Tag Archive | "Spain"

Real Madrid Taking On Barcelona

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The thrilling rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona from the Spanish Football League has continued growing for over 100 years. Both clubs have won numerous titles and continue to do so. The next time the teams meet, anticipate the joy around the league.

In seasons past, Barcelona has had a distinct advantage against their biggest competition Real Madrid. Two essential wins in 2011 have ensured that they maintain this. In order to obtain the UEFA Championship League title as well as the La Liga title they had to dominate Real Madrid. The rivalry between these two teams indeed spans back approximately 80 years in a situation where both teams have won awards, with one winning one year, and the other usually winning the next. Spanish football history dates from 1929, and since that beginning, Barcelona and Real Madrid have shown their prowess throughout the La Liga. Beyond league titles, both teams have also dominated the Copa Del Rey with 43 wins between them.

One of the best rivalries inside the football world is a contest between two Spanish giants. La Liga clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona have competed at the highest level for many years and their matches have been some of the most memorable in the past 25 years. The clubs compete in 2011 Copa Del Rey and 2011 Super Cup. The imprtance of those two trophies have a backseat to the UEFA champions league competition. Real Madrid and Barcelona met in the semifianls last year with Barcelona winning the match and eventually the championship. This years first league match at the Real Madrid’s Bernabeu was dominated by Bracelona. Lionel Messi scored two goals for Barceloan in the first half. The 2011 Copa Del Rey provided another classic match with Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo scoring in the 103rd minute leading Real Madrid to a 1-0 win.

There are differences between these football clubs, but they should stay the top five clubs in the world. The manager of Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho has won multiple titles with different teams and is rated as one of the best. He should stay that way despite the fact that there is some controversy with his team. One of his strategies is to sign new players and work the transfer market. He also uses the Real Madrid youth squads in his team building. Pep Guardiola, the manager of Barcelona is successful manager who continues to win. He can see talent and has a number of the best youth programs worldwide. These two clubs will continue to have an incredible rivalry, one of the best in sports and football.

Spain Travel Manual

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Ahead of traveling to Spain, it could be quite helpful and beneficial to study some Spain journey guide to create your holiday memorable and fun-filled. Hundreds of thousands of individuals check out Spain yearly because of its majestic elegance and wealthy history. We understand that Spain was one of many superpowers in the a long time just before and it has lots of intriguing landmarks it is possible to genuinely appreciate. Spain’s varied tradition is also a single you should be capable to encounter. Apart from that, you shouldn’t skip their foods and prosperous wines. Travelling to Spain will really give you once-in-a-lifetime expertise.

 

Ahead of travelling to Spain, you need to read books and magazines concerning the mentioned region. This can be a very important Spain travel information suggestion. Having an concept about their heritage, tradition and individuals can make a big big difference in your whole travel. You might even need to find out number of Spanish words that you simply can use to your travel.
Know first where you would wish to keep and produce a hotel reservation weeks and even months in advance. This will provide you with far more opportunities to avail any discount rates or hotel promo prices. Do that for your aircraft reservations also especially if you’re an abroad traveler. You can undoubtedly save a whole lot in case you get promos and discount rates from the chosen airlines.
One extremely simple and simple Spain travel manual is usually to pack light and travel light. What this means is that you just ought to only carry essential points for your journey. You really don’t need to be charged of excess baggage and I’m certain you really don’t also desire to have this kind of big burden in your entire travel.
Generate a budget plan and know the conversion fee. It would be wise to usually keep track of your budget in order to avoid overspending. You can nevertheless possess a memorable and enjoyable travel even with out investing a huge level of funds. Bring your own bottle of journey even though travelling in order to avoid falling to the trap of acquiring 3-5$ per bottle in tourist places. This really is a single extremely useful Spain travel guide tips.
Within this component in the web page, we are going to present you with somewhat itinerary that you just may wish to take advantage of. Many of us are aware that Madrid and Barcelona are among the top locations in Spain and a single you should not actually miss. On the 1st working day, fly to Madrid and have a great overnight remain at Barcelona. Within the day ahead, do not skip going to Cross Castille to the Jalon River Valley and also the Catalunya. They are tourist locations close to Barcelona. About the third day of the journey, consider a tour to Gothic Quarter wherever you’ll be able to see the Gothic cathedral and Lively Ramblas. Within the Lively Ramblas, you obtain to knowledge open-markets and cafes the Spanish way. Really don’t skip the Monjuic Hill and also the Olympic Games web site! If you want to travel straight to Valencia, you’ll be able to visit Town Gates of Serranos & Cuarte, the Gothic Generalidad Palace, El Miguelete Cathedral and the Centre of Arts & Sciences.
In the event you really do not like the hassle of making reservations yourself, it will be beneficial to inquire for some travel agencies. Journey agencies usually offer you a wide range of choices depending on your budget. Again, make positive to read some Spain travel guide prior to you begin your journey to Spain.

spain travel guide

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Ten Jewels of the Mediterranean

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How to find the best section of the Mediterranean coastline that extends for 46,000 kilometres (28,600 mi), winds through 21 countries and is bounded by three continents – Europe, Africa and Asia? From hundreds of amazing spots we selected ten jewels of the Mediterranean that are particularly rewarding, beautiful and special. Be it perfect surfing conditions, superb food, rich culture or Europe’s most famous mountain tracks, these destinations, besides being ideal beach getaways, have something for every type of traveler.

1. Tarifa in Spain

Tarifa. By digitalnoiseTarifa. By digitalnoise

Tarifa, the Spanish city from where Africa can be clearly seen as it is only 13 km (8 mi) away, is one of the most fantastic places on the Mediterranean coast. Thanks to the constantly blowing winds (due to its location at the meeting point of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean ), the town has become a mecca for windsurfing and kitesurfing addicts. So if you are one of the surfing enthusiasts, do not miss Tarifa while planning your Mediterranean escapade. Of course, Tarifa is also an exceptionally rewarding town for non-surfing folks. It’s ultra easy-going, relaxed and arty with its beautiful old town, white sand beaches and green surroundings

Playa de los Lances de Tarifa. By ChodaboyPlaya de los Lances de Tarifa. By Chodaboy

2. Aeolian Islands in Italy

Vulcano Island. By HOTC Media

We have selected the Aeolian Islands as one of our favorite Mediterranean locations due to their exceptional beauty. Located not far from Sicily, the archipelago is composed of eight volcanic islands, whose jaw-dropping vistas have power to amaze the most skeptical traveler. Surrounded by crystal azure waters, the mountainous green islands are home to ancient old towns with narrow streets, Mediterranean-style houses and superb restaurants, offering the freshest of fresh sea food. What else does one need for perfect beach-oriented holidays?

