Choice Villas & Apartments April 09

Villas & Apartments elcome 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 find our 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 to help plan your holiday.

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Also, if you fancy a holiday home of your own, check out our

Property

for Sale section towards the back of the magazine.

Choice Essentials

4

Win some holiday goodies

Competition

6

Win a cottage holiday in France

Choice Holidays

8

Dordogne

Florida Balearic Islands Canary Islands Costa Blanca Costa del Sol

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

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Cyprus France Greece Italy Portugal Insurance for car hire Flights Travel insurance Car hire

32 35 37 39 41 46 46 47 47

Property for sale

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The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Whilst every care is taken, all material submitted to Travel & Leisure Magazines Limited is done so at its owner's risk and neither Travel & Leisure Magazines Limited nor its agents can accept any liability for loss or damage. Travel & Leisure Magazines Limited is a completely independent company and can hold no responsibility for the actions of outside agents. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written consent. Please note: property buyers should expect extra financial costs such as legal costs, local taxes etc. All private advertisers are totally responsible for their own wording within their advertisement, and Travel & Leisure Magazines Limited can therefore take no responsibility as to their content. Please seek legal advice and thereafter verify all the details of your purchase in writing before proceeding.

YOURNo– 1 CHOICE

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

FOR RENTING OR BUYING A VILLA OR APARTMENT

Choice Essentials Feel the noise with this funky new sound system! The crystal-clear Soundtraveller K3000 ST will dock directly with all iPods including the new iPod Nano and iPod Touch. It also comes with an audio adaptor cable so can be used with virtually any other audio device, even your Sony PSP and Nintendo DS. The highest quality materials and technical know-how have gone into making the K3000 ST one of the best portable speakers available on the market today. Featuring touch button volume control, it uses only 2 x AA batteries and also comes with a USB cable so you can hook it up to your computer. www.powertraveller.com

The

Simple to use, light and easy to carry, and no power adapter – your My Passport Essential will become your favourite accessory. Store thousands of songs, videos or photos on there and always have them to hand. WD’s My Passport Essential USB Drives are available now at select retailers in capacities of 160GB £66.99, 250GB £96.99 and 320GB £119.99. www.westerndigital.com 4 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

Each essential oil set contains Energiser and Sleep Enhancer in both a Spray Concentrate and Bath and Body formulations.

Alternatively, when you long to drift into a deep sleep, a simple spritz of calming Sleep Enhancer on your pillow will increase restfulness.

is 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 to your 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 and iwantoneofthose.com www.flipvideo.co.uk

Small and Stylish, the My Passport Essential™ USB hard drive delivers 320 GB of Portable Storage in the palm of your hand. It comes in 10 fresh new colours and weighs in at less than five ounces.

treatment package from Aroma Therapeutics.

Energiser is an invigorating blend of essential oils, that once sprayed on pulse points and inhaled, will provide an instant ‘boost’.

Flip Ultra

Brilliant orange, super sunny yellow, raindrop blue, arctic white, deep viola, cherry red, ultra mint, real red, intense blue, and vibrant pink – what’s your colour?

Long distance travellers will love the Jet Set

No wonder world airlines offer it to their First Class passengers! www.aroma.co.uk

Sweet dreams! It won’t give you more leg-room or a Gin & Tonic but the amazing Jetsleeper will take the back ache, neck pain and sleep deprivation out of your flight! The Jetsleeper is an extremely comfortable pillow with a simple hook over the seat back and a loop over the opposite armrest procedure. These two attachments hold the pillow next to the cheek and provide a good support for the head and neck. The pillow is filled with hollow fibre making it ‘soft and cosy’ and it’s also height adjustable. Weighing only 135g, the Jetsleeper can be folded to fit into its own transparent bag. Available priced £20+ p&p from www.jetsleeper.com

Choice Giveaway: 5 Jetsleepers

Reviews & Giveaways Win this gorgeous kaftan worth £160

We’ve teamed up with award-winning company, Cuddledry, to offer you the chance to win one of three gorgeous Cuddlebug towels. These are the beautiful new toddler towels from the company that appeared on Dragons Den and actually turned down three offers of investment! The Cuddlebug is a generous sized towel, with two layers of towelling for extra warmth and a built-in hood so that toddlers can literally wear it when they get out of the bath or swimming pool. The towel is made from gorgeous organic cotton and eco friendly bamboo fibre – a silky soft fabric that is 60% more absorbent than pure cotton and has a natural antibacterial quality. The fun part for the kids is the funky bug prints – they can wrap their wings around themselves and fly around until they’re dry! The Cuddlebug comes in a pink ladybird or green beetle print and is priced £29.99 (available from www.cuddledry.com).

