If you are planning a vacation trip to Cancun, hop the ferry across the bay to the small finger-shaped Isla Mujeres. The name means Island of Women and there are a number of theories as to how the name came to be but its not because of the topless beach. The important thing is that its a great place to vacation in the sun.

On Isla Mujeres the atmosphere is much more relaxed and relatively quiet compared to Cancun or Cozumel. The number of tourists is much less than on the mainland.

The city is only about 10 blocks long and five blocks wide so dont expect a whole lot besides the supermarket and cinema. But the natural sights are what you came for anyway.

There are accommodations to fit all budgets. Most are downtown and near the oceanfront. One of the better hotels is Posada del Mar with air-conditioned rooms overlooking the waterfront. The Cristalmar Resort and Beach Club is south of town has a great beach, pool and modern facilities. There are a number of budget hotels but be careful because the conditions and service vary greatly from day to day.

The outlying reefs are great for diving and snorkeling. The windward side is best but only when the seas are calm. The coral rocks are quite dangerous when the water is rough. Local dive shops provide day trips out to the farther reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Charter a local boat for a deep-sea fishing trip. Grouper, barracuda, tuna and red snapper are in abundance year round while in the spring you can catch the bigger fish like dorado, marlin and sailfish.

Every year the Club de Yates of Isla Mujeres puts on a sailing regatta near the end of April. Also, the Regatta Amigos takes place several times throughout the year. These events turn into one big party for the whole island with costumes, dancing, music, food and tequila.

At Playa Norte Beach (the previously referred to topless beach) is on the north edge of town. The water is shallow, blue and calm with cafes close by. Sailboarding and water skiing are popular as is the local three-wheeled floating bike. Not far away is another beautiful and quiet beach, Playa Lancheros.

On the south end of the small island is a reconstructed ancient Mayan temple. It sits on a cliff with a wonderful view over the ocean. This makes a good excuse to take a walk and see the island.

Garrafon Beach is the one spot that seems to draw the most tourists. Probably because its such a good spot for snorkeling. Avoid the crowds by going early. The beach has a coral reef that is perfect for beginner snorkeling and children. You can have fun actually feeding the fish. Not too far out you can get a look at some sunken cannon, an anchor and the resident angelfish.

If you go in October, dont miss the Isla Mujeres International Music Festival. It starts on the second weekend of the month and goes for 12 days of music and dancing.

A perfect rewarding lifestyle can be defined with three words Health – Happiness and Holidays. If you have your health then you are happy – if there is happiness in your life then you are happy and when have you ever seen any one going on holiday not happy.

So if it is happiness you seek then start packing those – let us get away from it all clothes. Depending on your budget, the choice of what you think will be your Ideal Holiday Destination is entirely up to you. Always remember when booking a holiday for the first time is to consider the needs of others travelling with you. If this is a family holiday then you have to keep the kiddies happily occupied – sometimes the glorious golden sands and azure Blue Ocean is never enough for children. When making a reservation at your Ideal Holiday destination is to be sure to check out the facilities on offer from the hotel.

Hotels with child play groups are the best options for both the kiddies and the parents – mums and dads can have a break while the kiddies playgroup provides the entertainment for bored children.

By opting for a holiday hotel with amenities as such will give mummy and daddy a little time to themselves to relax while sipping a cocktail. Knowing the children are safe and well supervised will give the parents peace of mind thus encouraging them to enjoy the holiday even more. If your Ideal Holiday Destination accommodation meets with all your needs and has everything you could possibly want from a vacation then book early because this destination may also be a million of other familiy`s ideal choice also.

Sun protection is the number one priority where children are concerned as well as the adults – be sure to fully cream the child up from head to toe before a day out on the beach or before any daytime activity like a day at a water park, out shopping or even a stroll along the promenade. Protection for the head is best if the child wears a cap or hat. Sometimes parents struggle to get the kids to wear head wear but if you make the first day of your holiday a fun spree shopping event and let the kiddies choose for themselves – you may find that their hand picked holiday hat or cap will never be off the head and in some cases even when they go to bed.

