Showing posts with label mediterranean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mediterranean. Show all posts

Monday, May 12, 2014

What To Expect In Your Travel To Morocco

By Jaclyn Hurley

For most tourists, Morocco is one of the countries anyone would want to visit. Even though it has a long history of Spanish and French colonization, most of its towns have dearly guarded their culture, making it more interesting. You can feel the presence of their past culture in towns like Fez, with lifestyle here influenced by the Berber traditions which existed during the original Moroccan kingdom. Notably, the geographical appearance of this country is fascinating, characterized by mountain ranges, Mediterranean coast and a stretch of empty sand of the Sahara. This gives a tourist all the reasons they need to travel to Morocco for an exciting experience in this country.

For once, you can be sure that you will have plenty of interesting scenery and other attractions to enjoy. From mountain ranges, to vast sand of the Sahara desert, you will gain enough reasons to thank yourself for visiting this country. Of importance is to understand a few aspects about the area, to avoid getting a culture shock once there.

An understanding of your destination before going can also save you from possible culture shock. An important aspect about the region you should note is the language. Arabic is the prominent language here. You are likely to hear many people throw in some words in Arabic even when addressing visitors, which they do mostly in French, English and Spanish.

However, it is a beautiful country with peaceful people and you do not have to worry about your safety as you walk around. At the same time, this is a very peaceful country thanks to the continuing political, social and economic reforms undertaken by His Majesty, King Mohammed VI. Such factors have actually increased the rate of visitors in the region.

Tourists have plenty of fun activities to take part in. One can choose to enjoy hiking at the Atlas Mountains, try their hand at fishing, visit the Mediterranean coastal beaches, or take part in Sahara excursions. Those looking for a quite time to unwind can stay in different resorts in Fez and other towns. Of importance is that people with different preferences will find something enjoyable to do in their visit to Morocco. The Moroccans are kind, hospitable and generous, making any visitor refreshed by interacting with them.

If you visit during the summer, the best places to hang around would be the coast and mountains. Avoid the desert, as it can be disturbingly hot, especially in the month of July and August. During spring, which comes around April and May, you will enjoy your time in most of the areas. The south, Atlantic coasts, the Mediterranean, and mountains experience a summer climate during this time.

It gets extremely cold in the deserts at night during winter, but they may be a favorable place to visit at daytime. Of importance is to choose a hotel that has proper heating to take care of the cold nights. Cheaper hotels may lack such facilities. Make sure to ask before checking in.

Before travelling to Morocco, take note of the Islamic religious calendar. Their religious celebrations like Ramadan can affect daily schedules leaving tourists stranded. For instance, if depending on public transport, you may hardly travel in daytime during this one month day fasting.


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Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Why Ionian Sailing Holidays Might Be An Option

You sit there in your car with rain streaking your windscreen, and the hoarding at the traffic lights promises endless blue skies, baking sun and bath-warm sea water. As the light remains on red, its bright, sharp circle is blotted and streamed with English rain - but all you see is the brilliant yellow sun promised by one of those Ionian sailing holidays.

The happy faces on the billboard suggest that going on Ionian sailing holidays might be truly thrilling, jolly experiences. Clear green blue water suspends a blinding white sailing boat, aboard which happy family members smile or leap into the inviting Ionian Sea.

A car beeps from behind you and you realise it's time to move off. As the day goes on you turn over the possibilities offered by Ionian sailing holidays. Remembering that most persuasive of adverts, you toy with the idea of that beautiful Greek coastal region - a place where the world of work seems never to have existed.

The heavy lead lining of English cloud which protects the damp natives from, well, a decent a tan - reminds you that it would be a stroke of genius to book one of those Ionian sailing holidays as soon as possible. You start ticking boxes mentally, why on earth you should spend that money. Those boxes get ticked very quickly.

Ok, Ionian sailing holidays - like many other sailing holidays out there - cost a bit, but perhaps that is one of the only drawbacks. As with similar holidays, a good deal of hot sun is guaranteed. Then there is the food of course. Great food is something that you would find across the northern Mediterranean coast; in Spain, Italy, France - and in indeed in Greece. Spanish omelettes, Italian pizzas, French cuisines of all kinds - and those full, juicy Greek olives, just begging to be skewered and devoured - they're all possibilities for a sailing break in this most pleasure focussed of geographical regions.

