With a Costa de la Luz holiday, you can explore the intricate streets of mediaeval villages, enjoy freshly-caught fish in seaside restaurants, marvel at the wildlife in the protected natural parks, visit the beautiful and historic cities of Cádiz, Jerez and Seville, which are all within easy reach. And, of course, relax in your holiday villa with its own private pool.

Those in the know return to this Coast of Light year after year, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Our clients’ comments explain why you’ll fall in love with a Costa de la Luz holiday in this delightful area of Andalucía.

“Tim loved the day trip to Tangiers; Kerrie loved the flamingos on the boat trip to the Doñana nature reserve; Flo loved having a beach 5 minutes away; Uncle Richard loved the fish and wine; Stephy loved going on a horse and cart in Jerez; George loved going on the train at the Tio Pepe bodega in Jerez. And we all loved swimming in the pool every day!”

The Grant Family (and Uncle Richard) stayed in Casa Almendro, El Colorado, Conil (pictured).

“We had a magical time and I can’t begin to describe how perfect everything was. The swimming pool and surroundings were stunning and protected by the most amazing climbing plants and fruit trees. At night we could hear owls hooting. I actually cried when I had to leave.”

Ms. S. Roberts stayed in Casa de la Fuente, Vejer de la Frontera

“We had a wonderful week. Fuente del Gallo is a great location – a single, palm tree lined road that leads to a quiet beach. The garden is a great size, the boys kicking a ball around – and safe.1 minute from the house is a neighbourhood restaurant that has good food. Cadiz is only a 30 minute drive away, the Torre Tavira and its Camera Obscura was loved by the boys.

The Woodard family stayed in El Chozo, Conil de la Frontera

“Great house and great pool! Fab barbecue and amazing chameleons on the poolside fence. We loved El Palmar and Caños de Meca beaches. Don’t really want to go home…..”

The Jacobs and Woods families stayed at Finca Cigüeña, Hozalejos, Chiclana

“The cove at Roche was our favourite with rocks for shade and great swimming. Bolonia was a great day out, the beach and Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia were impressive and lunch at the bar on the beach was friendly and tasty.”

The Sharman family stayed at Casa Olivo, El Colorado, Conil de la Frontera

“A beautiful place to stay in quality accommodation. We loved the house, the grounds and the luxury of a decent-sized pool. Thank you for your generosity, Jean Pierre.”

Lyn and Jo stayed at La Olivilla, Vejer de la Frontera.

“Our highlights were Gibraltar – take the cable car to the top of the Rock for amazing views (including the mountains of Morocco) and of course the apes – Vejer, which is a lovely town (we thoroughly recommend the Jardín de Califa restaurant) and Jerez, where we visited the Tio Pepe sherry bodega which was very interesting.”

Fiona, Julian, Katherine and Lexie stayed at Casa Abeto, El Colorado, Conil de la Frontera

“We had a lovely stay and managed to relax as well as see some of the lovely places nearby: Cádiz, Jerez, El Puerto de Santa María. We also had a lovely drive along the coast to Cape Trafalgar and on to Vejer. Everyone has been very friendly and helpful. We hope to be back soon, perhaps for a wedding anniversary as we got engaged at Casa Manue on this trip!”

Charlie and Andy stayed at Casa Manue, El Colorado, Conil de la Frontera.

If you are on the look-out for a great new camera to accompany you on your impending holiday, take a look at one of the best luxury villa rental websites Vintage Travel’s top three cameras for a holiday abroad.

IXUS 220 HS

With an optional waterproof case, the IXUS 220 HS enables you to explore underwater photography on your holiday. With a ‘Smart Auto’ function, the camera detects 32 different scenes including Beach and Sunset enabling users to take quality photos specifically designed for capturing shots on the beach as well as those beautiful sunsets we are likely to witness on holiday. With a stainless steel chassis the 220 HS is likely to withstand some more ‘extreme’ conditions than it is perhaps used to, such as exposure to water, dust and high temperatures, and will be a stylish accessory for your well-deserved holiday in the sun.

