Island holiday, vacation, wedding, honeymoon » beach

Patmos Island, Greek Island Holiday Destination Revelation

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:59:11 +0000

Patmos island is part of the group of Greek Islands known as the Dodecanese. Our holiday base was on the neighbouring, and much larger, island of Samos where we had hopped on a boat to take us across the ten miles or so of the Aegean sea that separates the two islands. A one day visit was all we needed to know that Patmos island was our kind of holiday destination.

We stood in a candle lit cave, our usually sceptical, rational selves already feeling vaguely challenged by the possibility that supernatural phenomena might, after all, exist. The darkness and coolness was a stark contrast to the dazzling brightness and heat of the midday sun we had left to descend into this underworld of prophecies and priests.

The silence of the grotto was suddenly interrupted by a heavily accented voice, speaking in English. “Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six.”

Half expecting a beast with 666 stamped on its forehead, we turned to see a bearded man, dressed in the priesthood robes of Greek orthodoxy. He was not looking in our direction and at first it seemed that the biblical quotation had been a soliloquy. But the puzzle of why a Greek would talk to himself in English was solved seconds later, when the first of a party of Americans came into view. As soon as they began to fill the limited space of the cave, we recognised them as being a group of “Christian Tourists” we had seen earlier that day. The spell had been broken; the cave had lost its supernatural feeling, replaced by something as mundane as an evangelical meeting. It was time for us to go back up to the world of dazzling sunlight.

Our visit to the Sacred Grotto of the Revelation, where John the Divine is supposed to have foreseen and written of the Apocalypse, was part of a wonderful day we spent exploring the beautiful island of Patmos.

Above the cave is the Byzantine monastery of Saint John and the wonderful medieval village of Hora. Laying fifteen to twenty minutes walk below Hora is the island’s capital, Skala. This charming little port is the largest settlement on Patmos island. Scooters wiz noisily around narrow, street corners where men sit at pavement cafés on rickety chairs playing backgammon games. Pickup trucks, pull up to unload fruit and vegetables without paying any heed to the honking horns of other motorists who shout and gesticulate that their way has been blocked. Yet somehow, in a quintessential, Greek Island way, the noise and bustle blends seamlessly into an atmosphere that is totally laid back and relaxing.

Patmos island has other several other pretty villages that are worth exploring but its most attractive feature is its convoluted coastline. A new vista of wonderful beaches appears from around every headland. Some are sandy and some are adorned in pretty white pebbles. Several are fringed by lush vegetation whilst others are found amongst rocky, yet no less attractive, settings. Some have sun beds and parasols but none have overdone this concession to modern tourism.

Many of the beaches are lapped by very calm, shallow seas, ideal for small children to paddle in but the prettiest beach of all, Psili Ammos, is washed with sometimes, huge waves and is surrounded by wild, beautiful scenery. Psili Ammos is one of the most remote beaches on Patmos island and is twenty minutes walk from Diakofti, the nearest village over a mountain footpath. If you prefer a less energetic way of reaching Psili Ammos, you can hop aboard one of the regular boats from the main port.

Nearly every Greek island offers glorious holiday destinations.< Each one has its own special charm and beauty but even by Greek island standards, Patmos is very special. Our short visit was enough to tell us that we just had to come back and spend a full vacation there. We didn’t need to believe the dreams of Saint John to realise that Patmos is a dream island, just perfect for dreamers like ourselves. But the kind of dreams Patmos island inspires are far more likely to be those of an earthly paradise rather than the hellish world of the Apocalypse.

by: Stewart, Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_546299_29.html

Technorati Tags: beach, destination, island

Nixon or Rip Curl Watches, Your Surfing Accessories

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:50:11 +0000

Surfing is one of the interesting activities while you’re at the beach to spend your vacation time. For some, surfing is a routine activity every time the holiday arrive. In order to get satisfied surf experience, there are a few things need to be considered as a support. As safe beach area, waves and good winds and surf boards that match. Do not forget, accessories are also important because it will support your surfing experience to be memorable. Watch? Of course, included. Well, I want to share a story with you about a good watch for surfing, Nixon and Rip Curl Watches.

I am sure, Nixon and Rip Curl is not a foreign brand for you. The whole world already knows about the quality and design of this watch. For the surfers community, Nixon or Rip Curl watches is the first choice when going to buy a watch as an accessory that can be used when surfing. Many surf shops that sell accessories, but not all of which sell special surfing watches such as Nixon watches or Rip Curl watch.

