Altinkum Review

 I had never been to Turkey, though I had heard many great stories from family and friends.  Mostly I heard about Fethiye, Olu Deniz, Side and Alanya, which are all on the Mediterranean coast, and occasionally I sometimes heard Bodrum mentioned which is on the Aegean Coast.Nowadays, I hear alot more people are venturing into Bodrum and the surrounding areas as over the past few years the Bodrum Peninsula has been developed a great deal to adapt to the growing tourist industry. 

Below is a brief review from www.wordtravels.com combined with my input gives you enough information to know if this is the type of holiday you’re looking for.OverviewLike Bodrum and Kusadasi, its neighbours on Turkey’s south Aegean Coast, Altinkum is heavily frequented by British holiday package tourists, but unlike these other frenetic resorts Altinkum is small and quiet, making it perfect for families with young children and those seeking a relaxed, easy-going beach holiday. The resort town’s main attraction are its three long sandy beaches, that stretch from the small harbour at one end of a gently shelving bay to a rocky cliff at the other end. Little wonder that the name Altinkum means ‘golden sands’. In this resort devoted to leisure and pleasure, lazy days on the beach, perhaps indulging in some watersports, are the order of the day, while night time is spent trying out the laid back restaurants and bars, many of them serving up British fare and named for familiar English landmarks. Those with a yen for sightseeing will find Altinkum perfectly placed to visit two major ancient sites, the Temple of Apollo at Didyma and the vast Roman ruins at Ephesus.Interesting and EducationalShoppingHolidaymakers should brush up on their haggling skills as shopping opportunities abound along the pedestrianised seafront of Altinkum, which is packed with souvenir shops, jewellery stores and boutiques selling copies of designer clothing. The main centre is Dolphin Square, and there is a modern shopping complex called the Didyma Shopping Mall not far away. Self-caterers will find all the provisions they need at the three main supermarkets, Carrefore, Gima and Migros, between the seafront and town centre. I would definately recommend a trip to the local undercover Saturday Market. It is situated a little out of town, easily reached by bus, with a vast choice of textiles, spices, fruit, veg and a variety of delicious consumables.RestaurantsAltinkum is bursting with good restaurants serving most forms of international cuisine, although Turkish and traditional English predominates to cater to the demand of holidaymakers. Most restaurant menus indicate prices in Sterling, and many are even willing to accept Pounds in payment. With such a feast of eateries it is difficult to single out any particular establishment, but for the best of British it is hard to beat Ali Babas for friendliness, price and quality. Barneys Restaurant prides itself in introducing visitors to the delights of Turkish cuisine. For a family group or party of varied tastes opt for The Grand Restaurant in Dolphin Square, where the menu consists of Turkish, Indian, Chinese and English dishes, all of high standard. I have eaten at this particular Resaurant with my two teenage son’s and found it to be of a very good standard both in food quality and service. Another Restaurant I would personally recommend is a relatively new one called ‘Meandros Village’ (Koy Sofras) an open air restaurant, though in the winter you would dine inside. Inside or out they provide high quality in food presentation with excellent service, though there isn’t as much choice as many of the other Restaurants. This restaurant can be found on the new Marina Road heading towards The Apollo Temple and oposite the Asem Sales Office. Many of the Restaurants will collect you from your Hotel or Apartment if you pre-book which wont cost you a penny, apart from your meal of course.  So, if you’ve seen a particular Restaurant while you’ve been out during the day that you’d like to try out in the evening, pop in and ask them if they do free Taxi service.  As there are so many Restaurants who want you to eat at their establishement you can even sometimes barter with the management or waiters by asking to let one of your children eat free so then you will agree to eat there!Recommended for quality and serviceNightlifeWhile it is not as rowdy as the major Turkish holiday resorts, those who wish to indulge will find plenty of after-dark entertainment and fun in Altinkum, where nightlife is centred mainly in Dolphin Square and in the bars along the sea front promenade. Everything from disco dancing, karaoke and belly-dancing to bingo and pool is on offer, the entertainment fuelled by cheap drinks and cocktails. Clubbers are catered for during the height of the summer season at Medusa, an open-air night club that is regarded as Altinkum’s most hectic party point. Another hot favourite for young people is the Dolphin Bar or Cheers where the Bar men entertain the punters with their amazing dancing (even I love to watch them!).  Some Clubs allow young children up until 9pm but you’ll never be stuck for anything to do in the evenings.Thursday Night is Turkish NightActivitiesThere are sunbeds and umbrellas aplenty for holidaymakers to rent on Altinkum’s lovely beaches, where the turquoise waters shelve gently allowing for safe bathing. Those who are more energetic can try their hand at windsurfing, jet-skiing, pedaloes, a banana boat ride or perhaps a scuba diving lesson: all these activities and more are available on the beaches. A variety of tours, boat trips and excursions to surrounding resorts, towns and historic sites are available, or visitors can hop on a dolmus (mini-bus) and explore on their own places like the Roman ruins at Ephesus, the Pamukkale spas and calcium deposits, or the lively resorts of Kusadasi and Bodrum.  Please don’t forget to indulge yourself in a Turkish Bath before you start sunbathing as this will enhance the tanning process.To the right of and in between the main beach and 3rd beach stands a Fun Fair called Luna Park which is a must for a family with young children for evening entertainment.Altinkum Fun Fair.Kusadasi has an enormous aqua park called Adaland. A great day out for all the family. We tried it in May during the school holiday and found it was not overcrowded at all like I expected. The last thing I would have wanted was to be queuing in the sun at 35 degrees, yet the longest time I waited for a ride was around 10 mins. The only thing I didn’t rate was the food as there was only one area open and it was just burgers or hotdogs and it was very difficult to find an ice-cream too. The Dolphin show was very entertaining and there was an oportunity for some people who could afford the 80 euros to swim with the dolphins after the show. I would definately go there again though might take a packed lunch. If you didn’t want to venture out that far, as Kusadasi is around 1hr 30 mins drive away, there is a great Water Park in Didim and only a short bus ride away, and although it is much smaller I have only heard good reports of fun, fun and more fun!Swim off the boat in the crystal clear waters.A great Family day outThe latest addition to Altinkum in the summer of 2009 was the long awaited opening of Didim Marina.  It offers shops, supermarket, cafes and a Yacht Club.  It is accessable by taxi, on foot or by dolmus bus.Shopping CentreThe long awaited Didim MarinaLovely view of some gorgeous looking yachts.NegativesDuring the local Turkish summer break in August, Altinkum is a favourite destination and can become rather overcrowded. Visitors should also be aware that temperatures can be extremely high in the height of summer and can sometimes reach into the high 40’s. Altinkum means 'Golden Sands'Well I think this covers the majority of information that is required on what to expect from Altinkum, though if you feel there is anything else you would like to add that readers might like to hear about please leave your comment as any input would be good.










