Posts Tagged ‘Vacations’

Naturists and Naturalists – Vacations in Southern Crete

Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands, is sometimes described as a mass tourist resort. It is true that there are several north coast resorts on Crete that can be found in the brochures of practically every package tour company. But Crete is a very big island with many unspoilt holiday resorts for tourists who prefer a quieter vacation, enjoying beautiful scenery and glimpses of traditional Cretan culture.

Both of Crete’s international airports are situated on the north coast and two high mountain ranges running east-west, form a natural barrier to mass tourism reaching the south coast. In the southwest corner of the island, the highest mountains drop steeply to the coastal area, making any serious development of these remote communities impossible. Indeed, the mountains drop so steeply here that some of the villages can only be accessed by sea.

This area of Crete is known as the Sfakia region. It lays at the foot the White Mountain range. These mountains have more than a hundred peaks, with eighty reaching to over 6500 feet and the highest ones towering to nearly eight thousand feet. Europe’s longest gorge, the Samaria, can be found amongst them, along with several others that are less well known but are every bit as picturesque and dramatic to explore.

To get to the Sfakia region, most people fly to Chania airport and travel by road over a mountain pass to Chora Sfakion. However, my best travel tip is to check out the cost of flights to Nikos Kazantzakis Airport in Heraklion before deciding which airport to fly to. I have always found that it is possible to make substantial savings by flying there instead of to Chania and the road journey to Chora Sfakion is not really all that much further.

There are a couple of family run hotels, self catering apartments, studios and village rooms providing accommodations at competitive rates in and around Chora Sfakion but we have always stayed at the beautiful naturist hotel a mile to the east in Vritomartis. If you dare to bare this is one of the few places in Greece where nudity is officially allowed. The whole of the hotel grounds are clothes optional and the area around the pool is designated as naturist only. The nearest beach is only a five minute walk away and is also clothes optional. The area is so remote, that many guests don’t even bother dressing for the walk.

For naturalists the Sfakia region provides plenty of opportunities to spot unique Cretan flora and fauna which includes the Kri Kri, a species of wild goat, indigenous to and only found on Crete. Dolphins, whales and turtles can often be seen in the clear coastal waters whilst Bonelli’s Eagle and the Griffon Vulture may be seen circling in the blue skies above.

For walkers, the gorges and mountains provide challenges ranging from relaxing hikes to demanding treks. The most famous walk is of course the Samaria Gorge and although it is very much worth undertaking, you may be put off by the crowds of tourists that descend it nearly every day. They arrive by the coach-load from all over the island because the excursion is number one on every tour operators “must-sell” list. Its worth putting up with the crowds however because once you have hiked a few hundred metres from the start of the walk, you will find plenty of spaces between you and the other walkers for the remaining 16 kilometres. The scenery is magnificent all the way down to the shore of the Lybian sea at Agia Roumeli from where you get a boat back to Chora Sfakion.

The smaller gorges of Imbros and Aradena are much less likely to be afflicted by hoards of other tourists. Imbros is an easy half day hike and its finish is situated very near to Vritomartis, making it a good choice for naturists who want to put their shorts and hiking boots on just for a change. Aradena is more of a challenge but not much further away. A good head for heights is needed on one of the sections where a little scrambling is involved.

For history lovers, the region has much to reveal about the Battle for Crete during the second world war and it is definitely worth reading the book of this name by Nikos Kazantzakis as a prelude to your vacation. The mountain villages were famous for their fierce resistance fighters where you will find the occasional statue or monument erected in memory of a local hero.

So, if you are the sort of person who loves dramatic, picturesque scenery, secluded beaches with crystal clear waters, remote mountain villages where traditional culture still remains; this part of Crete is definitely for you. If you happen to be a naturist as well as a naturalist, my travel tip is to book your vacation at the Vritomartis hotel. If you prefer to hide some parts of your body from the hot Cretan sun, head for the accommodations in Chora Sfakion instead. If you want to stay somewhere that is even more remote, hop on a boat at Chora Sfakion to take you to the next coastal village which is called Loutro. Although there is no way of reaching Loutro by road, it does have some pretty holiday apartments, several secluded beaches that nestle in coves at the foot of cliffs and donkey tracks and paths that lead up into the mountains and along the coast.