Lipari. By iMat77Lipari. By iMat77

3. Malta

 Blue Lagoon Comino, Malta. By eurodrifterBlue Lagoon Comino, Malta. By eurodrifter

According to Lonely Planet Malta is “a microcosm of the Mediterranean”, and we fully agree with that statement. In other words, you will not miss anything of the Mediterranean package by visiting only this one little country. Covering the area of 300 km², located centrally in the Sea, Malta is a mix of European, North African and Arabic influences, which makes it such a diverse, fascinating and unique place. Malta is a specially rewarding destination for history enthusiasts as it packs amazing architecture of Norman, Gothic, Renaissance or Baroque periods, amazing ancient buildings dating back as far as 6,000 years ago and wide selection of museums from archaeology to modern history.

 4. Cassis in France

Port Cassis in France. By Guillermo FdezPort Cassis in France. By Guillermo Fdez

For those who love the French style of vacationing, Cassis is the place that will not disappoint the most fastidious Francophile. Situated near Marseille in southern France, the charming town of Cassis is famed for its spectacular cliffs, numerous inlets with hidden beaches and wine. Apparently, the town was the first of three French vineyards to profit from the appellation d’origine contrôlée (label of controlled origin) introduced in the 1930s. Today, renowned white wine from Cassis is a symbol of the region and iconic tipple of France.

Cassis. By TeoremCassis. By Teorem

 

5. Dubrovnik in Croatia.

Dubrovnik. By darkmatterDubrovnik. By darkmatter

Dubrovnik, in southern Croatia, is an absolutely unique place on the Mediterranean coast. For many it is a number one destination that beats its Mediterranean competitors with spectacular location, stunning old town filled with ancient architecture and fantastic coast. In the Middle Ages, Dubrovnik, an important port and trade center, was the only city that could rival Italian Venice. No wonder, today the city, being on a par with the most popular Mediterranean destinations, attracts a staggering 0.5 million tourists a year.

Dubrownik. By retro travelerDubrownik. By retro traveler

 

6. Hydra in Greece

Hydra. By country boy shaneHydra. By country boy shane

The reason why we love Hydra (besides the obvious) is the fact that the cars and motorbikes are not allowed by law on the islands. How wonderful is that? With donkeys, bicycles, and water taxis providing public transportation, Hydra is truly a special place among the country’s islands, making you feel the traditional Greek spirit. Add to it the outstanding Hydra’s coast filled with little harbors, pretty buildings, crystal waters and an array of fine restaurants, and you might have enough reasons to make it your next Mediterranean destination.

Hydra. By GiorgosHydra. By Giorgos

 

7. Tossa de Mar in Spain

The Beach at Tossa de Mar. By neillalderney123The Beach at Tossa de Mar. By neillalderney123

Tossa de Mar is a perfect getaway, especially for those who want to ease overloaded senses after visiting Barcelona. Located not very far (100 km) from the famed capital of Catalonia, on the Costa Brava, Tossa de Mar lures visitors with picturesque beaches, a charming and quiet old town and a beautiful medieval castle towering above the beaches. Over a glass of fine wine in one of the town’s little bars, the town seems to be even more attractive.

Tossa de Mar's village. By monkeyleaderTossa de Mar’s village. By monkeyleader

 

8. Corsica in France

Corsika, Palombaggia. By sramses177Corsika, Palombaggia. By sramses177

If you think Corsica is just another Mediterranean island, you are obviously wrong. Besides its golden beaches and turquoise waters (as if it wasn’t enough), Corsica is home to the toughest long distance trail in Europe – the legendary GR 20 that can be walked in 15 days. In fact, mountains cover two-thirds of this French island, located not far from Sardinia. With over 20 summits of more than 2,000 meters (6,600 ft), Corsica is a paradise for hiking lovers. In addition, the island’s coastline that winds around 1,000 km is a fantastic destination for beach-goers.

Corsica's mountains. By bass nrollCorsica’s mountains. By bass nroll

 

9. Portofino in Italy

Portofino. By owlherePortofino. By owlhere

If we had to describe Portofino in one word, it would be “fairy tale”. Once a small Italian fishing village located on the Italian Riviera, today the town has become a famed resort, considered the most beautiful port on the Mediterranean coast. No wonder, Portofino has a few replicas in the world – it inspired a re-creation of the sea side town at Tokyo DisneySea, is copied in authentic detail at Universal Orlando Resort in USA as well as in the Gulf Harbour marina in New Zealand. With its charming architecture, magical location and multitude of café terraces, Portofino is a quintessence of Italian and Mediterranean lifestyle.

Town's beach. By sgirolimettoTown’s beach. By sgirolimetto

 

10. Tetouan in Morocco

The richness of the African part of the Mediterranean coast could make another post, but here we present one of the most remarkable destinations surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea – Moroccan Tetouan. In comparison to the European side of the sea, the coast in Morocco remains virgin unspoiled and undeveloped. Tetouan, meaning “the eyes” in the Berber language, is one of the two major Moroccan ports on the coast, being, at the same time, a beautiful resort with the old town listed on the World Heritage List, filled with charming traditional white buildings. Tetouan is truly a unique and slightly exotic side of the Mediterranean coast.

Mediterranean coast of Morocco. By mudmucksMediterranean coast of Morocco. By mudmucks

 

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10 best vacation destinations in Europe

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Tenth place – Protaras (Cyprus) – Resort for romantics.

It is synonymous with fine golden sand and rocky coves of Mediterranean Sea, which in these parts of saturated turquoise. The most famous beach resort – Fig Tree Bay. Cape Greco is not to impress divers for its sea caves and picturesque villages with binding windmills will please romantics.

Ninth place – Albufeira (Portugal) – boasts a mild climate and good food.In summer you dry and warm but not hot: the average temperature is 20 degrees Celsius. The resort is known for excellent sea food and many pubs, cafes and discos.

Eighth place – Fuerteventura (Spain) – A place for lovers of good and quiet beach holiday.

Located on the sparsely populated island of the archipelago of the Canary Islands. Once upon a time the island could boast of thick forest, but the Europeans have cut down most of them, and now Fuetroventura recalls the scene for filming Westerns. The resort is known for excellent kilometers of beaches with a light fine sand. Nice breeze made the island popular for windsurfing.

Seventh place – Sitges (Spain) – known throughout Europe, a gay resort.

In addition to the gay beaches, it boasts a picturesque landscape, the green slopes of the mountains, warm and clean sea.

Sixth place – Lagos (Portugal) – an ideal place for family holidays.

Beach with clean golden sand boasts a smooth entry into the sea and crystal clear water. The stones protrude from the sea and form the beautiful cliffs.

