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Take in the Various Moods of the Mediterranean with a Yacht Charter

By holidayhorizon

Article by Matthew Johnston

‘The Mediterranean’ is oft-repeated located in the books of a traveller. Whether it is the Mediterranean food, the climate or the region, something about this phrase conjures up images of blue waters, sandy beaches and century-old coastal towns and ports; essentially, something of a tourists’ paradise. A tour of the Mediterranean coastline is a rich experience spanning the history and geography of many different civilizations and the best way to do it is a Mediterranean yacht charter.

A charter yacht is one of the best ways of experiencing both the natural beauty and the culture of the Mediterranean region. Depending on the places that interest you, you could chart out a route and follow it leisurely, surrounded by all the comforts money can buy, including an expert professional crew. Most yacht charters offer a wide range of vessels of different sizes, operations, and replete with different amenities. You could opt for a sailing yacht, an electric/diesel motor powered yacht one that’s a combination; a bareboat or skippered and also look at technical specifications like number of hulls, sails and interiors.

The Mediterranean Sea is comprised of many different seas, the larger ones being the Ionian Sea, the Adriatic Sea and the Aegean Sea and your sails could be customised to allow you to experience any of these. If the history and culture of the quiet Balkans allures you, you could start with the romantic town of Venice, Italy and move on to the smaller towns of Croatia, known for their lush natural beauty and as-yet un-commercialised towns. A popular cruise route should take in to the archipelagos of Brijuni and Kornati, known for their exceptional natural features as well as towns like Zadar, Sibenik, Trogir and Split, which are known for their architectural marvels, especially the St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO heritage site and the Krka National Park.

Greece has long been heralded as the cornerstone of the cultural history of the Mediterranean region and a yacht cruise along its long coastline can be quite rewarding. The many islands that dot the Aegean and the Ionic Sea are captivating for their beaches and ancient architecture as well as their resorts, hotels and nightlife. After setting sail from the city of Athens, you could choose to move on to islands of Kea, Tinos, Mykonos, Delos and Paros, Ios and Apollo. Each of these islands has a distinct cultural history as evidenced by their striking chapels, monasteries and churches and is rich in natural beauty, particularly the island of Apollo with its breathtaking mountain ranges and valleys. Each island also offers various tourists attractions like bars, clubs, restaurants, as well as water-sports.

After the quiet towns and villages of Greece and Croatia, you could set off for the more glamorous coasts of Italy and France. The Cote d’Azur in France is world-famous as “the” destination for the rich and the famous, while its counterpart, “The Italian Riviera” is home to some picturesque fishing towns of Portofino, Camogli, Cinque Terre, Tuscan and Capraia. Cinque Terre is particularly known for its national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Isles de Lerins off the French coast is a popular island for water-sports and the Tuscan Archipelago offers very safe anchorage, delightful beaches, as well as, some great historic sight-seeing opportunities.

All in all, the Mediterranean, with its many seas and coasts, offers an endless list of places to visit, scenes to take in and activities to indulge in. A yacht cruise along the Mediterranean gives you a taste of the many diverse cultures that abound the region, as well as the variety in the natural beauty of the region. With a chartered yacht, the only problem you might have is ending the holiday.

About the Author

Mediterranean Yacht Charter – Fraser Yachts specialize in luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean and provide the most luxurious Mediterranean Charter Yachts.

Preview of the Historical Atlas of the Mediterranean www.explorethemed.com Interactive maps of Mediterranean history. In this preview: The Assyrians The Rise of Sparta The Rise of Rome The Rise of Christianity The Rise of Islam The Spanish Reconquista For more interactive maps, be sure to visit www.explorethemed.com The Song is LTJ Bukem – Horizons
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Cyprus – a Mediterranean island with hidden secrets

