Choice Villas & Apartments April 09

www.themeparkticketsdirect.com

Welcome to the April 2009 issue of Choice Villas & Apartments.In addition to our quick and easy-to-use design, allowing you to

locate your dream family holiday even faster, we hope you’ll findour extra edit pages useful too. Choice Essentials (p4) is full of new

product reviews and reader giveaways and Choice Holidays (p8)concentrates on the Dordogne. Also, enter our competition (p6) for your

chance to win a one-week stay at a fantastic holiday cottage in France.Within the magazine we have retained our popular country/region section

format with a brief introduction to the area and useful website listings tohelp plan your holiday.

Also, if you fancy a holiday home of your own, check out our Propertyfor Sale section towards the back of the magazine.

Choice Essentials 4Win some holiday goodies

Competition 6Win a cottage holiday in France

Choice Holidays 8Dordogne

Florida 11Balearic Islands 20Canary Islands 23Costa Blanca 27Costa del Sol 29

Cyprus 32France 35Greece 37Italy 39Portugal 41Insurance for car hire 46Flights 46Travel insurance 47Car hire 47

Property for sale 48

Editor:Keeley Gordon [email protected] Assistant:Loretta Prince [email protected] Sales:Beverley Sennett [email protected]/Accounts:Wendy Barfoot [email protected]:Peter Lewsey [email protected] Stafford [email protected]

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors oromissions. Whilst every care is taken, all materialsubmitted to Travel & Leisure Magazines Limited isdone so at its owner's risk and neither Travel & LeisureMagazines Limited nor its agents can accept any liabilityfor loss or damage. Travel & Leisure Magazines Limitedis a completely independent company and can hold noresponsibility for the actions of outside agents. No partof this magazine may be reproduced without priorwritten consent.Please note: property buyers should expect extrafinancial costs such as legal costs, local taxes etc. Allprivate advertisers are totally responsible for their ownwording within their advertisement, and Travel &Leisure Magazines Limited can therefore take noresponsibility as to their content. Please seek legaladvice and thereafter verify all the details of yourpurchase in writing before proceeding.

Published by:Travel & Leisure Magazines Ltd,103 Cranbrook Road, Ilford,Essex IG1 4PU, UKTel: +44 (0)20 8477 1529Fax: +44 (0)20 8514 4536Email: [email protected] by Wyndeham Heron©Travel & Leisure MagazinesLimited 2009

Villas & Apartments

YOUR No– 1 CHOICE FOR RENTING OR BUYINGA VILLA OR APARTMENT

4 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

Feel the noise with this funkynew sound system!The crystal-clear Soundtraveller K3000 ST willdock directly with all iPods including the newiPod Nano and iPod Touch. It also comes withan audio adaptor cable so can be used withvirtually any other audio device, even yourSony PSP and Nintendo DS.The highest quality materials and technical

know-how have gone into making theK3000 ST one of the best portablespeakers available on the market today.Featuring touch button volume control,it uses only 2 x AA batteries and alsocomes with a USB cable so you canhook it up to your computer.

www.powertraveller.com

Long distancetravellers will love the Jet Settreatment package from AromaTherapeutics.

Each essential oil set containsEnergiser and Sleep Enhancer inboth a Spray Concentrate andBath and Body formulations.

Energiser is an invigorating blend ofessential oils, that once sprayed onpulse points and inhaled, willprovide an instant ‘boost’.

Alternatively, when you long todrift into a deep sleep, a simplespritz of calming Sleep Enhanceron your pillow will increaserestfulness.

No wonder world airlines offer itto their First Class passengers!

www.aroma.co.uk

Brilliant orange, super sunnyyellow, raindrop blue, arcticwhite, deep viola, cherry red,ultra mint, real red, intense blue,and vibrant pink –what’s your colour?Small and Stylish, the MyPassport Essential™ USB harddrive delivers 320 GB ofPortable Storage in the palmof your hand. It comes in 10fresh new colours andweighs in at less than five ounces.

Simple to use, light and easy to carry, and nopower adapter – your My Passport Essentialwill become your favourite accessory. Storethousands of songs, videos or photos onthere and always have them to hand.

WD’s My Passport Essential USBDrives are available now at selectretailers in capacities of 160GB£66.99, 250GB £96.99 and 320GB£119.99. www.westerndigital.com

The Flip Ultrais the world’s first point-and-shoot camcorder and a hit

with celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Stella McCartney. You can record 60 minutes of footage, connect directly toyour computer via the flip-out USB arm and upload to

YouTube, MySpace etc. The Flip Ultra comes in Black, Silver,Orange or Pink and retails at £99.99. Available from

Amazon.co.uk, Carphone Warehouse, Play.com,Currys, PC World, Firebox.com andiwantoneofthose.com www.flipvideo.co.uk

It won’t give you more leg-room or a Gin & Tonic butthe amazing Jetsleeper will take the back ache, neckpain and sleep deprivation out of your flight!

