan’s Reef Restaurant and Bar.

St. Croix

 Heritage Trail

To get the most out of your sightseeing time in St. Croix, follow the self-guided driving tour on Heritage Trail. The winding 72 mile trail stretches across the island from Christiansted to Frederiksted. Historical markers guide you through interesting historic and scenic points of interest.

Other Points of Interest

The Whim Plantation Museum, built by Scotsman Christopher MacEvoy, is a tribute to the Danish sugar estate days of old. This National Historic Site dating back to the 1700′s tells the story of plantation life in St. Croix’s colonial heyday. The Lawaetz Family Museum, north-east of Frederiksted, is an 18th century estate house with a nature trail through lush fertile gardens over 100 years old. St. George Village Botanical Gardens boasts a historic great house as well as verdant tropical gardens with over 1000 species of tropical flora, including a fragrance garden and a cactus garden. Also, tour the Cruzan Rum destillery to witness the making of one of the world’s finest rums.

Places to Eat

From roadside stands to gourmet fine dining, there’s no end of culinary treasures to tickle your taste buds in the Virgin Islands. Be adventurous and sample local dishes simmering with Caribbean spices, or enjoy familiar favorites with a tropical twist. The Virgin Islands run the gamut of appetizing choices, with ethnic, local, seafood, Mediterranean, international and fusion cuisines, ranging from the good old American hot dog to tantalizing delicacies created by world-class chefs. Any way you look at it, you’re in for quite a treat. Ambiance is everything and there’s a perfect island setting for every mood. Choose from breezy open-air terraces, seaside bistros, romantic candle-lit dining, elegant resort dining rooms or casual beach cafes by pool. It’s all right here.

Don’t be afraid to try the myriad of local hot sauces. Some like it mild, some like it hot, but there’s sure to be a hot sauce guaranteed to get your tongue dancing. Several local cookbooks are available, so you can try these sumptuous recipes at home.

There are plenty of night spots for after-dinner entertainment, with live music, dancing, calypso shows or a quiet, relaxing nightcap, whatever your fancy. Check local newspapers and weekly guides for up-to-date listing of happening hot spots.

St. Croix Restaurants Fine Dining has been in business for over 15 years and continues to add fine dining experiences on St. John, the Caribbean and the United States. They offer you service and quality comparable to the excuisite beauty of this natural paradise while you experience cuisine that is feast for the eye as well as the palate, with elegant settings, dazzling views, bountiful cuisines, heavenly deserts and spectacular wines.

Book your vacation in Puerto Rico

For centuries, Taino and Arawak Indians inhabited this lush island between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Columbus claimed the island for Spain in 1493, on his second voyage to the Americas. Puerto Rico became a U.S. Commonwealth after the Spanish – American War of 1898. Puerto Rico were granted U.S. citizenship in 1917. Democratically elected governors have served since 1948, and in 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for internal self – rule.


The island is mostly mountainous, with coastal plains in the north, ocean-abutting cliffs in the west, and sandy beaches everywhere. Puerto Rico is a modern, progressive and active vacation spot with the real charm and hospitality of the Caribbean.

In the Eastern Puerto Rico you will find the largest rain forest in the US Forest Service system, lots of sailing and plenty of golf. In the South, there is the Pearl of the South, Ponce, the second largest city of Puerto Rico. The north shore features the largest radio telescope in the world and the dramatic ,,Parque de las Cavernas’’, and the Central area of Puerto Rico includes the mountains, forests and rivers that help make Puerto Rico a unique ecological resource in the Caribbean.
Hotels in Puerto Rico

San Juan

San Juan, the capital, is a lovely mix of old and new. The main population center of Puerto Rico is  the Metropolitan San Juan. Metro San Juan includes the cities  of Juan, Bayamor,Carolina, Catano, Guayanbo,  and Trujillo Alto. In Metro San Juan you will find every service and activity you would expect to find in a world-class vacation destination.

El Morro Castle Old San Juan

Visitors enjoy touring historic Old San Juan and also enjoying shopping, dining, and other amenities in the city’s modern districts. Old San Juan is characteristic by the fortress of San Felipe one of the best preserved Spanish fortifications in the New World. Sited at the entrance to San Juan Bay to protect the city from sea attacks and serve as the gateway to  the New Spain. It is erected on three levels, with a 20 feet thick walls that reach a height of 140 feet.  At the entrance of the bay is the Gate of San Juan, one of the few remaining original entrances in the city wall. Visitor can easily plot its own course through this historic area, simply by taking one of the free trolleys to get an overview of the city.

Starting at La Casita, within walking distance is the waterfront Riviera with the cruise ship docks and Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel. Walking up are located the La Princesa fountain Casa Blanka, El Morro, San Juan Cathedral, La Fortaleza and La Casita, one of the most representing must-see sight stations that have marked the long San Juan history. Using a map that can be bought in the San Juan city center is advisable and can easily serve the suggestions we made in order to maximize the travel experience and see the most of it.

Sheraton Old San Juan

$$$$ Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel is located on the waterfront in the historic Old San Juan. The Caribbean’s finest example of art-deco architecture with a rooftop pool & health club, thrilling online casino and 12634 sq ft of meeting space. Starwood hotel  fully recommended by: NY Times, Fodors and Frommers. Leading hospitality combined with comfortable surrounding situated in the heart of the historic Old San Juan.

Caribe Hilton Hotel

$$$$ Caribe Hilton Hotel  is an oceanfront resort on 17 acres of lush tropical gardens with exceptional facilities, oceanfront pools, whirlpools, tenis courts, secluded beach, health club and spa. Exceptional  and impressive views of the ocean and hotel beautiful gardens from each of the guest room balconies.

Intercontinental Hotel

$$$$ Intercontinental San Juan Resort & Casino is a newly renovated deluxe oceanfront business resort 2 miles away from the International San Juan Airport. Hotel has a bright and inviting open air concept, comfortable rooms, 5 restaurants including Momoyama and Passagio and 24 /7 operating fitness center.

El Canario Lagoon

$$$ El Canario by the Sea is ideally located for the avid shoppers in the heart of Condado, close to the beach, restaurants and nightlife. It excellent comfortable rooms with bath, cable TV and internet offer spectacular view over the Ocean front. Complimentary tropical breakfast served in the courtyard enriches the offer of El Canario Caribbean pearl.

Toa Alta

Founded in 1751, Toa Alta is one of the oldest towns of Puerto Rico. The construction of the San Fernando Rey church (in the plaza) started one year later in 1752. The Puerto Rico Cultural center lists this church as a historical site. The name ,,Toa Alta’’ comes from the name of the valley:,, Thoa’’.

The beauty of this area has inspired major contributors to Puerto Rico’s culture and history, including the novelist Abelardo Alfaro and the musician Tomas Rivera.

Plaza Recreo in Toa Alta is famous by the legendary ,,Arbol Bala tree’’, characteristic by its beautiful flowers that look like a shell (in red, yellow and white color) and its cannonball fruits.

Lago la Plata is a recreational area that promotes lake sport fishing and is set on a rolling hillside with 24 new picnic shelters with BBQ grills. Anglers and their families can fish for large-mouth bass and other species supplied by the Maricao Fish Hatchery.

Dorado

San Antonio de Dorado was established as a town, for the first time, by the governor of Puerto Rico, Don Santiago de MendezVigoin 1842.

 Known as a ,,Golf players Paradise,, Hyatt Dorado Golf Resort is ranked as the fourth best golf course in the world. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Hyatt golf courses are considered to be among the top 25 courses he produced in his illustrious career.