By holidayhorizon

Article by Helen Smeaton

Cyprus is best known for the three S’s – sun, sea and sand! But the third largest island in the Mediterranean has much more to offer than just sunshine and long summer nights. Situated on the far east of the Mediterranean, close to Turkey, Syria and Egypt, Cyprus enjoys a wonderfully mild climate, which makes it a perfect destination for outdoor activities of all kinds. Indeed, many of these activities are best enjoyed in the cooler spring and autumn months when there is still abundant sunshine but the heat is bearable for all forms of exercise outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts who visit Cyprus between October and May can enjoy:

Mile upon mile of pine scented forest trails. Rugged goat tracks, adorned with colourful flora and wild herbs. Amazing views from every hill top, valley and steep-sided gorges. Hundreds of tiny, hidden churches, standing proud and serene in their remoteness. Pretty mountain villages where the main form of transport is still the donkey and the traditional way of life still remains.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of visitors to the island see Cyprus as simply a summer sun destination. They head for the main resorts of Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa, full of noisy bars in high season. But if you venture further west towards Polis and Latchi, you will discover a completely different side to the island. Here, the old values are still key, restaurants and shops are run as family businesses and someone who speaks Greek will actually serve you.

Walkers, cyclists, watersports enthusiasts and plain nature lovers, will love the far west of the island, where even the coastline remains unspoilt by modern development. Here you will find the last unspoilt section of coast in southern Cyprus on the Akamas peninsula. A national park, the Akamas, offers the thrill of mountain biking or you can take a more leisurely approach by hiking along the many trails on the peninsula.

Once you are done with the Akamas, you can head for the hills where there are countless, gorgeous valleys to explore, many with dams nestling at the foot of the valley. There is also the vast expanse of pine forest, which covers almost a third of the west of the island; a perfect playground for adventurous exploration on two wheels or two legs. If you keep your eyes open, you may well spot a moufflon in the forest (the indigenous wild sheep on the island).

And once you have finished exploring, what better way to finish your day than with a long, lazy dinner at a mountain village taverna. Here you will eat like a king for a pauper’s price.

Come and discover the real Cyprus and all her hidden secrets.

About the Author

Wish you had some insider knowledge to find all the best secret places to visit? See this great new travel guide with a focus on the west of the island.http://www.cyprus-travel-secrets.com. Or if you are a keen cyclist or walker, you may be interested in an activity break on the island. Check out http://www.wheeliecyprus.com

Helen Smeaton lives and works in Cyprus as a mountain bike professional, freelance writer and web designer.

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Menorca And Mediterranean Cruises

By holidayhorizon

Article by Michael Mahon

Perhaps it’s no surprise that the popularity of Mediterranean cruises is on the increase. Cruising on the Mediterranean allows holidaymakers to visit a vast number of cultures and countries in a short amount of time. Cruises offer a convenient way to get from point A to point B, C and D without having to pack and unpack repeatedly or drive to each separate location. Just sit back, relax and let the crew pamper you as you make your way across the Mediterranean Sea.

Holidays in the Mediterranean

You can expect a wide variety of culture, history, people and languages on the tour throughout the Mediterranean. Visitors can explore islands, visit various seaports, see beautiful cathedrals, walk through historic museums and visit family vacation spots. The main season for cruises is May through October. The weather throughout the Mediterranean, however, makes it possible for cruises to come through all year long. The best vacations often take place in the off-season because everything is less crowded. Holidaymakers can get a better feel for the culture and a closer look at attractions when they aren’t fighting heavy crowds.

Vacation in the Balearic Islands

The east coast of Spain is home to the Balearic Islands; including Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Cruises that stop in the Balearic Islands allow guests on holiday to explore caves, beaches and peaks that stand over bays of clear water. The Port of Mahon, a stopping point for many Mediterranean cruises, is the capital and seaport of Minorca. It is a natural harbor that features miles of beautiful beaches. It is the home of enormous yachts, stone monuments, caves, peaceful resorts and charming towns. The area is embellished with English heritage that represents the strong British history in Minorca.

