Travel To Menorca

Welcome to Menorca, the island of the sea breeze.

Smaller and quieter than its neighboring Mallorca, Menorca is the second largest island in the Balearic archipelago. At just 34 km from Mallorca, Menorca has many tourist areas, hotels and almost as many beaches as Mallorca and Ibiza combined.

The south of Menorca is full of quiet resorts, perfect for family holidays, while on the steep shores of the north are the quiet fishing villages. There are a number of tourism offices in Menorca, spread over several villages and towns of the island, where you can find all necessary information about tourist attractions in the area, the main beaches in Menorca, museums and festivals local, the best places for sightseeing, as well as other practical information to manage on Menorca.

Attractions

There are so many interesting things to do in Menorca sure everyone can find something to see or do. Menorca offers visitors a wide range of places and interesting activities. So whether you're looking for thrills, or prefer to soak in the history of Menorca and discover their cultural heritage, Menorca will captivate you.

Menorca Ports

The impressive port of Mahon has many points of interest in which is well worth spending a few rolls of film or, more modern version, a few memory cards. Locals are advised to take snapshots from the sea to capture the best views. From Menorca ports can also be seen fishing boats Balearic Islands, with traditional Arabic design, and other typical aspects of the culture of the island. The boat trips through the port are very nice and not take more than an hour.

Tickets are sold near the distillery Xoriguer.

It Freginal Park

Freginal The park is located in the heart of Mahon, the capital of Menorca. In this park there are several areas prepared to sit and relax or have a picnic while enjoying the beautiful flower beds. It is also a meeting point in which many cultural events. Musicians from around the world come to Menorca to play in the park, especially during the Jazz Festival.

Xoriguer Distillery

The distillery Xoriguer is very typical of Menorca. It was built in the eighteenth century and is located at the Moll de Ponent the port. The distillery has imposing copper stills, which are essential for the production of better gin. Visitors can sample and buy different types of liquor at the distillery shop. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 19:00 and Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00.

Placa Alfons III

The extraordinary Plaça Alfons III is situated on the outskirts of Mahon, near Constitution Avenue. In the north of the square are a number of interesting restaurants and cafes that are well worth a visit. The most interesting monument is the old mill area, which now occupies the tourist office

Sant Francesc Church

Located in the Plaça de Mones, in Mahon, the church of Sant Francesc houses a magnificent Gothic altar, an octagonal chapel and an interesting collection of articles Baroque.

Ciutadella Cathedral.

Ciutadella Cathedral is a magnificent XIII century temple located in the Plaza de la Catedral. The building was built on an ancient mosque in the style characteristic of contemporary Christian churches. The imposing structure consists of complex-shaped stone sculptures of mythical creatures, while the altar is decorated with carvings of Gothic.

Santa Clara Church

The church of Santa Clara is located in Ciutadella and was built in 1287. Over the centuries the church has suffered numerous breakdowns and had to be restored on several occasions. The main element is the dark temple carved wooden altarpiece representing the "Adoration of the Shepherds. " The altarpiece was stolen several years ago but, fortunately, was recovered a few years later. Currently still living in the convent a small community of nuns.

San Antonio Church

The church of Sant Antoni was built in the seventeenth century Cart Vassollo and, like many other churches in Menorca, was virtually destroyed during the Spanish civil war. For this reason remained closed for many years, while carrying out reconstruction work. It has now regained its prominent position among the most important places of worship on the island.

Weather

Menorca has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Also known as the island of the sea breeze due to northerly winds blowing across the island quite frequently and which are known from the north. For many tourists this breeze may be missed during your stay, however, the locals are accustomed to the scourge of the north wind, especially during the month of March. Both wind does on the island which the natives have been baptized every one of them in the direction of blowing. During the months of July and August Menorca enjoys about 11 hours of sun a day and it is precisely at this time when more tourists come to enjoy the pleasures of good weather in the Balearic archipelago. During the months of November, December and January the weather is a little less sunny, while the rainy season usually starts in October and stretches during the winter months, plunging the island into a more relaxed and off.

Excursions

A wide range of routes available to explore the island of Menorca. Excursions can be arranged through a travel agency in the area and the itineraries can be tailored to the available time. If youyou travel with a large group of people ( withfamily or friends )and I like adventure ,rent a car can be the best way to discover the island freely . Just do not forget to procure a good map of Menorca before you go. Menorca links to some that show you the island can also be a good choice. In this case, not only can visit all historical places of the island, but you can also discover the stories of each place.

Museums

venOver the years the island of Menorca has known times of great splendor, who have given numerous reforms that have enabled the restoration of many of its most characteristic monuments. The many churches and religious buildings are tangible evidence of those glorious moments that have marked the history of Menorca. Similarly, Menorca museums house interesting collections of art in which you can find a wide range of works of art, from traditional crafts to contemporary art.

Source: http://www.menorca-turismo.es

Travel To Dubai

Overview

Originally a small fishing settlement that became a busy port of call on the ancient trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, the emirate was rapidly transformed into an international business centre and modern tourist destination following the discovery of oil in 1966. Today Dubai ranks as the country's foremost commercial centre, a city whose skyline is constantly being upgraded with new developments providing the infrastructure and facilities needed for a progressive society, including world-class hotels, shopping plazas and outstanding sports facilities. Dubai Creek divides the city centre into two parts: Deira on the northern side and Bur Dubai to the south and each has its fair share of souks, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and fine mosques.

