In fact, not only was Salema beach the only beach in Portugal to be listed on the acclaimed survey, but it was one of the only spots in Europe. Some of the other countries included on the leading U.S. travel publication’s appraisal of best beaches in the world, included France, Brazil, Vietnam, Hawaii, Thailand, Mexico, Philippines, Australia, Mozambique and Thailand.

So given the fact that a tiny and secluded beach in the Algarve has been elevated to global notoriety by a leading American travel magazine that is read by more than 4.8 million people a month, Vintage Travel felt compelled to take a look at what all the fuss is about Salema beach.

For those seeking seclusion, peace, tranquillity and some simply stunning views, then we have to admit Salema beach will be unlikely to disappoint!

Salema itself is a small and scenic fishing village, snuggled inconspicuously on the western edge of the Algarve.  Rugged paths run from Salema to several beaches, including Salema beach where a handful of colourful yet chipped and unpretentious fishing boats can be seen bobbing up and down in the water.

Asides watching the fishermen carrying out duties that have probably remained unchanged for centuries, marvelling at the beauty of the dramatic cliffs that dominate this tranquil corner of the Algarve is another favourite pastime here.

With paths winding along the craggy and almost desolate seafront and cliff top trails, hiking is another popular activity at this otherwise sleepy seaside.

As well as hikers being in for a treat at Salema beach, seafood lovers can also rejoice at the promenade lined with fish restaurants, all serving the catch of the day almost straight from the fisherman’s net.

We have to admit that a beach this romantically simple and naturally inspiring, Travel & Leisure and its 4.8 million monthly readers, may be right in saying that Salema beach is the Algarve’s best kept secrets!

Not such a well kept secret is the true quality of Vintage Travel’s collection of Algarve luxury villas!

Extreme variables of landscapes and climate, flamenco music being played in underground venues with Vino del Pais being gulped abundantly, the symbol of the bull remaining a poignant landmark poised in sporadic locations around the region epitomises this traditional region.

But what really makes this region of Andalucia remain one of the most culturally unique Provence’s in Spain, are the tasty snacks you receive when you order a drink – universally known as the ‘tapas’.

Whilst most other regions of Spain expect payment in return for a plate of tapas, in the Granada Provence it remains a free token of gratitude.

Take a look at four of the best ‘tapas bars’ in the region of Baza, an agricultural market town in inland Andalucia that has retained traditionalism that many other areas of Spain have unfortunately lost.

El Kiosko

Shaded under the tree-lined village square at the top of the hill in the village of Caniles on the outskirts of Baza, the quant and quirky Bar El Kiosko can be found.

Sipping a cerveza under the shade of the trees watching the world go slowly by in this traditional Spanish village is a pleasant experience and one that is made even more pleasurable when the waiter brings out a plate of paella to accompany your drink, which is, of course, ‘on the house’.

Bar El Sevillano

Submerging yourself in the pretty stone building of Bar El Sevillano in a back street of Baza, enjoying the warmth and tenderness of the family who own it, is a great way to muse away an idle afternoon on a holiday in Spain.

This welcoming family always provide delicious tapas with every drink you order and are so generous with their portions that there is no need to order any lunch!

Dublin Bar

At the other end of this interesting Andalucian town, Bar Dublin can be found, which, being located opposite a college and sports centre, is a lively bar that never fails to attract a young crowd.  You always receive great tapas in Bar Dublin and are rarely given the same one twice!

Antonio’s Bar

Although perhaps the best tapas bar in this tapas-orientated region of Andalucia, is Antonio’s Bar in the village of Zujar, approximately seven kilometres to the west of Baza.

With its welcoming hospitality, pints for less than 2 Euros, and tapas that seem to grow in generosity with each consecutive drink, this unpretentious bar is one of the best bars to soak up a few drinks with some delicious home-made local cuisine that is completely ‘gratis’.

Why not now have a look at Vintage Travel’s Andalucia luxury villas?

Istria in Croatia is rapidly becoming a popular destination for holidaymakers of all kinds of nationalities and ages, for many reasons. Friendly locals, reasonable prices, lush, rugged and diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches and ancient villages and towns bursting with historic wonders, means Istria is a European holiday hotspot.

