Alluring Alcudia

If your idea of an island paradise features deck chairs, sand castles and endless sunshine then Alcudia is just the place. This much visited municipality features the longest stretch of sand in the whole of Majorca and a variety of entertainment venues, fit for the whole family. Children with an interest in horrible histories may particularly enjoy a guided tour of the local Roman Theatre.

Cultured Cala Bona

Those of you with refined tastes are encouraged to spend a bit of time in Cala Bona during your package holidays in Majorca. This quaint town is home to restaurants selling traditional Spanish cuisine and characterful cafés, ideal for people watching. However, by far the most intriguing and mysterious of the Cala Bona attractions are the Caves of Drach. Explored by the famous geologist Edouard-Alfred Martel in 1896, the caves now act as the venue for splendid music concerts.

Pretty Palma Nova

If you’re looking for a base from which to explore the scenic Majorcan countryside then it’s well worth considering the resorts of Palma Nova. While staying here you will enjoy easy access to countryside cycling routes, gently undulating pathways and pretty beaches. A fun filled family day out is also on offer at the Marineland sea-life park, home to penguins, sea lions and performing dolphins.

Captivating Calvia

For an action packed adventure holiday there are few better alternatives than Calvia. This south westerly municipality, located fairly close to the party capital of Magaluf, is thus very popular among teenage and young adult travellers. It’s the place to be for nautical activities such as flow riding, water skiing and diving.

Picturesque Palma

Despite its status as the capital of Majorca, Palma has remained largely unexplored by the international travel community. This is a little strange, given the appeal of local sights such as the distinctive Castell de Beliver and Peublo Espanol. Even if you aren’t interested in Spanish history, a walk along the delightful streets of old Palma is highly recommended.

As more and more people seem to enjoy the freedom and independence afforded by a self-catered villa holiday, we have put together a compilation of the most interesting holiday spots in Spain and Portugal. So if you’re looking to rent cheap villas in Spain or Portugal, have a look through our guide and see if anything takes your fancy.

1. Fuerteventura

If you are interested in the best villas Canary Islands have to offer, the island of Fuerteventura may be perfect for you. World-renowned for the range of water sports available, and the quality to which they are taught, Fuerteventura is the perfect destination for holidaymakers who enjoy a fair amount of excitement and adventure on their holiday.

The unique climate of the island is able to provide great surfing conditions all year round, a fantastic windsurfing breeze and, more recently, the weather conditions necessary to host major kite surfing competitions. If your interest lies more on the dry side of things, then the island has numerous carefully manicured golf courses on which you can fit in a leisurely round or two.

2. The Algarve

Contained in the southern most region of Portugal, the Algarve has managed to retain its status as one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe thanks to the glorious beaches that seem to stretch on forever. Boasting some of the most deliciously fresh seafood you’ll ever have the chance to sample, the Algarve has managed to retain its charm even when exposed to rising visitor numbers year after year.

The Algarve has a unique and incredibly interesting history shown through the Roman and Moorish influences that find expression in the architecture and customs of the region. For those that like to immerse themselves in the history and culture of their destination, the vibrant streets of the local towns provide the perfect opportunity to get to know the people of the Algarve and their history.

3. Gran Canaria

There are ample opportunities on the island of Gran Canaria to find high quality and relatively cheap villas. Considering the natural beauty and enticing climate of the island it is no wonder that it has become one of the hot holiday destinations recently.

The south of the island sees slightly less rain and is therefore a safer bet when considering the location of your accommodation but the north retains great access to the rolling green ravines and idyllic villages that make up large parts of the island.

If you are interested in any of these three locations, it is a good idea to browse through the Villas4You website which offers high quality and affordable villas in all three destinations.

One feature of Majorca that can be enjoyed wherever you stay is the fine and fresh cuisines served in restaurants spread all over the island. There are a huge number of restaurants to suit every taste and budget. Traditional Majorcan food is offered broadly and tends to consist of locally caught fish, tapas and fresh meat such as chorizo sausage or lamb. Be aware that a lot of places don’t open until around 8pm however as the typical Spanish dinner time is much later than in the UK.

Majorca boasts a Mediterranean climate, with temperatures reaching a hot 30 degrees in the summer months. Temperatures do tend to drop during the evening though, and places nearer the coast can become quite cool and breezy.

For Culture
Puerto Pollensa is home to the most magnificent architecture, historic towns and picturesque landscapes. The town is bursting with stylish cafes, art galleries, churches and gothic chapels, mostly accessed by narrow medieval streets. The atmosphere here is incredibly chic and fashionable. It is the site of an annual classical music festival which attracts international, high quality acts and an audience that keeps coming back each year. Puerto Pollensa exhibits charm and culture at its best, making it the ideal location for visitors wishing to experience Majorca’s fascinating traditions.

