Mediterranean travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

Mediterranean winds, ravines, snow-capped mountain ranges, crescent-shaped sandy beaches and pastel-hued port towns give the island its modern nickname – Corsica or the Isle of Beauty.

 

 The fabulous Octopussy beach club in Calvi.

 

Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located west of Italy. Corsica is considered one of the 26 regions of France.

 

Palombaggia, one of the area’s Tahitiesque beaches.

 

View of the Vallée del Restonica from the citadel in the inland town of Corte.

 

Tourists at the Musée de la Cors in Corte listen to samples of the island’s Old World polyphonic singing style in sound-proof cabins.

 

There’re many streets of the citadel in Porto-Vecchio buzz with bars and restaurants that stay open until midnight. In Corsica, you have none of the artificiality of the Côte d’Azur, Arend, proprietor A lot of famous people go there, but they come so that they can be incognito. The combination of how close the mountains are to the sea, and how clear the water is — is really magical!

Terra Mitica is a theme park in the holiday resort of Benidorm, Spain. Alicante province, and offers a magical journey through the cultures of the Mediterranean. The park has more than 25 rides, shows, restaurants and shops, providing fun for all the family.
On entering Terra Mitica you are swept back to the Mediterranean world of mythical civilisations to experience ancient legends and mysteries. The Park which is made up of 5 zones – Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and The islands – include amongst its attractions the first dark rides of their kind in Europe. The size of the main mechanical attractions is unique both in size and layout.
The highlight would have to be the steel roller coaster. It was 665m high and lasted 35 seconds, with the old “smellies” dangling in the air-whoo-hoo! We could probably have ridden that repeatedly all day. Greece- Synkope is one of the park’s latest and scariest rides on which a giant red wheel holding 70 people spins and swings at the same time causing some serious screams from its occupants. The giant simulator in the temple of Kinetos is another main attraction in this area. Children can discover ancient Greece from horseback.
Benidorm Palace puts on a glittering 3 hour, Las Vegas-style show. Spanish dancers and flamenco, jugglers and magicians, along with a live dance band/orchestra. Benidorm Palace has produced the finest extravaganzas in Europe, and its seating capacity of over 1,500 has accommodated events such as the “Miss Spain” contest, the European An evening meal is included in the entrance fee & is usually made up of 4 courses.

Egypt - Land of the Pharaohs. The myth begins in Ancient Egypt… the pyramids, the Sphinx, the Port of Alexandria, the bazaars… Thrilling rides such as the Falls of the Nile which is a water roller coaster with two falls, the first one of almost 20 metres and the second is a 10 metre fall taken backwards. Other rides include include the Pyramid of Keops, Akuatiti and The Games of Bes.
The Marine and Exotic Animal Park has many outstanding attractions including one of the best dolphinariums in Europe. The dolphinarium is a magic place which marks the climax of the journey of our adventurous visitors with the dolphin show, a mammal whose great intelligence is both surprising and amusing. Find fun and interesting activities, Spain tours, Spain attractions, adventures, and more. Currently available activities include Adventure Tour, Attraction, City Pass, Cycling, Day Cruise, Day Tour, Dinner, Extended Tour, Hiking, Night Cruise, Night Tour, Overnight Tour, Pass, Rail Tour, Shopping, Show, Sightseeing, Sightseeing Cruise, Sightseeing Pass, Sports Tour, and more.

Five years after opening, Terra Mitica has financial debts of 114 millions Euros and liabilities of 387 million euros. Visitor numbers fall far below those required for the theme park to be a viable business venture and, according to the Levante, this year’s audit (made public yesterday) warns that the financial state of Terra Mitica reflects uncertainty about the capacity of the company to continue in business. Terra Mitica is one one of Europe’s most exciting theme parks and is Benidorm’s main tourist attraction. It has something for all age groups and for all “fear thresholds”.

A resort of exceptional quality and style set in mythical surroundings to sooth and inspire. Take pleasure in the dramatic views from your luxury bungalow, suite or villa; dive into the crystal clear blue waters of the Mediterranean; relax with a specialized treatment in our state-of-the-art The Elounda Spa & Thalasso therapy. And enjoy an impeccable service, which combined together with our celebrated Cretan hospitality, will make you feel right at home. Endless Blue Location If there is a reason to visit Blue Palace, Resort & Spa it must be its unparalleled location with breathtaking views Blue Palace, is situated just 3 km away from the village of Elounda and within a few hundred meters of the fishing village of Plaka, where life still moves along to the rhythm of another era.