Oh yes, and one more reason – the plethora of events and carnivals and Croatia festival 2012, which take place across the region throughout the year.

Take a look at three great events taking place in Istria in July alone.

The Pula Film Festival

From 14 – 28 July, 2012, the Pula Film Festival will be taking place, which, being now in its 59^th year is the oldest festival of its kind in the whole of Croatia.

Films of all genres, lengths, age-groups and tastes are put on at various venues across Pula during this two-week festival, including the town’s magnificent amphitheatre.

The festival will commence at the fortress Kastel with what promises to be a sensational open-air show.

This highly cultural and atmospheric festival is the perfect opportunity to experience this stunning Roman town, which was built at the end of a beautiful bay.

Seasplash Reggae Festival

If reggae music gets your musical juices flowing then be sure to attend the Seasplash Reggae Festival, also held in the fascinating town of Pula.

Running from 19 – 22 July, 2012, Pula will be home to a host of reggae bands from around the world, attracting an audience as culturally diverse as the festival’s performers.

This year, the Seasplash Reggae Festival will be celebrating its ten-year anniversary, so be prepared for some extra-memorable and hedonistic celebrations!

Croatia Open ATP Tennis Tournament

For the more sports-minded amongst us, a trip to Istria to witness the Croatia Open Tennis Tournament might be more up your street.

Taking place between 5 and 15 July, 2012, in the coastal city of Umag, this annual tennis event attracts top-class tennis players from around the world. Last year saw the Ukrainian ace, Alexandr Dolgopolov win the men’s event.

Although unlike many other large tennis tournaments, there is a huge emphasis on ‘having fun’ at the Croatia Open ATP Tennis Tournament, with many fun events put on for all the family!

On the contrary however, this dramatically diverse yet uncompromisingly beautiful north-western corner of France has a lively golf scene and is home to some exceptionally high quality golf courses.

In fact, Brittany is home to 31 golf courses, all of which are well-maintained, offer superb views of the stunning surrounding scenery, and, with Brittany’s mild climate, from March – October are laden with golf enthusiasts of all ages, abilities and nationalities.

If we have managed to persuade you to put Brittany in your list of possible destinations for your golfing holiday this year, then you will be interested in reading about 3 of the best golf courses in Brittany, this golf-enthusiastic region of France.

Dinard Golf Club

More than 100 years ago the Scottish architect, Tom Dunn, built Dinard Golf Club into the rugged terrain that surrounds the ancient and charismatic town on Dinard. This unique golf club is the second oldest in France and remains a popular location for golfers of all abilities. Although be warned, being so close to the beaches of Dinard, it is easy to lose a golf ball or two in the beautiful soft sand!

Asides providing golfers with a challenging course with sublime surroundings, Dinard Golf Club is home to a splendid art deco clubhouse that serves fantastic food and quality wine.

St Malo-Le Tronchet Golf Club

Not far down the road from Dinard the St Malo-Le Tronchet Golf Club can be found, a challenging golf course with a famous water hazard hampering the ease of the first tee.

This 18-hole golf course provides an exhilarating and challenging encounter, which combines breath-taking scenery with some quality golf facilities.

Golf de Val Andre

From coaching tuition courses, a professional shop, the hiring of equipment, to an exclusive clubhouse with bar and restaurant, Golf de Val Andre provides great facilities to make the modern golfer’s time here as comfortable as possible.

The course’s many tees, greens and fairways are surrounded by magnificent views of the nearby hills and coastline. It is this combination of first-class facilities set within sensational natural landscapes that has led Val Andre Golf Club to having been referred to as a “must play for any visitor of the region.”

You should take a look at Vintage Travel’s collection of Brittany luxury villas, on a same par (sorry!) as the courses above.

If you do have an inkling to escape the onset of winter in Britain and prolong the summer and you want to experience a holiday with a difference, you may be interested to hear about the Algarve Classic Festival 2012, a festival guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping and heart racing.

This annual car rally race is taking place on 18 – 21 October 2012 at the Algarve International Autodrome, and, this year, is being is being re-launched as a major European event.

