Majorca, a privileged destination in the Balearic Islands

Majorca is synonymous with world-renowned beaches and coves, but is also a perfect destination to enjoy countryside, culture, water sports, entertainment... There are many reasons to visit the island, the largest of the Balearics.

Majorca is an island that measures almost 80 kilometres from one end to the other, outstanding for its diversity. It has 550 kilometres of coast, where you will find some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful coves and beaches: white sand beaches with a full range of services, as well as small coves set between cliffs and pine groves in the north of the island. Its clean, crystal clear waters are ideal for bathing and for water sports such as scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing, fishing, sailing and surfing. These are not the only sports on offer here, however: golf is widely available. There are many well-designed courses, harmoniously set in their natural surroundings, suitable for all levels.

This Balearic Island is packed with wonderful spots. Hiring a car or going on group tours are two good ways to explore the island. Majorca has a broad range of hire cars on offer, although you can also get about using the scheduled bus services that operate between the island's main towns. There is also a train that runs between the capital, Palma de Mallorca and Sóller. This trip is well worthwhile - the train affords delightful views of the beautiful Majorca countryside. If sports are your thing, then cycle touring and hiking are the healthiest ways to get to know this Mediterranean island. Why not explore the tracks and trails that criss-cross Majorca? There are many routes, both along the coast and inland, fully signed with information panels. These itineraries are a wonderful way to get to know the rural side of this land. This is the way to discover the most authentic flavour of Majorca, savouring its unspoilt countryside... It is well worthwhile, rest assured.

Nature has an outstanding role on the island. Almost 40 percent of Majorca is protected countryside, and the landscape is marked by contrast: caverns, pine woods, green hills, abrupt mountains... Of the many nature areas, special mention should be made of the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains in the north, with peaks reaching more than 1,400 metres above sea level. Close to these mountains you will find some of Majorca's most picturesque towns and villages, such as Deià, Pollença and Valldemossa, whose unique atmosphere has captivated artists for centuries. Another highly recommended outing is to the Cabrera National Park (Marine and Terrestrial), a group of islands and islets less than an hour by boat from Majorca.

Culture is an ever-present element in the life of the island. All year round there are festivals, concerts, literary competitions, exhibitions, recitals, theatre performances… The city of Palma de Mallorca is the cultural and artistic centre of the island, and is outstanding for the excellent conservation of its historic centre. Be sure to take a stroll around the old town and enjoy the varied, entertaining nightlife. Every year, Majorca's charm attracts famous politicians, film stars, personalities from the world of fashion... they make the island their holiday destination.

Majorca has excellent communications by air and sea. Airlines from numerous countries operate out of its Son Sant Joan international airport, eight kilometres from Palma. The island also has transport links with the rest of the archipelago and the Spanish mainland via boats and scheduled ferry services that sail from the ports of Palma and Alcúdia. These excellent communications mean that from Majorca you can make visits to other Balearic Islands, such as Ibiza and Minorca, with return day-trips possible.

Beautiful Beaches of Egypt

Egypt attract lots of the tourist because of its pyramid and beaches. The beaches of Egypt are very beautiful. Egypt is one of the oldest tourist destination on world. The beach vacation of Egypt are really inexpensive in comparision to the European beaches. It is also one of the reason why tourist prefer Egypt Beaches

Egypt has been divided into seven beaches zones they are as follow

1. Mediterranean beaches in mainline coast from the Suez Canal over to Libya
2. The Mainland coast south of the Red Sea
3. The Sinai coast along Gulf of Suez
4. The southern Sinai region in the Red Sea
5. The Mainland coast along Gulf of Suez
6. The Mediterranean beaches along northern Sinai
7. The Sinai coast along the gulf of Aqaba

. The Beaches of Egypt are either connected with Mediterranean or with the Red Sea. Some of the beaches in Egypt attract vast number of tourist and some of the beaches you can hardly find any people. Alexandaria beaches attract very huge number of tourist in comparision with the other beaches of Egypt. The Facilities around the beach in egypt range from very rudimentary beach camps to the finest imaginable five star hotels, and include the possibility of villa rentals. In general, in the region south of Hurghada, not including Marsa Alam, beach camps and more undeveloped accommodations seem to be more Popular, but then so too are open beaches with little in the way of crowds. On the east, Aqaba part of the Sinai, while Taba and in particular Sharm el-Sheikh are built up areas with fine amenities to choose from, the area in between these two destinations tend to be more camp-like, despite the fact that there are certainly a few fine hotels here and there. These areas, south of Hurghada, tend to be very laid back areas of beach with less proper amusement facilities than the main tourist areas of El Gouna, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Taba and more, Marsa Alam.

