Akwa Holidays

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Spain

Sunshine, great beaches, and an abundance of holiday activities, have made it a popular holiday destination, especially the towns and cities along its Mediterranean coast. That's not without good reason. Spain offers so much for people to enjoy, from the food to the culture, to the scenery. Every region of Spain has its own traditions, and each is worth exploring over successive trips. Relax over a glass of the local cider, sidra, in Asturias, eat paella in Valencia, or watch flamenco dancing in Andalucia.

Holidays in Spain aren't restricted to mainland Europe; there's also a lot to be discovered offshore. Just off Spain's Mediterranean coast are the Balearics, a collection of islands comprising Ibiza, Minorca, Majorca and Formentera. Here you'll find great beaches, warm sunshine and a mix of lively nightlife and quiet secluded villages.

Off the west coast of Africa you'll find another Spanish holiday favorite, the Canary Islands. Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Gomera all enjoy year-round sunshine and are home to a varied and breathtaking range of landscapes.

Spain Highlights

	As part of the Canary Islands, Tenerife offers the unique experience of swimming and sunbathing on a beautiful beach while just a few miles away snow sparkles on the crest of Mount Teide. The island's central mountain stands at 12,200 feet, the highest in Spain, and a cable-car ride to the summit offers unrivalled views of the lunar-like landscape of the volcanic slopes.
	The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca has a wonderfully warm climate which has long attracted outsiders, whose influence can still be felt; Romans, Arabs and Europeans have all left their mark on the island’s landscape and culture but what has not changed are the enduring values of the island’s people; courteous, proud and self sufficient.
	The hue of the fine sand on the wide, wonderful beaches of Spain’s Costa Dorada (Golden Coast) has given this popular holiday region its name. The 20 or so towns and villages along this 120-mile (200km) stretch of Mediterranean coastline, south of Barcelona, have become built up with hundreds of hotels, camp sites and apartment blocks, catering mainly for family holidays with large, thrilling theme and waterparks at the local resorts.
	The Catalonian capital, Barcelona, is a cosmopolitan city that incorporates Roman remains, medieval districts and the most beautiful examples of Modernism and 20th Century avant-garde art.
	The old town of Spain’s capital Madrid is exemplary among major European cities, and blends harmoniously with the most modern and convenient of urban infrastructure.

Portugal

The natural advantages of a sunny country with such diverse geographic features have turned Portugal into a chosen destination for many, an ideal place for practicing water sports and playing golf.

Portugal has a rich seafaring past, superb beach resorts, wistful towns and a landscape wreathed in olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields. Littered with UNESCO World Heritage sites and graced by one of Europe's most relaxed and attractive capitals this is a nation proud of its heritage.

Savouring life slowly is a Portuguese passion, and much of the best is humble - traditional folk festivals, simple, honest food drowning in olive oil, music that pulls at the heart strings, recalling past love and glories and markets overflowing with fish, fruit and flowers.

Portugal Highlights

	Lisbon, the dazzling city that stretches along the banks of the River Tagus, is an enchanting capital. The impressive fortress around which the city originally sprang up, is now circled by neighbourhoods drenched with medieval charm. As the dusk turns to night, the yellow electric tramcars continue to slowly wind their way up and down the hills of the old capital, while the sound of traditional Fado songs enliven many a candlelit dinner table in restaurant or home.
	Gorgeous beaches, warm water and glorious year-round sunshine make a stay on the Algarve the dream holiday. Situated on the extreme South of Portugal, this area of the territory was the last to be conquered from the Moors and traces of the Moorish presence are still seen in its unique terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses. The southern coastline consists of a long stretch of fabulous sandy beaches, punctuated by extraordinary rugged red cliffs and fantastic grottoes.
	Between the verdant hills and the blue ocean, Madeira lies 621 miles southwest of Lisbon and 497 miles from the coast of Africa, offering the delights of a subtropical climate. An archipelago of volcanic origin, Madeira is the largest and more populated of the islands. The beautiful assortment of flowers and tropical fruits, mild temperature of the ocean water and natural pools, a wealthy cultural heritage, luxurious hotels and Funchal’s cosmopolitan life are but a few of the available charms found here.