Altinkum Review Update | Holidays Uncovered – ReviewsI’ve had some good comments about my first Altinkum post so I’m adding more information about the Town for a more in-depth review.Altinkum is set on a spectacular geographical part of the world.  It is 200 km south from the Turkey’s third largest city, Izmir; 73 km from Kusadasi and 110 km from Bodrum, which are the two most important tourist resorts of the country.The BeachThe name Altinkum means “Golden Sand” and relates to the popular superb beaches. The beaches slope gently and are safe for families with children, they are just as appealing to those just wanting to unwind, take it easy and work on their tans. The beach wraps round the picturesque Altinkum Bay forming two beaches one at either end of the town. There are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for hire and at very reasonable rates too, though you will need to get there early to reserve the best places. Go for a paddle or a swim in the calm sparkling blue waters where you will also find a large assortment of watersports both ends of the beach; Windsurfing, Jet Skis, Banana Boat Ride, and for those less energetic, Pedalos.There is also an array of restaurants along the whole length of the beach giving you much choice for lunch and a possibility to choose and book your venue for the evening meal and entertainment in advance. Some restaurants will have a FREE taxi service to collect you from your apartment and bring you to their restaurant.  Now that can’t be bad!LocalsThe people in Altinkum are warm, great fun and very friendly. You will find the locals mixing in with the tourists and walking along the prom where it gets noisy at night with karaoke bars etc.  There are great restaurants, some cheap, some not so cheap, where you can converse with the locals and also other tourists.  All in all, Altinkum is a very good holiday destination with lots of friendly people.  Most people return to the resort as there is not enough time to see it all on your first holiday.HistoryAccording to myth, after God created man, he shook off the scrap clay from his hands and the pieces of clay fell on the Aegean Sea.  The islands and shores of this region are so inspiring because they have been created from the same clay as man.  With its thousands of islands of which some are not even shown on the maps and with its curved shores, the Aegean Sea couldn’tpossibly be described in a better way!  This mythical sea surrounds the Altinkum beaches.  Have you ever seen a forest of stone?  We are not talking about rocks in mountain areas, but a man-made stone forest. If you’d like to see it, then come to Didim and visit the Temple of Apollo.  Those columns erected by people who lived 7-8 centuries before Christ and who did not yet know how to mix sand, pebbles and cement to make plaster, have been standing almost for 3000 years. You will surely experience one of the most special moments of your life, because at that moment, you will not only be in a foreign country, surrounded by foreign people but also you will be standing in a place shared by different civilisations for 3000 years. And from that moment on you are one of those who shared it. You are in the third greatest temple of the ancient world. That temple is the architectural twin of the Artemision, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  Artemision is no more there to see, but the Temple of Apollo still exists with all its majesty. The temple was the oracles centre so the name of the city comes from this characteristic, as Didim means in antiquity, the place where oracles are told.  There is also the snake-adored head of Medusa and delicate carvings which has been there for thousands of years.Late Night GrubI’ll let you into a little secret!   I know of a place we call the ‘Soup Kitchen’ (Alo 24), it is located opposite the Gima Supermarket on the road out of town.  Try it, especially after 3:00 am when the bars are closed, it has to be the busiest place in town, the food is fantastic and costs pennies.  Trust me on this one but don’t all rush at once, it’s only a small cafe but it will sort out your late night munchies!  Recommend; Cheesey Bread, Pidda (Pizza cut diagonally), Brain Soup (sheeps actually) and last but by no means least the best Kebab meat in Town.  And there you have it!Getting AroundGetting around in Altinkum is quite easy; there are regular Buses/Dolmus that will take you to the boundaries of Altinkum and Didim, and Taxi ranks are based on the most popular street corners and areas. Then there’s the offer of free lifts from just about every bar and restaurant in town and finally walking from one end of Altinkum to the other would only take you 30 minutes at most. The buses are quite small though they are a cheap means of travel and will often stop and let you on or off almost anywhere.However, Car Hire and Tourists driving in Turkey is becoming more and more popular by the day.  And in fact it is almost impossible to get lost outside of Altinkum as long as you have a general idea of what’s North and what’s South  you can see why Car Hire is on the up.  Some people hire a car to travel away from the tourist areas to explore the small Turkish Villages where they will experience the true Turkish Culture.  I do believe here is an excursion which can be booked with the travel agent to take small groups to a Turkish Village where you can have a look around their homes and drink their Turkish Tea and eat their Turkish delicasies too!There are many places in and around Altinkum to hire a car; from one day or up to one or two weeks if you didn’t get one at the airport.  Rental prices are amongst the cheapest in the Med at the moment, but don’t expect the same type of vehicle or service as you would get in say Florida or Portugal because you won’t get it!  Most Car Hire companies are run by bar owners and renting the use of the ’second car’ is quite common.  