An essence of simplicity and freedom is at the heart of Papillon Bleu’s collections with free flowing silhouettes designed for feminine comfort and understated elegance that can be worn day and night. Papillon Bleu’s range of kaftans are created from the finest natural fabrics; luxurious linens from Italian mills, superior Chinese silks and the softest cottons, and embellished by talented artisans using intricate beadwork, sparkling sequins and Swarovski. Papillon Bleu pieces are produced in small numbers ensuring true exclusivity. With a stunning choice of exclusive prints across a variety of styles, the collection celebrates fun, colour and individuality, genuinely offering women something unique. This style is available in S, M, L, XL, XXL – so will accommodate all sizes! All Papillon Bleu collections are available to buy online at www.papillonbleu.com or phone 01530 245527.

Choice Giveaway: 1 Papillon Bleu kaftan (pictured)

Choice Giveaway: 3 Cuddlebug towels

Choice Giveaways How to enter: Entries can be made by going to

www.choicetravelinfo.com before the Friday 12 June 2009 and entering your details under ‘competitions and giveaways’. The winner will be announced and published on the website after the closing date. Terms and conditions on the website.

Bring a touch of glam to your handbag with Moxie! Glam up that dreaded time of the month with Moxie – a gorgeous new range of feminine hygiene products. Moxie’s gorgeous boudoir-styled range of feminine hygiene products are girly, stylish, attractive and complement every ladies handbag, bathroom and lifestyle. 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 and 1930’s-esque, candy-striped ‘boudoir boxes’, Moxie is the perfect necessity for every dressing table. The reusable Moxie tins are excellent for storing your everyday beauty essentials, from hairpins to earrings and even loose change. Moxie feminine hygiene products are the hottest new import from Australia and are available in Waitrose, Boots and Superdrug stores nationwide.

Choice Giveaway: 5 sets of Moxie products Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009 5

A cottage holiday in France for 5 people! hanks to Imagine France you could win a 2009 seven-night cottage holiday in France for five people sharing, including ferry transfers and holiday insurance! Imagine France, one of the UK’s favourite self-catering companies offers individually vetted properties throughout some of the most spectacular holiday destinations in Northern France. From the rugged coastline of Brittany to the rolling rural landscape of farms and orchards of Normandy and the beautiful beach at Le Touguet in Picardy. Plus, not only do Imagine offer all-year round ferry inclusive holidays, 2 for 1 offers and great car hire deals, they’re also bonded for peace of mind.Visit their website at www.ImagineFrance.com which also includes details of Imagine’s self catering holidays to Ireland with all its bustling markets, medieval towns and gourmet restaurants to enjoy.

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For full details log onto www.imaginefrance.com and www.imagineireland.com or phone 01756 707782 (lines open 7 days). 6 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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

Property details Plourhan, Saint Brieuc Bay, Les Côtes d'Armor.

The tranquil setting of this lovely barn conversion is an ideal retreat for families wanting to take some relaxing time out from the hustle and bustle of city life. Situated only 6km from the beach and local amenities, this large property boasts many character features including an original fireplace and exposed stone walls. On site there are four other holiday cottages each having plenty of outdoor space including a private terrace, BBQ and a shared play area and games for children. No pets are allowed.

How to enter

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

www.choicetravelinfo.com before Friday 12 June 2009 and enter your details under ‘competitions and giveaways’. The winner will be published on the website. Prize excludes peak July and August periods. Terms and conditions on the website.

