Top Attractions of Crete

Crete, the largest Greek island, is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. Here are some of the top attractions of Crete:

Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace is located near the capital city of Heraklion, Knossos Palace is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. It was the center of the Minoan civilization and offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world with its well-preserved ruins, colourful frescoes, and intricate architecture.

Samaria Gorge Crete
Samaria Gorge at Agia Roumeli Crete

Samaria Gorge is one of the longest and most breathtaking gorges in Europe, stretching 16 kilometers through the White Mountains of Crete. Hiking the Samaria Gorge may take several hours but allows you to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty, with towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and the opportunity to spot unique wildlife. At the end of the Gorge is the village of Agia Roumeli where you can find refreshments and enjoy a swim.

Balos Lagoon Crete
Balos Lagoon Crete

Balos Lagoon is located in the northwest of Crete, Balos is a stunning lagoon with turquoise waters, pink-hued sandy beaches, and rugged rocky landscapes. It is a popular destination for boat trips and offers a picturesque setting for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the panoramic views.

Elafonisi Beach Crete
Elafonisi Beach Crete

Elafonisi Beach is known for its pinkish sand and crystal-clear waters, Elafonisi Beach is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Located in the southwestern part of Crete, it offers a paradise-like setting for relaxation, swimming, and snorkelling.

Panoramic view of Heraklion city and harbour.

Heraklion is a port city and the capital of Crete. Its Venetian port features the 16th-century Koules fortress. Heraklion is known for the Palace of Knossos archaeological site that dates back thousands of years to the Minoan civilization. It is also home to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum which showcases artifacts from ancient Crete, including those from the Minoan civilization, providing a comprehensive overview of the island’s rich history and culture.

The old Venetian Harbour in Chania

Chania Old Town is located on the western part of the island of Crete, it boasts a charming and well-preserved old town. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, colourful buildings, boutique shops, and tavernas. Exploring the Old Town allows you to soak up the atmosphere, visit historical sites, and enjoy delicious Cretan cuisine.

Spinalonga Island

Spinalonga Island is situated in the Gulf of Elounda, Spinalonga Island is known for its Venetian fortress and its history as a former leper colony. Boat trips to the island offer the opportunity to explore the abandoned buildings, learn about its intriguing past, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding sea.

Rethymno Crete
Rethymno Crete

Rethymno Old Town: Wander through the narrow streets of Rethymno’s old town and admire its Venetian Renaissance and Ottoman architecture, with its honeycomb of cobblestone alleyways lined with museums, cafes, tavernas, restaurants and promenade offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Agios Nikolaos Crete

Agios Nikolaos is a beautiful coastal resort surrounded by water on three sides, here you will find a harbour dotted with yachts and small boats and many areas where you can enjoy the serene atmosphere of this picturesque town its bars, taverns, cafes, trendy shops and the beautiful Lake Voulismeni.

Preveli Beach Crete

Preveli Beach: Relax on the sandy shores of Preveli Beach and admire the palm forest and river that flow into the sea.

Arkadi Monastery: Visit this significant monastery known for its historical importance and impressive architecture.

Phaistos Archaeological Site: Explore the ruins of the ancient Minoan city of Phaistos and marvel at the views from its hilltop location.

Minoan city of Phaistos and marvel at the views from its hilltop location.

Agia Triada Monastery: Discover this peaceful monastery with beautiful frescoes and a tranquil atmosphere.

Dikteon Cave: Venture into the legendary birthplace of Zeus, a stunning cave with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Loutro Village: Visit this picturesque fishing village accessible only by boat, known for its relaxed atmosphere and crystal-clear waters.

Vai Beach: Enjoy the unique beauty of Vai Beach, famous for its palm forest and stunning natural surroundings.

Gortyna Archaeological Site: Explore the ancient ruins of Gortyna, an important Roman and Byzantine city.

