From the amazing beaches, the breath-taking islands, the exciting clubs, the narrow streets to the historic cities, everything about Greece is absolutely stupendous. However, most tourists would agree that there is more to Greece than the ivory sands, pristine waters and lovely souvenir shops. In fact, Greece would not be the same without its amazing food. Holidays to Greece would not be complete without enjoying a couple of meals at some traditional restaurants is a good reason to come back to this beautiful country some day in order to have a full Greek experience.

Located in the picturesque Paros, Barbarossa is an exquisite restaurant, mostly famous for its incredibly tasty variety of fish dishes. Cozy and stylish, this top notch open air tavern is ideally situated in the scenic harbor of Naoussa, on the waterfront. Apart from serving divine food, Barbarossa provides its guests with a wide range of fine wines and one of the most unforgettable views in Paros. It is pretty hard to find another posh restaurant like this, in the entire region.

With an extensive menu containing all possible traditional Greek dishes and sweets, Hatzis is Thessaloniki’s premier restaurant. The “baklava” is a must-taste in this popular restaurant, among other mouth-watering sweets such as hanoum bourek, vezir parmak and malempi mastiha. Almost an historic landmark, this amazing restaurant has opened in the early 1900 and it is running since then.

Even though it serves only a few dishes and the menu is not as varied as expected, Kyria Eirini is a unique restaurant with a creative touch. Situated on the Folegandros Island, this little, quaint restaurant looks more like a mini market with a couple of nice tables and lovely decorations. All the ingredients used are fresh and the dishes are some of the most savoury in the area. The house specialities range from the outstanding homemade pasta, the delicious cheese pie, the fresh sea food and the mouth-watering rooster cooked in wine.

Situated in the delightful Athens, Paradosiako is less known among the tourists and mostly cherished by the locals in the area. The food is traditionally Greek, with a symphony of tasty meals ranging from meat dishes to scrumptious salads. Although it might be hard to spot this little taverna, it is worth the effort. Some of the most delicious dishes include the fresh seafood, which, although it is quite popular among the Greek restaurants, very few chefs know how to cook it well.

Superbly located in Mykonos, over viewing the Aegean Sea, Bill and Coo is an elegant restaurant, offering a stupendous ambiance as the guests have the opportunity to sit by the beautiful pool while serving a delicious meal, accompanied by a refined wine. Mostly recommended for having dinner, Bill and Coo has an extensive menu containing some of the most sophisticated plates in Mykonos.
When it comes to food, Greece is definitely a European gastronomic leader, appreciated by all kind of tourists from around the world.

When it comes to shopping, Vienna is one of the top European destinations, due to its extravagant boutiques, luxurious fashion chains, epochal antiques and unique shops. To ensure you have more in your purse to spend on shopping make sure you check out the latest deals at accommodation providers Oh-Vienna. This stunning city offers an extensive range of opportunities to purchase everything from opulent jewellery, stylish cloths, and bohemian furniture to refined perfumes and fascinating works of art signed by some of the most famous artists.

Surprisingly enough, some of the most elegant palaces in the city host numerous sophisticated shops selling antiques, perfumes, jewellery and many more. Shopping in one of Vienna’s palaces can be a unique experience, so you should not think twice. Situated in the beautiful Freyung Square, the Ferstel Palace is home to some interior design studios, a stupendous chocolate shop along with a myriad of other shops selling one of kind pieces of furniture. At a walking distance from the Ferstel Palace, there is the Harrach Palace, an imposing edifice, housing inspiring art galleries and house ware retailers.

The Old City Centre is the most enjoyable area for fashion-addict shoppers, as it contains amazing brands and countless stores.  From top-notch shoes to unique pieces of clothing, this exciting area has it all! Some of the most popular shops in the Old City Centre include Liska, an adorable store selling bags, clothes and shoes under the signature of Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Fendi and many others. A royal-like boutique, Sisi Vienna is only selling Austrian clothes and accessories, inspired by the elegance of the Empress Elizabeth.  One of the most luxurious shops in the city, Chegini is home to some pretentious brands, admired by high-class customers. With its best-kept secret feel, Pitti is a lovely shop, featuring brands such as Celine, CarShoe, Nina Peter and Miu Miu, among many other top designers.

