10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental

Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people but not too expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you want long lines, crowded pools, kids running up and down the corridors? I think not.

Selecting the best Costa Rica vacation rental can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you feel like you are ‘doing without’.

Many vacationers consider the Costa Rica vacation rental as ‘just somewhere to stay’ since most of your time will be spent in or on the water, or enjoying local attractions. Don’t make that mistake. There is no reason to settle for less when, with a little planning, you can find a great Costa Rica vacation rental that you’ll enjoy as much or more than the other parts of your vacation.

Remember, your vacation home is where you’ll be sleeping, waking up, having many of your meals, and resting.

If it rains or is unseasonably hot outside, you may end up stretched out reading a book to while away the day or wanting to watch one of your favorite movies on the DVD – assuming there is a comfortable sofa. And when you meet new friends, you’ll want someplace nice for entertaining. Shouldn’t your vacation rental be a pleasant get-away with the amenities that make vacations a real treat? “A home away from home”

Here are 10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental:

1. The single most important factor is whether or not you can “see” actual recent photos of the interior and exterior of the vacation rental. It’s one thing to read a great description – and some of them are quite ‘complimentary’ (sometimes overly so) - but you need to see what you are getting.

With the Internet, a website is the quickest most convenient way for you to get information on prospective Costa Rica vacation rentals. If there are no pictures, you’ll know right away to keep looking. Brochures, books and guides are nice, but may have out-dated information.

2. List the amenities that are important to you, the ones without which you will feel incomplete. Next, jot down those that are nice to have, but not deal-breakers if not available.

With these lists as a guide, you’ll be able to quickly eliminate those rentals that won’t meet your needs. Your list might include proximity to the water, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, type kitchen (full versus fridge and microwave), outdoor amenities such as decks and BBQ grills, ocean views, private pools, outdoor eating areas, tennis courts and other items important to you.

On your secondary list, you might have things like a hammock for lazing about, or pool waterfall for the relaxing sounds. Exterior stereo speakers, to enjoy your favorite music around the pool. Ice makers to mix your favorite drinks, especially in the heat of the day.

3. List the activities that you want to be able to enjoy while on vacation. A morning activity like scuba diving, snorkeling or canopy tour then coming back to the villa to relax may be a high priority for you.
You also need to consider how close the vacation rental is to the airport. It is very important to know how far the rental is from your arrival airport. Some rentals can take a half a day’s drive and after your flight even an hour’s drive can seem an eternity. Your travel time back to the airport at departure can also frustrate your entire vacation. Enjoying your last morning of your vacation by a private pool instead of traveling for hours to the airport can be very important to you. For Costa Rica vacation rentals that are only 20 minutes from the Liberia International airport visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com. This will help you in selecting a general location.

You also need to consider how close you want your vacation rental to be to the attractions.

Some people feel that a great vacation is being able to walk or bicycle everywhere. Others don’t mind a short drive, and still others think nothing of getting on a freeway to enjoy attractions.

If you prefer a vacation without the hassles of traffic, parking problems, crowds and long lines, select a villa located in the quaint waterfront town of Playa Panama, Costa Rica. Visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com to learn more.

4. Identify your first, second and third choice of dates for renting the villa.
With several dates, you’ll save time when making arrangements.

If you find a villa that you really want and you have some flexibility in scheduling, having alternate dates ready allows you to book right then, saving yourself the time and hassle of having to re-check everyone’s schedule and call back – and risking losing those dates in the interim.

5. Call the telephone numbers for the vacation rentals that seem to meet your needs and speak directly with either the owners or the person who is handling the property.

Be prepared with a list of questions. This allows you to compare apples to apples, and keeps you from forgetting something important during the conversation.

It also gives you a feel for the person who will be your contact should you rent the villa and then encounter a problem. If you don’t get a warm, friendly welcome to your inquiries, don’t expect anything different when you have a problem.

6. Ask what amenities are included.
You may learn of something that’s not on your list but is perfect for your plans.
Does the rental have maid service? Last thing you want to do is make the beds or clean the dishes, even if there is a dishwasher.
Does the rental have a washer and dryer? If so, you will not have to take as many cloths with you. Will the maid wash your cloths before your departure? Coming home with a suitcase full of clean cloths is certainly a benefit.

Other things to consider: Is there a welcome basket? Will the owner have essential items in the refrigerator for you, before your arrival? Can you make arrangements for tours? Are there plates, utensils, pots, pans and other essentials for eating and meal preparation – or will you have to bring your own?
Does the rental have air condition or do you have to depend on the winds to comfort you?

