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

Crete Blog

If you’re considering a holiday on one of the Greek islands for this year or next, Paxos might be worth considering for a family holiday, or for a romantic getaway for couples.

According to Greek legendy, the island was created by Poseidon when he struck Corfu with his trident in effort to gain peace and quiet. The pebble beaches of Paxos are surrounded by sheer, precipitous cliffs that create scenery that is both breathtaking and expressive.

The sea around Paxos has vivid colours; it is pleasantly clean, clear, and cool. Dramatic fauna and flora are abundant, especially in spring. Ancient olive trees line the hillsides allowing the mind and senses escape to the treasure of comfort and beauty that awaits holidaymakers.

Seeing The Island

Paxos is charming and quaint and can be seen easily in a couple of days by motorbike or car. The three main towns on the island are Logos, Laka, and Gaios. All of which exhibit the classiul ac Hellenic Ionian style with bright and colourful homes lining the promenades.

The rural area environment has a landscape that features low stone homes surrounded by bountifnd lush gardens. There is always something beautiful to see and many photo opportunities while you’re sightseeing or walking. For those who like Crete holidays it’s familiar but at the same time unique enough to enjoy.

The three main resorts all have natural harbours - Gaios being the biggest and busiest.

Travelling further inland there are old churches and buildings and many hiking or biking trails if you seek to further explore the island’s rich history.

Hotels In Paxos And Things To Do

Travel around the entire island on a day or half day cruise. Picturesque wind-carved limestone cliffs, sculptural rock formations, and caverns line the way. Crystal clear, calm waters surrounding the island only add to the exquisite beauty. The weather and climate on Paxos is similar to the weather in Crete.

A bit of history from World War II is just off the island. Inside the cave called Papanikolis, a Greek submarine found refuge and hid during the war.

There is plenty of opportunity to swim, snorkel and relax. This island is wonderful for holidaymakers seeking relaxation and to get away from the rest of the world. The locals are all very friendly and happily greet visitors. A spectacular sunset can be seen by traveling to Erimitis, a bar which sits above the cliffs of the west coast.

Paxos is a worthwhile day trip if you don’t have a lot of time, but want to escape for a bit. There are many hiking and biking paths that go around the island via trails, coves, and beaches. There’s a few travel sites that have a map, often the same ones that have a Crete map.

You can easily take in the unhurried, traditional, and tranquil Greek lifestyle. Many people visit this wonderful island because of the miles of pathways that lead to unspoiled, secluded beaches and coves.

Hotels in Paxos fill quickly during peak travel season. Villa holidays are popular. Many villas have private pools and various villa companies include Paxos in their brochures, James Villas for example.

The island also has two hotels that often receive rave reviews from happy guests. The island of Paxos might be small compared to some islands like Kefalonia, but it offers an intimate charm and beauty for those who crave quiet, peaceful relaxation. Retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday modern living and escape from it all.

More information about the Greek islands are available on social media like reddit

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

euroweeklynews.com report on more gay tourists holidaying on Mallorca this year:

More than half a million gay tourists are expected to visit Mallorca this year reports reservasgays.com. This could have a positive effect on the island’s economy as the average gay tourist spends up to fifty euros a day more than a heterosexual one, and their visits are not limited to the peak summer seasons.

Juan Manel Ordinas, co-owner of the Pegasus Hotel, does not think that the figures are correct, “It’s certain that the numbers of gay visitors are increasing, but I think the numbers have been inflated.”

Gay tourism has seen a growth in popularity in Mallorca, and subsequently the island has seen an increase in the amount of specialist Mallorca hotels and services. However the owners of Kfé cafe in Gomila in Palma have not seen a higher demand this year from their clients.

“There is less business than in previous years” said Tito, one of the owners of the cafe, although he doesn’t know if this is due to tourism or the fact that to be gay has become more socially normal “The reason why people go to specialist gay bars is because it feels less aggressive and more protective of values, to be gay is more acceptable these days and for this reason they do not need to go to specialist bars and clubs so much, they can diversify more”, explained Tito.