Fifth place – Formentera (Spain) – a resort for those who love silence, peace and solitude.

The most famous beaches of Formentera: Playa de session Iletes, famous for its fine sand and very clear water, Kala-Saône, the bay with views of Mount Al-Verde and the island of Ibiza, Place de Puzhols having the title clean.

Fourth place – Dalyan (Turkey) – located at the confluence of Dalyan in the Aegean Sea.

The city was chosen by the German and British pensioners. In the vicinity of the resort you can see the ancient archaeological sites and natural attractions: the ruins of the city Kavn, kariyskie rock burial, Lake Koycegiz. And in Dalian, you can watch the sea turtles Caretta-Caretta and the hunt for blue crabs.

Third place – Ayia Napa (Cyprus) – a resort for those who like to relax noisy.

On Ayia Napa has many bars, discos and clubs. The resort is chosen by young people. He even called the second Ibiza. In addition, the resort attracts divers – calm seas suitable for beginners and experienced divers will enjoy exploring the rock formations, shipwrecks and caves.

Second Place – Mykonos (Greece).

Mykonos Island is rich nature and the bohemian resorts. Due to the winds of climate on Mykonos comfortable. The average summer temperature is 25 … 30 ° C.

First Place – Resort Oludeniz (Turkey).

Oludeniz – Turkey is a national nature reserve. The resort is surrounded on three sides by green rocky mountains. Oludeniz beach is called “Cleopatra’s Beach” or “Turtle Island”. Last name of the resort was because there you can see turtles basking in the sun.

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27 Reasons to visit Spain

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Practicing your Spanish is a great reason for visiting Spain, but who wants to do that?

Oh, that’s right, you do and I do.

But in addition to that, there are other great reasons. I’ll let the following pictures take the place of about 27,000 words.

1


They really light up the Agbar Tower at Glòries in Barcelona.

2

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The entrance to Gaudi’s Güell Park in Barcelona, looks like an enchanted place. This is one of about 70 municipal parks in the city.

3

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If you’re tired of the parks, take a stroll on Barcelona’s beaches.

4

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You might also like the beaches of Cádiz.

5

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The Aran Valley in Catalonia looks like a really inviting place.

6

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The Mosque or Mezquita in Córdoba has some really colorful pillars and arches.

7

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You get to fly into one of the most colorful airports I’ve seen. This is the Barajas International in Madrid.

8

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La Peñalara is the highest peak in the mountain chain Sierra de Guadarrama.

9

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The Metrópolis building, on Gran Vía.

10

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The Puerta Alcalá at the entrance to a park called El Retiro.

11

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The Alcazaba, an 8th centruy Moorish fortification stands over a Roman theater in Málaga.

12

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The Castillo Gibralfaro, on a hill next to the Alcazaba in Málaga.

13

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The harbor at Málaga.

14

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A Roman theater in Mérida.

15

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The Pyrenees.

16

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Roman aqueduct in Segovia.

17

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The Puente Alamillo in Sevilla.

18

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The Romans sure built a lot of aqueducts and theaters in the Iberian Peninsula. This one’s in Sevilla.

19

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City Hall behind a fountain in Valencia.

20

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This rounded glass building known as L’Hemisfèric is an Imax theater, Planetarium and Laserium in the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia.

21

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La Lonja de la seda, known affectionatly as La Lonja, was built as an oil market and was later used as a silk exchange.

22

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A typical narrow street in the old part of town, Valencia.

23

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The Aljafería, an 11th century Moorish palace and castle in Zaragoza.

24

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La Puerta del Carmen, Zaragoza. Wouldn’t it be interesting to drive down a modern thoroughfare and drive by this?

25

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The River Ebro running through Zaragoza. Looks like the setting for a Harry Potter book.

26

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A snowy afternoon at Pilar’s square, Zaragoza.

27

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Plaza de las catedrales, in Zaragoza.

Picture credit goes to Wikipedia and the volunteers who create it. You can find these pictures by starting at the article about Spain and following links to other articles.

by David

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Beautiful and Intriguing Bridges in the World

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The Seven Mile Bridge, Florida, USA

Total length :  10 km

Construction completion : 1982

The Seven Mile bridge connects the Gulf of Mexico to the Florida Strait. The length and spectacular view of the bridge have attracted many film makers. True Lies, 2 Fast 2 Furious, The James Bond thriller License to Kill are few movies that were filmed along the Seven Mile bridge.

Oliveira Bridge, Brazil

Total length : 1.6 kms

Construction completion : 2008

The Brazilian cable-stayed bridge, which is 453 ft tall and 1.6km long, is one of the most wonderful bridges that you come across in South America. It is built over the Pinheiros River. The bridge deck has the shape of the alphabet “X” and it is the only bridge that have two curved tracks. It was opened in May, 2008 and since then it has become a popular shooting spot for automobile advertisements.

Magdeburg Water Bridge, Germany

Total length : 918 m

Water depth: 4.25 m

The most noticeable thing about the bridge is that it is not cars and buses that run through it, instead the vehicles are boats and ships! Canal engineers in Germany started the plans for building the Magdeburg Water in the year 1919. But the project was put on hold by the East German Government because of the World War and Cold War that took place later. The project was reopened in 1997 and the bridge got built in 6 years.

Hangzhou Bay Bridge, China


Total length : 35.673 kms

Hangzhou Bay Bridge is the longest trans-oceanic bridge in the world, connecting the municipalities Jiaxing and Ningbo in China. The entire bridge is 35.673 km in length and has 6 lanes of express ways. The bridge was built in 4 years but it was opened to the public only in 1st May, 2008, 1 year after testing and evaluating the work.

 Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia

Total length : 1.149 kms

Construction completion : 1932

The Coat Hanger or the Sydney Harbour Bridge is not only the world’s widest span bridge but also the tallest steel arch bridge. The construction of the bridge began in 1923 and it was completed after 9 long years on 19th January 1932. The dramatic view of the Sydney harbour, bridge and the Opera house have attracted millions of tourists and film makers and they have become an iconic symbol.

Tower Bridge, England


Total length : 244 m

Construction completion : 1894

The most important fact to be pointed out about Tower bridge is that it is not “London Bridge” as many people seem to believe. The bridge is 244 m long and was opened to the public on 30th June, 1894. About 40000 passengers passes through the bridge and it is regarded as one of the busiest bridges in the world.

Alcántara Bridge, Spain


Total length : 194 m

Construction completion : 106 CE

The Roman stone arch bridge, built over the Tagus river in 106 CE, is also known as Puente Trajan. The 194 m long bridge was first damaged in 1214 when the Moors destroyed the smallest arch. In 1543, it was rebuilt but the second arch was destroyed by the Spanish to stop the Portuguese. Again in 1809, it was blown up to stop the French. That’s one historic bridge!

