All of this is now less than an hour drive from Lisbon International airport along the new A8 motorway, linking the vibrant capital of Portugal with historic Oporto in the North. As there is also a proposed new international airport to be located at OTA, this little known region is opening its doors to the outside world. For decades the Algarve has been the only realistic location for overseas buyers to enjoy the unique hospitality of the Portuguese, on the famous Portuguese beaches but prices there have put it out of reach for most. Now we are pleased to invite you to experience the heart of Portugal – a secret we can all share.A region for lifeExploring the tranquil towns, villages and countryside of this beautiful region will confirm to you that here is a place that genuinely has the best of both worlds. Whilst offering a life of rural calm amidst the spectacular scenery, at the same time it is perfectly equipped with access to all the modern facilities of transport, healthcare, education and leisure that make life a pleasure for all generations. The Western Region enjoys entertainments and events throughout the year: concerts, art exhibitions, the Torres carnival – ‘the most Portuguese event in Portugal’, the Caldas da Rainha ceramics and fruit fairs, the Bombarral wine festival, Peniche’s Festas da Nuestra Senhora da Boa Viagem, the Montejunto popular festival (Cadaval), Alenquer’s Feira da Ascensao, festivals in Sobral, Monte Agraco and Arruda dos Vinhos, Feiras da Cebola e das Tasquinhas and hundreds more fairs, festivals and popular gatherings. The region has many hotels with superb facilities and innumerable restaurants, bars and lively venues which ensure that one’s first visit to the Western region is never the last. For golf enthusiasts the Western Region is the new destination in Portugal. Golf Courses at Praia d’el Rey (18 holes)and Rio Maior (18 holes) are complemented by 9-hole courses at Consolação and Porto Novo – Bom Sucesso and Perola da Lagoa 18-hole courses are actually already under construction and the brand new project of the 18-hole course of Foz do Arelho, which will be the hugest should begin within the year 2007. The natural abundance of the area is enhanced by beautiful fine-sanded beaches, where the sands shimmer like silver, at Santa Cruz, Porto Novo, Areia Branca, S. Bernardino, Consolação, Peniche, Baleal, Foz do Arelho and Salir do Porto. Local crafts can be found in Peniche, which is notable for its lace, and in Caldas da Rainha, which is one of the most important centres for ceramics in Portugal.
Posts Tagged ‘Best Of Both Worlds’
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10 Best Winter Vacation Destinations
January 28th, 2009 
Tushar Mathur Summer is generally the season that everyone thinks of when planning their vacations. But why not dare be different, and plan a winter getaway instead? If you are a skier, snowboarder, or just someone who enjoys winter months, then a winter vacation may be just what you are looking for.
There are a number of wonderful and beautiful winter destinations in the world, and visiting them can make your trip all the more exciting and worthwhile. Here is a list of some of the spectacular getaways.
- Sweden- Located in the small riverside village of Jukkasjarvi, Sweden’s Ice Hotel is famous all over the world for its’ fantastic winter packages. This hotel is created each winter from 10,000 tons of ice from the nearby river and 30,000 tons of snow. This hotel features the Ice Bar, which has become a favorite amongst the youth all over the world.
- Yellowstone-The Yellowstone National Park is the most popular summer and winter destination in the United States. It offers a great lodging, where you can stay with your family members and friends. It also provides some learning programs and games, in which the guests of all ages can participate and learn. The educational lessons are a great way for you and your family to learn something about the Yellowstone National Park.
- Wisconsin dells- The small town of Wisconsin offers great winter vacation at the Great Wolf Lodge, home of huge indoor water parks. Visitors of Wisconsin Dells can get the best of both worlds with summertime artificially created indoors and snow falling outdoors. Wisconsin Dells is located near both Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin.
- Alaska- Alaska can make a perfect winter vacation spot for you, if you are traveling along with your family. From going on dog sledding to viewing the beautiful Northern lights, Alaska has something to offer to everybody. Alaska has a lot of entertainment options and activities, which will be enjoyed a lot by you and your family members.
- Lake Tahoe- Lake Tahoe has been one of the most famous and popular winter vacation spots in the United States. Situated on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe has something to offer to everybody- right from families to honeymooners. Lake Tahoe is a wonder winter land of fun and excitement. With so many exotic and luxurious spots around the lake, you will not have any accommodation problem.
- Orlando- If you don’t like snow frolicking then Florida is just the right place for you to go. There are so many attractions like Walt Disney and others, which will keep you active and alert.
Abaco, A Bahamian Sailing Paradise
November 27th, 2008 Tushar Mathur Located in the Bahamas and less than 200 miles east of Florida, Abaco is a world-renowned sailing destination. The mainland is surrounded by a string of cays (running north and south) that protect the turquoise waters and make them easy to explore. Known as the Sea of Abaco this area is the sailing capital of the Bahamas and boasts reliable trade winds and an abundance of private secluded anchorages.
Abaco offers a myriad of beaches, coves and islands that are ready for you to discover. Over 100 miles long, the reef network is the third largest in the northern hemisphere, and acts as a natural barrier to the outer cays. With many colorful species of underwater wildlife snorkeling and scuba diving are essential to any trip, with many dive sites perfect for any level of diver.
It is easier than you would think to plan the perfect sailing vacation in the Bahamas. If you are looking to charter, you can either bareboat with sailing experience or savor the ability to relax on a captained excursion. Take advantage of your captain’s local knowledge while gaining general sailing knowledge. Some avid sailors opt to bring their own personal sailboats to explore Abaco.
Abaco is the best of both worlds, offering modern conveniences such as grocery stores, marinas, hotels, and the internet, while still holding on to its old world charm. Every island is different and offers a different experience whether you are looking for unique landscapes, beaches, restaurants, activities, and interactions with local people. While on your sailing vacation you have the opportunity to delve into the experiences of each cay. People fall in love with the freedom of being able to weigh anchor in a different port every night, and many come back year after year.
Consider what Abaco can offer to any traveler when planning your next sailing vacation. Making arrangements for your perfect sailing vacation is easy, the key is to do your research and prepare yourself accordingly, leaving you with memories you can treasure forever.