Talking about the popularity of this major sporting event on the Algarve, Paulo Pinheiro, the Algarve International Autodrome circuit director, told 3D Car Shows:

“Since the Autodrome was completed in 2008, our annual historic motorsport event has become increasingly popular across Europe. Recently, we have heard from a small number of race organisers and racers who were concerned that the event would no longer be run every year, but this is not the case.”

“We can say with certainty that the Algarve Classic Festival is a firm fixture for 2012, and will be an annual event from now on.”

The Algarve Classic Festival 2012 is almost a five kilometre circuit, comprising of several steep climbs and technical corners, provides an exhilarating ride for both drivers and spectators. Various races will take place throughout the four-day event, including the JD Classics Challenge for Touring Cars from 1966 – 85, the Motor Racing Legends Pre-War Sports Car Series, and the Stirling Moss Trophy for pre-61 sports cars and sports racers, amongst many more, meaning spectators will have the chance to see hundreds of legendary and collectible sports cars being handling by the most talented of racing car drivers.

The Algarve International Autodrome is FIA approved and is one of the most modern racing circuits in Europe. Located close to the stunning town of Portimao, which is blessed with beautiful beaches and hordes of shops, restaurants, bars and local events, this world-class racing circuit boasts a lively year-round events calendar, but perhaps the most nail-biting and entertaining of them all is the Algarve Classic Festival.

Why not check out Vintage Travel’s collection of Algarve luxury villas?

The Cote d’Azur is France’s third biggest economic region, and being framed by both the Mediterranean Ocean sparkling beneath the sun, and by the snowy Alps also glistening below the cloudless blue sky, this visually stunning region of France remains a hotspot for tourists and business travellers alike.

In fact given the Cote d’Azur’s economical attractiveness – being France’s leading region for business outside Ile-de-France – which contrasts delightfully with its immense natural splendour, the province remains one of the world’s top tourist destinations, attracting approximately 35 million tourists each year.

The region’s economic success and prosperity is reflected through the excellent transport infrastructure the Cote d’Azur boasts, including three international airports – Marseille, Nice and Toulon.

Cheap flights to South of France have now been made more feasible than ever with the announcement that Easyjet has opened a new base in Nice. In March this year the budget airline opened two new bases in the south of France, one in the airport of Nice and one in Toulouse Airport, meaning Easyjet is well on its way to becoming a pan-European airline.

Easyjet’s arrival to Nice and Toulouse has meant that travellers now have access to 12 new routes, including eight daily flights from Paris to both the southern France airports.

Increasing the number of flights to and from Nice is part of the development of Nice’s infrastructure and promises to give both the tourist sector an even bigger boost in the Cote d’Azur, as well as those travelling for business purposes, by increasing the number of travellers being able to reach this particularly beautiful and exclusive region of France relatively inexpensively.

Talking about the cheap flights to South of France and the benefits of Easyjet being based in Nice and Toulouse will bring to the regions, Herve de Place, President of Nice Cote d’Azur Airport said in a press conference:

“Nice still has development potential and Easyjet can serve what Cote d’Azur passengers expect, not just for leisure but also business.”

Asides its rapidly expanding transport infrastructure, the Cote d’Azur is also home to one of the largest pools of technologically resources in Europe.

It is this unique blend of natural beauty, excellent transport infrastructure and the being among the best in Europe for technological innovation, which makes the Cote d’Azur a truly world-class place to visit.

So with cheap flights to South of France sorted, why not have a look at Vintage Travel’s portfolio of luxury villas with pools?

“In Pollensa, its varied countryside, beaches, ancient streets, cultural and artistic events all merge to make an ideal place for experiencing new sensations and rediscovering the Mediterranean, a place with stories to tell,” Pollenca Directory.

From wild, rocky cliffs tumbling down onto beautiful sandy beaches, to quant cobbled streets leading to intriguing and atmospheric squares, this Roman town located in the far northern corner of Majorca, really is one of the island’s most distinctive, beautiful and absorbing places.