Panasonic DMC-FT10

This compact digital camera weighs just 157g and measures just 21.6mm and therefore can fit easily into your beach bag and will not weigh you down. The Panasonic DMC-FT10 is shockproof, waterproof and dustproof and will therefore be able to survive the dust of Spain, endure the penetrating beats of a club in Kavos and will live to see another day after being taken for a ride on a banana boat in Malta. And costing a modest £159.95, the Panasonic DMC-FT10 will not break you pre-holiday budget.

TX-10 Cybershot

This stylish camera is available in five different colours and would be a trendy accessory on your summer holiday. The TX-10 Cybershot takes 16-megapixel photographs and shoots HD videos, thus allowing your precious holiday memories to be captured in high-definition videos – perfect to help you overcome those post-holiday blues. Similar to the DMC-FT10, the TX-10 Cybershot is dustproof, waterproof and shockproof, meaning it should be able to handle all the potential damaging features a summer holiday may throw at it.

That’s the camera sorted, now all you need is somewhere to go. For one of the best luxury villa rental websites, come and have a look at Vintag Travel’s stunning portfolio of properties.

The report studied the economies of 139 countries worldwide paying particular attention to the infrastructure, business environment, as well as the cultural, natural and human resources in the tourism sector of each nation.

Since the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report was first initiated in 2009, Switzerland has maintained its spot as being the most competitive tourism destination in the world. Despite Spain still being in the top ten, since last year, the country has fallen from sixth place to eighth, overtaken by the United States and Great Britain.

Nonetheless, Spain, despite having the highest unemployment rate in Europe and with an extremely ‘fragile’ economy, ranked second in the world for its rich cultural scene and vast amount of cultural resources.

Tourist attractions in Spain include a number of World heritage sites, a vital marker of a country’s cultural and national heritage, and Spain is fortunately littered with an abundance of world heritage sites, such as the Alhambra in Granada, the historic centre of Cordoba, Burgos Cathedral and the Mudejar architecture of Aragon.

A constant trickle of exhibitions and international fairs also helped Spain rank second for its rich cultural scene, such as the Feria Valencia, which organises, on an average, approximately 45 trade fairs every year, and the Feria de Madrid, which attracts a huge crowd of visitors each year from around Spain, Europe and beyond.

On top of this thriving culture and national heritage industry, Spain has an equally thriving sports scene, enhanced unquestionably, by the national team winning the World Cup in 2010. Because of Spain’s love and talent it seems for sport, particularly football, the country has a comparatively significant stadium capacity compared to other countries, which no doubt play a crucial role in luring sports tourists into the country.

Spain also possesses a good transport infrastructure, particularly air travel – a far cry from the donkeys carting people down a dusty dirt track image Spain was synonymous with just several decades earlier!

Overall the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2011 reveals that Spain is experiencing a ‘gradual recovery’ in its travel and tourism sector.

Vintage Travel of course has

a great portfolio of Luxury Spanish Villas, like the fantastic 2 bedroom villa in Orgiva, Casa El Valle (pictured), complete with superb views and a fenced pool.

The Sunday Times also made the point that there are too many bogus holiday firms that are ready to take your money for non existent overseas properties.

ABTA / ATOL bonded tour operator Vintage Travel were named as a preferred solution by The Sunday Times in ensuring a safe holiday booking.

Here’s those 3 villa’s from the cool 50:

Cortijo Alcornucosa, Andalucia – Set in the Alcornocales National Park, this villa has the most amazing views.

Casa do Lagar,  Minho (Northern Portugal) – This former olive press has charm, impressive interior design and privacy.

Markandoni,  Kefalonia – One of the most impressive villas in Kefalonia, not least for the stunning views from the infinity pool.

Vintage Travel have more than just 3 cool villa’s! Have a look at the complete luxury villa portfolio, you will not be disappointed.