For all non-golfers, the name Dorado, derives from the Dorado family that lived at the mouth of the Rio La Plata in the 1500’s. Another assumption regarding the name is closely related to the legend of El Dorado(the famous city of gold) and its comparison with the golden sand beaches stretching along the coast of the ocean.

Dorado city center is well known by its three remarkable life-sized statues, a Monument that presents one Spaniard, African, and one Taino member of the Puerto Rican community. This magnificent  ,, Monument of the races’’ was sculptured by Salvador Rivera, and was erected on the 500^th anniversary of the Discovery of America to serve as a dramatic reminder of the cultural diverse heritage of  Puerto Rico. Other points of interest include the newly established Art Museum and its three exhibition halls with the history of Dorado including a display of Taino artifacts, and the Museum of the famous artist Marcos Alegia.

Embassy Suites

$$$$ Embassy Suites Beach & Golf Resort- Consistently rated as one of the world’s best golf resorts this beautiful hotel offers suites and apartments, gorgeous pool area right on the ocean, a gourmet dining and spa treatment facilities.

Arecibo

Founded in 1515,  Arecibo has the largest land mass of any Puerto Rican municipality. Rio Grande de Arecibo is the major river that runs into the sea just east of the town and west of the lighthouse. Arecibo is also called ,,Villa del Capitan Correa’’ in honor of the captain that repelled a 1702 British invasion. Points of historical interest include the City Hall building (constructed in 1866) and the lighthouse (built in 1898). Lighthouse is still in use and has been expanded to include a new recreational facility with a restaurant, museum, playground and beach. Without doubt the most famous point of interest inArecibois the world’s largest radio telescope. There is an observation deck right at the edge of the telescope and a new hands-on exhibit covering some interstellar science.

Ponce

Ponce City center

Named after Juan Ponce de Leon, the island’s first governor, the city was founded in 1692 by his great-grandson. Ponce is the second largest city on the island and a major contributor to the political, social, economic, and cultural development of Puerto Rico. Ponce is known as the Pearl of the South and The Noble City because of its beautiful facades, neoclassical architecture and European touch. Ponce is strategically  located at the Cordillera Central foothills, to the west of the South Plain Coast, facing the Caribbean Sea and approximately in the center of the south coast. In the early days, this strategic location acted as a magnet for immigrants. People from England, France, Italy, Germany and Spain came to develop an international city that to this day maintains its rich African heritage. The African personality, beliefs and music add colorful flavor and rhythm to Ponce’s culture. Part of this is the ,,bomba” and ,,plena” rhythms, a combination of African and Caribbean musical influence.

Hotels in Ponce

Free transportation operating out  of the historic downtown Plaza includes trolley tours through the historic zone, horse & carriage rides and the Chu- chu train with tours to Paseo Tablado.

Among the things to see in Ponce, Castillo Serralles is a magnificent example of the Spanish revival architecture popular in the 1920′s. You might also want to visit the world-class Ponce Art Museum, famous for its finest collection of over 3000 European and American art pieces in the Caribbean as well as the most important Puerto Rican works. Apart from Ponce on route 123 in the direction to Adjuntas is the coffee plantation Hacienda Buena Vista, built in 1833 and restored to its original condition by the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico.

Holiday Inn

$$$ Holiday Inn & Tropical Casino – This beautiful hotel nestled on a top of a panoramic mountain delivers comfort combined with exquisite cuisine. Its superb location with a stunning view of the sea makes Holiday Inn easy accessible from the heart of Ponce and a real landmark of the Ponce Touristic zone. All of its rooms are equipped with modern  facilities and cable TV.

Book your vacation in British Virgin Islands:

Hotels in Tortola

The British Virgin Islands stand out from their Caribbean neighbors in a multitude of ways. No other Caribbean country can boast so many islands. Less developed than the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands comprises 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands east of Puerto Rico. There are over 50 stunning isles and cays dotting its crystal clear waters, grouped together in such close proximity that it’s easy to visit more than one British Virgin Island in a relaxed day.  Visitors can swim and snorkel through underwater caves and among colorful coral reefs, explore miles of spectacular white sand beaches, or take an excursion to Virgin Gorda, the third largest and most populated of the islands.


British Virgin Island is unique in its natural beauty and in the charm of its village communities. Breathtaking mountains rise from the sea and soft strips of white sand cling to its shore. Choose its fabulous beaches for sunning and swimming,  tropical forests and plantation era ruins for exploring, or visit the variety of unique tropical style shops and select just the right item to round out your trip like emerald pendant, nifty T-shirt or simply a handmade craft item. Although the British Virgin Island is a British territory, the islands exude a more West Indian than British flavor. The government is locally elected, and many of the homes and buildings are Caribbean style. The prominent music is reggae, calypso and fungi (local scratch band music), and you will find many interesting West Indian foods and drinks in the restaurants and bars.

Tortola port

Hotels in Virgin Islands
Close to 22000 people live in the British Virgin Islands. Tortola, which means ”turtle dove” in Spanish, is the British Virgin Island’s largest island and its main city, Road Town, is the prime port of call for cruise ships. Road Town  is also the territory’s commercial center, the seat of government and home to its international financial industry. A lot of shops, restaurant and museums can be found here. Virgin Gorda is the second most populous island. Located to Tortola’s east, Virgin Gorda is a jewel of an island that is fringed with lovely sand beaches and is known for its laid-back life style and the geological wonder, Virgin Gorda Baths.

SUNNY CARIBBEE – The Greatest Store in Tortola offers the arts, crafts, the flavors and fragrances. Located in what was Tortola’s first guest house, Sunny Caribbee offers a unique collection of island spices, sauces, preserves and other Caribbean culinary items. Also featured is their Sunsations line of cosmetics and fragrances as well as exclusive decorative accessories and island crafts. Connected to the Spice Store is the colorful Art Gallery, featuring affordable arts and crafts from throughout the Caribbean Islands. Stop in and try some of their popular & Free Iced Tea and Spice samples served daily.

Jost Van Dyke is a sparsely populated isle that is just a short ferry ride from Tortola. It is known for its friendly people, beautiful beaches and the many casual beach bars that line its sandy shores.

Anegada, which is located 18 miles to the northeast of Tortola, is called the beach lover’s island. This flat coral atoll is ringed with miles of unending sand, it is also home to pink flamingoes and the rare Anegada Rock Iguana.

Room and Board: B.V.I offers best of the best luxury villas as well as moderate priced beach cottages, plenty of youth hostels and campgrounds, hotels and five stars luxury resorts. There is also a possibility to rent a yachts and motorboats and charter around the islands. It is advisable to check the amenities that are relevant for a pleasant stay prior the occupancy of the room, like an air-conditioning for instance, or WI-FI,  TV, telephone etc. Regarding the accommodation plenty of information is available through the national tourist offices located in the major ports and at the local tourist information offices on the islands.

Nail Bay Resort

$$$ Nail Bay Resort  recommended by Frommers and The Best of B.V.I, Nail Bay Resort offers distinctive villas, apartments and rooms for rental, all with magic sunset views. Enjoy great snorkeling with easy access from one of its three beautiful beaches.

Peter Island

$$$$ Peter Island Resort  known for it’s recreational activities, fitness center and Spa.  It has an outdoor swimming pool where waterside activities are available on site. All of the rooms  equipped with refrigerator,  mini bar and  safe deposit box. Peter Island translates into the perfect holiday.

Scrub Island

$$$$ Scrub Island Resort is a modern conventional and business center with its own marina, Spa & fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and extraordinary panoramic view over the ocean. This resort is famous in organizing business meeting and events.