The Jetsleeper is an extremely comfortable pillow witha simple hook over the seat back and a loop over theopposite armrest procedure. These two attachmentshold the pillow next to the cheek andprovide a good support for the headand neck. The pillow is filled with hollow fibremaking it ‘soft and cosy’ and it’s alsoheight adjustable. Weighing only 135g,the Jetsleeper can be folded to fitinto its own transparent bag.Available priced £20+ p&p

from www.jetsleeper.com

ChoiceGiveaway:

5 Jetsleepers

Sweet dreams!

Choice Essentials

Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009 5

Reviews & Giveaways

Win this gorgeouskaftan worth £160An essence of simplicity and freedom is at theheart of Papillon Bleu’s collections with freeflowing silhouettes designed for femininecomfort and understated elegance that can beworn day and night. Papillon Bleu’s range ofkaftans are created from the finest naturalfabrics; luxurious linens from Italian mills,superior Chinese silks and the softest cottons,and embellished by talented artisans usingintricate beadwork, sparkling sequins andSwarovski. Papillon Bleu pieces are producedin small numbers ensuring true exclusivity.With a stunning choice of exclusive printsacross a variety of styles, the collectioncelebrates fun, colour and individuality,genuinely offering women something unique.This style is available in S, M, L, XL, XXL – sowill accommodate all sizes! All Papillon Bleu collections are available tobuy online at www.papillonbleu.com or phone01530 245527.

Choice Giveaway: 1 PapillonBleu kaftan (pictured)

Bring a touch of glam to yourhandbag with Moxie!

Glam up that dreaded time of the monthwith Moxie – a gorgeous new range offeminine hygiene products.Moxie’s gorgeous boudoir-styled rangeof feminine hygiene products are girly,stylish, attractive and complementevery ladies handbag, bathroom andlifestyle. With a range of tampons,towels and panty liners, Moxie has a

product to suit your needs, every day of the month.Complete with 100% recyclable or reusable tins and1930’s-esque, candy-striped ‘boudoir boxes’, Moxie isthe perfect necessity for every dressing table.The reusable Moxie tins are excellent for storing youreveryday beauty essentials, from hairpins to earringsand even loose change.Moxie feminine hygiene products are the hottest new importfrom Australia and are available in Waitrose, Bootsand Superdrug stores nationwide.

Choice Giveaway: 5 sets of Moxieproducts

We’ve teamed up with award-winning company,Cuddledry, to offer you the chance to win one ofthree gorgeous Cuddlebug towels. These are thebeautiful new toddler towels from the companythat appeared on Dragons Den and actuallyturned down three offers of investment!

The Cuddlebug is a generous sized towel, withtwo layers of towelling for extra warmth and abuilt-in hood so that toddlers can literally wearit when they get out of the bath or swimmingpool. The towel is made fromgorgeous organic cotton andeco friendly bamboo fibre –a silky soft fabric that is60% more absorbent thanpure cotton and has anatural antibacterial quality.The fun part for the kids isthe funky bug prints –they can wrap their wingsaround themselves and flyaround until they’re dry! TheCuddlebug comes in a pink ladybird or greenbeetle print and is priced £29.99 (available fromwww.cuddledry.com).

Choice Giveaway: 3 Cuddlebug towels

Choice GiveawaysHow to enter: Entries can be made by going to

www.choicetravelinfo.combefore the Friday 12 June 2009 and entering yourdetails under ‘competitions and giveaways’. The winnerwill be announced and published on the website afterthe closing date. Terms and conditions on the website.

Thanks to Imagine France you could wina 2009 seven-night cottage holiday inFrance for five people sharing, including

ferry transfers and holiday insurance! Imagine France, one of the UK’s favourite

self-catering companies offers individuallyvetted properties throughout some of themost spectacular holiday destinations inNorthern France.

From the rugged coastline of Brittany tothe rolling rural landscape of farms andorchards of Normandy and the beautifulbeach at Le Touguet in Picardy. Plus, notonly do Imagine offer all-year round ferryinclusive holidays, 2 for 1 offers and greatcar hire deals, they’re also bonded forpeace of mind. Visit their website atwww.ImagineFrance.com which alsoincludes details of Imagine’s selfcatering holidays to Ireland with all itsbustling markets, medieval towns andgourmet restaurants to enjoy.

For full details log ontowww.imaginefrance.com and

www.imagineireland.comor phone 01756 707782

(lines open 7 days).