Cyprus

During the long hot dry summer months escape the heat of the beaches to the cool retreat of sleepy mountain villages, or take time out to visit the historic sites in the morning before temperatures peak.

It is the natural beauty of Cyprus, which draws visitors year after year, but this is not a new phenomenon. From Alexander the Great to Cleopatra, ancient civilisations and ruling empires have laid claim to this island when confronted with such beauty, and Aphrodite herself made the destination her home. The Cypriots are very protective of their heritage and environment so areas of outstanding beauty have been designated as protected land ensuring this striking landscape remains unspoilt.

	Lisbon, the dazzling city that stretches along the banks of the River Tagus, is an enchanting capital. The impressive fortress around which the city originally sprang up, is now circled by neighbourhoods drenched with medieval charm. As the dusk turns to night, the yellow electric tramcars continue to slowly wind their way up and down the hills of the old capital, while the sound of traditional Fado songs enliven many a candlelit dinner table in restaurant or home.
	Gorgeous beaches, warm water and glorious year-round sunshine make a stay on the Algarve the dream holiday. Situated on the extreme South of Portugal, this area of the territory was the last to be conquered from the Moors and traces of the Moorish presence are still seen in its unique terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses. The southern coastline consists of a long stretch of fabulous sandy beaches, punctuated by extraordinary rugged red cliffs and fantastic grottoes.
	Between the verdant hills and the blue ocean, Madeira lies 621 miles southwest of Lisbon and 497 miles from the coast of Africa, offering the delights of a subtropical climate. An archipelago of volcanic origin, Madeira is the largest and more populated of the islands. The beautiful assortment of flowers and tropical fruits, mild temperature of the ocean water and natural pools, a wealthy cultural heritage, luxurious hotels and Funchal’s cosmopolitan life are but a few of the available charms found here.

Greece

Greece boasts a legacy that is unrivalled. Whether visiting cosmopolitan Athens or one of the many isolated islands, there are ancient gems to treasure – from the Acropolis to frescoed Minoan palaces in Crete. But Greece is much more than a history lesson. Sun-soaked beaches and crystal azure waters are enough of an incentive in themselves to attract visitors.

	Beneath a skyline of elegant neoclassical façades and whitewashed houses, Athens’ historic Plaka quarter is a vibrant and colourful combination of antique shops, market stalls and pavement tavernas. Modern Athens, which received a facelift in 2004 when it once more became the host for the Olympics, is also fascinating to explore.
	The three unspoilt fingers of the peninsula of Halkidiki protrude into the sparkling Aegean boasting golden beaches, traditional villages, small islands and sheltered bays.
	Crete’s stunning mountain ranges are dotted with caves and sliced by dramatic gorges, and its rugged interior is blanketed in olive groves and wild flowers. In contrast the north coast is fringed by wonderful sandy beaches while breathtaking drives along the rugged south coast lead to an unspoilt paradise of pretty isolated coves.
	Mykonos is arguably the most cosmopolitan of all Greek islands. Low, rocky hills, combined with superb golden beaches, make up its gentle landscape.
	Known locally as Thira, Santorini is a magical, serene island with a dramatic legacy left by what was probably the biggest volcanic eruption in recorded history. Viewed from the surrounding waters this is possibly the most stunning of all islands.
	Redolent with history and mythology, Athens is an affable city enlivened by bustling outdoor cafes, pedestrian streets that wind through the city's ancient sites and its fair share of urban eccentrics - a great walking city.
	Mykonos’s capital, Hora, boasts a colorful harbour in which little fishing boats nestle side by side with luxury yachts. Nearby, a veritable treasure trove of modern jewellery is sold at numerous friendly shops. One of the most evocative areas on the island is Little Venice. Here, several restaurants boast wonderful views across the sea and over to the famous Mykonos windmills – make sure you dine late enough to witness an unforgettable sunset.
	In Halkidiki an effort has been made to develop tourist facilities in keeping with the natural surroundings. Most of the hotels and private homes in the area are built in the traditional Macedonian style, designed to enhance rather than detract from the environment.