If it wasn’t enough for those who want an active holiday in Ibiza on our post from September 4 (see below) TNT Magazine have come up with more things to do (for the full article and photographs click here):

My remote base for the weekend is Can Lluc, a farmhouse converted into a rustic luxury rural hotel and one of a clutch of ‘agroturismos’ on the island. It is a term used to describe a place of accommodation in Ibiza’s wooded landscape, sustained by its own farm. With huge terraces and the site shrouded with fragrant jasmine bushes, peeling yourself off a poolside deckchair takes some conviction. But the active pursuits in store are lure enough.

Hiking and hippies

Setting off from the remote village of Sant Mateu d’aubarca in the north west, we embark on a three-hour hiking trip near takes in the archaeological site of Torres d’en Lluc, which comprises the ruins of two ancient towers and defensive walls that date back to the middle ages. We spy a portly, elderly village woman plucking almonds from a tree canopy and the scene strikes me as timeless – a snapshot of the 1960s when droves of hippies flocked to this mesmerising outpost.

Our trail meanders through vineyards and cultivated fields, and past raggedy farmhouses. Before long we are greeted by sweeping views of the pristine Mediterranean. Taking in the vista atop a rocky cliff top, I pluck a handful of rosemary from the wild and verdant bushes, and with the herb-infused ocean air in my nostrils, we make it to a charming family restaurant, Can Cires.

Mountain biking off the tapas

We reward our efforts – not least for overtaking a coach-load of plucky German walkers along the way – with a boozy tapas lunch. But there’s little time to beat ourselves up over our gluttony, as we are suddenly astride our mountain bikes and carving a downhill route along the rugged terrain, through villages and fields, towards the south-west coast and the achingly fashionable and bombastic resort of San Antonio. High on athletic self-righteousness, we sweep past tanned beachcombers in their whites and oversized sunglasses.

Kayak adventure

Day two, and with no rest for the wicked or over-indulged (last night we made a serious dent in a seafood paella and the scrumptious traditional Ibizan dessert, greixonera) we slip into kayaks and paddle through the transparent waters off Puerto de San Miguel. Without venturing too far, we duck into caves and skirt rocky islets, then object when the time comes to return to shore.

Beach time

Ibiza is blessed with some 80 beaches and secluded coves that all boast pristine waters and their own distinct atmosphere, shaped by the local communities and the types of tourists who have traditionally visited.

Perhaps one of the island’s most distinguished and idyllic is Benirras beach (above) in the north. It is Ibiza hippydom’s favourite, where folk gather at sunset near the small chiringuito, or refreshment stall, at the far end of the bay. Legendary in Ibizan hippy folklore, the 300m-wide, sandy cove is said to have been the site of wild sex and drug orgies in the 1960s. Head there on summer afternoons to watch bongo players converge to drum down the sunset.

For an Ibiza map visit youribiza.net

Malta Blog

The percentage of people who book their holidays and trips away via the internet increases every year, and with ticketless flights, reviews of hotels from previous guests and currency delivered to your home, the impression might be that booking a trip a few days before departure is the norm.

Not for UK tourists, according to research undertaken by leading online travel site Expedia.

In fact, many British people still book their overseas trips months ahead - but then they are the most organised tourists in Europe!

Before the recession, the trend was to book different parts of a holiday with different online travel firms, ensuring each part of the trip was done at the best price - but with some small companies going under Expedia note that more people are booking both flights and hotels at the same time.

And it’s not just the recession that’s caused the shift back to booking with the same company, the recent Icelandic volcano left many travellers stranded while those who had booked with well established tour operators such as Thomson and Thomas Cook were well looked after and alternative ways home organised on their behalf.

And it’s in times like this that tourists realise that cheap isn’t always good - but a resource like Expedia does allow money to be saved while booking all or some parts of a trip with one company.

Take Malta for example. There are plenty of different options for booking holidays in Malta available, and different parts of the trip can be booked seperately - or all with someone like Expedia.

Malta

Hotels can be viewed and reviews from people who have stayed there be seen, and a little extra research can be done to see which area might be most suitable. Valletta for history, Mellieha for a good beach for example. Both areas have a wide choice of accommodation and any of the Malta hotels can be booked with the one resource.

