FOUR IDEAS FOR A EUROPEAN BREAK IN 2014
Just as the temperature drops in the UK, now is a good time to start thinking ahead to next summer and planning your festivals and holidays to get the best deals. Europe has loads of options of places to go or things to do, from weekend city breaks to wilderness camps and festivals, there is really no shortage of things to do. For some inspiration, we’ve highlighted four ideas to get you started and as you spend more time travelling through Europe, you’ll definitely find loads of other activities and places to visit.
Mountain Biking and Cycling in Italy
Italy’s terrain and provinces is both scenic and great for lots of activities. From swimming to mountain biking, there are loads of things to do here. Places to see include hiking in Sicily’s mountainous regions, swimming, sailing and surfing in the island of Sardinia, see the ancient preserved city of Pompeii in stunning Naples, party and shop in chic Milan, visit the Pope in Vatican city, see cultural buildings and participate in the Venice Film Festival, entertain and romance in Florence, go see picturesque Tuscany and above all, enjoy the great food including the best pizza’s you’ll fine anywhere!
Tomato Fights in Spain
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, Spain has loads of things to do and incredible places to see. One of the craziest and ‘must do’ things include taking part in the annual in La Tomatina (tomato fights) in Buñol – the worlds biggest tomato fight held on the last Wednesday of August, during the week of festivities of Buñol. Elsewhere, don’t forget the huge Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB) taking place on 17th – 20th July 2014 with over 50,000 music fans expected, (line up released shortly), walk the El Camino, chill out in the beaches of Costa de la Luz, wind-surf in Tarifa, hike or climb mountains in the Pyrenees and enjoy the exquisite scenery from the mountains, explore the coral reefs in Cabo de Gata, join Semana Grande in San Sebastian or Bilbao and enjoy the exquisite beauty of Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada.
Join the Festivals in Belgium
With the commercial city of Brussels, laid back city of Antwerp and beautiful city of Bruges, you cannot go wrong visiting Belgium. Popular things to do include the 75,000 capacity Couleur Café music festival at the end of June, biking and hiking in the Ardennes forest while exploring its natural caves, join the 10 day long city wide art and music Gentse Festeen festival in Gent at the end of July, drink beer at the Brasserie Dubuisson (they brew one of the strongest beers in Belgium, the Bush Ambrée at 12% ABV), take long walks and explore the beautiful Bruges and if you’re feeling flush, splash out on some diamonds in Antwerp, the home of diamond trading in Europe.
Rock on in France
Only 21 miles away from the UK at it’s closest point, France is easy to get to and popular for a warm break. With great wine in the Bordeaux region, amazing beaches along the south coast, good surf beaches such as Biarittz in the south west, canoeing down the Ardeche river, mountain biking and other outdoor adventures in Chamonix and other resorts the Alps. For music fans in the summer, it’s all about the Rock en Seine Festival in St. Cloud just outside of Paris at the end of August that attracts over 100,000 music fans. For something more cultural, visit the world famous medieval old world of Mount St. Michel in Normandy or the fortified French town of Carcassonne. Alternatively, see the latest movies and enjoy the latest technologies at the Futuroscope in Poitiers,
These travel tips should help you get started and if you have any other suggestions, let us know in the comments section.