The resort overlooks the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and sits opposite the isle of Spinalonga with its medieval fortress. Spinalonga’s story dates back to the Venetians and Turks, conquerors of Crete, and is nowadays a unique historical attraction protected by the Greek Society of Byzantine Antiquities. The natural beauty of the area is enhanced by the hotels stylish design and by its gardens built as attribute to the local vegetation. The resort unfolds in small units of bungalows that merge harmoniously with the serene and sensuous ambiance. Nestled on a small cliff, the resort leads down to a 200-meter long beach. A panoramic lift has been built to ensure effortless access to the beach from all levels of the hotel, while a number of electric cars are also available. The impeccably furnished rooms are decorated in an understated neutral colour scheme that contrasts with the view of stunning blue skies and sea offered by every room. Infinity pools flowing seamlessly into the sea are available in most room types and all rooms feature a private terrace or veranda. Perfect for pampering in a spectacular location.

Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort is a four star hotel situated on the front sea line of the Mediterranean coast. Each of our 242 elegant suites offers relaxing panoramic views, either over the sea, the hotel’s beautiful gardens, the impressive Montgo mountains, or the magnificent Oliva Nova Golf 18-hole golf course. Impressive facilities include golf course; 14 meeting, banquet rooms for up to 400 delegates, a games room, lobby bar, a shop and a Health, Beauty & Spa Centre; a kids club and a children´s play area. Guests may make use of the foyer with 24-hour reception desk, a safe, a currency exchange facility, lifts, a newspaper stand, various shops, a TV room. The hotels dining facilities include a cafe, a pub, a bar, a juice bar and 3 air-conditioned restaurants. In addition, there are two professional football pitches, two tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool and an extensive garden area.

Oliva Nova’s Health, Beauty & Spa Centre is open to guests over the age of 16 and boasts two saunas, Turkish bath, fitness centre and whirlpool. The health and beauty centre invites you to immerse yourself in the relaxing, exclusive surroundings of our facilities, dedicated to the care and well being of your body: eternity pool with water jets and fountain; integrated jacuzzi; sauna; balneotherapy, bath with added aromatic herbs;massages and treatments; lemon water immersion zone;physiotherapy; Hydrotherapy; solarium; Tibetan Ayurveda. There is a second area for special treatments and massages, with independent treatment rooms boasting innovative equipment.
Located 300 metres from the hotel is the 18-hole Oliva Nova golf course, designed by Severiano Ballesteros, with pitching and putting areas, extends to around 50 hectares. A handicap of 36 is required for both ladies and gentlemen. This first class golf course and endless days of sunshine has put Oliva on the top of the list for a vacation spot for golfers from around the world. For a short game, head to the five-hole, par three course. At the golf school there is a multilingual team of professionals offering tuition to all levels of golfer.
There are a whole host of sporting activities outside our facilities, including: kite surfing, windsurfing, water skiing, beach volleyball, diving, sailing, mountain biking, hiking, horse riding, fishing…

From the resort it is less than a 50 metre walk to the beach. The white sandy beaches are virtually endless, stretch from Denia to Valencia and even in the busiest months you are guaranteed your position and privacy. The crystal clear waters are backed by protected dunes and all the beaches have been awarded with the E.U. blue flag certification.

These spacious, quiet rooms offer you the luxury and comfort you’ve always dreamed about. If you’re looking for a little piece of heaven, beside the beach and golf course, come to Oliva Nova Golf Beach & Golf Hotel in one of the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean. Forget the worries of your everyday life. Immerse yourself in luxury. Have a cocktail in the pool or on the beach.

Luxury motor yacht Annaliesse is a very large and well equiped Mediterranean charter yacht. She provides stately accommodation for 36 guests and features a flotilla of water ‘toys’ as well as health, fitness and business centers.
Luxury motor charter yacht Annaliesse is a 85.3m (280ft), charter super yacht built to the highest international safety and quality standards. Her “Owner’s” Staterooms accommodate up to 36 guests in fabulous surroundings. There is a business centre on board and conference space. A health & fitness centre includes a spa on the lower deck. The gymnasium is fully equipped to the highest standards. Annaliesse also boasts a wine cellar and sundeck plunge pool, a spa that rivals any deluxe land facility, saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge pools, a beauty salon and treatment areas.