Little Dix Bay

$$$ Little Dix Bay – Virgin Gorda, the British Virgin Island’s most luxurious and celebrated resort, offers the sophisticated traveler extraordinary levels of service, accommodations, world-class cuisine and diverse recreational activities in an unparalleled tropical setting.

Sightseeing and Entertainment:Whatever island that you tour, there are plenty of interesting activities to keep you busy. Most cruise ship passengers disembark in Road Town where they will have a choice of exploring the town, taking a tour to Tortola, or an excursion to one of the outer islands aboard a ferry or a day charter boat. There are also dive and snorkel tours, all of which can be completed in a full or half day. For those who prefer ,,terra firma”, a walk through Road Town offers both a combination of shopping and history. Many of the island’s most interesting stores can be found just past the cruise ship dock, on historic Main Street, or at the Crafts Alive Market. To explore the island, hop aboard one of Tortola safari buses and taxis. They will take you on a scenic tour of the islands mountainous ridges with breathtaking views at every twist of the road.

History: As you travel around the island you will also see evidence of the island colorful history.  Soper’s Hole for instance is where the islands first Dutch settlers landed in the mid 1600′s. The remains of two Dutch forts, a tower at Fort Recovery and a munitions magazine at Fort Burt, can still be seen today. Their stay, was cut short when the British annexed the islands in 1672. In these unsettled days, pirates including Black Beard, Norman and Jost Van Dyke also frequented islands sheltered coves. The islands were eventually settled by British planters who grew sugar cane and produced copious amounts of rum for export.

Book your vacation in St. John:

Hotels in St. John

No trip to the Virgin Islands is complete without at least a day in laid-back and relaxed St. John. Just 3 miles and a 20 minute boat ride away from cosmopolitan  St. Thomas, stepping off the ferry in sleepy St. John is like stepping into a whole new wonderful world. With its quaint little villages, tropical forests, historical ruins, tranquil beaches and panorama of natural beauty, you’ll definitely want to plan your return trip to this beautiful little island in the sun.


The smallest of the US Virgin Islands, St. John, rates as one of the most enchanting spots in the Caribbean. St. John is as pristine as when Christopher Columbus sighted it over 500 years ago, and a getaway for the rich and famous. Much of the island’s natural beauty has been  preserved thanks  to American  financier/philanthropist Laurence Rockefeller. In the 1950s, he made extensive donations of land to help establish theVirgin Islands National Park, including more than 5600 marine acres.

Cruz Bay

Cruz Bay, affectionately known as Love City, promises to win the  heart of every visitor. You’ll be enchanted by this little oasis of color perched at the ferry dock entrance. The charming town of  Cruz  Bay is on a  picturesque  harbor at the west end of the island.  A shady park serves as the town center, surrounded by narrow streets lined with unique shops and restaurants. Cruz Bay is the heart and soul of St. John activity, but the pace is definitely a leisurely one. Stroll through the plentiful shops and restaurants in colorful Wharfside Village and Galleria Beach Shops on the water’s edge towards the south side of town, then amble towards Rain-tree Court and Lemon Tree Mall for even more extraordinary St. John moments and perhaps a cool drink or lunch.

Edging the park is the Tourist Information Center, for information on the Island’s activities, events and frequent arts and crafts shows. Just a short walk from the center of town to the north, you’ll find The Lumberyard, a collection of over 30 shops, services and restaurants. Only a few yards further is Mongoose Junction, a picturesque stone maze of boutiques and galleries.

Trunk Bay St. John British Virgin Islands

St. John beaches

Nowhere on earth is nature so prevalently beautiful than on the island of St. John. This little heaven on earth is rimmed with one sunny and sandy beach after another. Both in the water and out, St. John beaches are some of the most breathtaking in the world.

Drive the north shore road and take your pick of gorgeous beaches. The most popular is shimmering Caneel Bay beach, the site of the renowned underwater snorkel  trail.  Locals head to Hawksnest Beach,  located closest to Cruz Bay on the north shore. It is smaller and quieter and a less crowded  spot  for snorkeling.

Cruz Bay and Westin Resort

$$$$ Westin Resort & Villas – The elegant Westin Resort is situated on the beautifully maintained shore of Great Cruz Bay. Rediscover Fun at the Westin Resort & Villas. Kids of all ages will enjoy the endless list of activities. Day-sail to the BVI, snorkel pristine waters, visit the Baths, scuba dive, para-sail, jet-ski, play tennis, get a massage, facial or body treatment at the spa, or shop till you drop at the Courtyard Mall featuring Little Switzerland, Island fancy and the Mango Deli.

Grande Bay Resort

$$$$ Grande Bay Resort – Another spot of paradise experience on St. John Cruz bay is the luxurious Grande bay Resort. Located a few minutes walk from the ferry and the charming town shops and restaurants, Grande Bay resort offer an array of finely detailed amenities including stunning waterfront views, central air conditioning, fully equipped gourmet kitchen, internet access, elevators and numerous other conveniences.

Francis Bay beach faces west, and so is a bit calmer than most of the north shore beaches, making it a great swimming beach and often a good place to spot sea turtles. The Francis Bay Trail runs along the adjacent salt pond for some terrific bird watching.

Luscious foliage edges the longest beach on St. John, home to popular Cinnamon Bay. Cinnamon Bay is  a  National Park campground   that   allow   guests  to  ,,rough it’’.  Enjoy restrooms, changing facilities, showers, telephone, a general store and restaurant. This is a great beach for windsurfing, kayaking, sailing and snorkeling. Concessionaire rents all the equipment at the water sports center of the site.

National Park visitors Center

Across from Mongoose Junction on the north side of Cruz Bay, the National Park Visitors Center is at the head of the Virgin Islands National Park. In 1956, Laurence Rockefeller  purchased and transformed two-thirds of St. John info a National Park to preserve it for future generations and nearly half is underwater. Open from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m, the Visitors Center showcase exhibits, maps, brochures, books and activity schedules. Park rangers are available to assist you with planning hikes on over 20 nature trails, or sign up for a guided historical or snorkeling tour, bird watching or cultural crafts demonstration.

Reef Bay Trail and Petroglyphs

Mostly downhill, the 2.2 mile Reef Bay Trail descends from Centerline Road to the Reef Bay Valley, meandering through a forest of lush local plants and wildlife, through the remains of four sugar estates and finally to a lovely protected beach. Go it alone, following signposts with information on the flora, fauna and points of interest, or take a guided tour by the National Park Service. Reservations are necessary in advance for this tour, which includes a boat pick up at the bottom of the trail. 1.5.miles down the trail, veer off on a side trip to freshwater pools surrounded by mysterious petroglyph rock carvings, believed to have been created by the early Arawak Indians.

Coral bay

On the east end of the island, Coral Bay is considered to be one of the best natural harbours in the Caribbean and was a primary consideration in the U.S.’s first unsuccessful bid to purchase the Virgin Islands in 1917. It is  the site of the first permanent settlement in St. John, and the fort was erected there in 1718. Today, Coral Bay is dotted with casual little shops, bars and restaurants in Typical informal St. Johnian style.

Annaber Sugar Mill

Hike the Annaberg Sugar Mill Historical trail on a self guided tour or hook up with the National Park guided tour through the well preserved ruins of the Annaberg Sugar Mill. Learn about life in the era of sugar plantations while exploring the remnants of the windmill, horse mill and factory buildings. Attend cultural and gardening demonstrations on the importance of agriculture, bread making and traditional craft weaving.