Wherever you decide to stay in this region of southern Crete you will almost certainly enjoy good weather. However, a fierce wind, blowing from the north and known as the Meltemi, funnels down through the mountain gorges and hits the southern shores with some force. It is usually at its strongest from mid July to late August, making Europe’s most southerly sun seem a little cooler than it would otherwise be. If you don’t like being wind blasted, avoid this time of the year.

Plan Your Next Vacations In Dubrovnik

Croatia with its variety of physical features such as the large stretches of plains, the beautiful lakes and rolling hills welcomes all it’s tourist with numerous options for sightseeing and many other activities and allures people of all age and all moods. The mix of climate both temperate and subtropical, more than one thousand islands in varying size, the continental and the Mediterranean coast, the famous national parks invites tourism all year round.

If you are planning a vacation in Europe then Croatia is the ultimate destination with its charming and classy hotels. Located in between south central Europe and middle Europe, the presence of Adriatic and the Danube, the second largest sea in Europe which runs through the city of Vukovar brings in the beautiful sea life which has now become the part and parcel of the tourism industry in Croatia.

Zagreb being the capital city is where you start your journey from besides this Split and Dubrovnik are also two major cities which own international airports and various sites of interest which will allure you and your family members. Dubrovnik a major tourist hub founded in the 7th century and has since then fascinated visitors from all around the world with its exceptional beauty and imagination craved in stone.

Dubrovnik summer accommodation has various wonderful options for everyone be it a business man on some business trip or a complete family on a wonderful vacation. Called the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, situated on the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik became an important Mediterranean sea power from the early 13th century onwards. Although it has been severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, the city has managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains of great tourist interest. Its is now listed as one of the world heritage sites along with other sites in Croatia such as Plitvice Lakes National Park and Historic City of Trogir etc.

The calmness and serenity of this country can be enjoyed easily in these hotels which serve according to the needs of the tourist. Various apartments can be also hired if you don’t want the hustle bustle of a hotel and want to enjoy the beauty of nature in complete inarticulateness.

The rigorous work routines and innumerable tension in your personal life often ask you to take some time out for your self and indulge in your thoughts by co-coordinating them in complete harmony with nature. Therefore at that time it’s important you choose the right place and environment to relax you and help you in your exercise. If you choose Croatia then opt for Dubrovnik summer accommodation which will surely aid in your plans.

Big Apple youths like ‘fresh air’ vacations

Big Apple youths like ‘fresh air’ vacations
When Rebecca Haling calls 10-year-old Isaiah in Queens, New York, at Christmas and on his birthday, she often hears sounds of arguing in his apartment building and sirens from the city streets.

Read more on Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Bahamas Yacht Charters Make Super Sailing Vacations

There is no better way to experience a tropical adventure than with Bahamas island yacht charters. Take a step into the past as the captain navigates through the deep blue waters of the Bahamas using a method of travel thousands of years old. In fact, Christopher Columbus first landed in the Bahamas after crossing the ocean in a vessel only slightly larger than some of the luxurious charter boats. Of course, there is no comparison between the conditions endured by Columbus and vacation involving Nassau Bahama luxury yacht charters.

If you are an expert sailor or just a beginner, the friendly captain will cater the journey to your preference. For example, the level of activity and adventure. Your voyage does not have to be a typical cruise that might be found on a commercial cruise liner. The Islands in the Bahamas are rarely more than two hours apart. Provided the wind is strong, the entire vacation could be spent island hopping each day, trying to take in as much as possible. Planning the route ahead of time allows for the best experience and guarantees little downtime and a lot of excitement. For example, if the planned sailing route crosses the gulf-stream, the high winds could cause the captain to shout, “All hands on deck!”. Docking at the various ports throughout the Bahamas is also based on adventure level. Some ports offer high adventure hiking, mountain biking excursions and rock climbing, while others allow serenity and relaxation on calm sandy beaches. Other ports provide opportunities to snorkel, shop or tour historic ruins. One of the great things about chartering a yacht is the freedom to tailor the vacation to personal interests. Each stop along the journey can be completely unique and no two journeys are identical. The only constant is the inescapable breath-taking scenery that creates life long memories.