Popularity of Mediterranean Cruises

Does the idea of traveling through Barcelona, Cairo, Paris, Rome, Athens and Venice appeal to you? Most likely, it does. Who wouldn’t like to travel to all of those places on one holiday? A cruise that spans so many different exotic places and cultures in such a short period of time is appealing for families, couples with different interests and people with limited amounts of time to spend traveling. Each port the cruise ship stops at will introduce you to an entirely new culture with a unique historical background. Stops made along the Balearic Islands are particularly nice because these are spots that have not been affected by the modernization that has spread across the rest of the world. Majorca and Minorca, in particular, are peaceful and relaxing islands to visit. The natives are laid back and you’ll feel like you are in paradise.

The British Travel the Mediterranean

Mediterranean cruises are the new travel of choice for British holidaymakers. They are choosing to travel these countries in 7-14 day cruises more than any other holiday destination. The British have strong roots in the Balearic Islands and have heavily influenced their current culture. The British have always been fond of the Mediterranean islands and because they are in close proximity, it is a common place for them to spend their holidays. The British aren’t the only ones traveling through the Mediterranean, however. All-inclusive cruises that travel to France, Italy, Greece, Egypt and the Mediterranean islands are gaining popularity among travelers in general.

About the Author

For cruise passengers in the Mediterranean, an on-line guide for Minorca is available at YourMenorca.net – the guide includes details of the weather in Menorca

For Mediterranean cruises taking in the Canary islands of Tenerife and Lanzarote, new guide YourTenerife.net has a five day weather forecast and a map of Tenerife

 

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Renting Holiday Villas Is Gaining In Popularity

By holidayhorizon

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Mediterranean Recipes for Mediterranean Desserts

By holidayhorizon

Article by Ray Darken

Do you have a sweet tooth, but are keen to follow the Mediterranean Diet? The Mediterranean Diet is famous for its use of fresh and healthy produce. Traditional Mediterranean cuisine leans heavily on unprocessed foods and as a result, Mediterranean desserts can be dramatically different to the ice creams and cakes that the Western world is so used to consuming.

Well, these Mediterranean dessert recipes will fulfill both your dietary requirements, without leaving you wanting more at the end of your meal. These easy Mediterranean recipes will have you coming back for more. Enjoy!

Traditional Mint Cheesecake. (Serves 8-12.)

Prep time: 2 1/2 hoursBaking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients.

For the base:

1/4 teaspn ground cinnamongrated peel off a quarter of a lemon1/4 cup Ouzo, or any aniseed flavored liqueur1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil1/2 cup water1/4 teaspn anise seedsdash of sweet dessert wine, optional1 1/3 cups flour

For the filling:

4 eggs1 1/3 cups sugar1 pound fresh ricottalemon peel of a quarter of lemon, gratedfresh mint leaves, minced, or chopped very finelyextra mint leaves as decoration

Method.

Base:

Combine lemon peel and ground cinnamon.Add Ouzo, olive oil, water, and sweet dessert wine if applicable, to a large bowl, and mix with a fork or whisk. Add the combined lemon peel and cinnamon, and mix well. Add the anise seeds and mix well.Add the flour, knead well. The dough should be reasonably dry. Cover bowl and place in a cool location for 2 hours. Start on the filling in about 90 minutes times.

Filling:

Preheat oven to 360ºF. Add eggs to mixing bowl and whisk. Add sugar and whisk until combined. Add ricotta and mix well.Add grated lemon peel and minced mint leaves and mix.Roll out the dough and place in a fluted pie dish measuring 9 or 10 inches in diameter, and with a depth of 1 inch. Ensure that the dough covers both the bottom and sides of the pie dish. Accentuate flutes in side of pie by pressing the dough with your fingers.Pour filling into pie dish and bake in 360ºF oven for 40-45 minutes.Allow to cool before serving and garnish with extra mint leaves.

This Mediterranean dessert is going to be sensational served with fresh fruit or a glass of sweet dessert style wine. Check your bottle store for Spanish, Italian, or Greek dessert wines for an authentic Mediterranean meal.

Mediterranean Style Liqueur Peaches. (Serves 4.)

Prep time: 5 minutesCooking time: 90 minutes

Most Mediterranean dessert recipes contain fresh fruits and often sweet wines. This philosophy is an intrinsic component of the Mediterranean Diet, where fresh produce is eaten in high amounts and wine is frequently served with lunch and dinner.