One of the most impressive shopping centers and galleries in Vienna is Art Up, an amazing place for startup, local designers who want to display their pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories in a public space. This striking shopping center is filled with unique, daring and provocative fashion bits, be those eclectic bags, quirky shoes or creative accessories. Would you fancy for something odd? Than, Art Up is definitely the place to go!

One of the most popular flea markets in Europe, and probably the most renowned one in Vienna, the Flohmarkt is an ideal destination for the antique lovers. A ramshackle market with a touch of fairy-tale, Flohmarkt offers a huge variety of clothes, books, records, postcards and generally speaking, a lot of ancient stuff. This particular flea market is extremely special, due to the fact that one can literally sense its history only by walking around the narrow streets filled with antiques. Although there are many such markets in Vienna, Flohmarkt is a must see, especially because the special ambiance that it provides its visitors with.

From fashionable clothes, elegant furniture, unique jewellery, quirky accessories and stylish shoes to luxurious brands, Vienna has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping.

Tenerife is the largest of the seven islands that make up the Canary Islands in the Spanish archipelago. Home to Spain’s highest mountain, the Teide volcano -also referred to as ‘El Teide”-, Spain’s highest mountain and the world’s third soaring volcano, Tenerife is the choice destination among foreign tourists and as such is always abuzz with activity based on her favourable all year round climate, friendly locals and cheap resorts. Flights to Tenerife are frequent and great deals can easily be found.

There is something for everyone of any age bracket dependent on what strikes their fancy. The island has magnificent beaches are not only safe and free from creepy crawlies such as scorpions and snakes, but also, a great hive of liveliness with different activity for everyone. Though the breathtaking beauty of the beaches is the main attraction on Tenerife, they are not the only lure to this beautiful and populous isle. History and Fine Arts lovers; thrill Seekers and sport lovers as well as tourists with other interests apart from getting a tan may be pleased to know that there are a number of other attractions on the island.

For History and Fine Arts Lovers

‘La Laguna’, the second largest city in Tenerife was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. In the Americas the design of colonial towns aped those of San Cristobal de La Laguna. The city is the second most populous on the island and is situated on the northern part of the isle. A trip to ” La Laguna would be perfect for History lovers and those who would like to find out more about the origins of the layout employed by the Spanish colonial masters. A tour of the museums found in the capital city of Tenerife, the “Santa Cruz de Tenerife” such as the “La Recova” Museum, the Natural and Human Museum and the City Library and Fine arts museum would be a treat.

Thrill Seekers and Sports Lovers

A visit to the Teide National Park, which is one of the most popular parks in Spain, owing to the number of tourists that visit it each year. The scenic view of the world’s third largest natural occurring volcano as well as the possibility of climbing to the top for the best view on the island should get your adrenaline pumping and make up for any aches and pains that one may later experience at the end of the hike. Driving along the Masca valley, a long winding route is neither for the faint at heart nor for less skilled drivers but it does offer a thrilling ride.

Sports enthusiast would be spoiled for choice as the island offeres scuba diving, golf as well as local sport referred to as “Lucha Canaria”, which involves two men wrestling.

Nightlife and Shopping

Tenerife is well known for her vibrant nightlife and in February the island hosts, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which is attempting to gain UNESCO recognition as a World Heritage site due to the large number of tourists that it attracts from around the world. This is an insight into great alternatives that will go a long way to help you enjoy the experience in this area as much as possible.

For the best deals and to find a cheap flight to Tenerife, make sure you do your research online.