Additionally, if the party is interested in sailing or already has some experience, many private captains will give lessons or allow seasoned sailors to take the helm. What better way to learn sailing then in the beautiful warm waters of the Bahamas. Also, for young children, this is the perfect pirate ship adventure of their dreams. They can don a captain’s hat and eye patch and play pirate to their hearts content. This vacation destination truly has something for everyone and every age group.

If food is a large part of a successful vacation, it is possible to plan the route to sample the local cuisine on a different island each day. The Bahamas excel in the preparation and delivery of fine drinks and award winning seafood. Alternatively, there is also the possibility to eat right inside one of the larger chartered yachts while sailing between islands. With this option, it is possible to maximize the time you spend sightseeing or adventure seeking when docked. For anyone seeking a vacation that truly provides a one of a kind experience and that will create an indelible mark on your memory, nothing else compares with Bahamas island yacht charters.

Corfu Hotel: Luxurious amenities for comfortable vacations

Corfu Island belongs to the Ionian cluster of islands. It is one of the most spectacular tourist destinations in all of Greece. The island opened its doors to international visitors and touristâ??s way back in 1970s. It has been more than three decades now that the islandâ??s tourism infrastructure has drawn people from far and wide. The beguiling landscape, lush olive plantations, thousands of natural produces like fruits and herbs, aromatic wild flowers, beautiful hamlets on the mountain slopes, trendy coastal villages, gorgeous beaches and some amazing and famed museums and churches enhances the islandâ??s reputation as the best holiday destination in all of Greece. Summer season basically sees scores of tourists flocking to this region.

Keeping in mind the various touristy needs and to set up good standards, the tourism infrastructure has taken initiatives to provide the most modern amenities at any Corfu hotel in the region, be it in the quaint mountainous villages or in the coastal villages. Each Corfu hotel must have some basic facilities so that the tourists feel totally comfortable and relaxed. Such facilities will include parking space, private television, refrigerator, a small mini bar, rooms having air conditioning, bathrooms with Jacuzzi and a good shower system, computers with internet connection, cocktail bars, snack bars, restaurants catering international and local cuisine, salons, laundry service, pools, lounge areas and most importantly good room service.

However, each Corfu hotel differs from one another in some way or the other. If you prefer the mountain views then you would automatically search for a Corfu hotel located in the mountainous villages. Such a Corfu hotel will have suites or rooms with impressive view of the mountains at a distance with lush green vegetation. These rooms usually have balconies along with them. You will also view the colouful village houses on the slopes. There are also some boutique hotels coming up in Corfu. They have different kinds of themes that they exhibit in their architecture. Such concepts are created to lure the tourists and captivate their imagination. Boutique hotels might be expensive but they are worth the money.

You may also come across a Corfu hotel that is situated on a hillside and provides excellent view of the vast Ionian Sea as well. In case of those who prefer a nice Corfu hotel by the beach, for them there are plenty of choices. Such a Corfu hotel is easily available in the coastal villages and their location is usually by the beach side or a few km away from the beach. At any Corfu hotel along the beach side you will notice that the architecture is such that most of the rooms are sea facing with small or large balconies depending upon the budget that you can spent.

Luxury hotels have even come up with the novelty plan of creating private infinity pools attached to the room with stunning view of the sea and the beach area. These rooms in a Corfu hotel will usually be the grand suites with 3 or 4 bedrooms, full air conditioning, large lounge area, a spacious balcony, mini bar, kitchenette, refrigerator, private television, bathrooms with Jacuzzi, stylish shower systems and other amenities. These suites are very costly and only the high profile guests and dignitaries can afford it. Another important feature worth mentioning is the transportation facility provided by a Corfu hotel. It usually has contacts with car agencies for the pick up of guests and tourists from the airport and vice versa and also for sightseeing purposes. All such respective services and features at a Corfu hotel can surely win the hearts of its guests bringing them to this wonderful island again and again.