Water activity around Egypt Beaches

The main differences between the beaches around coastal regions in Red Sea and the beaches around the Gulfs and Mediterranean Zones is the availability of Scuba Diving. There is some less scuba diving facilities in just about every beach region around Egypt , Most of the Scuba Diving facilities are located from El-Gouna south along the Red Sea, and around Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai. In fact, perhaps as much as 80% of all Scuba Diving activities originate from the immediate region of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. This is not to say that activities such as snorkeling cannot be found at almost all beach areas. Furthermore, other activities such as windsurfing and skiing, while available in many different locations, seems to be very popular along the mainland Gulf of Suez Zone. At various locations on just about all of the beaches there are other water sports available, such as sail boat rentals and parasailing

Jeju (Cheju) South Korea

Jeju-do (transliterated Korean for Jeju Province, short form of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province) is the only special self-governing province of South Korea, situated on and coterminous with the country's largest island. Jeju-do lies in the Korea Strait, southwest of Jeollanam-do Province, of which it was a part before it became a separate province in 1946. Its capital is the city of Jeju.

The island contains the Natural World Heritage Site entitled Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes.

Tourism commands a large fraction of Jeju's economy. Jeju's temperate climate, natural scenery, and beaches make it a popular tourist destination for both South Koreans and many visitors from Japan, China, northern and southern Asia. Especially, Cheonjeyeon and Cheonjiyeon waterfalls, Mountain Halla, Hyeobje cave, Hyeongje island are popular places for tourists. Also, tourists enjoy lots of leisure sports in Jeju island including golf, horse riding, hunting, fishing, mountain climbing, etc. Depending on seasons, tourists can enjoy many festivals: penguin swimming contest in winter, cherry blossom festival in spring, midsummer night beach festival in summer, horse festival in autumn and many more. Usually, tourists enter and exit Jeju through Jeju International Airport and rent cars in the island. Lastly, tourists can buy numerous products in the island. Tourists can buy not only Jeju's special products including tile fish and mandarin oranges, but also souvenirs or duty-free products.

Jeju Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods," is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and many Japanese. It remains one of the top honeymoon destinations for Korean newlyweds. The island's mixture of volcanic rock, frequent rains, and temperate climate, make it very similar to the Hawaiian Islands in the U.S. The island offers visitors a wide range of activities: hiking on Halla-san (South Korea's highest peak), catching sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, viewing majestic waterfalls, riding horses, or just lying around on the sandy beaches.

Although tourism is one of the main industries on the island, many of the hotels and other tourist areas are run by mainland companies, so much of the income never gets put back into the local economy. Also, since the attractions are geared towards tourists, many of the entrance fees can be hefty (although the locally owned and operated ones tend to be cheaper). Similar to Gyeongju and some other areas, local residents can enter most places for free or for a steeply discounted price.

Lodging
Jeju (Cheju) Island has 15 lodging facilities listed with Life in Korea. See the full list for this area.

Transportation
Bicycle: Given Jeju's wide expanses, bicycling here is much safer than in most of Korea. Many of the roads have sufficient room to ride along the edge, and some even have special bike lanes- not just a painted line between you and traffic, but a separate road with curbs between you and the drivers. Unfortunately, many of the local residents are convinced that the bikes lanes were actually built especially for them to dry their seeds and herbs, so in some places you may have to take short detours onto the road.
Boat: The ferry terminals in Jeju City has daily boats to Busan, Yeosu, Mokp'o, Wando, Noktong, and Incheon on the mainland, as well as several boats to Japan (see the Jeju Port section for schedules). Several other smaller ports have boats to the outlying islands of Kapa-do, Mara-do, Piyang-do, and U-do.
Bus: The bus terminal in Jeju City has buses to numerous destinations around the island. Most do circuits between here and Seogwip'o or Jungmun Resort on the south coast, stopping at various points of interest along the way. Several Jeju City buses criss-cross the city. The main bus is #100, running between the airport and the port, passing the bus terminal and most major hotels. Major hotels and tourist agencies run 1- and 2-day tours around the island.
Car: Several rental car agencies have various models for hire, starting from around W35,000 per half day.
Plane: Jeju International Airport has several flights daily via Korean Air and Asiana to Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Jinju, Kunsan, Gwangju, Mokp'o, P'ohang, Ulsan, Yecheon, and Yeosu. Domestic flights have an airport tax of W3,000. It also has international flights to Japan: Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo. International flights have an airport tax of W9,000.