Vintage Travel is delighted to announce a property new to our books, which, sitting on the foothills of the isolated hill known as ‘Puig de Maria’, is a stone’s throw from the ancient town of Pollensa, and, like all of our properties, staying here would promise to enrich your experience of such a hypnotic part of Majorca.

Ca Na Lida is roomy, airy, modern and family friendly, and is the sister property of Ca’n Colet, which sits in an almost identical location.

This stunning villa has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and can sleep up to four guests, and is within walking distance to Pollensa, and all its top-rate amenities, including shops, many restaurants serving the most delicious of local cuisine, and a weekly traditional market, where you can pick up many an interesting reminder of your Majorcan holiday!

This newly built property is both comfortable and welcoming, possessing tasteful furnishings, beautiful fabrics, and stunning contemporary artwork hung upon the villa’s cooling, whitewashed walls.

As the temperatures can soar well into the 30s on Majorca during the summer months, there is an emphasis on being cool and relaxed in Ca Na Lida, as the property is not only open-plan, bright and airy, but air conditioning runs throughout it.

As much as there is an emphasis on being cool and comfortable on the inside, there is a prominence for outdoor living at Ca Na Lida, and one only has to walk outside and be faced with the 360 degree panoramic views of some of the most stunning landscapes on Majorca, to understand why.

If you can manage to forgo eating at one of Pollensa’s many delicious restaurants for one night, dining on Ca Na Lida’s barbeque terrace is highly recommended. Aside being spellbound by the views of the pine-strewn slopes of Puig de Maria, whose summit is home of a small monastery, guests could take a late night dip in the property’s tempting private pool.

For more information about availability and prices for luxury villas in pollensa, Ca Na Lida visit Vintage Travel.

Being plentiful of bars, restaurants, boutiques and tourists, when you visit the Algarve town of Armação de Pera you will be amazed to discover that not so long ago it was nothing more than a gathering of small shacks where the inhabitants of Pera, a nearby village, used to go to preserve their fishing boats.

According to several historical accounts of Armação de Pera, the name “Armação” derived from the Algarve’s ancient link its lustrous tuna fishing industry of the 15^th century and earlier.

Today the emphasis on seafood lives on in this popular seaside town, with a variety of excellent seafood restaurants lining the long sandy seafront.

If you can manage to prize yourself away from some of the tastiest fish restaurants in the Algarve, the nearby town of Silves in well worth a visit.

What used to be the Algarve’s capital, this beautiful ancient town remains one of the region’s most important cultural and historical sites. A magnificent Moorish castle made from red sandstone and emerging from a blanket of citrus orchids is one of Silves’ main tourist attractions, alongside its ‘Museu Arqueological’, which features interesting artefacts from the Stone and Iron Ages.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in this deliciously beautiful and cultural corner of the Algarve, then we recommend Papoila. One of the best Armacao de Pera villas, Papoila is situated down a peaceful country lane in a tiny hamlet known as Torre, just 2km from Armação de Pera and boasts truly splendid views of the nearby valley with the ocean as a backdrop.

Whilst this sparsely populated area remains untouched by time, Papoila is a stark contrast, with luxuriousness and contemporary exuding from its expansive walls and grounds.

Its modern focus, with grand electric gates, and its three spacious and airy bedrooms, one with an en-suite, king size bed and dressing area, are broken up tastefully with several traditional twists, providing a pleasant reminder of the traditionalism of the area.

These ‘rustic’ reminders include stained glass windows, a teasingly secretive garden that is home to several 300-year-old carob trees, and a traditional cobbled driveway to greet you.

Similar to many Armacao de Pera villas, there is a delightful emphasis on being outdoors at Villa Papoila. Large patio doors beckon guests from the open-plan lounge into a spectacular outdoor sanctuary of breath-taking views, a colourful and fragrant garden, a large private pool and a barbeque area to eat, drink, relax and contemplate those beautiful southern Portuguese sunsets.

Villa Papoila sleeps up to six guests. For more information about Armacao de Pera villas, photographs, availability, prices and to book Papoila visit Vintage Travel.

Culture, heritage, architecture and art have always played an important role in the historical and picturesque Northern Portuguese town of Guimaraes.