An Ideal Holiday Destination for kiddies should have a safe beach – action packed entertainment – a hotel with a swimming pool – water parks – daytime and evening activities – water pedaloes and boats – burger bars and theme parks. Well this is all well and good if this is your first family holiday and you are not familiar with what destination will have at least one of these facilities. Why settle for one of the above when you can have them all at the Ideal Holiday Destination – namely Benidorm.

Introduction:

Portsmouth is located on the south coast of the scenic county of Hampshire. The city has a long established historic naval presence. The city of Portsmouth was established in the year 1623, being a community that swears by its influence to world history. As well as being an important naval town, Portsmouth has a nostalgic feel with its cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages, museums and famous historic buildings. Boasting over one hundred restaurants, antique shops and a huge music hall called the Portsmouth Music Hall. You will fall in love with the ambience that this historic city offers as well as the coastal aspect of the place.

Places of Interest:

A place of historic significance, you can explore Lord Nelsons flagship, HMS Victory and visit Queen Victorias battleship, HMS Warrior 1860. You could also have a look at Henry Vllls Mary Rose and retrace the history of the Royal Navy at the Royal Naval Museum. Other attractions include Charles Dickens birthplace, the D-Day Museum featuring the Overlord Embroidery, Southsea Castle, the Royal Marines Museum, and Portsmouth Cathedral.

Royal Marines Museum: This is a grand museum situated in a former officers’ mess with sweeping stairways, chandeliers and fine paintings. There are also beautiful grounds in which you can relax and enjoy a quiet picnic with your friends. The Exhibition gallery features a talking head of Hannah Snell, audiovisual shows, interactive games, and a collection of over 7,000 medals.

Eastney Beam Engine House Industrial Archaeology: This museum contains a pair of magnificent James Watt beam engines, stationed in their original high Victorian engine house of 1887. There are also a variety of other pumping engines on display here.

Natural History Museum: In this museum you can see the geology of the Portsmouth area and a full-size reconstruction of Dinosaur Iguanodon and other fossil remains. You can enter here through the Riverbank scene with a fresh water aquarium and have a look at the different kinds of fish on display. You can also see the Ice Age displays and early mammals and birds here.
The Spinnaker Tower: This is one wonder which is absolutely breath-taking.You can experience the stunning views from this unique 170m tower, visible from miles around. This is the newest landmark which is change the skyline of Portsmouth!

Aspex Gallery: Here, tourists can experience the most creative and contemporary visual arts; locally, nationally and internationally. There are programs of solo, grouped and themed exhibitions mostly centred on the work of younger or emerging artists.

The 1642 Living History Village, Historic Site, Gosport: This is a representational Hampshire village set in the year 1642. You could go back in time and experience this replica of how it used to be with timber and thatched buildings. Occupants dress and speak in 17th century style.

Things to do:

Portsmouth is also called the Waterfront city. It has a fantastic range of restaurants, bars and cafs to soothe your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. Of course, it will suit your budget too. As far as shops are concerned, the choice is huge.

Shopping: The Southsea, this major shopping complex has two department stores as well as a range of boutique shops. There are florists, diamond merchants and antique dealers; even interior decorators to cater to your every shopping need. Of course, the cafes, restaurants and bars are numerous too. There is Gunwharf Quays with 80 outlets that sell big brand names for a discount prices. It is open seven days a week. The City Centre is famous for its branded and trendy stores. The shopping precinct on Commercial Road, the indoor mall at Cascades, and the street markets on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are very popular and well worth a visit.

Eating and drinking: There are restaurants and small bistros that offer cuisine ranging from Indian to Italian, Turkish to Thai. If you want to meet with friends or enjoy your weekend, there is always a themed location to drink and socialize.

