Santorini Car Hire ? Explore The Island Of Santorini

The Santorini Island is popular for its long history, volcanic landscape of different shape, deep blue sea, live volcano, spectacular climatic condition, breath taking sunsets and many more. Santorini can be reached in two ways as follows

1) The Santorini can be reached from most of the international airport Via Athens

2) Another way to reach this Island by ferry service from the port of Piraeus, Thessaloniki or Crete and almost all the Cycladic islands

Santorini At a Glance – Explore the island of Santorini Explore the Beautiful beaches In Santorini

Travel around the Santorini beaches has been a great experience for visitors from all over the world. The Santorini Beaches are extremely beautiful for deep blue crystal clear water with spectacular white, red and black sand. Perissa, Kamari, Red beach and Monolithos Beach are regarded as the most Popular beaches in Santorini. The visitors also can find few other beaches such as Cape Columbo, Vlychada, Monolithos Beach, Paradise Beach, Ammoudi, Perivolos Vourvoulos Beach, Agios Georgios, and Baxedes Beach.

Santorini Villages with unique characters and style

Santorini Villages are exceptionally beautiful with unique character and style. The villages of Santorini also regarded as most beautiful and popular villages in Greece. Among all village’ Fira and Oia are the most popular and very touristy, always flooded with tourists. If you are looking for beach resort then Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos are suitable for you. Fira is the capital of Santorini

Things To Do In Santorini

There are so many things to do and enjoy in Santorini for the visitors. Every enjoyable arrangement is there in Santorini to make the vacation tour unforgettable and enjoyable for tourists. For visitors enjoyment Santorini is offering Water sports, Sun umbrellas, Restaurants, Nightclubs, Beach resorts, Traditional Tavernas, Bars and many more

Enjoy Mule / Donkey riding

Riding donkeys and Mules are one of the great experiences for the visitors in Santorini Island. Often visitors go up to the town of Fira by donkey or Mule riding. By paying small money the visitors can take the amazing experience of mule or donkey riding

Santorini Sunset – The breath taking Views

Sunset of Santorini are the most beautiful, which can be found nowhere. People come from all end of the world to view this breath taking and unforgettable sunsets. This is the most romantic sunset. Special arrangements are there by various hotels for the couples to view this romantic sunset.

Experience the cable cars

Traveling with cable cars by viewing the Santorini scenery is another attraction for the visitors. If you are a photographer then keep you camera ready to store all the beauty. Within three minutes you can reach the amazing town of Fira with the help of cable car

Travel the museums

If you are very much interested to know about the rich culture and long history of Santorini then don’t forget to spend some time in Santorini museums. The popular Santorini museums are – The Archaeological Museum, Museum of Prehistoric Thira, The Naval Museum, Akrotiri Excavations, The Folklore Museum, Santorini Wine Museum, The Megaron Gyzi and The Folklore Museum

The Best Locations For Travelers to Watch Sunsets – Holiday Rentals News

There are many tourist destinations and each offers points of interest for all kinds of people. Some travelers decide on a location specifically for one purpose such as going to the beach, playing golf, visiting museums, dining at good restaurants or simply enjoying nature.

Luxury Santorini Holiday Rentals – Mansion Sophia

No matter what their main reason is to go, everybody can appreciate the lovely gift from Mother Nature of beautiful sunsets. The ability to watch a magical sunset requires that you be in the right location, oriented in the right direction. Some nature-loving travelers will fly to locations that are known to offer great sunset spectacles to get inspiration to write, paint or take scenic pictures. The informal poll below ranks the best places to watch sunsets.

1. Oia, Santorini Greece (Santorini luxury holiday homes)
2. Taj Mahal, India (India holiday rentals)
3. Grand Pyramids, Egypt (Egypt holiday homes)
4. Maldives, Asia (Asia holiday rentals)
5. Marrakesh, Morocco (Morocco holiday rentals)
6. Sydney, Australia (Australia holiday homes)
7. Isola Bella, Taormina
8. Via dell’amore, Cinque Terre (Cinque Terre holiday rentals)
9. Hopi Point, Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon holiday homes)
10. Central Park, New York (New York holiday rentals)

Visitors may stay in traditional hotels or holiday rentals. Holiday rentals and holiday homes are known for the comfort they offer and their affordability. They come in all shapes and sizes from a small studio to lavish holiday homes. Holiday rentals will fit all budgets and will make you feel at home.

1. Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico: Because this little gem has been inspected by the U.S. Navy until 2003, it lacks the crowds, tourist traps, tall buildings and traffic of commercialized resorts. This is truly an unspoiled island with lush, rolling hills, tranquil streets and a pristine beach with bioluminescent waters. During the night, with twinkling stars, the surf really shines with glowing living organisms. It is like an ethereal wonderland. Besides the breathtaking beauty, the island offers built in view of the final Spanish stronghold in the North and South America, it offers snorkeling, hiking, biking and horseback riding on elegant horses. The residents are warm and friendly and you will probably make some friends before you leave. If you are a little more excitement for a few days, the boat six miles from San Juan, and perhaps stay at the fabulous La Resort with multi-level, infinity pools and five restaurants, all your moods and tastes.

2. Secret Beach, Kauai: Nestled at the foot of a steep cliff to the north of Kilaua, it is hard to find something to criticize about this retreat. Located on the land on the slopes offer a panoramic view. The cabins are furnished with beautiful furniture, Jacuzzi, kitchen utensils, appliances, Kauai travel guide, beach supplies and laundry detergent. Enjoy at least a few meals, you look from your own deck. The beach is private and easy walking distance. Snorkeling at Tunnels Reef, lunch at Tropical Taco, at the Waimea Canyon (Grand Canyon of the Pacific) and Wailus and Opaeka Falls. Kayaking on the river quietly Lanalei to buy some sweets from the Kilauea Bakery and buy fresh fish from the fish market opposite the King Lung business. Grill the fish you are in your house for a meal that you will never forget. This is a world away from Hawaii commercized the crazy chaos of Waikiki.

3. Waykaya Club and Spa, Fiji: This is a private 2200-acre retreat belonging to 333 Fiji islands, with quiet lagoons, majestic cliffs, beautiful beaches, surrounded by a pristine coral reef. Start with the fine walk in for orientation on the tasting starts the wild beauty and charm. You will see the tropical forests, spectacular lookouts, pristine beaches and a nature reserve teaming with wild horses, pigs, deer and goats. The Club & Spa features a 9-hole golf course, lighted tennis courts, and croquet equipment for a quick game. The club will pack a gourmet picnic for you with you everywhere you take your heart leads. Play a game of billiards or have a vigorous training by a luxurious massage. Tour the organic gardens, the Fiji observe woodcarvers, the cooking demonstrations, or the exotic birds. Beach volleyball, or just sit back and enjoy a local dance acting or kava ceremony. Then to hear on Sunday, if you will, at the village church choir to the Fiji and enjoy the 30-minute service. You will never get bored on Waykaya Club.

4. Jellyfish Lake, Palau: Palau is a paradise about 500 miles from the Philippines. The limestone islands in this area have been slowly formed by many thousands of years of coral accretion lifting from the sea. The jellyfish, a sea open to the public is on the uninhabited island Macharchar. Somehow along the way have lost the jellyfish their sting, so that divers and snorkelers can swim safely among 1.2 million translucent, large orange balls ranging in size from marble-to volleyball. While they pulsate through the blue water, harmless against bump-and snorkelers drift. It is doubtful that you will be able to tear yourself away from the jellyfish, but if so, the sea-kayaking among the Rock Islands is excellent, and there are fascinating relics of World War II on the island of Peleliu be found. For breathtaking views and beautiful accommodations, try Koror’s Cliffside Hotel.

5. Santorini, Greece: The island is actually living a volcano, but it is not belch expected to return to our lives. The yield of black volcanic sand beaches and soil, which grows some of the best wine grapes in existence resulted. Because the volcanic soil of Santorini and some of the sweetest tomatoes growing in the world. You must sample the fried tomato balls (Keftadas). You can never have an impressive place, as if the view from the rim of the volcano and observe small vessels by the royal blue water. If you can tear yourself away from this, you need to visit the nearby town of Oia, with its breathtaking sunsets. Are two excellent restaurants to visit the SALTSA and Nyhteri. Perhaps you can find accommodation in the villages with views of the volcano under water. And two hotels that are recommended are, are the Villa and the Volcano View Villas Kalimera. Source: xcheaphotel

Secret Island Paradises You Cannot Resist

You want to plan that vacation to that glorious tropical island but you’ve only heard of the tourist traps like Nassau, Bahamas or Montego Bay, Jamaica. You want a place without fifteen-story hotels, screaming crowds, and a thousand souvenir shops. You want a place where you can finally relax and recuperate from the smash and grab daily grind. Well, worry no longer. Below you will find eight of the most peaceful paradises in the world. But don’t wait a decade to choose one. By then, they may no longer be some of the best secret travel destinations.

1. Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico: Because this little gem was controlled by the U.S. Navy until 2003, it lacks the crowds, tourist traps, tall buildings, and traffic of commercialized vacation spots. This is truly an unspoiled island with lush, rolling hills, tranquil lanes, and a pristine beach with bioluminescent waters. At night, under glittering stars, the surf truly lights up with glowing living organisms. It’s like an ethereal wonderland. Besides the stunning beauty, the island offers view of the final Spanish fort built in the Americas; it offers snorkeling, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding on sleek horses. The residents are warm and personable and you will likely make a few friends before you leave. If you want a little more excitement for a few days, ferry the six miles to San Juan and perhaps stay in their huge resident resort with multi-level, infinity pools and five restaurants to fit your every mood and taste.

 2. Secret Beach, Kauai: Nestled at the base of a sheer cliff just north of Kilaua, it’s hard to find anything about this hideaway to criticize. Cottages nestled on the mountainsides offer a panoramic view. The cottages are furnished with quaint furniture, Jacuzzi, kitchen utensils, appliances, Kauai guidebooks, beach supplies, and even laundry detergent. Enjoy at least a few meals gazing out from your own deck. The beach is private and easy to walk to. Snorkel on Tunnels Reef, have lunch at the Tropical Taco, view the Waimea Canyon (Grand Canyon of the Pacific) and Wailus and Opaeka Falls. Kayak peacefully on the Lanalei River, buy something sweet from the Kilauea Bakery and buy fresh seafood from the fish market across from the King Lung shops. Grill the fish yourself at your cottage for a meal you’ll never forget. This is a Hawaii worlds away from the crazy commercized chaos of Waikiki.

3. Waykaya Club and Spa, Fiji: This is a private 2,200-acre retreat belonging to Fiji’s 333 islands, featuring serene lagoons, majestic cliffs, gorgeous beaches, and encircled by a virgin coral reef. Start off with the stunning orientation walk to begin tasting the wild natural beauty and charm. You will see tropical forests, spectacular lookout points, pristine beaches, and a wildlife sanctuary teaming with feral horses, pigs, deer, and goat. At the Club and Spa you will find a 9-hole golf course, lighted tennis courts, and equipment for a quick game of croquet. The Club will pack a gourmet picnic lunch for you take anywhere your heart leads you. Play a game of billiards or do a vigorous workout followed by a luxurious massage. Tour the organic gardens, the Fijian wood carvers, the cooking demonstrations, or the exotic bird watching. Play beach volleyball, or sit back and enjoy a native dance pageant or Kava ceremony. Then on Sunday, if you like, attend the Village Church to hear the Fiji choir and enjoy the 30-minute service. You will never get bored at the Waykaya Club.

4. Jellyfish Lake, Palau: Palau is a wonderland located about 500 miles from the Philippines. The limestone islands in this area were formed by many thousands of year of coral accretion slowly lifting out of the sea. The one jellyfish lake open to the public is on the uninhabited island of Macharchar. Somehow along the way, the jellyfish have lost their sting, so divers or snorkelers can swim safely among the 1.2 million translucent, orange orbs ranging in size from marble- to volley ball-sized. As they pulsate through the azure waters, they bump harmlessly against snorkelers and drift on. It is doubtful that you will be able to tear yourself away from the jellyfish, but, if so, the sea kayaking among the Rock Islands is superb, and there are fascinating World War II relics to be found on the island of Peleliu. For breathtaking view and nice accommodations, try Koror’s Cliffside Hotel.