INCLUSIVE:
1. Welcome Champagne reception
2. All food, wine & beverages
3. Laundry including personal
4. Jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, massage, wet treatments, beauty therapy

NOT INCLUDED:
1. Fuel & Oils
2. Champagne – premium wines and spirits
3. Harbour & agency fees – if any
4. Spa products, toiletries, sun creams
5. Telecommunication & transportation
6. Anything that is not inclusive
7. Minimum 7% crew gratuity
Mediterranean Luxury Motor Yacht Annaliesse offers the following amenities and extras: Communications Equipment Onboard business centre Internal LAN for computers Digital PBX telephone system and ISDN compatible software System has over 80 lines including 5 satellite connections linked via an Immarsat Ship to Earth Station Watersports Equipment 2 x tenders 2 x semi enclosed lifeboats for 27 pax. with diesel engines 2 x open speed boats for water skiing Diving equipment Wind surfers 6 x personal watercraft (jetskis) Audio/Visual Equipment All staterooms are equiped with Stereo, DVD and flat screen plasma televisions and IT equipment Other Equipment Jacuzzi dip pool Plunge pool Air Conditioning Barbecue Cinema Guest elevator Fully equiped gymnasium Childrens play room Guest spa Steam room & sauna.

The lands of the great gods of Greece and Rome come to life on this unique eight-day cruise across the beautiful Aegean Sea. Throughout this exciting journey, experience the rich history and culture of ancient Greece and Turkey and the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires while cruising aboard the m.s. Le Diamant This superb vessel is one of the finest cruisers in Europe and offers well-appointed, deluxe accommodations, as well as excellent service and gourmet cuisine.Begin with the resort island of Mykonos, known for its picturesque seaside villages and windmills, and the nearby island of Delos, mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis Next, explore the stunning volcanic cliffs of Santorini, experience the fantastic Greco-Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman architecture of Rhodes and visit the ancient Monastery of St. John on the island of Patmos. Conclude with a tour of some of the world’s best-preserved Greco-Roman ruins at Ephesus, and the legendary city of Troy, immortalized by Homer Throughout the cruise, expert guides will lead the excursions and special onboard lectures will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the region.

To make your Aegean experience complete, join a low-priced, optional two-night pre-cruise program in the ancient Greek capital of Athens and/or an optional two-night extension in legendary Istanbul.

Santorini is the most extraordinary island in the Aegean. You sail into a strange, enclosed sea, shut off by the Burnt Islands. The volcanic cliffs of Santorini are red, brown or greenish, surmounted by a string of white villages. It is rather like a model of a monster’s jaw made by some infernal dentist; a sinister and alarming place, like nowhere else.

Jetting out from the deep blue sea its volcanic sheer cliffs topped with gleaming white village homes and churches, resemble snowcapped mountains. The thunderous fury of nature left its mark on the island, the home of Greece’s last active volcano which still smolders today. Layer upon layer of red volcanic rock interspersed with white buildings and specks of greenery form a visual demonstration found nowhere else.
The entire center of the circular island sank into the sea during the tremendous volcanic explosion of 3.500 years ago. The eruption caused tidal waves which virtually wiped out the advanced Minoan civilization of Crete 70 miles to the south. Some scholars believe that the island is part of the legendary lost continent of Atlantis which supposedly slipped underwater during the disaster.

From the sheer cliff-top, where the villages are built, you look down on the gentle, green outer slopes of the mountain: the sea has filled the crater of the volcano. The contrast between these two faces of Santorini is dramatic and extraordinary.

The beauty of Santorini must depend on light and line; there is hardly any vegetation apart from vines, and the volcanic earth has no charm of color, unlike the earth and rock of the limestone islands. Yet it has a strange and uncanny fascination of its own. It has rightly been called the black pearl of the Aegean.
The sunsets of Santorini, with the Burnt Islands in the foreground, the islet of Thirassia behind, Sikinos and Folegandros farther off, and the great rock of Christiana, are among the most exciting aesthetic experiences that the Aegean can provide.

