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Enjoy Alicante for less at its stunning parks

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Monday, 11 November 2013 02:21

Located on the ever-popular Costa Blanca in Spain, Alicante is a beautiful city and port that makes the perfect base for a sun-drenched holiday. If you need to watch the pennies, you’ll be pleased to hear it’s also somewhere that can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.

Some of the best free places to explore are its public parks. Each offers its own attractions, from 100-year-old trees and stunning city views to shaded footpaths and fun boating lakes.

Below, you can learn more about the top parks to visit. Picnic areas are a common feature of these, so pack a lunch – another great way to save a little money – and make a day of your trip.

Speaking of saving money, it is worth hiring a car at the airport (which you can through companies like Auto Europe) not only to avoid the costs of public transport, but also to make staying in wallet-friendly self-catered accommodation easier. Having your own car makes fetching groceries and getting to far-flung attractions outside the city a much simpler affair.

Canalejas Park

One of the best-loved open spaces in Alicante, Canalejas Park is a must-visit. It dates all the way back to the 1800s (making it the oldest in the city) and, on the way in you’ll notice its entrances are fringed by stone sculptures of lions and other animals.

As this park is located very close to the sea, it’s easy to combine a visit with a trip to the beach – a good idea is to come here for lunch or whenever you’re in need of shade, since its famous centenary ficus trees provide welcome shelter from the heat of the Spanish sun.

La Ereta Park

Situated on Mount Benacantil near Santa Barbara Castle, La Ereta Park offers absolutely amazing views over the city and coast. This is also a great-value place to visit, because there is such a wide of variety of things to see and do.

For instance, to enjoy the aforementioned views at their best you can follow the cliff-top path, while you can also take a walking trail from Santa Barbara Castle down through the historic part of town. Alternatively, just enjoy the park’s terraced slopes, which are full of fascinating native plants.

El Palmeral Park

Our next suggestion is particularly perfect for families, and you’ll find it perched on the outskirts of the city. This is another destination that offers lots to do, with one of the highlights being a fun boating lake which kids are virtually guaranteed to love.

There are also charming footpaths lined with colourful flowers, picnic areas and even a BMX track, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied for hours on end – all without breaking the bank.

One of the best things about coming here, though, is the scenery. Palm trees, lakes and waterfalls come together to create a beautiful environment that’s perfect for spending a relaxing, sunny day in.

Lo Morant Park

Our final suggestion is Lo Morant Park, which is the largest in the city. Located in the north, it is home to a variety of recreation grounds, which makes it a fantastic destination if you fancy an active morning in the sun.

For instance, there are wide, shady walkways that are ideal for strolling and – if you’re feeling particularly energetic – running, while there are plenty of sports facilities, as well as a lake and picnic areas for those looking for a slower-paced day.

Best places to find winter sun on the cheap

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Wednesday, 06 November 2013 02:32

With the winter well on its way in the UK, now is definitely the best time to begin looking at ways to escape the gloom by going on a winter sun holiday. However, not all of us have loads of spare cash, so where can you go if you’re on a budget?

We’ve come up with a few suggestions that lend themselves well to winter escapes without a hefty price tag.

Tenerife

The Canary Islands have long been a popular choice for anyone hoping to get some sunshine in the colder months of the year, with Tenerife a particularly good option as it’s described as the island of eternal spring. What’s more, it’s great for those on a budget as there are usually some fantastic deals on accommodation available in the winter – check out some of these offers – as well as plenty of free attractions.

Of course, one of the biggest draws is the coast, with glorious beaches dotted all around the edge of the island. Active travellers will love heading to the interior though for the chance to hike in the majestic Teide National Park. Winter is a wonderful time for this sort of holiday as the weather isn’t too hot.

There are also plenty of charming villages that offer a glimpse of life on the island – wandering around these at your leisure is a fantastic way to spend a day that won’t cost you a penny.

Bodrum

Bodrum is a wonderful all-round destination that’s great if you’re looking for a spot of sunshine. There’s loads to see and do here that won’t cost you the earth, as well as some glorious beaches that are perfect if you’re aiming to work on your tan.

In fact, the beach that runs between Bodrum castle and the archaeological site of Halikarnassus offers sunbeds and beanbags for free, so you can relax in comfort. You can also travel a little further out of Bodrum to the bays of Gumbet or Bitez, where sunbeds are available and there are plenty of bars and restaurants close by.

If you want your getaway to be about more than just sunning yourself though, Bodrum is a great choice because of its varied historical and cultural attractions. We’ve already mentioned Halikarnassus – a city that was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – and although its now in ruins, the site is still well worth a visit.