Ionian sailing holidays would presumably offer as much humus as one would require - and as much mouth watering feta cheese and refreshing Greek salad, as you could possibly pack on to your boat. And, like much of this region, Greece offers a superb range of historic attractions to enjoy, if you for some reason get tired of lounging around on a boat in the warm, glassy blue Ionian waters.

Discovering the long Ionian history is the rapidly melting icing on the Greek cake, laid out on a red white chequered table cloth on your deck, as a light Greek breeze rustles your hair, and you consider sliding into that beautiful ancient sea again. Ionian sailing holidays across this area offer a true escape from routine life - as do the many other great sailing holidays available in the Mediterranean, where broad azure skies and golden sunshine comes as standard.

Anna Stenning is an expert on Ionian sailing holidays, having been involved in the Mediterranean holiday industry for many years. For more information visit http://www.nisosyachtcharter.com/

Monday, May 11, 2009

Cagliari, Sardinia: A Mediterranean Gem

Cagliari is the capital city of Sardinia, which is a region of Italy. There are about 160,000 people that live directly in the city, but over half a million live in the entire metropolitan area suburbs. This city is rich in history and culture, and is one of the premier tourist destinations in Sardinia.

The oldest part of Cagliari sits on a hill and has a beautiful view of Angels Gulf. Most of the city's walls are still standing and you can find two beautiful limestone towers. These two towers, St. Pancra and The Elephant Tower, are intact and add a simple elegance to the city. This white limestone was used to build many of the buildings found in Cagliari, as well as the city walls.

In 1930, the Cathedral was restored to more of its original appearance. The Baroque exterior was transformed back to a Medieval Pisan faade. The bell tower is completely original. This Cathedral has been referred to repeatedly in literature and artistic song for the alabaster beauty from the limestone walls.
Architectural Wonders of Cagliari, Sardinia

To the people of Sardinia, the Basilica di San Saurnino is the most important monument in the entire island. The Basilica is dedicated to the memory of Santurninus of Cagliari, a martyr that was killed during Diocletian's reign. It was build during the fifth century and only the center part remains. There are crypts and a necropolis located nearby as well.
Another popular tourist attraction in Sardinia is the Roman Amphitheater. It was actually carved into the face of a hill made of limestone. Built between the first and eleventh century, the amphitheater could seat ten thousand people. Many tourists mistakenly think that this piece of Roman architecture is located in Rome.

The Sardinian Archaeological Museum is in Cagliari and is the biggest and most important representation of the Nuragic civilization. This museum has several bronze sculptures that are worth the trip to see.
Other Wonders of Cagliari, Sardinia
Cagliari has many winding, narrow streets, so transportation is somewhat tedious. However, you will find several craftsmen workshops down these scenic lanes. Tourists often flock to these workshops in search of carpentry, weaving, ceramics, and jewelry items. The skills needed to create such items have been passed down through the generations.

If you are planning a vacation to Cagliari, you will find accommodations for just about any taste and budget. There are hotels, bed and breakfasts, and even holiday houses. You can find a room directly on the beach, or back into the center of the city. There are many festivals each year in Cagliari, and they draw thousands of visitors. Many are religious in nature, but several recognize the hard work of the people that live on Sardinia.

Diving, horseback riding, bicycling, and hiking are some of the most popular pastimes in Cagliari. Sardinia is breathtaking and you will find some great scenic views, no matter where you are on the island.

For those of you that want to experience Cagliari, Sardinia, there are many websites that are dedicated to help you find the best in accommodations and travel options. You will also find that many of the hotels offer diving and sailing excursions, as well as lessons. There many fine restaurants, some of which are world-renowned for their gourmet food. There is also the largest open air market in Sardinia, and this is truly something to experience.

Cagliari is truly a great vacation destination and you are sure to find something that tickles your fancy. If you simply want to relax, there are white sand beaches to enjoy. The locals are warm and friendly and you will be glad that you picked Cagliari, Sardinia for your next vacation holiday.

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Thursday, May 7, 2009

Larnaca: Gateway to Cyprus and Holiday Paradise

For tourists, there's more to Larnaca than sun and surf, though these certainly aren't bad reasons to visit. The city of Larnaca on the island of Cyprus, known as 'the international gateway to Cyprus,' is rich with grand history and beautiful sights. Its eclectic mix of old and new makes it a worthwhile addition to every traveler's list of places to visit.

Larnaca is located on the southeastern coast of the Republic of Cyprus. It is home to the island's largest international airport. This makes it a natural tourist destination, as well as a starting point for visitors who want to explore other parts of the island.