When it’s  time to dine on  St. John,  try some of the  taste-tempering delicious fresh seafood dishes and Creole cuisine. You’ll also find great Mexican food. When the sun  goes down, the bars in Cruz Bay are the places to meet people and watch the game.

Book your vacation in Spain:

Hotels in Madrid                    Hotels in Barcelona                    Hotels in Seville                    Hotels in Ibiza

Hotels in Mallorca                 Hotels in Malaga                        Hotels in Valencia                  Hotels in Toledo

Sunny and sublime, Spain is a land to be savored. Spain is a mix of old and new, modern and traditional. From charming tapas bars to historic palaces, Spain offers something for everyone. Spain can fill your travel days with word-class art, folk life,  exotic foods, friendly people, sunshine and flamenco. And, in spite of it’s recent economic boom, Spain remains Europe’s bargain basement. The country in southwestern Europe occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula and is composed of 50 provinces in 17 autonomous regions. With 40  million inhabitants, Spain entertains 50 million visitors annually.

Placa Reial Barcelona

Move to SPAIN – everything you need to know about moving and Living in Spain. From property buying, health care, immigration, permits, tax, language, finding work.

Spring and fall in Spain offer the best combination of good weather, light, crowds, long days, and plenty of tourist and cultural activities. July and August are most crowded and expensive in coastal areas, less crowded but uncomfortably hot and dusty in the interior. Off-season, roughly October through April, expect shorter hours, lunchtime breaks, and fewer activities. Trip to Spain is like a  complex play-easier to follow and really appreciate on a second viewing.   Enjoy the friendliness of the local people. Ask questions.  Most    locals are eager to point you in their idea of the right direction.

Five components make up your trip cost: airfare, surface transportation, room and board, sightseeing/entertainment, and shopping/miscellany.

Airfare: Don’t try to sort through the mess yourself. Get and use a good travel agent.A basic round-trip flight from the USA to Madrid should cost $700 to $1000 (less in winter) depending on where you fly from and when you go.

Surface Transportation: For a three-week whirlwind trip  linking major Spain destinations, allow $400 per person for second-class trains and buses ($550 first class trains).  A car rental or lease is cheapest to arrange on the net.

Room and Board: Although most travelers will spend more (because they’ve got it and it’s fun), you can thrive in Spain on $80 a day per person for room and board. An $80 a day budget allows $ 10 for lunch, $20 for dinner, and $50 for lodging (based on 2 people splitting the cost of a $100 double room that includes breakfast).

Hotels Spain                                                              Hotels Catalonia

Hotel Eurostars

$$$ Eurostars Ramblas – Barcelona, with its best location splashy public spaces, slick marble and hardwood floors is a kind of professional friendly business class hotel.

Hotel Santo Domingo

$$$$ Santo Domingo – Madrid, has artsy paintings, red carpet charm,an inviting lounge and 121 rooms, each decorated differently, elevator, with a good location overlooking the city Metro.

Las casas Lobbie

$$$$ Las Casas de la Judeira – Seville, has quiet, elegant rooms and suites tastefully decorated with hardwood floors and a Spanish flair. The rooms surround a series of peaceful courtyards. This hotel is a romantic splurge and a fine value.

Sightseeing and Entertainment: In big cities, figure $6 to $10 per major sight (Picasso, Prado), and about $30 for splurge experiences (flamenco, bullfights).  An overall average of $10 a day works for most.


Shopping and Miscellany: Figure $2 per coffee, beer, ice-cream cone, and postcard. Shopping can vary in cost from nearly nothing to a small fortune. Good budget travelers find that this category has little to do with assembling a trip full of lifelong and wonderful memories.

Languages:

The country hosts several different languages.    ,,Castilian,, – what we call ,, Spanish,, – is spoken throughout the country.  But in the far north, Basque  is  the second language,        and Barcelona’s natives speak their own Romance  language, Catalan. You’ve heard of Basque nationalists, but every other region of Spain also has its own dialects, customs and separatist movement. Basques, Catalonians,  Andalusians, Galicians – even  Castilians and Leonese – they have  all Spanish second.

Spain may seem poor compared to Sweden, but it has a richness-of history,    of culture, of people – that has little to do with per  capita income. From the stirring sardana dance in Barcelona to the sizzling rat-tat-tat of  flamenco in Seville, this country  creates its own beat despite the heat. Spaniards are proud and stoic. They can be hard to get to know – but once you’ve made a connection, you’ve got a friend for life.

          If you fly over Spain, you’ll see that parts of the country are parched as red-orange as a desert. But the country thrives, especially in the cool of the evening. Spaniards are notorious night owls.  Many clubs and restaurants don’t even open until after midnight.  The antidote for late nights is a midday nap. Locals and most businesses take a siesta (about 13:00-16:00).

          Spain is in Europe, but not of Europe-it has a unique identity and history, divided from the rest of the Continent by the Pyrenees. For 700 years (711-1492),  its dominant culture was Muslim, not Christian. And after a grief Golden Age financed by New World gold (1500-1600),  Spain retreated into three centuries of isolation (1600-1900). This continued into the 20 ^Th century, as the fascist dictator Francisco Franco virtually sealed the country off from the rest of  the Europe democracies. But since Franco’s death, Spaniards have almost swung to the opposite extreme, becoming extremely open to new trends and technologies.

Santa Cruz

Spain’s relative isolation created a unique country with odd customs – bullfights, flamenco dancing, a and a national obsession with ham. It’s a land of world class art (El-Greco, Diego Velazquez, Francisco Goya, Pablo Picasso) and a vibrant contemporary scene in the arts and cinema. The cuisine is hearty and unrefined, ranging from tapas and dry sherry, to paella and sangria, to a full meal of roast suckling pig washed down with spicy ,,Rioja” wine.

Spain’s topography resembles a giant upside – down cereal bowl, with a coastal lip and a high central plateau. The north is mountainous and rainy; the south is hilly and hot. The large central plain, with  Madrid in the center, is flat and dry.  Along the Mediterranean coast, Spain has an almost Italian feel. Spain has cosmopolitan cities, but at night, when whole families stream out of their apartments to wander the streets, even the biggest city feels like a rural village.

Madrid

Madrid is the hub of Spain. This modern capital has a population of more than four million and is young by European standards. Dive headlong into the grandeur and intimate charm of Madrid. The lavish Royal Palace, with its gilded rooms and frescoed ceilings, rivals Versailles. The Prado has Europe’s top collection of paintings. The city’s huge Retiro Park invites you for  a shady siesta and a hopscotch through a mosaic of lovers, families, pets walking their masters and expert bench sitters. Save time for Madrid’s elegant shops and people-friendly pedestrian zones. Lively Madrid has enough street-singing barhopping, and people watching vitality to give any visitor a boost of youth. 

Madrid has plenty of centrally located budget hotels and pensiones. You’ll have no trouble finding a sleepable double room for EUR 30, a good double for EUR 60, and a modern air conditioned double with all the comforts for EUR 100.  Prices are the same throughout the year, and it’s almost always easy to find a place.

Arosa Best Western

$$$$ Hotel Arosa Best Western charges the same for all of its 134 rooms, whether they’re sleekly remodeled Art Deco or just aging gracefully.Hotel offers complimentary wireless Internet access, airport transfers (surcharge), a health club, and a meeting/conference room. Buffet breakfast and a variety of Japanese dishes are served.

Opera Hotel Lobby

$$$$ Hotel Opera is a serious and modern hotel with 79 classy rooms, located just off Plaza Isabel II, a four block walk from Puerta Del Sol toward the Royal Palace. In addition to a restaurant, Hotel Ópera features a sauna. Other amenities include a coffee shop/café and a bar/lounge. Guestrooms also feature complimentary wireless Internet access, complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access, and air conditioning.