Special Events: Two of Portsmouth’s most renowned personalities have events to commemorate their lives in 2006. Brunel 200 Portsmouth will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who was born in Portsmouth on 9th of April 1806.The famous author Richard Lancelyn Green will be releasing his wonderful collection of Conan Doyle-related books, papers and assorted memorabilia in the later half of 2006.

Transport: Portsmouth has regular bus routes connecting the main visitor areas. In fact, a new pilot bus service for all you night owls has been inaugurated and is operational on Friday and Saturday nights. The Nightrunner will start services from South Parade Pier at 1.25am and 2.25 am and at Winston Churchill Avenue at 1.30am and 2.30am. There are currently 234 licensed taxis working in the city providing 24-hour service.

Food and Drink:

Indian Palace: Indian Palace in Gunwharf Quays is famous for authentic and traditional spicy and tasty Indian and moghlai dishes.

Arbuckles: This small and friendly restaurant is famous for chicken and vegetarian burgers. Booking is required.

A fistful of Tacos: This place at South Sea serves authentic sea food and vegeterian dishes as well.
Caf Citrus is a popular caf bar in Albert Road, Southsea. It is perfect for a romantic rendevous or a friendly get-together.

Hotels and Accomodation:

Whether you are looking for a short stay or a longer holiday, Portsmouth offers a comprehensive range of accommodation from small, private bed and breakfasts to the plusher four-star hotels. It is always better if you reserve your accommodation in advance. The tarrifs for hotels, accomodations and guest houses are generally quoted as per person, based on a couple sharing, and include VAT (17.5%). All prices for self-catering units are quoted as per unit per week inclusive of VAT (17.5%).

Inn Lodge Portsmouth
Royal Beach Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Portsmouth
Tulip Inn Portsmouth
Beaufort Hotel
Best Western Queens Hotel
Seacrest Hotel

Entertainment:

The city of Portsmouth is abuzz with entertainment and activity around the clock. Catering for all diverse tastes such as comedy, film, football, live music, bowling, literature and arts. At Gunwharf Quays there is a bowling arena and a state of the art 12 screen cinema, with a further 9 screen cinema at Port Solent. The Kings Theatre Trust Limited at Albert Road, Portsmouth is famous for live music and theatrical events. No 6 Independent Cinema and Vue Cinemas are two of the 4 major cinema houses here.

All in all, Portsmouth is a city on the sea packed with a beautiful mix of history and heritage. Add to it the variety on offer with its bars and restaurants as well as a comprehensive program of events, you know that you have discovered the right city to spend your holiday or short stay. Being situated on the coast is a huge bonus too!.

Mexico beaches come in all shapes and sizes. Two of the most famous areas are Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco.

Acapulco

Youre probably already familiar with Acapulco if you ever watched the Wild World of Sports on ABC. Acapulco was exhibited frequently as the location of those sketchy cliff diving competitions. You know, the one where crazy men jumped a few hundred feet into a pool of water between rocks. Fortunately, you dont have to cliff dive to enjoy Acapulco.

Acapulco is located below and on mountains jutting on off of a beautiful bay. The place is visually impressive and the beaches are very nice. There is, however, one potential downside to Acapulco. The town is tailored to tourist in a big way. You arent going to find any authentic Mexican culture unless you head into the hills. Instead, you are going to be bombarded by people selling things and generally catering to the all mighty tourist dollar. Some people love Acapulco, but there are better places in Mexico in my opinion.

Cabo San Lucas

How times change. Cabo San Lucas used to be a sleepy beach town on the tip of Baja California. The airport used to consists of a single, large cabana. For better or worse, those days are gone.

Cabo San Lucas is quickly becoming the place to be among Mexican beach resorts. Rock stars, Sammy Hagar, own bars and sing songs about the place. The marinas have some impressive and expensive boats. Previously bare mountains are now covered by large and impressive homes. Heck, there are even traffic jams!

Still, there is a reason all this is going on. Cabo San Lucas is simply a top notch place to go on a vacation. The sun beams all day and there are activities galore. You can go deep see fishing, kayaking, surfing or just loaf on the beach. Cafes and bars populate the beaches, but you dont get the hectic feeling found in Acapulco. For nightlife, Cabo San Lucas cant be beat with legendary bars and quality restaurants.