Imagine Holidays: for a holiday you’llremember, at a price you won’t forget!

Property detailsPlourhan, Saint Brieuc Bay, Les Côtes d'Armor. The tranquil setting of this lovely barn conversion

is an ideal retreat for families wanting to take somerelaxing time out from the hustle and bustle of citylife. Situated only 6km from the beach and localamenities, this large property boasts manycharacter features including an original fireplaceand exposed stone walls. On site there are fourother holiday cottages each having plenty ofoutdoor space including a private terrace, BBQ anda shared play area and games for children. No petsare allowed.


A cottage holiday inFrance for 5 people!

How to enterTo be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize simply go to

www.choicetravelinfo.combefore Friday 12 June 2009 and enter your detailsunder ‘competitions and giveaways’. The winner willbe published on the website. Prize excludes peak July and August periods. Terms and conditions on the website.

The subtle differences in theDordogne landscapes arehighlighted by four different

colours… Green, extending in acrescent across the north of thedepartment, encompasses theverdant vegetation (even in thedriest of summers) of the area ofNontron and Dronne Valley andincludes the protected land of theParc Naturel Régional PérigordLimousin. White, in the centralpart of the department andcovering Périgueux and the Vallée

de l’Isle, is criss-crossed by the Auvézère andIsle rivers, and is so-named as a result of thechalky soils which bestow a white appearanceto the stone in this area. The colour Purplecovers the south-west of the department,including the Bergerac area, an area famousfor its wines, and the fascinating bastides or"new towns" built during the Middle Ages toa well-ordered street pattern. Black,extending across the south-east of theDordogne, and including the Sarlat area, isdistinguishable by its forests of holm oakand limestone plateaux (causses) whichextend into the Quercy. This area is hometo the world-renowned prehistoric sitesof the Vézère and Dordogne valleys.

Avisit to this unique region takesyou back in time to discoverand explore the fascinating past

through the many sites andattractions dating from numerousperiods in the Dordogne’sillustrious history.

The luxuriant naturallandscapes extend throughoutthe department, providingcountless opportunities fornature-lovers to enjoy awhole range of outdooractivities (swimming, fishing,canoeing, cycling…) or just

relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.The Périgord has championed the development of

high-quality, rural-based tourism, including the creationof a protected Parc Naturel Régional.

Traditional cuisine is based on time-honoured localrecipes and produce, such as chestnuts, walnuts andcep mushrooms in the autumn, and strawberries inApril, in addition to the renowned truffles and foiegras, perhaps bought from a farmer at a duck andgoose market (marché au gras) in winter.

A visit to the markets in Sarlat or Périgueux offers afascinating insight into the value attached to thetreasures of its soil, and their symbolic role in the lifeof the Dordogne and its inhabitants.

Perigueux, the capital of the Perigord has over2000 years of history: from the ancient Gallo-Romancity of Vesunna to the Renaissance period and theCathedral of Saint-Front (classified as a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site, the cathedral is an importantstage on the St James of Compostella Pilgrim’s Way).

A total of 39 buildings are classed as HistoricalMonuments in what is one of the largest conservationareas in France (56.25 acres).

The International Mime Festival, nocturnal markets,the International Show room of the Greedy Book andthe International Baroque Music Festival, all help tomake Perigueux the cultural centre of the Perigord.

The Bergerac region "a bounty of pleasure" in the

Situated at the heart of South-West France,this land-locked department (département)

is home to spectacular sites and monumentswhich provide endless opportunities for

cultural discovery – the local way of life,prehistoric remains, charming villages, delightfulscenery and famous castles, as well as a feastfor the senses...

Choice Holidays

Further informationDordogne Tourism Tel : 00.33.553.35.50.24 Fax : 00.33.553.09.51.41E-mail : [email protected]: www.dordogne-perigord-tourisme.fr

La Roque Gageac ©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard

Grand Roc Les Eyzies©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard


Hautefort ©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard

The Dordogne, Aquitaine

South West of Périgord, is the town of Cyrano,Bergerac, with its historical district, narrowmedieval streets and Renaissance houses.

Next, a visit to the prestigious Monbazillac,Lanquais and Biron castles lead you to the edge ofthe Bastide region where the delightful architectureof Monpazier, Beaumont and Issigeac awaits.

Monbazillac, is also a delicious nectar and acrucial compliment to foie gras, which belongs tothe family of Bergerac wines of which there are 13appellations. Begin to discover these regional winesat Recollets Cloister where a hundred and thirtyvintners are ready to welcome you and share theirpassion of their craft.

Sarlat, the jewel in the crown of the PérigordNoir is one of the most famous towns formedieval art and history in France and has thehighest number of listed buildings per square metrein Europe.