For Nightlife
Magaluf is a common choice for the young traveller after a booze-fuelled, party atmosphere. Well known for its busy and lively atmosphere with host to over a hundred bars and a large selection of nightclubs. With many places staying open until 6am in the morning and providing some of the best RnB, House, and commercial dance music, holiday makers can certainly make the most of this socially active resort. During the day, Magaluf has a wide selection of water sports available for those who are after a less relaxing alternative to a sunbathe on the beach. The resort is also in walking distance of the island’s most popular Water Park which has a large number of slides suitable for all ages.

For the Adventure
Calla Millor offers a whole host of attractions and interesting places to visit. The Safari Zoo is one excursion that can be enjoyed by all ages, either by train or by car around a 4km circuit. There is an aquarium hosting a large variety of exotic fish and a local glass bottom boat trip in which you can explore the depths and marine life in the Mediterranean Sea. Calla Millor is also in close distance to the Caves of Drach, a popular and fascinating tourist attraction sure to impress with its striking formation over hundreds of years.

This article was written on behalf of Liverpool Airport Parking for Skypark Secure, a great choice for airport parking for your summer holiday.

Well, besides from being able to get a good deal on a range of all inclusive holidays, Majorca has more potential than you may have realised.

The landscape

Majorca has an amazing landscape. Despite being built up in the cities, the sprawling countryside on the island is still left untouched. This means that venturing away from the built up coastlines can prove very rewarding as you take in the atmosphere that is provided by the Mediterranean countryside.

Of course, one can’t mentioned Majorca and not discuss the beaches. Majorca, as an island situated in the hot and exotic Mediterranean Sea, is surrounded by near perfect beaches of endless sand. Popular both in the day and at night, the beaches are one of Majorca’s major attractions.

Overall the island offers a very relaxing experience, especially when compared to the neighbouring island of Ibiza. Without the extensive club and party atmosphere, the beaches here are much more relaxing, allowing a greater peace of mind in the quiet summer nights.

Places to visit

For an island, Majorca has an extensive range of settlements. Most are dotted along the coasts, taking advantage of the beaches but some can also be found inland, nestled into the countryside. The island has one major city, Palma de Mallorca.

Palma de Mallorca is one of the more popular tourist destinations, with various hotels and resorts to choose from. Built on the coast, the city has a good choice of beaches along the coastline as well as a fairly established mariner, offering an odd combination of natural coastline and built-up city life.

For a more quiet retreat, there are other seaside resorts such as Cala D’or and Cala Bona which offer alternatives. Smaller resorts have different features compared to Palma, such as jazz festivals, markets and golf courses. The range of activities and entertainment available on the island is impressive and, with it being so varied, it pays to do some research beforehand and determine what you want to do.

Local atmospheres

Wherever you go in Majorca, you can never escape the vibrant local atmosphere and culture that is established on the island. Even in the tourist-heavy Palma de Mallorca, local customs can still be observed.

Chief of these is the local food. Naturally, seafood is very prominent on the island and is a speciality that has to be tried during your stay. Being locally produced, it can often be found for cheap affordable rates but is of a surprisingly high quality. The local paella is also recommended.

In short, there are many things that make up Majorca, which is why Majorca holidays are continually popular. If you want to sample the Mediterranean from the heart of a truly unique island, than Majorca may be your best option.

Of course, though escaping the daily rat-race is not as complex as (for instance) filling out a tax return, (after all, you just book a package with Alcudia Holidays, right?) it is not without its challenges. For instance, where do you change currencies? How do you get the best exchange rate?

To address these questions (and more!) I have taken the liberty of compiling some answers below. Take heed, oh pursuer of blue oceans and sand, and enjoy Mallorca!

1. When should you change currencies?

The answer to this question can be summed up in two brief phrases, together adding up to a simple nine words: “Not at the airport” and “As soon as possible.” Perhaps I should elaborate.

Changing currencies at the airport is a bad move because, like those people that sell cans of coke at music festivals for £4, bureaus de change at airports know they’ve got you right where they want you, and they’re prepared to make you pay a premium. Get your euros there, and you could pay significantly over the odds, and end up with a much less impressive sum in your pocket. Consider yourself fair-warned!

Second of all, get your mitts on those lovely lovely euros as soon as possible (or at least thinking about it), and you’re less at the mercy of whatever rate is available at the last minute. Hurrah! For instance, if you change currencies just a week before catching your plane, you really have little choice but to accept the euro total offered there and then.

On the other hand, find out where the rate is three or even six months in advance, and you can ask: “Is this a low rate? Could I do better?” After all, even a one cent difference can make a big difference in the euro total you receive.