Agios Pavlos Beach: Relax on the secluded shores of Agios Pavlos Beach and admire the impressive rock formations.

Imbros Gorge: Hike through the scenic Imbros Gorge, offering beautiful views and a less crowded alternative to Samaria Gorge.

Psychro Cave: Visit the mythical cave of Psychro, also known as Dikteon Cave, and explore its fascinating chambers.

These attractions showcase the rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage of Crete, making it a captivating destination for travellers. The island is also dotted with traditional villages, ancient ruins, monasteries, and scenic landscapes, making it a diverse and captivating destination for travellers.

Top attractions on Mykonos Greece

Mykonos Town on the Island of Mykonos
View of Mykonos Town on the Island of Mykonos Greece

Mykonos Town also known as Chora, is the capital and main town of the island of Mykonos. It is a charming and picturesque town with a unique blend of traditional Cycladic architecture, narrow streets, and vibrant atmosphere. Matoyianni Street is a lively and bustling pedestrian street and the main shopping hub of Mykonos Town where you’ll find a wide range of boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries, and jewelry stores, offering both local and international brands. The Archaeological Museum located in the heart of Mykonos Town houses a collection of artifacts from the island’s ancient past.

Mykonos

Little Venice is a beautiful and picturesque neighborhood in Mykonos Town, where the houses are built right up to the edge of the sea. It’s a popular spot offering offering breathtaking views, particularly during sunset and is dotted with many cozy bars and restaurants.

Windmills on Mykonos
Windmills on Mykonos

The Windmills of Mykonos are one of the most recognizable landmarks of Mykonos. There are several windmills located on a hill above Mykonos Town and they offer great views of the town and the sea.

Streets of Mykonos Town
Streets of Mykonos Town

Mykonos Town is the main town in Mykonos and is a maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with whitewashed houses and shops. It’s a great place to explore, with plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Paradise Beach Mykonos
Paradise Beach Mykonos

Paradise Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos and is known for its crystal clear waters and lively party atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax during the day and party at night.

Delos-Mykonos
Delos Mykonos

Delos is a small island just off the coast of Mykonos which is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. It was once a thriving center of trade and religion and there are many ancient ruins to explore. Boat tours and excursions are available from Mykonos to Delos and Rhenia Island allowing visitors to enjoy excursions to these beautiful and secluded islands. These tours often include stops at pristine beaches, for swimming and snorkelling.

Panagia Paraportiani Mykonos
Panagia Paraportiani Mykonos

Panagia Paraportiani is a beautiful white-washed church in Mykonos Town, which is considered to be one of the most photographed churches in Greece. It’s a great spot for taking pictures and enjoying the beautiful architecture.

Super Paradise Beach Mykonos
Super Paradise Beach Mykonos

Super Paradise Beach is another one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos, it is known for its beautiful sandy beach and clear blue waters. It’s a great place to relax during the day and party at night with several bars and restaurants.

Psarou Beach Mykonos
Psarou Beach Mykonos

Psarou Beach is a beautiful and upscale beach in Mykonos, known for its crystal clear waters and luxury beach clubs, elegant ambiance, and vibrant parties popular with celebrities. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Water sports facilities are available on the beach, allowing you to enjoy swimming and snorkelling, jet skiing, paddle boarding, parasailing and wake boarding among other exciting options.

Ano Mera is a traditional village located in the center of the island of Mykonos, away from the bustling tourist areas. It offers a more tranquil and authentic experience of the island’s local life. Ano Mera is known for its authentic Greek tavernas that serve traditional cuisine. Visitors can savour delicious local dishes, such as freshly caught seafood, grilled meats, and classic Greek specialties, while experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals in more serene surroundings.

Overall, Mykonos is a beautiful island with plenty of things to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a lively party atmosphere, Mykonos has something for everyone.

There are many great holiday homes and villas to let directly from owners here on Mykonos but it is always a good idea to book luxury self catering holiday homes and villas and other accommodation in advance, especially during peak holiday season.