Within Bodrum itself are the Myndos Gate – the former entrance to the city – and Bodrum castle, which now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, a fascinating place to explore. Just outside Bodrum is a Roman amphitheatre that’s been well preserved.

Essaouira

For something totally different, and a little off the beaten track, consider Morocco and, more specifically, Essaouira. This coastal city has a bit of everything and again can be cheap to explore if you know where to go and what to see.

It has a reputation for attracting artists, thanks to the beauty of its architecture and the quality of the light here. There are sculptures and paintings by an array of artists on show in some of the local galleries, while there are many crafts practised here – including marquetry and rug making – that are forms of art in themselves.

Essaouira is also renowned for its windy weather, something that’s made it a popular spot with windsurfers. It’s said that to truly appreciate the city you should visit during the winter as this is when you can see Essaouira at its best, with huge waves crashing against the old city ramparts and fewer people crowding its beaches.

Where to find Turkey’s laidback budget villages

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Monday, 14 October 2013 04:32

Turkey has become an increasingly popular holiday destination for Brits, but despite the growth of its coastal resorts there are still some lovely, peaceful fishing villages that are a much more authentic option for a break in the country.

Another reason why these villages are such good choices for a holiday in Turkey, aside from their authenticity, is the price. Typically staying in one of these small seaside destinations is cheaper than heading to the larger resorts, so it’s great if you’re looking for a break on a budget.

We’ll talk a bit about how to plan a holiday without a lot of cash, as well as where you can stay.

Finding the best holiday deals

To make sure your money goes as far as possible, you need to do some careful planning before you jet off. Checking for deals on flights and accommodation is the obvious place to start – Jewel in the Crown Holidays is a great company to check out if you’re looking for hotels in the quieter villages.

Don’t forget to set aside some funds to cover everyday costs such as eating out and transport (if you want to go on day trips). While it can be tough to budget for these things before you travel, you should be able to get a rough idea of how much things cost with a bit of research. You can also ask your tour company for some advice about the price of food and tours.

Where to stay on the Turquoise Coast

There are some exceptional villages on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast and there are great places to stay that won’t cost the earth. We’ve put together a bit of information about a few of the best:

• Selimiye – Selimiye is the picture-perfect Mediterranean fishing village, with its small harbour, traditional boats, white-washed houses and olive trees growing in the street. There are two small bays and a larger beach here, so there are plenty of places to sunbathe and swim – great free activities. Selimiye is also home to a good selection of restaurants and one of its most interesting features is its small Gulet shipyards where traditional boats are still made. If you don’t mind walking, there are some lovely places to explore just outside Selimiye, such as the ruins of a medieval castle and a waterfall in the hills.
• Ovacik – This is one of the most inexpensive holiday destinations on this part of Turkey’s coast, making it a fantastic option if you’re on a budget. The bay here is truly stunning, with its lovely sweep of white sand backed by pine-covered hills. What’s really great about Ovacik is that it’s close to the more popular holiday spots of Olu Deniz and Hisaronu. There’s a dolmus service between them, so it’s easy to go for a day trip to either without having to spend a lot of money. Olu Deniz is particularly picturesque, thanks to its striking blue lagoon.
• Turunc – Turunc is another sleepy village with good connections to livelier resorts – this time Icmeler and Marmaris. These two are easy to reach by dolmus and the boat ride itself is an experience because of the spectacular mountain scenery that backs the coast. Let’s get back to Turnuc, though, which has a lovely sand and shingle beach, as well as a seaside promenade. The water is generally calm, so it’s a good place for families.
 

Why is Majorca so popular for budget holidays?

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Friday, 09 August 2013 06:32

When it comes to finding a decent holiday destination that doesn’t cost the earth to visit, Majorca is a fantastic choice. Today, we are going to take a look at what makes this Balearic Island such an enduringly popular place – and how it fits into your budget.

Wonderful weather and great beaches

While the fact that Majorca has great weather might be a fairly obvious observation, it is nonetheless one of the key factors in Majorca’s popularity. In fact, the destination sees an impressive 300 days of sunshine a year, which makes it a really reliable choice if you’re looking for an affordable location that delivers.

What’s more, it’s also quite flexible; even in winter the temperature averages about 10 degrees C, so you’re very unlikely to experience that sharp chill that’s so familiar in the UK. What this means in terms of organising your holiday is that there’s never really a bad time to visit, so you could book your break based on the cheapest flight rates you can find, which will usually be out of season.

Of course, with 550 km of glorious coastline beaches are a massive draw for tourists too. Indeed, Majorca is particularly good for families thanks to its abundance of Blue Flag beaches, which include Cala Barques in Pollenca, Cala Ferrera in Felanitx and Cala Major in Palma.