Larnaca, in addition to its international airport status, is also Cyprus' second largest port. It is well known for its pristine and captivating seafront. It's home to the Larnaca Marina, one of the island's four official seaports. If Larnaca is the "gateway to Cyprus," then the Larnaca Marina is the "window" on Larnaca. The busy port boasts a quaint village bustling with constant activity.

The city is actually one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. It was first settled by the Phoenicians. It is referred to in the Hebrew Old Testament, dating it back to somewhere in the first few centuries B.C. Originally known as "Kittim," the city's name was also interchangeable at the time with the whole island of Cyprus. It was also interchangeable in early Hebrew literature with non-Jewish cultures like the Romans, Macedonians and Assyrians.

Not only is it one of the oldest inhabited cities; it is also one of the oldest ports. The Hebrew Old Testament also makes reference to the "ships of Kittim" in the book of Daniel. Even in Biblical times the city was an important port and meeting place worthy of mention in history.

Larnaca is a veritable cornucopia of history, and evidence of its past civilizations still lies buried all over the city. Visitors to the region can view many of its unearthed artifacts housed at the six museums in Larnaca. The artifacts are a testament to the many cultures that have shaped the city and contributed to its current flavor.

The city is famous for its many cultural events. Festivals take place frequently and regularly. One its most well-known is Kataklysmos (Cataclysm) or Festival of the Flood, a three week festival that takes place on the seashore. Kataklysmos and other local festivals usually encompass music and dancing and, of course, food.

Speaking of food, traditional cuisine is a big part of the local culture. Visitors to the city will find a dazzling array of both traditional and modern cuisine and restaurants in the region. Many dishes combine old world Mediterranean spices, meats and seafood with modern ingredients and technology for dishes that are uniquely "Cyprus."

Ancient ruins are as plentiful as modern structures and even non-history buffs find these fascinating to visit. The ruins of ancient Kition are home to what remain of five temples from the 13th century. The area is also home to a number of stately and magnificent centuries-old churches, like the Church of Ayios Lazaros.

Larnaca is located centrally in proximity to a number of day trip and excursion areas. Ecologists and novice archaeologists can stay in the city and travel to more remote locations during the day to take in some of Cyprus' other sites. Its proximity to so much of nature and history is one of the many things that make Larnaca Cyprus' "gateway."

More details about the island of Cyprus are at http://www.yourcyprus.info

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Things To Do On Holiday In Cyprus

Cyprus is a great island that attracts families looking to stay in holiday villas or self catering holiday apartments. People love to spend their vacation at this travel destination with their family and friends in order to have a time of complete joy and excitement.

The best part about Cyprus is that its tourist attractions are well located and distributed all around the beautiful island. The old-fashioned bars, cafes and taverns are simply amazing to visit if one wishes to have simple services.

All the nature lovers can conveniently enjoy the scenic and outstanding beauty of Cyprus by walking on the outstanding trails in the Akamas Peninsula and Troodos Mountains. Even the churches and monasteries of Cyprus are great places to visit such as Trooditissa, Ayios Ioannis, Kykko Monastery, Byzantine churches and Machairas.

The first and foremost thing that the travelers will surely love in Cyprus is snowboarding and skiing. Cyprus is soon becoming the established destination for exciting winter sports.

Skiing on the Mount Olympus is a great way to spend your time in eth beautiful natural landscapes of Cyprus along with enjoying your favorite activity. The Mount Olympus offers 4 ski-lifts and the Troodos Mountains are famous for providing exceptional winter sports.

Watersports is another thing that can keep you busy while holidaying in Cyprus. Opportunities about this island for the lovers of activities like swimming, paragliding and windsurfing.

Some of the recommended beaches include Dasoudi, Larnaca and Geroskipou. Scuba diving, diving and sailing are also open for the adventure lovers at certain locations. Also, it is best to spend a day with your loved ones on some of the magnificent and scintillating beaches of Cyprus.

The island offers peaceful conditions for each type of water sport. There is outstanding snorkeling option as well, particularly around the Cape Greko.

The third important thing that the travelers can enjoy in Cyprus is that of cycling. It serves as the effective as well as cheap way of watching serene atmosphere and scenic beauty of the island. Facilities to rent bicycles are easily available in the resorts and towns. The terrain of Cyprus offers various choices for mountain biking option.

