Graeme Aitken looks at the top and not so top holiday destinations for 2011.
Ibiza
The Island of Ibiza, is a must visit destination for the ‘younger’ Blurst Reader, and in terms of diversity, Ibiza has it all. The North of the Island is geared to the older generation, with Resorts such as Puerto San Miguel and Portinax. However, the Southern half of the Island is where Ibiza gets its partying reputation. The Lively resorts of Playa D’en Bossa (Where the world famous Bora Bora Bar is situated) and San Antonio cater for the masses of clubbers that flock to the Island each summer. San Antonio being the more famous of the two resorts attracts bucket loads of celebrities during the summer season. The clubs to look out for in San Antonio are Es Paradis and Eden. Having been to both Playa D’en Bossa and San Antonio, San Antonio wins by a mile!
Ibiza
The Island of Ibiza, is a must visit destination for the ‘younger’ Blurst Reader, and in terms of diversity, Ibiza has it all. The North of the Island is geared to the older generation, with Resorts such as Puerto San Miguel and Portinax. However, the Southern half of the Island is where Ibiza gets its partying reputation. The Lively resorts of Playa D’en Bossa (Where the world famous Bora Bora Bar is situated) and San Antonio cater for the masses of clubbers that flock to the Island each summer. San Antonio being the more famous of the two resorts attracts bucket loads of celebrities during the summer season. The clubs to look out for in San Antonio are Es Paradis and Eden. Having been to both Playa D’en Bossa and San Antonio, San Antonio wins by a mile! |
| Cafe Del Mar |
Check Out– The sunset at Café Del Mar. It’s breath taking.
Avoid - Peaches Geldoff. She’s spent many a summer in Ibiza.
Blurst Readers Say:
“I went to San Antonio. It was so good but I spent over £1000 in a week.” Gemma White
“I went to San Antonio. It was so good but I spent over £1000 in a week.” Gemma White
“Ibiza is top like. Non-stop party the entire time I was there.” Darren Smith
Blurst Rating: 9/10 If you haven’t visited Ibiza, you haven’t lived.Zante
The small Greek Island of Zante (Zakynthos) situated in the heart of the Mediterranean is becoming increasingly popular with families as well as the 18-30 crowd. Families with young children enjoy the beautiful scenery and safety and comfort of Skinari. Zante Town and Laganas cater for the lively 18-30 crowds that swarm the resorts in the summer time. Laganas has over 100 bars and is constantly alive with young party goers. There are loads of activities as well for example, scuba diving, booze cruises and bar crawls to name a few! Holidays on the Island are relatively cheap especially when eating and drinking in the larger resorts where there’s loads of competition. The Island has excellent weather during the summer months with temperatures reaching into the thirties!
The small Greek Island of Zante (Zakynthos) situated in the heart of the Mediterranean is becoming increasingly popular with families as well as the 18-30 crowd. Families with young children enjoy the beautiful scenery and safety and comfort of Skinari. Zante Town and Laganas cater for the lively 18-30 crowds that swarm the resorts in the summer time. Laganas has over 100 bars and is constantly alive with young party goers. There are loads of activities as well for example, scuba diving, booze cruises and bar crawls to name a few! Holidays on the Island are relatively cheap especially when eating and drinking in the larger resorts where there’s loads of competition. The Island has excellent weather during the summer months with temperatures reaching into the thirties!
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| The Navagio Shipwreck. |
Check Out- The Navagio Shipwreck. There’s no place like it.
Avoid- The woods that surround Laganas.
Blurst Readers Say:
“I stayed in Laganas. It was amazing, totally awesome. I’d definitely go again!” Sarah Jamieson
“I stayed in Tsivilli. It was really nice and relaxing.” Suzanne Scott.
Blurst Rating: 7/10 Zante seems a great place for a cheaper holiday. Laganas sounds good, but it can’t compete with places such as Magalluf and Ibiza.
Majorca
Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands is home to some real gems. The remote resort of Cala San Vincent to the North of the Island offers retreat like surroundings and gives its visitors a taste of ultimate relaxation. The large and lively resorts of Magalluf and Palma Nova are geared towards families and young people. Palma Nova is very much a family friendly resort with lots for young children to do including Marine Land and a large funfair! Directly next door is the world famous resort of Magalluf. With two large beaches, two massive water parks and hundreds of bars and clubs there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied. And remember - What happens in Maga, stays in Maga!
Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands is home to some real gems. The remote resort of Cala San Vincent to the North of the Island offers retreat like surroundings and gives its visitors a taste of ultimate relaxation. The large and lively resorts of Magalluf and Palma Nova are geared towards families and young people. Palma Nova is very much a family friendly resort with lots for young children to do including Marine Land and a large funfair! Directly next door is the world famous resort of Magalluf. With two large beaches, two massive water parks and hundreds of bars and clubs there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied. And remember - What happens in Maga, stays in Maga!
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| BCM Nightclub |
Check out- BCM Nightclub. The place is World famous.
Avoid- The Tattoo Parlour at 3AM!
Avoid- The Tattoo Parlour at 3AM!
Blurst Readers Say:
“Maga was brilliant, best week of my life!” Nathan Ross
“Maga was brilliant, best week of my life!” Nathan Ross
“We visited Magalluf during the day and it was very nice. Don’t know if I would fancy it at night though.” Penelope Riddoch
Blurst Rating 10/10 –The Inbetweeners Movie is currently being filmed there. How could we give it anything less?
Egypt
The red sea resort of Sharm Ek Sheikh is Eqypt’s flag ship tourist destination. Forget civil war/violent protests- Sharm El Sheikh is also known as the city of peace. Geared towards families and affluent couples, the resort features several large five star hotels and brilliant attractions including Naama Bay Shopping Centre, Diving Trips into Egypt’s Coral Reef and The Sharm El Sheikh Old Market. It’s maybe not an ideal summer destination in 2011. But, we’re sure the resort will be a lot better by summer 2012.
The red sea resort of Sharm Ek Sheikh is Eqypt’s flag ship tourist destination. Forget civil war/violent protests- Sharm El Sheikh is also known as the city of peace. Geared towards families and affluent couples, the resort features several large five star hotels and brilliant attractions including Naama Bay Shopping Centre, Diving Trips into Egypt’s Coral Reef and The Sharm El Sheikh Old Market. It’s maybe not an ideal summer destination in 2011. But, we’re sure the resort will be a lot better by summer 2012.
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| Hosni Mubarak |
Check Out- Pro Democracy
Avoid – A man that introduces himself as Hosni Mubarak.
Blurst Readers Say:
“When i went to Sharm El Sheikh it was very quiet but over the last year or so it’s become really clubby and touristy.” Simon Robertson
Avoid – A man that introduces himself as Hosni Mubarak.
Blurst Readers Say:
“When i went to Sharm El Sheikh it was very quiet but over the last year or so it’s become really clubby and touristy.” Simon Robertson
“I loved Sharm El Sheikh. The hotels are lovely and it’s so relaxing and laid back. The Staff over there are lovely and will do anything for you, as long as you keep tipping them.” Wilma Gare
Blurst Rating- 4/10 We love Eqyptians. But, Ex-president Hosni Mubarak now lives in Sharm El Sheikh.
Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek Isles. It is also the most diverse of all the locations Blurst have chosen. Tranquil beaches, idyllic settings and hide-away coves make Crete an Island of Discovery. There’s also the newly popular resort of Malia for the under 25’s. Cheap and cheerful, Malia is a real threat against the larger 18-30 destinations this summer. Beach Road is the setting for Malia’s nightlife. Clubs such as Candy and Apolla draw in the crowds each night as well as the WKD bar. Trendy and up and coming- Malia is sure to be a popular choice for the clubbing scene in 2011!
Crete is the largest of the Greek Isles. It is also the most diverse of all the locations Blurst have chosen. Tranquil beaches, idyllic settings and hide-away coves make Crete an Island of Discovery. There’s also the newly popular resort of Malia for the under 25’s. Cheap and cheerful, Malia is a real threat against the larger 18-30 destinations this summer. Beach Road is the setting for Malia’s nightlife. Clubs such as Candy and Apolla draw in the crowds each night as well as the WKD bar. Trendy and up and coming- Malia is sure to be a popular choice for the clubbing scene in 2011!
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| Malia's Ancient Ruins! |
Check Out: The ancient ruins of Malia! (An old greek palace)
Avoid: Any television crews! There’s so many documentaries on the goings on in Malia!
Avoid: Any television crews! There’s so many documentaries on the goings on in Malia!
Blurst Readers say:
“We did pass Malia during the day and could hear it at night time. Didn't look like my cup of tea! But the place we stayed wasn't too lively but lively enough!” Lucille Dick
Blurst Rating: 6/10 It’s not quite there. The resort is still surprisingly small.
Graeme Aitken
@GraemeAitken
@GraemeAitken