Every European city has its own range of luxurious hotels that are ready to spoil all travellers who are looking to have an unforgettable holiday. However, there are some destinations renowned for offering an unbelievable splurge when it comes to some of their hotels. If you are of a mind to indulge yourself with an exquisite accommodation, than you should take into consideration the following impressive hotels and the luxurious suites that they have to offer. From France to Russia, Europe is a proud holder of some of the most expensive hotels in the world. With the high expenses comes the luxury, so take a look at the extravaganza that money can buy.

Paris is known to be the classiest capital in Europe and it is also famous for its incredible range of pompous hotels. The Four Seasons Hotel George V is the most expensive hotel in Paris and its Royal Suite is extremely popular among celebrities from all over the world. At the high price of $24,550 per night, the Four Seasons Hotel George V is a world-class destination for wealthy people who are looking to have an enjoyable 5 stars holiday. If this price tag, tips your budget, don’t forget you can always save money on travel costs by catching a ferry to France instead of flying. This striking hotel has two Royal Suites with impressive, private terraces, overlooking the beautiful Three Graces Fountain. With an 18^th century touch, these incredible suites are filled with inspiring pieces of art and antiques.

Located in the busy Istanbul, overlooking the breath taking Bosphorus, the Çira?an Palace Kempinski is a luxurious five star hotel popular among rich people worldwide. Uma Thurman, Liz Hurley, Giorgio Armani and Prince Charles are just some of the visitors that this impressive hotel had. The Sultan’s Suite is the most expensive place in the hotel and it offers an incredible range of services that are worth every dollar from the $15,332 per night. The Çira?an Palace Kempinski hotel offers some awesome facilities, among which the helicopter service, which makes this wonderful place even more popular and desired by high class travelers.

At the exorbitant price of $34,356 per night, the Grand Resort Lagonissi in Athens, offers the most unbelievable accommodation, known under the name of the Royal Villa. Royal indeed, this amazing villa allows its visitors to enjoy the exquisite services of a private chef, a butler and even a talented pianist. Apart from the spacious outdoor and indoor pools, the cutting edge gym, the relaxing massage room and the steam bath, this magnificent hotel also grants you access to a private beach and marina.

Knowing that Moscow is one of the most expensive capitals in the world, one should not be surprised when hearing that this lavish city is home to a myriad of luxurious hotels for all tastes. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is one of the most impressive hotels that Moscow has to offer. At the price of $18,000 per night, the Ritz Carlton Suite is a magnificent place with an overview of the most epochal monuments in the country: the Red Square, the Kremlin, Christ the Savior Cathedral and St. Basil’s Cathedral. During your stay at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel you will not have to lift a finger, as you will be treated like an emperor. The stylish suite offers a living room, a library, a dining room, an office and incredible services.

Travel doesn’t need to cost a fortune when you take a direct ferry to Europe.

While Iceland may not be the hot spot for the tourist trade, many people want to see this wild country.  It is not overly populated, and the wilderness offers great sites such as the many glaciers as well as volcanoes which not many people are aware of.  So how does the novice Icelandic traveller know what to do when abroad?  The following are three tips for travel in Iceland:

Best Time to Travel

The best time to travel in Iceland is definitely in the summer because the weather is warmer and there are more daylight hours.  However, any time of the year can offer some fantastic sites, and hotels are open all of the year round.  There is no need to worry about animals that are in or out of hibernation as there are really no dangerous species in the country.  Some birds are a bit protective of their eggs and young so avoiding nests is the best way to circumvent them. Other than that though you will be fine in Iceland.

Is the Food Good?

There are many restaurants that serve up cuisines that can be found all around the world.  You can also find some that serve traditional Icelandic fare if you are feeling more adventurous.  Also look into the shops to find ingredients to come up with your meals if you rent a flat or home for your trip.  There is no need to worry, there is plenty of variety, and you will not go hungry.  And do not mind about the water there, it is very fresh and clear and unlike other parts of the world, the tap water tastes better than bottled. Tap water in Iceland is among the cleanest in the world. The locals also eat a lot of fish and fresh produce so the menus will not see you gaining extra holiday weight.