In addition, trekking and hiking is one of the other great facilities that the travelers can take pleasure in while vacationing in this island. There are various unspoilt areas that serve as the perfect lands for hiking.

Some of the advisable nature trails are Kaledonia, Persephone and Atalante in Troodos region and Adonis and Aphrodite in the Akamas region, with other marvelous trails in Limassol and Machairas forests.

Needless to say, the events and festivals of Cyprus are simply amazing. The Carnival is widely celebrated with joy in almost all the towns of Cyprus. A week of entertainment is enjoyed accompanied by the orchestras, marching bands and serenading singers.

Birdwatching is another event that is taken with due interest. Cyprus serves as a brilliant destination for birdwatching as it as about 350 different bird species including the huge flocks to small clusters. Other must-watch events and festivals include Children's Festival, Cyprus International Fair, Greek Independence Day and Anthestiria Flower Festival.

There is so much do and see when on holiday in Cyprus and one of the best ways to enjoy this beautiful island is for families to rent holiday villas or self catering holiday apartments.

By renting holiday accommodation in Cyprus you are able to sample the local food and culture. Many families choose self catering holiday accommodation in Cyprus and come back to this great holiday destination many times.

Andrew Gibson is MD of http://www.Directholidaybookings.co.uk. They have a great selection of holiday cottages to rent in Cornwall.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Take Time Out On Zante

The island of Zakynthos, or Zante, is the third largest of the Ionian Islands and is a popular destination with budget holiday-makers. Renowned for its beauty and tourist-friendly locals, Zakynthos is blessed with a sunny climate for most of the year, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in the summer months.

The months of May, June and September are probably the most comfortable months to go, as the temperature is hot but not extreme, and flight operators are recognising this by offering a host of cheap holidays.

This beautiful island has a host of beaches for holiday-makers who just want to soak up the sun and laze in the calm, crystal-clear waters. Resorts such as Kalamaki, Argassi and Keri are popular with tourists while the bay of Laganas provides a range of facilities during the summer months.

Zakynthos is also a good holiday location in terms of both service and accommodation and offers higher standards of food than the majority of budget destinations. The local cheeses and cold meats in the mountain villages are not to be missed and visitors routinely take home as many bottles of the region's medium dry wines as they can.

Zante town, the capital, is home to the vast majority of the island's 35,000 inhabitants and is in fact the only place on the island where there are more locals than tourists! The town offers a variety of shops, tavernas and bars as well as a good selection of hotels close to the harbour.

The majority of the island was devastated in 1953 by an earthquake and much of the capital was destroyed. Since then, buildings have largely been built in traditional Venetian style, a reminder that the island was ruled by Venice for 400 years. It was also the Venetians that introduced olive trees to the Ionian Islands.

The Greek Islands are renowned for their much-celebrated festivals, and the main one on Zakynthos is St Dionysios' Day, when the patron saint of the island is commemorated by parading his body around the streets in a glass coffin.

Religion is never far away on Zakynthos and the island's monasteries should definitely be on your list of places to visit during your stay. Getting around the island is easy as taxis are easy to find and cheaper than here in the UK. However, as with all foreign destinations, it is advisable to ask how much the journey will cost before setting out.

For those holiday-makers who prefer to come out to play at night, Laganas provides a range of entertainment that continues well into the following day, although it's a good idea to catch happy hour before 11:00pm as the drinks can sometimes be quite pricy. The clubs do not charge for entry however, so nights out will still be well within your budget.

Zakynthos is an ideal destination for some pre-summer sun and, with several cheap flights, hotel deals and package holidays to be snapped up, there's no excuse for not checking your diary and booking yourself a get-away break on this Greek holiday island.

For those holiday-makers who prefer to come out to play at night, Laganas provides a range of entertainment that continues well into the following day, although it's a good idea to catch happy hour before 11:00pm as the drinks can sometimes be quite pricy. The clubs do not charge for entry however, so nights out will still be well within your budget.

David Brice was writing on behalf Discover the Greek islands, the cheap holidays specialist. Their website is http://www.discovergreekislands.co.uk

Friday, November 21, 2008

A Guide To Taking Ionian Sailing Holidays

The Greek islands are a popular destination for many holiday makers whether you are single or travelling with family, in a group or with a partner. Ionian sailing holidays are a popular choice for many people, whether they are travelling on a chartered yacht or a skippered boat or even bareboat, this provides a trip across the Mediterranean seas that much more satisfying. This allows the crew to really take in the scenery and view the splendours of the island, as opposed to viewing from a far in the window of an aeroplane.