Si-o-se Pol, Iran

Total length : 976 ft

Construction completion : 1602

Si-o-se Pol, the Bridge of 33 arches, is also called the Allah-Verdi Khan Bridge. This  bridge, built in 1602, is 976 ft long and was built in just 3 years. The bridge is famous because of its wonderful structure and also  because it is the finest example of Safavid dynasty bridge design.

Cooper River Bridge, South Carolina, USA


Total length :  10 km

Construction completion : 2005

The structure of Cooper River Bridge, also known as Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, is so strong that it can withstand any hurricanes (even in excess of 300 mph) or earthquakes (about 7.3 or 7.4 on the Richter scale). With a main span of 1,546 ft, it is one of the longest cable-stayed bridge. Total cost: $531 million.


Donghai Bridge,China


Total length :  32.5 km

Construction completion : 2005

The bridge connecting Shanghai and Yangshan, was longest sea cross bridge before Hangzhou Bay bridge opened. It also contains cable stayed sections for the passage of large ships.

Vasco Da Gama Bridge, Lisbon, Portugal


Total length :  10.7 miles

Construction completion : 1998

Vasco da Gama bridge, the 9th longest bridge in the world, is the longest bridge in Europe. The speed limit for vehicles is 120 kmph (100 kmph in one section). During windy, rainy and foggy conditions, the speed limit is reduced to 90 kmph. The bridge has also proven that it can withstand hurricanes, even with speeds of 250 kmph!

Chengyang Bridge,Sanjiang, China


Total length :  64.4 m

Construction completion : 1916

This bridge, also known as the Wind-Rain bridge, contains wooden handrails on both sides and is a perfect combination of painting, bridge, corridor, veranda and Chinese pavilion. It consists of 2 platforms (at the two ends of the bridge), 3 piers, and 4 spans, 5 pavilions, 19 verandas, and 3 floors. The piers are made of stone, the upper structures are mainly wooden and the roofs are covered with tiles.

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy


 

Construction completion : 996

Ponte Vecchio (means Old Bridge) is a medieval bridge, built across the Arno river in Italy. The bridge is noted for the shops that are built along it, which were occupied by butchers at first. Later, jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers occupied the place.

Golden Gate Bridge, California, USA


Total length :  2.7 km

Construction completion : May, 1937

The Golden Gate connects San Francisco and Marin County and is reported as the seventh-largest suspension bridge in the world. The overall cost for the construction of the bridge was $26 million!

Hoover Dam Bridge, Nevada & Arizona, USA


Total length :  580 m

Also known as Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. The bridge is being built over Colorado river linking Nevada and Arizona in the US. The bridge is expected to open in November, 2010, and the estimated cost of the bridge is around $240 million!

King Fahd Causeway, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain


Total length :  28 km

Construction completion : 1986

Location : Saudi Arabia, Bahrain

The causeway was built to better the relationships and bonds between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The construction officially began in 1968 and it took 18 years to complete, costing a whopping $1.2 billion! Census reports in 2001 reported that over 10 million passengers traveled through the causeway in a single year.

Penang Bridge, Malay Peninsula, Malaysia


Total length :  13.5 km

Construction completion : 1985

Location : Malay Peninsula, Malaysia

The bridge connects Gelugor to Seberang Prai in Malaysia. Currently the bridge is expanding from 4 lanes to 6 lanes to accommodate the increase in traffic.

Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy


Width :  22.9 m

Construction completion : 1591

Location : Venice, Italy

Rialto bridge is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand canal in Venice. It is the oldest among them.

Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge, China

,

Length :  79.7 km

Construction completion : 2008

The bridge is a part of the Zhengzhou – Xi’an High Speed Railway Line, connecting Zhengzhou and Xi’an. Even though the bridge was completed in 2008, it was open to the public only on 6th February, 2010.

Mahtma Gandhi Setu,  Bihar, India


Length :  5.57 km

Construction completion : 1982

The bridge is built over the holy river Ganges connecting Patna to Hajipur in Bihar. Before the bridge was built, it was a tedious process for the passengers to travel from Hajipur to Patna and vice versa. Either they had to take ships or they had to take a longer rail route. The bridge became a solution to all these problems.

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Best Bare Beaches in the World

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The Ten Best Bare Beaches in the World

Below are 10 of the best beaches for baring all. All details are taken from Bare Beaches, which lists over 200 other popular spots for nude bathing around the world.

 

1. Leucate Plage, France

Mediterranean coast, north of Perpignan

This superb bare beach has 1 km of fine golden sand, the classic Mediterranean beach. The water is normally calm and the shore shelves gently into the sea making it popular with families. Three naturist resorts share the coastline but the beach is open to all and there’s plenty of space for first-time skinny-dippers and lifelong nudists alike.

Go north from Perpignan on the main N9 and turn right on to the D83, signposted Port Bacares. After 9 kms turn left on to the D627, drive through Port Leucate and the bare beach is on the right. Park on the road – easy public access between Aphrodite Village and Club Oasis, the naturist resorts.

 

2. Playa Es Pregons Gran, Balearic islands

Majorca south coast

This wonderful little bare bay has a perfect crescent of fine yellow sand, washed by a sea so transparent it looks more like the Caribbean. There are no beach bars so bring your picnic and drinks. It’s the jewel in the crown of the popular Es Trenc beach area.

The route to the beach is a pleasant 15 minute walk along the shore, heading north from the resort town of Colonia Sant Jordi. Start at the Hotel Marques Del Palmer, and it’s the third bay along. The fourth bay, if you walk further, also happens to be a bare beach, part of the much larger Es Trenc beach.

 

3. Haulover Beach, Florida USA

Sunny Isles, north Miami

Situated in the south of the ‘Sunshine State’, this bare sandy beach has a huge following of visitors from across the globe. With glorious weather for most of the year and the vibrant city of Miami on the doorstep, it’s not difficult to see why. The bare area is more than 800 yards long and has its own lifeguards and unobtrusive police patrols. Refreshments, sunbeds and umbrellas are available.

The beach is at Haulover Beach Miami-Dade county regional park, on Collins Avenue (A1A), just north of fashionable Bal Harbour. There is a large car park ($5) right by the beach.

 

4. Vera Playa, Spain

Costa Almeria

This is Spain’s capital of bare bathing. The long wide sandy beach is popular in summer and has a big choice of naturist accommodation. Beach bars, sunbeds, pedalos and yes, if you really want to try the naturist cliché, beach volleyball are all available. Almeria has the hottest and driest climate in the country, so the beach season is almost year-round. Most European nationalities park their bottoms here, giving it a cosmopolitan and friendly atmosphere.