Book your vacation in Belize:

Hotels in San Pedro                    Hotels in Belize City                    Hotels in Placencia

Underwater paradise

If you love adventurous locations where you can explore ancient ruins, trek in a jungle, climb mountains or scuba dive among incredible coral reefs, the tiny country of Belize is nirvana.
Places of interest: Mayan ruins, Altun Ha, Xunantunich, Temple of the Jaguar Masks

Climate: Subtropical                              Currency: Belize Dollar

Languages: English, Spanish               Wardrobe: casual


Snuggled between Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south, Belize is only a two hour plane ride from the continental United States. It’s a land rich in natural beauty and steeped in the magic of its Maya past. Renowned for pristine waters, exotic marine life and wildlife and lush, unspoiled landscapes, Belize is ,, Mother nature’s best kept Secret”

Dive Belize

Veteran and new divers alike venture to Belize for the clear, cobalt-blue waters swirling among the coral reefs, mangrove islands, flooded caverns, steep walls, and deep canyons that shelter marine life beyond counting:rays, sharks, turtles, barracuda, seahorses, grouper, eels, lobster, conch, to name just a few.

In the last few decades, diving has even improved there. Boats, for example, have gotten faster. It used to take Ambergris Caye-based dive boats up to three hours to get to the famed Blue Hole and now many divers can be there in 90 minutes or less.

The Reefs, Attols and Cayes

Divers from all over the world find their way to Belize to explore what many insist is the most enchanting reef environment anywhere, with underwater visibility routinely extending to 200 feet. The pristine barrier reef ecosystem stretches 185 miles off Belize’s eastern coast. Beyond are three of the Caribbean’s foul atolls: Lighthouse Reef, site of the Blue Hole and other protected marine treasures; Glover’s Reef, known for its spectacular walls and hundreds of patch reefs, and the Turneffe Islands, with over 2000 mangrove islands and a particularly rich diversity of marine life.

Each atoll forms a circular coral island with a central lagoon and houses distinctive ecosystems both within the lagoon and surrounding the atoll. With dramatic underwater walls, channels, and canyons, the atolls offer some of Belize’s most spectacular dives.

Hotels in Belize

Like a gigantic, living wall, Belize’s extraordinary barrier reef is a complicated system of individual reefs that parallels the nation’s coastline, stretching 185 miles from Yucatan to Central America. Between the reef and the mainland are shallow, sandy waters dotted with picture-perfect cayes.

The cayes (pronounced ,,keys”) are a chain of offshore islands that range from small uninhabited isles, to tropic islands, complete with outstanding resort facilities. The cayes span 3000 square miles of protected water, scattered inside and outside the magnificent barrier reef.

Once home of the Maya, Ambergris Caye is the largest of Belize’s 200 cayes and is located just south of the Yucatan Peninsula. Stretching for 20 miles along the northern edge of the barrier reef, Ambergris Caye is known for its sharp drop-off on the outside of the reef. The caye also offers superb snorkeling. Sites of special note include Shark/Ray Alley, a protected area where snorkelers can interact with sharks and stingrays in only eight feet of water, and the Hol chan Marine Reserve, a shallow five square mile underwater park with excellent night snorkeling.

Blue Hole

Lighthouse Reef is the most easternmost atoll, lying 50 miles southeast of Belize City. Amids the reef’s many and varied wonders is the awesome Blue Hole. Once an above-ground cave, it has been submerged since Ice Age. A portion of its ceiling colapsed over time, forming a sinkhole more than 400 feet deep and nearly  1000 feet in diameter. The Blue Hole, rich with mammoth stalactites, has been a beacon for the divers since Jacques Cousteau pioneered its exploration in the early 1970′s, and is one of Belize’s most renowed dive sites.

In Placencia, in southern Belize, visitors will find three miles of remote beautiful beachfront, with an even more relaxed ambiance. The azure water is surprisingly deep here and dolphins occasionally frolic close to the shore. The unhurried pace of Placencia and its scenic charm give visiting divers the illusion of being on an island, rather than one of Belize’s oldest southernmost settlements.

Most divers come to Belize in winter and spring, when offshore areas are relatively dry and breezy, although underwater conditions are even better during the calm, warm months of July, August and September.

Outdoor swimming pool

$$$$ Grand Caribe Belize – San Pedro, is located about 2 miles north of  San Pedro town – totally worth crossing the bridge for. There are  eight individual buildings with 9 condominiums per building, each with a great view. You will also find 500 feet of beach front and three pools, including the largest pool in Belize.

Hotel Room

$$$$ Matachica Beach Resort – San Pedro is a luxurious beachfront resort with an outdoor pool. Consistently rated as one of the best area resorts in Belize. Matachica offers stay in a cozy comfortable rooms with all amenities including Spa treatments, tours and exclusive attractions like Go Fish, Reef runner, Glass bottom and e.c.t.

Activities in Belize 

In Belize with scores of reef, beach and inland activities to choose from, this is your chance for adventures of your own making. With so much of Belize natural environment still healthy and intact, eco-tourism adventures are offered throughout the country.

Belize City Tour

Belize city is real Central American jewel. Its a wonderful experience to join a guided tour of the historical Belize. Informations regarded this particular tour can be obtained at the Hotel Reception desks. Hotel receptionists are well recognized with the basics and timing of the tours. Usually this kind of tours require minimum of 20 guests and should be booked at least 2 day in advance.

Belize City is the grand lady of Belize’s colonial era when the English Baymen decided to firmly establish themselves on the coast, in spite of attempts from the Spanish to dislodge them. Old wooden colonial homes combined with modern cement structures line the narrow city streets and give the city a flavor that has attracted many. Boasting a population of approximately 70 000 people, Belize City also has many landmarks such as the 200 year old Cathedral where mosquito kings were crowned and the famous lighthouse that marks the grave of the Portuguese Baron who left a great fortune to Belize. Enjoy the wonderful shops of Belize City as your tour of this great city comes to a close.

Belize ZOO

The Belize ZOO and Tropical Education Center was started in 1983 as an attempt to provide a home for various wild animals that had been featured in documentary films about the rain forest. From the very beginning, it was apparent that the Belizean visitors to the ZOO were not familiar with the different species of wildlife that shared their country and all efforts were made to transform the little zoo into a dynamic wildlife education center. Enjoy the magnificent range of mammals, birds, and reptiles from jaguars to howlers, toucans to egrets and crocodiles to tree frogs, all in their natural habitat.

Barrier Reef Snorkel & Rendezvous Beach Break

Belize Macduff

Book a catamaran snorkel tour sailing to the world’s second long barrier reef. Once the catamaran anchors in the lee of the sand atoll, the crew will accompany you into the crystal clear waters for smoe amazing snorkeling. The beauty of this location is that it has areas for beginners and experts, both with extraordinary coral formations teaming with colorful tropical fish. After snorkeling, you can relax in the water on a comfortable beach float, all while being served complimentary rum punch, sodas and bottled water.

Book your vacation in Turkey:     

Hotels Antalya          Hotels    Belek           Hotels   Istanbul           Hotels  Izmir

Hotels   Marmaris           Hotels Ankara                    Hotels Gazientep                 Hotels Adana

 


Located where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, was host to several civilizations throughout  history, and today Turkey has a rich cultural heritage as well as magnificent natural surroundings.  Several modern marinas, many coves along its coast and a natural harbor provide lots of options for the ,,blue voyage,,. Marmaris is close to the sites of several ancient cities, and the bay provides ample opportunities for water sports. As one of Turkey’s prime destinations, it provides numerous compelling reasons and sites to visit. During the summer season the population booms with foreign and domestic visitors who enjoy sea bathing along the uninterrupted beach of the county center. If you prefer there are many secluded coves reachable only by boat, while others can be accessed by road as well.