An Ionian sailing holiday is more suitable for a family looking experience the joys of swimming in the sea whilst travelling to nearby beaches and landmarks. The Ionian Islands are a group of islands situated in the Western portion of Greece. These are located on the Ionian Sea, with the main islands being Paxos, Ithaca, Lefkas, Corfu, Cephalonia, Cythera and Zacynthus. These are also located by the coasts of Peloponnesus and Epirus.

Ionian sailing holidays enable people to become familiar with the island and its history. Some skippered yachts cater for travelling information and provide tourism information that may be of interest to many of the travellers. The Ionian Islands hold much more than glorious views and beautiful scenic spots that encourage tourists to fall in love with the surrounding beauty. Its rich history provide an insight into why this is one of the most popular holiday destination and why it has continued to impress people all over the world.

The first inhabitants of the island were the Ancient Greeks who had arrived around the 9th or 10th century BC. It was later then conquered by outside Western Civilisations, namely the Romans in 146 BC, Byzantium 300 AD and the Venetian Empires in 1204 AD. The island was then acquired by other countries such as Russia in 1799, France in 1807 and then by the British in 1815. It was then conceded to the Greeks in 1864 making it the country's official territory and claiming the island.

Since the time of its eventful history, the Ionian Islands have seen much tourism and support of officials of being a Greek island and accepting it as its own since the time of the early settlers. The islands are more traditionally known as Eptanisa, which is translated as the Seven Islands due to the main seven islands that make up for the Ionian Islands. Its mild to hot climate has seen many holiday makers put this above all other holiday destinations.

The islands became one of Greece's most visited yacht charter holiday, because of its attractive ports, open space for motor sailing, bareboat sailing, yacht chartering and flotilla manoeuvring. Due to its calm and tranquil sea the island makes for a good spot for sailing for beginners and families. Skilled sailors can also enjoy the vibrant culture, relaxed warm climate, endure good use of space for using their skills and take advantage of the numerous harbours and docks which are often used as charter bases.

Anna Stenning enjoys going on Ionian sailing holidays, because it gives her more opportunities to learn about its Ancient history. For more information on the holiday http://www.nisosyachtcharter.com/

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Visiting Greece in the Winter

Vacationing in Greece is a pleasure in any season. Most folks opt to visit Greece during the summer months, when the sun is high and the surf is warm. But little do people know that a visit to Greece during the winter months can be equally as exciting and fulfilling, and even more steeped in pure Greek culture.

The benefits of visiting Greece in the winter months (considered December through March) are that while most of the other tourists are off vacationing elsewhere, those who call Greece their home embrace the off-season tourists with a first-hand look at what it means to be Greek.

For those of us who enjoy a little less of the tourism factor in our vacations, Greece in the winter is the ideal get-away. Hiking, biking, any exploration of nature is easier now, with the slightly cooler weather, and the number of other tourists at a minimum. Winter is the time to delight in the food the locals savor, to enjoy the nightlife known only to the locals and to participate in some activities and celebrations the locals relish only with their own.

Skiing in Greece is an after thought, or nonexistent one for most looking to vacation, while in fact, Greece provides some of the best skiing mountains in the world. Macedonia, Pelion, the Peloponnesus, Pelion and other cities to the north have ski centers and chalet type buildings in the mountains that provide ski lifts for downhill as well as cross-country runs.

Because Greece is blessed with such a temperate climate and beautiful natural environment, sailing in the winter is also a preferred sport by some. The cooler weather and less hustle and bustle from tourist crowds make it easier and even more enjoyable to sail and enjoy the natural surroundings. Whether it is bird watching, or ruins exploration.

Island culture abounds in the winter months, when tourists do not outnumber the locals. The usual tourist spots that are open in the summer months tend to close come wintertime. This means that the establishments that are open, are regular spots the locals visit. In turn, this generally means better Greek food to enjoy, and better yet, deeper, richer Greek culture including dog slide races, river wild rafting, and Alpine skiing.

Another great positive for enjoying Greece in the off-season, is of course, the lower rates. Traveling over seas is already costly enough, but if Greece is calling you, add lower rates on everything from airfare to hotel rates to the list of positives.