Food and Drink:
Besides tourism, Cheju's main industries are fishing and agriculture. Fresh fish, squid, octopus, sea cucumber, and various other creatures can be easily bought in markets, restaurants, and even right on the beach. Cheju's tropical weather and high preciptation are perfect for growing pineapples and tangerines. The island is also famouse for its Shitake mushrooms and cactus plants. Honey made from local flowers has a special taste.

Beaches of Greece

The Greek Islands are famous throughout the world. Each one is individual in it's own right, offering it's visitors a selection of history, culture, and of course, entertainment.

With so many Greek Islands to choose from, you really will be spoilt for choice. Your Greek Holidays can easily be the most fun and relaxation you have ever had during your vacations. The images of the dazzling white houses, set against a backdrop of the blue sky and crystal waters will stay with you forever.

Greece Beaches and Islands are at their very best in September, especially the first 2 weeks, when water is warm, crowds are down and full services are still in operation. They are OK May - mid Oct, though the water is still chilly up to June. Beware crowds, excessive heat and strong winds [the Meltemi] July 20th-Aug 20th [Greek holidays].
The beaches range from pebbles to fine sand so beach shoes can be useful.
The Mediterranean is not truly comparable with the Caribbean or Pacific - the water is cooler and the sand generally coarser. Shady tree fringes are also rare, though hot sunshine, good food, clear water and friendly English-speaking locals are almost guarenteed.
Low prices, apart from ferries, are no longer with us thanks to the Euro and current sophistication of Greek society.

Greece Tours
Tour operators offering tours to Greece can be found in our listings here: Greece Tours

EU beaches that failed water quality tests in 2007: none in Greece.

Nudist beaches: Going topless is acceptable just about everywhere on Greece islands, while areas of total nudism exist discreetly on many islands. e.g. Little Banana [Skiathos], Super Paradise and Panormas [Mykonos], Plaka

Island hopping is a joy these days with fast, cheap ferries connecting all the dots, tho' the fastest ones - bumpy, noisy hydrofoils and smooth, quiet catamarans - can be cancelled due to moderate winds. Bugbog's choice of ferry line is Blue Star, running superb new, apparently safe, efficient car ferries and catamarans.
Fast hopping is easiest if you stay within an island group. e.g. Ionian islands [Corfu, Cephalonia, Zante +] The Cyclades [Santorini, Mykonos, Ios, Paros, Naxos +], The Sporades [Skiathos, Skopelos +]. Typically, Santorini to Naxos would take about an hour and cost about €10. Paros to Mykonos 45 minutes.

Sea sickness guide: the Bugcrew get sea sick easily but had no problems on 8 boat journeys in September. Short bouncy trips on hydrofoils hardly merited the acupressure wrist bands we wore. 4 hours on a Blue Star ferry in a force 6 wind with 4ft waves was amazingly stable, with no more than 2cm of visible roll.
Still, we suggest acupressure wrist bands as a starting point and some fast-acting chemical as a back-up if things go wobbly.

Two wheels good, bike guide:
Unless you really like a lot of walking or waiting for buses you'll need your own transport in Greece's islands. The roads are often picturesque, mostly in good condition and other drivers generally sensible, though we would avoid much night driving and beware occasional grit on the roads.
Cars are a little expensive to rent [€25+ pd] and can be a hassle to park. Transport of choice is the scooter [€8+ pd, , though many renters will NOT accept a European car driving licence to pilot a 50cc jobby. You MUST have a bike licence. Helmets are supposed to be worn but most riders don't.

