Category Archives: Europe Guides
Find seclusion in Menorca
Seclusion in Menorca might sound like something of an oxymoron. After all, everyone knows it’s an immensely popular holiday destination, renowned for its natural beauty, stunning beaches and lively cities. Such is its legendary status among the Balearic islands that thousands of Brits board Monarch Airlines flights destined for Menorca every year.
But if you’re looking for a holiday of seclusion, there’s no need to write off the island just yet. Menorca is significantly calmer than its party-loving fellow Majorca, which has a reputation for wild nights out and packed beaches. You just have to plan your trip around the quieter areas and take certain precautions. Follow our guide below and you’ll find no end of seclusion in Menorca.
Accommodation
First things first – you need to sort out your accommodation. Many hotels will offer you plenty of space and privacy, but if you’re looking to be completely shut off, your best best is a villa. Fewer staff, no other guests – just you and the ones you love. Some of them are located a good hike from the nearest town, so it’s worth deciding whether this will be a positive aspect or an inconvenience.
For those who want a little more company than the beach, Es Grau is an excellent compromise between the totally shut-off and the bustling holiday resorts. It is a little fishing village offering a handful of bars and restaurants, with a huge unspoilt stretch of sand known only to the locals and savvy holidaymakers.
Menorca is also less busy at certain times of the year, and it’s all the more likely you’ll find seclusion during term time or in the winter months. This is definitely something to consider if you’ve not got children.
Attractions
It’s not all waterparks filled with screaming children and sunburnt British families packed like sardines on the beaches. There are plenty of attractions on Menorca that evoke a sense of the secluded.
We’ll start with the beaches as these are one of the island’s top features. Stay away from the ones next to huge hotels and you’ll find what you’re looking for. Cala de Algaiarens is a top one to visit if you’re stuck for ideas – its picturesque cove is rarely inhabited by more than a handful of sun worshippers, and it’s also perfect for snorkelling and exploring underwater caves. However, the beach itself is private property and there is an entrance fee of four euros – something that helps to put off the crowds.
Sticking with Menorca’s natural assets, its rugged landscape is an absolute joy to explore if you enjoy hiking or even a casual walk. Paths are strewn all over the island – perfect for a good-for-the-heart stroll under the afternoon sun.
Although there are tours available, you’ll obviously want to avoid these if you’re aiming for isolation. Start at one of the towns or cities – or even your accommodation – and just use your trusty map and a pair of decent boots.
Those looking for seclusion in Menorca simply need to know where and when to head to one of the most spectacular islands in Spain. By heeding our instructions, you be well on your way to having a relaxing holiday here!
3 Ideal Places In Europe For A Romantic City Break
As the gloom of winter reaches its lowest point, it seems there aren’t many things around to bring energy into our lives. The cold rain, mist (and occasional snow) drain us of our motivations, and the early darkness of January is enough to make anybody question why one would live so far north at this time of year. Both you and your partner need a pick-me-up, and fast.
Fortunately, you two have the perfect excuse to get the bloody hell out of town … Valentine’s Day! Since it is easy as pie to leave your car at short stay parking at Heathrow, a holiday of this nature is well within your reach, even if you don’t live directly within Central London.
Over on the continent, there is no shortage of cities where one can get away at a moment’s notice. Not only do they prove that living in Europe has its advantages at any time of the year, but they also provide a deep bench of romantic destinations where you can have an intimate weekend with your adorable snugglebunny (or whatever pet name that you have for your love).
Today, we will share three cities that are no-brainers for rekindling the spark in your relationship, no matter how dour the weather might be at home.
1) Paris, France
Out of all the cities on our list, Paris is the metropolis that sticks out like a sore thumb, given that “the city of love” is one of its nicknames. There are many romantic attractions that will vie for your attention, but start your day in Montmartre, a district that is set on a hill, for some gasp-inducing views of Paris in all its ageless glory.
Head to the Wall of “I Love You’s”, known in French as Le Mur Des Je T’Aime, to revel in the corniness of that famous phrase, written in 250 different languages. Finally, after a sensuous dinner at Laperouse, a restaurant set in an atmospheric 17th century mansion, go out for an evening of high society entertainment at Palais Garnier, a century-old opera house that was immortalized in Gaston’s Leroux’s seminal work, “The Phantom Of The Opera”.
2) Rome, Italy
The Italians also give the French a run for their Euros in the romance Olympics with their ancient capital, Roma. After doing the mandatory hand-in-hand stroll past the Trevi Fountains, head up Aventine Hill to give your lover the surprise of a lifetime. At the top, there is a place referred to as the Aventine keyhole, an arch in the headquarters of the Priory of the Knights of Malta, where the dome of St. Peter’s Cathedral is perfectly framed between the ivy covered walls of that building.
Afterwards, check out some exquisite art at Villa Farnesina and then attempt to re-create the infamous scene from Disney’s Lady And The Tramp, by getting some plates of pasta at Ristorante Pecorino, located at Via Galvani, 54, a wonderful place to have authentic Italian pasta.
3) Budapest, Hungary
If you want to take your relationship to new places, then head to one of the hottest new places to get away for a romantic city break: Budapest, Hungary. Head to the Fisherman’s Bastion on the River Danube to get a sweeping view of this historic Central European gem, then check out its thermal baths, which are Budapest’s biggest claims to fame.