One of my favorite watch branded Nixon is Nixon 51-30 Chrono Watch High Polish, advantages of this watch lies in the design, classic and elegance. Rip Curl International Orange Watch A2260 is at hand for your reference if I want to buy a branded Rip Curl watch. Excess watch this series is 100% Marine Grade Stainless steel case with screw down back, unfortunately its water resist only for 100 meters. To get on the market with cheap price, depending on where you buy it. Ask people you trust where the best shop to purchase Rip Curl or Nixon watch specifically designed for surfing. If you’ve got it, taste your surfing sensation above the large waves with the exclusive surfing watch.

Technorati Tags: beach, holiday, surfing, vacation

Explroing the beaches of Lanzarote

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:56:34 +0000

Exploring the Beaches of Lanzarote The long cold winter, combined with the credit crunch, has made the last few months drag on interminably. But one of the more positive things to come out of this economic crisis has been even cheaper holidays. This is especially true in Lanzarote, where package holidays have long been offered at very affordable prices. More recently, a greater number of low cost airlines have started flying to this Canary Island, making it less expensive for holidaymakers who like to tailor their own holiday in Lanzarote.

The independent traveller will now find that not only can they get here at much more reasonable prices, but that there is a huge range of private accommodation just waiting to be booked.

The growth of holiday villas in Lanzarote has been particularly noticeable over the last few years, with many based in the southern resort of Playa Blanca. This is the newest town to have been developed as a coastal holiday destination. It benefits from close proximity to the stunning beaches of Papagayo, a collection of six coves and bays that have shimmering turquoise waters lapping their edges. These beaches are also very much unspoilt, as no development has been allowed in their immediate vicinity.

In fact, they form part of a natural reserve that can only be entered by a dirt-track road. Thus stopping them from being swamped by hoards of people all the time. But this does mean that tourists have to make their way to Papagayo under their own steam. Which is not particularly difficult if you opt for car hire in Lanzarote as part of your holiday experience.

This not only opens up Papagayo but the whole island for exploration. And with plenty of alternative beaches, it is worth getting in a hire car and driving around to find your favourite stretch of sand. In the far north of the island is a white sand beach known as Caleton Blanco. The sand was created over thousands of years by the erosion of sea shells so that now it forms the perfect contrast to the black volcanic stone that surrounds it.

Also well worth a detour is the beach at Famara. A seven kilometre long horseshoe shaped bay, it has one of the most imposing backdrops to any beach, in the form of the Famara Massif. Huge chocolate coloured cliffs that rise to nearly 700 metres, they give the beach a unique outlook and beauty.

Technorati Tags: accomodation, beach, destination, holiday, island, tourists, traveller, villas

Best Destination for a Caribbean Holidays

admin — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:39:48 +0000

Caribean Islands

The Caribbean Islands are a very beautiful area for a holiday, vacation, wedding or honeymoon. The islands have clean white sand, beautiful underwater life, a tropical climate and challenging tourism activities with make Caribbean Holidays a favorite destination for anyone. Many travel agents who offer attractive holiday packages to the Caribbean increase convenience and comfort for the high demand throughout the year.

Generally, all the islands in the Caribbean are an attractive tourist destination, but only a few cities are a major tourist destination, such as St Lucia and Antigua. In these cities you can see the colorful carnival attraction that is unforgettable at certain times. Other tourist activities are certainly very interesting to do are also waiting your arrival to there. Culinary tours that offer almost all kinds of favorite foods from around the world such as India,
Middle East, China, Europe and other parts of the world also available in the cities.

Are you also interested to go to St Lucia and Antigua? if yes, this is the time for you to plan the best travel and holiday. Bring your spouse or family to enjoy a Caribbean Holidays in St Lucia and Antigua. Search and find a reliable and experienced travel agent or tour planners provider that offering a package of St Lucia Holidays or Antigua Holidays . Once you are there, a tropical island paradise will make you forget to your home and the boredom at work.

Technorati Tags: beach, caribbean, destination, holiday, island, tourists, travel, vacation, wedding

Idyllic Island Holidays in Mauritius

admin — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 02:56:31 +0000

Vacation in Mauritius Island

The Republic of Mauritius is a tropical island situated in the warm Indian Ocean, 2 000 km off the coast of Africa. With more than 145 km’s of pristine golden beaches, gorgeous lagoons, mountains and tropical forests all surrounded by the third largest coral reef in the world it is no wonder Mauritius is considered the perfect holiday destination. There are so many things to do and see and so many gorgeous places to stay whilst in Mauritius you’re going to wish you had booked a lengthier sojourn.