Flights are slightly different for the island. In recent years the low cost carriers have started to fly in and out of Malta, and not all of them are represented on travel sites that do the other components of a trip. Search Expedia for example for return flights and it might not bring up Ryanair who were the first budget airline to fly to the island, and provide flights from both Luton and Bournemouth.

So for the cost conscious it might be worth checking their site to see how much their Malta flights are.

But overall booking everything with one company does have its benefits, with hotels, car hire, flights, holidays and travel insurance all possible, and for Malta holidays Expedia is able to offer all these at a good price.

More details about the island are at yourmalta.com and there are other free to use articles

If you have plenty of energy and like a bit of adventure on your holidays, and prefer day time to the night scene, the Spanish Tourist Board recently invited a Daily Telegraph journalist to sample what the island has to offer:

All work and no play has made Jack a dull boy, which is one of the main reasons I have come to Ibiza. For the first few days, all I feel like doing is enjoying the sun and the sense of wellbeing that the island always brings with it. But now my spirits are reviving and my energy levels are topped up, so today I have a plan.

I’ve heard that there are riding stables called Can Mayol in the east of the island near Santa Eulària, and a mountain bike company, Ibizasport, that rents bikes and organises guided rides. Feeling the life force surging through me, I decide to go for a double whammy.

In the cool of the morning, I am introduced to my mount, Kala, by David Capdevielle, who runs the immaculate stables and once managed opera stars in Madrid. As we head off through sweet-smelling pine forest, I begin to understand why he made such a career switch. This is perfect riding country, with virtually no roads to negotiate and a network of woodland paths and old farm tracks that quickly reveal the unspoilt agricultural charm of the Ibiza of yesteryear.

Come evening, I am raring to go again, but this time I am donning a helmet and chatting to Bartolo, who runs Ibizasport in the party town of Sant Antoni. He is keen to show me a cycle route that takes in not only the town’s famous bay - its boardwalk running alongside the legendary Café del Mar - but also the coastline further west.

Bartolo renews his stock of hire bikes every season with the latest hi-tech models and as we bowl west I am amazed at how smoothly my machine takes on even the most gnarly bits of terrain.

It’s not long before we arrive at one of the island’s best spots for watching the sunset, the Sunset Ashram at Cala Conta, and with cocktails being served, my day is complete.

Don’t miss out on the wonderful opportunities for adventure sports and activities on Ibiza, which also include walking, diving, kayaking and rock climbing. Here are my favoured options.

Horse riding

Exploring new landscapes on horseback is always a magical experience and nowhere is this more true than in Ibiza. Many people say that Can Mayol are the finest stables on the island and it’s hard to disagree.

There are about 50 horses stabled here, 10 of which are riding school horses. These are used for lessons, along with hacks through the countryside or along the beach. There are also ponies for younger children, three arenas with floodlights, paddocks, a round pen and a small, private wood for mini-hacks.

* Can Mayol: 0034 680 624 911; www.canmayol.com

Mountain biking

A selection of 21 tried-and-tested routes can be inspected on Ibizasport’s website. These are graded from green (nine miles/one to two hours) through blue and red to black (53 miles/eight hours) and include route directions that can be downloaded to a GPS.

Bikes can be hired and an experienced team of guides are on hand if you prefer to have an expert accompany you.

* Ibizasport: 0034 971 348 949; www.ibizasport.com

Walking

Until the Sixties, Ibizans had lived off fishing and subsistence agriculture for centuries and the main routes of communication were along stony tracks linking small villages, which now make superb hiking trails.

There are also more than 120 miles of coastal walks from which to choose. One of the best is a full-moon walk starting in the resort of Port de Sant Miquel on the north coast. The trail winds up and up through pine forest to one of 15 lookout towers built on high cliffs in the 18th century to protect against pirates, before winding back down through a perfumed river valley. Truly unforgettable.

* Ibiza Mundo Activo (organises various activities): 0034 676 075 704; www.ibizamundoactivo.com

Diving

Ibiza’s coastal waters, even in and around the major resorts of Sant Antoni and Ibiza Town, are one of the island’s true marvels and as pristine as you will find anywhere in the Mediterranean.

