Lanzarote - Zapatero Visit

It was recently reported by Island Connections that the Lanzarote Tourist Board persuaded Spain's prime minister - Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero - to go public with his praise for the island of Lanzarote.   He recorded an 18-second video clip which has been posted on the Tourist Board's office site and has also featured in news headlines across Spain.

The clip is set in palm tree surroundings and Zapatero says that Lanzarote has everything, and encourages people to spend their holidays there. 

However, the video has already triggered protests from other holiday regions in Spain, including Valencia, who have accused the prime minister of being niave and has commented that he should ensure that he remains neutral with his comments on where people should spend their holidays.

Take a look at Lanzarote to see if you would like to spend your next holiday there.

Tecina Golf in La Gomera

120 golfers from 24 countries took part in the most important men's golfing tournament in the Canary Islands at Tecina Golf in La Gomera.

The course record was broken on 2 occasions and after 4 days of playing, a Welshman - Rhys Davies - came out on top.  This challenge trophy series is the last stage before entry into the European Tour.  Rhys took away 24,000 euros in prize money.

Tecina Golf is a 6,340 metre long, 18 hole, par 71 golf course, situated on a cliff overlooking Playa de Santiago in the south of La Gomera and the Atlantic Ocean [with magnificent views of Mount Teide in Tenerife].  Designed by Donal Steel, one of the most singular aspects of this course is that it is played down a hillside with a steep incline, providing golfers with a round that is amost continuously downhill.  This means that at every hold, players will find splendind ovean views.

Tecina Golf is only a short walk from the lovely 4 star Jardin Tecina Hotel which is organised in bungalows in the typical style of the Canary Islands.    We have some fantastic offers available at the Jardin Tecina Hotel and if you wish to have a round of Golf at Tecina Golf, this can also be arranged for you.  

Cala Millor Tourist Festivities

If you are in Mallorca during the last week of September, you may like to visit Cala Millor for a Tourist Festival. 

The first event is the Feria de la Cerveza [Beer Festival] which is being held in Cala Millor's square on the 24 September.   Apart from the event, there are fireworks planned for the 27 September in the bay.

There will also be a photography contest, a special event on weddings and exhibitions of tourism products, sporting and leisure activities.  A 11km fun run will also be held on the 27 September at 10:30 which will take place along the bay of Cala Millor.

If you would like to stay in Cala Millor during the festivities, we have quite a few hotels available in the resort, including the Riu Playa Cala Millor Hotel which has proved to be our most popular hotel in Cala Millor this year.

Huelva is Spain's Sunniest City

It was recently reported in the autumn edition of "Spain" magazine that the National Institute for Statistics in Spain annoucned that the city of Huelva is, in fact, the sunniest Spanish location.

Huelva is a located in the south of Spain - in the westernmost point of the Costa de la Luz, and is located west of Seville and east of Faro in Portugal.  Enjoying 3,200 hours of sunshine each year [which equates to an average of 9 hours per day] means that Costa de la Luz lives up to its name - Coast of Light.  However, although the sunniest location, it certainly is not the hottest.  Cities such as Seville and Madrid can reach the high 30s in August, but the maritime influence can take 10 degrees off in Huelva.

We can offer a lovely rural, family run hotel in Alajar, called Posada Finca la Fronda.  Located in the heart of the Sierra de Aracena & Picos de Aroche Natural park in the northwest of the province of Huelva, right out in the country, and with views all around. Approximately 1.5km from the village of Alajar and about 750m above sea level on a 10 hectare farm covered principally with cork and edible chestnut trees.   If you would like to receive a quotation, just give us a call or send an enquiry and we will be delighted to assist.

Red Letter Days through Corona Holidays

Corona Holidays have just introduced in their "Travel Extras" the opportunity for you to book Red Letter Days via our affiliated membership. 

A perfect gift would be a memorable day out - the ideal birthday, anniversary or Christmas gift.   Choose from a huge selection of gifts from adventure to pampering days - designed for him, her, children or families.  Or, give gift vouchers and let them choose for themselves. 

Take a look at what Red Letter Days can offer you.