Top Attractions of Bilbao Spain

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain


Bilbao is a beautiful city in the Basque region of Northern Spain and there are many interesting things to do and see. Here are some of the top attractions:

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a contemporary art museum located in the city of Bilbao, in the region of northern Spain. It is an iconic architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry that opened in 1997. The museum with it’s curvy titanium-clad exterior has become a symbol of Bilbao’s transformation from an industrial city to a modern and vibrant cultural center in Spain.

The Guggenheim museum Bilbao houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons. The collection focuses on art from the mid-20th century to the present day. The museum also includes a range of amenities for visitors, including a restaurant, cafe, bookstore and auditorium.

Bilbao Old Town
Bilbao Old Town

Casco Viejo: The old town of Bilbao is full of charming streets and historic buildings. You can stroll around, visit the Plaza Nueva, or try some pintxos (Basque tapas) in one of the many bars and restaurants.

Santiago Cathedral: Located in the old town, the Santiago Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic cathedral dating back to the 14th century.

Ribera Market: This is the largest covered market in Europe, and a great place to experience the local food culture of Bilbao. You can find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and much more.

Arriaga Theatre: This beautiful theatre is located in the heart of Bilbao, and hosts a range of cultural events and performances throughout the year.

Zubizuri Bridge Bilbao
Zubizuri Bridge Bilbao

Zubizuri Bridge: This stunning white pedestrian bridge spans the Nervion River and offers beautiful views of the city.

Basque Museum: The Basque Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Basque people, including their unique language, traditions, and art.

San Mames Stadium: If you’re a football fan, you can visit the home of Athletic Bilbao and see a match, or take a tour of the stadium and museum.

Alhondiga Cultural Center: This former wine warehouse has been transformed into a cultural center, featuring a library, cinema, gym, restaurants, and much more.

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: This museum houses a collection of Spanish and Basque art from the 12th century to the present day, including works by Goya, El Greco, and Picasso.

Bilbao bridge
Bilbao bridge

There are plenty of places to stay in Bilbao but it is always a good idea to book self catering holiday homes, villas and apartments and other accommodation in advance, especially during peak season or during popular events in Bilbao, such as the Bilbao BBK Live music festival or the Aste Nagusia (Great Week) festival.

There are plenty of places to stay in Bilbao but it is always a good idea to book self catering holiday homes, villas and apartments and other accommodation in advance, especially during peak season or during popular events in Bilbao, such as the Bilbao BBK Live music festival or the Aste Nagusia (Great Week) festival.

Canary Islands holiday guide

Canary Islands sunshine holidays

The Canary Islands located 80 miles off the north coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean share what many claim to be the best climate in the world with over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. It’s no surprise that the Canary Islands of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Gomera are among the most popular Spanish sunshine holiday island destinations.

1. Tenerife, Canary Islands

Las Teresitas Beach and coastline Tenerife
Las Teresitas Beach and coastline Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest of the main seven islands in the Canary Islands, It is a well developed tourist destination with very popular sandy beaches with all year round sunshine on an island that may offer visitors a thousand experiences.

It is renowned for it exciting nightlife, excellent dive sites and many watersports such as surfing, wind surfing, parascending and jet-skiing along with boat trips and dolphin spotting. It is also well known for the pre-lent Carnaval de Santa Cruz with festive parades, music, dancing and colourful costumes. The island is dominated by Mount Teide a dormant volcano that is Spain’s tallest peak and a protected national park with many scenic trails offering visitors stunning panoramas.

Tenerife offers travellers anything from luxury resorts with golf courses and spas to low-cost holiday apartments to suit travellers on a budget. There are also many self catering holiday homes and villas in Tenerife offering space for family and friends.

2. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Puerto de Mogan on the coast of Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is the third largest Island but most populated Canary Island. It has a climate that is warm, sunny and dry all year round with mild nights and is a very popular destination for beach holidays with many miles of sandy beaches and over 200 miles of coastline Inland you will find lush pine forests, picturesque villages and paths around the mountainous centre of island. In Maspalomas in the south you will be able to see the famous sand dunes. The capital city is Las Palmas in the North and has the main port and cultural attractions including museums and cobblestone streets that lead to the Cathedral of Santa Ana. The island has a wildlife park a botanical garden and some fantastic Golf courses including the Salobre golf resort. Being able to enjoy a holiday villa rental in Gran Canaria with a private pool to use at anytime you like may make the whole holiday experience a lot better.

3. La Palma, Canary Islands

Santa Cruz de La Palma
Santa Cruz de La Palma

La Palma is the most north westerly island of the Canary Islands from the west coast of Africa. Its rugged, forested terrain is dotted with volcanoes like Teneguía and Cumbre Vieja and is currently the most volcanically active of the Canary Islands. The Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted spectacularly on September 19th 2021 with devastating red hot molten lava flows reaching the sea. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park has a huge crater-shaped formation in the centre of the island with paths leading to stunning volcanic scenery, pine forests and waterfalls. The island’s capital Santa Cruz de la Palma is a port town with cobbled streets and houses with wooden balconies.

4. Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote Canary Island with volcanic vineyards
Lanzarote Canary Island with volcanic vineyards

Lanzarote is located 125 kilometres from the northern coast of Africa and is the 4th largest Island in the archipelago. The island has a dramatic volcanic landscape with geology spectacularly showcased at the Timanfaya National Park that has many hiking trails, old lava flows, hot springs and geysers to see around the volcanic hills. The December and January temperature and warm seas make it an ideal place to enjoy a bit of winter sun or a place where it rarely rains in summer months. Other attractions are the sandy beaches of Playa Blanca, the surfing beach at Famara or the calm waters of Pagayo for swimming and watersports. Puerto del Carmen is the most popular tourist resort on the island of Lanzorote that offers plenty of short and long stay accommodation and self contained holiday homes and Villas.

5. Fuerteventurta, Canary Islands

Beach of Morro Jable, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain

Fuerteventura is a very popular place for wind surfing especially on the west and north coast that has larger waves. With over 150 beaches to choose from the island is well developed for beach holidays and has some of the best beaches in Europe. The bays of Costa Calma is ideal for families and the sands of Cofete is considered to be the Crown Jewel of the canaries. The town of Corralejo in the north is considered to have some of the best beaches and is also known for it’s nightlife. In fact Fuerteventura caters for practically everybody and has some stunning holiday rentals to choose from where you can savour the history, culture, festivities, local cuisine and natural beauty of Fuerteventura.

6. La Gomera, Canary Islands

San Sebastian de la Gomera, Canary Islands
San Sebastian de la Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain

La Gomera is one of the quietest and smallest of the Canary Islands with a diameter of just 25 kilometres. La Gomera was the place from which Christopher Columbus started his voyages of discovery. The island is a haven for those wanting to escape the crowds of other islands but is a short ferry ride from Tenerife and is an ideal place for those who enjoy hiking. It a forested area and some unique vegetation, ferns and waterfalls in the Garajonay National Park. It may also offer views of the huge dormant volcano on the neighbouring island of Tenerife. The island has not been fully developed for tourism like the other islands but you can still find good holiday home rentals or self catering accommodation on Gomera in the Canary Islands.

Map of the Canary Islands
Map of the Canary Islands, Spain. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera



Travel with Kids

Traveling with kids, vacation with kids

5 Tips to Make Traveling with Kids More Fun for Everyone

You’re dedicated to sharing your love of travel with your children, but with every delayed flight and unplanned pitstop, you find yourself questioning that conviction. Because while traveling with kids can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be incredibly stressful. It’s not easy to plan a vacation the whole family will enjoy, let alone keep the peace when everyone’s jet-lagged and stressed out.

