Summer Hotspots from The Hotel Guru

Summer holidays are about to kick in, still wondering where to head for? The Hotel Guru have come up with some top tips. How about ballooning in central Turkey? Or if you'd rather save that for a cooler season, then perhaps a beach lolling break with a hint of interest will tick the box? There's always culture and landscape of course, so whichever, we've got it covered.

Flickr - Clark & Kim Kays

Balloons over Cappadocia, Turkey

This is definitely an experience you will re-live for years to come. Cappadocia is an hour's flight from Istanbul. There are balloon flights throughout the year and since safety is paramount, be reassured, these pilots are the most experienced in the world. Sunrise is a popular time to fly, with the dawn light spilling out over Monk's Valley, the cave houses, fairy chimneys, pigeon houses and vineyards. The scenery is utterly stunning.

Flickr - cdnbusiness

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada, Greece

Lefkada can be accessed via a narrow bridge from the mainland. Hire a car, and this beautiful island is yours to discover. The west of the island displays some of the most gorgeous beaches with dramatic white cliffs. When you've had enough of the watersports, It's worth taking a boat trip from the port of Nydri to the neighbouring islands of Meganisi, Kefalonia and Ithaca.

Flickr - Stephen Harmes

Porto Venere, Liguria, Italy

The picturesque coast of Liguria with impressive cliffs plunging into the sea. The colourful towns and their houses in ochre and salmon pink with green shutters and terracotta roofs. Cinque Terre is impressive, if you head further south you'll find Porto Venere and the Gulf of Poets, popular with Byron and Shelley and you can see why. The food is utterly delicious, the home of foccacia and pesto genoese.

Flickr - ADT04

Gorges de Baudinard, Haute-Provence, France

Where to start? Provence; with its amazing beaches, landscapes and bustling towns, Aix-en-Provence is one of the loveliest I've seen. The endless fields of lavender in flower from June, and the unique Verdon Gorge for hiking and kayaking. You won't be shortchanged for cafes and restaurants with mouth-watering menus and the choice of vineyards to visit? Well, that's your choice!

Flickr - Norman Walsh

Ronda, Andalucia, Spain

100m above the Guadaleri River stands the city of Ronda with superb views. The "New" bridge which is actually 18th century, spans the El Tajo Gorge and joins two parts of the city together; the Old City - an Arab medina and the cobbled streets and alleyways of the new city. Ronda is full of history with the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain, a must see, built by the same architect who built the amazing bridge.

Flickr - Xorge

Scopello Beach, Sicily, Italy

Sicily, full of Greek and Roman history, amazing beaches and of course the popular tourist traps. But if you head off the beaten track, you'll find some little treasure tucked away and Scopello is one of them. The oldest fishing village on the island located between Trapani and Palermo.

 

Written by Colette Bett

posted Monday, 14th January 2019