The official name of the island is Thira, but foreigners refer to it by the name given in honor of the island’s patron saint, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, who died here while in exile in 304 A.D.Santorini, which covers 73 square kilometers and is located 127 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus, has an important wine trade. In September visitors may tread the grapes and taste the wines. The rich volcanic soil also produces popular small sweet tomatoes. The island also exports pumice stone, china clay and pistacchio nuts. Two million tons of volcanic soil is exported every year for use in the cement industry. A member of the Cyclades group of Aegean islands, Santorini has a permanent population of aapproxiimately 10.500 but during the tourist season this number swells dramatically.

Santorini has 13 villages. Fira, also known as Thira or Hora, is the island’s capital. It is situated 27,5 m. above the sea and may be reached from the port of Skala climbing the steep, 566 broad steps. This should only be attempted by the untiring while the traditional way up the zigzag path is by renting pack mules or donkeys. For those who prefer modern conveniences, a funicular lift is available.
The cable car lifts 800 persons per hour. The duration is only two minutes and offers unforgettable views of the volcanic island.

Kingdom of Morocco

Geography
Area: 446,550 sq. km. (172,413 sq. mi.) slightly larger than California. (The disputed territory of Western Sahara comprises another 267,028 sq. km or 102,703 sq. mi.)
Major cities: Rabat (Capital), Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Tangier.
Terrain: Coastal plains, mountains, desert.
Climate: Mediterranean to more extreme in the interior and south.

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective–Moroccan(s).
Population (2004): 31,478,000
Annual growth rate (2004): 1.4%.
Ethnic groups: Arab-Berber 99%.
Religions: Muslim 99.99%, Jewish population estimated at 4,000 people, Christian population estimated at less than 1,000.
Languages: Arabic (official), several Berber dialects; French functions as the language of business, government, and diplomacy.
Education: Years compulsory–9. Literacy–52.6%.
Health: Infant mortality rate–49.72/1,000. Life expectancy–66.92 yrs. male, 71.44 yrs. female.
Work force (10.7 million, 2003): Agriculture–50%; services–35%; industry–15%

Environment

Physical Description: Morocco boasts the highest mountains in northern Africa. The Rif mountain chain runs along the northern Mediterranean coast with its peak at Mount Tidirhine at just over 8,000 ft. The Atlas mountains dominate the center of the country with an average elevation of 11,000 ft. At 13,665 ft., Mount Toubkai is the highest peak. Rocky plateaus make up half of Morocco’s land area. The alluvial lowlands, where agriculture is concentrated, around 20 percent. The Saharan plateau dominates the south. Morocco is dominated by Algeria to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the disputed Western Sahara to the south.

Climate: Mediterranean with extreme heat in the interior

Irrigated Land: 4,857 sq miles (1993 est.)

Land Use:
Arable Land: 21%
Permanent Crops: 1%
Permanent Pastures: 47%
Forests and Woodland: 20%
Other: 11% (1993 est.)

Natural Resources: Phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc

Natural Hazards: Northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; periodic droughts

Eco-alerts: Morocco suffers from the standard regional environmental problems of land degradation from farming exhausted lands, overgrazing and destruction of vegetation. Water supplies are frequently contaminated by raw sewage. Oil pollution plagues coastal waters.

---

Morocco’s strategic location has shaped its history. Beginning with the Phoenicians, many foreigners were drawn to this area. Romans, Visigoths, Vandals and Byzantine Greeks ruled successively. Arab forces began occupying Morocco in the seventh century A.D., bringing their civilization and Islam. The Alaouite dynasty, which has ruled Morocco since 1649, claims descent from the Prophet Muhammad.Morocco’s location and resources led to early competition among European powers in Africa, beginning with successful Portuguese efforts to control the Atlantic coast in the 15th century. France showed a strong interest in Morocco as early as 1830. Following recognition by the United Kingdom in 1904 of France’s “sphere of influence” in Morocco, the Algeciras Conference (1906) formalized France’s “special position” and entrusted policing of Morocco to France and Spain jointly. The Treaty of Fes (1912) made Morocco a protectorate of France. By the same treaty, Spain assumed the role of protecting power over the northern and southern (Saharan) zones.Nationalist political parties, which took shape under the French protectorate, began a strong campaign for independence after World War II. Declarations such as the Atlantic Charter (a joint U.S.-British statement set forth, among other things, the right of all people to choose the form of government under which they live), served as a base for the independence movement. A manifesto of the Istiqlal (Independence) Party in 1944 was one of the earliest public demands for independence. That party subsequently provided most of the leadership for the nationalist movement and remains a dominant political force.In 1953, France exiled the highly respected Sultan Mohammed V and replaced him with the unpopular Mohammed Ben Aarafa. Ben Aarafa’s reign was widely perceived as illegitimate, and sparked active opposition to French rule. France allowed Mohammed V to return in 1955, and by 1956, Morocco had regained its independence.In the year 2006, Moroccans celebrated their 50^th year of independence from France. After gaining independence on March 2, 1956, Morocco regained control over certain Spanish-ruled areas through agreements with Spain in 1956 and 1958. The internationalized city of Tangier was reintegrated with the signing of the Tangier Protocol on October 29, 1956. The Spanish enclave of Ifni in the south became part of Morocco in 1969. Spain, however, retains control over the small coastal enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in the north.During the 1990s, King Hassan made great strides toward economic and political liberalization. King Hassan died on July 23, 1999, and was succeeded by his son, Mohammed VI, who pledged to continue these reforms. Under Mohammed VI, the Moroccan Government has undertaken a number of economic, political, and social reforms, including the 2003 Moudawana, a reform of the family status code, and the 2006 Equity and Reconciliation Commission, which investigated allegations of human rights abuse from 1956 to 1999.

