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Category: Destination

The Top 10 of Tenerife!
As we inch ever-closer to the colder months, you may be starting to think about getting yourself some winter sun. Spain’s Canary Islands are an ideal choice thanks to their year-round great climate, but then there is the matter of picking which one to visit. Well, in this article, we are going to be talking about one of the most popular – Tenerife.
With a cultural capital, historic sites, beautiful beaches and some stunning natural scenery, there are so many different reasons why the island may be ideal for you. Accommodation choices are varied depending on your preferences and budget so take a look at Tenerife villas on Interhome.co.uk. Here are just a few of the main activities you can enjoy on the island.
Climb Spain’s Highest Peak
In the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Teide National Park stands the eponymous volcano which looms 3,718m upwards. Most people choose to reach the summit via the convenient cable car. Be warned though, you will need to book at least a few weeks in advance if you want to get right to the summit as the number of visitors is limited to protect the volcano. There are plenty of other trails that you can take so you can fully appreciate Teide and the surrounding landscape.
Ride the Water Slides at Siam Park
A very different attraction but another one of Tenerife’s most famous is Siam Park. It is a must for thrill-seekers to try out the wide range of slides and rides in the Thai-themed park, and it is certainly considered one of the best of its kind in Europe. If you are travelling here with kids, there is a great children’s play area with plenty of games to try out.
Visit the Beaches
It pretty much goes without saying that you should take a trip to some of the island’s many beaches. There is a wide range of options including black volcanic, golden sandy and rocky beaches depending on what you are looking for. For people who love their water sports, El Medano on the south coast is the place you will want to head over to. Over by the capital of the island Santa Cruz, you have Playa de la Teresitas which is man made with sand imported all the way from the Sahara Desert.
Spot Some Whales and Dolphins
The chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment is a once in a lifetime experience for many people. There are plenty of tours which depart from various places on the south coast. If you are lucky, you may even be able to spot some sharks and turtles as well. But whales and dolphins are what you came for and there are a number of different species which call the waters around the Canary Islands their home.
Enjoy the Carnevale in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is not only the capital of Tenerife, it is also the main city in the Canary Islands so it is well worth a visit whatever time of year you decide to go. But if you are able to coincide your trip with the annual Carnevale which takes place in the last week of February, this is certainly an experience that you won’t forget. The whole week is like one big party in the streets, and it is certainly one of the great outdoor events to see in the Canary Islands, and the whole of Europe!
Wander the Streets of San Cristobel de la Laguna
One of the most interesting and historic towns in Tenerife is San Cristobel de la Laguna. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, it is easy to feel like you have stepped back in time when you are wandering these streets. A couple of the main sights include Laguna Cathedral and the Iglesia de la Concepcion. But it is also pleasant to sit in one of the local tavernas to enjoy some of the local cuisines.
Scuba Dive around the Tabaiba Shipwreck
Off the north coast of the island beneath the ocean, scuba divers can swim down to see the Tabaiba shipwreck for themselves. Though it’s not from a ‘real’ shipwreck (the boat was deliberately sunk back in 2006) plenty of marine life has gathered around including octopus, mackerel and barracudas. If you have not got your scuba diving license yet, there are schools offering these qualifications,
Hike Up to Masca Village
The ‘lost’ village of Masca feels a long way away from the resorts on the Costa Adeje, but people who want to get away from the crowds for a while will certainly want to go on this 3 to 5-hour hike. The rock behind the village has led some to liken it to a mini Macchu Picchu, and you will certainly want to stop for plenty of photo opportunities as you trek along the ravine in the direction of the village. When you want to head back, you can take a water taxi to Los Gigantes.
See the Wildlife at Loro Parque
Twinned with Siam Park, Loro Parque Zoo is another of the most-visited attractions in Tenerife. The parrots are what made this place famous to start off with, but now there is a diverse range of animals to see including whales, tigers and alligators. There is also an aquarium on site, as well as a Thai-style village and children’s play area.
Go Caving in Cueva del Viento
Once you’ve been up to the highest point of the island, you should also check out what is going on beneath your feet. These caves were created by lava from the eruption of the Pico Viejo volcano. A tour guide will navigate the labyrinth of underground tunnels where you will sometimes feel like you have stepped into another world.
These are just 10 reasons why Tenerife is such a special tourist destination, and since it is one you can visit all year round, it is always a good time to look at coming here.
October 26, 2017
Your Rough Guide To Portugal!
Never been to Portugal before? You’re certainly missing out! We love Portugal and think that everyone should visit the gorgeous country if possible. To help you figure out where to go and what to see, here is our guide to the country. Think of it as our portal to Portugal!
Porto
Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and is known for its historic architecture and hilly streets. The colorful buildings that line its old streets are right next to some beautiful colorful buildings – in fact, the whole city is very picture-perfect! This is the best destination for foodies as the city is well-known for its fantastic wines and restaurants. If you love nature, you will also find some breathtaking coastal walks.
Lisbon
Portugal’s capital city sits right on a coastal hilltop and is a fantastic destination for newbies to the country. Take a trip to the Torre de Belem. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most famous monuments in the whole of the country. There’s more history to discover at the Igreja de Sao Vicente de Fora, a church built by the very first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques.
Algarve
It’s known for featuring some of the best property for sale in Portugal and being a holiday destination of the rich and famous. But, in reality, you don’t need to a 5-star budget to be able to visit the Algarve. And it’s certainly worth factoring in a few days to travel to this beautiful corner of the world. You will find stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and fantastic seafood restaurants.
See more: The 5 Best Festivals and Events in Portugal!