Take the coast road north from Garrucha, through Puerto Rey, and Vera Playa is well signposted after a further 1.5 kms.

 

5. Banana Beach, Greece

Skiathos, near Koukounaries, on the south-west coast

Banana beach is the collective name for three lovely sandy bays well loved by nude bathers. Before you ask, the name refers to the fact the beaches are yellow and curved. View photos of sunbathers at this beach here.

During peak season bare bathers mainly use Little Banana, one of the smaller coves, as clothed holidaymakers descend on the main beach. Little Banana is often called the best bare beach in Greece, although there is plenty of competition for the accolade. There is a bus terminus and car park at the end of the Koukounaries road, coming from Skiathos town. The footpath to Banana takes 15 mins through olive groves.

 

6. Valalta, Croatia

Istria, near Rovinj

If you feel the need for a truly naked de-stress, Valalta is everything you could wish for. It’s so good the nudist campsite here was voted the best in Croatia last year – among all sites, not just bare ones. With two miles of sand and rock beaches, including secluded coves, lined by olive trees and vineyards, this nude beach and village are well loved by bare beach connoisseurs.

The beach is on the Istrian peninsula, 60 miles south of Trieste and five miles from Rovinj. You can visit for the day (€2 entry) or book holidays through UK nude beach specialist Peng Travel (0845 345 8345) or www.valalta.hr

 

7. Playa de Maspalomas, Canary Islands

Near Playa del Ingles, southern Gran Canaria

Hundreds of acres of sand dunes, looking just like the Sahara, frame the beautiful beach between Maspalomas and the popular resort of Playa del Ingles. It’s 3 kms from one end to the other and over 1 km deep. The bare areas, like the swimsuited ones, have sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. For a quieter spot, walk into the vast expanse of dunes, but be careful not to get lost!

You can walk to the bare beach areas from either end, although the walk from Maspalomas town is slightly shorter.

 

8. Euronat, France

Atlantic coast, north-west of Bordeaux

The south-west coast of France is almost one vast nude beach, stretching over 100 miles from Biarritz to the Gironde. Among stiff competition, the nude resort beach of Euronat stands out for its clean golden sand, supervised swimming and friendly atmosphere. Thousands of happy families gather here, and the beach is open to both nudist campers and day visitors alike. Other highly regarded resort beaches heading south are Montalivet CHM, La Jenny and Arnaoutchot.

From the seaside town of Montalivet-les-Bains, drive north on the D102 coast road. After 3 kms the road turns sharply right inland. Park and walk on to the beach – the main bare area is to the right.

 

9. Plakias Beach, Greece

Plakias town, south-west Crete

A fabulous setting of cliffs, mountains and a huge sweep of golden sand make this beach a wonderful place for all-over tanning and fine snorkelling. The sea shelves gently, making it suitable for families, and there are showers available. Refreshments are brought to the beach in season, and umbrellas are available.

The nude area is the last section of the beach, to the left as you face the sea, and unsurprisingly it is often the most popular part of the whole bay.

 

10. Les Grottes Plage, France

Ile du Levant, Mediterranean

This gem of a beach on the magical island of Levant is reached by an easy coastal footpath 10 mins walk from the quayside. A small natural cove of white sand slides gently into the turquoise sea, providing excellent swimming and snorkelling. The easiest way to get here is by ferry from Le Lavandou, between St Tropez and Toulon.

Seventy years ago Ile du Levant was the birthplace of nude leisure in France. Today, there is a tiny resident community and lots of holiday accommodation. Minimal clothing is normally worn in the village of Heliopolis, but the rest can be enjoyed as nature intended.

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Newcastle ranks in world’s best cities

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  • Newcastle voted among world’s best cities
  • Selected in Lonely Planet list
  • Sydney, Melbourne “too dull”

NEWCASTLE has been named as one of the top 10 must-see destinations in the world according to Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2011′ book.

 

Cities like London and Paris failed to make the list, with the NSW harbour city ranked ninth the selection.

The authors have described Newcastle as “underrated”, saying the city has been “overshadowed by its bigger, bolder and better-known sibling, Sydney”.

However Sydney, and Melbourne, have never made the list before as they are “too dull”.

Lonely Planet Asia Pacific travel editor Shawn Low said the book aims to inspire travellers to pick lesser known cities to explore.

Mr Low said hundreds of ideas were submitted by authors, staff and bloggers, then refined by a panel of in-house travel experts.

“The rankings come down to topicality, excitement, value for money and that special X-factor.

“We want to pick a destination that has good thing about it that has been flying under the radar a bit.

“Newcastle is a great city.”

Mr Low said that Australia’s better-know cities such as Sydney and Melbourne haven’t made the list as they are not interesting enough.

“Sydney and Melbourne are obvious choices, they are quite dull. We want to inspire people to think more broadly.”

Newcastle’s beaches, climate, night-life and arts were listed as key elements placing the city on the radar.

“Today’s ‘new’ Newcastle is a unique blend of imagination, sophistication and laid-back surf culture,” Lonely Planet‘s book says.

Tourism Hunter’s Executive Manager Sheridan Ferrier says it is an “honour” to be included in the top 10 list.

“I think it is testament to the range of experiences that we have to offer in Newcastle and is certainly attributed to our lifestyle as well,” Ms Ferrier told ABC News.

The city’s most bizarre sight, according to the authors, is the dome-shaped Queens Wharf Tower, which is 40m tall.

The city receives over 100,000 visitors per year.

Other cities to make the list include New York City, US; Tangier, Morocco; Tel Aviv, Israel; Wellington, New Zealand; Valencia, Spain; Iquitos, Peru; Ghent, Belgium; Delhi, India and Chang Mai, Thailand.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/australia/newcastle-named-among-worlds-top-10-cities/story-e6frfq89-1225946167212#ixzz142P8JSlv

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The 10 Best Party Cities in Europe

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Are you addicted to partying on the weekends like most youngsters who enjoy a good nights drink? If you’re one of those who have a regular routine going to different clubs and pubs in your are, don’t restrict yourself to your local environment. We’ve done all the research for you and found the best cities to go crazy all night till dawn. Let your hair loose and experience some real parties across the globe.

Ibiza

1. Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza?s proudly claims itself to be the biggest party spot on the planet. Located off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea, the island draws hedonists from across the European continent.

The pre-partying starts at about 11 each night where the partygoers gather at bars to have drinks before heading out to the real party later on in the night. The big party doesn?t start until 2AM and last until 8. The main parties focus on techno music and dancing. At some of the world-famous clubs, like Espuma (Spanish for foam), foam is pumped out to the dance floor and can pile above sight level ? be sure to be dressed for the occasion. A lot of Ibiza veterans comment that the best aspect of the party atmosphere there is that partygoers aren?t so caught up in their outward appearance, but their ?inner? beauty.