If you want to start planning this year’s holiday but haven’t even decided on a destination yet, why not let Vintage Travel do your deciding for you? We have many stunning villas on the Greek islands of Skopelos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and Peloponnese, all offering something distinct and matchless, in the most stunning of surroundings. The only difficult bit now is choosing which Greek island to head to.

Rhodes

On the Island of Rhodes, we have villas boasting views of the particularly picturesque Vlicha Bay. Lay at the southern end of the Dodecanese chain of islands, Rhodes skirts the Turkish coast, with its southern situation ensuring the island has more than 300 days a year of beautiful sunshine. Known as the ‘Crusader Island’, Rhodes is an historian’s paradise, with the ancient sites of Lindos, Lalyssos and Kamiros just waiting to be explored.

Rhodes unique diversity means it caters for every tourist’s taste – Lazing on a beautiful sandy beach, visiting medieval fortresses, enjoying nightlife that rivals any European destination, or exploring the island’s magnificent countryside, Rhodes has it all.

Kefalonia

The island of Kefalonia offers an intriguing mix of the ancient and the modern. Since Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was set on Kefalonia, it has become one of the most sought-after resorts in Greece, and with good reason. Mountains capped in forests and tortuous mountain roads, provide for some sensational vistas, whilst several interesting attractions such as the caves at Melisani, attract thousands of visitors each year.

If you are wanting to experience a Greek holiday with a difference, then Kefalonia is calling.

Corfu

Since the Victorian times, Corfu has been a popular holiday destination. Its intense plethora of bars, restaurants and nightclubs in the bigger towns, means the island remains particularly popular with young people. Although Corfu does have a lot more to offer than just its buzzing, lively nightlife.

Romantic villages, steeped in history and culture, interesting coves and pretty beaches scatter this island, which provides some breathtaking views, dominated by mountains and some rich and fertile farmland.

Crete

Crete is the largest and most southerly of the Greek islands, and is therefore blessed with a sensational climate. Although the weather is far from Crete’s only sensational feature. With more than 1000 kilometres of coastline, visitors can literally spend their whole holiday seeking out many deserted and beautiful beaches and coves. Crete, with its warm and friendly hospitality and insistence on tradition and folklore, gives tourists a real taste of true Greece.

Peloponnese

One of the less well-known Greek islands, Peloponnese, with its medieval castles, remarkable ancient remains, white sandy beaches and quant and charming villages, hidden amongst some truly breathtaking scenery, is one of the most pure and unblemished places in the whole of Greece.

Skopelos

For those who prefer your beaches more rugged, then Skopelos, with its rough and craggy hillsides, protruding into many rocky and interested coastal outlets, may be the destination for you. This beautiful island is practically all forest, with 80 percent of inland Skopelos being cloaked in sweet-smelling pine trees.

It is because of this eclectic mix of rugged coastline, pine woods, fruit orchids, chapels and monasteries and friendly locals, that has guaranteed the island of Skopelos is featured in our 2011 portfolio of magnificent properties.

Having the chance to study and learn languages other than your native tongue has to be one of the most wonderful opportunities in life. Increasingly many countries across Europe are implementing strategies to encourage children to learn and speak different languages.

The popular Italian region of Tuscany, asides from being blessed with immense beauty and rousing culture, is bountiful of venues promoting educational and bilingual activities for children and adults alike.

If you are keen for your child to experience a different language right at the heart of the society that speaks it, a trip to Florence might prove provident this spring.

Since the year 2000, the Museum of Children of Florence – Museo dei Ragazzi – has been in collaboration with Palazzo Vecchio and executed various fun, educational and bilingual activities for children. The museum offers youngsters guided tours and stories in Italian, French and English.

Throughout the year, families with children aged from 3 – 7 can attend the museum to listen to the story about the turtle and the young Cosimo I de Medici, in Italian, English or French, the museum’s latest multi-lingual educational activity. The jovial children’s story was written by Paola Pacetti, the director of Florence’s Museum of Children.