Considering that the state of the roads in and about Altinkum aren’t exactly ’smooth’ you can probably see why rental companies don’t go all out to buy the high class Mercedes or Sporty Volkswagon Golf that you will be expecting.  Although saying that, over the past year or so I notice that everytime I return to Altinkum there’s another new road surface.  So, gradually, things are improving in many ways.  The road down to the new Marina is coming along ok, though it wasn’t quite finished when I visited in April this year, but I guess like most things in Turkey, they’ll get there in the end!Some Car Hire companies do have new cars and some do have real insurance agreements.  Make sure you check out your rental agreement before signing it and don’t forget to haggle!Recommended RestaurantsAli BabaA nice friendly place with a fun atmosphere.  Near to Dolphin Square this restaurant can get busy in the summer peak periods.Alo 24(as mentioned earlier)Newly refurbished and one of the oldest restaurants in town. Great Turkish food and an excellent after hours delivery service.  This place never shuts – Alo 24, open 24 hours!Altinkum RestaurantUsed to be Brother’s Restaurant: new owners but very popular figures in Altinkum. Excellent food and good size meals.  A bit on the pricy side but you pay for quality.Arti CafeNice little cafe up on Ataturk Boulevard.  A bit far out but great for the residents and tourists up by the Supermarkets.  A meeting place for residents in the Winter and has a varied menu and occasional entertainment.Big Ben RestaurantLarge, family oriented restaurant. Varied menu with Italian, English, Indian and Turkish food. Good service, reasonable prices and an excellent position.BulvarA good restaurant with some good word of mouth reviews. The food is OK as indicated by the low prices but the friendliness of the staff is excellent.  I can personally recommend it after having eaten there on one or two occasions.Cafe MorSituated on the main Boulevard this Top Notch Restaurant is always fully booked. You will need to pre-book and unfortunately they don’t offer free Taxi service.  Food is excellent (I know, as I’ve been back so many times now) and the staff are very welcoming and professional. Great Wine Selection if you’re into wine.Cafe del MarOn the Sea front just off Dolphin Square. Excellent position, good food and good service. Reasonably priced. Great to eat here as the sun is setting as I have done on a few occasions. See pictures below.CircusAn Italian Bistro, nestled in the busy nightlife of Attaturk Boulevard, close to the beach area and not far from Valentines and on the same side.  I recall I had great service (with a smile) and delicious food (not to mention the gorgious waiters!).Dolunay RestaurantFantastic position, elegant surroundings, professional staff and a large menu. The ‘Fried Ice Cream’ is a speciality but you do need to be adventurous to go for this one.Elaine’s ChippyBest Chippy in Town! Fish, cakes, mushy peas, pies, cornish pasties, Sausage, pots of tea and Turkish lessons… you can’t beat it.  Almost home from home if you disregard the Turkish lessons!Funky ForestFor the true English/Scottish food lover!  Same owners since 1997 Theresa & Hasan, clients return year after year for the homemade steak pies, Sunday Lunches (orders taken in advance due to the high number of requests) and of course, the apple pie and custard.  Scottish/Turkish owned, so most orders can be fulfilled if you just ask!  A sandwich pack and flask refill for the airport or day trips can also be ordered. Good food at very reasonable prices. This bar is also happy to collect parties who wish to dine, so you can see why it’s one of the most rated places and has been voted the no. 1 bar in Altinkum.Great Chinese RestaurantA small, family run restaurant.  Wonderful food, great service and very good prices. All meals are freshly prepared to order. This restaurant survives on word of mouth advertising and has been in business for many years. Very popular with the regular Altinkum visitor, so book early in high season as it gets very busy.PanoramaA gem of a café. Fantastic chef, great prices, wonderful service and a lovely view of the sea, what more could you want! Try an ice cold drink in an iced glass on a hot sunny day and you may never leave this bar! The barbecue on the beach evening is also very special, with great food and good fun. Remember to book in advance, as it gets very busy in high season.Penguin Cafe BarSituated on the Third Beach; The staff make you feel especially welcome at this beach side restaurant. The owner Ali will arrange free transport to and from your hotel/apartment if you dine here. Food reasonably priced, good menu for a beach café.Pinnochio’s RestaurantLooks good from the outside and doesn’t fail to deliver on the inside.  One of the most popular restaurants in town and in an excellent position directly on the main beach.Secret Spice HouseOn the same spot as the old Garden of Sun; same chefs and a good and varied Iandian, Chinese and International menu.The Four Seasons Restaurant This Restaurant has one of the best views in Turkey!  The food is good, the prices are fair and the staff are very friendly. Good family restaurant.The GrandExcellent restaurant with fantastic food. Choose from Turkish, English, Indian and some Chinese. The food never fails to impress and a good price for it’s central location.Meandros (new open air restaurant on the Marina Road)Recommended for quality and serviceThis restaurant has a wonderfull relaxed atmosphere about it. The Themed Entrance displays replica Ancient Pillars and there’s plenty of space for eating outside so is great for families with children.  Not much variety compared to other Restaurants, though there’s some ‘English food’ for fussy children. Good quality food, excellent service and a very reasonable price.That’s it for now. I’ll leave you to ‘digest’ this info and maybe I’ll do a review on the Tourist Excursions around Altinkum in a future post.  

