Active Travel

Stay at Eco Lodges while taking surf lessons

Sunday, 23 May 2010 00:00

Ultra modern & funky designed self catering Eco Lodges. Sleep 4 or 5 with extra bed and surf in Ericeira - This is where you surf  Europe's best coast line and let the fun begin.There are over 20 beach breaks along the Ericeira coast that cater for all. The area was introduced in the Stormriders Surf Guide to Europe with the heading "Enter the Heartland". And if you've never surfed before Ericeira's Foz do Lizandro beach is the perfect beginers spot were you can enjoy surfing in the 25 degree sunshine. Newstalk have selected Lisbon as one of its Top 10 Destinations for 2010.  Plus when you book you get a 10 page welcome pack with all the best restaurants, bars, beaches, surf, things to do in the area and a 15% discount from Boardculture surf shop. Ericeira Surf Lessonswith Na Onda Surf School to offer Surf lessons for beginners, kids and advanced surfers with very good quality equipment to rent.  Regular Lessons: 3 days -  2 hours a day, incl. wetsuit and board   €59; 6 days - 2 hours a day, incl. wetsuit and board €98.

Azores plans a multi-location Geopark

Saturday, 22 May 2010 00:00

The Azores are planning to apply for  a regional Geopark from the International Geopark Association.  A potential Geopark would cover all nine island in eh Azores. Geoparks were launched by UNESCO and aims at enhancing the value of such sites while at the same time creating employment and promoting regional economic development. The UNESCO Geopark Program works in synergy with UNESCO's World Heritage Centre and Man and the Biosphere (MAB) World Network of Biosphere Reserves.Because of the unique nature of the Azores, there would be 57 separate sections of the park. São Miguel would have 10 geosites,  Pico would have 8, Terceira would have 7,  Flore and Faial would each have 6, and the islands of  São Jorge, Graciosa and Santa Maria would have 5 geosites, while  Corvo would have three... And there would be several ocean sites as well. The islands were created by volcanic activity millions of years ago, giving them a landscape that is varied and often dramatic. Rocky cliffs, crater lakes, geysers, waterfalls and lava caves are all remnants of Mother Nature’s historical touch, and all make for excellent exploring opportunities for today’s visitor.

6 days/5 nights bike tour in Port Wine Country at 2450 euros per person

Friday, 21 May 2010 00:00

A new route to ride, beginning in the  city of Porto, to wind on through the verdant valley of the Rio Douro making ones way by river boat, train, and of course, bicycle. Each day holds a charming new pathway with vistas over the Douro river, best known for its more than 2,000 years of wine producing, and more exclusively, the popular Port Wine. Today this region is steeped in layers of timeless tradition and legend. From the trendy restaurants in Porto, to the hidden villages and remote vineyards, lining the folds of the man-made terraces of these ancient lands and get an up-close, hands on experience like never before. Blue Coast Bikes Tours wants you to become a part of the legend, join us as we explore the Ports of Tradition.

From Path to Trail in the Algarve

Tuesday, 18 May 2010 00:00

Old foot  trails turned into walking paths in Lagoa, Algarve - the trail of Sete Vales Suspensos is under construction and will have 3 miles that follow the linhas sinuosas das arribas located between the Vale Centianes Beach and Marinha Beach in Lagoa. This 78 thousand euros investment intends to use the top location of those "vales suspensos" as a landscaping project and introducing points of view to allow visitors to check the great views while reading the several information boards that explains the geologic formations, fauna and local vegetation.