Europe Archives - Short Holiday Breaks

Water sports holidays in Greece: A vacation full of fun, excitement and adventure

April 20, 2018 by admin

They say that life is either an adventure or nothing. If you are an adventure lover and if you believe the same, this is the time to plan your next trip full of adventure and fun. Ever thought about water sports? Water sports can create huge excitement and can be an ideal way to spend your summer vacation. Watersports holidays in Greece is one of the biggest attractions for those who love adventure. For those who love water sports, Greece is a paradise blessed with innumerable islands of different shapes and sizes. Here are a few points to make your planning easier than ever.

Places to visit

There are a few must-visit places in Greece which you cannot miss if you are a water sports lover. Greece has high-quality sea sports services to satisfy the enthusiasts.

Naxos:

Though Naxos is mostly popular as wind sports destination, we strongly suggest you go offbeat and experience the scuba diving and you won’t regret. An underwater cave, the Express Samina wreck off the coast of Paros will stick to your memory for quite a long time.

Santorini:

If you are looking for isolated and secluded beaches, Santorini is the place you are looking for. With innumerable hidden beaches and coves still remain undiscovered, Santorini is the best place for wonderful sea-kayaking. There are also chances of camping on a secluded beach, snorkelling and exploring the surreal underwater world of wonders.

Kea:

Pristine beaches and emerald water, Kea defines serenity. Kea is easily accessible from Athens and has visitors almost every week. Kea has a centre for water sports, offering several adventurous activities like skiing, wakeboarding, etc.

Kos:

Call it a surfer’s paradise and nobody will deny. Kos is beautiful and very windy and is the ideal spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing rides. Avail the all day long package at Kos so that you can enjoy the most out of it.

Kefalonia:

A sea kayak trip to Ionian island to understand and explore the raw beauty of the same is a must if you are a water sports lover. Paddle along the northwest coast and the south of Kefalonia and Ithaka, snorkel in crystal clear waters and relax as you explore the island.

Best Time to visit Greece

Spring and early summer is the perfect time of the year to visit Greece for an adventurous water sports experience. Just about everyone agrees that the best time to visit is Greece is spring and early summer, but autumn is another season which is pleasant yet admirable for the adventure sports lovers. In the autumn, you will enjoy golden days with still-warm waters but since this is an off-season, the availability of boats and flights are quite questionably low. Summers are very hot and the temperature rises up to 43 degrees. It is not advisable to venture out in the midday sun during summer. The seasonal north (Etesian) winds blow on and from mid-July to mid-August, but it can get very windy anytime.

Fun Activities you cannot miss

Sailing:

Greece will show its own charm while you sail from one island to another. You can freely experience island hopping and this gives you an opportunity to anchor your ship anywhere for some quick bath or a swift swim.

Diving:

Intrigued by the underwater world? Scuba diving is the answer to your quest. It is one of the most demanding water sports in Greece. The bed underneath, the little creatures encircling your head, diving throws a new experience, every time you dive into the emerald water.

Jet Skiing:

Jet Skiing is loved by many but is a very easy sport to participate. This doesn’t need any particular training and feels as good as riding a bike on water.

Windsurfing:

Get the grip right first. Windsurfing needs a professional assistance if it is your first time. A few hours of training and you are good to go! It doesn’t need any added gear and is a safe sport to participate.

Yachting:

The most simple water activity of all. If you are the one who wants to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding, yachting is your cup of tea. The yacht comes in all shapes and sizes.

Wakeboarding:

It has a huge thrill! Wakeboarding is a surface water sport involving a wakeboard ride over the surface of the body of the sea. This is a comparatively tough sport and needs a professional guidance.

Tube riding:

Easy and fun water sport, tube riding involves very little risk. This is mostly a leisure activity and is simple and fun. The assurance of utmost fun is ensured here.

Parasailing:

Hold the breath tight and indulge yourself into parasailing over the sea. Need not worry about the risk factor as the professionals will always be by your side and the wind and speedboat will do the needful for you.

Sea Kayaking:

You will see this on almost every island in Greece; sea kayaking is definitely a water sport you won’t want to miss. It is definitely another great way to visit caves and discover hidden beaches.