If youre forced to go to Mexico on vacation, either Acapulco or Cabo San Lucas is a good spot. All and all, I prefer Cabo, but to each their own.

As one flies over Vancouver during the decent into the Canadian citys airport, the surrounding beautiful natural scenery is already noticed with mountains on one side and the sea on the other. Once inside the baggage claim area of the international airport, visitors are greeted with large Pacific Northwest Coast Indian art carvings. This adds to the overall flavor of nature and the environment that makes Vancouver so different from other major cities. When driving along Granville Street towards the city center, one cant help but notice that the trees and hedges in the residential areas are so much larger and taller than the ones we normally see elsewhere. One of the
locals claims that the superior growth of the areas plant life is due to the huge amount of rainfall. Vancouver is close to both the ocean and the mountain range so lots of rain is expected. In fact, the rain here can actually be a problem as grey skies, especially during the winter months, are one of the few negatives of living in Vancouver. Fortunately, there is very little snowfall within the city so for Vancouverites, it is a trade off of some sort to have to deal with rain rather than shoveling snow during their winters. As for tourists, the best time to visit Vancouver is the least wet season which is during the summer months. Ive been told by another local that September is one of the best months to visit. When the sun is shining in Vancouver with both the ocean and mountains as the background, it really doesnt get any better.

Stanley Park on the west side of downtown Vancouver is the most visited attraction. A drive around the island will reveal great photo spots of both the city and the ocean. Vancouvers Aquarium is also on site in Stanley Park as well as a magnificent collection of Pacific Northwest Coastal Indian art totem poles. Of course, one can always marvel at the tall trees which seem to touch the skies here. The Lions Gate Suspension Bridge connects Stanley Park with North Vancouver on the other side of the harbor. On the north side is Grouse Mountain, the areas closest ski resort to the city that has turned into an all year round attraction. During the non-winter months, one can take the gondola up Grouse mountain for some wonderful hiking and views of the Vancouver skyline. The Capilano Suspension Bridge which visitors walk across to a nice nature area is another must see nearby. One of the cuisine highlights in the British Columbia province is the salmon and one of the best restaurants to sample it is the Salmon House in adjacent West Vancouver. Dinner there with the Pacific Northwest Coast Indian art dcor and spectacular nighttime views of the city is one of the best ways to finish off a day of sightseeing.

Back in downtown Vancouver, the Gastown district is one of the top tourist areas for boutique shopping and souvenirs. Dont miss the steam clock that rings on the hour. Vancouver has one of the largest Asian communities in North America so the Chinatown nearby as expected has some of the best dim sum luncheons outside of Hong Kong. Further boutique shopping can be found in the Yaletown and Granville Island districts.

If time permits, one of the recommended day trips to do out of Vancouver is to drive up the Sea & Sky highway to Whistler, one of North Americas largest ski resorts. During the off ski season, Whistler is all season resort with many activities such as hiking, biking, festivities and shopping in the village. A ride up the gondola here will enable visitors to get a birds eye view of the majestic Canadian Rockies mountain range. The drive itself to Whistler, about two and a half hours along the coastline, offers many wonderful scenic points as well.

Vancouver is a great city to visit as one can really see how a major city can still be in very scenic surroundings. For those coming to Vancouver as the departure port of a cruise to either Hawaii or Alaska, it is highly recommended to allocate at least a full day before or after the cruise to see what the city has to offer. As I mentioned before, on a sunny day with the sea on one side and the mountains on the other, Vancouver is really hard to beat.

Budapest is an amazing city with so many attractions that it is hard to know where to start. The health resort spas seem as good a place as any.

Budapest Spas

Budapest sits on a tectonic plate fault line in Eastern Europe. While earthquakes seem inevitable, one advantage to the location is the proliferation of mineral water spas in the city. Here are a few highlights.