Bugbog mission position: we are not attempting to assess every beach on every island, merely to give you an idea of what to expect in different areas. Part of the joy of Greece is the space to escape the crowds and find your own little paradise. So there are plenty of beaches left for adventurers...

The Cyclades islands [SE of Athens, easy to reach by ferry from Pireus or Rafina]

Paradise, Super Paradise and Panormas beaches, Mykonos
Mykonos is one of the most attractive islands in Greece with its dry stone walls and cute organic architecture. Gorgeous Mykonos town - the epitome of whitewashed, blue wooded, narrow street Greek towns - is the start of the action, and it doesn't have to be so expensive... Just avoid waterfront dining!
Although Mykonos is fairly hilly, it's only ten miles long by seven miles wide, so most visitors rent cars or scooters to explore.
Places such as Agios Stefanos, Platyialos, and Psarou all have well protected beaches with medium grade sand and a good selection of tavernas - though heavily umbrella infested, but the pick for under-40s visitors is either the trees, coarse sand and funky bars of Paradise beach, or the even coarser but prettier Super Paradise , where naked gays have colonised one end. Both are a little exposed so water can get choppy.
For soft sand, dunes, stunning scenery, less people, less services and mad ducks try Panormas on the other side of the island.

Red Beach, Santorini
Santorini [also known as Thira] is spectacularly situated on the edge of a dormant volcano []. Many believe that this is where the Atlantis legend began, when the volcano blew hugely in 1650BC, not only knocking off the local, highly civilised Minoans [remnants still visible at the Akrotiri site] in their 'island within an island', but also sending out a tidal wave that would have destroyed many other Minoan sites and ships and closed the book on Minoan power in the Mediterranean.
Along with Mykonos, Santorini is one of the most expensive islands in Greece, but the teetering towns of Fira and Oia are spectacularly worth it.
Due to its volcanic soil most beaches - Perissa and Karmari are the best known- have hot black sand/pebbles, though the water is clean and clear.
The best beach is narrow, characterful Red Beach , with small red grainy sand partially covered in wood shavings to keep it cool, crystal water and rocks to offer snorkellers some action.

*Milopotas and *Manganari beaches, Ios
Although reknowned as a young person party island, Ios is surprisingly tranquil during the daytime and sports two superb beaches. Excellent Milopotas is only 5 minutes by scooter from the town, a huge stretch of soft yellow sand and calm, clear water. Watersports and plenty of discreet, varied tavernas lurk adjacent.
Superb Manganari is even better but a long dirt road hike or boat ride, little accommodation and not good for nipping back to rave in the evenings.

*Psili Ammos beach, Serifos
Psili Ammos means soft fine sand, and that exactly how this superb white beach is, along with clear water and a tree-lined shore. Accommodation and excellent tavernas nearby.

*Maragas and *Plaka beaches, Naxos
Rugged and mountainous Naxos is favoured by German hikers and has a pretty little, lively main town. Don't even consider grotty Grotto, north of the town, though Agios Georges at the south end is good for a town beach - fine sand, nice views, clear water and loads of accomodation and other services nearby.
A little further away and also popular is large, coarse sanded Agios Prokopios, and small, unnattractive Agios Anna.
The pick of Naxos beaches is the long stretch of dunes running from Maragas to Plaka. Soft sand, a scattering of trees, discreet services on a dirt road, almost turquoise water and lots of space make this an excellent location for layabouts. Nudists hang out in Plaka.

Kolymbithres beach, Paros
Although this is the transport hub for the Cyclades, Paros is surprisingly pleasant. The town has the usual little, white-washed labyrinthine streets, some smart sunset bars and restaurants and a terrific church, the Ekatondapiliani - the oldest in use in Greece.
The countryside is a little on the dull side but beaches are quite acceptable. The two biggish ones sharing the town's bay, Livadia and Krios, are both calm, clear, tree lined and well-taverned.
Paros' east coast has some bigger beaches that are heavily promoted - such as Golden Beach - but Bugbog found them the be overly windy, with choppy water and hard sand.
The prettiest beach on the island is undoubtedly Kolymbithres, near the tourist town of Naoussa, with shallow aquamarine water enclosed by fine sand and strangely eroded rocks. Great for children, the only problem is size...it's very small and will get crowded easily.