This Mediterranean dessert can be made using champagne, or sweet and sticky dessert wines such as muscatel, muscet, or any other sweet wine that you favor.

Ingredients:

4 firm peaches, preferably yellow. It is important that the peaches are firm to avoid them falling apart.4 Tabspns brown sugar1/2 cinnamon stick1 quarter (or 1 liter) of sweet dessert style wine or liqueur.1 clove2 small pieces of lemon rind1/4 teaspn nutmeg, preferably fresh grated

Method:

Peel the peaches and leave them whole.Add the peaches and all other ingredients into a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until boiling.Once mix is boiling, reduce heat to low, partially cover saucepan with lid, and cook for 80-90 minutes, until peaches are tender. Remove from heat.Serve peaches with the remaining cooked syrup.

* Important note. If you prefer to use champagne, or red or white wine to cook the peaches, instead of a sweet dessert wine, you will need to double the sugar in the mix to 8Tabspns, otherwise the syrup will be too bitter.

Mediterranean Style Fruit & Nut Platter. (Serves 4.)

This is an excellent Mediterranean dessert recipe for those who don’t like to cook. The Mediterranean Diet allows for the consumption of more nuts than most Western style diets. Nuts are a rich source of fiber, and essential fatty acids. The mono-unsaturated fats and oils contained in nuts are very heart healthy. If you are watching your weight, you may want to limit yourself to just a handful of nuts daily. This platter is an excellent Mediterranean dessert for those who don’t have a particularly sweet tooth.

Prep Time: 5 minutesCooking Time: none

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces shelled walnuts4 or 5 toasted hazelnut per person, about 1 1/2 ounces4 or 5 toasted almonds per person, about 1 1/2 ounces1 ounce pine nuts4 – 8 dried figs1 1/2 ounces raisins

Optional: a small glass of sweet dessert wine per person. (Muscats and muscatels are ideal.)

Method:

Spread the nuts and fruits evenly and decoratively over 4 small plates (bread and butter plates would be ideal).Serve with Mediterranean style dessert wine if desired.

Note: This Mediterranean dessert can be easily modified to personal taste. Add your favorite nuts and dried fruits to taste. Fresh fruit with a little ricotta cheese could be an ideal addition.

Conclusion.

As you can see from these Mediterranean diet recipes, you can have your cake as a Mediterranean dessert and still keep your taste buds happy, while eating a healthy diet. What’s more, you don’t even have to cook for one of the above Mediterranean food recipes!

About the Author

The author Ray Darken provides an extensive amount of Mediterranean recipes and a free downloadable report for your reference at the Mediterranean diet recipes club. To keep you on your toes and your mouth watering, here are a few free Mediterranean diet recipes.

www.howdini.com Need an elegant appetizer recipe that’s easy to make and won’t break the bank? Lauren Chattman from Pillsbury shows us how to make two different variations of pinwheel appetizers – one with Mediterranean flavors and another with good ole’ bacon and cheddar cheese. Appetizer recipes: How to make Mediterranean pinwheel appetizers Mediterranean Crescent Pinwheel Appetizers Recipe 1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray. Separate dough into 4 rectangles; place on lightly floured surface. Firmly press perforations to seal. Press or roll each to form 8×5-inch rectangle. 2. Arrange 1/4 of prosciutto slices over each rectangle. In small bowl, combine cheese, pepper and oil; mix well. Sprinkle mixture over prosciutto on each rectangle. Sprinkle with basil. 3. Starting at short side of each rectangle, roll up; seal long edges. With serrated knife, cut each roll into 5 slices. Place cut side up on sprayed cookie sheets. 4. Bake at 375°F. for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheets. Serve warm. Bacon-Cheddar Pinwheel Appetizers Recipe 1. Heat oven to 350°F. Unroll dough and separate into 2 long rectangles; press each into 12×4-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. 2. Spread dressing over each rectangle to edges. Sprinkle each with bacon, cheese and onions. 3. Starting with one short side, roll up each rectangle; press edge to seal. With serrated knife, cut each roll into 8 slices; place cut side …
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Spend your vacation in Paros hotels, Greece and experience a Mediterranean holiday