Choice Holidays Situated at the heart of South-West France, this land-locked department (département) is home to spectacular sites and monuments which provide endless opportunities for cultural discovery – the local way of life, prehistoric remains, charming villages, delightful scenery and famous castles, as well as a feast for the senses... he subtle differences in the Dordogne landscapes are highlighted by four different colours… Green, extending in a crescent across the north of the department, encompasses the verdant vegetation (even in the driest of summers) of the area of Nontron and Dronne Valley and includes the protected land of the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord Limousin. White, in the central part of the department and covering Périgueux and the Vallée de l’Isle, is criss-crossed by the Auvézère and Isle rivers, and is so-named as a result of the chalky soils which bestow a white appearance to the stone in this area. The colour Purple covers the south-west of the department, including the Bergerac area, an area famous for its wines, and the fascinating bastides or "new towns" built during the Middle Ages to a well-ordered street pattern. Black, extending across the south-east of the Dordogne, and including the Sarlat area, is distinguishable by its forests of holm oak and limestone plateaux (causses) which extend into the Quercy. This area is home to the world-renowned prehistoric sites of the Vézère and Dordogne valleys.

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

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visit to this unique region takes you back in time to discover and explore the fascinating past through the many sites and attractions dating from numerous periods in the Dordogne’s illustrious history. The luxuriant natural landscapes extend throughout the department, providing countless opportunities for nature-lovers to enjoy a whole range of outdoor activities (swimming, fishing, canoeing, cycling…) or just

La Roque Gagea c ©CRTA 1 J-J.

Brochard

relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. The Périgord has championed the development of high-quality, rural-based tourism, including the creation of a protected Parc Naturel Régional. Traditional cuisine is based on time-honoured local recipes and produce, such as chestnuts, walnuts and cep mushrooms in the autumn, and strawberries in April, in addition to the renowned truffles and foie gras, perhaps bought from a farmer at a duck and goose market (marché au gras) in winter. A visit to the markets in Sarlat or Périgueux offers a fascinating insight into the value attached to the treasures of its soil, and their symbolic role in the life of the Dordogne and its inhabitants. Perigueux, the capital of the Perigord has over 2000 years of history: from the ancient Gallo-Roman city of Vesunna to the Renaissance period and the Cathedral of Saint-Front (classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral is an important stage on the St James of Compostella Pilgrim’s Way). A total of 39 buildings are classed as Historical Monuments in what is one of the largest conservation areas in France (56.25 acres). The International Mime Festival, nocturnal markets, the International Show room of the Greedy Book and the International Baroque Music Festival, all help to make Perigueux the cultural centre of the Perigord. The Bergerac region "a bounty of pleasure" in the

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8 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

Hautefort ©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard

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

The Dordogne, Aquitaine

Perigueux Escalier ©E.Martin – OT de Périgueux

South West of Périgord, is the town of Cyrano, Bergerac, with its historical district, narrow medieval streets and Renaissance houses. Next, a visit to the prestigious Monbazillac, Lanquais and Biron castles lead you to the edge of the Bastide region where the delightful architecture of Monpazier, Beaumont and Issigeac awaits. Monbazillac, is also a delicious nectar and a crucial compliment to foie gras, which belongs to the family of Bergerac wines of which there are 13 appellations. Begin to discover these regional wines at Recollets Cloister where a hundred and thirty vintners are ready to welcome you and share their passion of their craft. Sarlat, the jewel in the crown of the Périgord Noir is one of the most famous towns for medieval art and history in France and has the highest number of listed buildings per square metre in Europe. Another of the Périgord Noir's world famous sights is the renowned prehistoric cave at Lascaux. Since its discovery in 1940, the cave has been nicknamed the Prehistoric Sistine Chapel. Today, the site of Lascaux II is home to an exact replica of the original paintings created by our ancestors.

