Ihla - The Island Paradise of Mozambique

The island of Mozambique is about four kilometers off the Northern coast of Mozambique. Popular for its powder white coral sands, and surrounded by the sapphire and emerald waters of the Indian Ocean, the colonial opulence of this jewel of the Portuguese empire, reflects in its Grandiose buildings, cathedrals, sporting clubs mansions, massive cannons and forts. The island is merely 2 kilometers long and 500m wide and oh so lovely.

From the 10th century to the 15th century, Arab merchants traded here with the local Bantu tribes. Vasco da Gama, landed here in 1498, and claimed the land for Portugal. Four years later he returned with Portugese settlers and went on to built the first fortress. The island assumed prominence in Portugal's campaign to trade with India and East Africa and flourished as the capital of Portugese East Africa till 1898 and almost a century later, in 1991, the island was on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The nights are cool and calm, the background music thumping unobtrusively. One of the key attractions on the island is the elegant Green Mosque, which stands overlooking the main island's main market, where farmers and fishermen offer an assortment of local fruits and seafood. The Omabi Arab traders who settled in the island in the 10th century brought Islam with them. With the arrival of the Portuguese though, the influence of Islam completely vanished. The mosque that stands today is a century old. The temple here is taken care of by a Muslim, as Hindus haven't stepped into this island, for the last 30 years. However, the simple act of preservation, perhaps give us a glimmer of hope of things to come. The devanagri script etched in marble on an ornate doorway is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The impressive red building is a must-see. Built in 1674 as a Jesuit convent, today is a museum displaying exquisite carpets, Chinese porcelain, Paintings, furniture from Goa and elsewhere in India. The imposing fort of St. Sebastian was built to guard against a Turkish invasion in the mid-16th century. Its Italian renaissance architecture is formidable and the fort withstood a colossal attack by the Dutch in 1607, and the walls still remain to retell the tales of the bygone era. The chapel of Senhora de Baluarte on the northern tip was built in 1552 and is considered the first European building in the Southern Hemisphere.

The myriad mixes of religion, folklore, and traditional healing have survived centuries of invasion, and the population of Ihla boomed and it was seen as a safe haven during the 30 years of civil war in Mozambique.

Fact File

Getting There

Air France, Air Portugal and Mozambique Airlines Lam

When To Go

April and September when the weather is dry and warm, It is advisable to carry some rainwear also,

Stay

Casa Azul, The Blue House - A boutique hotel run by former equestrian and bullfighter, Zico

Eat

Get some fresh vegetables and rice and then it hand these over to any fisherman and he will dish it out for you on the beach along with his fresh catch

Shop

Tourists swear by the local crafts, coconut shells and things made of woods especially. In the evenings the fishermen set up a 'haat'.

See

Ihla's alleyways are a treasure-trove. One can walk through the ruins of Vaso Da Gama's house.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jini_Maxin

Top 5 Golf Holiday Destinations in the Sun

After a long winter in the UK here is a list of top sunshine golf holiday destinations during the first quarter of 2010. We have pleasure in providing below our list of top 5 golfing destinations throughout Europe, US and Middle East.

1. Portugal
Villas in Algarve proved the most popular destination for self catering golf accommodation in Portugal. Flights from the UK are literally a couple of hours and there is a good choice of budget airlines. It proved convenient for many golfers to take their golf clubs on the plane with them and book a golf villa in Portugal. Our top 5 golf courses in Portugal are Vilamoura, San Lorenzo Golf Course, Vale do Lobo Resort, Vila Sol Algarve and Penha Longa Golf Resort.

2. Spain
The 2nd best destination for golf accommodation was Spain, which is a vast country and has a temperate climate during the winter months, and thats why we have witnessed many golfers flocking to Spain. Our top 5 most popular golf courses in Spain are Valderra, La Manga, PGA de Catalunya, Sotogrande, RSHE Club de Campo and El Saler.

3. France
Golf in France has always been popular, especially with close proximity from UK. Golfers can literally book holiday accommodation in France, put their golf clubs in the car and set off using the Channel Tunnel and can be inside France in no time at all. Our top 5 golf courses in France are Le Golf National, Chateau d'Augerville Golf Hotel, Golf du Medoc, Domaine de la Bretesche and Evian Royal Resort.

4. Florida
With more than 1,200 golf courses and all year round sun its no wonder that Florida has firmly established itself as the 'sunshine golfing state' in the USA. Compared to Europe, the cost of golf is relatively cheap and there is also a wide choice of golf villas in Florida. There's lots of championshp golf course, many of which host tournaments for the US PGA Tour. Our top 5 golf courses in Florida are TPC Sawgrass, Seminole, Calusa Pines and World Woods (Pines Barrens).