A (short) Guide To Florence

If you’ve always dreamed of travelling to Italy soaking up the culture in the Tuscan Hills this should make the reality seem much closer…..Watching T.V. programs and reading magazines can inspire you in many ways but there’s nothing like getting your teeth into the real life situation you’ve dreamed about.  Whether it’s the food, culture, art, language or just the romantic ambience that draws you to this enchanting city, once you’ve lived your dream for real, you’ll have wonderful memories to day-dream about forever.Florence is renowned for being the ‘cradle of the Renaissance’ and where the museums, churches and palaces house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world.  There are many sites which are popular for tourists and of importance to the Italians, one of which is the ‘Duomo‘ – Florence’s Cathedral, Santa Maria Fiore, a vast Gothic structure built on the site of the 7th century church of Santa Reparata, the remains of which can be seen in the crypt.  

The building of the cathedral  began at the end of the 13th century in the Gothic style by Arnolfo di Cambio, and the dome was added in the 15th century.Another site of importance is the Uffizi Gallery and is the most visited in Italy.  The Uffizi palace was designed and begun in 1560 by the architect Giorgio Vasari at the time when Cosimo de’ Medici, first Grand Duke of Tuscany, was  bureaucratically consolidating his recent takeover of power.  You can even purchase tickets for this Gallery online.These are the ‘must see’ of the Gallery:Botticelli’sPrimavera and Birth of VenusFilippino Lippi’sMadonna and Child with Two AngelsTitian’sVenus of OrbinoLots of other works, including from the early Masters Cimabue and Giotto, Early Rennaisance pioneers FraAngelico and Masaccio, andCaravaggioand Rembrant.The Bargello National Museum or Palace is another site of importance and has a remarkable collection of Renaissance sculpture and works of art.  Located in the impressive Palazzo del Bargello, a fortress with powerful embattlements which surround the austere facade.The build began in 1255, and was the headquarters of the Capitano del  Popolo and later of the Podestà and Council of Justice.  In 1574, it  became the living quarters for the Captain of Justice (chief of police)  and was used as a prison. However, despite a series of alterations and additions  which undoubtedly altered the original plan during the 14th and 15th centuries, the  palace preserved its charming severity, best seen in the beautiful  courtyard, the balcony and the large hall on the first floor.Accademia Gallery in Florence is the second most popular museum and is of great importance too.  Like all the other galleries and museums they are closed on Mondays and tickets can be bought online.The ‘must see’s’ of this Gallery are:Michelangelo’sDavid and PrisonersGiambologna’sRape of the SabinesBotticelli’sMadonna and Child and Madonna of the SeaIf you enjoy visiting churches then the Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce should be high on your list as these are veritable art galleries.  Also not to be missed is the library of San Lorenzo which is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo’s architectural genius.If you’re like me, after the museums, churches and galleries etc., I like to wander the streets into the old parts of towns and cities that I visit as there are usually some beautiful sights to take in.   Take a walk to the Ponte Vecchio, which is the oldest bridge in Florence and stretches over the Arno River.   There have been stores on the Ponte Vecchio since the 13th century.  Initially, there were all types of shops, including butchers  and fishmongers and later tanners, whose industrial waste caused an awful pong!  Well, I’m sure it’s not that bad now, is it?The Pitti Palace is where you’ll see a varied collection of art.  This magnificent palace is one of Florence’s largest architectural  monuments.  The original palazzo was built for the Pitti family in 1457, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and built by his pupil Luca Fancelli.Today, the Pitti Palace houses some of the most important museums in Florence: on the first floor is the Palatine Gallery, containing a broad collection 16th and 17th century paintings, and the Royal Apartments, containing furnishings from a remodeling done in the 19th century; on the ground floor and mezzanine the Silver Museum (Museo degli Argenti) displaying a magnificent collection of Medici household treasures; and the Gallery of Modern Art is on the top floor, holding a collection of mostly Tuscan 19th and 20th century paintings.  In the separate Palazzina del Cavaliere on the upper part of the Boboli Gardens is the Porcelain Museum, while the Palazzina of the Meridiana contains the Costume Gallery, a showcase of the fashions of the past 300 years.This really is something not to miss and would probably take up most of the day taking in the history of this magnificent monument.However, now for something completely different….  If you enjoy gardens then a visit to Boboli Gardens at the Pitti Palace would be a great way to spend a relaxing day after all that walking around museums and galleries!  There is of course much more of interest to see and this was just the tip of the iceburg.Apart from sightseeing and visiting the main museums and churches,  there are obviously lots of other things to do in Florence.  You could  find the Tourist Information Centre in Florence where I expect they would give information on walking tours of specific areas of the city with a guide or take yourself  on a shopping spree!   Undoubtedly, there will be  great restaurants to dine at, and make sure you try out all the  gelato flavours!The main events in Florence are:* Epiphany, January 6* Carnevale in February* Florentine New Year, March 25* Scoppio del Carro (Easter Sunday)* Maggio Musicale Fiorentino – May* Calcio Storico, Florence Dance Festival – Estate Fiesolana, Sesto D’ Estate – June/July* Festa di San Lorenzo, August 10* La Festa Delle Rificolone (festival of the paper lanterns), September 7th* Nativity of Virgin Mary, September 8* Festa di Santa Reparata, October 8FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW FOR A MORE INDEPTH GUIDE TO FLORENCE:TheUltimateGuideToFlorence