Dordogne in Aquitaine: A magical place to visit. Sarlat Porte ©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard

Local Handicraft Nontron knives, distinguishable by their boxwood handles decorated with the famous inverted "V", are produced using the clear waters of the River Bandiat, abundant wood from the surrounding area and iron ore used by local forges. In Nontron’s knife workshop, visitors can learn about the various stages of production required to manufacture the oldest pocket knives in France. Charentais slippers, which were originally made from pieces of used or unwanted felt discarded by local felt-paper workshops in the 18C and 19C. Traditional crafts which used the wood and fruit of the sweet chestnut. The work of the "feuillardiers", whose task was to provide chestnut for the barrelhopping industry, has given rise to the name of an area known as Le Pays des Feuillardiers. Other related artisan industries include wickerwork and sweet chestnut cakes. Castelnaud Beynac ©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard

Dordogne 10 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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Image: Discovery Cove ©Orlando CVB

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lorida is the perfect holiday destination for the entire family, whether you look to please your five-year-old son or your 65year-old mother! From its sandy beaches to its breathtaking parks, Florida has everything from history to the hottest attractions. Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota is a familyfriendly beach with shallow waters, year-round lifeguards and the whitest sands in Florida. The Everglades National Park is the only subtropical preserve in North America, With its luscious wetlands and more than 150 miles of canoeing and walking trails, this reserve will excite a family of nature lovers of all ages. Florida is known for its enticing stores, malls and outlets filled with merchandise that is sure to delight – for some of the best shopping, travel up the west coast to Northwest Florida. With both Destin Commons and the Silver Sands Factory Stores, this is a true shopper’s paradise. For the perfect match of history, culture and beauty, travel to Florida’s east coast and experience St. Augustine – the nation’s oldest city. St. Augustine amazes visitors

with its ancient cobblestone streets, quaint cafés and a host of historical landmarks and attractions, such as the 310-year-old Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, allowing you to travel back to the early Spanish empire in the New World. For a taste of everything, visit Walt Disney World, where you are bound to find something to please everyone, from one of Orlando’s best shopping districts to Blizzard Beach or Epcot and Animal Kingdom – not to mention the amazing nightlife!

Useful info

Temperatures

Orlando

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

Currency US dollar

www.xe.com (currency converter)

Further info www.visitflorida.com/destinations

Getting there

British Airways www.ba.com Virgin Atlantic www.virgin-atlantic.com

Florida

www.USvillaRentals.com 2 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 Sports news • 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 Florida

For advice, brochures, etc. please contact Hilary on 0115 9233906

14 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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Florida

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Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009 15

Florida

Vacation Rentals

on Beautiful Captiva Island

Photo gallery on our website

www.captiva-island.com 001-239-395-2490

16 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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Florida 18 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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Florida

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Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009 19

Picture © Turespaña

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bout a hundred miles off the east coast of Spain lies a group of islands blessed with a combination of nature, climate and culture that has transformed them into tourism giants. The Balearic Islands consist of Majorca (Mallorca in Spanish), Menorca and Ibiza, plus the smaller Formentera and numerous minor islands. Drenched in sunshine, the Balearic Islands boast stunning scenery and sandy beaches, pulsating nightlife and rural serenity; but perhaps the key to their success is their individuality: each of the main islands has its own peculiar look and feel, and is associated with a particular type of holiday. The Balearic Islands can be found just off the east coast of Valencia, with the closest island being 85 km from the mainland, whilst the furthest lies 333 km away. Various bays, coves and capes dominate the smooth coastline but there are a few rugged landscapes and cliffs to be seen. Majorca has the largest mountains of the islands with some summits reaching 1,445 metres (Puig Major) and 1,340 metres (Puig de

Massanella). There are no large rivers on the islands, this is due to the moderate rainfall, the permeable soil and the actual size of the islands themselves and its waterways are dominated by watercourses and torrents. The subsoil, however, houses important aquifers that have given rise to major caves of extraordinary beauty, that include the Caves of Drach and the Arta Caves in Majorca, and Xoroi Cave in Menorca.

Useful info

Temperatures

Palma, Majorca

Dec–Feb 15°C Mar–May 19°C Jun–Aug 28°C Sep–Nov 23°C Average daily maximum - guide only

Currency Euro

www.xe.com (currency converter)

Further info

www.visitbalears.com

Getting there

EasyJet www.easyjet.com Iberia www.iberia.com

Menorca Majorca 22 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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Image ©Tenerife Toursim

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ost visitors go to the Canary Islands because the weather is reliable, the beaches are good and the tourist facilities are fantastic, but there is a whole lot more to discover on the ‘blessed islands’.