By holidayhorizon

Article by Kelly Rogers

Through the past decades, the island of Paros, Greece has been established as one of Greece’s finest island vacation destinations. Thanks to the cooperation of the local businesses to the local tourism board, the island has become a popular and appealing option among other European island vacation destinations. So when you haven’t yet decided on the place to spend your vacation, make it in Paros, Greece and experience a Mediterranean holiday like no other.

Paros’ ordinary village scenes are comprised with its vibrant mix of cultures, fine architectures and lovely works of art that are exhibited at the local art gallery. Foreign as well as local tourists will surely find something delightfully appealing to their taste. When you are interested trying out authentic local dishes, you can try dining at the intimate restaurants that are sprawled all over the island, offering an intimate set-up for that laid-back to formal dining experiences. If you are Big in history and Greek archeology, then a visit to the local museums as well as the well preserved Venetian castles will be a treat. The great thing is that after a day of exploration, you will be welcomed by the comfortable rooms and world-class amenities offered by Paros hotels. They may even help you arrange your vacationing itineraries, in attending to your pleasures.

Paros hotels take pride in offering exclusive accommodations at a wider range of accommodation costs. Unlike in other known island vacation destinations, the hotels manage to find ways on how to open Paros holiday experiences to more of the world’s notorious travelers. In this manner, each guest can stretch their travel budget, with complementary gifts given to regular visitors.

A visit to Paros can never be completed in a day of exploration. It means DAYS of exploration. Make the most of your visit by staying at the local Paros hotels and enjoy a relaxing, worry-free and budget friendly holiday experience.

About the Author

Kelly Rogers is writing professional travel articles for local newspapers the last 5 years.She gives advice to travellers about holidays destinations and shares her own experiences for their best knowledge.

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Yacht Charter Mediterranean Holidays: Full of Entertainment and Adventure

By holidayhorizon

Article by Article Expert

If you are willing to spend your vacations in the most ultimate manner by hiring your private yacht charter, Mediterranean Sea and Turkey are two places best to travel around. Their natural beauty, beautiful azure water, innumerable sailing options make the place most sought after to explore along with your loved ones in the most luxurious manner.

Every year, a number of people opt for Yacht charter Mediterranean holidays and Turkey Yacht Charter holidays. Reason being, both the areas comprise of stunning beaches, majestic ports and luxury yachts. In addition to this, the fun obtained by uncovering the beauty of the place along with the yacht is inexpressible. Adriatic seas, islands of Corsica, Sardinia, etc. are the best places to explore with your private Yacht in Mediterranean. Similarly, in Turkey, customers can have whale of time by visiting some of the exquisite locations in their luxurious as well as comfortable charters. More and more have started planning for Yacht charter Mediterranean holidays due to a number of benefits provided by the yacht.

Benefits of Hiring a Private Yacht

Privacy is one of the most notable benefits of chartering a private yacht. Another important benefit is that one will get a golden chance of choosing the charter of your dreams. For instance, if a person is traveling with a large group, he will book the charter accordingly. Another important benefit is that vacation can be customized as per travelers needs. Besides itinerary of the trip, even food and other activities can be planned. So, in a nutshell it can be said by opting for Yacht charter turkey or Yacht Charter Mediterranean holidays, travelers would get the chance to explore the place on their own pace and terms and conditions.

People interested in availing the facilities of Mediterranean yacht rental would find no problems as numerous companies are providing yachts of all shapes and sizes on rental basis.

Innumerable options in terms of Yacht rental companies

Many companies in Mediterranean Sea and Turkey are providing Yacht on rental at reasonable price range. The choices offered by them with respect to Yacht are unlimited. From motor yachts to sleek sailing yachts, customers are free to choose private Yacht charter both in Turkey and Mediterranean sea as per their budgets. Personal attention to every detail and exceptional customer services are offered by these yacht rental services. So, experience them by availing the services of Mediterranean yacht rental holidays. For gathering more information about yacht holidays, browse the web.