A Guide To Paphos Reviews

PAPHOS Southern Cyprus is an ancient land, famous for its archaeological sites and beautiful beaches. Nowadays, the process of joining the EU has given the island a new confidence; and in much the same way as Greece, there has been a subtle shift towards a more sophisticated, international outlook. The tourist town of Ayia Napa in the south-east first put Cyprus on the map as a cheap package holiday destination in the late 1970s and the island has struggled with this reputation ever since. When Paphos was first developed for tourism, the authorities were more circumspect with regard to planning permission, and the town is considered more upmarket than Ayia Napa, with palm tree-lined boulevards, dozens of restaurants, stunning archaeological gems – including the ruins of an ancient city – vast, frescoed tombs, Byzantine monasteries and golden beaches.What To SeeJust north of Paphos, pristine sandy beaches dot the coastline, some of them home to leatherback turtles. 

Inland, forest-covered mountains are carpeted with orchids, dark-red Cyprus tulips, rare crocuses and pretty pink thistles, depending on the season, and there are little grape-growing villages and frescoed Byzantine monasteries to explore. The island’s rich cultural heritage is easily accessible. Just five minutes’ walk from the hectic main boardwalk in Paphos are the ruins of its ancient city, Nea Paphos, a huge archaeological site which includes a medieval fortress, a 4th-century church, a Roman villa with stunning mosaic floors, and two vast, frescoed tombs from the early Hellenistic period.NEA PAPHOSNea Paphos, or New Paphos, is the name given to the sprawling archaeological site that occupies the western segment of Kato Paphos, north of the harbour and west of Leoforos Apostolou Pavlou. This is the ancient city of Paphos, which was founded in the late 4th century BC when Cyprus was part of the kingdom of the Ptolemies, the Graeco-Macedonian rulers of Egypt whose capital was in Alexandria. Nea Paphos became an important strategic outpost for the Ptolemies, and the settlement grew considerably during the next seven centuries. The current archaeological sites are being slowly excavated, as it is believed that there are still many treasures yet to be discovered. You can easily spend half a day exploring the sites.AGORA, ASKLIPIEION AND ODEIONThe Agora, or forum, and Asklepieion date back to the 2nd century AD and constitute the heart of the original Nea Paphos city complex. Paphos’ second most popular attraction is an impressive collection of intricate and colourful mosaics in the southern sector of the archaeological park immediately to the south of the Agora. Discovered by accident in 1962, excavations carried out by the Department of Antiquities brought to light remains of a large and wealthy residence from the Roman period with exquisite coloured mosaics decorating its extensive floor area. Subsequently named the House of Dionysos due to the large number of mosaics featuring the god of wine, this complex is the largest and most well-known of the mosaic houses. A short walk away are the smaller Villa of Theseus, a 2nd-century private residence, and House of Aion, a purpose-built structure made from recycled stones found on the site and housing a panel of 4th-century mosaics.HRYSOPOLITISSA CHURCH & ST PAUL’S PILLARThis fairly extensive site, still being excavated, was home to one of Paphos’ largest religious structures. What is left are the foundations of a Christian basilica (built in the 4th century) which aptly demonstrate the size and magnificence of the original church.TOMB OF THE KINGSPaphos’ most popular and most impressive site is the Tomb of the Kings, a World Heritage Site which is 2km north of Kato Paphos. It contains a set of well-preserved underground tombs and chambers used as a necropolis by residents of Nea Paphos during the Hellenistic and Roman periods from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. The name ‘Tombs of the Kings’ reflects the majestic appearance of the tombs rather than any royal pedigree of the people buried there.BYZANTINE MUSEUMWorth visiting for its collection of icons from the 13th and 14th centuries. Open 9am- 7pm Mon-Fri (9am- 5pm from Oct to May) and 9am-2pm on Saturday.How To Get ThereAIRPORTPaphos’ international airport is 8km south-east of Paphos. Many charter flights and some scheduled flights arrive and depart from here.AIRLINES FROM THE UKFlights to Paphos – British Airways (0844 493 0787; www.ba.com). Thomas Cook (flythomascook.com), Monarch Charter.Flights to Larnaca – Jet2.com, flythomascook.com Charter, flythomascook.com, Monarch.Flights to Ercan – Pegasus AirlinesWhen To GoCyprus has the longest summer in Europe, with warm, dry weather from April to October. To beat the crowds, visit its ancient sites and new hotels early in the season, in May.Where To Stay*AlmyraPoseidonos Avenue, Paphos(00 357 2688 8700)The 189-room Almyra is part of the Thanos Hotels group – which includes The Annabelle in Paphos and Anassa in Polis. It opened in 2004 and has quickly become the hippest place to stay on the island. It attracts a young, mostly British, crowd, many with children. The interiors are cool and minimalist but the staff are warm and friendly. The heart of the hotel is the lobby/bar, a vast, slate-floored space furnished with white sofas, burnt-orange chairs, white-pebble lampshades suspended