7. Inquire about restaurants, events and activities and other forms of local entertainment that are close by. Here’s where your list of preferred activities comes in handy. You should be able to find links to local attractions, calendars and restaurants on the website of your Costa Rica vacation rental.

8. Are the owners local or do they have a management team helping 24/7?
Owners are a wealth of information about the area and can give you tips on great out-of-the-way places that aren’t in the guidebooks. They also care about your enjoyment and comfort while at their villa.

This can make a huge difference; especially should something need immediate attention in the villa. There’s nothing worse than calling the rental company about a stopped-up toilet and getting somebody’s bored teenager who’s manning the phones for the summer.

9. How long has the owner been renting vacation rentals?
If the owner has worked with rental properties, they know what tenants expect and how to get things done.

If this is a new venture, beware. The owner may be in it for “fun” and have no idea how to prepare the villa so that you can have a great vacation.

10. And last, when you look at the pictures, can you see yourself having a great time there?

If the pictures make you want to go right now, and the answers to the questions above meet your satisfaction, you’ve found yourself a great Costa Rica vacation rental!

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Top Five Attractions to see on an Australian Vacation

It can be a challenge to come up with a list of the top five attractions in a country that's as big and diverse as Australia. If you have visited the "Land Down Under" before, you may have your own suggestions. Although, if you have not yet visited Australia, the following places will give you a good start, they include man-made and natural wonders, dramatic scenery, beautiful beaches and Aborigine culture.

Great Barrier Reef

Off the eastern coast of Australia lies one of the world's greatest natural wonders. The reef's statistics are impressive, it is around 1200 miles long, and is home to around 1,500 varieties of fish and around 400 species of coral. You may also be lucky enough to see manatees, sharks, and turtles as well as humpback whales that give birth during the winter months.

There are several ways to see the reef. Many companies offer cruises - lasting from several hours to a full day, and you can also sleep on the reef aboard a 1890's sailing boat. Virtually every cruise boat also offers the chance to see the reef by diving, an opportunity not to be missed, even if you are new to diving. Also, many visitors to the reef cannot resist mailing postcards from Australia's only floating post office, anchored about 45 miles offshore from Port Douglas.

Sydney Opera House

One of the most recognizable and striking buildings in the world, Sydney's famous opera house was designed by the Danish architect Jorn Utzon. Even if you do not like opera, the building is worth visiting, it is actually a major center for the performing arts where you can see not only opera, but classical music, dance and rock concerts. And there are free performances outside the building on Sunday afternoons.

Sydney Opera House does resemble the billowing sails of a ship, quite appropriate, as the building lies alongside one of the world's most beautiful harbors. Not far from the Opera House is the area of Sydney known as Circular Quay, a bustling area of shops, bars and restaurants. And from Circular Quay, you can easily catch a bus or ferry to almost any other part of the city, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens and the historic Rocks district, the oldest part of the city.

The Gold Coast


The Gold Coast is Australia's playground. Beautiful white sandy beaches line the coast for 40 miles, backed by high-rise apartments, luxury hotels, shops, casinos and restaurants. The area also boasts several theme parks such as Sea World and Movie World, as well as around 40 golf courses.

The closest big city to the Gold Coast area is Brisbane, capital of Queensland. It's a friendly laid back kind of a place, offering a wide range of shopping and restaurants. But if you really want to escape from the crowds on the Gold Coast beaches, explore some of the small islands in nearby Moreton Bay.

The Outback (Ayers Rock and Alice Springs)

Many visitors to Australia come just to see the famous Outback - one of the last truly unspoiled areas in the world. It's difficult to comprehend the size of the Outback, it covers an estimated 2.5 million square miles. The Outback is not all desert, the northern part boasts high mountains, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls. Driving across the Outback is an unforgettable experience, although you should always carry essentials such as extra water and fuel, spare tires, and perhaps a satellite phone

The unofficial capital of the Outback is the town of Alice Springs, made famous by the book and movie A Town like Alice. Alice Springs makes a good base to explore the area as well as to shop for Aborigine souvenirs. Within easy reach of Alice is the huge monolith once known as Ayers Rock, now known by its Aborigine name of Uluru. The rock is impressive at any time of day, but if you have the chance, try to be there at sunset.