That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it, however. There’s nothing quite like seeing your kids experience a new culture for the first time or watching them excitedly recount their adventures to friends. Instead of scrapping the whole family vacation idea the next time you’re stressed out and far from home, use these tips to make family travel easier on everyone.

Involve kids in planning

If kids feel like they’re just tagging along on Mom and Dad’s holiday, they’re less likely to be excited for the trip. Engage your kids in the holiday planning process in age-appropriate ways. Preschoolers and elementary schoolers may help pack for holiday and pick out toys to take, while middle and high school-aged kids can research the destination and maybe even choose an activity or two of their own.

Stave off travel boredom

Focusing on the road keeps your mind busy while driving, but for kids in the back seat, long miles on the road can feel endless. Cut down on complaints of boredom by setting up in-car wifi. With an in-car hotspot, your kids can stay busy watching videos and playing games on their tablets. Just remember to set everyone up with headphones so you can keep listening to your own music and podcasts in the front seat.

Pay extra for an easier flight

Flying instead? Spare yourself a stressful travel experience by booking an early morning flight and paying extra to fly direct. Early flights are less likely to be crowded or face delays than flights later in the day, and any parent who has missed a connecting flight with a gaggle of kids in tow can tell you why direct flights are worth it. Other tips for a low-stress flight include wearing clothes that come on and off easily — so no buttons, zippers, or laces — and packing plenty of snacks and water to keep kids content during the flight.

Travel light

It’s tempting to take everything but the kitchen sink when traveling with kids, but hauling all that luggage is likely to be more trouble than it’s worth. Pack the necessities like car seats and travel strollers, but avoid filling luggage with clothing and bulky entertainment items. You can always do laundry and buy small items while traveling to avoid overloading your luggage.

Book a holiday rental

Don’t stay in a hotel room where you’ll have to be quiet as a mouse after the kids go to bed and supervise your children wherever they go. Holiday home rentals are far more family-friendly than hotels, with separate bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and the ability to cook your own meals. Instead of living out of suitcases for a week, you can feel like you’re at home — only better.

The worst thing you can do when traveling with kids? Expecting it to be just like the vacations you took before becoming parents. While traveling as a family is special in its own right, it’s not the same as traveling kid-free. Instead of trying to pack everything into one trip and getting frustrated when your itinerary doesn’t go as planned, go into family travel with a relaxed schedule and an open mind. While you might not hit every attraction or avoid every backseat squabble, the memories you create together make the little stresses more than worth it.

Image via Unsplash

Portugal Tourist info

Portugal holiday info and destination guide  
Portugal is situated in south-western Europe, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and sharing the Iberian peninsula with Spain to the north and east. The Azores and Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean are also a part of Portugal. The climate is Mediterranean and it is one of the warmest European countries. In mainland Portugal, yearly temperature averages are about 15°C (55°F) in the north and 18°C (64°F) in the south.
Portugal has lately seen a  an increase in popularity as a tourist destination and also a significant increase in prosperity.

Portugal has everything to offer the visitor, a rich, unique culture, lively cities and beautiful countryside with outstanding landscape diversity. It is possible to travel from green mountains in the North, covered with vines and all varieties of trees to rocky mountains, with spectacular slopes and falls in the Central Portugal, to a near-desert landscape in the Alentejo region and finally to the glamorous beach holidays destination of the Algarve – and all this in a single day. For those who like to combine their holiday with leisure and sport, Portugal is a golfing haven with an excellent golfing infrastructure. Fourteen of Portugal’s golf courses are rated in the top 100 best in Europe.