5. Santorini, Greece: This island is actually a live volcano, but it isn’t expected to belch again in our lifetime. The volcanic yield has resulted in black sand beaches and soil that grows some of the best wine grapes in existence. Because of the volcanic soil Santorini also grows some of the sweetest tomatoes in the world. You must sample the fried tomato balls (Keftadas). You may never see a more awe-inspiring site as when you gaze from the rim of the volcano and watch tiny boats cross the royal blue waters. If you can tear yourself away from that, you must visit the nearby town of Oia, with its stunning sunsets. Two terrific restaurants to visit are the Saltsa and the Nyhteri. Perhaps you can find lodging among the villages overlooking the submerged volcano. And two hotels that can be recommended are the Villa Kalimera and the Volcano View Villas.

6. The Caves Resort, Negril, Jamaica: The resort sits atop honeycomb, limestone cliffs overlooking the sea. It features eleven exclusive Cliffside accommodations, two main dining gazebos, and private cave dining. If you ever get tired of the view and the pampering, you can watch dolphins, jet ski, go horseback riding, or enjoy the sauna, Jacuzzi, or the saltwater swimming pools. The rooms of the resort overflow with ambience: music for whatever your vibe, candles and scented oils, the most comfortable beds, and gracious hospitality. Rick’s Cafe is one of the greatest places to eat. Sheddy Williams has been the head chef for 15 years. Enjoy the rich Jamaican coffee, the fresh fruit plate, mango daiquiris and a full course dinner. It is guaranteed that no matter how frayed your nerves when you arrived, you will leave the Caves refreshed.

7. Christ Church, Barbados: Why would you visit the Barbados? Well, for one thing, the residents love tourists and the crime rate is almost non-existent. You can cruise on a catamaran, swim with sea turtles, and watch the antics of hilarious green monkeys. The surf is consistently perfect for surfing , kite surfing, or windsurfing. You can watch a cricket game or play on a world class golf course. You can stroll the plantations, lush gardens or the rum distilleries. Then there are wonderful restaurants such as Oistin’s Fish Fry, the Restaurant at the South Sea, and Just Grillin’. You will love it.

8. Long Island, Bahamas: We’re not pushing Long Island alone. It is just an example of the Bahamian islands that are still beautiful, serene, and unspoiled by raucous crowds and unabashed commercialism. A massive spine of ancient reef gives the 80-mile island two faces: the sheer cliffs and caves of the east coast and the soft, sandy, mangrove-lined lee side which washes into the Bahamas Bank. Long Island does have numerous shallow and deep scuba diving sites. But it is best known for Dean’s Blue Hole, a vast abyss that tunnels down about 600 feet. Travel writers grow bored and jaded after seeing hundreds of beautiful island sites. However, a writer for Trip Atlas raved, “Long Island is a true hidden gem—the real paradise island of the Bahamas!” This island is also home to Columbus Point, towering memorial to Christopher Columbus, perched high atop a hill at the island’s northernmost tip. You will find everything in this place: sloping hills, vast beaches, high cliffs, gardens, caves, old plantation ruins, quaint villages, and pink sand with intricate seashells.

Now I’m feel a little sorry for you. You’re going to have to choose between all these incredible places and that’s the hardest part!

There are two ways to get to Santorini – by plane or by ferry.  If you are arriving by ferry try to get one that docks during daylight and be sure to have your camera ready.  The view as you approach the island is breathtaking.  Steep cliffs, one thousand feet high, rise almost vertically out of the clear, blue water of the Aegean.  You can sea a road wind its way up the mountains to a string of whitewashed buildings at the top.

Santorini is famous for its sunsets.  You might be lucky enough to have a view of the sunset from the balcony of your Santorini hotel room.  To maximise the experience, however, you are probably better off heading for the small town of Oia in the north of the island.  Spend some time exploring it’s narrow, whitewashed lanes then find yourself a Santorini luxury restaurant overlooking the sea.  Get comfortable.  Get a glass of wine.  Get your camera ready.  The whole sky seems to turn orange and the view is amazing.  That is the moment you know you are really on holiday and all the cares and stresses of work melt away.

The traditional picture postcard views you get of the Greek islands are often based on photographs of Santorini.  Hotels, villas and churches here all have the traditional colour scheme of whitewashed walls with a blue trim.  Roads snake their way up steep cliffs.  The sun shines overhead and the Aegean sparkles.  Almost everywhere you turn you are presented with a view straight out of a postcard. 