Darwin and Kakadu National Park


Darwin is about as far north as you can go in Australia, in fact the city is closer to parts of Asia than to many parts of Australia, and has quite an oriental feel to it.

Within easy reach of Darwin are several areas of natural beauty, including Australia's largest national park, Kakadu. The park covers around 6,000 square miles, and offers varied landscapes ranging from wetlands to dramatic sandstone escarpments. Over 200 species of birds and around 75 species of reptile can be seen here.

Kakadu is still under Aborigine control and is one of the few places where their traditional way of life is still practiced. You can see their art on display at the park's cultural center and at various rock-art sites, and if you are lucky, you may glimpse the Aborigines themselves.

Best Family Resort - Atlantis Resort - The Bahamas

Probably the best family resort developed to date is the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. The resort is located on Paradise Island, adjacent to the capital city of Nassau.

The Bahamas are located off the east coast of Florida and are comprised of around 700 islands and cays extending over 500 miles. The warm climate, crystal clear blue waters, tropical landscape, world class shopping and luxury hotels make the Bahamas one of the most popular tourist destinations. There are plenty of sports and aquatic activities to enjoy including golf, diving, snorkeling, boating and fishing. The capital city of Nassau has some of the best food, drinks, shopping and nightlife to make it an ultimate vacation destination.

Nestled on the Caribbean Sea minutes from downtown Nassau is the majestic Atlantis Resort. Atlantis is a water theme resort based on the mythical city that sank without a trace thousands of years ago. This resort has endless activities for every family member. Peter Diaz, President and CEO of VoyageMonkey.com Online Travel, says The Atlantis Resort is a destination in itself. Guests are provided with all they need to have a relaxing fun filled vacation without leaving the resort. You don't want to leave. The resort is entertaining for children and adults. There are not too many resorts that match the family amenities offered by Atlantis.

The resort sits on one of the best beaches in the Bahamas, Cabbage Beach. Along these 3 miles of pristine soft white sand, resort guests can soak up the sun, snorkel, parasail, jet-ski and participate in multitudes of water and beach activities. For a more carefree beach experience, the 7-acre Paradise Lagoon offers swimming, sunbathing and a variety of water sports. Continuing the water theme, guests can partake in the Leap of Faith: a 60-foot drop down a Mayan temple water slide. This thrilling wet ride takes you through the resorts spectacular aquarium. The magnificent aquarium is a center piece of the resort. The resort has a total of 141 acres of waterslides, a quarter-mile lazy river ride and several pools. You can even fulfill your dream of swimming with friendly playful Dolphins at Dolphin Cay.

For your nightlife entertainment, the Atlantis boasts the largest casino in the Caribbean. At the Atlantis you will find a world class gaming experience with 100 table games including Craps, Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, and Caribbean Stud Poker. There is also a Race and Sports book. The casino offers over 1,000 of the newest slot machines each equipped with state of the art player tracking system (with denominations from a penny to $100). Enjoy the convenience of using your room key to play.

Atlantis features 21 restaurants and 19 bars and lounges offering everything from fine dining to quick-and-easy favorites. Two of the Bahamas best restaurants are located at the resort: the Bahamian Club and Villa Este. The Bahamian Club serves international and French cuisine and is known for its fine cuts of meats. Villa Este serves some of the best Italian cuisine in the Bahamas.

If you do desire to leave the resort, downtown Nassau and its neighboring resort areas are just minutes away for your enjoyment. The Bahamas proximity to the United States and its safe track record makes it attractive for U.S. tourists. You just can't go wrong with this family vacation choice.

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India tour

India a place known for its majestic tourist places, whether it is Ajanta Ellora caves or Taj Mahal the love monument which comes under seven wonders of world. Every state in the India known for its specialty has its own language and culture.
India is also known for its festive seasons, it is full of festivals. People have great faith in god. The best thing about India is the diversity in Indian culture and religions. So many religions and so many people, but still people of different religions celebrate festivals with great enthusiasm like they are celebrating there own.


It is always a great fun to visit to visit and plans a tour to India. The following paragraphs describing the beauty of Indian Tours

India tours offer you the Yoga, technique to fight against all ailments in the body and increase vitality in the body. Yoga, one of the oldest techniques in India to control body by meditation and prayanama. In the ancient time it was used by monks for concentration and to increase vitality in the body. From past few years India is now worldwide known for its Yoga therapy. With the help of Yoga we can make our breathing proper and control breathing.