The Gellert Spa Hotel is located in the center of Budapest on the eastern shore of the Danube River. From the front, the hotel looks like a classic renaissance building you would find in Paris or Vienna. The entrance to the hotel opens onto an indoor pool that looks like something out of ancient Rome. The square pool is surrounded by baroque columns and covered by a glass roof two stories above the water. Palms, plants and relaxing Hungarians are everywhere. It is staggeringly impressive.

For roughly ten dollars, you can have the full Gellert experience. There is on mixed sex indoor pool and two sections reserved for just men and women. In these reserved sections, one can get massage services, but keep in mind these are vigorous Turkish style massages. Put another way, you will be getting slapped around a bit instead of nearly falling asleep.

At the rear of the Gellert, there is an outdoor area that rivals any Las Vegas hotel. Unlike Vegas hotels with themes, this pool area is truly historic. The area comes with marble steps, ceramic tile mosaics and lush landscape. One tends to feel a bit like you are taking a bath in the Vatican.

Other Spas

Frankly, there are spas all over the place in Budapest. Although I didnt personally visit it, I was told very good things about the Kiraly Baths. Kiraly was apparently built during Turkish rule and the spa experience is entirely Turkish.

If you get the chance to visit Budapest, make sure you drop by one of the spas. Prices are relatively cheap and the experience is definitely worth it.

Mexican flavor of architecture, food and living has impressed people all over the world. Mexican culture and artifacts are famous around the globe and hence there is no better way to enjoy and become familiar with the Mexican sprit than touring the country itself. Mexico as a tourist spot offers wide range of geographical locations and country sites for a traveler to choose. The country touches the shores of ocean at many places and has high-rise mountains at other end. The region presents an excellent opportunity for water sports and deep-sea excursions and mountaineering.

With fabulous hotels and exotic views to offer Mexico has also developed into a favorite honeymoon destination. Recently wedded couples find numerous getaways in this country. The cities here present a promising adventurous vacation. Among the all time favorite destination is Acapulco a place that has attracted tourists since earlier times because of its rocking nightlife and beautiful beaches. Apart from regular water sports cliff diving is an added exclusive special attraction of the place. Mainly well-trained professionals perform this art after the sun goes down and it presents a spectacular view for the tourists. With hotels having private and semi-private swimming pools to offer it has become a favorite for couples on vacation.

Another very popular spot for tourists is the Yucatan Peninsula, which is famous for its ancient ruins of Mexican architecture and traditions. The geographical location of Yucatan peninsula renders it a perfect visiting area. Although the weather at this place in inviting all year round still the tourist attraction is maximum from October to June.
Mexico is a paradise for water game lovers, sea divers, trekkers and other such activists. Apart from offering boating, rafting and cruise options for tourists every popular travel spots also have dedicated shopping centers. The shops offer anything from Mexican folk art, handicrafts depicting Mexican culture, jewellery, pottery, shirts and many other such options to take back home as a souvenir from Mexico.

The prime religion in Mexico is mainly Catholics and this thought is well expressed by the spread of well-constructed cathedrals around the town. These cathedrals are masterpieces of architecture and exhibit a great deal about the rich cultural history of the place. While on the way through the city lanes the Christian archeological extracts are visible throughout the journey. Vacationing in Mexico with stay and sightseeing the trip may sometimes prove to be costlier than expected. Hence its best advised to preplan the visit and opt for an all included packaged journey tour in the country. The travel agents best guide tourists through most favorite hot spots among travelers and options that fit best within the budget.

Night safari through the forests of the region is an added attraction. A safari on four wheeler jeeps through the mountains can well be an experience of lifetime. The best ways for touring the country is having a base destination at one place and then go touring other neighboring spots on short trips. Biking is another favorite activity in the region cycling through Mexico is so popular that anyone visiting this country can hardly avoid returning back without enjoying a bike-ride.

