Holidays in the year 285

Lakes & Mountains
If you like lakes and mountains holidays then you will love South Tyrol, with a wide variety of activities and attractions on offer, some of the best Italian holidays. From theme parks to real castles, ski schools to X-treme adventure sports, South Tyrol holidays are a great way to unwind from your everyday life. 

 

Located near Bolzano, the Messner Mountain Museum (MMM) is regarded by many as the top attraction if you are on holiday in South Tyrol. It is a unique and bizarre museum situated in Schloss Sigmundskron. There are pictures, paintings, artefacts and sculptures regarding the impact that mountains have made to many people’s lives. Also there are many exhibitions about the history and art of climbing mountains.

The Salten is a beautifully easy Hiking area with a number of routes through plains and meadows. If you have come for mountains holidays or want to take a relaxed look at some of the most beautiful   mountains in Italy then it makes and ideal place to do so. Found extending from San Genesio to Verano, about 1000 Mt and 10km from Bozen on a high Plateau. It passes through Meltina dall'altopiano giving panoramic views of the picturesque mountains that surround the South Tyrol region including the Latemar, Schlern and Catinaccio Dolomite groups.

 

South Tyrol has some of the best ski holidays in Italy. Scola de Schi Dolomites found both in la Villa and Armentarola is widely regarded as the best ski school in the area, a place where the staff are truly passionate about the sport, and offer tailor-made skiing excursions including snowboarding, skiing, night skiing, guided excursions and even helicopter skiing.

 

If you enjoy the thrill of an adrenaline rush then look no further than Adrenalin X-treme Adventures situated in San Vigilio di Marebbe. Here you can take a thrilling Zip-line flight with the most stunning of backdrops. Whizzing through the air along a 3km route with a drop of up to 400 metres this is a truly unforgettable experience that will have your heart racing!

In the north-western corner of Slovenia lies the charming mountain village of Bovec. Located in the Soca valley, Bovec is the centre of tourism in the area and a perfect base camp for your lakes and mountains holiday in the Julian Alps. Visitors can fly in to Ljubljana airport served by EasyJet, which is a scenic two hour drive away. Perfect for both summer and winter, Bovec offers a wide variety of activities well within your budget.

 

An adrenaline junkies dream, Bovec is the centre of adventure tourism in Slovenia. White water rafting, kayaking and canoeing as well as bungee jumping are just a few of the activities on offer. A number of different companies compete for this business in the area and rates are among the best in Europe. The nearby mountain bike park in Kanin offers mile upon mile of tracks for all levels of rider, from the novice to the expert, set in stunning surroundings. Due to its relatively low-altitude and Mediterranean climate, the park is open every day of the year and only the snow and rain will halt the discerning rider. The winter months bring the ski season to the area, and interestingly in December 2009 the Kanin slopes were connected with their counterparts on the Italian side of the mountain creating the Kanin-Sella Nevea resort.

 

Bovec can also be the base for altogether more relaxing holidays. The nearby Triglav national park is a stunning example of effective conservation and provides a pristine natural environment for one to discover some of Slovenia’s most interesting flora and fauna. The park takes its name from the area's highest mountain, and has been a national park since 1924. Lake Bohinj within the park is Slovenia’s largest glacial lake, and is the starting point for an ascent of mount Triglav. The emerald green waters are surrounded by 1000 meter peaks which provide a truly stunning backdrop to this ethereal body of water. For adrenaline or relaxation in the most beautiful of surroundings, why not pick Bovec for your next lake and mountain holiday.

In the centre of Slovenia, at the heart of the German, Slavic and Latin cultures, lies the beautiful city of Ljubljana. A compact city of some 300,000 people, Ljubljana is a friendly city with a small town feel, and is a perfect base for discovering the lakes and mountains of Slovenia. With accommodation ranging from campsites to hostels to apartments and luxury hotels, Ljubljana really has something for all budgets and tastes. The shopping, cultural and artistic heritage on offer in Ljubljana seems endless. Ljubljana international airport is served by a number of international airlines as well as the budget airline Easyjet. A flight time of around 2.5 hours from London makes this an ideal destination for either that romantic weekend getaway or the family holiday you have been waiting for.