American Express produces a magazine called ‘Travel and Leisure’ which compiles an annual poll of travel destinations.  Santorini consistently appears on that list as the top island holiday location in Europe.  The poll considers all aspects of an area.  Santorini luxury hotels, restaurants, views, facilities and value for money have all achieved high marks, year after year, from thousands of travellers.  Why not take their word for it?

Santorini the beauty of the Aegean

Situated in the southern Aegean Sea, surrounded by azure waters and the impressive volcanic rocks, Santorini is the essential beauty of the Aegean.

Years before, a volcanic eruption created a large caldera placed it in the center of a circle surrounded by the island, giving an extraordinary beauty and a magnificent view made Santorini Island, a renowned sanctuary of romance.

Holidays to Santorini Greece is something more than a recreation journey. The hospitable people, the blessed land, offering warmth and goods like the famous natural sweet Vinsanto wine and other local products create one of the favorite locations for holidays, attracting people from all the corners of the world.

Besides the magical environment of Santorini Island, you will find some of the finest accommodation units, famous for their magnificent design and the unique services they propose. Widely known as the best, discover Villas and 5 star hotels in Santorini representing the Relais Châteaux philosophy with personalized high-end services in luxury rooms and suites. Either you are looking for the traditional Cycladic Island to spend unique moments of leisure or the essential romantic experience provided by luxury hotels placed at the edge of the cliff with breath taking views of the prominent caldera, get ready to experience your fairytale listening to the whispers of loving words.

Choose your stay in one of the unique villages of Santorini; explore Oia, Imerovigli, Megalochori, Firostefani villages and admire the Cycladic architecture and the colors of the Aegean.

Santorini Hotels

Santorini Island offers moments of grandeur blended with relaxation in luxury hotels like Katikies, making this island a favorite destination for holiday, either for couples or a group of friend. King sized beds in huge and comfort rooms with personalized service provide the luxury that Santorini’s visitors deserve.

Santrorini Villas

Moreover, you can appreciate your holidays by staying in a private villa like Zannos Melathron, La Maltese Estate villa or Santorini Villa Katikies.  Enjoy the majestic views of Santorini in high end services, and live the privacy of the luxury villas and the Relais Châteaux experience in Greece. Gourmet dinner restaurants, candle lights, romance blended with mystery decoration and a maitre de maison at your services will take care of your needs and desires.

Find More Oia Greece Hotels Articles

Santorini ? a Must See Island

Santorini is a magical Island that requires no introduction to explain it’s extraordinary beauty, also known as Thira. The dramatic Santorini has been a spectacular and famous vacation destination for decades, especially for young couples and family holidays. The economy of the island is greatly depends upon Tourism, wine, tomato and nut exports, delivery of soil to the cement Industry discharged from volcano.

Santorini is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Europe. The villages with dazzling white buildings, narrow streets, the snow clad mountains, the breath taking sunsets, the gorgeous landscapes, unique villages, museums and beautiful beaches of the Santorini Island are enough to amaze the tourists in all ways. All kind of accommodations are available on the Island including apartments, luxury hotels, resorts, camping sites and villas on a budget for visitors.

Fira is the capital of Santorini and probably the most popular place in the Island. The towns Fira and Oia cling to the edge of the volcano and you can get an unforgettable view by catching a ferry across the caldera. Fira is the busiest and crowded town in the island and filled with tourists and all kind of shops, restaurants, Villas, resorts, jewelleries, cafes, night clubs and bars.

Fira is the best for shopping. Here you will find huge jewllery shops in the center of the city, selling jewelleries at affordable prices. During the time of shopping, don’t forget to ask for discount as everything seems to be negotiable. The town consists of clothing stores, large number of luxury hotels and most of the hotels have swimming pools and verandas to attract their customers for a relaxing stay. Most people go by cable car that takes 3 minutes and you can experience some amazing views, which you can store in your camera as a life time memory.