Tirtha, places where a god or goddess or some spirit has dwelled or is still dwelling. India is a preferred destination for Pilgrimage Tours. Many pilgrim tourists from all over the world come to India to visit this tourist places.The land fascinates every tourist with every single pilgrim site offering a blessed destination for each one of them.India a land of mysteries, which inculcates the ardent faith in you that's all India, is all about. These Pilgrimage Tours provide rejuvenation in your mind. From its intricately carved temples to the various holy Ghats you will discover that India is just the desired pilgrim’s spot for a religious tour.India is a holy land people have faith in there religions. The country has religious backdrop of Hinduism and other religions. North India covers mostly pilgrimage places like Vaishno Devi, Amarnath, Char Dham, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Mathuraare etc.

Golden Triangle Tours, one of the famous tours of India. The name Golden Triangle is little bit strange actually this tour covers three most attracted and historical places Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. All three places known for there history and culture. According to a survey this tour is mostly visited by tourists. It is quite obvious because you have choice to visit India, see India in a lesser time. One more thing three different tours that is Delhi Tour, Taj Mahal Tour and Rajasthan Tour at once. So if you are thinking to visit India and you have less time you can visit this tour. Delhi, the capital of India has most places to visit especially the history of India and its historical places.

Incredible India tours, there are lots of places in India which are incredible, due to there culture or there magical architecture. India has such buildings, temples and caves that have incredible architecture. Ajanta Ellora caves are one of the examples of that beauty. These are located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the famous Ajanta and Ellora are cave shrines cut out of rock, by hand, and rank amongst some of the most outstanding architecture of ancient time. Ajanta and Ellora caves are full of statues made on walls and it is interesting these were made on mountain after which it took the form of cave.

There are some more tours like Goa Tours a place known for its western culture, its boldness and beauty of beaches, this place is totally different than other parts of India. Rajasthan Tours, mostly alien tourists come to Rajasthan to see the magic of Indian forts and specially the culture of Rajasthan. Kerala Tours also comes under the famous tourist places of India. Kerala a place which covers many tourist place attractions like backwater tourism, honeymoon tours, beaches tours, and pilgrimage tours. Taj Mahal Tours one of the world famous tour because of its marvelous architecture and beauty. Also it comes under seven wonders of world. Wildlife Tours, India is blessed with 80 National Parks and 441 wildlife sanctuaries so this is also a good option for your tours plans to see different wild creatures under a one roof and take the pleasure of Jungle Safari with this Wild Life Tours.

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8 of the World’s Most Beautiful Coastal Towns

Stunning views of the cliff, with gorgeous beach houses dotting the coastline and narrow highways meandering close to the rocks beneath – Coastal towns bring a whole new meaning to seaside lifestyle.

There is a certain allure about these coastal towns, be it in Africa or Australia; their elegance and disarrayed beauty tend to make you fall unknowingly for their charm.

What’s special about them is their geographical edge blessed by forces of both nature and man, making them unique and visually enticing.

1 – Positano, Naples – Italy

Perched on the steep slopes of the stunning Naples, Positano is one of the many coastal towns littered along the Amalfi coast. Featured in many romance movies, Positano is the perfect setting for a dreamy rendezvous. Driving along the zigzag highway towards the town, you are embraced by breathtaking views of the coast and typical Italian seaside architecture.

A playground for the rich and famous, Positano can be a costly place to visit, with its high-end hotels and exquisite restaurants offering a view to die for. Full moon nights on the main beach of Positano can be quite an experience for you and your loved one.

How to: Take a Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento, and then continue by the SITA bus to Positano. It is easily connected to Salerno, Sorrento and Naples by ferry in summer.

2 – Apollo Bay, Melbourne – Australia

The Great Ocean Road offers one of the most scenic drives in Australia. Only in this Southeastern part of the country will you be able to enjoy views of the treacherous coastline made famous by the 12 Apostles. Also unique to this region, are the koalas in the wild, curled high up in the eucalyptus trees. Try to spot some near Kenneth River along the way!

Amongst many of the gorgeous coastal towns along the coast, Apollo Bay has a great reputation for the leisure parks, sizzling barbies (Aussie slang for ‘barbeques’) and its proximity to some of the best surfing spots in Australia. It is also bigger than neighboring towns, with many conveniences at your doorstep.

3 – Kamakura, Kanagawa – Japan

With technology taking over the entire Japan, a traditional town like Kamakura is a rare gem these days. Just one hour away from Tokyo, it is after all, not the best kept secret. Still, with its slapping waves thundering against the coast, and impressive monuments against the backdrop of Mount Fuji, it is no wonder Kamakura is top on the list. Besides its coastal charm, there is just so much history and culture in this town.