 

When visiting Ljubljana, why not take a day excursion to one of Slovenia’s numerous lake or mountain destinations. The stunning mountain town of Bled in the Julian Alps boasts its own glacial lake, complete with a small island in the middle hosting a picturesque church. A little further away lies the gorgeous village of Bovec, the gateway to Triglav national park. A truly pristine environment and the home of Slovenia’s highest mountain, this area has been protected since 1924, making it one of Europe’s oldest national parks. The array of stunning natural scenery on offer from Alpine mountain vistas to lush green valleys and crystal clear lakes and rivers is truly staggering, and due to the size of the country everything is within reach.

 

Slovenia is fast becoming known as a hot spot for adventure sports and a vast array of activities are on offer around the country. One may take a hot air balloon ride over Ljubljana or for a truly white knuckle experience take a white water rafting trip down the Soca or Sava rivers. Other activities include bungee jumping, canoeing, fly fishing, mountain biking and of course in the winter skiing and snow-boarding. For the culture vulture in you, medieval Ljubljana castle is a must-see. Built by the Hapsburgs in the 15^th century, the castle now hosts a permanent exhibition on Slovenian history. By no means the only castle in the city, this is the most visited and largest example to be found in Ljubljana. Stunning natural landscapes, as well as activities to suit everyone and a melting pot of culture are just a few of the reasons to pick Ljubljana for your next lakes and mountains holiday.

In between the mountains and the shore south-east of Dubrovnik, the beautiful region of Konavle lies waiting to be discovered, perfect for your next lakes and mountains holiday. The peaks of the mountains provide a stunning back drop for the fertile green valleys, home to vineyards, orchards and many small picturesque villages. With the Adriatic lapping the shores of this picture perfect image, it’s easy to see why this region is a favourite among locals. Konavle is served by Dubrovnik International airport catering to a wide variety of flights from the UK.

 

Step back in time and discover Konavle through the villages of its interior during your next mountain holiday. Ancient architecture survives alongside a fiercely protected cultural identity, proudly demonstrated in the traditional folk costume worn by locals. Hire a car and drive up in the mountains above Cavtat and visit the view point at Velji Do, which offers panoramic views of the region. Stop by one of the mountain village’s rural houses or restaurants for a local meal prepared in the traditional manner, and then sample some of the Konavle’s celebrated wine.

 

For an activity holiday in Konavle, take to the mountain paths by foot or bicycle. Well sign-posted, there are numerous routes for every level of fitness. If you’re after even more of thrill, instructors can be hired to take the intrepid traveller up a cliff, set up for free climbing above the villages of Mihanici and Pridvorje. When the weather gets a little too hot for the interior, why not take to the waters of the Adriatic for a Scuba session or just a spot of sunbathing during well-deserved relaxing holidays in Konavle.

Plenty of choice for a day at the beach, with local stretches such as Lido Del Sole and Pittulongu, as well as the popular Costa Smeralda beaches nearby. Quieter spots include the idyllic Maddalena Islands archipelago, or one of the hidden rocky coves along the coast.

 

Windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba-diving are all on offer on the north coast beaches, and there is horse riding, mountain biking, golf and tennis available in the Olbia area, making this the perfect destination for an activity holiday.  

 

Olbia is the major port on Sardinia, and a busy hub for boat trips, with regular crossings to the islands that dot the north coast, such as Tavolara, and ferries over to Italy and Corsica.  

 

Venture inland and explore the glorious Sardinian countryside, with trails through juniper-covered hillsides and woodlands, and wonderful views out across the Mediterranean from many angles. There are also plenty of coastal walks along the shoreline, ideal for experiencing stunning oceanic vistas while on a walking holiday. 

 

Boasting a rich heritage, there are a host of historic sights to see in Olbia, such as its Romanesque granite cathedral, Roman baths and a medieval castle, as well as traditional houses, bustling shops, bars and restaurants, and a market twice a week.

 

Head to the archaeological sites of the Giant's Grave, the Nuragic Complex of Cabu Abbas and the Holy Well of Sa Testa, or the town of Porto Cervo for a change of scene and some glamorous people-watching.