2. Where should you change currencies?

This question is a bit more tough to answer, given that exchange rates can change a lot from service to service and day to day. Your best bet is to click on Google, and type in “bureau de change” into the search engine. If the programmers at Silicon Valley are worth their salaries, you should then get a list of foreign exchange services in your local area.

Give them a call, telling them what currency you’re changing and what amount, and ask who will provide the highest euro total when all is said and done. Of course, you need to call a few places in quick succession to do this, because the exchange rates are changing all the time, but it really is the best way to find out who can provide you the best euro rate.

3. What pitfalls should you look out for?

Commission is the big one. You don’t want to be paying it. Bureau de changes make their money by taking the interbank exchange rate and offering you a rate below that, so that they themselves take the difference. For instance, if the euro is at 1.20 and you get 1.18, that means the bureau de change is taking 2 cents from you. This is normal practice. Commission though is when you charged on top of this, which is absolutely outrageous and should be avoided like George Osborne avoids pasties.

4. Are there alternatives?

You could of course use your debit card to pay for things in Mallorca. Oftentimes though, banks including NatWest and Santander charge a £1.50 fee every time you buy something in another country. Furthermore, they also charge you to withdraw cash from a machine. That can quickly add up!

There is also a similar predicament regarding credit cards. Most credit cards charge 3.0% when you use them abroad, which is equivalent to the rates you might get at a bank. Hence, although they are convenient, they can be costly too.

If you need to transfer more than £5,000 to Mallorca, contact us at foreign exchange specialist Pure FX for the best exchange rates and industry-beating personal guidance. We’d be delighted to help.

Residing in a holiday home in the form of a villa or cottage is popular with many holidaymakers from the UK. These properties offer many benefits over traditional forms of accommodation from private pools to private gyms and overall a higher level of accommodation with all the perks of staying in a luxury home. If you have recently booked a villa holiday in Croatia here is a handy checklist to check when you first arrive to ensure you have a satisfying stay.

Walk the grounds – During daylight walk the grounds to ensure that gates are looked, fences are upright and that there are no possible hazards nearby. These are particular important to check if you have small children in your party. Problems should be first reported to your travel company and in some cases with the villa owner directly.

Put your valuables safely away – A large number of self-catering holiday villas will include a safe or some form of concealed compartment allowing you to place your valuables in the shape of passports, money and jewellery safely away. Don’t let weak security spoil your holiday.

Short list local attractions – Different locations offer different attractions. You can ask your travel agent before arriving or as soon as you arrive by asking local people. For example in Croatia you will find during the summer a wide range of festivals from the Dubrovnik International Regatta to Dubrovnik Summer Festival (mid July to mid August) perfect if you have chosen a villa in Dubrovnik as these are walking distance away from the center. Other locations such as Split and Istria that are also very popular will likely to enjoy their own range of festive activities so you simply need to ask.

List available equipment – Each villa comes with its own level of luxury and equipment that has been promised and must be in working order. Take the time to quickly note down the equipment you see against the villa’s listing. In the unlikely event that your expectations have not been met in full your first point of call is to discuss it with the local representative or villa rental company.

Get familiar with the area – You will enjoy your holiday more if you are able to navigate your way around at some level. If you check-in during the day (check-in in Croatia starts at 15:00) you have plenty of time to walk around the area, around the village and nearest town to get familiar with your surroundings.

Majorca villas are great because of the advantages they offers over other holidays. You can take a stroll through a beautiful garden, or you can take a swim in your private swimming pool. Most of the villas in Majorca are close enough to a town to be able to walk there for any extra amenities that you or your family might need. The villas are fully furnished, and some even include a satellite TV. Villas in Majorca cater to the comfort of each family with amenities such as Jacuzzis, Wi-Fi, extra beds, bed linens and bath towels as well as maid service. It offers the comforts of home.

While on a Majorcan holiday, you will be able to take the family and explore the countryside. Majorca has many coves, caves and mountains just waiting to be explored by your family. There will be opportunities to spend a day on the white beaches or swimming in the Mediterranean. This popular Island destination is available for your family to reconnect with each other while on a holiday.

Majorca is an island located on the Mediterranean Sea with beautiful views of some of the world’s most serene beaches and majestic mountains. Those taking holidays on this island can enjoy excellent cuisine at their five star restaurants and visit many superb shopping establishments. Your family will want to take a stroll throughout the area to see all the architectural structures nearby. The family might enjoy spending a day at one of the Island’s water parks, or they could just relax by the pool at the villa.

A Majorcan villa holiday can be the highlight of your family’s summer when you take the time to plan to visit all the things that are offered in Majorca. From castles to sandy beaches, there will be something for every member of the family to enjoy. A holiday is a chance to make memories with your family, and a holiday in a Majorcan villa will be an adventure of a lifetime for all of you.