Cost of the holiday

It is a bit more expensive in Iceland than in other holiday spots but if you budget and rent your own jeep, you can save some money.  Remember that the roads are not well paved so you need to have a skilled driver on the trip.  Also, make sure to schedule a trip to one of the many spas as they are much more affordable than some of the other activities.  It is a great holiday to take with a group of people as opposed to on your own. It’s the type of holiday experience that can offer you memories for the rest of your life.

A trip to Iceland can be a wonderful way to spend a holiday, and it has a great deal of beauty to offer.  You can take a driving tour on your own or visit one of the many great spas.  You can go at any time of the year, but the summer is typically considered the best. Make sure to make the most out of your holiday to Iceland and don’t pay full price on your travels.

The first time I went to Paris I was 11, and predictable contributed nothing useful to the vacation. I was with my parents and older brother, and we were on one of those pre-scheduled, seven countries in 10 days via bus kind of vacations. Other than walking around a lot and getting to metaphorically check the city off my list when I got home, there wasn’t much accomplished with that kind of visit. Read the full story

A friend of mine sent me a picture of him reading by the beach in Barcelona today, and my response was a shot of the snow outside my window. Sure, I appreciate a little white around Christmastime, but the truth is that I’d much rather be sunning myself somewhere warm. My stint back to the east coast of the USA has been delightful, but I’m ready for sun and sea. That picture of my buddy (curse him!) has sent me into a bit of a tailspin reliving my glory days of Spanish beaches and cheap cervezas. So to help dull the pain (or perhaps to amplify it in a ridiculous bout of masochism,) here’s my list of the three best beaches along the Spanish Costa Brava. For better or worse (better,) this list is compiled from extensive research.

Best of Costa Brava: Palamos

Palamos is a fantastic Costa Brava town for a whole host of reasons, but the biggest and best can be summed up in a single word: gambas. Gambas, (shrimp) are a specialty in Palamos, and the chance to sample them is worth the trip alone. It’s ironic, because I don’t think Palamos boasts some of the most impressive beaches along the Costa Brava (the bar has been set ridiculously high though, so that’s not to say they’re anything less than spectacular.) But the town is walkable and offers a variety of shops and restaurants, sprawling out from the beach area with winding cobblestone streets and little hills. Hit the beach, then take a stroll, but don’t forget the gambas. There’s even a fresh fish and seafood market that opens up to the public in the evening on weekends. You can buy your own raw shrimp there to cook at home or head to one of the myriad restaurants around town to get some expertly prepared by the locals.

Best of Costa Brava: Platja d’Aro

Just up the road (alright, perhaps an hour up the road) from Palamos is Platja d’Aro, a tiny bit of Costa Brava beach belonging to the greater Girona province. Platja d’Aro is small but boasts some of the richest and most impressive summer homes in the area. Surrounded by rocky crags and forest trees, the beach seems to be a tiny pocket of civilization set in a more wild area. But the mansions that dot the landscape reveal a more cultivated history. Platja d’Aro makes my list for two main reasons. Firstly, the beach itself and surrounding views just can’t be beat. They boast some of the best that Costa Brava has to offer. But also, the trail that can be walked along this area will take you past some of these larger-than-life homes, and they too are worth a visit. Just imagining myself staying in one of these places (generally belonging to the wealthiest of celebrities, socialites and politicians) is enough to make my mouth water.

Best of Costa Brava: Cadaqués

I know Cadaqués is kind of the cliche and obvious choice on a list of the best Costa Brava beaches, but it’s earned its place on the list. The town is a smattering of small rocky pockets of beach peppered through a town full of Catalan culture and history. Salvador Dalí’s summer home is in Cadaqués, now a museum that is definitely worth a tour while you’re there. And the ports along the coast, filled with the tinkling of sailboat masts and the sparkle of the sun along the Mediterranean water, are incomparably beautiful. I’m pretty sure if I had to pick one place to live out the rest of my days in exile (because so many people who go through that get to pick,) I’d choose Cadaqués.