Santorini beaches are one of the prime attractions for visitors in the island. The island is gifted with many beautiful beaches such as: Perissa, Kamari, Red beach, Monolithos, Perivolos, Vourvoulos, capecolumbo and more. Among all theses beaches: Perissa, Kamari, Monolithos and red beach are the most popular. Red beach is the most famous beach in the Island, located near Akrotiri. To allure visitors the beaches are offering water sports, sun umbrella, beach resorts, night clubs, hotels and bars.

Santorini is the best place to view breath taking and romantic sunset on the earth. One can view this sunset from many villages from top of the high rock, especially from the village of Oia. The romantic Santorini sunset is so beautiful that it compel the couples to spend the let afternoon with the company of each other. Couples come from all over the world to view the extraordinary sunset of Santorini. To attract targeted couples come from different corner of the world, the hotels and restaurants have made necessary arrangements to view the spectacular sunset.

More Oia Greece Hotels Articles

Santorini: The Most Romantic Itinerary on Earth

It’s true that when reviewing the most romantic place on earth, it is better visited with your husband or significant other, than with your children. However, timing is everything, and the opinion I render is shared by the sophisticated judgment of Matthew and Alex, (ages 12 and 10) who at this point in their careers as Junior Hotel Reviewers, said it all when they labelled Santorini, and our beautiful hotel, Ikies (+30 22860 71311), as the most romantic place on earth. I have high hopes for their future as husbands and challenge the women they marry to match their ability to define the perfect ambiance. Truth be told, you can judge the ultimate in guest service by how hotel staff treats children, and these children were treated like the future honeymooners they are. Today’s child is tomorrows guest, after all.

What makes the perfect hotel: location, beauty, attention to detail, comfort, and personalized customer service. Judge for yourself—a cliff-top location overlooking the Caldera and white pristine city of Oia, sunset views, huge terraces with foutons, lounge chairs, umbrellas and private hot-tub, robes, slippers, in-room lap top with cordless high speed internet (in case your crazy enough to keep in touch with the outside world), kitchenette (though you won’t need it), fluffy comforters, star-lit nights. Am I saying too much? Sorry, I’m not finished. What about personalized service that makes you feel as if you have personal butler service that you haven’t paid for? I’ve been wordy, but it could hardly be helped.

I’m hardly finished. Finding the perfect hotel isn’t enough when you’re on a romantic vacation. An over- the-top romantic dinner is also a virtual necessity. I suggest Katikies. You will be perched on a promontory overlooking the sea and the cliffs of Oia. The lights will dim automatically in direct proportion with the setting sun. Your white tablecloth will glow pink as the sun sets. Three waiters will serve you simultaneously as you dine. You will not have room for dessert, but you will order it anyway—preferably the chocolate pyramid stuffed with chocolate mousse.

If you are planning on booking a flight the second you finish reading this, here is some additional quick information for your edification: Best Sunset view: Kastro Restaurant (Tel: 22860 71045 Best Massage: Prem Amura, (Tel: 694 6140 532) Best Car Rental: Auto Europe: (Tel: 22860 71200). Now, find an affordable flight, call the hotel, tell them to book you dinner at Katikies and Kastro, ask them to request a Citroen convertible or some other fun car with Auto Europe, and have a glass of champagne at sunset. Do not forget to toast Alex, Matthew, and I for recommending to you the most romantic experience ever.

The heap of anguish caused by the claustrophobic city life can only be eradicated when you take a stride down the blue beaches of Australia or relax at the foot of Christ De Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. When life demands too much and you want to escape from this mundane world, take a flight to one of your desired destinations and spend the holiday there with your loved ones. Give yourself a chance to enjoy the gorgeous Greek Island, scintillating Cuba or the magical Thailand. The unparalleled exquisiteness of the five top destinations below is alluring visitors to feast on the amazing beauty.

1. Australia – Whitsunday Islands

The spectacular scene of Australia has made it the suitable holiday destination for people from all over the world. The very thought of the coral reefs, lush rainforests and the amazingly warm ocean water would chill you up and you won’t be able to resist the charm of holidaying in this country. Whitsunday coasts and islands seem to have been naturally tailored to quench your need of getting lost in the soothing greens and serene blue of the water. The Islands are centrally located on the Queensland Coast where almost all flights have been given access. The airport is about 40 minutes away from the Airlie Beach and leisure can be enjoyed to the full extent. Apart from this Island particularly, Australia is encompassing within itself a wide array of holiday zones. The Gold Coasts, Hunter Valley, Sunshine coast, the wonderful Sydney and so on. At Whitsunday, you will get the opportunity to select resorts and hotels of your choice. The availability of the peaceful ambience, spas, swimming pools, gardens and other amenities will vary with the denomination of the accommodation you choose. The exciting Great Barrier Reef, the stunning beauty of the Proserpine River and the luxury yachts are bound to drive you ecstatic. Holiday packages to this Island will seem to be incomplete, as you will fall in love with Whitsunday forever.