Another of the Périgord Noir's world famoussights is the renowned prehistoric cave at Lascaux.Since its discovery in 1940, the cave has beennicknamed the Prehistoric Sistine Chapel. Today, thesite of Lascaux II is home to an exact replica of theoriginal paintings created by our ancestors.

Dordogne in Aquitaine: A magical place to visit.

Local HandicraftNontron knives, distinguishableby their boxwood handlesdecorated with the famousinverted "V", are produced usingthe clear waters of the RiverBandiat, abundant wood from thesurrounding area and iron oreused by local forges. In Nontron’sknife workshop, visitors can learnabout the various stages ofproduction required tomanufacture the oldest pocketknives in France.

Charentais slippers, whichwere originally made from piecesof used or unwanted feltdiscarded by local felt-paperworkshops in the 18C and 19C.

Traditional crafts which usedthe wood and fruit of the sweetchestnut. The work of the"feuillardiers", whose task was toprovide chestnut for the barrel-hopping industry, has given rise tothe name of an area known as LePays des Feuillardiers.

Other related artisan industriesinclude wickerwork and sweetchestnut cakes.

Sarlat Porte ©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard

Perigueux Escalier ©E.Martin – OT de Périgueux

Castelnaud Beynac ©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard

P l e a s e q u o t e C V A w h e n r e p l y i n g t o a d s10 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

Dor

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Image: Discovery Cove ©Orlando CVB

Florida is the perfect holiday destination forthe entire family, whether you look toplease your five-year-old son or your 65-

year-old mother! From its sandy beaches to itsbreathtaking parks, Florida has everythingfrom history to the hottest attractions.

Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota is a family-friendly beach with shallow waters,year-round lifeguards and the whitest sandsin Florida. The Everglades National Park is theonly subtropical preserve in North America,With its luscious wetlands and more than150 miles of canoeing and walking trails,this reserve will excite a family of naturelovers of all ages.

Florida is known for its enticing stores,malls and outlets filled with merchandisethat is sure to delight – for some of thebest shopping, travel up the west coastto Northwest Florida. With both DestinCommons and the Silver Sands FactoryStores, this is a true shopper’sparadise.

For the perfect match of history,culture and beauty, travel toFlorida’s east coast and

experience St. Augustine – thenation’s oldest city. St.

Augustine amazes visitors

with its ancient cobblestone streets, quaint cafés anda host of historical landmarks and attractions, such asthe 310-year-old Castillo de San Marcos NationalMonument, allowing you to travel back to the earlySpanish empire in the New World.

For a taste of everything, visit Walt Disney World,where you are bound to find something to pleaseeveryone, from one of Orlando’s best shoppingdistricts to Blizzard Beach or Epcot and AnimalKingdom – not to mention the amazing nightlife!

Useful infoTemperatures Orlando

Dec–Feb 23°C Mar–May 28°C Jun–Aug 33°C Sep–Nov 29°C Average daily maximum - guide only

Currency US dollarwww.xe.com (currency converter)

Further infowww.visitflorida.com/destinations

Getting thereBritish Airways www.ba.comVirgin Atlantic www.virgin-atlantic.com


Flor

ida

www.USvillaRentals.com2 luxury villas, 15 minutes from DisneyWorld, Florida

4 beds/3 baths and 4 beds/2 baths, sleeping up to 10 people each• Large private pool + Jacuzzi • Air-conditioning and fans • Digital TV with Sky Sportsnews • DVD, Hi-fi, Playstation 2 • Broadband internet access • Golf course next door• Discounted car hire and attraction tickets • Help with flights • Late deals + other

villas available (3–6 beds) • From £400 per week • Online enquiry facility

I am a licenced Realtor and can help you buy your own property in FloridaFor advice, brochures, etc. please contact Hilary on 0115 9233906

Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009 15P l e a s e q u o t e C V A w h e n r e p l y i n g t o a d s

Florida


Flor

ida

Vacation Rentalson Beautiful Captiva Island

Photo gallery on our website

www.captiva-island.com001-239-395-2490


Flor

ida


Florida

Picture © Turespaña

About a hundred miles off the east coastof Spain lies a group of islands blessedwith a combination of nature, climate

and culture that has transformed them intotourism giants. The Balearic Islands consist ofMajorca (Mallorca in Spanish), Menorca andIbiza, plus the smaller Formentera andnumerous minor islands. Drenched insunshine, the Balearic Islands boast stunningscenery and sandy beaches, pulsatingnightlife and rural serenity; but perhaps thekey to their success is their individuality:each of the main islands has its ownpeculiar look and feel, and is associatedwith a particular type of holiday.