above dark-wood tables, and semi-circular alcoves upholstered in white leather. Bedrooms are furnished in a similar style, with the addition of huge, white-linen-draped beds. There is a large, freshwater swimming pool, flanked by daybeds with muslin awnings, and an excellent Japanese-fusion poolside restaurant, Notios. Price rating: 4/5Check availability*AnnabellePaphos(00 357 2688 6000)The oldest member of the Thanos group, the 218-room Annabelle is next door to its groovy younger sister hotel, the Almyra. It has a loyal, mostly British clientele. Service is of a consistently high standard and the staff are very friendly. A large, heated swimming pool weaves through the tropical gardens. There are tennis courts, a large spa and extensive kids’ facilities. Price rating: 5/5Check availability*Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort HotelPaphos(00 357 2682 9000)More holiday village than conventional resort, the US$85-million InterContinental is the island’s biggest-ever mixed-use leisure project. The 290 bedrooms and suites are housed in traditional Mediterranean-village-style buildings centred around a huge, free-form swimming pool and an 18-hole golf course. There are also 400 privately owned villas (many available to rent), 11 tennis courts and five restaurants. But what really makes this InterContinental dazzle is the ultra-comprehensive Retreat Spa. With its fountain-filled courtyards, domed roofs, stone walls and terracotta floors, the Retreat evokes a Graeco-Roman village – albeit one with 18 treatment rooms and a clutch of thermal zones, including a tepidarium, a marble-walled steam room and a fiery laconium. More active types may want to try the cutting-edge sports equipment, used in training by the British Olympic team in 2004 before the hotel officially opened. Price rating: 2/5Check availability*Paphos Amathus Beach HotelPoseidonos Avenue, Paphos(00 357 2688 3300)This is a big resort hotel with 273 comfortable, chintzy bedrooms and a family-friendly, cruise-ship atmosphere. There is a very large swimming pool set among acres of landscaped grounds – including extensive lawns for sunbathing. There’s also a spa, five restaurants, three bars and a beach that is rocky in some places and sandy in others. Price rating: 2/5*The ElysiumQueen Verenikis Street, Paphos(00 357 2684 4444)On a headland at the northern end of Paphos, between the ancient ruins of Paphos and the Tombs of the Kings, is The Elysium beach resort. The 250-room resort is approached via a drawbridge, an arch and a glitzy reception area. Most of the bedrooms are in two wings off the main building, with the rest in a smaller, adults-only building with its own swimming pool. They range from doubles to a two-bedroom Royal Suite. There are four restaurants: Epicurean, which serves good, affordable fare; Cava, the formal, fine-dining option, which offers a more adventurous, Mediterranean-meets-Asian menu in a barrel-vaulted room lit with wrought-iron candelabras; and two alfresco restaurants, Mediterraneo and Lemonia Piazza. There are also two cafés, two bars and an excellent spa. Price rating: 3/5*Thalassa HotelCoral Bay, Paphos(00 357 2688 1500)The 58-room Thalassa hotel opened in 2004 on a headland overlooking Coral Bay, 15 minutes’ drive north of Paphos. The lobby is shady and cool, and the bar opens onto a large terrace furnished with sofas. Beyond that are the swimming pool and sun deck, from which there are gorgeous views of beaches to the left and the open Mediterranean Sea to the right. There are superb views from the bedrooms, too. The rooms are simply furnished with sofas, armchairs and glass-topped tables, and sun loungers on the spacious balconies. Thalassa has two restaurants: the alfresco Seafood Grill, and Ambrosia, which serves contemporary Cypriot food. A personal butler is included in the price of the room. The holistic spa was designed by Barry Warrington, who was once Princess Diana’s personal trainer and the spa manager at Chiva Som in Thailand. Price rating: 3/5*AnassaBaths of Aphrodite Road, Polis(00 357 26 888 000)Located by the windswept north-western coastline – a 90-minute drive from Paphos – Anassa is a marvellous place for a holiday, and a sibling of the Almyra and Annabelle. It is a serene collection of houses and villas, arranged like a traditional village and facing the sea. You’ll find Anassa just between the small town of Polis and the ruggedly handsome and stunning Akamas peninsula, and there are plenty of options if you feel you want to get out and see more – from walking treks to vineyards. But there are plenty of reasons to stay put, too, with an award-winning spa (ranked in the top 10 of Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers Spa Awards 2010), lovely pools and great restaurants. Book a room on the eastern side of the development if you want peace and quiet; the pools and restaurants are located closely to the buildings on the western side, which means they might be more convenient, they are also susceptible to a tiny bit of noisy ‘village’ life. Children are very welcome and well-catered for. Price rating: 4/5Check availability well in advance to be safe.The information provided here was from the website of www.cntraveller.comTo find out more about the Cyprus culture, coasts and beaches please click here: Visit CyprusFor a Guide to finding Cheaper flights to your luxury destinations Click Here!