Apokreas, or carnival season, takes place in Greece around the end of February. The island of Skyros, Athens and Patras hold huge celebrations at this time of year. Apokreas refers to the time right before the 40 days of fasting before Easter begins. This involves feasting, celebrating, drinking and dancing - every night. What better way to see Greece than during this time, when many locals are celebrating more than they do the rest of the year?

More reasons to enjoy Greece in the wintertime is that ferries are always running to and from the mainland to the islands. If the weather becomes questionable or nasty, travel may become difficult, but for the most part, winter weather still tends to be quite exceptional.

The ruins are much more enjoyable to visit during the winter. The crowds are not in place, and neither is the heat. So it is easy to linger among the ruins, such as the Acropolis, the monasteries on top of the rock towers in Meteora or the Oracle of Delphi. One of the most amazing views of Athens can be seen from the Acropolis at sunset. Part of the reasoning behind visiting Greece is, no doubt, to explore the history of the native land, and the ancient ruins, so why would not someone want to take as much time as possible?

The picking of olives and production of olive oil is an important aspect of living in Greece. Homer referred to it as a "liquid gold" which is more a true statement today then he could have ever believed. A full 60% of Greece's cultivated land is devoted to growing olives. The fruit is hand picked by families and even relatives and neighbors join in on the fun. Since this process generally starts toward the end of the year, those visiting Greece during the winter can help pick olives themselves, and really be a part of Greek family traditions.

With so many reasons to visit Greece during the winter months, how could anyone who is thinking of planning a trip not be seduced by the history and natural beauty that are in abundance in this amazing Mediterranean country.

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Two New Marinas for Cyprus

Cyprus is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey and north of Egypt. More than 2.4 million tourists per year enjoy vacations in one of the many cities and towns on Cyprus. The unique cuisine of Cyprus is one of the many attractions. One Cyprus-original recipe called Halloumi consists of cheese made from goat and sheep milk is commonly served sliced and grilled. Popular seafood dishes include calamari and octopus in red wine.

Some locals worry that the newly announced marinas, Limassol and Coral Bay, will have a detrimental effect on the local property market. In fact, it is projected that the new marinas will have quite the opposite effect. Existing properties have experienced some growth in the past few years. The addition of these marinas with moorings for about 2,000 boats is only the beginning of improvements in the near future for Cyprus.

Limassol Marina

The Limassol Marina is one of two large marinas soon to be under construction in Cyprus. Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus with a population of nearly 180,000. Located on the southern side of the island, Limassol is the perfect scenic location for a marina meeting the quality standards of the proposed marina. The Limassol Marina will consist of 1,000 berths for small to large yachts docking in Akrotiri Bay.

Coral Bay Marina

The Peyia municipality, more specifically Coral Bay, will be home to the new Coral Bay Marina. Coral Bay is located about 6km north of Paphos. This beach-front area is already home to several hotels and is considered to be one of the best beaches in Cyprus. Like the Limassol Marina, Coral Bay Marina will consist of 1,000 berths for small to large yachts docking in the Mediterranean Sea.

New Marinas in Cyprus

Only the most experienced operators will be hired to work the two newest marinas. Quality and luxury are the primary goals. Each new marina will be enhanced with luxury residential properties, shopping areas, restaurants, bars and hotels. The addition of the Limassol and Coral Bay Marinas is expected to bring with it a boom of tourism. The changes won't happen immediately of course. The marinas and all other luxurious accommodations and activities are due to be complete in 2011.

Golf Courses in Cyprus

Cyprus is currently home to three golf courses. The Aphrodite Hills Golf Club is a short drive from the Paphos-Limassol motorway and overlooks the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. The Secret Valley Golf Club is also located near the birthplace of Aphrodite, Petra tou Romiou. The valley's beautifully landscaped gardens help bring out the beauty of the natural rock formations. The Tsada Golf Club is on the grounds of a magnificent 12th century monastery near Tsada village.

The addition of the marinas also includes ten new golf courses. Several of the new courses will be championship quality. Six of the new courses will be in the Paphos region. One PGA international standard course will be constructed just outside Paphos. In all, the investment is 300 million Euros.

Luxury Property in Cyprus

A wide variety of luxury property is already available in Cyprus. Construction on new properties, restaurants, bars, hotels and shopping areas will begin in the coming months. Some of the luxury accommodations include 5-star hotels, luxury villas and apartments. Restaurants will range from delis and sidewalk cafes to dine-in restaurants with a variety of local and international cuisine.

A travel guide for Cyprus holidays is available at http://www.yourcyprus.info