About the Author

Mediterranean Yacht Charters at a-yachtcharter.com, offers Bahamas Yacht Charter and Turkey Yacht Charter services include corporate yacht charters, trip cancellation insurance and last minute travel deals throughout the world.

www.planetcruise.co.uk – Link to offer 7 Nights Cruising Holiday With Island Cruises Onboard Their 3 Star Ship The Island Escape. Planet Cruise – See More, Save More on your Cruise Holiday id2269
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Research your Trip to the Mediterranean Islands

By holidayhorizon

Article by Robert Thomson

A Mediterranean holiday will expose the vacationers to lands rich in history and culture. The list of popular destinations has distinct offerings regarding cuisine, lifestyle, and traditions. The beautiful islands around the Mediterranean region are a mix of three main cultures. These are the cultures of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Mediterranean island holidays will surely visit places in and around Italy such as Sardinia, Sicily, Ischia and Capri, the island city in France called Corsica, some popular tourist sites in the country of Greece, as well as Morocco, Algeria, Turkey, Tunis, Albania and Croatia. Even the Mediterranean Sea itself, with its deep blue waters, will have interesting stories to tell. Aside from the enjoyment you get from the beaches and the spectacular views, knowing more about the story of these places will enhance a vacationer’s first hand experience.

It is always a good policy to do some research when planning to go on holiday. If the destination is a Mediterranean island and the holiday includes a ferry boat ride, then the vacation will be made all the more enjoyable if you start your trip armed with the right knowledge and information. Aside from the suggested cultural research, there are the practicalities of travel. These include schedules of ferry rides, possible routes, ferry boat accommodations, embarking and disembarking details, the policies for travelers and tourist in each destination, hotel accommodations, and the like. All these details can be accessed through good research. A travel handbook, some informed readings, TV travel shows, talking to an experienced traveler or a local of the place you are visiting, these are all good sources of information. Tourists on a budget can benefit from a quick internet search, where sometimes there are good deals for early bookings in some hotels, package tours in passenger ferries, and other budget offerings from tourism industry operators. Most likely there will be package tours for families and groups. Most likely you will overlook these if you do not do some homework.

When all travel arrangements have been set, then you can let yourself go and let the fun begin. Enjoy Sicily, the largest island thereabouts. There you will see majestic Mount Etna, some ancient Greek temples, and taste sumptuous Sicilian oranges. Then hop on to French Corsica to enjoy the cuisine, a fusion of French and Italian. Enjoy the gourmet cheese, wine, and sausages there. Finally, a Mediterranean tour would not be complete without a visit to Greece, cradle of western civilization, of which much has been written about.

About the Author

Article posted by Marco, italian Travel Agent, providing traghetti Ischia online ticket reservation, as well as traghetti Albania ticket reservation, to make your ferry boat transfers worry free!. Visit Research your Trip to the Mediterranean Islands.

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Explore the Mediterranean islands of Greece and Cyclades

By holidayhorizon

Article by ricardo lumbardo

Greece and Cyclades are known for their ancient history, culture and mythology. For decades now these have lured thousands of tourists from across the world to get their share of this enchanting location. The Mediterranean offers a chance to explore the coastline of Greece and find some of the best hidden islands. The sight of the bright white houses dotted along the coast everywhere is a classic Greek greeting to everyone who comes here.

There are so many islands, small and big along the coastline that the best way to explore it all is through Yacht charter Greece which would allow you to visit a new island and a new port every single day. Greece yacht charters offer you the chance to experience the classic Mediterranean culture in a true luxury style. Some of the best places in Greece and Cyclades to visit are:

* Kea- the island of Kea is still very well hidden from the tourists which is what adds to its charm. This quiet little island has beautiful beaches, hills and valleys that are filled with orchards and dotted with almond, oak and olive trees. The beaches here are exceptionally beautiful and secluded.

