I do like to share my travel experiences with you! This is how we discover new places to explore that perhaps you wouldn't have considered before. A friend was raving about the Azores, hence we booked our trip there this summer, and now I in turn want to spread the word. It is possible to fly direct from Gatwick or Stanstead to Sao Miguel in summer. This is the largest island and, although you could explore others, actually this island has so much to offer you could easily just stick with that.
Not sure where the Azores are? I needed to check a map too. They do belong to Portugal but are out in the Atlantic and therefore can have a bit of a changeable climate - but we found the weather very pleasant in July despite the occasional drizzle and cloud. This is an adventureous holiday afterall with volcano hikes, crater lakes and waterfalls, thermal springs to dip in and black sand beaches to be explored. If you are a real foody you will need to plan a bit. There are not so many good restaurants on the island so work your trips around the ones with good reviews.
As the island is fairly small you can do pretty extensive exploring in a week. We started in Ponta Delgada for a couple of nights - but found the town pretty deserted on a Sunday. I suggest you pick up a car at the airport and avoid the taxi queue. There is so much to see around the island you need to get out there as soon as possible. From here, after our first sleep and delicious breakfast at historic boutique hotel Casa das Palmeiras, we took off to the East to visit Sete Cidades - a blue and green lake next to each other.
Hi there, it’s Annie! I work on the Marketing team here at QuirkyAccom.com. I hope you’ve all had a lovely Summer. I’m lucky enough to go on a family holiday most years. This year we visited a well-known holiday destination; Venice in Italy, as well as Lake Bled in Slovenia, a less popular destination.
We flew into Venice Treviso airport, which is slightly further away than the Marco Polo airport, however, flights are usually much cheaper. As soon as we arrived in the city centre, I fell in love. The place is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been; The architecture, the narrow windy streets, the overall vibe of the city. We hopped on the waterbus and travelled to our hotel. I will keep my accounts of Venice short and sweet, as there are so many travel blogs and advice pages on this city floating around the internet.
Read more: A Summer Holiday: Venice, Italy and Lake Bled, Slovenia
Guarenteed Sunshine in the UK - Good for Groups
Next time you are planning a few days away with family or friends I have the perfect location for you. Think 17th century mansion right by the sea (at Dymchurch in Kent) - but with hidden treasure inside. Find out why this stay is not weather dependent!
As you can imagine when working with unique holiday properties, there is a list of unusual places on my 'must go' Bucket List. Beach Sun Retreat has always been one of them. And this summer I got to go there at last.
This is a wonderful house for a bit of a gathering. The place is begging you to have some fun and laughter together in it. We went with the family, including my mother, for a few days by the sea. The house has direct access to the beach at Dymchurch (catch the tide right or the water is right up to the promenade - with access steps in to have a swim.) For the moment it sleeps 6/7 in 4 bedrooms but, between guests, other bedrooms are being prepared upstairs with lots of new quirky features so that by Autumn the house will have the capacity for 13 guests in all if reserving the upstairs as well.
The old town of Rye is brimming with old worlde charm - vintage shops, quirky tearooms, art galleries and seafood eateries overhang the cobbled streets of old. Camber Sands (& Castle) are on the doorstep for a day at the beach too.
A stay at Rye Windmill will complete the historic picture. Ask for a river view room or the mill top room with access to the panoramic balcony to make the most of the setting.
When checking into a unique owner-run B&B like this you can't beat the personal service, warm welcome and local advise. The homecooked breakfast will set you up for the next day. Spend time in the shared lounge and licensed bar to meet other guests or relax in your comfortable ensuite room, or windmill suite, at the end of a day of exploring. There's even an honesty bar if arrive back after hours.
You can't get lost either - the white washed historic mill gleams like a beacon on the edge of town, within an easy stroll of Strand Quay with selection of bars and restaurants. Parking at the property for guests is no problem.
On my recent visit this Summer I was impressed by Rye Windmill, and enjoyed this whole coastal area. Why not take a tour of the South Coast combining some of our favourite quirky properties en route. There is no better time to book this as the kids are going back to school soon and its a great time and idea for a couples getaway.
See our suggested itinerary of the South Coast...
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