Kamakura is of course most famous for the Great Buddha of Kamakura – a bronze statue of Amida Buddha built on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. It stands majestically as the second largest statue in Japan. The Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the spiritual heart of the coastal town, along with the torii-gates (signature red gates of Japan) welcoming you into the town center. Come in April, and you sure will find beautiful pink cherry blossoms lining the the Dankazura Street that runs parallel.

4 – Sidi Bou Said, Tunis – Tunisia

With the entire town made up of white-and-blue Mediterranean architecture, it is hard to believe that one is in North Africa. Although lacking a tad bit of originality, Sidi Bou Said never fails to impress with its pure whitewashed walls, beautiful porcelain stalls and its hilltop location. It is after all a stark difference in comparison with the brown-dusted capital city of Tunis, where mosques and souks line the dusty streets.

With Tunisians donning their traditional djellabas walking through the Med-style pathways, it looks strangely befitting yet intriguingly mismatching. Somehow, you might get the feeling that Sidi Bou Said is nothing but a reconstructed Disneyland for the rich Mediterranean tourists; but deep in its narrow alleys, you can still find the soul of an enchanting coastal town.

How to: Catch a TGM Train from Tunis to La Marsa, and continue on the Light Railway to Sidi Bou Said. One-way tickets cost less than 1 euro!

5 – Sausalito, California – USA

Driving along the Golden Gate Bridge with Sausalito in the distance is one of the most romantic getaways in the USA. The coastal town is sandwiched between the cliffs of the Marin Headlands and the shore of San Francisco Bay. The art galleries and souvenir shops along Bridgeway and the soothing cafés along Caledonian Street make Sausalito somewhat atypically American.

For the outdoor lovers, Sausalito also offers excellent hiking trails from Spencer Avenue up to the Marin Headlands zigzagging along the coast. The best thing about Sausalito? It’s a great day trip from San Francisco for the urban dwellers, and the best way to get away from the crowd, and soak in some Californian sun. After all, some say it’s the reason why they built the Golden Gate Bridge!

How to: From neighboring San Francisco, it’s just a 30-minute ride on the Golden Gate Ferry from the Ferry Building or Blue and Gold Fleet from Pier 39.

6 – Oia, Santorini – Greece

Exactly like how one would picture the Mediterranean coast to be, Oia is littered with whitewashed blue-domed churches, and windmills perched on hilltops. These picture-perfect scenes look straight out of a postcard, and it’s hard not to fall for its charms, really. Oia is possibly the most elegant and scenic coastal town on the island of Santorini – with its narrow cobble-stoned paths running parallel to the coastline, right alongside quaint little artesian shops and cliff-edged cafes.

The perfect way to explore Santorini is renting a car at the foot of the hills (€20/day), driving up the steep slopes all the way to the top for a birds’ eye view, then spending a lazy afternoon on the black volcanic beaches enjoying a typical Greek salad with feta cheese and some ouzo (Greek aperitif), and finally strolling along the paths stretching through Oia, soaking in the Greek island life.

How to: Connected to Crete, Mykonos and Naxos by high-speed boats (can be quite expensive). From Athens, there are two flights per day (Olympic Airways) or catch the ferry from Piraeus, Athens (10 hours).

7 – Knysna, Western Cape – South Africa

There are hundreds of unbelievably beautiful towns along the coastline of South Africa, from Cape Town following the coast to Port Elizabeth, with Knysna standing out thanks to its lush forest and peaceful lagoons. Knysna Heads must be the most striking geological features along the entire southern African coastline. The two great sandstone cliffs flank a deep channel through which the sea pours in to flood the wide and breathtakingly pretty estuary at the mouth of the Knysna River. Don’t forget to drive up to the Eastern Head lookout point for spectacular views of the lagoon.

The Knysna oysters are also reputedly among the tastiest in the world, with Knysna lagoon having its own oyster hatchery! Wildlife lovers would adore the Knysna Forest which is home to plentiful ancient plants and vegetation, as well as antelopes and Knysna elephants.

How to: If you’re a young backpacker, the best choice would be the Baz Bus which you could hop on and off from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Or catch the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train that goes on an amazing scenic route,including the Kaaimans River bridge (the most-photographed railway bridge in the world)!