Taking place in the museum’s grand halls, children of all nationalities, lose their nationality boundaries and inhibitions, as they listen attentively to a charming and captivating story in the most inspirational and majestic of surroundings.

Not only does Florence’s Children’s Museum provide a unique multi-lingual community, which furthers classroom education and compliments existing educational and cultural resources, but it also gives children the freedom to learn, play and mix with children of different nationalities, in a culturally-enriching environment.

Many activities, including the story-telling of many magical stories, pyjama parties, treasure hunts and films will take place at the Museum of Children throughout the year, giving parents another excuse to head to the wonderfully enthralling city of Florence.

Visit Florence’s Museum of Children for event listings and to make reservations.

Vintage Travel’s ‘Discover’ brochures 2011

To provide you with an even greater understanding of the location you have chosen to take your holiday, the accommodation you will be staying in and the many treasures you are likely to uncover, Vintage Travel has composed three glossy, glamorous and ‘brimming with information’ brochures, new to 2011.

Aptly titled ‘Discover’, the brochures have been designed to deepen our clients’ comprehension of the journey they will soon be embarking on. Or to help indecisive travellers make their final destination choice, Vintage Travel’s “Discover”, will act as a definitive decision-maker.

The three brochures cover the vast and diverse European locations our extensive profile of villas are located in – One being dedicated to Spain, Lanzarote, Balearics and Portugal, another to France, Italy, Gozo and Croatia, and the third covering Greece and Turkey.

As all our properties are personally visited by our team of travel experts, descriptions of the locations and properties are a personal and honest account, accompanied with the most stunning and visually transparent of photographs.

These carbon neutral publications provide a comprehensive overview of each of the countries and islands featured by Vintage Travel, which includes answers to the vital questions travellers often have prior to their trip. First-hand experiences about climate, local cuisine and local festivals are featured frequently in these highly informative yet entertaining magazines.  Important travel information is also included, such as information about sea crossings, flights, train travel, car hire, travel insurance and other information considered essential to the modern traveller.

Comprehensive details about each individual property are provided in our brochures, including testimonies by previous visitors, prices, availability and a booking form.

Staying in private accommodation gives you the freedom, privacy and the ‘own space’ you deserve on holiday. Vintage Travel supplies only the very best this unique freedom offers. Our highly readable, riveting and photographically stunning ‘Discover’ brochures, enables our clients to leisurely muse over which of our extended quality properties especially catches their eye.

Click here to view ‘Discover’ online or to order a hard copy by post.

Although the weather is still absolutely freezing, the days are becoming – oh so slowly – longer, and the magical lure of a Greek island  holiday beckons.

You’ve finally decided on Rhodes for your greek holidays 2011, now you’ve to plan an itinerary. With such a huge choice available to visitors yearning a piece of Greek culture, constructing a fulfilling and active schedule is not difficult, although requires a touch of decisiveness.

Acropolis of Lindos

Being one of Greece’s most famous temples, the Acropolis of Lindos soars high above the city of Lindos, creating staggering views across the island. Although it is not just the views that are inspiring at this ancient site, as the mere knowledge that people lived on the Acropolis as early as 5,000 BC, takes some beating. With temperatures soaring high into the 30s in the summer months, it is advisable to climb the Acropolis early in the morning.

Palace of Grand Master of Knights

Situated in Rhodes Old Town, which is a must see in itself, the Palace of Grand Master of Knights is simply fascinating. Wondering around such ancient relics of a huge fortified medieval castle and city lay under the cloudless blue sky really epitomizes what a Greek holiday is all about.

The Valley of the Butterflies – Peta Loudhes

From July to late September, this beautiful valley is blessed with millions of butterflies of all colours and species. A walk through the valley, which steadily climbs to a monastry at the top, alongside a mighty river rippling past its green banks and twinkling in the sun, is truly divine.

Faliraki Water Park

If you have children or simply want to swap a day of history and culture with some serious adrenaline kicks, then head on down to the water park at Faliraki. The park has a great choice of slides and attractions that cater for all ages and nerves, and for just 20 euros per person, proves to be a great and cheap day out.