As the Vintage Travel blog pointed out on our blog last year, having been named the official 2012 European Capital of Culture, there has never been quite a better time to visit the ancient city of Guimaraes than this year.

Focusing on four central themes – Thought, Art, Community and City, Guimaraes is currently hosting an extensive cultural program, bringing a flood of music, dance, theatre, art, architecture, music, cinema, street art and photography to the city’s engaging streets.

Referred to by many as the “birthplace of the Portuguese nation”, just one question remains unanswered: Why has it taken until 2012 for Guimaraes, with its distinctive UNESCO-classified tenth century castle, its deluge of incredible architecture from the 15^th century onwards, and the  entrepreneurialism and dynamism spawning from its inhabitants, to be named a European cultural capital?

Not many cities blend tradition and innovation, convention and avant-gardism quite as seamlessly as Guimaraes, where diverge experiences await the city’s early-anticipating visitors.

According to the Guimaraes president, Joao Serra, who is directing this year’s cultural activities in Guimaraes, some 1.5 million tourists are expected to visit this fascinating Portuguese city this year.

Exploiting a 25 million Euro budget, the European Capital of Culture 2012 initiative aims to encapsulate and intensify the richness and diversity of this unique and tremendous northern Portuguese city.

The emphasis on the arts, the sophistication and the cosmopolitanism of Guimaraes is not just highlighted by the fact it was chosen to be this year’s European City of Culture, but also by the fact that this densely populated city, of more than 160,000 inhabitants, is a throng of young people, with 50% of its residents being under the age of 30, meaning Guimaraes has one of the youngest populations in Europe!

From photographic missions designed to reflect upon Guimaraes transgenic landscapes, to ‘wandering marches’ consisting of music, plastic and visual arts, handicraft and theatre performances, within a logic of ‘wandering; and of cultural animation of the Guimaraes territory, this Portuguese city is certainly the city to be seen in during 2012!

Vintage Travel is proud to announce ‘Les Platanes’ to its books, a fabulous five bedroom luxury villa in south-west France, close to the River Lot, which possesses all the character, charm and elegance, Vintage Travel’s villas are renowned for.

Situated on the estate of a working farm and nursery – don’t worry, Les Platanes owners assure us that there is no surplus traffic or noise from the farm – the luxury villa in south-west France is blessed by a surrounding haven of trees, shrubs, flowers and orchids.

In fact even the villa’s name, Les Platanes, is derived from the two large ‘Platane’ trees which stand directly outside the house, further evidence of the tremendous natural beauty of the villa, its grounds and the surroundings.

Un-rendered, unpainted and delightfully simple, this stunning and expansive property was originally a large, 19^th century barn, which has been immaculately restored using only local natural materials.

The simplicity of the villa’s construction contrasts tastefully with the many modern features and appliances of Les Platanes. Natural wooden beams, for example, provide a cosy contrast to the stylish modern kitchen designed with creating and devouring some delicious French cuisine in mind.

Les Platanes exterior is equally as delightful as its interior, with an open terrace running alongside the property and a covered terrace providing lunch in the sun or shade – whatever takes your fancy.

Like all Vintage Travel’s properties, Les Platanes has a wonderful private pool, equipped with a shower, cloakroom and fridge, meaning an ice-cold beverage is always within easy reach!

Beyond Les Platanes private oasis are simply tremendous views of fields after fields of vines delimited by fertile hills of evergreen, which are there to be lapped up and enjoyed!

Several charming villages, running along the River Lot, are close to Les Platanes, such as Monsempron-Libos, just five kilometres away. This captivating small village provides all the local amenities visitors need to make their holiday a comfortable one, in the most ‘typically’ French of fashions.

For a more comprehensive choice of bars, restaurants and shops, the slightly larger villages of Fumel and Penne d’Agenais are close by, as well as the medieval village of Puy-l’Eveque. Situated in the wine-growing district known by the appellation d’origine controlee as “Cahors Vineyards”, this picturesque town has two particularly memorable assets – its immense beauty and its mouth-watering wine!

For pricing, availability, photographs and more information about Les Platanes, visit Vintage Travel.