5. Dubai
Probably not a destination that you would automatically think of for golf, but Dubai has come along way in the past few years and quite literally grown rapidly out of the desert and transformed itself into the high profile, glitzy, all-singing-all-dancing, finanical and golfing capital of the middle east. Only 7 hours from the UK and a widly English speaking country where huge numbers of ex-pats reside, self catering villas in Dubai are perfect for a weeks golf or family trip in comparison to the expensive 5* hotels as the alternative option. Our top 5 golf courses in Dubai are The Emirates Golf Club, Four Seasons Golf Club Dubai (Al Badia), The Montgomerie, Dubai Golf & Country Club at The Creek and Arabian Ranches Golf Club. For those still planning their golfing holiday and need golf accommodation we recommend any of the 5 destinations listed above.

Holiday Rental Centre are continually adding new properties to their portfolio of holiday homes, offering a selection of apartments, cottages and holiday villas throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide.

Paul enjoys stays in self catering holiday accommodation during his travels for both business and pleasure throughout Europe and middle east and also manages a number of holiday rentals worldwide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Stuart_Johnston

4 Top Stag Weekend Destinations

Planning a stag weekend for the would-be-groom is not an easy task. It is one such time where he can break all barriers and enjoy to the fullest. Moreover, it is the most happening and lively time he spends before stepping into a wedlock As the best man, you have to ensure that everything goes by plan. While considering locations for party, choose the one that suits your budget and other requirements.

Over the past few years, stag groups have been flying off to a new city to celebrate the last night of bachelorhood. This time of serious male bonding remains alive in the minds of the group for a long time. This piece of article aims to highlight a few popular stag destinations of the world. So, check out a few of them:

1. Portugal:For a sophisticated and elegant stag group, Portugal is the perfect place to celebrate an event like this. Make sure you take your golf accessories along and spend your day enjoying on the golf course. Book a villa well in advance to avail interesting discounts and offers. A few drinks in the evening along with a dinner, a little bit of dance would make your day refreshing and relaxing.

2. Munich:If your stag group loves wine and beer than there is no better place than Munich. Fly off to Munich to explore the different varieties of wine and beer. The Beer festival organised in Munich famous all over the world. It takes place in the months of September and October. With fun fairs, dancing and singing, you would never want to go back home.

3. Edinburgh:If your best friend is getting married in summers then fly off to Edinburgh because this is the time when this city becomes full of live and vibrant. Visit in August to enjoy various festivals and fairs. This spectacular city has a lot to offer from vibrant night life to great restaurants and fabulous scenery.

4. Las Vegas:This is a must visit for the stag group having a huge budget. However, faint hearted boys should not visit this place. Deafening sounds coming from gambling machines, bright neon lights and luxurious accommodation make your celebrations a memorable one.

So, fly off to the above-mentioned destinations to make the stag celebrations full of fun and enjoyment.

For any help on stag weekends, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the stag parties!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Oram

Lisbon the City of the Seven Hills

Lisbon is the capital city and the largest city in Portugal, it is one of the few cities that has both a river and coast line. Also it is the largest most western city in Europe and one of the oldest cities in world. The city is also historic you could rent a nearby Villa and see all the fantastic attractions such as various Museums, The Aguas Livres Aqueducts which survived earthquakes, Monument to the discoveries, Tower of belem and the Casa dos Bicos which is privately owned and isn't open but you can still take pictures of the exterior of the building. A short term stay might not suffice as there are loads more attractions to visit catering to everyone's interests.

Ideally one of the best places to stay is on the coast, you will find that Lisbon has some brilliant villas in Portugal, as they will be overlooking the beautiful beaches of Lisbon and you will have stunning views of the Vasco da Gama and 25 de Abril Bridges. Having a privately owned property would be ideal on a beach as you would be able to relax and take in the atmosphere without being disturbed.

Winter trips will be fantastic as the temperature is warm and during summer the climate is warm thanks to the Atlantic breeze by the Gulf Stream., which is a good thing to think about if you want a change of scenery, it may make you think about owning a villa in Portugal.

If your a person who likes to marvel at constructions well Lisbon is home to some beautiful structures. The Vasco da Gama Bridge is the longest bridge in Europe and ninth longest in the world. It was built for the 98 expo and the 25 de Abril Bridge is a bridge that has often confused people who have seen pictures of it as bears an uncanny resemblance of famous well known Golden Gate Bridge (little known fact it was built by the company that constructed the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge) It connects Lisborn to Almada so if you want to visit another city you can and set up a short term rental to go along with your initial vacation rental.

There is also the Cristo-Rei which was influenced by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It sits across the river from Lisbon in Almada and oversees most attractions in the city. It is accessible by car from the 25 de Abril Bridge.

Lisbon is a city which is also big on football as they have two teams that are usually fighting for the top accolades in the league. They are Sporting Clube de Portugal (also known as Sporting), Sport Lisboa e Benfica (Commonly known as Benfica) and C.F. Os Belenenses. The three of them hold 109 titles between them and they also have ventures in other sports such as indoor football, handball, basketball and roller hockey. So there are loads of options for the sports fanatic in you.