Crystal-clear seas and the shores of islands such as Tagomago off the east coast make Ibiza an excellent diving location.

For hotels in Ibiza visit youribiza.net

The Daily Telegraph in the UK interviewed Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac, who revealed her holiday thoughts.

To read the full article click here

I went to Thailand with my boyfriend earlier this year, and it was the first holiday in about five years that didn’t involve work. We went for two weeks and stayed in Khao Lak and Koh Pi Pi. We ate lots of lovely food, read lots of books, swam in the sea and went scuba-diving. We also spent a couple of days in Bangkok, which is an incredible city – intense and vibrant. I found it a really exciting place. It was my first time in Asia and it’s a whole side of the world that I need to discover.

And the best hotel you’ve stayed in?

I’ve travelled all over the world as a DJ and have stayed in loads of hotels, but the one that I love the most is Es Cucons, on the island of Ibiza. It’s a really beautiful farmhouse that has been converted into a hotel and everything about it is just gorgeous. It’s so peaceful, and the staff are the same each time and know your name. It’s also got lovely gardens and the food is the nicest I’ve eaten anywhere in the world. It’s a proper hideaway and a very nice contrast to the rest of Ibiza.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

You need to go on holiday with someone you can relax around. It’s also worth doing your research beforehand. Rather than trawl through websites, I always speak to as many people as I can and get tips from people who have been to a place before.

What’s your best piece of travel advice?

Make sure you go away with someone you really get on with. There are so many times that a holiday can be ruined by a person rather than by the hotel room or the weather. And pack light. I go away every week, or sometimes twice a week in the summer, so I’m a mini-break expert and know exactly what I need.

For details of hotels in Ibiza visit youribiza.net

Are you one of many people who work out how much you’re going to need for a holiday, think you’ve got everything covered - and then halfway through your trip realised your financial planning was out?

You’re not alone.

Many people have found the amount of money they thought they would need for a trip overseas hasn’t been enough. And with airlines and holiday companies adding extra on to a lot of items that used to come as standard it’s not a problem that’s going to go away.

In their defence it’s not surprising that airlines and holiday companies do this - the recession has hit the travel industry hard, and they need to increase the amount of revenue per passenger they are carrying on the airlines, and hotels for each guest they accommodate.

But putting the full price on advertised rates could affect their business, as it’s the headline price that catches many people’s attention - and with travel portals searching for the lowest price more popular than ever travel companies have to get around the low prices offered by making money elsewhere.

As an example we looked for a holiday to Ibiza for next summer, June 2011, to see what the holiday companies were offering, based on 2 adults with a reasonable hotel for 7 nights and Ibiza flights included.

Thomson Holidays, one of the UK’s leading tour operators, have available return flights and a choice of two different Ibiza hotels for 320 a person, and they also include getting to and from the airport to either of the Ibiza hotels.

Their main competitor, Thomas Cook, are doing even better with flights, hotel and breakfast from 285 a person for 7 nights. Their main competitor, Thomas Cook, are doing even better with flights, hotel and breakfast from 285 a person for 7 nights.

Great deals from Britain’s two leading holiday companies - but extras available include choosing a seat on the flight, a meal and travel insurance. The first two can be missed for the budget conscious, but travel insurance should never be cut out and can be taken either with the holiday company when booking, or independently.

In some ways the hidden costs that only become apparent when booking a trip, in the above example Ibiza holidays, aren’t surprising given that the cost is often the first feature considered, and many holidaymakers expecting to have 5 star flights, hotels and holidays at 2 star prices - the most reliable companies have to compete at the headline prices offered by others.

Away from the booking itself, once people are on their Ibiza holidays or elsewhere, the cost of mobile phone calls are the biggest cause of complaint, despite the EU having ordered charges to come down in recent years.

Other charges that holidaymakers deemed to be excessive included the cost of a taxi - most commonly used to get from the airport to the Ibiza hotels where most people would be staying.