Lisbon 
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, its contemporary culture is alive and thriving, making it one of the most ‘happening’ places in Europe today.
Stretching along the northern bank of the river Tejo and perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is a city that uses water as a defining element where as the land rises away from the water, steep streets and stairways form the old tangled neighbourhoods or give way to squares and green parks. It is an enchanting city with its white bleached limestone buildings, intimate alleyways and an easy going charm mixed with a nostalgia reflected in the traditional music of the fado performed in cafes and small night clubs in the old quarter of the city, the Alfama district.
Still bearing signs of  a long ago Moorish presence in the city, the buildings are very close to each other with irregular streets, winding alleys and the azulejo-covered crumbling walls of ancient buildings. It is a great place in which to wander around.
For people watching the Rossio, the main square in Lisbon, and the equivalent of London’s Trafalgar Square is the meeting place for locals and a great way to experience the lively city life of Lisbon.

Other ‘must-sees’ in any visit to Lisbon are the Belem Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries and the  Cristo Rei, which is similar to the Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro, standing over 100 meters tall on the opposite bank of the Tejo from downtown Lisbon.

Estoril
Further afield but within an easy day trip from Lisbon is Estoril.  Here you will  find a coastline with fabulous beaches interspersed with impressive cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. It used to be the playground of European royalty and this glamorous past is reflected in its many gardens, villas and palaces. Estoril is renowned nowadays for its fresh fish and seafood restaurants, the Estoril Spa, renowned for its regenerative therapies, the Casino Estoril, the largest in Europe, and its golf courses where it is considered one of the top destinations.

Porto
Porto is the second largest city, the capital of the historic region of northern Portugal. Porto is above all renowned for the production of port wine but it is also a busy industrial and commercial centre. It has a semi-Mediterranean climate, but it can be cooler than other cities with this climate because it is strongly affected by the Atlantic Ocean. The city is built along hills that overlook the Douro river estuary. It has a historical centre whose buildings are granite and monumental unlike other major Portuguese cities which tend towards the baroque. It has UNESCO World Heritage status.

Coimbra
Coimbra is a small university city full of interesting places. The medieval centre of Coimbra is wonderful for just wandering around in and getting lost there is a pleasure.  It is unusual in still having a number of independent bookshops, boutiques, toy shops, galleries, antique shops, restaurants and interesting museums.

Evora
Evora is the largest city in the central Alentejo region. It has a magnificent cathedral and cloisters and its historic centre also has UNESCO World Heritage listing.


Algarve

The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It has stunning coastlines, wonderful beaches and excellent golf courses. The water along its coastline tends to be warmer and calmer than the water along the west coast. In winter, it is a beautiful, peaceful corner of southern Europe with plenty of sun bleaching its white-washed towns with their Iberian and Moorish-influenced architecture.

Faro is the regional capital and main airport for the Algarve but it is popular destination in it’s own right. There is an impressive beach party and night life scene but many visitors might prefer to use Faro as a base to explore other more remote areas of the Algarve in the off-season.

Albufeira, once a small fishing village has now developed into being a very popular tourist area with lovely beaches, a very good climate, and many restaurants, bars and pubs. Algarve holiday homes and villas can be found near some of the most popular beaches and may offer access to some of the finest golf courses in the region. There is a diverse range of luxury holiday home lets and fabulous villas for rent in the Algarve to choose from.

Madeira
Madeira is 310 miles from the African coast and 620 miles from the European continent. It is known worldwide as the island of eternal spring, or the Garden Island. It has a mild if rather wet climate throughout the year.

Funchal, the island’s capital is home to resorts, gorgeous panoramas and lots of local colour. ‘Must-sees’ with any visit to Madeira are the levadas, an impressive system of aqueducts started in the 15th century to bring water from the mountains to farmlands, Cabo Girão, one of the world’s highest ocean cliffs, the magnificent gardens of the Jardim do Monte Palace and the Jardim Orquídea orchid gardens, for which Madeira is justly renowned.

A holiday home or villa in Madeira would be the perfect base for a holiday on the Portuguese island of Madeira.

For info on accommodation in Portugal visit: Portugal Holiday Homes and Villas to let