They vary dramatically between western and eastern ends of the chain, but all offer a wonderful climate throughout the year, which every winter attracts thousands of European weather-fugitives to their beaches, towns, volcanoes, forests and deserts.

Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote form the Canary Islands and they lie in a part of the Atlantic Ocean known as Macaronesia, which includes the archipelagos of Madeira, Salvajes, Azores, Cape Verde and part of Morocco. It’s easy to assume that the Canary Islands are part of Africa with the closest point on the African coast only 210km away from Gran Canaria, but it was in fact Spain who eventually conquered the Canary Islands with a long quest between 1402–1495.

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

Throughout the years the Canary Islands relied on an economy of sugar cane, wine, cochineal, bananas, tobacco and other agricultural resources before the tourism boom in the fifties, which saw holiday-makers flocking to its shores.

Useful info

Temperatures

Sta Cruz, Tenerife

Dec–Feb 21°C Mar–May 23°C Jun–Aug 28°C Sep–Nov 26°C Average daily maximum - guide only

Currency Euro

www.xe.com (currency converter)

Further info

www.canarias-turismo.com

Getting there

British Airways www.ba.com Iberia www.iberia.com

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

24 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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Lanzarote Tenerife

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Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009 25

Tenerife 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 LOW SEASON £800/WK HIGH SEASON £1300/WK

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

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

★ ★ ★

TENERIFE ✷ LANZAROTE ✷ CYPRUS ✷ SPAIN ✷ FLORIDA ★ • QUALITY APARTMENTS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES • PERSONAL SERVICE FOR SHORT & LONG TERM RENTALS FROM THE OWNER

Contact Alan Dow, email: [email protected]

★ ★

w w w. a l a n d o w c y p r u s . c o . u k ★ w w w. a l a n d o w s p a i n . c o . u k

26 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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Image ©Turespaña

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n the south west of Spain in the province of Alicante, the Costa Blanca or 'white coast' is a land of many contrasts with golden beaches, green valleys, mountains, quaint villages and over 150km of coastline overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean sea. With the sun shining almost all year round, its natural landscape makes the Costa Blanca an ideal destination for all kinds of sporting activities, including horse-riding, trekking, bicycle-riding, mountaineering and numerous water-sports. On average, seven out of ten visitors to the Valencian region choose to stay in Benidorm, in order to take advantage of its irresistible promise of sun and sand. Benidorm is the Costa Blanca’s main tourist resort with the capacity to cope with 300,000 tourists over the peakseason period. Out in the centre of the bay, Benidorm Isle can be visited by taking a boat from the harbour – according to local folklore, this islet represents the gigantic block of rock that is missing from the summit of nearby Mt. Puig Campana. As you begin to explore

the Costa Blanca, its varied history and culture will become evident – owing to early settlements of Romans, Iberians and the Carthaginians, you will come across archaeological sites, castles and stonecarved churches. Just north of Alicante, the 17th-century parish church and the Calvario, Santa Ana and San Roque chapels make up the monumental heritage of San Juan de Alicante.

Useful info

Temperatures

Alicante

Dec–Feb 17°C Mar–May 20°C Jun–Aug 28°C Sep–Nov 24°C Average daily maximum - guide only

Currency Euro

www.xe.com (currency converter)

Further info

www.spain.info

Getting there

British Airways www.ba.com EasyJet www.easyjet.com

Costa Blanca 28 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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Image ©Turespaña

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round Malaga to the east of Gibraltar, the Sun Coast has built its success on its warm air and sea and almost guaranteed sunshine. Resorts range from Marbella – with its exclusive marina at Puerto Banús – to Torremolinos; add the dramatic mountain scenery and spectacular cave at Nerja and a wealth of sporting options, and the Costa del Sol emerges as a varied and complete holiday destination. It is the sun and beach tourism that first drove the southern Spain tourism industry into the fast lane, and this is still alive and kicking on the Costa del Sol. The 161 km of Malaga province coastline is mostly beach and with most tourist accommodation built close to the beaches, most of the finest restaurants within shouting distance of the beach and the best climate in Europe, it is little wonder that the beach means so much to local residents and tourists alike in Malaga. There are 11 marinas on the Costa del Sol, putting the region ahead of the rest of Andalusia in sailing and

watersports facilities. Most of these ports have magnificent nightlife and top restaurants, with many stylish boutiques and shops of all kinds. The Costa del Sol is a golfer’s paradise, with over 40 clubs, most of them in the western Costa del Sol area, making this the area with the highest concentration of golf courses in all of continental Europe.