Photo Credit: Pierre-Selim

One of the advantages of living in Britain is the ease and convenience with which you can escape the daily grind of urban toil, and flee to the countryside. Trains and buses fan out from the cities to every nook and cranny, and car hire makes it even easier to explore the hills and dales less travelled.

Most Brits agree the Cotswolds are one of the most beautiful areas in the Isles. The largest of the UK’s 38 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (it was designated in 1966), the rolling hills are laden with picture postcard stone walls, beech woods and villages. Immortalised in print and paint for centuries, the Cotswolds represent the archetypal English landscape.

Author Bill Bryson has said that driving a car is the only way to truly see the Cotswolds. He’s right – its remoteness is its charm and also the drawback for public transport lubbers. Car hire will get you so far, and walking will do the rest. Once there, newcomers will see something they recognize, even impressionistically. But how did the Cotswolds become so entwined with the Arts?

Chipping Campden, a typically picturesque Cotswold town in Gloucestershire, was built on the wool trade during the Middle Ages. ‘Chipping’ comes from the Old English word ‘ceping’ meaning ‘a market-place’, and is common to many towns dating back to the 14^th Century (Norton, Sodbury etc). The honey buildings lining the high street were quarried from the local limestone, and the town boasts a number of idiosyncratic buildings, such as the Market Hall, built in 1627.

By the time it became known as the centre of the Cotswold Arts and Crafts Movement in the early 20^th Century, Chipping Campden and the surrounding areas had inspired every writer from Shakespeare to Jane Austen. Artists such as Rembrandt were moved to immortalize the landscape on canvas.

The solidification of the area’s reputation for the arts was in itself an ‘escape to the country’ of sorts.  Led by Charles Robert Ashbee, the Guild and School of Handicraft moved from the grimy slums of Edwardian East London and set up shop in Chipping Campden in 1902. Specializing in jewellery and furniture-making, the movement marked the beginning of a kind of industrial devolution, whereby the poverty and filth associated with inner city living was eschewed in favour of a pastoral existence, harking back to rural Old Albion.

Artists flocked to this romantic – perhaps illusorily so – ideal of English country life. And while today’s urbanites might be reluctant to throw off the shackles of the pressure-cooker metropolis for good, they still come to the Cotswolds to at least imagine another way of life. So if you’re looking to emulate the Cotswold way of life, search for your own weekend cottage, hire a car in London, and follow in the footsteps of some of Britain’s greatest visionaries.

Competa, Axarquia – Andalucia

It’s no secret that the Costa del Sol of Southern Spain is one of the best places to escape to the sun, surf and relaxing Catalonian lifestyle. Unfortunately, every year more and more tourists get the same great idea – and end up drowning the once picturesque coastal towns with an influx of visitors from the UK and U.S.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed by fellow tourists, consider moving away from the more popular destinations to one of the few remaining true Mediterranean gems of the Costa del Sol.

When booking your next trip to Malaga with Monarch, consider Axarquia as an alternative destination. While less known than some of the other villages in the region, Axarquia offers the perfect combination of culture, beaches, shopping, architecture, food and fun – without the hordes of summering visitors. As the most eastern province in Malaga, Axarquia manages to stay out of the way of mainstream tourism, retaining its old-world charm.

So what does Axarquia have to offer? Here are four reasons to visit.

1. Climate

True to its Mediterranean name, Axarquia offers beautiful, mild weather year round. Winters are mild and summers are toasty – fall and spring tend to blur together, without any dramatically cold season. On the coast, the seasons are less dramatic than the more mountainous inland – the coastal air keeps summer nights cool. Instead of snow, winter months may see more rain. Depending on your mood, February or September may be great months to visit, allowing for even more opportunity to avoid the crowds.

2. Beaches

The coast of Axarquia is much less developed than western Costa del Sol. If you look hard enough, it’s still possible to find rocky secluded coves or nearly empty sandy spots away from the crowds. As a fisherman’s region, you’ll also find small fishing towns, and local restaurants serving up fresh, traditionally prepared seafood dishes. Unlike some of the more developed areas, these towns are frequented by locals and stay year round, so you know your experience will be authentic.