After a relaxing soak among character-filled bath houses, go to the docks on the Danube, where river cruises are offered. With a glass of authentic Hungarian champagne each, toast each other for the red hot love that you still share with each other even after all these years.
You may not have time for a proper holiday this winter, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t escape the city of a weekend of quality time with your loved one this Valentine’s Day. By taking advantage of your proximity to some of the most starkly beautiful metropolises on the planet, you will keep stoking the flames of passion that are key to a successful long-term relationship!
Top Reasons To Visit London: Events And Festivities
The top reasons to visit London usually have something to do with its architecture or history. London has plenty of both to get around with. But really, different months of the year give plenty of reasons why you should go there.
It’s hard to recommend an exact area to stay in London because there are fantastic things to see and do all over the city. A good option though is to check out Heathrow airport hotels as you can usually snag a better deal than the center of town, and you can access the entire city via the tube (the London metro system).
Here’s some awesome things to check out in London for every month!
January is marked by the New Year and Londoners welcome it with a parade. During the London Parade, thousands of majorettes leave Parliament Square and head for Berkeley Square, arriving two to three hours later.
February is when the Soho and Great Spitalfields Pancake Day takes place. Participants toss pancakes from one pan to another as they race down Carneby Street towards Spitalfields. The fun event takes place on Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras which is a day before Lent. The Chinese New Year celebrated in Chinatown is also a must-see. Lion dancers and fireworks make it a raucous event.
April is a time of the year when the Easter Day Parade gives life to Battersea Park. The event is one of the top reasons to visit London. Floats and bands fill the park with music and colors. Also in the same month is the Harness Horse Parade when different types of horse-drawn carriages show off.
May is dominated by the Chelsea Flower Show. This takes place at the Royal Hospital Gardens. Seasonal fairs are also available at Alexandra, Bleackheath, and Hampstead Heath.
June is the perfect month to watch tennis matches since Wimbledon championships are right around the corner. By mid-June, you can attend the Royal Ascot to watch horse races. The Henley Royal Regatta also happens in June. Rowers race through Thames and you can watch from tents along the river. Indeed, this time of year is one of the best times to visit London in the United Kingdom!
August is the only month when Buckingham Palace becomes open to the public. The royal palace is one of the top reasons to visit London. By the end of the month you can celebrate Notting Hill Festival with the locals. It is a Caribbean street party with parades, food, and a lot of dancing.
October is when The Pearly’s, traditional performers dating back centuries ago, dance in the streets wearing pearl-covered coats.
November offers an authentic British celebration with the Guy Fawkes Night. Firework displays, bonfires, and parties are held throughout London to commemorate Guy Fawkes and his attempt to blow up the Parliament in 1605.
December kicks off the season with the Christmas Tree Lighting at Trafalgar Square. Londoners look at it as a very meaningful event.
Best Greek Islands for Family Holidays
With hundreds of islands to choose from, there really is a holiday for everyone on offer in the Greek archipelago, from clubbers to retirees.
But what about holidays in Greece for families? Monarch.co.uk have a wide range of cheap holidays on the most popular Greek islands, so you don’t need to stress about cost.
The main thing to worry about is choosing an island with plenty of lovely beaches and quiet resorts to suit young children and parents seeking some down time alike. Let’s take a look at three of the best for family holidays in the sun:
Corfu
A perennially popular destination with Brits, Corfu has many English speakers working in restaurants and hotels, making it easy for families.
What’s particularly nice about Corfu is that the majority of the island is free from large-scale development – with the emphasis very much on enjoying a laid-back holiday, free from hordes of drunken 18 to 30-year-olds that plague some of the other Greek islands.
There are many attractive villages dotted around the coastline where you can eat in welcoming tavernas serving up tasty Greek dishes such as fresh fish and moussaka, often with a side of chips.
A wide range of different beaches are on offer, from pebbly ones with crystal clear water in the north-east that are perfect for swimming, to sandier ones on the more exposed west coast, where the water can be a bit more choppy.
Family attractions include Aqualand, not far from Corfu Town, where you’ll find many water slides and pools for a fun-filled day in the sunshine, while the capital itself is well-worth a visit to check out its shops and museums.
Rhodes
As one of the largest of the Greek Islands, Rhodes offers a number of different types of holiday. While there are plenty of places for 20-somethings to party the night away, such as the resort of Faliraki, there are equally just as many quieter towns where families can relax and enjoy each other’s company.
These include the town of Pefkos, which has a lovely sandy beach and a good selection of bars and restaurants, and the historic town of Lindos, with its cobbled streets and whitewashed stone houses. However, even Faliraki can cater perfectly well to families looking for somewhere more lively, with its long sandy beach and water park. There’s no obligation to go clubbing!
Crete
If you thought Rhodes had plenty of choice, wait until you check out the options available in Crete, Greece’s largest and most populous island.
One of the best locations in Crete for families is the small fishing town resort of Elounda on the northern coast of the island. This welcoming destination has a lovely sandy beach for sunbathing, offers boats trips to the nearby island of Spinalonga, is close to a number of historical attractions and is just a 45 minutes drive from the Acqua Plus water park.
Another lovely spot is Amoudara, whose wonderful, clean sandy beach and clear waters are perfect for a family day out, while the town itself has a wide range of dining options. There are also some bars and nightclubs if you’re going with your grown up children and they fancy heading out alone after spending the day with their parents.
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