If you have considered a driving holiday before but have been put off by organising it, think again as driving holidays can be some of the easiest and hassle free means to get away this summer. Living in Ireland we are lucky to be close enough to mainland Europe to open up whole wealth of interesting places to visit. For the more adventurous a longer drive will take you to the sun, sea and sand of the Mediterranean coast, travelling through France and Spain on the way. For those wanting a more cosmopolitan mini break, Paris and Amsterdam can be found in only a short hop. With flight prices on the rise and money becoming tighter, you may find that a driving holiday helps keep you on budget as well.
If you decide to take you car onto the continent this year then there are a few things you need to do before you go. First things first you need to plan your route, so grab the maps and the guidebooks and pick your ideal holiday destinations. If you feel you may need a little help getting to your destination, many satellite navigation systems have maps that cover the continent and should be able to direct you to your holiday spot of choice with minimal fuss. But do be aware that some of the features of these sat nav systems, such as speed camera detection devices, are illegal in some European countries. You can normally disable this function before you leave, and you would be wise to do so as the penalties can be high if you are caught with them on.
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If you have always fancied a holiday on a Greek island but were worried about busy beaches and crowded bars and night clubs full of noisy young people having fun then perhaps Rhodes is the destination you’ve been looking for. Perhaps it’s the location of Rhodes that sets it apart from other Greek islands, being much nearer to the coast of Turkey than Greece. Rhodes certainly has a slightly different feel to the other main islands like Corfu, Kos, Mykonos, Naxos and Kefallonia and Zakynthos off the west coast. It seems to attract an older cross-section of travellers and more family groups.
As you read through the reviews posted by people about their visits to the island, the common theme is quiet beaches, relaxed surroundings and peaceful days in the sun.
Quality is another word associated with Rhodes and the island has its fair share of luxury 5-Star Hotels.
Rhodes is lucky enough to enjoy over 250 kilometers of coast and therefore has a great choice of beaches. One of the best is the oddly named Anthony beach, named after the actor Anthony Quinn who fell in love with the island while filming The Guns of Navarone and ended up buying some land on the island. This beach is small and beautiful but not well suited for families with young children as the rocks and stones are tricky underfoot.
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Known as the birthplace of Western civilisation, today Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in urope.
In 2007 alone more than 17 million people visited this country which gave the world Plato, Socrates and the Olympics. Part of the reason for Greece’s popularity is the many days of sunshine it has combined with a Mediterranean climate.
This means that if you are planning to go to Greece in the summer you should be sure to book your accommodation and car hire Greece well in advance. The months of September, October, May and June are when the majority of tourists come to Greece and the temperatures are at their most agreeable.
Greece has also seen more and more people arrive at its shores since in joined the European Union in 1981.
Tourists who want to find out more about Greece’s role in the foundation of Western culture should visit islands such as Crete, which was home to the Minoan race, while people have inhabited the Cyclades islands for many centuries.
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and it has some charming towns and villages which draw visitors back to them year after year.
If you are young and looking for fun in Crete then you may wish to go to the lively beach resort of Malia. The small town of Paleochora may be more appealing to those who are looking to avoid the crowds. Crete is absolutely full of fascinating archaeological sites and walking around them is a good way of seeing some of the most picturesque parts of the island. (more…)
About the county
Being one of the earliest civilizations known to human kind Greece is a country with rich history, heritage and culture. It is the place where Byzantine Empire once ruled and also great Ottoman Empire. It is also considered to be as the birth place of Democracy. Athens is the capital city of Greece. The Olympic games originated in Greece. Not only that, it was the world center for western philosophy, political science, astronomy, mathematics, major scientific studies and what not. It is also known as a Mediterranean country as it has Mediterranean Sea in the south. It is a popular destination for world tourists in that region known for its beautiful beaches, reach history and charming villages. The Greek islands are one of the most wonderful places to be explored by Cruise or Yacht. The trip of Greece will definitely be one of the most memorable to remember in one’s life.
Population & Languages
The population of Greece is around 11 million and the official language being spoken is Greek. The other popular languages are English and French.
Electricity
The voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used are round pin with attachment, round pin with ground, Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin and “Schuko” plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.
Geographic Location
It is located in Southern Europe bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea between Albania and Turkey. It is situated in the southern side of Balkan Peninsula. It is also bordered by Bulgaria and Macedonia in the southeast.
Climate
It has three distinct climates namely Alpine, Mediterranean and temperate climate with mild and wet winters and also hot and dry summers due to Mediterranean affect. Alpine system is seen in mountainous regions. The temperate climate is seen near border along Macedonia. Athens has both temperate and Mediterranean weather. (more…)