After the night parties are the ?after hours? clubs which open at 8am and last until noon. After that, partygoers can return to their hotels and sleep it off or just head to the beach and get ready for another night of partying. Honestly, not a lot of sleep happens here. Check hotels in Ibiza through Ratestogo.

Sinners in Amsterdam

2. Amsterdam, Holland

Amsterdam is Europe?s party headquarters. It doesn?t matter what time of the year, in Amsterdam the party never stops. In Amsterdam party activities that are traditionally taboo in other countries are completely legal. Within the world-famous Red Light District, scantily clad women of all shapes, sizes, and colors openly display their wares. If participation isn?t your thing there are a huge variety of sex shows.

Escape - AmsterdamAmsterdam is also famous for its coffee shops. They don?t just serve coffee in these joints, they actually serve joints ? of the marijuana type. The good coffee shops will have a menu describing all the various types of marijuana available, and the effects of each type. Consuming marijuana is legal in the coffee shops and other designated areas, but don?t try doing this in undesignated parts of town where it is strictly forbidden.

The nightlife in Amsterdam is also excellent. It?s not uncommon for after-hours parties to last until noon here. There are numerous pubs and clubs. The most lively times of the week are Wednesday through Sunday while on Mondays and Tuesdays everyone tries to catch up on their sleep.

Pamplona

3. Pamplona, Spain

Overall, Spain takes the title as Europe?s best country for a party with 3 locations featured in this top-10 list and the Spanish city of Pamplona, made famous by Ernest Hemingway for the running of the bulls during the Festival of San Fermin, deserves mentioning.

The historic district is filled with relaxed bars sure to fit anyone?s fancy. Many of them won?t even have a sign advertising them as such, but feel free to wander from place to place, just as the locals do. Of course, Pamplona has its share of thumping night clubs also, as has become tradition in Spain. These clubs have strict dress codes and desire their partygoers to be of the beautiful type, so make sure a female is in your crew and dress to the nines to gain admittance. These clubs stay open until 6am. Check Pamplona hotels for more information.

Barcelona beach parties

4. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is another Spanish party headquarters. A breathtakingly beautiful city located in the North-East of Spain, Barcelona is home to great shopping, Gaudi architecture, beaches, and is a great place to party. Every kind of music is featured in the clubs here and the styles differ with the neighborhoods.

Clubs are located throughout the city, but one must be particularly careful of pickpockets in the central, ?gothic? area. Never leave your purse or bag unattended here. However, the bars here are worth checking out for the local flavor Barcelona has to offer. The best clubs are located along the waterfront area where music from techno to salsa can be heard well into the night. These clubs don?t open until midnight and the party doesn?t stop until morning.

Athens party

5. Athens, Greece

The Greeks have always known how to party. After all, the term ?hedonism? does find its roots in the Greek word for pleasure ? hedon. In Athens, many will notice that the working people go home for naps in the middle of the day. This is because the parties last until 4 o?clock the following morning. Along the beach in Glyfada are indoor/outdoor dance clubs that attract the top DJs from around the world.

Typically, Athens clubs are a little dressy (for men, anyway) where men may be required to wear slacks. More casual bars are located around the harbor area if strutting your stuff isn?t on the agenda.

However, while in Athens it is important to be wary of the ?tourist trap? bars located around the Plaka area. Preying particularly on men, women approach asking to buy drinks where the drink ends up being something quite expensive, like an entire bottle of Dom Perignon.

Stockholm6. Stockholm, Sweden

For the citizens of Stockholm, partying on the weekends is just not enough. Here, the Wednesday night party has become very common. The long sun-filled summer evenings and, conversely, the long winter nights in Scandanavia give the Swedes a strong commitment to a thriving nightlife.

Admission prices to the hippest clubs in the Stureplan area of Stockholm can be somewhat expensive, upwards of 70 Kronor ($11.07 US), but that is a small price to pay for a wonderful, memorable evening. Some of the most popular night spots include Kungstr?dgarden and Skansen. Many clubs stay open until 4 or even 5am. After a hectic night, you can crash at a last minute hotel in Stockholm.


Saint Tropez

7. St. Tropez, France

St. Tropez, widely known as the playground for the rich and famous and for its unmatched party scene, is located along the French Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea. Here it is quite probably to hobnob with the rich and famous in clubs like Les Caves du Roy in the Hotel Byblos and Bodega de Papagayo, which attracts a younger crowd. There is also an Irish club with plenty of Guinness and live music. For men, be sure to bring a lady with you so you may gain entrance to the clubs.

Obviously, travel to St. Tropez is quite expensive so those on tighter budgets may wish to lodge in Nice or Cannes and make an evening trip to St. Tropez with perhaps a single night?s stay (for recovery) in Lou Cagnard or Le Baron. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking money. You may even be able to find some alcohol at a hotel in St. Tropez.

Munich party

8. Munich, Germany

If Spain has a runner-up in the party country category, Germany is the runner-up. All German cities are populated with great bars and clubs. However, Munich is the best place to party in Germany. Home to a large college-age population, and world-famous for its beer-fueled Oktoberfest, Munich has the perfect mix for a good party.

Like other locations in Europe, evening gatherings start at bars before venturing to the late-night dance clubs where party-seekers meet up with others seeking the same. Then, it?s off to the clubs that stay open until 4am. Some of the more famous include Prinzregentenstrabe 1 (P1 for short), a stylish club for the beautiful people that at one time was a USO during WWII and 4004, aptly named for the 4004 square meters this club covers. Here a few hotels nearby in Munich.

Florence

9. Florence, Italy

Forget the boring old Eternal City, Florence is where it?s at if you are looking to party. Home to a large population of students, the prime partying age, Florence is full of young people venturing out for their taste of freedom. The drinking age is 18 here, so the scene is definitely young.

Wine flows freely at bars and clubs that stay open until 3am ? quite late by Italian standards. The best night spots are located in the Oltrarno, south of the Arno River and in the Piazza della Signoria. Dress style at the bars and clubs here is quite stylish and leaning towards the conservative. Freshen up at your Florence hotel before going out for a long party.

Budapest nightclubs

10. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is definitely an up and comer and is not usually thought of in lists of the best places to party in Europe. Budapest has come a long way since the oppressive Communist regime was deposed in 1989. During advertised ?club nights? dance clubs stay open until 4am and feature DJs from around the world. Some of the more interesting clubs include A38, an old Ukrainian stone-carrying ship refurbished and permanently moored in the Danube and the Bahnhof Music Club featuring talented local DJs and a dance floor packed with the beautiful people.