Transport in Lisbon is fairly decent, the main heart beat of the transport system is the metro, the bus will get you almost anywhere in Lisbon and the trams which pre date the first world war give an insightful look at the historical city. These forms of transport are the cheapest way to travel around the city, as tourists can purchase special passes which cost up to €13, with the passes you will be able to travel on these modes of transports for an unlimited number of times for a week.

If you were to stay in the south of Lisbon it may be more ideal to choose a vacation rental as it is more of a rural area compared to the rest of Lisbon. But its not a bad thing because it is more country type area. Hiking isn't a big thing in Portugal but this is mainly because they don't hike out of pleasure but its more for business, they usually do it because of tourists. There are a few hiking tours that go along some castles and monuments.

Lisbon has various different regions which have their own distinct flavour to them. There is Alfama which is the oldest district in Lisbon and is a tight knitted maze of narrow streets. Some say it is home to some of the most vintage looking villas in Portugal.

The Chiado is a shopping region, ideally you would want to stay for a days maybe a short term rental as it is the most costly region out of them all. It has the latest international brands stores and also has a busy market sector.

Baixa is the heart of the city, most of the other districts connect which makes it an ideal place to stay.

Bairro Alto is a good mix of all various regions and now is considered as the heart of youth and is seen as a capital for night life in Portugal, it is a region in where the locals and tourists mix.

Estrela district is where the prime minister stays but the main focal point of this region is the Estrela Basilica that is a church which can be seen from far away as it is located on the most western part of Lisbon.

Alcântara is a developing district use to be known for its industrial sector but is now slowly changing with new developments over lofts and villas which will have fantastic views of the river.

Belem is to the west of the city and is a parish of Lisbon and features quite a lot of historical buildings.

Parque das Nações is the most modern part of the city and is another commercial styled city, it also features the Gare do Oriente which is the transport hub of Lisbon.

Lisbon is a city that caters to everyone, has a nice climate and has quite a lot of things to see and do which makes the perfect destination for a get away.

Short term rentals from around the world, direct from the owner at: vacationrentalpeople.com.

Try a stylish short term rental villa in Portugal at VacationRentalPeople.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Hargreaves

Top 3 Reasons to Visit Algarve Hotels This May

The Algarve region in Portugal is both beautiful and affordable, making it an ideal pre-summer getaway to put you in a sunny spirit. Here's our top reasons why you should look into booking your flight and Algarve hotels as soon as possible:

1. Spring Scenery and Climate

Although it can get quite chilly in the winter, come springtime the Algarve returns to life. Orchards of orange and almond trees bloom and spread an enticing scent throughout the region whilst wild flowers blossom all over the country side. The Algarve is popular with golfers and other participants in outdoor recreational activities during the spring due to its mild temperatures and bountiful sunshine. Holidaymakers who want to visit the region's beaches can enjoy the clear, temperate waters without the occasionally uncomfortable heat found during the summer months. The beaches also tend to be less crowded during the spring so visitors can visit Algarve hotels and attractions without some of the crowds found during the summer months. Bird watchers often flock to the Algarve during the spring months to see the large variety of birds present in the area throughout the spring migration period.

2. Springtime Festivals

Festivals celebrating Liberation Day (April 25th), the end of a dictatorship in Portugal, are held throughout the region. Holidaymakers visiting the Algarve on Liberation Day can expect to start their day with a street party and end it with a fireworks display. During the Easter holidays, many local villages hold processions and parades. Some of the most notable Easter festivals take place in São Brás de Alportel and Loulé. In Loulé, visitors can watch the Portuguese commemorate Mãe Soberana or the "Feast of the Sovereign Mother", one of the country's most important religious festivals. On a lighter note, Loulé hosts an annual "Spring Flavours" gastronomy festival in late March, which allows visitors to sample local foods. In mid-April, visit the town of Feira da Serra, Tavira for a three- day festival commemorating rural Portugal's cuisine, customs and traditions.

3. The Perks of the Shoulder Season

Peak season in Portugal doesn't being until early June, so book your holiday in May for less crowded conditions. Algarve hotels tend to be more expensive during peak season, which can make spring a more budget-friendly time to visit the region. Many Algarve hotels and resorts offer special pricing and deals to entice holidaymakers to visit the region during the spring months. The water is usually warm enough for swimming during the spring and the climate provides plentiful sunshine for sunbathers. Holidaymakers who want to enjoy the Algarve's family-friendly attractions, such as water and amusement parks, can also benefit from the un-crowded conditions and lower pricing. Those who want to participate in water sports, such as parasailing, windsurfing, sailing or skiing can still engage in these activities throughout the spring months. The lower prices might even enable you to splurge a bit on your hotel or restaurant choices and enjoy an indulgent vacation even while sticking to a tight budget.

About the Author

Lauren Charles works in the travel industry and writes articles based on the world's top destinations and the latest holiday offers.