MARMARIS

In antiquity Marmaris was known as Physkos, and it was one of the important port cities of the Carians. During the Hellenistic Period it came under the domination of the Seleucid Kingdom, and later became part of the Roman and Byzantine civilizations. In 1522 the city was conquered by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and became part of the Otoman domain. Between 1919 and 1921 the region was occupied by Italians. From the early years of the Republic until 1980 it remained a little fishing and sponge diving town.

Armar Hotel exterior

$$$$ Armar Club Hotel -With its total capacity of 143 rooms, 9 family rooms, 6 Grand suites and 2 King Suites, Armor accommodation units are equipped with excellent comfortable furniture exquisitely decorated to make your holiday more complete. Have fun and experience the Turkish culture relaxing in its state of the art Turkish bath, aqua parks and outdoor swimming pools.

Climate

Its balmy Mediterranean climate makes the sea suitable for bathing even during the winter. The high hills covered with pine forests surrounding the bay, the rare Sweet gum trees and broad leaved oriental plane trees provide the green backdrop of Marmaris.

Marmaris Boat Tour

Sightseeing 

The first place to visit in Marmaris is the Fortress which is thought to have been built by the Ionians. At present it serves as the Archeology Museum of Marmaris. The Fortress took its present form after an Ottoman intervention in 1522. It was opened for habitation during the Republican Period, and it was restored between 1980 and 1990. The Museum exhibits the artifacts found at the excavations conducted in the region, and findings of underwater archeology surveys conducted at Knidos, Burgaz and Hisaronu, such as glass, ingots of various metals, ceramics and amphorae. The museum also displays ethnographic items.
Hotels in Marmaris, Turkey

CESME

Cesme, a city of green and blue, legend and reality, is an outstanding tourism center which makes the dreams of holidaymakers come true with its spectacular nature, deep blue sea and golden beaches lying along the endless shoreline. Pure bays and a hidden history wait for you in Cesme to explore. Windsurfing in Alacati, thermal waters of Ilica and the peasure of diving in Fener Island are only some of the privileges offered by Cesme to its visitors.

Location
Cesme, 80 km away from the metropolitan center of Izmir, is the westernmost point of the Anatolian peninsula. Cesme County is bordered to the north by Karaburun County and to the east by Urla County. To its west and south lies the Aegean Sea and across the sea, the island of Chios. Its 29 km long seashore, from Ildiri (Erythrai) to Alacati, is a perfect holiday destination. With hospitality options including hotels, motels, pensions and summer houses, Cesme provides you with a unique geography where human life intertwines with nature.

History

Cesme, which was called Cyssus during antiquity, was known to be the port that served Erythrai (Ildiri), one of the 12 Ionian cities. For this reason, Cesme has always been refered to together with Ildiri. The early history of Ildiri region goes back to the Bronze age. It came under the dominance of the Lydian State in 560 BC, but in 546 BC it fell to the Persian Empire. Trade flourished, due to its sheltered port, good farm land, and close proximity to Chios. Cesme maintained its commercial importance throughout the ages. In 334 BC Macedonian king Alexander the Great captured the region. After the death of King Attalus, in 133 BC, the Pergamum Kingdom was annexed to the Roman Empire, and Ildiri and its environs became an independent city in the Asian province of the Romans. The name Cesme dates to the time of Ottoman rule, and derives from the cool spring waters and famous fountains that exist to the present day – the word means ,,faucet,, or ,, front,, in Turkish.

Climate
Cesme has typical Mediterranean climate and has a long swimming season. Sea and sun bathing can be enjoyed between May and September. The Imbat breeze, which comes from sea, and drives down the shore temperatures to a pleasant level, is a typical feature of the Aegean climate. Cesme enjoys stable and warm weather throughout the winter – ideal for those escaping colder climes.

Sightseeing

Fortress of Cesme
The fortress was built in 1508 during the reign of Sultan Bayezid. It is based on a rectangular plan with a citadel, and outer walls strengthened with six towers. It was built to defend the port , sitting right at the sea’s edge. Later land reclamation efforts, however, have pushed back the waters. Today the fortress hosts the annual Cesme International Festival, which is held between 2 and 7 July, and other cultural and artistic activities, including musical contests.

Cesme Museum
The Fortress of Cesme houses the Archeological Museum which exhibits many archaeological and ethnographic objects recovered from Ildiri (Erythrai), Cesme and Alacati. Objects on display include the finds of the underwater archaeological survey of the sites of the naval battles as well as reproduction paintings and archival documents related with these wars. The museum has also two separate exhibition halls for marble objects and smaller ceramic and earthenware artifacts.

Haralambos Church
The church, believed to have been built in the 19 th century, has a basilica plan with three aisles and two stores. It was built of solid stone, and today it serves as a cultural center exhibiting various artistic activities.

Traditional Cesme Houses
Well known for their aesthetically pleasing designs, were built side by side without front gardens. Their entrance doors open directly to the road and are sided by ground floor windows with shutters. The front walls of first floors are extended on cantilevers. Generally a yellow colored stone (Koste stone) is used for building.
Hotels in Turkey

Ilica Hotel Lobby

$$$$ Ilica Spa is located 5 km away on the road Cesme – Izmir. Its seashore location makes it almost unique in the world. The thermal waters of 50 – 60 C seep from the seabed making it popular to thousands of visitors each year.

CANAKKALE

The province of Canakkale, City of Peace located in the farthest west part of Asia with its vast lands in Asia and Europe, unique Canakkale Strait which links the two continents and embracing historical and natural beauties. These Straits have been famous since ancient times for the many events that have taken place along its shores.
At the northern exit the Dardanelles lead to the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul, while in the south the Straits open out to the Aegean and Mediterranean. Throughout history, great powers have competed for control of the Dardanelles and its twin waterway, the Bosporus, among them the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians. The Ottomans consolidated control over the straits under Mehmet the Conqueror in 1462 with the building of castles on either side. In the 19th century, the ,, Eastern Question,, centred upon the same issue. In 1915, the Gallipoli Campaign saw an unsuccessful attempt by a British and French fleet to force the Straits. The strategic location of Canakkale has therefore been a key factor in determining the destiny of the peoples of the region.

Troy Amphiteater

Sightseeing and Entertainment

The best way to appreciate the city of Canakkale itself is simply to take a walk round the town. Start at the clock tower, visit the old ,,caravanserai,, and stop at the City Museum further along the main shopping street entering right into the Mirror Bazaar. The long coastline of the province of Canakkale has many beaches for swimming, sunbathing and diving. The waters of the Dardanelles tend to be warm and under constant breezes making it popular tourist destination for the wind surfers. The Gulf of Saros is a particular favorite for the cleanliness of its waters and richness of undersea life.

Iris Hotel Outdoor

$$$ Iris Hotel - located in the secluded Kemerdere village in Canakkale is recognized for its ecological/organic products  served to the hotel guests. During the winter period Iris Hotel is widely famous for the Iris Spa program that includes Finnish & Turkish baths, sauna, massage, fitness center and private Jakuzzi. Visit Iris Hotel and rest your body and soul.