8 – Rovinj, Istria – Croatia

As the most talked about country in Eastern Europe, Croatia has a reputation for its picturesque coastal towns, medieval stoned paths and the ravishing Adriatic coastline. Instead of sandy beaches, the shoreline of Croatia is mostly rocky, giving it a ruggedly rough edge. In contrast with the wealthier French Riviera, in Rovinj, you will be met by overt friendliness and food that is splendidly rustic.

This coastal town in the Istrian Peninsula is softly embedded in a stunning bay, oozing a mythical charm that makes this a paradise for artists and poets. The country is extremely conscious of its history and culture; there are many monuments worth visiting in Rovinj, especially the Church of St Euphemia. Built at a hilltop, it’s the best spot to catch a view of the old town. It’s definitely worth visiting, especially if you climb the wooden staircase to the top of the 60m campanile.

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Madeira for Summer Sun

Like the Balearics, The Canary Islands have been popular with visitors from Britain for many years now, with some even moving out there to live permanently. Several islands make up the islands in the group. The island of Madeira lies a little further north and west, making flight times slightly shorter from the UK, but it benefits from the same mild and pleasant weather while offering differences in culture, geography, architecture and tradition.

Madeira and its neighbourPorto Santo first began to realise their holiday resort potential many years ago and they are probably some of the oldest holiday destinations in Europe. Tourism contributes to around a fifth of the island's commercial activity, peaking during March and April when the islands come into their own as winter sun destinations. During those months the average daytime temperatures reach a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius.

The main feature of Porto Santo as far as tourists are concerned is the wonderful main beach that runs from Porto Santo town down the east coast of the island. In fact the island is all about this one beach. This must surely rank as one of the best beaches in the world, not only for its size, but also for the quality of the sand and the amount of space available for everyone to enjoy. There are some facilities along the beach, with a few shops, cafes and beach bars, but they don't amount to much or interfere with the peacefulness. This beach really is a place to relax; just lie in the sun, listen to the waves arriving from the crystal clear waters and do nothing. With the small number of hotels on the island, the beach is never busy and makes a great location for family holiday with safe bathing on offer, especially in the areas that are monitored by life guards.

Another feature of the Porto Santo beach is its claimed benefits for health. There is little to prove these properties, but many claim that the sands can help those with rheumatism and other ailments. Don't be surprised to see people burying themselves up to their heads to get maximum coverage! Until a thorough scientific test has been done to prove the effects, it may just remain an interesting traditional claim whose real effect belongs to the relaxing days that people are able to enjoy there.

Porto Santo is slowly adding other features to bolster its tourism offering. The airport has recently been expanded and modernised, with most of the inbound flights coming from Madeira or Lisbon. There are also a growing number of small luxury hotels being opened and the new international-class golf course is sure to attract many {winter golfers to the island. The course, which was originally made up of two circuits of nine holes, is now a full 18 hole course. It was designed by the famous Severiano Ballesteros and almost stretches right across the width of the island at a point where it is just less than 2 miles wide. There are water features and spectacular modern clubhouse.

Back on Madeira there are an additional two golf courses. The Palheiro golf course is set in rolling hills and woodland close to Funchal and offers some spectacular scenery. This course is over fifteen years old now and blends well into the Madeiran landscape. The older Santo da Serra Golf Club was first built in 1937 although the course received a major rework and improvement during 1991. Again spectacular views and challenging holes are bound to attract golfers of all abilities and the 27 hole course plays host to the PGA European Tour Madeira Open, which took place in March this year.

The hills and inland regions of Madeira are another of the attractions that bring tourists from far and wide to these holiday islands and provide alternatives to the busier lifestyle in the capital of Funchal. This is great walking countryside and many organised walks are available for those who prefer to walk with an experienced local. Marked routes are set out across the island and take walkers to popular locations including the peaks at Pico Ruivo, Paradise Valley or the wonderful waterfalls that are a feature of Madeira. Many of these walks use the hundreds of kilometers of aqueducts or levedas that have been built to move water around the island. In total these aqueducts make up over 1300 miles of channels.

Other unusual features of Madeira are the many tunnels that the footpaths and aqueducts use to traverse across the island. Some are quite short while others stretch for many hundreds of metres. One of the longest is the 2.4 kilometre Pico Ruivo tunnel that passes underneath the island's highest mountain.

So whether you are a golfer, a walker or just someone looking to spend quiet relaxing days on the beach, Madeira and Porto Santo could have the perfect mix of holiday facilities and mild climate all year round.


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