The Balearic Islands can be found justoff the east coast of Valencia, with theclosest island being 85 km from themainland, whilst the furthest lies 333km away. Various bays, coves andcapes dominate the smooth coastlinebut there are a few ruggedlandscapes and cliffs to be seen.Majorca has the largest mountains

of the islands with somesummits reaching 1,445 metres

(Puig Major) and 1,340metres (Puig de

Massanella).

There are no large rivers on the islands, this is dueto the moderate rainfall, the permeable soil and theactual size of the islands themselves and its waterwaysare dominated by watercourses and torrents. Thesubsoil, however, houses important aquifers that havegiven rise to major caves of extraordinary beauty, thatinclude the Caves of Drach and the Arta Caves inMajorca, and Xoroi Cave in Menorca.

Useful infoTemperatures Palma, Majorca


Currency Eurowww.xe.com (currency converter)

Further infowww.visitbalears.com

Getting thereEasyJet www.easyjet.comIberia www.iberia.com


Maj

orca

Men

orca

Image ©Tenerife Toursim

Most visitors go to the Canary Islandsbecause the weather is reliable, thebeaches are good and the tourist

facilities are fantastic, but there is a whole lotmore to discover on the ‘blessed islands’.

Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro,Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzaroteform the Canary Islands and they lie in a partof the Atlantic Ocean known asMacaronesia, which includes thearchipelagos of Madeira, Salvajes, Azores,Cape Verde and part of Morocco. It’s easyto assume that the Canary Islands are partof Africa with the closest point on theAfrican coast only 210km away fromGran Canaria, but it was in fact Spainwho eventually conquered the CanaryIslands with a long quest between1402–1495.

Throughout the years the CanaryIslands relied on an economy ofsugar cane, wine, cochineal,bananas, tobacco and other

agricultural resources before thetourism boom in the fifties,

which saw holiday-makersflocking to its shores.

They vary dramatically between western andeastern ends of the chain, but all offer a wonderfulclimate throughout the year, which every winterattracts thousands of European weather-fugitives totheir beaches, towns, volcanoes, forests and deserts.

The only problem you have now is deciding whichisland to visit – you can of course island-hop by planeor boat so why not visit them all!

Useful infoTemperatures Sta Cruz, Tenerife



Further infowww.canarias-turismo.com

Getting thereBritish Airways www.ba.comIberia www.iberia.com


Fuer

teve

ntur

aLa

nzar

ote

www.lanzarote4u.com • e-mail: [email protected] • Tel/fax: (0034) 928 51 00 51


LanzaroteTenerife


Tene

rife

www.alandowtenerife.co.uk ★ www.alandowlanzarote.co.uk

www.alandowcyprus.co.uk ★ www.alandowspain.co.uk

★

★

★

★

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TENERIFE ✷ LANZAROTE ✷ CYPRUS ✷ SPAIN ✷ FLORIDA• QUALITY APARTMENTS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES •

PERSONAL SERVICE FOR SHORT & LONG TERM RENTALS FROM THE OWNERContact Alan Dow, email: [email protected]

TENERIFE SOUTH - LA CALETA FISHING VILLAGE - ACCOMMODATES 10

• Five-bedroom villa and two bathrooms• Twenty-minute drive from airport• Sun terraces and swimming pool• 50 metres to shops, cafes and restaurants• 30metres from the sea front

• One mile from Adeje Costa Golf Club,a new 18-hole course and driving range

Contact Mike CarrollTel: 01484 510846 Fax: 01484 425953Email: [email protected]

LOW SEASON £800/WKHIGH SEASON £1300/WK

Image ©Turespaña

In the south west of Spain in the province ofAlicante, the Costa Blanca or 'white coast'is a land of many contrasts with golden

beaches, green valleys, mountains, quaintvillages and over 150km of coastlineoverlooking the beautiful Mediterranean sea.With the sun shining almost all year round, itsnatural landscape makes the Costa Blanca anideal destination for all kinds of sportingactivities, including horse-riding, trekking,bicycle-riding, mountaineering andnumerous water-sports.

On average, seven out of ten visitors tothe Valencian region choose to stay inBenidorm, in order to take advantage ofits irresistible promise of sun and sand.Benidorm is the Costa Blanca’s maintourist resort with the capacity to copewith 300,000 tourists over the peak-season period. Out in the centre ofthe bay, Benidorm Isle can be visitedby taking a boat from the harbour –according to local folklore, thisislet represents the gigantic blockof rock that is missing from the

summit of nearby Mt. PuigCampana.

As you begin to explore

the Costa Blanca, its varied history and culture willbecome evident – owing to early settlements ofRomans, Iberians and the Carthaginians, you willcome across archaeological sites, castles and stone-carved churches.