2. Brazil – Rio de Janeiro

It may be the outstanding color of its beaches or the magical sound produced by the forests that has made the creation of samba music possible in Rio de Janeiro. The high-spirited people of this state make Brazil one of the liveliest places on earth. Those of you who are fond of sports must take your family to this city to enjoy the essence of sports and sporting spirit. The intense cultural life of ravishing Rio includes mind-blowing music and heart throbbing belly dances. The state is the pride of Brazilians for it includes within it, theaters, clubs, museums, beaches, gardens, forests, lagoons and the memorabilia of the World War II. Winter is full of events and it would the best time to take a flight to Rio and give your life a new refreshing turn. Hotels and inns are available at your fingertips, which you can reserve even via the Internet.

3. Greek Islands

If you are a travel freak then you must spend your next holiday at the Greek Islands, which are about 22 in number. Mykonos would take you down the memory lanes with the windmills turning the pages of history. Affordable hotels and excellent services are designed to make your visit very pleasurable. Naxos is the island of churches, Venetian castles and homes just opposite to the nightlife culture that Rhodes can give. Lesvos is a perfect destination to soothe your tired mind and eyes. Wildlife, restaurants, spas and greenery can cheer you up for the rest of the hectic year ahead. Most of the islands here are breathtaking and you can zoom through the clouds directly or can halt in mainland Greece and then move ahead. Accommodation places are always ample, just prior booking is essential.

4. Cuba

Vigorous salsa, mind-blowing architecture, exciting tropical beaches and the swashbuckling nightlife can be the most apt phrases to describe Cuba – the dream destination for most people. Relaxation coupled with luxury is going to make your holiday in Cuba one of the most memorable experiences. This unique and safe Caribbean Island has got a historic importance of its own. Fishing or sailing in a tranquil ambience can reinvigorate you to your fullest. The journey to Cuba would revitalize you, shedding all the lethargic loads that you had been carrying so far. Your stride through the Las Terrazas will enable you to relish the flora and fauna. The coffee at a famous Cafetal restaurant would make you nostalgic, and sips at the Darquiri cocktail at Tropicana Cabaret are definitely an enchanting experience. Ecological tours of the Western Cuba can also be a sumptuous and momentous moment for you. If you are looking for cheap eats and lodging, you can find it at this top holiday destination.

5. Thailand

Thailand gains prominence as one of the hottest tourist sports for the sky kissing mountains, green meadows, multi-colored orchids, fascinating native handcrafts, coupled with the tropical climate. The country is well known for the hospitality, and the local food is also superb to taste. For the active traveler, this can be the ideal spot to spend the holidays. Travel packages booked earlier can make your journey to this place an interesting one. Bangkok is the main gateway to Thailand where the international airport is situated. The religion followed in this country is Buddhism and everywhere place you visit, you are going to find information pertaining to Lord Buddha. The elephant conservation center, wildlife sanctuaries, Thai crafts and the fruit carving are simply wonderful. The capital Bangkok is of great prominence due to the natural beauty that it ensembles. Makha Puja, Flower festival, Pattya festival and the Sonkran festivals attract throngs of visitors every year to this country. For a cool escape, the southern beaches are a definite hot spot and are not to be missed, Phuket having the biggest tourism numbers followed by Koh Samui.

Holidaying in any of these top destinations will leverage the stressful life you live and will have to resume to after some days. Visits to these heavenly places will make your experience meaningful and you will find a new spirit to restart your life. So, keep aside all hesitations, pack your luggage and set off for the dream destination that you had been longing for so far!

Santorini. The holiday brochures always show photographs of white ‘sugar cube’ buildings sitting on volcanic burgundy red outcrops. An island described as ’Steeped in history’ I set out to explore. My home for 4 nights was a 3-man dome tent (my own) at the ‘Thira Campsite’ 350 yards east of the town centre and away from the rim.

