Thursday 28 November 2013

Ever heard of La Gomera?

Islands off the west coast of Africa are popular for not-quite-so-long-haul winter sun breaks. Our visit to La Gomera began with a flight to Tenerife and a ferry across to San Sebastian, although there is a small airport.

We hired a car for our week and drove around most of the island, which is basically a large rock in the Canary Islands. Although a small island, the climate is diverse. The northern shores were shrouded in mist whilst the southern coast was baking in full sun.

Our favourite place to visit (which we did more than once) was the Garajonay National Park at the centre of La Gomera. It enjoys its own micro-climate and can be enchantingly misty or beautifully sunny. There are enjoyable walks through the woods and family picnic areas with adequate car parking.

La Gomera is a peaceful and quiet island with winding roads and some interesting geography, best for people who want a relaxing short break in a warmer climate. It is not the place to choose if you want glitz, glamour or theme parks but there are a few nice hotels and holiday apartments.

Saturday 16 November 2013

Le Touquet Paris Plage in December

Christmas lights, Le Touquet Paris Plage
This year, we are planning to spend a couple of days in Le Touquet (again); we have previously stayed at The Westminster, the Novotel Thalassa Le Touquet (on the beach) and the Holiday Inn resort hotel.

There's a Christmas Market on 14th & 15th December but from the end of November until early January, Le Touquet is transformed into a magical place with an abundance of simple but tasteful decorations, "tens of kilometres" of fairy lights, an enchanted forest setting for christmas stalls, activity workshops for children, an ice rink and specialities in the local shops. There are organised trips around the lighthouse, too.

The St Nicholas parade is in the evening on Sunday 22nd December. Click here for official information of Le Touquet Events.