Cheap holidays to the Turks and Caicos island

Holidays to the Turks and Caicos islandTurks and Caicos islands are similar to the Southern Bahamas in that they have similar climate, are British territory and attract most tourists from North America. However the tourism industry here is more low key and the main pastimes are all revolved around the sea and the coast, particularly diving, fishing and snorkeling amongst the coral reefs. Uk, USA and Canadian visitors require a birthcetificate and photo ID - no visa required as long as return tickets purchased. No problems with stays up to 30 days and can even be renewed once for around $50. The official currency is US$. Broadly speaking the islands are split into Providenciales, Grand Turk, North, Middle and South Caicos and Salt Cay. Island hopping is cheap, easy and recommended. Flight to Turks and Caicos islandThe main international airport for tourists is the Providenciales (Provo) airport. 

This is any case is the most popular island and has most to offer in terms of hotel accommodation and typical tourist facilities. Connecting flights to the other islands are available by light plane as there are no scheduled boat or ferry services. Main airlines operating into Providenciales are British airways, Bahamas air, Jamaica air, Delta airlines, American airlines, US airways and TCI Sky king. Flight time for provo to Grand Turk (the furthest island from provo) is only around 35 minutes at a cost of around $120 - as a comparison a flight to North Caicos is only $75 with a correspondingly shorter flight time.Beach resort at Turks and CaicosBeaches Turks & Caicos is an unbelievable fantasy beach resort, pastel pink bungalows are nestled in tropical gardens, there are almost enough pools for each day of the week, and the last day is reserved for the largest pool of all, the clear turquoise sea bordered by a 12-mile stretch of beach. Have you ever dreamed of a tropical hideaway or your very own Caribbean fantasy? Well this resort is probably exactly what you pictured in your mind! There is also the Treasure Beach Villas Resort, Turks & Caicos, or how about the fabulous Royal West Indies Resort, this is a new, all suite, luxury, beach-side condominium resort located on what many regard as the world’s finest beach, Grace Bay on the island of Providenciales. Combining the easy elegance of Caribbean living and styled in a Colonial design that captures the romance of a bygone age. Again this is another beach rersort that is pretty much exactly how you imagine it to be, simply picture in your mind a fantastic caribbean exclusive luxury beachside resort.The Resort is comprised of studio, 1 and 2 bedroom luxury units with Ocean Front, Ocean and Botanical views. The 1 and 2 bedrooms boast full, modern kitchens and are excellent for family use. The studios have kitchenettes for less ambitious vacation cooking. All suites have ocean-facing balconies that overlook magnificent Grace Bay or the resort’s spectacular Botanical grounds.Turks and Caicos luxury hotelThe fabulous Reef Residences hotel on Grace Bay by Coral Gardens occupies one of the best locations on the beautiful Grace Bay area. This accommodation is truly an oasis of calm, beauty and tranquillity. Set upon a quiet stretch of twelve miles of powdery white sands of Grace Bay. or why not check out the super luxury Meridian Club in Pine Cay. Imagine your own private island hideaway resort with two miles of white-sand beach. This Caribbean retreat is unparalleled in terms of luxury, elegance and refinement. makes the “Sandals” or “Beaches” resorts look like Butlins! Pine Cay is a secluded 800-acre island, just 560 miles southeast of Miami. The Meridian Club is the only resort on the island, positioned on a two-mile stretch of white sand beach, and is considered by many to be one of the finest in the Caribbean (if not the world!) Luxury holidays Turks and CaicosThe Osprey beach hotel is a favourite amongst visitors for good reason - 28 standard or deluxe beachfront rooms ansd suites available with kitchen, TV, AC and pool. The most luxurious accommodation however has to be the Turks head mansion (even the name is fantastic!). At one time was the American consulate and now is a fabulous house for private hire with all the facilities of a hotel, including bartender, conciege, maid, meals, drinks and snacks. Designed for the rich and famous or for those seeking exclusivity.Cheap holidays in Turks and Caicos islandAlthough an exclisive resort the Turks and Caicos are not prohibilty expensive - although not exactly bargain basement either! If you stay away from the more obvious “touristy” type restaurants and accommodation there are some bargains to be had. Providenciales is the dearest island for food and accommodation as most of the hotels here are condo or all inclusive styles catering to the affluent middle classes, stick to the other islands for inexpensive and charming accommodation. Many local restaurants are inexpensive and delicious with seafood and rice being the standard fare. Cheap flights can be had from UK airports for around the £600-700 mark and from the USA packages are offrered flying from Miami for around the $1000 mark.