‘Gay Friendly’ bars don’t always need the rainbow flag to identify them, it’s the individual gay person who decides where they are comfortable and it doesn’t matter to them if the premises have been labelled ‘Gay Friendly’ or not”.

Kristin Hansen, the creator of Mallorca Gay Map is adamant that Mallorca has enormous potential as a destination for gay tourists. “Mallorca has a great choice of hotels from basic to luxury standard, as well as being on the routes for many airlines”, however Mallorca is yet to match popular gay tourist destinations Sitges, Ibiza and Mykonos.

“The problem comes from the mentality of the local people. They are not prepared to see men or women walking hand in hand in the street or kissing. Many homosexuals in Mallorca are still ‘in the closet’ for fear of not being accepted”, he said. Kristin believes that “The future of gay tourism in Mallorca lies in leaving behind the segregation of gay from straight in order for everyone to mix and not just using the specialist hotels, bars and clubs”.

Juan Manel of the Pegasus Hotel was not so sure. “It’s clear that there are tourists of every sort, and some would prefer to go unnoticed in regular hotels, but others actually prefer a homosexual environment”. A report stated that the majority of gay tourists preferred to go to places which were sympathetic to their sexual orientation. “If someone belongs to this group, and there is a specialised service for them, it’s the normal thing to choose it”. Juan Manel did not think that specialising in gay tourism created a ghetto either, “It creates a comfortable atmosphere for the client, that’s all. Religious, political and social factors will always exist that will make gay people feel uncomfortable, and we are many years away from a society where everyone can feel equal in establishments which are not specialised”, concluded Juan Manel.

For a Majorca map visit yourmajorca.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.

If you’re off on holiday to Ibiza in the next few weeks and it’s the first time with a toddler, we’ve found the airlines to be helpful and understanding.

Thomas Cook Holidays have come up with a guide that’s pretty good, and the Daily Mirror reported on it yesterday.

Flying with very young children can be a challenge - it’s frustrating for parents and other passengers when little ones play up.

Cabin crew at Thomas Cook Airlines have come up with the following tips to help families taking Majorca flights this summer…

COMFORT

When taking off and landing, give your baby a bottle or a dummy as this will help stop their ears from popping.

Be prepared if you’re travelling on a night flight. Some parents think their child will sleep but this often isn’t the case as the child is not in their usual environment.

Take a small blanket in case your child gets cold, as some Majorca flights don’t provide them for short-haul trips.

Nappy-changing facilities are in the aircraft toilets and there isn’t much room - dress your baby in clothes that are easy to get on and off.

Consider getting a baby sling for your journey. That way you can carry your tot and have two hands free for luggage.

Pack your child’s favourite snacks so you have food to hand if they want something to eat quickly.

If your child is having an inflight meal, be prepared with alternatives in case they don’t like what they’re given.

If you want to give them milk while flying, pick up some once through check-in/security as this is not often available on board.

Entertainment on Ibiza Flights

Crayola’s Colour Wonder paper pad and markers are a great way to keep kids entertained. The pens only work on the special pad so you don’t have to worry about your child marking the seats or the walls of the aircraft.

Kids love presents, so wrap up lots of small surprises you can give to your child throughout the flight to keep them entertained.

Bring toys out one by one so that you can keep children entertained with each toy individually.

For more information about holidays with Thomas Cook Holidays visit their site.

They also do Menorca flights

Hello magazine recently revealed their travel writers’ opinion of where to find the best sunsets, and Ibiza was included:

Ibiza offers exciting options to savour the sunsets to a background of chill-out music at Cafe del Mar, Mambo or Kumara.

On the island, you’ll also find the somewhat more intimate settings of Punta Galera and Cap des Falco, the sandy bay at Cala d’Hort looking out over the islet of Es Vedra, and the romantic hotel Hacienda Na Xamena.

Set alone atop a cliff, the hotel is surrounded by pine woods, and the sunsets can even be enjoyed from the luxurious open air spa, a hedonist’s delight where the water tumbles between pools and waterfalls among the natural rock formations.

For hotels in Ibiza visit youribiza.net - they also have the latest Ibiza weather