* Mykonos- Mykonos is very well known for its glittering nightlife. The atmosphere here is really vibrant and alive with the youthful crowd walking around the narrow streets, the colorful markets, the many pubs, bars and clubs that are dotted along the beautiful beaches.

* Delos: Delos is situated quite close to Mykonos and is the most important archeological site in Greece. The island has some very important archeological sites that date back to centuries and a museum that showcases its history.

* Ios- Ios is again known for its vibrant crowds and its party culture. There are numerous bars and clubs here lined at the beach and the center of the city and the beaches here are known to be the ones that attract the most stylish people from around the world.

* Sifnos- the island of Sifnos has a rugged charm with its string of hills that surrounds the island. Sifnos has plenty of small villages where life is still lived the ancient Mediterranean way and there are plenty of orchards and hillsides that are covered with aromatic herbs.

* Kythnos- this island is still very secluded and does not attract throngs of visitors. The Island has several small villages that have character and the charm that a truly Mediterranean island must have. Life here is very relaxed and there are a number of beaches here that have perfect white sand and sparkling azure waters.

The islands in Greece and Cyclades can leave you mesmerized by their sheer beauty and their enchanting culture, anyone who comes here once will surely be touched by the abundant natural beauty here.

About the Author

If you are planning a trip and are looking forhttp://www.fraseryachts.com/Charter/Destinations/greece_cyclades.aspx?Page=Charter&LastPage=&Item=GreeceCyclades”>yacht charter Greece, you may want to visit these links to find some of the bestGreece yacht charters.

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Malaga: A Hotbed of Mediterranean Culture

By holidayhorizon

Article by Isla Campell

Malaga is the birthplace of famous artist Pablo Picasso and it is easy to see why a city of such picturesque beauty would inspire someone to paint; with its pure blue skies, sea lined coast and rich green hills. Indeed, there is something about the delicate lines and sumptuous colours of this coastal town that almost makes it appear as if it has actually been painted by an artist’s delicate hand.Picasso himself spent only the first ten years of his life in Malaga, but during this period he was already showing talent as a young artist and you can almost feel what an influence this place must have had upon him. In fact, if you look beneath his often surreal painting style, you can see that there is actually something distinctly Mediterranean about it – particularly his colour choices – rich ochre, vibrant reds and azure blues reflect the sparkling colour-ways of this warm Spanish city.

The importance of this city to Picasso is probably one of the main reasons why – after his death – his surviving relatives decided to open a museum in Malaga, after a long desire that there should be some rooted historical link between Picasso and his Spanish birthplace. It would seem fitting that the majority of the works are personal pieces that he created for his family and most have never before been seen by the public. They are housed in an old 16th Century Andalusian noble house, not five minutes from his place of birth.In more recent times, it is clear that Malaga has continued to grow and transform into a multicultural and buzzing city.

So while there are plenty of links to ancient culture, like old majestic cathedrals, Roman amphitheatres and even the Gibralfaro Castle – which dates back to the 14th Century – the Picasso Museum is just a singular example of the now ever-increasing number of exciting, new things happening in Malaga’s cultural calendar.Indeed, the city has also been nominated for European Culture Capital – which will be decided in the year 2016 and in the run up to this, Malaga is expected to push its self artistically and strive to achieve this important cultural recognition.

It is therefore not surprising that many people book their flights to Malaga as soon as they can to avoid disappointment, so they can be a part of this cultural extravaganza and experience the city in its rise towards greatness. The Centre for Contemporary Art is perhaps Malaga’s most recent cultural addition. It opened in 2003 and houses paintings, photography, sculpture and conceptual art works that range from 19th Century right up to some of the most contemporary pieces around. Its aim is to promote interesting and unique new artists; and in terms of what Malaga represents, it is a small example of the cultural revolution that is currently sweeping the city like a whirlwind.

About the Author

The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.

Thursday, March 10, 2011 CONVERSATIONS ON EUROPE. “Cultural Hybridity in the Medieval Mediterranean: A Concept in Search of Evidence?” Peregrine Horden, Professor of Medieval History, University of London
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