Tuesday 18 June 2013

Lads’ holidays with a difference

When you hear the term ‘lads’ holiday’, it’s easy to envisage rowdy groups of lads munching on kebabs and stumbling out of nightclubs in the early hours of the morning. So how about challenging the stereotype and opting for a more cultured group holiday this summer? Here are five great holiday destinations for your alternative lads’ holiday this year.

Soller, Majorca
Soller is nestled in the valley of the famous Tramuntana Mountains and has been virtually untouched by the mass tourist trade. For the active men in your party, rent a bike and explore the stunning landscapes. Or why not hike your way to the famous Puig Major? At 854 metres, it’s the highest peak on the island. 

Those that want a break from exercise can rent a car and explore the traditional Majorcan villages. The tiny settlement of Fornalutx was recently voted the most picturesque village in Spain and the nearest port, just three kilometres away, is ideal for those who desire some well-needed beach time.

This resort offers an array of restaurants, particularly in the main town square. Most serve traditional cuisine, such as paella and seafood, and plenty of Spanish wine. For culture lovers, a visit to the thirteenth century Church of Sant Bartomeu should be top of your list. 

Vilamoura, the Algarve
Known for its stunning beaches, holidaymakers can enjoy a range of relaxing activities in Vilamoura. The Old Course is renowned in the golfing world as one of the best in Europe. Remember to take a handicap certificate with you, as most clubs will not let you play without one.

Spend a day visiting the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila, where graves dating as far back as the Bronze Age have been discovered. There is also a museum on site where you can view ancient relics and learn more about the Algarve’s history. For a little downtime, head to the idyllic Praia da Falesia beach and follow the coastal boardwalks for stunning views of cliffs and coves.

Come the evening, make your way to Vilamoura Marina, where you‘ll find a range of tavernas and restaurants serving delectable dishes. Enjoy the Portuguese specially grilled sardines as you gaze out over the beautiful harbour.

Caleta De Fuste, Fuerteventura
This laidback resort is perfect for those wanting to relax in the sunshine without a care in the world. There are excellent golden beaches with clear shallow waters to cool off in and you can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as banana boats and water skiing, on the main beach.

For those who would rather be under the water, visit the Deep Blue Diving centre and book yourself in for a scuba diving course. This company caters for all abilities and it’s a great experience to share with friends. When on land, quad bikes are the best way to explore and can be rented for a very reasonable price (just make sure you bring your driving licence). Bike off along the dirt tracks and explore this volcanic island in style, stopping off at various sandy lagoons along the coastal route.

Alicante, Costa Blanca
Alicante is an ideal resort for guys who want to experience traditional Spanish culture and excellent sunshine. Spend your days relaxing on Playa del Postiguet beach or snorkelling on Playa de la Albufereta beach. 

Make sure you visit the Basilica de Santa Maria, a glorious eighteenth-century church, which shows off the stunning Spanish architecture. Towards the outskirts of the town you will see the impressive Santa Barbara Castle, towering over the city from high cliffs. There are plenty of parks dotted around the city, which are great if you’re craving some shade and fancy a quick siesta under the trees.

In the evening, sample local cuisine at the Piripi restaurant and enjoy a mouth-watering array of tapas and seafood. Why not end your evening in the Desafinado jazz bar, where you can meet a few of the locals or other, like-minded travellers?  

Funchal, Madeira
Madeira offers sunshine all year round. Funchal is the island’s capital and offers an excellent combination of culture and activities to enjoy on your getaway. Sign up for a whale and dolphin watching boat tour, or visit the famous Mercado Dos Lavradores; a traditional farmers’ market.

Those who fancy a real holiday challenge can navigate their way along the sixteenth-century Levada trail, hiking high into the mountains. In the evening, head to Joe’s Bar to enjoy a few drinks and a great Portuguese atmosphere. If you’re looking to make a real night of it, Kool nightclub is the spot for you, the club is full of locals; very different from other Brit-centred nightspots in Europe.
  
Just because you don’t fancy partying hard in Ibiza or Magaluf, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a memorable group holiday this summer. Click the following links to find out more about hotels in Majorca, hotels in the Algarve and hotels in Madeira.

You can get more great holiday ideas from former BBC presenter John Carter in the latest issue of Sorted magazine – hot off the press! Click here to order your copy today.

27 comments:

  1. Thanks for the lot of information..

    ReplyDelete
  2. Excellent tips you've got there. My boyfriend and I are planning to spend holidays to majorca june 2013, and we're still filling up our itinerary of places to visit. We will definitely include them in our trip. Thanks a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Really wonderful piece of blogging and you show great combination of your awesome work and beauty really and I appreciate it that you share something so useful with the readers of this blog.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the great advice! I just came across your blog and love the content. I look forward to reading your posts in the future

    ReplyDelete
  5. This post is really written very well as the writer has provided valuable and useful information and facts about the topic. I will look forward to the posts written by you in future!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great post, very informative. I think a lot of people will find this very useful.Keep post in coming future as well!!!

      Delete
  6. Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and also the rest of the website is really good.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have read your blog and It was really very excellent to understand and very useful for other reader who interested on this topic. It’s very nice.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and also the rest of the website is really good.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hey very cool site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds also…I am happy to find so many useful information here in the post, we need develop more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey very cool site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds also…I am happy to find so many useful information here in the post, we need develop more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am very much pleased with the contents you have mentioned. I enjoyed every little part of it. I want to thank you for this informative read; I really appreciate the sharing such information.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have read your article and It was really very excellent to understand and very useful for other reader who interested on this topic. It’s very nice.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am very much pleased with the contents you have mentioned. I enjoyed every little part of it. I want to thank you for this informative read; I really appreciate the sharing such information.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and also the rest of the website is really good.

    ReplyDelete
  15. really you are amazing and really you did great job and we can say show great inspirational and this place is not a easy to gen, it is make out by really great and hard work and really you give something is full of awesomeness i must say she is suburb.

    ReplyDelete
  16. really you are amazing and really you did great job and we can say show great inspirational and this place is not a easy to gen, it is make out by really great and hard work and really you give something is full of awesomeness i must say she is suburb.

    ReplyDelete
  17. oh thanks. this the first time i heard about that........

    ReplyDelete
  18. Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and also the rest of the website is really good.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great post, very informative. I think a lot of people will find this very useful.Keep post in coming future as well!!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. oh god what can i say that was fantastic suburb excellent fabulous and simply amazing dear actually i am a also big quarries for taht and really i searched for that from many time but first time i seen that type of content means such a interesting content really when i am going for that type of search i lack from that point means not found such a real so that was really beneficial for me dear thank for such a amazing content really your post is full of awesomeness.thanks for shearing with us.love u so much .

    ReplyDelete
  21. Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and also the rest of the website is really good.

    ReplyDelete
  22. oh thanks. this the first time i heard about that........

    ReplyDelete
  23. really you are amazing and really you did great job

    ReplyDelete