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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.

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?

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.

The Isle of Wight: a great choice for budget holidays

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Wednesday, 18 September 2013 11:13

Working out how to have a decent holiday on a budget can often feel like a chore – but it doesn’t have to if you choose the right destination. The Isle of Wight is absolutely perfect for wallet-friendly travel, and you can find out why below.

Self-catered cottages

One of the great things about the Isle of Wight is that it has plenty of affordable accommodation, with some of the easiest on the purse strings being self-catered cottages. You can find out more about these here, but they can prove particularly cost-effective if you’re travelling as a group, since you can divide the total bill between you all.

Another way that self-catered lodgings can help you save a few pounds is that since you’ll be buying your own food, you’ll have much more control over how much you spend. After all, being compelled to eat out every lunchtime and evening – as you often are at hotels – can quickly make the overall cost of your break skyrocket.

Free attractions

Another benefit of picking the Isle of Wight as your destination is that there are so many ways to entertain yourself that cost nothing at all. The beaches are perhaps the most obvious option, as these are what the island is famous for.

Its mild weather and high number of award-winning beaches make this one of the best places to hit the coast in the UK. Look out for stretches with Blue Flag or Seaside Awards for the best experiences – Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor are all popular and excellent choices.

Sandown is one of the most famous on the island and is well known for its gorgeous sweep of golden sand and pleasure pier, as well as the fact that it’s perfect for surfing. Ventnor Beach, meanwhile, is home to charming little Victorian beach huts and is ideal for swimming.

Sitting above the shores of Ventnor is the town of the same name, and it’s in this area you’ll find another of the island’s best free attractions – Ventnor Botanic Garden. This is no ordinary garden; it’s located in ‘Undercliff’ area, which has a unique microclimate protected from cold winds by chalk downs.

What this means is that it has a much warmer – and often wetter – climate than the rest of the island, similar to the weather you’d expect in the Mediterranean. So, you can peruse all kinds of plants from across the world, including as far afield as Australia and New Zealand.

For those of you travelling with children, it’s also worth noting there’s a lovely picnic area here with a playground right next to it, which makes it easy to save on food costs and keep the kids entertained.

If you’re an active person, you should also bear in mind that the Isle of Wight is a walkers’ paradise – and, of course, a nice stroll costs nothing. There are more than 500 miles of paths on the island, and the beauty of these is that they’re well maintained and varied, which means you have a wide choice of coastal trails and inland walks.

The Isle of Wight Coastal Path is the most famous walking route on the island, spanning just under 70 miles in total. You can tackle this in its entirety if you wish, but if you’d rather just spend a morning or afternoon hiking then you can pick a shorter section of it. Indeed, there are plenty of little trails marked out within it, such as the Brighstone to Niton walk, which is 8 miles long.