Eceabat Hotel Interior

$$$$ Park Eceabat Hotel – Located in Canakkale.  Regional attractions  include Gallipolli Peninsula National Historic Park. In addition to a restaurant, Park Eceabat Hotel features a bar/lounge. Other amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access and dry cleaning/laundry services. Televisions come with satellite channels. Guestrooms also feature complimentary wireless Internet access, minibars, and slippers.

TROY

The immortal legend of Troy, as told in Homer’s epic poem ,,The Iliad,, has inspired works of literature and artists since time immemorial. Nowadays, film-makers have tackled the classical story of power, revenge, the warrior ethos and undying love. The wooden horse used in the Warner Bros film ,,Troy,, starring Brad Pitt as Achilles, is now the main attraction on the seafront at Canakkale.
The original site of Troy is situated 30 km from Canakkale. It was first settled in the late Neolithic Age about 3000 BC. Throughout the city’s existence, ending in early Byzantine times, nine distinct levels of occupation have been identified. Due to the silting up of the bay and lack of distinctive remains, the location of Troy was lost for thousands of years until Frank Calvert, a keen explorer of ancient sites and resident in the Troad, first pinpointed the hill of Hisarlik as the likely location.
Briefly, the story of the Trojan War is this. The son of the powerful king of Troy was exiled to the forests of Mount Ida as a result of a soothsayer’s prediction. The young man, named Paris, was awarded Helen, the fairest woman in the world, for his role as judge in a beauty contest between the goddesses. But Helen was actually the wife of Menelaus, King of Sparta. Paris escaped from Sparta with Helen back to Troy, thus angering Menelaus and the other Greek kings, who sailed over to Troy to get her back. The Greek and Trojan warriors fought sword to sword, spear to spear, for ten long years until the ruse of the wooden horse brought the Greeks victory and left Troy a smouldering ruin.

Outdoor

$$$$ Paloma Oceana Resort,Antalya - Located directly on the Mediterranean coast this hotel resort is well known for its outstanding sand/pebble beaches with extraordinary beauty. The Resort offers extra service and amenities convenient  for families, catering well for children of all ages with clubs and a variety of activities such as: Adventure Playground, Outdoor Swimming pools, Aqua-park with slides, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Turkish Bath, Wellness Center, Sport terrains and many more. It is also the best place to taste a wide selection of Mediterranean, Turkish, Italian and Asian specialties.

IZMIR 

Known as ,, Beautiful Izmir”, the city lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf furrowed by ships an yachts. The climate is mild and in the summer the constant and refreshing sea breezes temper the sun’s heat.  Behind the palm – lined promenades and avenues which follow the shoreline, the city, in horizontal terraces, gently ascends the slopes of the surrounding mountains. 

Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey, and its port is second only to Istanbul. A cosmopolitan and lively city all year round, Izmir bursts with an added vibrancy during the International Arts Festival (June/July) and the International Fair (Aug / Sept).

Places of interest in Izmir

Archaeology Museum - near Konak Square has a marvelous collection of antiquities, of which the statue of Poseidon and Demeter from the Agora is a fine example.

Ethnography Museum – is next to the Archaeology Museum and houses folkloric works and a fine collection of the famous Bergama and Gordes carpets, traditional costumes and camel bridles

Kadifekale – On Mt. Pagos the impressive ruins of the castle and its walls, built by Lysimachus in the reign of Alexander the Great (4th century B.C), still dominate the city today. The view from the castle over the Bay of Izmir is magnificent.

Book your vacation in Italy:

Hotels in Rome                       Hotels   in   Milan                   Hotels in Naples                    Hotels in Verona

Hotels in Turin                        Hotels in Bologna                   Hotels in Genova                  Hotels in Perugia

Hotels in Venice                     Hotels in Tuscany
The heart of the ancient Roman empire, Italy has played a pivotal role in the world culture, influencing sculpture, architecture, painting, literature and music.  Visitors enjoy unrivaled historic sites, magnificent cuisine, stunning scenery and ultra-chic shopping.


A matches heritage, the result of millenia of history, Italy boasts the world’s largest number of UNESCO ”World Heritage” sites. Like the village Su Nuraxi at Barumini or the rock art of Valcmonica, whose origins are lost in prehistory, or the Etruscan necropolises in Cerveteri and Tarquinia, silent witnesses to a mysterious, magical people. A collection of masterpieces ranging from architectural gems, such as the temples of Arigento or the Royal Palace of Caserta with its park, to entire cities whose historic centers possess a charm generated over the centuries.

ITALY – Guide For Travelers

Roma at a Glance

Rome, Florence, and Venice are authentic open – air museums, as are Ferrara, Naples, Siena, Urbino, Verona and Vicenza. Not to mention smaller marvels such as medieval San Gimignano, renaissance Pienza, and the Baroque cities of Val di Noto. Then there are the ”Sassi” of Matera, ancestral cave dwellings restored to new life, and the quaint, conical houses known as ,,trulli” in Alberobello. Then there are the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy, which bear witness to a popular devotion that still runs deep. Most of the eight thousand communes into which Italy is divided guard some hidden pearl:because Italy is a country with over 25 thousand churches, 20 thousand castles, and 3 thousand museums, a country where for millennia the genius of man has been engaged in an incessant contest to create prodigies capable of rivaling the  marvels of nature.

The results are bold creations, from mountain fortifications to the great cathedrals of the cities, from architectural masterpieces such as the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa and the Rialto Bridge in Venice to artistic expressions of stunning beauty, such as Michelangelo’s statues or Raphael’s paintings. The innate taste for beauty has given life to the finest products, from Murano glassware to Ferrari cars, and from unforgettable melodies to a cuisine with an unmistakable flavor, and wines with inebriating bouquets. An art of living that embraces all aspects of life, and one that from the time of the first travelers to the present day has seduced millions of people.

Italy’s best travel months are May, June, September and October. November and April usually have pleasant weather, with generally none of the sweat and stress of the tourist season. Off-season, expect shorter hours, more lunchtime break, and fewer activities. Peak season (May-September) offers the longest hours and the most exciting slate of activities – but terrible crowds and, at times, suffocating heat. During peak times, many resort area hotels maximize business by requiring that guests take half-pension, which means buying dinner in their restaurants. August, the local holiday month, isn’t as bad as many make it out to be, but big cities tend to be quiet and beach and mountain resorts are jammed.

Many people travel through Italy thinking it’s chaotic mess. They feel any attempt at efficient travel is futile. This is dead wrong -and expensive. Italy, which seems as orderly as spilled spaghetti, actually functions quite well.

Airfare: Don’t try to sort through the mess. Find and use a good travel agent. Always consider saving time and money in Europe by flying ”open jaw” – into one city and out of another.

Surface Transportation: For a three week whirlpool trip to all my recommended destinations, allow $300 per person for public transportation (train and buses) or $800 per person (based on two people sharing a car) for a three week car rental including insurance, tolls, gas and parking. Some train passes are available only outside of Europe. You might save money by getting an Italian rail pass or buying tickets as you go.

Room and Board: Sleeping in Italy  is expensive. Cheap big city hotels can be depressing. Tourist information services cannot give opinions on quality. You normally get close to what you pay for. Prices are fairly standard. Shopping around earns you a better location and more character, but rarely a cheaper price. However, prices at nearly any hotel can get soft if you do any of the following: arrive direct (without using middleman, with a risk to find no room free at the time you want to check in), offer to pay cash, stay at least three nights or visit off season. Breakfasts are legally optional. Initial prices quoted often include breakfast and a private bathroom. Offer to skip breakfast for a better price. You can thrive in Italy on $100 a day for room and board. This allows $10 for lunch, $5 for snacks, $20 for dinner, and $65 for lodging (based on two people splitting the cost of a a$130 double room that includes breakfast).
Hotels in Italy

Hotel Lobby

$$$ Albergo Santa Chiara – Rome, is a big and solid  hotel, offering marbled elegance and all the hotel services in the old center at an affordable prices. Its ample public lounges are dressy and professional and its 100 rooms are quiet and spacious.