Useful info

Temperatures

Malaga

Dec–Feb 17°C Mar–May 21°C Jun–Aug 29°C Sep–Nov 23°C Average daily maximum - guide only

Currency Euro

www.xe.com (currency converter)

Further info

www.spain.info

Getting there

British Airways www.ba.com Ryanair www.ryanair.com

Costa del Sol 30 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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Costa del Sol

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Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009 31

Image ©Cyprus Tourist Office

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yprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and despite being at the crossroads of three continents, it is a distinctive place that can feel blissfully apart from it all. There are beaches to suit just about everybody, from families with small children to seekers of solitude and the Troodos Mountains offer an alluring contrast to the coast. Explore the narrow stone streets of Nicosia for a taste of history, where crimson flowers cascade from window pots and the aroma of traditional baking wafts through open doorways. Along the route that leads from the port city of Limassol to Paphos, is a magnificent stretch of coastline where you can swim in the sea at Petra tou Romiou, where Aphrodite emerged from the sea-foam in ancient times. In the Akamas region, hikers exploring the area's rich flora can cool off at the grotto where the love goddess bathed after her amorous interludes! A tradition of celebration and hospitality is always present in the vibrant seaside town of Limassol. From the Wine Festival in September, to the Carnival in February, music, parades, and dancing is a way of life! Shopping boutiques, inviting cafés and a palm-

lined promenade lead the way to the Larnaka Medieval Museum, housed in a 17th Century fort. Not far from Larnaka is the enchanting village of Lefkara, once admired by Leonardo da Vinci for its exquisite handmade lace. Life in the southeastern corner of Cyprus revolves around the sea, with water sports of all kinds readily available. East to Protaras, glorious beaches spread out under the sun, while just inland the white-washed town of Paralimni boasts open-air tavernas known for their succulent grilled fish.

Useful info

Temperatures

Paphos

Dec–Feb 16°C Mar–May 20°C Jun–Aug 28°C Sep–Nov 25°C Average daily maximum - guide only

Currency Euro

www.xe.com (currency converter)

Further info

www.visitcyprus.org.cy

Getting there

British Airways www.ba.com Easy Jet www.easyjet.com

Cyprus

Aura Holiday Villas are an exclusive group of 2 and 3 bedroom detached holiday villas in the Coral Bay area of Paphos, Cyprus. Each villa has it’s own private swimming pool and balconies, which all enjoy magnificent and unobstructed views of the Mediterranean Sea. They are elegantly designed and have been built metres away from secluded sandy beaches and local amenities, such as supermarkets and tavernas. The bus stop is 100 metres away and gives easy access to the popular sandy beach of Coral Bay, the fun and exciting nightlife of Kato Paphos, and all the shops of Paphos town.

Prices per week – 2 bedroom villa Low season Mid season High season £330 £550 £990

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

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Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009 33

Cyprus

LUXURIOUS VILLAS FOR HOLIDAYS IN STYLE AT CORAL BAY AREA 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.

LOW MED HIGH

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

3 Bedroom Villas 280 490 700

CONTACT CHRISTAKIS AIPAVLITIS TEL: 0035726622165 FAX: 0035726621321 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: http://www.pafos-villas.com/