Just north of Alicante, the 17th-century parishchurch and the Calvario, Santa Ana and San Roquechapels make up the monumental heritage of SanJuan de Alicante.

Useful infoTemperatures Alicante



Further infowww.spain.info

Getting thereBritish Airways www.ba.comEasyJet www.easyjet.com


Cost

a Bl

anca

Image ©Turespaña

Around Malaga to the east of Gibraltar,the Sun Coast has built its success on itswarm air and sea and almost

guaranteed sunshine. Resorts range fromMarbella – with its exclusive marina at PuertoBanús – to Torremolinos; add the dramaticmountain scenery and spectacular cave atNerja and a wealth of sporting options, andthe Costa del Sol emerges as a varied andcomplete holiday destination.

It is the sun and beach tourism that firstdrove the southern Spain tourism industryinto the fast lane, and this is still alive andkicking on the Costa del Sol. The 161 kmof Malaga province coastline is mostlybeach and with most touristaccommodation built close to thebeaches, most of the finest restaurantswithin shouting distance of the beachand the best climate in Europe, it islittle wonder that the beach means somuch to local residents and touristsalike in Malaga.

There are 11 marinas on theCosta del Sol, putting the

region ahead of the rest ofAndalusia in sailing and

watersports facilities. Most of these ports havemagnificent nightlife and top restaurants, with manystylish boutiques and shops of all kinds.

The Costa del Sol is a golfer’s paradise, with over 40clubs, most of them in the western Costa del Sol area,making this the area with the highest concentration ofgolf courses in all of continental Europe.

Useful infoTemperatures Malaga



Further infowww.spain.info

Getting thereBritish Airways www.ba.comRyanair www.ryanair.com


Cost

a de

l Sol


Costa del Sol

Cyprus is the third largest island in theMediterranean Sea and despite being atthe crossroads of three continents, it is a

distinctive place that can feel blissfully apartfrom it all. There are beaches to suit just abouteverybody, from families with small children toseekers of solitude and the Troodos Mountainsoffer an alluring contrast to the coast. Explorethe narrow stone streets of Nicosia for a tasteof history, where crimson flowers cascade fromwindow pots and the aroma of traditionalbaking wafts through open doorways.

Along the route that leads from the portcity of Limassol to Paphos, is a magnificentstretch of coastline where you can swim inthe sea at Petra tou Romiou, whereAphrodite emerged from the sea-foam inancient times. In the Akamas region, hikersexploring the area's rich flora can cool offat the grotto where the love goddessbathed after her amorous interludes!

A tradition of celebration andhospitality is always present in thevibrant seaside town of Limassol.From the Wine Festival inSeptember, to the Carnival inFebruary, music, parades, anddancing is a way of life!

Shopping boutiques,inviting cafés and a palm-

lined promenade lead the way to the Larnaka MedievalMuseum, housed in a 17th Century fort. Not far fromLarnaka is the enchanting village of Lefkara, onceadmired by Leonardo da Vinci for its exquisitehandmade lace.

Life in the southeastern corner of Cyprus revolvesaround the sea, with water sports of all kinds readilyavailable. East to Protaras, glorious beaches spread outunder the sun, while just inland the white-washed townof Paralimni boasts open-air tavernas known for theirsucculent grilled fish.

Image ©Cyprus Tourist Office

Useful infoTemperatures Paphos



Further infowww.visitcyprus.org.cy

Getting thereBritish Airways www.ba.comEasy Jet www.easyjet.com


Cyprus

Aura Holiday Villas are an exclusive groupof 2 and 3 bedroom detached holiday villasin the Coral Bay area of Paphos, Cyprus.

Contact Tel: 00 357 26935373 Mob: 00 357 99385910 Email: [email protected] www.auravillas.com

Each villa has it’s own private swimming pool and balconies, which all enjoy magnificent andunobstructed views of the Mediterranean Sea. They are elegantly designed and have been builtmetres away from secluded sandy beaches and local amenities, such as supermarkets andtavernas. The bus stop is 100 metres away and gives easy access to the popular sandy beach ofCoral Bay, the fun and exciting nightlife of Kato Paphos, and all the shops of Paphos town.

Prices per week – 2 bedroom villaLow season

£330 £550 £990Mid season High season


Cypr

us

LOCATION: CORAL SUNSET VILLAS are located in Coral Bay Area, Peyia near the Town of Paphos,

within walking distance ( 10 mins) from the most famous sandy beach in Paphos.Coral Bay and the

shopping center with its restaurants, pubs, supermarkets, souvenir shops and Banks.

THE VILLAS: CORAL SUNSET VILLAS consist of four Luxurious Villas, two of two bedroom

and two of three bedroom villa.They are fully furnished, equipped with private swimming

pool, air-conditioned (cool and heat) and a lot of green surrounding areas.