Varied accommodation

Another advantage for budget travellers to be aware of is that Majorca has an excellent variety of accommodation. For example, you can find lots of family-friendly hotels that are kind to your wallet, while self-catered villas are another option.

All-inclusive hotel packages can help you keep track of your money, as well as potentially save you some cash (though you should remember to think about how much you’re getting for your money). Self-catered villas, meanwhile, offer the opportunity to cook frugal meals and thereby cut down your overall holiday spend; you can see some of your options for both hotels and villas on this website.

Low-cost attractions

One of the keys to keeping within your budget is to pick low-cost attractions to visit. Fortunately, there are plenty of great options in Majorca.

For instance, just a short bus ride (around 3 km) outside the capital is Bellver Castle – a fabulous Gothic fortification that dates back to the 14th century. This round fortress costs just a few euros to enter and is free for children under 14, and has the added attraction of offering wonderful views across the local area (thanks to its hilltop position).

Affordable activities

If you like the idea of getting out and stretching your legs in the sun, you need not worry this will mean breaking the bank. For instance, bring some decent walking boots with you and you can go hiking in the S’Albufera Natural Park, or the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.

Alternatively, hit the beach for a swim (Cala Ferrera and Cala Major both have quite calm water) or a spot of snorkelling. If you want to splurge on a little treat, meanwhile, consider going on a boat trip around the island’s scenic north coast. These often leave from Alcudia Port and go to Formentor Beach, which is one of the prettiest on the island. You should be able to spend some time here splashing about in the water or just soaking up the sun.

Things to do for free in Faro

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Friday, 16 August 2013 02:54

Times are hard for many families in the UK at the moment, but that doesn’t mean people have to abandon their plans to take a holiday in one of Europe’s many sun-kissed destinations this year.

One place that is ideal for Britons on a budget is the Algarve, which has an abundance of fun activities that will not cost the earth. Monarch offers an array of cheap flights to Faro, so getting to the south of Portugal is no problem at all, but what can you expect when you arrive?

Free and easy on the beach

Aside from the stunning weather and friendly locals, Faro has plenty of beaches for visitors to enjoy. In fact, the city boasts some of the finest stretches of coastline in Portugal, including the wonderful Praia de Faro, which is simply beautiful in the summer months.

The beach is renowned for its watersports, although these may not appeal to holidaymakers who are trying to keep a firm grip on their euros. If that is the case, why not just lie back and relax under the beaming Portuguese sun as the waves gently roll towards the shore?

You could also bask in the spectacular view from one of the many beachside cafes that are dotted along Praia de Faro with a drink in your hand – an excellent and inexpensive way to unwind.

Explore Faro’s rich history

It is always a bonus when a holiday destination has a rich and intriguing history to explore, especially if you are looking for free things to do. While there are some attractions in Faro that charge a small entrance fee, such as the Igreja do Carmo Church, there are many more that you can access for nothing.

The Cidade Velha area is definitely worth exploring, as it boasts a multitude of striking Moorish buildings. These tend to be painted in bright colours and usually have distinctive ornate features. The gorgeous Faro Cathedral – or Se de Faro – is one of many historic buildings that will catch the eye as you stroll around the city’s cobbled streets.

If you are able to travel out of the metropolis, it is definitely a good idea to scour the Roman ruins in Milreu. These are just a few kilometres from Faro and are a must for any history enthusiast who has an interest in Roman architecture.

Take in one of Faro’s free museums

It is worth checking to see which of Faro’s superb museums will let you in free of charge. One that stands out in particular is the Maritime Museum, which can be found on the Capitania de Port de Faro. Here you will find an extensive collection of scale models of sailing boats and naval ships, as well as exhibits that follow the evolution of fishing techniques in the area.

Although the complex appears small from the outside, it is surprisingly large once you get in there. It is the perfect way to break up your walk around the glamorous surrounds of Faro’s picturesque waterfront.

The harbour itself is one of the most stunning settings in the south of Portugal and it is hard to think of too many better places to watch the sun go down. If you don’t fancy dining out, why not find a nice secluded spot where you and your family can spend some quality time while enjoying a picnic?

Top hidden beaches in Lanzarote

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Friday, 23 August 2013 02:27

Lanzarote, part of the Canary Islands archipelago, is undoubtedly one of the most popular summer destinations for Brits. It’s not hard to see why – the fantastic year-round sunshine, golden-sand beaches, lively nightlife and accessible resorts make for the ideal family break away in the sun. There’s something for everyone.

The island’s wide variety of beaches are probably the biggest draw, from the idyllic white-sand beaches, which are perfect for sunbathing, surfing spots and secluded coves, which are ideal for getting it away from it all. What’s more, the water temperature rarely gets colder than a balmy 19 degrees Celsius, making for very pleasant bathing, scuba diving and watersports.