Pa amb oli - Bread with olive oil

When visiting Mallorca, one of the most popular dishes is Pa amb oli - bread with olive oil.  This can be served for breakfast, as an aperitif or between mealtimes. 

The following recipe serves 6-8 people and firstly you will need to buy:

• 8 slices of pan moreno approximately 2cm thick
• 4 tomatoes
• 1 clove of garlic [according to taste]
• best quality olive oil
• salt

Toast or bake the break and drizzle with olive oil and rub with half a tomato.  Salt, and drizzle on a little more oil.  Serve at once.    This is how pa amb oli is most commonly served, but other versions should be tried.

Pan moreno - the dark, unsalted mixed-flour bread, is the best basis for a pa amb oli.  However, there now follows the question which is much talked about by Mallorcans ... should be bread be first drizzled with olive oil and then rubbed with a sliced tomato, or should the tomato be rubbed in first and subsequently drizzled with olive oil?  Then there is the view that the first thing to come into contact with the bread should be a peeled raw clove of garlic - rubbed over the bread.    Try different variations and make up your own mind which is best.

For holidays to Mallorca - visit our website, give us a call or send an enquiry.   We have lots of options available for you.

Kayaking in Menorca

The Menorca Nautical Centres will be taking advantage of the weather in September and are organising the Concentracion Popular de Kayak which is a 4 day event taking place along the Menorca coast - starting on 17 September.

During the 4 days, members of the public will have the opportunity to see Menorca from a different perspective - from the sea.  The event is not competitive and the routes have been designed for anyone with a basic physical fitness.
Route 1.  Son Saura - Cala GaldanaYou will follow the south coastline and pass white sandy beaches and pine forests.  You will stop on the way to swim and stretch your legs and then stop in Cala Galdana for something to eat.
Distance : 12km     Duration:  4 hours    Level : Beginners
Route 2.  Macaret - Es GraoThis route takes you past the beaches of Cala Caldes and Es Sivinar and rock formations.  You will stop at one of the beaches near a lighthouse, for something to eat and then continue in the S'Albufera Natural Park, finally arriving at the beach Es Grao.
Distance : 15km     Duration : 6 hours    Level : Beginners

Route 3.  Santo Tomas - Cala Galdana
Leaving Santo Tomas, this route takes you past cliffs, beaches, caves and woodland.  You will stop for something to eat and proceed to Cala Mitjana and finally reach the 300m deep "Enchanted" cave which will require you to wear lanterns.
Distance : 9km       Duration : 6 hours    Level : Beginners

Route 4.  Son Parc - Ses Salines de FornellsYou will start your route past caves and cliffs and reach some small islands and rock formations and there are also many caves to visit.   Finally you will reach the natural port of Fornells and proceed to the small fishing village where you will stop off and have something to eat and then continue to Ses Salines.
Distance : 9km     Duration : 6 hours      Level : Beginners

If you would like more information or for us to arrange accommodation in one of the above resorts in Menorca - contact us or send an enquiry.  

Cape Verde - The Alternative Canary Islands

Have you ever considered a Cape Verde Holiday?  These islands are an alternative to the Canary Islands - although very different in culture and way of life.   With fabulous beaches and lots of sunshine, the islands are only a 6 hour flight from the UK, yet only 1 hour behind the UK.

Located approximately 400 miles off the west coast of Africa, Cape Verde is 1,000 km south of the Canary Islands.

Beaches :  Superb with long stretches of white sand.  Sal and Boa Vista have the most popular beaches.

Marine Life : Divers will love the tropical fish, green turtles, yellow-fin tuna, marlin and dolphins [to name only a few of what can be seen].  Marine turtles are among the most important species on the islands and is a staging post for them between America and Africa.

Eating Out : Cape Verde is a fish lovers heaven!  Grilled lobster, fresh tuna, octopus and a huge number of other delicacies.   A local speciality is james and semi-dried fruits often served as a desset with fresh goat's cheese.

If you would like more information on Cape Verde - just get in contact with us or look at the many hotels and apartments we can offer on the main islands of Boa Vista and Sal

Spanish Phrases - Days and Months

This is the first part of our introduction to basic Spanish phrases / words.  