Orlando vacations can be coveted memories in your life. There are many things to do in Orlando. Whether you are going to soak up some sun, shop, hit all the popular tourist spots or just lounge away the days, you are bound to have a great time. There are a few things to remember that can make your trip even more enjoyable.

One thing that you should think about when you are looking into Orlando vacations is your budget. Decide on your price range for accommodations and shop accordingly. You can look at online sites for discount lodging. Or, if you are booking a vacation through a travel agency, check what kind of hotels they have planned. Remember to compare price and amenities. Cheaper isnt always better. Depending on how many are traveling in your party and how long you plan to stay, you may find that renting a house for your vacation makes more sense.

Another thing that you should think about when you are considering where to stay on Orlando vacations is location. Check to see what side of town most interests you and try to find accommodations on that side. After all, you dont want to spend the majority of your time traveling. You want to spend it enjoying life.

If you know that you want to travel around the area but you are going to fly to your Orlando vacations, you might think about renting a car. Compare the costs and hassles of public transportation to those of renting a car for the duration of your stay. Also consider whether youre comfortable driving in unfamiliar areas. If you plan to do some sightseeing outside the immediate area, public transportation may simply be too expensive.

When you pack for your Orlando vacations, pack for what youre going to be doing. If you are out for a weekend of romance, dress for romance. Bring comfortable clothes for sightseeing, but pack at least one knock-em dead outfit because few people can resist the lure of the Orlando nightlife. You may think that you arent going for the water, but bring a suit anyway. You may change your mind, even if it is in the hotel pool. Perhaps most importantly, remember sun block. You may figure you can stop and buy some, but the lure of the beach may be too much to resist from the first opportunity. You dont want to spend half of your Orlando vacations blistered and miserable.

When planning your Orlando vacations, try to think about what you need before you go. Be smart with your budget. After you do all of this, the only thing left is to make the trip to Orlando where youll relax, kick back, and have a blast.

Sand and crystal clear water whether our holiday is on our coasts in Italy or we are among the lucky few who reach beautiful island for a fabulous stay, certainly not want disfigure in terms of clothing.

So to spend hours lying to sunbathe between a dip and another, the choice of new costume must follow the new fashion trends beach becomes obliged. For a woman we find new bikini lines by strong colours, to create a “rainbow” on the beach, flanked by modern semi-one-pice costumes that play to see and not to see until to come to the simple clothes with tight strep, with necklines on the back to wear even for walks or evening to fully enjoy the sea breeze.

Even for a man strong colours for the costumes tand shorts by sea for all tastes, Hawaiian patterns beaches that attract foreign but also more sober colors for lovers of classical style.
There is the known pareo, convenient for her but also used by him, perhaps in dyed with the costume, the garment is becoming faster and convenient for the beach and other.

The desire for sea and want to stay comfortable, even when walking and then how not to use simple flip-flop, comfortable even on the shore of the beach but very appreciated also to walk in the streets of the city, from the most Spartan, rubber and plastic until most elegant, perfect for the evening, with rhinestones, finishing in silver and gold, together with light summer dress, complete the dress perfectly.
Convenient since the departure until the arrival on the beach and practice even during our shopping in the city centre, can not miss the bag, our hand luggage that gives us the air a little ‘nomadic and chic that contains everything that we need in an entire day, from morning to evening;
When we are lying on the beach and want a nice cushion enough to fill a little ‘and the canvas bag will also practice in this!

The fashion this year really satisfied anyone and who don’t love the flip-flop also in the evening, but doesn’t want hight-helled sandals and doesn’t love the wedge-helled shose, these are the sandals by metallic style the flt sandals are the accessory most used in this summer. Many models for the convenience of all, the important thing is these are sparkling like gold and silver.

So feel like holiday and siutable dresses and this year the offer satisfied all from accessories, such as glasses, perhaps with ebony and ivory frame that recall a precious style , to the simplicity colored flip-flop in rubber appreciated even by ‘ man for their comfort.