Deep Sea Fishing

If you are interested in deep sea fishing you will be delighted by the bountiful ocean waters surrounding the exquisite island paradise of Mauritius. Although big game fishing is always excellent in Mauritius, anglers will want to visit between October and April for the very best opportunities. Mauritius holds several international and African fishing records, including that of the mako shark of 506.8 kg’s, the blue shark of 181.8 kg’s, a white tuna of 101.8 kg’s and blue marlins of 615.9 kg’s.

Tuna, wahoo, sailfish, bonito, shark, marlin and barracuda are but some of the species you will encounter on your Mauritian deep sea adventure. There are several boat operators who will take you out for a full day of spectacular scenery, awesome on board atmosphere and some of the finest deep sea fishing you will ever experience.

Cuisine

Mauritius is a real melting pot of cultures, religions and ancestral ties and the local cuisine has been influenced by each of these factors. Dining in Mauritius is a gastronomic delight that allows you to experience flavours from each corner of the globe. Mauritian menus are an eclectic mix of Asian, Indian, Chinese, French and Creole influenced dishes. During your idyllic island holiday in Mauritius you should attempt to experience as many of the dishes as possible. From the curries and bryanis to the rougailles and seafood delights – the aromas and flavours of Mauritius will not disappoint.

Golf in Mauritius

Mauritius, with its magnificent vistas and variety of courses, is a haven for golfing enthusiasts. Most of the islands 10 courses are attached to hotels and are either reserved exclusively for the hotel residents, residents in the neighbouring or sister hotels or open to the public. Situated in Vacoas, the Gymkhana Club is the oldest golf course in Mauritius and while it lacks certain of the more modern courses complexities it is beautifully maintained and open to members as well as visitors to the island. Designed by world renowned golfer, Bernhard Langer the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course is one of the most stunning courses in the world. Situated on its own tropical islet each of the 18 holes are sea facing.

Apart form being the most beautiful course in Mauritius, it is also one of the most challenging; but the gorgeous views, immaculate greens and great facilities make it a favourite amongst golfing enthusiasts. Designed by South African champion Hugh Baiocchi, the 18-hole Legend Golf course, is another of the islands golfing hotspots not to be missed. There are 10 superior courses in Mauritius and golfing enthusiasts will have a ball trying their hand at each and every one. Choose from the Maritim, Shandrani and Paradis Hotel Golf Courses, the Heritage Golf & Spa Resort, the Links Golf Course and the Trou aux Biches Golf course.

Marine Life

Mauritius is as gorgeous off land as it is on. The ocean surrounding the idyllic holiday spot is teeming with exotic marine life. To experience sights like tropical fish and weaving eels and some of the oceans most magnificent coral beds all you will need is a pair of flippers and a snorkel. Undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience this magical underwater kingdom is by submarine.

A submarine tour operator on the island will introduce you to the beautiful and mystic world of shipwrecks and life under water. An absolute treat is the Under Sea Walk during which you can experience the thrill of walking on the sea bed, in absolute safety.

Some Tourist Attractions

The Jardin Botanique de Pamplemousses (Jewel of the crown) gardens are internationally renowned amongst naturalists for the sheer number of indigenous and exotic plants species.

The Bird Garden of Casela is home to 140 bird species from throughout the world. The gardens main attraction is the Mauritian Pink Pigeon, one of the rarest birds in the world and one which is fighting to avoid extinction. The Aquarium is another of the Mauritian hotspots, home to over 200 species of fish, invertebrates, corals and sponges visitors who are weary of going under the water will be able to view their world on dry land. The Vanille Crocodile & Tortoise Park is another of Mauritius’ eco attractions and is not to be missed. The Tamarin Falls are undoubtedly one of the islands major attractions.

Although difficult to reach the gorgeous series of seven waterfalls is definitely worth the trip. The Waterpark; with loads of fun water activities and fantastic restaurants, is a hit amongst young old. There are also a range of sublime beaches, museums, monuments, shopping centres, restaurants and pubs scattered across the island. Apart from the magnificent beauty, the eclectic mix of cultures, attractions and tastes are what draw holidaymakers to Mauritius. There is no better way to spend a holiday than on an island paradise. With a range of luxurious accommodation offerings in Mauritius and a host of other African destination many travellers turn to Superior Choices when booking their holiday accommodation.

Technorati Tags: beach, destination, holiday, hotel, island, travel, travellers

Island holiday, vacation, wedding, honeymoon » beach

Patmos Island, Greek Island Holiday Destination Revelation

Related Posts

Nixon or Rip Curl Watches, Your Surfing Accessories

Related Posts

Explroing the beaches of Lanzarote

Related Posts

Best Destination for a Caribbean Holidays

Related Posts

Idyllic Island Holidays in Mauritius

Related Posts