THREE BEDROOM VILLA: Can sleep 6–7. TWO BEDROOM VILLA: Can sleep 4–5.

LUXURIOUS VILLAS FOR HOLIDAYS IN STYLE AT CORAL BAY AREA

CONTACT CHRISTAKIS AIPAVLITIS TEL: 0035726622165 FAX: 0035726621321EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: http://www.pafos-villas.com/ In Cyprus pounds PER VILLA PER WEEK

3 Bedroom Villas

LOW MED HIGH

280 490 700

210 420 6302 Bedroom Villas

France is the biggest country in westernEurope, and also one of the most diverse. Ithas oceanic, continental and Mediterranean

climates, soaring mountains (including Europe’shighest), rugged plateaux, dense forests, sun-drenched vineyards and olive groves, sweepingplains traversed by great rivers, and mile uponmile of beaches on three different seas. It hasdiverse regions, with their own distinctivecultures and languages. It has ancient cities fullof architectural splendour, juxtaposed with thesharpest of modern technology and design. Ithas some of the world’s greatest art treasures,dating from the Stone Age to the present day.Above all, though, France has a certainapproach to life that makes time spent herespecial and unique.

You could have a hundred differentholidays in France. Brittany and Normandyoffer rural charm and unforgettable placeslike Rouen and the Mont St Michel. TheLoire Valley is lined with vineyards andchâteaux, and the wild Atlantic coastruns south to the great wine-producingregion of Bordeaux. The east hasmedieval charm and splendour inthe half-timbered towns of theRhineland and magnificent

cathedrals like Rheims, whilefurther south lie the mountains

of the Jura and Savoy, the

inimitable Provence, and the glitz of the Côte d’Azur. Theinterior offers unspoilt landscapes such as the ever-popular Dordogne. And then there are the cities. Parishardly needs any introduction; Lyons and Marseilles areneglected by comparison, as are many other beautifuland distinctive French cities.

France also has hundreds of miles of coastline; fromthe picture-postcard Channel resorts to the crashingbreakers of the west coast and the sun-drenched chic ofthe south, France is never short of a beach. In short,France has everything.

Useful infoTemperatures Bordeaux



Further infowww.uk.franceguide.com

Getting thereEasyJet www.easyjet.comAir France www.airfrance.co.uk


Fran

ce

THE CÔTE D’AZURAND PROVENCE SPECIALISTUnique Collection of Handpicked Villas

and Country HousesENQUIRIES / RESERVATIONS

020 8878 9955www.balfourfrance.com

Greece is such an ancient place that, likeEgypt, it has two different images in theBritish mind: one is of the cradle of

European civilisation, where philosophy, dramaand mathematics took shape, and democracywas born; the other is of a maze of sun-drenched islands and whitewashed villages, aland of kebabs, feta cheese, ouzo and plate-smashing restaurateurs.

Of these two images, it is mainly the latterthat has tourists flocking here. Athens willalways hold a fascination as long as thetimeless edifices of the Acropolis look downon the city; but it is the beaches of Corfu andCrete, Rhodes, Zante and Kos that leadtourism in Greece. This country is no longerthe preserve of backpacking students,having risen to rival Spain in the sun-and-sand market.

Island-hopping is a favourite way forholidaymakers to savour the delights ofthis scattered country with as muchcoastline as the much larger France.The islands split into geographicalgroups. For example, theDodecanese, including Rhodes,Kos and Patmos, are close to

Turkey, while the Ionian groupin the west have an Italian

flavour; one of these,

Cephalonia, enjoyed a surge in popularity afterfeaturing in the novel and film Captain Corelli’sMandolin, while Corfu is an established packagefavourite.

Some parts of Greece now enjoy such popularitythat they put some people off; but there are so manyhidden corners of this ancient and fragmented landthat there is still plenty of scope for those who look forquiet seclusion, as well as those who want their holidayto be a fully-catered, full-on party.

Useful infoTemperatures Corfu Town



Further infowww.gnto.co.uk

Getting thereAir Scotland www.air-scotland.comBritish Airways www.britishairways.com


Gre

ece

Italy is not just a place; Italy is a world-famouscuisine, the most glamorous cars, footballinglegends, and some of the most beautiful art,

music and architecture the world has ever seen,as well as one of its greatest empires and mostinfluential languages.

The country traditionally divides into threemainland areas, plus the islands of Sicily andSardinia. The north is the industrial andcommercial powerhouse of the nation, andboasts many fascinating cities, including theregion’s largest, Milan and Turin, as well assuch delights as Venice, Verona and Mantua.Ringed by the Alps, it also features somespectacular scenery – most famously theItalian Lakes that stretch from Switzerlandsouth-east into Venetia – and the resorts ofthe Ligurian coast, known as the ItalianRiviera.