To keep costs down it’s possible to book a taxi online with an agreed price and a driver waiting for you rather than taking pot luck upon arrival. Keeping luggage weights within the airlines allowance will ensure no surcharges, and some airlines offer half price luggage costs when it’s booked online instead of doing it at the airport.

For more details about 2011 Ibiza holidays with news and articles visit youribiza.net

The tourist board have been busy promoting Majorca and the other Balearic Islands for mid August to end September holidays, with Opodo reporting:

People considering a late summer break this year have been offered a number of reasons to choose Spain’s Balearic Islands as their destination.

The tourist board representing the archipelago pointed out that one of the region’s main advantages is its weather, with 300 days of sunshine every year.

Beach lovers will be spoilt for choice in the Balearics, with Salines in Ibiza, Cala Pregonda in Menorca and Es Trenc in Mallorca among the seafront hotspots being recommended.

People who enjoy a bit of celebrity spotting will be in with a good chance of seeing some famous faces on the Spanish islands, according to the tourist board.

Michelle Obama recently visited Mallorca, while Kate Moss regularly enjoys breaks in Ibiza and Formentera and both Claudia Schiffer and Elle Macpherson own villas in the region.

Travellers who enjoy outdoor activities were encouraged to try some of the sports on offer in the Balearics, with both Majorca and Ibiza boasting an extensive network of cycling routes and most islands providing facilities to go scuba diving.

Andorra Blog

October through to December might mean looking forward to Christmas for the vast majority of the population, but it’s an important time for skiers, as the 2011 season draws nearer.

And for those considering ski holidays Andorra is a great destination, with first class slopes and an infrastructure to match.

There are different areas to ski in Andorra, and they are:

Arinsal and Pal - now a single resort linked by cable car. One ski pass allows skiers to venture onto either set of slopes. In effect, wherever you are staying at the resort, you can ski from your backyard right onto the slopes. Snowboarders will also feel quite comfortable whether they are beginners or experienced.

Pas de la Casa is also close by but tends to be more crowded. However, it does offer very good value if that is the major criteria in selecting a resort.

With its numerous cafes, restaurants, happy hours and discos, Pas de la Casa tends to attract the livelier young adult crowd. Travel offers often feature the resort for a cheap ski holiday, and there are regular buses to and from the capital la Vella for those who want to do some duty free shopping during their trip.

Perhaps the best known resort is Soldeu. It has a mix of accommodation but has the best hotel for skiers, the Sports Hermitage, and first class ski slopes. An excellent mix.

It’s also perfectly possible to have a twin centre trip, with both Andorra and French ski holidays. Some areas good in France include:

Nestled atop a magnificent glacier on Mt. Bellecote is the world-class ski area of La Plagne. Surrounded by the majestic Vanoise Massif Mountains in the Graian Alps, La Plagne resort beckons the avid skier. It is spread over an altitude of 1250 to 3250 meters. The result is a variety of terrains and altitudes appealing to beginners and French ski holiday experts alike.

The resort was built in 1961 with the hope of attracting tourism dollars. It was largely conceived in the interest of four small mountain villages. The fledgling towns were dying and hoped to capitalize on the gorgeous natural beauty of the area and appeal to people who like a French ski holiday.

Today’s La Plagne is comprised of many different and distinctive villages. All are linked to one another by ski lifts and trails for those who prefer cross-country skiing. The villages continue to expand, giving it a competitive edge when it comes to tourism revenue.

Even the non-skier will find something to love about La Plagne. Non-skiers may choose from over 50 pubs and restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining. After dark visitors can hit one of the resort’s many night clubs for an evening of dancing and partying. Numerous daytime activities entertain and engage those who choose not to ski as well. Winter sport activities include ice skating, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

La Grave is a commune in southeastern France and the location of La Meije. Three summits comprise La Meije with the highest summit being 3,984 m. Mountain climbers and rock climbers challenge themselves to reach the highest summit of La Meije. The very first successful climb was by Emmanuel Boileau de Castelneu and Pierre Gaspard and his son on August 16, 1877. Glacier climbing or ice climbing is a very popular sport in La Grave as well. One hundred to 300 metre climbing routes offer a variety of difficulty.