Pro Tips:

The first thing that you should keep in mind is your own safety. Never try something that you are not confident or comfortable doing. Being a capible swimmer helps, but don’t go beyond your means. There can be many complications while these fun yet potentially dangerous water activities, so remember to take the necessary precautions. Always wear the life jackets, even if you are a capable swimmer. All the water sport enthusiasts swear by it. You never know when you might have cramp in your leg, so you will be thankful to your life jacket if your encounter one such moment.

Having the proper gears is very important in adventurous water sports. If you are a first timer, do not shy away from asking help from the professionals. For children, make sure they attend the training sessions before trying their hands on such activities.

Being alone in the water is not advisable for anyone who is not a regular water sport enthusiast. Even if you are going for a harmless swim or sea-kayaking, try to take someone along with you. For the first-timers and the young children, it is important to be under the surveillance of a professional at least for the initial days.

Greece is a paradise for those who love water activities. If you are one, plan your next trip to Greece and enjoy the emerald, blue, crystal water and an experience of a lifetime. The list of activities is huge and never ending when it comes to water sports and adventure. Choose the one that you like and enjoy to the fullest. One thing is ensured that you will have fun like you have never had before!

Why The Uk Is Still The Best Destination For Immigration

September 1, 2017 by admin

Dealing with the complexities and struggles of coming into the UK is not always an easy battle to fight. Many immigrants have been turned down, often times families have been separated, yet still the UK has been an increasingly sought out destination for immigrants, no matter the hardship from heavy immigration laws they may face. Woodgrange Solicitors can help in all legal matters relating to immigration, should a sticky and upsetting situation arise regarding your right to stay in the UK. Here’s some facts on why, regardless of immigration crackdowns, this country is still the best place for immigration.

Employment

Last year we seen a record high of immigrants come into the UK, numbering in at about 514,000 non-British nationals. These record highs only leave us wondering why this is the case, why so many individuals are desperate to relocate to this small island, in comparison to the rest of the world. Immigrants take up a large percentage of jobs in the UK, as a matter of fact, the employment rate for male immigrants has superseded British males. This survey shows a good deal of why immigrants want to relocate, they see here as a destination for better prospects and where they can attain just as good employment as anyone else. There are an unlimited amount of employment opportunities here for them to grasp, that they may not find where their from. There are also a large amount of benefits to be had for the employees in the UK; you could receive a bonus that would blow your mind one year and then the next you could enjoy several months embracing a new born child with maternity pay under your belt.

Education

There are many immigrants who invest in a student visa in order to journey to a land that holds many world-class, prestigious universities. The UK is said to have had the second highest number of international students as individuals flock in to gain well respected degrees and become more well acquainted with the English language, which is a desired language for many jobs across the world. 48 per cent of migrants now have UK degrees and have taken up the offer of training in a country that is known to have some of the best education facilities. They have also have a large welfare system to take care of them during their stay in the UK and know they will be looked after while they study.

Economy

I don’t think anyone would want to miss out on a country that is so small yet it’s the world’s 5th largest economy. This is seen as a location for many where great potential and prospects can be attained. There is now a high demand because of economic growth for high and low skilled labourers. There is also a high percentage of immigrants that are willing to work for low-wage jobs, although many have stood their ground on the income inequalities act and have demand suitable wages.

Explore and Experience New Places by Train Travel

May 26, 2017 by admin

If being humble, kind and calm is on your ‘to-do’ list then travel more. As French novelist Gustave Flaubert said, “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

International Rail is at your service to help you leave the tiny corner that you have occupied and explore the abundance of beauty that Mother Earth has to offer. Besides being affordable, flexible, comfortable and convenient, your train travel journey with International Rail would be fascinating as well.

Here are the top 3 places that deserve your undivided attention:

Turkey

Turkey is a unique country that offers the best of Asia and Europe. Be it the capital city Ankara, cultural & financial hub Istanbul, ski-town Bursa, beautiful ruins in Canakkale, or the Sufi town Konya, the Eurasian transcontinental country is an explosion of colorful culture. Train travel in Turkey is far more economical and faster than even bus travel! With InterRail Turkey Pass that starts from just £55, train tickets would end up being even more reasonable and affordable. Some of the rail journeys that you must set on are Istanbul to Ankara (5-9 hours), Ankara to Lake Van (30 hours), Ankara to Izmir (12-15 hours) and Eskisehir to Adana (14 hours).