Cheap holidays in the Bahamas

If you have been searching for that perfect holiday of a lifetime, then look no further. A Caribbean Bahamas holiday has got it all, from blue skies, crystal clear water, white pristine sandy beaches and a wide variety of marine life to explore, water activities, good local cuisine, shops, bars and unforgettable evening entertainment.The Bahamas is a stones throw from the coast of Florida and with over 700 islands and 2,400 cays, its islands offer an overwhelming amount of things to do and see, from snorkelling over the famous wreck from the movie thunder ball to exploring the natural beauty of Abaco National Park. Take a yacht tour and swim with dolphins, or enjoy a round of golf then cool off with a relaxing drink of Bahamas special developed citrus drink called “Switcher” on one of the Bahamas most famous beach’s Cable Beach, for a tranquilly Bahamas HolidayWe have a team of specialist travel agents that can offer you great deals when booking your Bahamas holidays. We can arrange and recommend car hire, flights, accommodation and excursions for your hassle free fun in the sun holiday.Scuba Diving requires a bit more skill. Learning to Dive is a wonderful experience that will enable you to touch and see creatures of the deep that you would never get to meet any other way.

 Local Dive operators supply equipment and offer classes for unguided dives all over the Bahamas, You will also be given the chance to swim withSharks, for an added Bahamas Holiday Experience.Dolphin dives are an amazing experience, swim along side these friendly, intelligent mammals are, and if you are looking to broaden your knowledge about the Coral reef habitat then an Eco dive is perfect.Shopping in Nassau Town, has many restaurants, bars and retails stores that sell cheap duty free goods to take home from your Bahamas Holiday from all around the world, best buys are leather goods, watches and fine linen. While you are there why not take a walk up the Water Tower where you can see the whole of the Island or stroll around the library that was once a prison.Sea world Explorer allows you to admire the sea from the inside of a Submarine. This kind of activity is located around the Islands of Grand Bahamas and New Providence.Entertainment on your Bahamas Holiday is plentiful. There is a wide range of Clubs, casinos, and venues with live music and local performing arts groups provide theatrical distractions, and if you are in New Providence in June, the Junkanoo is a fantastic way of finding out about the Islands culture and history. There are costume making exhibitions, dancing and other carnival activities and to feed your appetite, are many fish fry stalls.

Cheap holidays in Dubai

Dubai holidays offer beaches of soft white sand that slip into the shallow warm turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, glorious sunshine and wonderful shopping are within this cosmopolitan melting pot. Home to over 250 of the world’s most luxurious hotels, Dubai also has two of the worlds most outstanding golf courses, and is recognised worldwide for its international Tennis championships. Dubai holidays can accommodate the water enthusiasts with many water sports and activities on offer, and last but not least there is a wide selection of bars and nightclubs to be found amongst the Skyscrapers and tall buildings. Dubai holidays are very popular in the winter months with very pleasant temperature to please every holidaymaker.The Dubai World Centre is a must to view while on your Dubai Holiday, 

The regional headquarters of many of the world’s largest corporation. The Dubai World Centre stand tall at 39 floors high, complete with 7 exhibition halls, and a modern conference centre. Major international exhibitions and international trade fairs are held here. By special arrangement visitors can enjoy the panoramic view from the towers viewing deck.Creek side Park is a busy park located along the creek; it is popular with locals for its incredibly green lawns and garden. It also houses running tracks; children’s play areas, barbecue sites and an amphitheatre where concerts and various forms of entertainment are held. Children’s City, which is also located here, has informative displays about life in Dubai, as well as many activities for children of all ages.For a more relaxing Dubai Holiday then visit Jumeira Beach Park which is located in the heart of Jumeira, this busy park encompasses flowering gardens and beautifully clean beaches, picnic areas and a volleyball court. Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours.Wonderland is a brightly coloured amusement park, which is divided into three main areas: Main Street, Theme land and Splash Park. Where there is plenty to keep the children amused all day on your Dubai holiday: there is also bumper cars, remote-control boats and amusement arcades in Main Street; the log flume and roller-coaster rides in Theme land and water-park activities in Splash land.Deira City Centre has over 240 shops, a wide choice of unique leisure and entertainment facilities designed to enhance your Dubai Holiday Enjoyment. Deira City Centre also has a fun-filled entertainment centre, Magic Planet for the kids and more than 20 food outlets selling cuisine, snacks & fast food from around the world, it even has a five star hotelThe Emirates Golf Club is beautifully designed; its buildings are designed in the style of Bedouin tents. Non-members can play if they have a valid handicap certificate. The Emirates Golf comprises of Two18-hole, championship courses, two driving ranges, swimming pool and restaurants.