Much of the La Grave la Meije ski area is glacier and considered dangerous. Guided skiing is recommended. Extreme skiers find a great deal of fascination and appeal in La Grave la Meije due to the enormous vertical drops and extreme ski conditions. The largest vertical descent can be extended to 2,300 m when skiers go past the resort to the road.

Located in the Belleville Valley, Les Menuires resort hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics. It is part of the largest ski area in the world, Les Trois Valleys.

The Three Valleys are comprised of several resorts that host millions of skiers per year - Thomson Ski for example include it in their brochures. Les Menuires has 62 ski trails, advanced and beginner slopes and 39 lifts. The resort’s 48 restaurants offer foods ranging from fast food to fine cuisine.

To see independent comments from those who have visited these areas follow them on myspace

The Sun has been to Mallorca Rocks, and report:

YOU’RE chilling on your hotel balcony, watching the sun set after a day of sizzling pool action.

And the best is yet to come - you grab a cocktail and prepare to enjoy top seats at one of the hottest gigs of the summer as the best bands around play just below your room!

Welcome to Mallorca Rocks - the coolest way to enjoy music and more this season at bargain prices.

The original, Ibiza Rocks, has been a favourite with celebs and now creator Andy McKay has opened a new budget hotel, bar and concert venue in Magaluf to offer young Brits another option for a music-soaked sunshine break from less than £112 a week. Over the summer, acts headlining at Mallorca Rocks include Dizzee Rascal, The Courteeners and Pendulum and all will be free for hotel guests.

I was invited to the sunny isle for the opening and was pleasantly surprised.

I had my doubts about going back to Magaluf ten years after my original visit as a wide-eyed, binge-drinking teenager.

But the planners have done a great job with the hotel, creating a clean and simple near-replica of the Ibiza Rocks resort. An enormous pool sits in the middle of a square of 12 apartment blocks, with a huge permanent stage for the gigs.

Rooms are basic-but-modern cool, with whitewashed walls and pop art prints. Most sleep four with a twin bedroom and sofa bed in the lounge. There’s also a kitchenette, maid service three times a week and either balcony or terrace.

The resort is a holiday destination in its own right, with three new bars, a restaurant and fashion store.

At the opening weekend gig some fans had to be turned away as the 2,000 capacity crowd, spanning 18 to 50, crammed in to see The Kooks.

Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe and indie band Bombay Bicycle Club warmed things up before The Kooks’ Luke Pritchard launched into an energetic two-hour set.

Later Luke said: “I was chuffed to bits to be asked to open Mallorca Rocks. I’ve really enjoyed playing in Ibiza over the years but this feels like we’re on holiday.”

Mallorca Rocks is right in the centre of Magaluf and just 300 metres from the nearest beach, but there is plenty more on the doorstep if you fancy venturing out.

After a morning of sun worshipping by the pool, we caught a taxi to Camp De Mar Beach, a 20-minute ride away, for a paella and wine feast overlooking the Med at Resturante Illeta.

From there we headed to the capital, Palma, a further 15 minutes in a taxi, to catch a sunset harbour cruise. Back on dry land, we made straight for Palma institution Abaco.

This bar in the heart of the old town is part of a beautiful old mansion and features an eclectic interior as well as serving cocktails to die for.

Feeling slightly light-headed, we soaked up the view of glorious Palma Cathedral before stumbling upon a lovely tapas restaurant called Tast.

The next day we woke up bright and early to catch a two-hour ferry to Ibiza and a date with headliners Biffy Clyro - the first of 15 weekly gigs - at the original Ibiza Rocks hotel in San Antonio.

For photographs and to read the full article click here

For a Majorca map visit yourmajorca.net

There’s a part of Gran Canaria that has become known by holidaymakers visiting the island as ‘Little Venice’ – the village of Puerto de Mogan, writes the latest update on the Gran Canaria Blog.

Away from the bigger resorts it’s a haven of tranquility and still has the air of a traditional village, but with the advantage of good modern accommodation with both a hotel and self catering accommodation available.

Puerto de Mogan’s similarity to the Italian city of canals is no accident. The vision of the designers of the beachfront part of the city was to re-create the quaintness of Venice in a Spanish environment.