The south, known as the Mezzogiorno,is a poor, rural area dominated byNaples; as well as being anunforgettable city in itself, it has theadded attraction of nearby MountVesuvius and the excavations atPompeii and Herculaneum.

There are other parts of thisregion that remain relatively

undiscovered, notably Puglia

at the ‘heel’ of the peninsula.

Between north and south lies the Italy that has becomethe beloved haunt of such distinguished tourists as TonyBlair and his family. This is the cradle of the RomanEmpire and the Renaissance, achievements whoselegacy suffuses the region; but it is also where you willfind the archetypal Italian landscape of rugged, shrub-strewn hills dozing in the golden light.

Useful infoTemperatures Rome



Further infowww.italiantouristboard.co.uk

Getting thereEasyJet www.easyjet.comAlitalia www.alitalia.com


Ital

y

HOUSES IN TUSCANY Exclusive Private Villas With & Without PoolHouses in Tuscany offers high quality privately owned cottages and villas, with and without pools, for sale and self-catering summer rental.

Many are situated in the beautiful Garfagnana Valley in northern Tuscany, near Lucca. Its isolated position, away from the crowdedmain roads, has allowed the area to retain its unique natural beauty and culture.

Properties for rental range from cosy one bedroom cottages to five bedroom luxury villas. All properties have outside eating areas,where you can relax and sample some traditional Italian food whilst enjoying the picturesque scenery of the surrounding valley.Also for sale traditional Tuscan properties and large farming estates to be restored.

www.housesintuscany.net [email protected] Tel/Fax 0039 0583644027 or 0039 3473681090

At the south-western extremity of Europe,Portugal’s history and culture areinseparable from the sea. Once a great

imperial power, it is now better known forsunshine, golf and fortified wine. The Costade Prata, the Estoril coast and Costa Azul allcompete for the attention of tourists, but bestknown are the beaches and year-roundsunshine of the Algarve in the far south.Nature has blessed Portugal’s 850 km ofcoastline with a bit of everything, fromenchanting beaches to varied, breath-takingcountryside and the Atlantic coast is prizedby surfers and windsurfers across Europe.

The coastal towns are also rich inPortuguese heritage, discover thecolourful seafaring and fishing traditionsand end your day by sampling some ofthe finest fresh fish in the world.

Lisbon is the Atlantic capital,blessed with natural beauty andsteeped in fascinating history andthe only European capital withAtlantic beaches. Take the trainalong the north bank of the

Tagus estuary and discovermiles of golden sandy

beaches. The beaches of

Estoril and Cascais are home to a number of royalcastles – a stunning legacy of the times when thekings of Portugal spent their summers there. Lisbonalso has a rich and colourful seafaring heritage, in the16th century, ships set sail from the beaches of theRiver Tagus to chart a route to far-off India. The city’spassion for the sea continues to this day, visit theParque das Nações and you’ll discover Europe’slargest aquarium.

Useful infoTemperatures Faro, Algarve



Further infowww.visitportugal.com

Getting thereEasyJet www.easyjet.comTAP Air Portugal www.tap-airportugal.co.uk


Port

ugal

Contact Hugh Cross Tel: 020 7823 2032 (office hours)or 020 7834 0277 Email: [email protected]

Casa Martin, Nr Loulé Sympathetically converted farmhouse in peaceful, ruralsurroundings with private swimming pool and terraces.Five mins by car from charming market town of Loulé,excellent for shopping and dining.Faro airport and the coast 20-min drive. Car hire isessential. 1 double and 1 twin bedroom, large showerroom and comfortable lounge. Fully-equipped kitchenand dining room. Wood fire and electric radiators.Situated on high ground amongst fields of almond,olive and fig trees with coastal views. Shady tiledcovered terrace, large built-in barbecue with tileddining table and benches.Accommodates 2–4. Prices from £350/wk.


Portugal


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Telephone: 0845 045 0152

www.charterflights.co.uk

• Discount Flights Worldwide • Car Hire

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DESTINATIONS • Balearics • Canaries

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LOOK NO FURTHERFOR THE HOLIDAY HOME OF YOUR DREAMS!Now all properties for sale are collected together intheir own special section. From here to the backcover: nothing but villas and apartments for sale.Separated into easy-to-use country sections withfabulous properties from all around the world.

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‘BEST BUYS’ on the Spanish Costas

Tel/Fax: 0034 965 320024 E-mail: [email protected] A ROOKEIndependent Property Consultant

www.villavalue.com


Choice Villas & Apartments April 09

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Transcript of Choice Villas & Apartments April 09