Spain

Famous for siesta, football, paella, flamenco, bull-fighting and tapas, Spaniards know how to have a good time, no matter what. The top three places that you must visit when you are in Spain are Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Plaza de Espana in Seville, and the Prado National Museum in Madrid. To enjoy unlimited train travel within this European Iberian Peninsula country, invest in a Renfe Spain Pass or an Interrail Spain Pass. Both the rail passes are under £200 and come with additional benefits, such as discount on ferries, crossings, accommodations, museums, restaurants and a lot more. Spain’s most scenic, fast and luxurious train journeys include Barcelona to Catalonia, Seville to Granada, Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train) to Aranjuez and Madrid to Lisbon.

Bulgaria

Be prepared to feast your eyes on Bulgaria’s breathtaking landscapes when you travel from city to city by train. Plan a scenic trip from Sofia to Mezdra that offers the mesmerizing view of the Iskâr Gorge or from Septemvri and Bansko with mountain views of the Rila and Rhodope ranges. With International Rail’s InterRail Bulgaria Pass, you get to soak up the natural beauty of the country in just £55! During your stay, you could also visit Srebarna Nature Reserve, Sunny Beach on the coast of Black Sea, Belogradchik Fortress, Seven Lakes and Rila Monastery.

A Trip To Malta For Every Season

January 4, 2017 by admin

While most tourists flock to Spain in the summer and central Europe for the festive season, the little archipelago of Malta offers excitement all year round.

No matter if you’re looking for tropical heat, cultural spectacles or natural beauty, Malta has it all. If you haven’t considered taking a trip to this wonderful little paradise, then read on and decide when is the perfect time for you to visit!

Summer

Summertime in Malta is the most popular time of the year – and for good reason. In Malta, average temperatures hover around 30°C and each day is filled with glorious sunshine. Traveler’s looking for the epitome of the perfect beach holiday should definitely opt to visit Malta during the hotter months.

The tiny archipelago is awash with beautiful strands and bays all along its coastline. Popular tourist friendly spots, such as the Golden bay, hold Blue Flag status and the surrounding amenities make it the ideal place to soak up the rays in style. For swimmers, the Blue Lagoon offers a vast pool of clear waters and there are many other secluded alcoves to uncover.

Autumn

As Autumn arrives and the Maltese weather cools slightly, the country becomes the ideal destination for adventure sports lovers and those who enjoy being out in nature. The islands boast endless picturesque hikes, which showcase some of Malta’s best geographical features. These trips are best enjoyed on the run-up to winter, as the coolness makes hiking much less exhausting. There are also many new flowers in bloom after the arid summer weather.

Autumn is also a great time to try out some water sports, as the wind begins to pick up during September onwards. However, there’s still enough warmth in the sun to enjoy being in the sea. So, why not try your hand at kite surfing or wind surfing?!

Winter

As a predominantly Catholic country, Malta is a truly spectacular affair around Christmas. The streets of Valletta are awash with lights and entertainment. Christmas Eve sees a spectacular carol ceremony held at the world famous St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and the pantomime at Manoel theatre is an annual treat.

More than this, visiting Malta in winter provides the invaluable opportunity to see some of the country’s most significant attractions, without the crowds of peak season. Don’t miss the spectacular fortified cities and UNESCO heritage sites. The atmospheric winter sun and lack of crowds make it the perfect time for photographers to get the perfect shot.

Spring

Much like Autumn, Spring is a great period to visit Malta if you’re looking for the best of both worlds. Temperatures are slowly on the rise but the country isn’t yet overflowing with tourists. This is the time of year to considering venturing out to the lesser-known islands of Gozo and Comino. You can visit the legendary Azure Window – a stunning geological feature – and wander around the nearby cliffs. At this time of year, the wildlife is beginning to return so it’s a great time for nature lovers.

Spring also hosts some of Malta’s more unique festivals. Marksman will be intrigued to witness the annual bird-shooting hunt that takes place around this time. Although, if you’d like to visit the birds in more humane circumstances, the many country paths will allow you to see all the Spring’s new hatchlings.

This is a guest post sponsored by The Radisson Malta and written by Steve Ewins; an Avid Traveller and Blogger who has visited more than 80 countries.

All Photos released under the creative commons license.