Villas in Majorca are a fantastic holiday option will open up many options to your family. If you are looking for a relaxing break by the beach, a citystay or a villa at the base of a mountain you will find something that is perfect for you here. There is a vast array of villas just waiting for you to rent them with your family and because you have a real home from home while in Majorca you will instantly feel more relaxed in the country, particularly if you have never visited before.

Palma de Majorca is the main city, the largest on the Island, and is really the destination to visit if you are wanting some vibrancy while holidaying with your family. You will find a large selection of villas
available to rent here with various budgets being well catered for. Palma de Majorca is full of history and is a wonderful place to spend a few weeks with your family. If you are staying outside then a visit
here for the selection of shops is definitely a must for any woman! You will find lots of beautiful hand crafted items on offer here and you will be able to travel home with lots of souvenirs for yourself and your friends. Marineland is a particular favourite destination of children as they will be able to closely view many marine animals such as sharks, fish, penguins and much more. This is a fantastic day out for the whole family and will possibly allow yourself and your children to see some animals that you have never witnessed before.

If you are looking for somewhere a little more reserved for your family then consider visiting Alcudia where you can book family villas. You will find that this is home to S’Albufera Natural Park which is the largest protected area of the whole island and is simply stunning. There is lots to see here with plants and wildlife blooming here throughout the year.

Once you have explored Alcudia or Palma de Majorca if you are fancying a change of pace then why not consider taking your family for a hike in the mountains. You will find lots of different trails available
with everything from a beginners course right through to a course for the most experienced hikers only. Hiking gives you and your family a real chance to bond with one another without the gadgets of modern life while taking in some spectacular sights and getting up close and personal with wildlife and nature.

A villa holiday is a fantastic way to stick to a budget if you are wanting to. You will be able to cook your own meals, whenever you like, and will usually only require a small deposit. There is a wide variety of villa rentals available in Majorca and you will be sure to find something in the location that you want, whatever the time of year. The competition is fierce in some areas and this can only mean that you benefit from getting the best available villa rental for your budget and many will have most, if not all, of the modern conveniences that you use back home meaning you will have a real home from home.

Consider a 12-night cruise exploring a bit of both east and west Mediterranean. Leaving from Venice, stops at Ravenna, Naples and Capri. The cruise ship then jaunts over to Kotor in Montenegro, calls at Corfu, Malta and back to Italy to stop at Messina and Naples again. Sailing on, the lucky cruisers will see Ajaccio, Corsica, Monte Carlo in Monaco, Portofino and finally Rome. With a full day in each port, the cruise offers plenty of time to sightsee, shop and sample the local fare.

When researching Mediterranean cruises, feel free to daydream your way through the fabled ports of call. Hear Istanbul’s muezzins calling the faithful to prayer and get a whiff of the spice market. Taste fine Provençal wines in lovely Villefranche-sur-Mer. Stroll through the ancient town of Valleta, on the fascinating island of Malta. Dream of a romantic gondola ride at sunset in Venice. Enjoy reading about the various cities when planning your trip. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to thoroughly immerse yourself in each port city.

Palma, the capital city of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, incorporates some of the best features of ports on the Western Mediterranean. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, Palma offers beautiful beaches, contemporary museums, artisans shops, restaurants and many historic places to visit. The Gothic cathedral called La Seu, which commenced construction in the 13th century, took 500 years to finish. Nearby Bellver Castle returns the visitor to a distinctly medieval world with a spectacular view of the town and harbour. Palma’s architecture is an enchanting blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Moorish elements, its winding streets awaiting savvy strollers. No wonder Palma has become a hotspot for sophisticated travellers.

There’s a Mediterranean cruise for every traveller. Choose small ships or big ships, and consider budget to thoroughly luxurious cruises with all the levels in between. Three or four night cruises on up to 12, 19 and even 28-night cruises run the full gamut. Truly, a host of choices and decisions awaits every cruiser to the Mediterranean. Take account of finances, and be aware that even luxury cruises are not fully inclusive. Chances are you’ll spend more on the cruise than you think. Talk to travel agents and take advantage of available research on the Internet. Cruising the Mediterranean is a dream vacation so plan it well and you’ll enjoy every second of your cruise to the ancient ports around this romantic sea.

If your wish is to go somewhere warm, easily reached and at low cost, then you should consider
going to Majorca.

This warm welcoming sunny island can be reached in a few hours from most parts of Europe and there are many inexpensive flights to choose from. All types of holidays are catered for and the beaches and resorts are wonderful.

Puerto Pollensa on the northern coastline is perfect for family holidays. It has a long sandy beach, attractive small shops and a huge choice of accommodation and restaurants.

Having a holiday in this resort is likely to be so successful, that you will probably want to return there often.