From within these high standards of luxury and convenience, visitors can experience exotic Arabia in the bustling souks or a night in a Bedouin tent with belly-dancing under the starlit desert skies, as well as a way of life that is still embedded in the Islamic traditions of an ancient land. Dubai's attraction lies in the contrast between the ultra modern and the enchantingly traditional, which gives the city a personality like no other and visitors a variety of experiences to choose from. From desert oases and unspoiled beaches, camel races and old wind towers, to top-class shopping opportunities, avant-garde architecture and the finest international cuisine, Dubai has more than enough depth to satisfy even the most seasoned of travellers.

One of the city's top attractions is its excellent shopping. As an open port with low import duties, Dubai can offer an incredible range of top brand names at cheaper prices due to the tax-free environment, and 'shopping tourists' are drawn from around the world to this paradise of malls, souks, boutiques and modern department stores selling everything from Paris fashions to Japanese electronics. The annual Shopping Festival attracts millions of tourists to the city for a shop-till-you-drop holiday.

Why? If you live in superlative mode, a holiday in Dubai will fit the bill. Almost surreal in its high-rise glory, travel to Dubai for shopping, partying, fun in the sun, and fine dining. Experience a taste of luxury in this United Emirates showpiece that has it all, but come armed with plenty of 'plastic money' and a determination to enjoy yourself in a true Arabian pleasure dome.

When? The best time to travel to Dubai, which is blisteringly hot for most of the year, is during the cooler months between November and April, but even if you can't avoid the heat, you will find most buildings are well air-conditioned. The Emirates, of which Dubai is part, are devoutly Muslim so as a Westerner it is best to avoid the month of Ramadam when strict religious rules against eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours apply.

Who for? In a word, there is one main attraction for those who travel to Dubai, and that is shopping! The glitzy malls capitalise on the city's tax-free status, and shopping quickly becomes an addiction for visitors, even if that is not why they came to holiday in Dubai in the first place. A close second attraction is the incredible beaches and stunning resort hotels, which are shrines for sun-lovers.

Attractions

Dubai is evolving at a remarkable pace and has left its modest history as a fishing

port far behind. Yet in between the ultra-modern skyscrapers and endless construction sites, there are quite a few attractions of historical interest such as the Bastakiya district and the various souks.

Other attractions center on Dubai's defining geophysical features: the desert offers adventure touring, rock climbing and photography, while the coastline offers a p

lethora of water sports.

Dubai is not really suitable for exploring on foot. Attractions tend to be far apart and the year-round heat - reaching inferno proportions in summer - will turn your walk into an ordeal. Better options are to hire a taxi and driver for the day, join an organised tour, or rent a car and enjoy the inexpensive local gasoline while taking in the sights.

Bastakiya

The old Bastakiya district is a step back in time to the days before electricity and air-conditioning, where traditional courtyard houses were cooled by wind towers. Old Dubai was famous for its wind towers that lined the Creek on both sides, and today the narrow lanes festooned with the distinctively Arabian architecture is a popular historical attraction that has been marked for tourist development.

Grand Mosque

Boasting the city's tallest minaret at 230 feet (70m), the Grand Mosque is a notable landmark with its multi-domed style and impressive size. It is an important place of worship and can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers inside. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the Mosque.

Jumeirah Mosque

The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most photographed sights in Dubai. A fine example of modern Islamic architecture, this beautiful mosque is also one of the city's largest, with a majestic dome and twin minarets, and is one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims for tours.

Dubai Museum

The imposing 19th century Al Faheidi Fort houses the Dubai Museum, which has an impressive collection of military and cultural artefacts, as well as working models and life-size displays depicting various aspects of Dubai life such as the markets, an Islamic school, the desert, Arab houses and Gulf marine life. One of the most interesting exhibits shows the underwater world of pearl-diving. The fort was built in 1799 to guard Dubai from landward approaches, and was once the residence of the city's rulers as well as the seat of government until 1971.

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum Museum

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's house dates back to the 19th century, and was built for Dubai's ruler with commanding views over the sea. It is one of the oldest residences in the city and has been restored as a museum exhibiting historical photographs and artefacts showcasing Dubai's history and development. Its architecture is also a fine example of the regional style with its wind towers and central courtyard, teak wood doors and windows and wooden lattice screens.

Camel Racing

No visit to Dubai would be complete without a trip to the races…the camel races. This is a traditional sport in the UAE and hugely popular among local Emiratis who head to the race tracks early in the morning to watch these magnificent animals. The racing season runs from September to March and race tracks can be found in various locations around the Emirate and on the way to Abu Dhabi. In 2007 a brand new venue was built close to Nad Al Sheba racecourse and races are held early on Thursday and Friday mornings.

Dubai Mall

Opened in November 2008, Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping centre and is home to around twelve hundred retailers. It is the size of more than fifty football pitches and features an ice rink, a hotel, and is the gateway to the Burj Dubai; the tallest building in the world. The mall is home to a number of the world’s best known stores including Bloomingdales, Marks and Spencer and Montblanc. Designers such as Stella McCartney also have outlets in the complex and world famous jewellers Tiffany & Co. have a branch located there. No trip to Dubai would be complete without an outing to Dubai’s latest shopping spectacular.

Desert safari

For a real taste of Arabia, visitors can take a trip into the desert with any number of tour operators into the rolling sand dunes surrounding Dubai. Tours usually include a thrilling 4x4 drive over the dunes, camel riding, a visit to a local Bedouin village, and end with a traditional Arabian barbeque under the stars, with a show of belly dancing.

Source: http://www.wordtravels.com