Towels with a thousand colors to sunbathe in joy but also lighter clothes and elegant evening for evenings outdoors. For the holiday of her and him the choice for comfortable clothes, simple and summer sure is much.

Sotogrande

Sotogrande is found within the province of Cadiz and is situated near the Straits of Gibraltar which can offer quiet beaches and coves although the hustle and bustle of the Costa del Sol is only half an hour away. It is within easy reach of Malaga, Marbella, Cadiz and Gibraltar.

Sotogrande is an exclusive sports and residential development which has developed over the last 30 years. It is a quiet area based around a substantial marina which will have over 1,000 berths once the second phase is completed. Sotogrande is also home to the famous Valderrama golf club as well as many others.

Sotogrande is an all year round resort offering golf, sailing and tennis with lots of good bars, restaurants and large hotels for relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere.

Estepona

Estepona is a coastal town on the Costa del Sol which, despite its expansion, has maintained its character and old town feel. There are still numerous places where one can find traditional Spanish food amongst the narrow cobbled streets.

Estepona has good, sandy beaches but is also within easy reach of Puerto de la Duquesa and also close enough to visit some of the lovely inland towns and villages such as Gaucin, Casares and Genalguacil. It is just an hours drive to Malaga from Estepona. The Plaza de las Flores and the Clock Tower (Torre de Reloj) are attractive places to visit within the town and there is a popular market on Wednesdays. There are many golf courses in the area which makes it a popular destination as well as the fact that the average temperature is 18C.

The port and harbour are just a short walk from the town centre and is mainly centred around fishing although there are modern marina facilities and aside from the market in the town centre on Wednesdays, it also has its own market on a Sunday.

Puerto Banus

Just a few kilometres to the west of Marbella, Puerto Banus is famous for its marina full of luxury yachts as well as offering expensive bars, restaurants and designer shops. The beach, the Playa Levante, is to the north of the town and is very clean, long and wide. There is a market on Saturdays near the bullring. Puerto Banus has a busy nightlife with a wide choice of bars, clubs or discos to visit, or maybe you just want to sit in the open air with a meal and a drink and watch the world go by.

Marbella

Marbella is probably one of the most well known resorts along the Costa del Sol. It has a wonderful climate with over 3000 hours of sunshine per year. It is close to Malaga airport, has an impressive yacht harbour and many golf courses within easy reach.

Away from the glamour of the harbour area the old town still retains some character. The Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square) is a popular place to take a breather before setting off to explore the many streets and alleyways full of shops selling anything from local produce and crafts to designer clothing.

El Fuerte and El Fontanilla are two of the largest beaches in Marbella or you may just wish to take a stroll along the promenade, the Avenida del Mar.

Lots of people choose to holiday in Marbella because of the busy nightlife which offers a wide variety of bars, restaurants, clubs, theatres and cinemas to suit everyone. There are many quality hotels to choose from as well as numerous self catering apartments and villas.

Fuengirola

Fuengirola is a coastal town on the Costa del Sol situated partway between Malaga and Marbella. It has been a popular tourist resort since the 1960s to the extent that tourism has now replaced fishing as the main industry. It has a lot of high rise hotels and apartments adjacent to the long, sandy beaches although it is still possible to find smaller, more traditional accommodation. It is a very busy resort, full of entertainment in the summer months but can also be the ideal place to visit out of season when it is much quieter. Fuengirola is truly an international resort with approximately 25% of its inhabitants coming from other countries, although in the summer it is still very popular with the Spanish and British alike.

Fuengirola offers all the facilities which you would expect to find in a major tourist resort as well as a zoo, Zoologico de Fuengirola, an Arabic Castle, the bullring and open parks. The old port is still used by local fishermen and the sports marina can provide berths for boats of all sizes.

Two of the suburbs of Fuengirola Los Boliches and Torreblanca are worth visiting. In Torreblanca there are thermal baths and in Los Boliches the remains of a Roman villa can be seen. Los Boliches also has its own beaches and is a little bit quieter than Fuengirola itself.