A trek across the Santorini rim from Thira (The Capital) to Oia its most northerly point on the Island, Is on offer.

We start the following morning in Thira and walk to Oia 5 miles to the north following the edge of the rim and taking goat paths that Kostas (Our guide) had safely walked in the past, there we’ll have late lunch and take a speed boat to Thira walking back up the steps and home.

Peter, Marian, Stefanos & Georgios a Danish couple living in Holland, and two army fitness instructors looking for a hiking adventure are my companions. Then there’s Kostas a Zorba moustache under his black Captains hat, tatty deck shoes and whirly beads in back pocket. The nonchalant trekking professional, so in tune with his surroundings, so out of place in an expedition. Yet our confidence grew the sense of adventure begins as we have a real local that knows the place and so keen to share his knowledge. Starting in Thira we amble threw the backstreet and emerge above the rim. A cool breeze envelops us.

Santorini’s panorama is laid out before us; below cruise ships the size of match sticks float patiently, waiting to offload their passengers. White lines can be seen in deep blue showing the ferry route to ‘Nea Kameni’ the volcanic island in the centre of Santorini’s caldera.

Our path leads us along the rim the breeze cooling us most of the time, Oia our destination is never far from view.

Imerovigli a village situated on the highest cliffs overlooking the caldera is 1 mile to the north of Thira. Walking through its quite streets we stop at ‘Every Day’ café neon a regular watering hole of Kostas. On entering, frapes are produce water bottles are replaced and we have time to freshen up after the heat. Imerovigli described in the brochures as a ‘traditional village’ is the highest village in Santorini. Talking to Kostas I learnt that its view was used to warn the arrival of pirates. A horizon can be seen in all directions, nearby islands shimmer in a blue sea. A yachts triangular white sail can be seen far in the distance traversing between the islands its progress slow but enticing.

Leaving ‘Imerovigli‘ we continue along our path. Wild flowers are dotted here and there entwined amongst rocks, sheltering from the worst of the sun. Red poppies, blue lupines and white/yellow chrysanthemum. Heading down we switch between goat tracks that only our guide knows. Kostas lofty gait ‘deceptively fast’ leaves us stretched out behind. This is definatly a goat’s domain.

Oia is very near now; we are heading for a fish taverna called ‘Kyma’ at Ammoudi Bay, Oia’s port. “The coolest place on the island” says Kosta with a grin “it’s cooled by the ‘Meltemi’ wind that blows through the Aegean.”

Kyma Taverna at Ammoudi Bay is alive with activity, fresh fish landed on the key side are sorted and displayed for purchase, children run between the restaurants tables playing tag then jump into the sea to avoid capture. The air is filled with the aroma of grilled fish, peppers and lemons. A table at the key side is selected by Kostas, feet from the sea and sheltered from the sun by a yacht sail used as an awning. Within minute’s plates of sardines, red mullet and swordfish dripping in lemon juice and spices are served. Olive’s, dolmades and taramasalata cover the remainder of our large table.

As time passes I see a fishermen end his day. Yellow nets sorted and cleaned lay drying on his caique. The sun, low in the sky glitters in the calm sea.

Kostas arranges our transport and we’re whisked away in a modern speedboat. Traveling at full throttle we skim along a millpond at breakneck speed. The cliffs echo our passage as we race towards Thira our journey ending all to soon.

Getting there…

Flight…
Flight Scanners an airline price comparison site. They compare the major European budget airlines prices. http://www.skyscanner.net

Ferries…
Ferries from Piraeus (Athens Harbour) to Santorini cost £50 return economy class tickets bought through http://www.greekferries.gr/

Staying there…
I stayed at the ‘Santorini Campsite’ for 4 nights costing at £8.90 per night. But you will need your own tent. With bar and pool with good security lockers for your valuables. http://www.santorinicamping.gr/

Perissa Camping is on the southeast edge of Santorini with bar and pool also with security lockers and plenty of shady trees.
http://www.travel-to-santorini.com/camping/perissa/perissacamping/

For more comfort try in A, B or C, class hotels try…
http://www.book-santorini-hotels.com/