Beach at sunset, Torrox Costa, The Axarquia, Malaga

3. Scenery

Thanks to the historic Arab influence in this region of Spain, Axarquia is home to dozens of beautiful towns and villages with unique history and gorgeous architecture. Moorish castles and ruins are surrounded by rolling hills and pockets of snow-capped mountains. For a break from the beach, day trips from the seaside are easily navigated to get a taste of the Axarquia countryside.

One of the more popular destinations for scenery is Arenas, a small town with obvious Moorish influence. The ruins of the Bentomiz Castle and fortress are thought to be from the Iberian Era, occupied and modified by the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans, in succession, before being taken over by Christians. The town also features the ruins of the Santa Catalina church.

4. Caves

The stunning Nerja Caves are open year round, offering visitors a chance to explore underground caverns and stalactites. The grand center column in the caves, Sala del Cataclismo, is the world’s largest column, reaching a height of 32 meters. For history buffs, the Palaeolithic wall paintings will also be of interest.

So if you’re contemplating a visit to Southern Spain for some much desired sun, why not explore what lies east of Malaga rather than west to discover one of the last remaining secret gems of the Mediterranean.

With its majestic Arch of Triumph, Bucharest is also known as the “Little Paris”. A sparkling city, Bucharest is like a phoenix reborn after the communist era. There are very few cities that have been so actively involved in changing their infrastructure and architectural style so dramatically in only 20 years.

Apart from having a rich cultural life, this fabulous city is filled with amazingly beautiful parks, dazzling lakes, grandiose palaces, historical monuments and impressing monasteries. Words simply can’t describe the incredible blend between the city’s traditional influences and the contemporary ones.

One of the most impressive landmarks in Bucharest, the Parliament Palace, is also the second largest building in the world, after the Pentagon. Built by the former communist president, Ceausescu, this colossal edifice is a stunning architectural piece of art that is visible from space. The Parliament Palace holds three world records: the largest building in Europe, the heaviest building in the world, and the most expensive administrative building in the world. You have to see this magnificent building in order to understand the fascination that it exercises upon its visitors.

One of the most important cultural landmarks in Romania, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, can also be found in the Parliament Palace. So, if you plan to visit the imposing Palace, make sure you don’t miss this wonderful museum.

Located near the Revolution Square, the Romanian Atheneum is an unbelievably beautiful edifice, with an exquisite architecture and a spectacular interior that represents scenes of the Romanian history. Home of the George Enescu Philarmonic, a reputable Romanian composer, the Atheneum hosts breathtaking performances that are worth attending.

The Old City Centre is a must see among the travelers coming to Bucharest. Here you will find cobblestone alleys and 19^th century buildings hosting incredible nightclubs, amazing restaurants, cozy hotels and stylish boutiques. Once again, you will be able to see the magnificent blend between old and new and the impressive way in which this magnificent city has adapted to the 21^st century’s demands.

Situated on Kiseleff, a street that hosts many historical monuments, the Village Museum is an open air museum that depicts the traditional Romanian way of life in different parts of the country. An amazingly creative museum, this place is perfect for tourists who are interested in Romania’s culture and heritage.

Grigore Antipa National History Museum, also located on the renowned Kiseleff Street, is a remarkable cultural landmark that creatively represents the evolution of species and Earth by giving access to its 300.000 incredible exhibits. A visit at this museum can be a fascinating experience, especially for the little ones. However it is highly advisable for people of all ages to visit the Grigore Antipa National Museum as it is absolutely amazing.

One other important thing that you should know when planning a trip to Bucharest is that travelling by taxi is usually fairly cheap. However, make sure the taxi driver is not asking more money than the price displayed on the car (check the price per kilometer) and also ask them to start the taxi meter at the beginning of any trip; just to be sure you are paying the right price. For flights to Bucharest visit fly.co.uk. Enjoy your trip!