2 Bedroom Villas 210 420 630

34 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

In Cyprus pounds PER VILLA PER WEEK

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F

rance is the biggest country in western Europe, and also one of the most diverse. It has oceanic, continental and Mediterranean climates, soaring mountains (including Europe’s highest), rugged plateaux, dense forests, sundrenched vineyards and olive groves, sweeping plains traversed by great rivers, and mile upon mile of beaches on three different seas. It has diverse regions, with their own distinctive cultures and languages. It has ancient cities full of architectural splendour, juxtaposed with the sharpest of modern technology and design. It has some of the world’s greatest art treasures, dating from the Stone Age to the present day. Above all, though, France has a certain approach to life that makes time spent here special and unique. You could have a hundred different holidays in France. Brittany and Normandy offer rural charm and unforgettable places like Rouen and the Mont St Michel. The Loire Valley is lined with vineyards and châteaux, and the wild Atlantic coast runs south to the great wine-producing region of Bordeaux. The east has medieval charm and splendour in the half-timbered towns of the Rhineland and magnificent cathedrals like Rheims, while further south lie the mountains of the Jura and Savoy, the

inimitable Provence, and the glitz of the Côte d’Azur. The interior offers unspoilt landscapes such as the everpopular Dordogne. And then there are the cities. Paris hardly needs any introduction; Lyons and Marseilles are neglected by comparison, as are many other beautiful and distinctive French cities. France also has hundreds of miles of coastline; from the picture-postcard Channel resorts to the crashing breakers of the west coast and the sun-drenched chic of the south, France is never short of a beach. In short, France has everything.

Useful info

Temperatures

Bordeaux

Dec–Feb 10°C Mar–May 17°C Jun–Aug 25°C Sep–Nov 19°C Average daily maximum - guide only

Currency Euro

www.xe.com (currency converter)

Further info www.uk.franceguide.com

Getting there

EasyJet www.easyjet.com Air France www.airfrance.co.uk

France

THE CÔTE D’AZUR AND PROVENCE SPECIALIST Unique Collection of Handpicked Villas and Country Houses ENQUIRIES / RESERVATIONS

020 8878 9955 www.balfourfrance.com

36 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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G

reece is such an ancient place that, like Egypt, it has two different images in the British mind: one is of the cradle of European civilisation, where philosophy, drama and mathematics took shape, and democracy was born; the other is of a maze of sundrenched islands and whitewashed villages, a land of kebabs, feta cheese, ouzo and platesmashing restaurateurs. Of these two images, it is mainly the latter that has tourists flocking here. Athens will always hold a fascination as long as the timeless edifices of the Acropolis look down on the city; but it is the beaches of Corfu and Crete, Rhodes, Zante and Kos that lead tourism in Greece. This country is no longer the preserve of backpacking students, having risen to rival Spain in the sun-andsand market. Island-hopping is a favourite way for holidaymakers to savour the delights of this scattered country with as much coastline as the much larger France. The islands split into geographical groups. For example, the Dodecanese, including Rhodes, Kos and Patmos, are close to Turkey, while the Ionian group in the west have an Italian flavour; one of these,

Cephalonia, enjoyed a surge in popularity after featuring in the novel and film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, while Corfu is an established package favourite. Some parts of Greece now enjoy such popularity that they put some people off; but there are so many hidden corners of this ancient and fragmented land that there is still plenty of scope for those who look for quiet seclusion, as well as those who want their holiday to be a fully-catered, full-on party.

Useful info

Temperatures

Corfu Town

Dec–Feb 15°C Mar–May 19°C Jun–Aug 30°C Sep–Nov 23°C Average daily maximum - guide only

Currency Euro

www.xe.com (currency converter)

Further info www.gnto.co.uk

Getting there Air Scotland www.air-scotland.com British Airways www.britishairways.com

Greece 38 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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I

taly is not just a place; Italy is a world-famous cuisine, the most glamorous cars, footballing legends, and some of the most beautiful art, music and architecture the world has ever seen, as well as one of its greatest empires and most influential languages. The country traditionally divides into three mainland areas, plus the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. The north is the industrial and commercial powerhouse of the nation, and boasts many fascinating cities, including the region’s largest, Milan and Turin, as well as such delights as Venice, Verona and Mantua. Ringed by the Alps, it also features some spectacular scenery – most famously the Italian Lakes that stretch from Switzerland south-east into Venetia – and the resorts of the Ligurian coast, known as the Italian Riviera. The south, known as the Mezzogiorno, is a poor, rural area dominated by Naples; as well as being an unforgettable city in itself, it has the added attraction of nearby Mount Vesuvius and the excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum. There are other parts of this region that remain relatively undiscovered, notably Puglia

at the ‘heel’ of the peninsula. Between north and south lies the Italy that has become the beloved haunt of such distinguished tourists as Tony Blair and his family. This is the cradle of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, achievements whose legacy suffuses the region; but it is also where you will find the archetypal Italian landscape of rugged, shrubstrewn hills dozing in the golden light.