For days and months of the year, the Spanish do not use capitals and the months are very similar to the English words.


Monday : lunes  [loones]

Tuesday : martes [martes]
Wednesday : miércoles [meeyerkoles]
Thursday : jueves [khwebes]
Friday : viernes [beeyernes]
Saturday : sábado [sabado]
Sunday : domingo [domeengo]

January : enero [enero]
February : febrero [febrero]
March : marzo [martho]
April : abril [abreel]
May : mayo [mayo]
June : junio [khooneeyo]
July : julio [khooleeyo]
August : agosto [agosto]
September : septiembre [septeeyembreh]
October : octubre [oktoobreh]
November : noviembre [nobeeyembreh]
December : diciembre [deetheeyembreh]

Abama Golf & Spa Resort, Tenerife - Special Offer

The Abama Golf and Spa Resort is located in Guia de Isora on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands - only 5 minutes from the beach! 

With 9 restaurants [light and simple to highly sophisticated] you are literally spoiled for choice.  One of the restaurants [M.B] is run by Martin Berasategui who is a world-famous Basque chef and a holder of 3 Michelin stars.    There are also 9 swimming pools each of which is surrounded by plants and breathtaking views of the sea.

We have a fantastic offer for you which is available from 1 October until 22 December 2009 - book 6 nights and receive 1 extra night free, and also receive a credit on your "extras" bill when you check out of 125 euros per person which is against any restaurant or spa treatment costs you have incurred during your stay.  There are lots of other benefits for you - just take a look at our description of the Abama Golf and Spa Resort - or simply give us a call.

This 5 star luxury hotel is the ideal place to relax and rejuvenate - and with customer services being second-to-none, you will be looked after at all time at the Abama Golf and Spa Resort in Tenerife. 

San Blas in Tenerife - San Blas Beach

Great news for the new 5 Star San Blas Reserva Ambiental Hotel in San Miguel/Los Abrigos in Tenerife. It now has easier access to the beach at San Blas.

The cost of the access has been covered by the Spanish Government's Coast's Department and accessibility to the beach for everyone - not only for the hotel - has much improved. The final restoration of the area, however, remains with Madrid who are expected to make a decision very soon.

The San Blas beach is one of the most important tourist areas in the district of Granadilla de Abona and is in a quiet area of south Tererife, just 5 minutes from the beach of La Tejita and El Medano and only 10 minutes from Tenerife South Airport.

We currently have an offer at the the 5 Star San Blas Hotel for a twin/double pool view room - flying from Luton - on Bed and Breakfast - 29 September - £679 per person per week. [Other dates and UK airports are available.]

La Palma Forest Fires

Astronomers at the observatory in Roque de los Muchachos, La Palma have come up with their own way of raising funds for the families on La Palma whose homes were damaged in the recent forest fires.

Fires damaged and destroyed homes in Mazo and Fuencaliente a few weeks ago, and although the authorities were making arrangements for compensation for those affected, the astronomers came up with their own way of supporting the victims.

During recent star-gazing days, members of the public were asked to make a donation in order to be able to look through the telescopes [an activity which is normally free of charge]. The money raised has been passed to the Red Cross for distribution.

If you would like to visit La Palma and also the observatory we have lots of accommodation to choose from. Read more about the Canary Island of La Palma or take a look at our most popular accommodation on the island - Las Olas Aparthotel in Los Cancajos

Ferrera Beach Apartments in Cala d'or

The Ferrera Beach Apartments in Cala d'Or, Mallorca went through a large reburbishment plan which was completed the latter part of 2008. We have had clients staying at the Ferrera Beach during this year, and many have asked to return in 2010 - the superior apartments being very popular.

The location of the Ferrera Beach Apartments is 50 metres from Cala Ferrera beach and only 10 minutes' walk from the centre of Cala d'Or making it an ideal location for those wanting to relax on the beach during the day and enjoy the restaurants and bars in the evening. The beach benefits from water sports such as windsurfing and pedaloes. However, if the beach isn't for you, why not stay at the complex and enjoy the swimming pool and sun terrace.

Located right next to the complex is one of the most modern restaurants in the resort - Al Aqua - which has 2 covered terraces and serves a variety of Mediterranean cuisine.