The best part is that they are so accessible from the UK – it’s a four-hour flight from most UK airports – and there are a huge amount of all inclusive packages and cheap flights to make the most of all year round. 

Here’s some of the best beaches – away from the crowds:

Papagayo beach
One of the nicest beaches on the island is Papagayo beach, located around six kilometres from Playa Blanca. It is known to be one of the best in the whole of the Canary Islands due to its turquoise waters, fine sand and secluded location. It’s a perfect spot for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the main resort of Playa Blanca for a picnic and a splash around in the tranquil sea. It’s protected from the wind, as it’s surrounded by tall cliffs, so perfect for sunbathing. You’ll have to bring everything for the day, however as there are no amenities nearby (but for many this is the appeal!). Although remote, you may have to share the perfect crescent of sand in the high season as unfortunately it’s no longer quite such a well-kept secret, but you can also reach the neighbouring bays of Las Mujeres or Pozo easily by car or water taxi.

Famara beach
Famara is another of Lanzarote’s best beaches – a six kilometre stretch of sand in the north of Lanzarote with a backdrop of the imposing Le Risco de Famara cliffs. Sometimes referred to as the ‘European Hawaii’, this coastal strip boasts fantastic waves, making it a very popular surfer hangout. Attracting stiff breezes (it bears the brunt of the trade winds sweeping in from the Atlantic), the beach isn’t ideal for sunbathing but is perfect for watersports, surfing and long afternoon walks. This means you’ll be able to find wide stretches of sand just to yourself and with the surfers taking to the waves in front of you, there’s some good live entertainment! There’s also a host of other activities on offer, from horse riding to windsurfing and even yoga. After an active day on the beach, Caleta de Famara – the small coastal village by the beach – is well worth a visit. With a chilled out vibe, there’s lots of low-key, but great, seafood restaurants and bars to choose from.

End of summer sunshine: where to go for a budget break

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Monday, 16 September 2013 02:30

If you’re yet to organise your summer getaway, now’s the time to crack on with your planning. By leaving it late you’ll have the opportunity to snap up some last-minute deals, and there are a few destinations that combine bargain prices with amazing attractions.

We have listed some of our favourite places for holidays in the sun in 2013 below.

Majorca

With 550 km of coastline and a sunny climate, Majorca is a natural choice for a short-haul getaway before autumn arrives. One of the nice things about going on holiday here is that there is a good balance between beaches, natural wonders and cultural attractions, which means it’s easy to have a varied and interesting break.

Of course, hitting the beach is one of the cheapest ways to enjoy the sun – especially if you do a little forward planning and bring a picnic with you. In terms of where to go, Cala Llombards on the south-west coast is extremely pretty and great for snorkelling, while Es Trenc in Campos is conveniently close to the capital Palma.

Speaking of Palma, make sure you spend some time exploring this exciting city. You don’t need to break the bank – just stroll around the streets and soak up the atmosphere, popping into the occasional attraction like the Gothic Majorca Cathedral.

Tenerife

Tenerife has long been a popular holiday destination, and there are loads of reasons to come here. Like Majorca, this Canary Island has something to offer all sorts of people.

For example, beach lovers will feel right at home at destinations like Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, while Las Teresitas Beach is beautiful and perfect for snorkelling.

If you prefer activities like hiking and cycling to spending time on the beach, you won’t be disappointed by visits to Teide National Park – home to the island’s highest peak, Mount Teide – and Corona Forestal Nature Park. For golfers there are plenty of courses to try out, including Golf Costa Adeje, while families are well catered for too.

Indeed, if you’re travelling with the kids you’ll have some great choices like spending a day splashing about in Siam Park – a Thai-themed water park – and spotting animals in Loro Parque.

Lanzarote

Our final choice is another of the Canary Islands – this time Lanzarote. Renowned for its lunar-like landscape, this is also a destination that has an excellent reputation for its weather and beaches.

However, there are also plenty of cultural attractions to be discovered. For instance, the Cesar Manrique Foundation is definitely a must-visit for art lovers, since you can explore his former home and see a host of works by both the man himself and other artists, including Picasso.

Many people don’t realise that Manrique was also a skilled architect, and when exploring the foundation you can get an idea of his abilities, with many of the rooms being created from volcanic bubbles that occurred naturally in the terrain.

It’s also well worth visiting Timanfaya National Park, where you can fully appreciate just how impressive the island’s volcanic landscape is. Head up to the Montana Rajada natural viewing point, from where you’ll be able to see over the strange lava formations all the way out to sea.