Useful info

Temperatures

Rome

Dec–Feb 14°C Mar–May 18°C Jun–Aug 28°C Sep–Nov 22°C Average daily maximum - guide only

Currency Euro

www.xe.com (currency converter)

Further info www.italiantouristboard.co.uk

Getting there

EasyJet www.easyjet.com Alitalia www.alitalia.com

Italy

HOUSES IN TUSCANY Exclusive Private Villas With & Without Pool Houses 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 crowded main 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

40 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

[email protected]

Tel/Fax 0039 0583644027 or 0039 3473681090

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A

t the south-western extremity of Europe, Portugal’s history and culture are inseparable from the sea. Once a great imperial power, it is now better known for sunshine, golf and fortified wine. The Costa de Prata, the Estoril coast and Costa Azul all compete for the attention of tourists, but best known are the beaches and year-round sunshine of the Algarve in the far south. Nature has blessed Portugal’s 850 km of coastline with a bit of everything, from enchanting beaches to varied, breath-taking countryside and the Atlantic coast is prized by surfers and windsurfers across Europe. The coastal towns are also rich in Portuguese heritage, discover the colourful seafaring and fishing traditions and end your day by sampling some of the finest fresh fish in the world. Lisbon is the Atlantic capital, blessed with natural beauty and steeped in fascinating history and the only European capital with Atlantic beaches. Take the train along the north bank of the Tagus estuary and discover miles of golden sandy beaches. The beaches of

Estoril and Cascais are home to a number of royal castles – a stunning legacy of the times when the kings of Portugal spent their summers there. Lisbon also has a rich and colourful seafaring heritage, in the 16th century, ships set sail from the beaches of the River Tagus to chart a route to far-off India. The city’s passion for the sea continues to this day, visit the Parque das Nações and you’ll discover Europe’s largest aquarium.

Useful info

Temperatures Faro, Algarve Dec–Feb 17°C Mar–May 20°C Jun–Aug 28°C Sep–Nov 23°C Average daily maximum - guide only

Currency Euro

www.xe.com (currency converter)

Further info

www.visitportugal.com

Getting there

EasyJet www.easyjet.com TAP Air Portugal www.tap-airportugal.co.uk

Portugal

Casa Martin, Nr Loulé

Sympathetically converted farmhouse in peaceful, rural surroundings 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 is essential. 1 double and 1 twin bedroom, large shower room and comfortable lounge. Fully-equipped kitchen and dining room. Wood fire and electric radiators. Situated on high ground amongst fields of almond, olive and fig trees with coastal views. Shady tiled covered terrace, large built-in barbecue with tiled dining table and benches. Accommodates 2–4. Prices from £350/wk.

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

42 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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Portugal

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Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009 43

Portugal 44 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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Portugal

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Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009 45

Insurance for car hire Flights

• Discount Flights Worldwide • Car Hire • Airport Car Parking • Holiday Insurance DESTINATIONS • Balearics • Canaries • Caribbean • Cyprus • Greece & Islands • Italy • Portugal • Spain • Turkey • USA

Telephone: 0845 045 0152

www.charterflights.co.uk

46 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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Travel insurance Car hire

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Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009 47

LOOK NO FURTHER

FOR THE HOLIDAY HOME OF YOUR DREAMS! Now all properties for sale are collected together in their own special section. From here to the back cover: nothing but villas and apartments for sale. Separated into easy-to-use country sections with fabulous properties from all around the world.

Timeshare...................................................49 Spain .........................................................50 Cyprus ......................................................50

Timeshare Spain

‘BEST BUYS’ on the Spanish Costas

www.villavalue.com RICHARD A ROOKE

Tel/Fax: 0034 965 320024 E-mail: [email protected]

Cyprus

Independent Property Consultant

50 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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