Hotel Panorama

$$ Albergo Settimo Cielo – Sorrento, the aptly named ,,Seventh Heaven” offers all the views and lazy resort trappings you could want, run by a family that really hustles to give a fine value. At this modern, dressy cliffhanger, the reception is just off the road, and the elevator takes you down through four floors with 50 rooms – all with grand views.

Hotel Apartment

$$$ Loggiato dei Serviti – Florence, at the most prestigious address in Florence on the most Renaissance square in town, gives you Old World romance with hair dryers. Stone stairways lead you under open-beam ceiling through this 16 Th- century monastery’s classy public rooms. The 38 cells, with air- conditioning, TV’s, mini bars and telephones, wouldn’t be recognized by their original inhabitants.

Hotel Lobby

$$$ Hotel Ariston – Milan, at about 20 minutes walk from the Duomo, is a modern, eco-friendly, 46 room hotel with air purifiers, organic breakfast, and recycled or biodegradable everything.

Overlooking Rialto

$$$ Hotel Belle Arti – Venice, is a good bet if you want to be in the old center without the tourist hordes. With a grand entry and all the American comforts, it’s a big, 67-room, modern, three star place sitting on a former schoolyard.

Sightseeing and Entertainment: In big cities, figure about $6 – 12 per major sight (museums, Colosseum), $3 for minor ones (church towers), and $30 for splurge experiences (such as tours and concerts).

Italian Spa Passion

Over two thousand years ago the ancient Romans had already discovered the curative, regenerating qualities of water, a power so gentle that there was no city, great or small as it may be, without its spa, which was often splendid and imposing. These spas were privileged places where you could recover your energy and tone yourself up after the fatigue of everyday life, places where you could discuss business or comment on the events of the day. A custom that has now been lost, but one that has bequeathed us a culture and a tradition of the highest level, Italy offers over one hundred spas spread throughout the peninsula: there are celebrated, internationally renowned places such as Abano Terme, Montecatini, Fiuggi and Ischia, or little gems such as Saturnia and Bagno Vignoni. Some are by the sea, like Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro, or at the foot of the mountains, like Levico Terme or Merano/ Meran. The enormous number of sources and the properties of the waters that gush out from them make Italy a paradise for those wishing to devote their holidays to their own well-being. Spa mineral waters have recognized curative powers, which serve to alleviate a multitude of aliments. But today’s spas are above all places for those of us who want to look after ourselves, where we can put ourselves in expert hands capable of pampering us and increasing our sense of well-being. Each spa possesses its own ancient secret: places where you benefit from the virtues of mud’s or hot sands, or others that specialize in recent discoveries, such as the beneficial properties of wine. Today’s spas are marvelous refuges for the mind, designed to help you improve your physical appearance and to breathe renewed vigor into the spirit.

From the far North to the far south, the generous land of Italy offers dozens of spas, hot and cold thermal springs whose waters are rich in minerals that not only regenerate the body and the spirit, but are also useful in the treatment of numerous maladies.

Therme Meran Pool

$$$$$ Hotel Therme Meran  - Within easy reach of the slopes, this Merano hotel is in the mountains, just minutes from Merano Thermal Baths and close to winter activities such as cross-country skiing and ice skating. Also nearby are Kurhaus Conference Venue and Trauttmansdorff  Castle Gardens.

Outdoor Pool Torretta

$$$ Hotel Torretta, Monsummano Terme  - Treat yourself to an imaginary journey from the cool of paradise to the fires of hell, via the warmth of Purgatory, in the style of the ancient Romans: your body, freed of toxins and stress, will thank you for it. Hotel Torretta is a 4 star hotel equipped with an outdoor swimming pool with hydro massage, a shaded garden and private parking.  The feeling of being part of the family who owns this hotel, together with the carefully throughout kitchen that can cater for all your dietary requirements, that make your stay here as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

Amalfi Coast

Hotels in Amalfi                    Hotels in Salerno                    Hotels in Positano

The bus trip from Sorrento to Salerno along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s great bus rides. It will leave your mouth open. You’ll gain respect for the Italian engineers who built the road – and even more respect for the bus drivers who drive it. Cantilevered garages, hotels, and villas cling to the vertical terrain, and beautiful sandy coves tease from far below and out of reach.

Positano

Amalfi Coast towns are pretty but generally touristy, congested, overpriced and a long hike above tiny beaches. Most beaches are private and access to those is generally expensive. The real thrill here is the scenic Amalfi drive. This is pretty treacherous staff – even if you have a car, you may want to take the bus or hire a taxi. Some enjoy doing the coast by motorbike (rented in Sorrento).

Traveling the Amalfi coast you’ll see several Saracen (Turkish pirate) watchtower. The gray-green trees are olives. The two small islands after Sorento are the Galli Islands, the bigger one (on the left) is Ulysses Island. These islands mark the boundary between the Bay of Naples and the Bay of Salerno.

Capri

Capri was made famous as the vacation hideaway of Roman emperors Augustus and Tiberius. In  the 19th century, it was the haunt of Romantic Age aristocrats on their Grand Tour of Europe. But these days, the island is a world-class touristic trap, packed  with gawky visitors searching for rich and famous, and finding only their prices.

Capri Island

Boats sail from Napoli port.  Get oriented on the boat before you dock at Marina Grande. Capri Town fills the ridge high above the harbor. Emperor Tiberius Palace ruins and  Villa Jovis, cap the peak on the left, and the dramatic road arcs around the mountain Monte Solare on the right leads up to Anacapri, the island’s second town. Capri town is a cute touristy shopping town. The bus drops you just around the corner from Piazza Umberto, the town’s main square. From the Piazza and the city hall, a lane leads into the medieval part of the town, which has plenty of eateries.  The lane past the many-domed church has been dubbed by locals ”Rodeo Drive” because it’s the fashion shopping strip. Walk down Rodeo Drive to Quisisana Hotel, the island’s top old time hotel and continue down a lane lined  with elegant villas and great Sea views.

Sardinia

Situated between the Balearic Islands and Italy in the Tyrrhenian Sea as well as to the south of the island of Corsica is the island of Sardinia. Sardinia is one of the more popular Italian island destinations along with Corsica and Sicily. The following is a list of 5 of the most breathtaking and beautiful beaches of Sardinia that you should consider when vacationing there.

Bidderosa Beach – five distinct coves lined with eucalyptus, juniper, and pine trees as well as the bright white sandy beaches make this one of the more popular Sardinian beaches.

Cala Luna – as the day progresses, the Mediterranean waters are like a kaleidoscope of varying colors from bright and sparkling turquoise to ultramarine as the sun is setting.

Emerald Coast

Cala Mariolu – locals claim that this beach has the most crystalline and translucent waters on the island.

Costa Verde Sardinia – located on the island’s western coastline, this area depicts why the beaches of Sardinia are so popular.

Emerald Coast – known by the locals as “Costa Smeralda”, this region is the home to some of Sardinia’s (and quite possibly the world’s) most alluring and impressive beaches.

The allure of the blue sea, sandy beaches and a variety of activities in and around Sardinia ensures a memorable vacation to solo visitors and families.