It’s located on the southwestern coast of Gran Canaria. The island is the second largest most populous in the Canary Island chain. Visitors from Europe, the UK and further afield for its sunshine, beaches, charm and rich culture.

The island is home to over 800,000 residents. It sees well over twice that many annual visitors. Tourism is an important part of the economy.

A majority of tourist activity takes place along the eastern coast of the island. Much of it is centered around the capital city of Las Palmas.

The western side is less populated and concentrated. This is one reason that Puerto de Mogan’s developers decided to adopt an Italian theme. Created by an Italian designer, it’s one that is unique to the island.

Visitors to the beachside downtown area will be hard pressed to find a motor vehicle of any kind. Instead, Puerto de Mogan caters to the pedestrian.

Designers created arched walkways reminiscent of many Italian cities. Visitors can stroll the bricked walkways which link the town’s shops, restaurants and quaint residences and hotels.

The real nod to Venice, though, is the town’s canals. They run through the village and out into the marina area which opens into the Atlantic Ocean.

While many of Gran Canaria’s popular resort towns feature modern high-rise buildings. This was another deliberate design choice by town visionaries.

The main hotel sits comfortably in the surroundings, and for those considering a week or two’s holiday it can be booked in the UK via Thomson Holidays or independently.

No buildings exceed two stories tall except for a small handful of older ones. Any modern construction is limited by law to two stories or less. This feature adds to the unique charm of the beach town.

Locals survived for centuries on fishing. The city is still home to many native fishermen. However, most of the economic activity comes from tourism in today’s world.

Daytrippers tend to stick to the waterfront area of the city. Tourists who want to stay for a spell and spend a little bit less money can venture further inland. Away from the pricey, tourist driven restaurants and boutiques, visitors can find more authentic cuisine and homier accommodation.

The village is family friendly, with activities for people of all ages. For swimming and sunbathing it’s fairly sheltered, so the water is warm and currents are gentle, helped by the good Gran Canaria weather.

Other popular water activities include snorkelling, boating and jet skiing, as well as surfing if you venture a bit further out.

Puerto de Mogan is widely well known for her Friday market. The open air market draws hundreds of locals as well as tourists every week. Shoppers can find just about anything, from hand made clothing to native produce, fresh fish, and locally made craft and gift items.

A visit to to see Puerto de Mogan is well worthwhile if you’re not staying there during Gran Canaria holidays - most of the coastal towns are connected by a highway.

Some of the eastern towns are even connected by ferry for ease of travel. It’s time well-spent, whether it’s a day trip or a longer stay.

For a Gran Canaria map visit yourgrancanaria.net

Comments from people who have been to the island are often posted on social network sites such as mixx

Minorca Blog

The biggest of Cala En Porter’s hotels has just opened after an extensive refurbishment - it’s good news for the village and for holidaymakers making their way to Menorca for their holidays.

The village has been out of favour with some of the tour operators, perhaps because it’s a little quiet for some, but the hotel will provide a great base for those wishing to visit the island and book their flights and accommodation seperately.

With views of the Mediterranean, the Azul is within an easy stroll of the resort’s amenities, including a choice of restaurants and bars, many with evening entertainment, but for those preferring a quiet week away they are catered for too.

The most recent reviews on tripadvisor from those who have been on their Menorca flights and stayed there have been glowing, and include comments such as this one from Switzerland:

We stayed 1 week in playa azul and took the hotel as a last minute offer for around 350Eur/pp including flight. For the price we paid, the hotel offered much more!

Overall we got much more then we paid for and we are really happy with Hotel Playa Azul.

And from a UK tourist who had their Menorca holidays recently:

Just got back from a week at this fab hotel, from the moment we walked through the hotel reception till the day we left it was brilliant, the staff especially the resturant and bar staff were very freindly and attentive - nothing was too much trouble, the food was first rate.

And as well as for independent travellers booking their trips online the good news for the hotel is that Thomas Cook are now offering it either seperately or as part of a package.

New photographs for Cala En Porter are due soon at yourmenorca.net and photos of the hotel are at social media like stumbleupon