Budapest also has quite a few casinos along the Danube river; the area is known locally as the Dunakorz?. These are usually of the high brow type, are located in luxury hotels, and require formal dress.

posted by: E Cho

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20 Great Family Getaways in Europe

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From a beach in Cornwall to an alpine meadow,`

travel experts give the lowdown on their favorite family Vacations.

Times Travel Team

1 Villa Pia, Lippiano, Umbria, Italy

The setting is an artist’s dream of rolling hills and cypress trees — and the food is sublime, served by white-bonneted Italian mammas on long communal tables. But you come to Villa Pia on the border of Tuscany and Umbria for the laid-back, house-party feel of it all. There are 17 simply-furnished rooms, and every family-friendly accessory you can think of. Parents can enjoy spa treatments while the children take cookery classes. If you tire of the adventure playground, tennis, two pools, trampoline and soft play room, Villa Pia is within an hour of Florence and Assisi.

Details From £70 per day for adults and £25 for children (2-12), on full board including drinks, from October to mid-May (excluding half-terms). Week-long summer stays £675-£860 per adult and £250-£430 per child; 00 39 0758 502027, www.villapia.com

2 Caserio del Mirador, Valencia, Spain

Related Links

* The safe guide to holiday kids’ clubs

* Is it right to leave your children in kids’ clubs on a family holiday?

The joy of staying in one of the five apartments in this large villa halfway between Valencia and Alicante airports is that you can decide how private or communal you want to be. The simple but chic apartments have cooking facilities but five days a week the English owners, Sarah and Johnny, who live on site, cook for anyone who wants it. The delicious meals feature local produce — squid, morcilla (the local blood sausage), lentils and steak. There is an outdoor pool, a trampoline and other play items tucked into strategic corners around the grounds, along with rabbits, goats and ponies. Although the beach is about 35 minutes away and Benidorm with its theme parks about 40 minutes, you’ll want to spend plenty of time just gazing at the stunning view down the valley at the Caserio.

Details Apartments for four for £750-£1,300 a week. Meals €20-€25, children’s tea €7.50; 00 34 965 973024, villajalon.com

3 Almyra Hotel, Paphos, Cyprus

No one blinks an eye as you wheel your buggy through the sleek, minimalist hotel lobby, with its white marble floor and picture windows opening on to the sea. There are buggy ramps everywhere and the crèche accepts babies from four months old. The hotel lets you book up everything from nappies to a buggy, so you don’t have to carry it with you. There’s a fantastic slate-lined pool and a restaurant serving a Mediterranean menu with a strong Japanese influence.

Details €100pp per night, B&B, 00 35 726 888700, thanoshotels.com

4 Château Rigaud, Mouliets et Villemartin, France

Take one gorgeous château in France, kit out a 50ft gallery with toys, and add a cinema room with five sofas and chapel bar for parents, and you have one of the most chic places for family stays. The château combines boutique hotel luxury with a house-party feel — delicious meals with free-flowing wine are served on the long wooden dining table. The English owners, Anna and Andrew Barwick, who originally targeted families with toddlers, are starting to offer activities for older children, such as tennis and French lessons and the possibility of supervised camping in a wigwam in the garden. The downside is that there is no availability this year until December.

Details £350-£450 per room for two adults and two children, including all food and wine; 00 33 5 57 40 17 99, chateaurigaud.co.uk

5 Europe’s 1st Baby and Children’s Hotel, Carinthia, Austria

A long waterslide leads into the outdoor pool of this hotel, which also has a large soft play area, a bouncy castle and go-karts around the grounds. There’s a Mini parked outside the restaurant for children to play in, and a character kangaroo makes a daily appearance. The hotel features child-friendly accessories such as potties, microwaves for heating milk and free childcare. All you eat and drink, apart from aloholic drinks, is included in the price.

Details From €95 per room per night, plus €33-€40 per child, full board; 00 43 47 32 23 50, babyhotel.eu

6 Clydey Cottages, near Boncath, Pembrokeshire

One of the best cottage clusters in the UK thanks to its five-star accommodation, spectacularly scenic setting and enough facilities to keep little ones occupied for hours, from farmyard feeding and egg collecting to an indoor pool opening on to a sundeck. Because there are only ten pretty stone cottages, each with a blend of contemporary fixtures and original character, you get a fairly private feel.

Details £350-£2,000 per week (1-4 bedrooms); 01239 698619, clydeycottages.co.uk or babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk

7 Country Kids, near Montpellier, Languedoc, France

Country Kids blends the facilities of a luxury resort with the attention to detail and charm of a boutique hotel. For a price that compares very favourably with a week in a five-star resort, the hotel offers a complimentary crèche/kids club, run by qualified English-speaking staff, three activities per person per week, from kayaking and rock climbing to vineyard tours, a petting farm, most meals and two evenings of babysitting a week.

Details Two and three-bedroom apartments at £1,700-£4,400 per week, including most meals and activities; 00 33 4 67 97 18 94, country-kids.fr or babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk

8 Finca de Arrieta, Lanzarote

Tucked about 300m back from the coast, this 30-acre estate is a glorious eco-retreat offering glamping at its best. Kids will adore it here: they can help themselves from the organic vegetable plot, feed the chickens, ride the donkey or splash about in a pool carved from pumice. They will especially enjoy the big adventure of camping in luxury eco-yurts. The yurts are furnished with elegant Indonesian day beds and exotic floor cushions and have decked terraces with hammocks and cushioned loungers. There are even granite worktops in the outdoor kitchens and a stylish wooden bath in the private bath house that comes with each yurt or cluster of family yurts.

Details Rentals from € 840 a week; 00 34 696 982 873, lanzaroteretreats.com or babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk

9 Number 29 B&B, Yeovil, Somerset

With the help of her daughter, who is qualified in childcare, former restaurant manager Angela welcomes sleep-starved couples with home-made tea and cakes, coos over the baby while they settle in and then packs them off for the short stroll to the local bistro while she or her daughter babysit. The pièce de résistance is the lie-in babysitting service. Parents duck back under their duvets for a well deserved lie-in followed by a long lazy home-cooked Sunday brunch.

Details Three-night breaks from £200, babysitting from £7 per hour; 01935 420046, number29.biz or babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk

10 Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall

Comfortable and unpretentious, Bedruthan Steps has the best mix of children’s facilities, activities and entertainment I’ve yet seen in a British hotel, as well as a fantastic location above Mawgan Porth beach. There’s an indoor and outdoor pool, tennis courts, soft play area, play room with games and painting; outdoor play area including trampoline, swings, mini assault course and pirate ship and a daily programme of activities which in school holidays includes survival skills and treasure hunts on the beach. Excellent children’s clubs, divided into five age groups, cost £20-£25 for a three-hour morning session.