For more details on the Ferrera Beach Apartments - click here. Alternatively just give us a call and we can give you a quotation for these popular self-catering apartments with/without flights from your local airport.

Medano Hotel - Refurbishments at Medano Hotel Prove Popular

The Medano Hotel in El Medano, Tenerife has recently undergone refubishments to many areas of the hotel. Customers have returned from the hotel and given us positive feedback on the new decor.

The 3 star Medano Hotel has a unique location lying alongside a natural beach and has a private sundeck with 500 sq m overhanging the sea which has direct access to the sea. The reception, sundeck, lounge and dining areas have all been updated. One particular customer returning has told us "The hotel presents a more modern image, but has not lost the level of service that my wife and I have come to expect from this hotel, with Raquel and her team always at hand. We have been back many times and although people tend not to like change, I have to say that these changes are all nicely done - we will definitely be returning before the end of the year".

Corona Holidays have exclusive access to rooms with sea view and balcony and currently have an offer whereby you pay for 6 nights, stay for 7 - or pay for 12 nights, stay for 14. Just take a look at our hotel description for the Medano Hotel which contains a price list. You can give us a call on our freephone number 0800 5 677688 or send us an enquiry and we will come right back to you.

Palma - Formentera - Palma Regatta

The Royal Yacht Club of Palma will be organising this inter-island regatta that takes place between Mallorca and Formentera for the 10th year in a row. During the whole week the competitors will be taking to the sea on their journey to Formentera and back again to Palma.

The competition - the Pepe Bellver Memorial - starts in the waters of the bay of Palma this Saturday, 5 September at midday, and heads over to La Savina in Formentera and competitors return a week later on the 12/13 September.

There are some 40 vessels making the crossing and in good conditions it should take about 12 hours to travel the 75 miles - in a low wind it can take up to 20 hours. So if you are in Mallorca this Saturday, why not head for Palma for the start of the race?

We can offer you flights to Mallorca and hotel accommodation along the Paseo Maritimo overlooking the marina - just give us a call, send an enquiry. We can also organise accommodation for you on the island of Formentera.

Tenerife's Marine Gastronomic Route competition

The area of Arona in the south of Tenerife has recently held the Marine Gastronomic Route competition for the 2nd year. The judging panel was made up from members of the international chef's organisation, Euro-Toques, and they visited each restaurant who entered in order to sample the tapas on offer and judge them on taste, ingredients, presentation, originality and service.

1st Place : Tasca El Escondite in Costa del Silencio was awarded 1,000 euros for a tapa of finely sliced tuna with a sweet and sour sauce of lime juice and palm honey.

2nd Place : Tasca de Punta Rasca in El Pal-Mar was awarded 800 euros for a tuna pudding

3rd Place : Churreria Tenerife in Las Galletas was awarded 600 euros for their fishballs in green sauce.

Los Realejos to host "Canarias at the Hotel"

Los Realejos in Tenerife is to host the festival "Canarias at the Hotel" which is to be staged at the Panoramica Garden on the 11 and 12 September.

3 bands - Bikini Invaders [electronic style], Comsat [specialising in rock] and Los Contratiempos [lighter surfing style] are all to appear and there will be sessions by international DJs. There will also be international performances including Los Coronas and The Sweet Vandals.

We can offer breaks in Los Realejos - just give us a call or send an enquiry.

Los Gigantes, Tenerife - New Mini Golf

Los Gigantes in Tenerife now has a new mini golf course at the Los Gigantes Sports and Gardens. The old course was ripped up at the end of July and replacement turf has been put down together with new obstacles.

The new course was officially opened by Senor German Jimenez from the tourism council. Senor German Jimenez has raised 6.6 million euros and with money has already started on other projects such as the improvement of pavements and gardens throughout Los Gigantes, Puerto Santiago and Playa de la Arena ... with other plans in the pipeline.

The mini golf course is proving popular as well as the tennis, darts and solar heated pool. There are already plans to build a petanque area.

We have a selection of holiday accommodation in Los Gigantes and the vicinity. Just give us a call or send us an enquiry.