 

The Maltese Islands lie virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, with Malta 93km south of Sicily and 288km north of Africa. The Maltese archipelago consists of three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino as well as two uninhabited islands. These Islands are often described as one big open-air museum. Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. The island became independent in 1964. Throughout its history, Malta has acted as a safe harbour for refuge, an important trading point, a staging post for rest and replenishment and a vital military and naval base. In April 1942 King George VI made a unique award to the whole island, the George Cross (the highest award for civilian gallantry). Malta offers visitors an incredible amount of attractions within its historically interesting towns and villages including various museums of architecture and art, palaces, churches and gardens. There is also the opportunity to go island hoping to the islands of Gozo and Comino for the day. The island became independent in 1964. Throughout its history, Malta has acted as a safe harbour for refuge, an important trading point, a staging post for rest and replenishment and a vital military and naval base. In April 1942 King George VI made a unique award to the whole island, the George Cross (the highest award for civilian gallantry). Malta offers visitors an incredible amount of attractions within its historically interesting towns and villages including various museums of architecture and art, palaces, churches and gardens. There is also the opportunity to go island hoping to the islands of Gozo and Comino for the day.Malta experiences a typically Mediterranean climate. The warmest period to visit is mid-July to mid-September when sunshine hours average 10 per day. In comparison, in the winter months, sunshine hours average 7 hours. The average annual rainfall in Malta is around 50 centimetres and at night you can expect the temperature to be regularly tempered by cool breezes from the Mediterranean

Valetta
Valetta holds the most museums and historical sights than anywhere else on the Island.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens

The National Museum of Archeology

The fine Arts Museum

The National War Museum

St Johns Co-Cathedral

The place of the Grand Masters

The Armoury

The Manoel Theatre

The Mediterranean Conference Centre

Mdina
Medina is the old capital of Malta and is a typical medieval town.

The Museum of Natural History

The Cathedral

Rabat

The Museum of Roman Antiquities – The Roma Villa

St. Agatha’s and St.Paul’s Catacombs

All year round there are ferries from Malta to the island of Gozo, which depart from Cirkewwa, which is a 20-minute crossing, or Sa Maison, which is a 75 minute crossing. Services are relatively frequent and in the summer months the services are expanded to include passenger only hover marine services from Sa Maison to Mgarr, which is a 25 minute crossing, and from Sliema, which is a 30 minute crossing.

With its 200km of coastline, it is no surprise that Malta has various marinas. The largest marina is the one in Marsamxett Harbour, which includes 15 pontoons and 700 berths. There are also plenty of beaches to visit and soak up the sun. You can also enjoy the various sporting opportunities open to visitors to the island including windsurfing, jet ski-ing and water ski-ing. Scuba diving is also popular due to the mild (all year round) sea temperature and the beautiful underwater sea life and fauna.

Our weather and climate in Malta is typically Mediterranean in that it is influenced by the sea.Over 250 days of the year you can expect sunshine and blue skies. The temperatures depend on what time of the year it is; mild winters, gentle spring weather, hot and dry summers, wet autumns.

The good news is that in Malta we can dive all year round!!!