Details “Villa” rooms with a garden start at £310 per night, half board, based on two adults and two children sharing; 01637 860555, bedruthan.com.

11 Bowood House, Wiltshire

Bowood Hotel, tucked away in the grounds of 18th-century Bowood House, opened last summer and while it attracts a big golfing crowd — thanks to the 18-hole course on its doorstep — it’s also family-friendly. Trade an hour in the stately home (stuffed with unexpected treasures such as Napoleon’s death mask, and the lab where Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen) and a gallop through the wonderful gardens for an afternoon in the adventure playground where there’s a full-size pirate galleon, high-up walkways and an almost 20ft vertical-drop slide. At the hotel, there’s a spa pool that admits children at certain times and a restaurant that does good brasserie staples.

Details Rooms for a family of four from £235 per night, including breakfast for the adults; 01249 822228, bowood.org

12 Family Resort Werfenweng, Austria

This all-inclusive eco-resort is great value for money. Superbly run and as child-friendly as it could be without turning into a crèche, it’s small enough for children to make friends but big enough to keep them entertained, with two swimming pools, playground and kids’ clubs with activities during the day and evening — they’re in German but in the summer holidays there are usually enough British kids for a posse. The big eco-bonus is a selection of electric vehicles that can be borrowed to pootle around the resort and up to the nearby lake, as well as a programme of activities — hiking, mountain biking, riding and so on — as well as excursions to the Hohenwerfen Fortress and Salzburg, about an hour away.

Details Family rooms from £192; 00 436 466 4500, werfenweng.at

13 Anassa, Cyprus

If you’re looking for five-star family pampering with gorgeous rooms, dreamy sea views, well-run children’s clubs, a clutch of London-standard restaurants and attentive staff on tap, the Anassa ticks all the boxes. Set in deliciously scented gardens, it also has probably the best location in Cyprus, near the Akamas peninsula nature reserve and away from the crowds. Children, naturally, won’t care about this — what they will enjoy are the indoor and outdoor pools, the huge breakfast buffet, coconut milkshakes at the poolside bar and canoeing off the beach. There’s also a new Hercules club specifically for teens that will include sailing, tennis, scuba diving, movie nights, kayaking and a local market trip.

Details B&B in two interconnecting studio suites costs £595 a night for two adults and two children over 6 and under 12; 00 357 26 888 000, thanoshotels.com.

14 W Towers Barcelona, Spain

The shiny, sail-shaped W towers over the waterfront and has quickly become a Barcelona landmark. It’s a brilliant base for a summer trip — on the beach at the end of the Barcelona boardwalk — with a great outdoor pool. Book one of the “Wonderful” rooms on one of the upper floors to wow even the most blasé child. Floor-to-ceiling windows with views over the Med; huge comfy beds, curtains that close at the touch of a button and ever-changing mood lighting will keep them happy, as will Wave restaurant, which serves an excellent burger.

Details Rooms for three from £272 per night; 00 34 932 952800, w-barcelona.com

15 Tuscan View Apartments, Tuscany

A perfect base from which to explore the hill towns of San Gimignano and Certaldo, this beautiful working estate has loads to keep families happy, from tennis and horse riding to a full-blown spa. Several trails wind through the estate, which you can explore on foot or by mountain bike. The stylish apartments are located in a dozen restored farmhouses, each group of buildings clustered around its own swimming pool.

Details Two-bedroom apartment is £440-£770 per week, including Dover-Calais ferry crossings; 01653 617004, www.inntravel.co.uk

16 Casa Olea, Priego de Córdoba, Andalusia

Halfway between Córdoba and Granada, this luxurious six-room guesthouse is surrounded by ancient olive groves. The nearby riverside woodland is teeming with wildlife — the only sounds of nightlife are nightingales, frogs and owls. Casa Olea is perfect for a walking or mountain-biking holiday exploring local villages, so would particularly suit families with older children. Home comforts include stylish bedrooms, a swimming pool and a sun terrace.

Details From €79 per B&B double, plus €10 for an extra child’s bed and €5 for a cot; 00 34 696 748209, casaolea.com

17 Gwel an Mor, Portreath, Cornwall

At this cluster of stylish timber lodges with their hot tubs, wood-burning stoves and snazzy kitchens, parents can pamper themselves at the spa while kids head for the putting green, indoor pool and adventure play area. A restaurant serves delicious Cornish produce and there is a tailor-made booking service for activities ranging from surfing to horse riding. But the best day out is at Gwel an Mor itself, where local ranger Gary Zammit leads walking safaris in search of slow worms, slugs and sparrowhawks. You can also go pond dipping, rock-pooling, badger watching and — best of all — meet Gary’s rescued foxes and fly his barn owl, Sly.

Details Two and three-bedroom lodges from £399 a week; 01209 842354, gwelanmor.com.

18 Flying Boat Club, Isles of Scilly

Tresco, in the Isles of Scilly, famous for its white sands, turquoise waters and exotic plants, has 12 beachfront cottages ideal for families. With no cars on the island, kids can roam around safely, beaches are usually empty and there is a sailing club and boat trips to the other islands. Everything’s close to hand: there’s a cycle shop hiring out bikes for all ages, a shop that’s more like a mini Waitrose, and the restaurant is just behind the cottages. There is a new spa for weary parents and a fabulous indoor pool with wide shallow steps perfect for youngsters.

Details Cottages sleep 6-10 and are priced from £197 per night. Book through i-escape (i-escape.com/flyingboatclub.php) and receive a free bottle of wine with dinner at the Clubhouse.


19 Pristava Lepena, Slovenia

This cluster of simple but comfortable chalets is in an alpine meadow in Slovenia’s Triglav National Park. It’s perfect for active children — loads to do, with much of it included in the price — tennis, table tennis, mountain biking, archery, small swimming pool, riding lessons and trail riding. The chalets are ideal for families, with extra twin rooms and pull-out beds and kids are welcomed in the restaurant in the evenings.

Details Chalets sleep 3-8 and are priced from £139 per night; i-escape.com/pristava-lepena.php


20 Casas do Sal, Portugal

Eight enormous former workers’ cottages make up this colourful rustic bolt hole down a long sandy track cutting through a vast 2,000-hectare estate, past cattle grazing beneath ancient cork oaks. Each has a terrace and kitchenette with shiny gadgetry. There’s a big games room, swimming pool and tennis court, and with horses and a boat down on the lake this place is made for kids. Babysitters can be arranged in advance so parents can slope off for an evening out to Alcácer.

Details Apartments for four from £80 a night. Book through i-escape (i-escape.com/casas-do-sal.php) to receive a basket of fruit, jar of locally made honey or a bottle of wine on arrival.

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