Pefkos Beach

No Greek holiday would be complete without a day – or several – lazing around a beach. The relaxed and sandy beach of Pefkos is a particularly great beach to spend a day swimming, sunbathing, exploring the rocky outlets, or simply doing not much at all.

Now come and seea fine selection of the best Rhodes accomodation available.

To provide you with an even greater understanding of the location have chosen to take your holiday, the accommodation you will be staying in and the many treasures you are likely to uncover, Vintage Travel has composed three glossy, glamorous and ‘brimming with information’ brochures, new to 2011.

Aptly titled ‘Discover’, the brochures have been designed to deepen our clients’ comprehension of the journey they will soon be embarking on. Or to help indecisive travellers make their final destination choice, Vintage Travel’s “Discover”, will act as a definitive decision-maker.

The three brochures cover the vast and diverse European locations our extensive profile of villas are located in – One being dedicated to Spain, Lanzarote, Balearics and Portugal, another to France, Italy, Gozo and Croatia, and the third covering Greece and Turkey.

As all our properties are personally visited by our team of travel experts, descriptions of the locations and properties are a personal and honest account, accompanied with the most stunning and visually transparent of photographs.

These carbon neutral publications provide a comprehensive overview of each of the countries and islands featured by Vintage Travel, which includes answers to the vital questions travellers often have prior to their trip. First-hand experiences about climate, local cuisine and local festivals are featured frequently in these highly informative yet entertaining magazines.  Important travel information is also included, such as information about sea crossings, flights, train travel, car hire, travel insurance and other information considered essential to the modern traveller.

Comprehensive details about each individual property are provided in our brochures, including testimonies by previous visitors, prices, availability and a booking form.

Staying in private accommodation gives you the freedom, privacy and the ‘own space’ you deserve on holiday. Vintage Travel supplies only the very best this unique freedom offers. Our highly readable, riveting and photographically stunning ‘Discover’ brochures, enables our clients to leisurely muse over which of our extended quality properties especially catches their eye.

To view ‘Discover’ online or order a hard copy by post click here.

Experience the Palaiochora Music Festival in August 2011

Casi del Mezzo Music Festival – Thursday 23 June – Tuesday 28 June 2011

Since the 1960s when musicians such as Yiannis Markopoulos and Nikos Xylouris combined Cretan folk music with classical techniques, traditional and classical music has remained an important trait of Cretan culture. In the city of Chania classical music evenings are regularly held, whilst the town of Makrigialos, for the last seven years, has held the Casi dei Mezzo Music Festival. This six-day classical music bonanza sees the finest classical musicians from Europe and beyond ascend on this beautiful and unique Greek island.

The Casa dei Mezzo Music Festival never fails to attract a crowd of cool and savvy musicians covering every spectrum music has to offer. From classical aficionados to complete beginners, the festival’s varied programme caters for every taste and ability.

For a full programme for Casi del Mezzo 2011 visit: http://www.casadeimezzo-festival.com/

International Opera Workshop – Saturday 2 July – Tuesday 12 July 2011

Following the success of the 2010 International Opera Workshop ‘Lidal North goes South’, the event is scheduled to be repeated in 2011. Held also in the town of Makrigialos, the opera workshop offers nine days of coaching, voice lessons and master-classes.

For more information on ‘Lidal North goes South 2011’ visit: www.lidalnorth.com

Palaiochora Music Festival – August 2011

With its sizzling weather and scorching nightlife, August is a popular month to visit Crete. Although it is not just the long, lazy days and lively, vivacious nights that makes Crete in August a ‘hot spot’ for tourists. Situated on the south-western shoreline of the island, the small fishing town of Palaiochora holds a ten-day music festival. And for such a small, tranquil town, known as the “bride of the Libyan Sea”, Palaiochora sure knows how to hold a music festival.

Visit the Palaiochora website for more information: www.thepaleochorasite.com

Laura Mohre at the International Opera Workshop 2009