Sintra
The area of Sintra is made up of fairytale-style woods, which are known for inspiring the children’s author Hans Christian Andersen when he visited. This is a great area to visit if you want to go trekking through some awe-inspiring countryside and landscapes. Plus, it’s only 30 kilometres from the city of Lisbon, so you can easily take a day trip to the capital.
Ericeira
Portugal is a popular destination with surfers, and all the big surfers know that the best waters are at Ericeira. This little fishing village has built up an extremely good reputation for its surf over the past few years. Even if you don’t want to get into the water yourself, you can still spend an afternoon sitting on the cliffs watching all of the pros on their boards.
Evora
If you happen to be in Portugal for Halloween, make sure you visit Evora. This city is probably best known for its large Chapel of Bones. This church dates back to the 16th century and features around 5,000 human bones. When you walk around the church, you will see that bones have been cast into the concrete from the floors right up the ceiling. But Evora isn’t just about this macabre attraction, though. Tourists also visit the Cathedral of Evora and the Roman Temple.
Hopefully, this blog post has given you a good idea of what there is awaiting you in Portugal. Have a great trip!
August 18, 2017
Things You Can’t Afford To Miss Out On In Finland!
If you’re going to be travelling to Finland, then you need to make sure you read up on the things you want to do, make yourself a list, and perhaps even book some things in advance so that you don’t end up missing out on the things you really want to do. Finland is a trip that can really open your eyes and make you feel like you’ve visited a whole new world. If you’re travelling with kids, you’re bound to have an even more magical experience.
Here are some things you can’t afford to miss out on if you’re in the area!
Visit The Rock Church
Visiting the rock church is something many people find fascinating. This is essentially a church built into bedrock, and is supremely interesting for those who are into architecture. It’s an unusual and beautiful cathedral. Although there will be lots of tourists around, it’ll be worth a look.
Don’t Miss Out On The Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the whole world. It can be spotted from only a few places in the world, including Finland. You can’t always be 100% sure you will see it, but if it turns up, it will no doubt be something you’ll never forget. Many people describe it as ‘nature’s most beautiful natural light show’.
You might be wondering; how does the Aurora Borealis happen? – it’s all very interesting, including atoms, molecules, and collisions that help to create the gorgeous colours you see in the sky. If you’re in Finland, you’re going to want to make sure you see this.
Head To The Sibelius Park & Monument
This is a contemporary monument to the Finnish composer who created the national anthem. Here you’ll find attractive sculptures with grounds surrounding that can make for a nice stroll. If you’re a fan of his music or you simply want to see some great sculptures, make sure you pay a visit.
Book At The Powerpark
The Powerpark is a must visit for thrill seekers. Here, you’ll find small queues with great rides, so you’ll be able to make the most of your time here. Perfect for travelling families but also great for couples who want a little fun in between seeing sights.
Go To The Santa Claus Village
It’s Christmas all year here at Santa Claus village, so make sure you stop by if you’re travelling to Finland with kids. Your kids have the opportunity to enjoy Christmas even when it’s summer back home, and you can give them an experience they won’t forget in a hurry. It could even be worth a visit for grown up Santa Claus fans – nobody is judging!
Make sure you plan to visit these things in Finland if you’re going to be visiting. Of course there are hundreds more amazing things to do, but we’d be here all day.
Have you been to Finland, or do you plan on going? Leave a comment with your thoughts and experiences below!
August 8, 2017
Making The Most Of Lanzarote
For a relatively small island, Lanzarote has a lot to offer. Not only is it consistent with the weather that it presents all year round, but there’s a vast wealth of history to this island that often works in conjunction with a few of the other islands within the Canaries as well. So what are the things that we need to look out for when visiting?
The Right Accommodation
Certain parts of the island are more expensive than others, but this is mainly down to how many tourists they attract each year. The more popular a location is, the more that they can hike their prices to meet demand. For cheap hotels in Puerto del Carmen, you only have to look around on the internet to find a great deal.
There’s no point in looking elsewhere when you have it right at your fingertips. The great thing is that you can put in exactly what you need with no obligation to commit and buy, so shop around a bit and see what suits you. This goes for anywhere on the island that appeals to you.
Take A Trip Elsewhere
Although it might seem counterproductive – especially when booking a holiday to Lanzarote in the first place – it’s easy to get to Fuerteventura by just a simple boat trip. The islands are extremely close to one another, making it an easy ride across without having to do much in terms of planning and organisation.
A lot of people trip over from Fuerteventura for the day to look at the volcanic history that Lanzarote has to offer, which makes a welcome break from the holiday-focused lifestyle that resides on the other island.
Look At The History
The whole of Lanzarote has been formed on many volcanic eruptions over the years. There are dried streams of lava that can be seen all over the island which are testament to its fiery past. It is the oldest of the Canary Islands, being the first to come out of the ocean when the first eruption took place. It has Timanfaya National Park at the tip of the island, which still has an active volcano within.
Although the access in and around the park is restricted to help protect the species of flora and fauna that reside within, it doesn’t mean that tourists can’t get a glimpse of what is there and what it’s got to offer.
The Timanfaya Devil is the symbol of Lanzarote, and folklore has it that it is residing in the active volcano, ready to jump out when it erupts.
The Food, The Food!
Being in the middle of the ocean, Lanzarote has a lot of fresh seafood on offer to passing tourists. If you like to have a taste of the sea, this is definitely the place for you – and you can be reassured that you will be eating only the freshest and best food that is available to you. It’s definitely worth a try, if only to say that you’ve sampled the island goods!
July 26, 2017