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Majorca
(or Mallorca)
Tourist Porthole: Immediately visible as you approach
this port of call, is Palma’s magnificent Catalonian Gothic
cathedral, a landmark of the city, it stands majestically in
the old town overlooking the ocean. Palma’s streets are full
of interesting markets, shops and al fresco cafes. Coves del
Drac - these are breathtaking deep caves with enormous stalagmites
and stalactites. The caves also feature one of the largest underground
lakes in the world, a real experience with lights and classical
music. The resorts in the south are considered the liveliest.
No smoking in all public places.
Location & Size: The largest of the Balearic Islands,
in the western Mediterranean Sea off the southeast coast of
Spain. 1,405 sq mi (3,640 sq km)
Capital: Palma Population: 760,000 Currency:
Euro
Language: Spanish, English widely used. Religion:
Catholic
Economy: Tourism forms a significant part of revenue
and agriculture is second.
Time: GMT+1 hour. Health: No health risks, no
vaccination certificates required.
Sardinia
Tourist Porthole: Arriving in the port of Alghero you
will find the most Italian of Sardinia’s holiday towns. On the
sea front the old town is a network of narrow lanes, mostly
car free. Here you will find restaurants and cafes offering
excellent seafood. There are plenty of day trips available in
the immediate vicinity of Alghero to places such as Neptune’s
Grotto (possibly the most spectacular cave complex in Italy),
calm turquoise waters at La Pelosa. Nuraghe di Palmavera, there
are thousands of structures made of basalt blocks, called nuraghi,
taken from extinct volcanoes these were built in prehistoric
times without mortar. Some date to c. 1500 – 400 BC. Sardinia
is regarded as one of the healthiest places in the world, try
and discover the secret of the islanders’ longevity whilst ashore.
Location & Size: Second largest island in the western
Mediterranean. 9,194 sq mi (23,813 sq km). An Italian island
and wine-producing region located off Italy’s west coast just
south of the French island of Corsica.
Capital: Cagliari Population: 1,655,677 Currency:
Euro
Language: Italian, Sardinian Religion: Mainly
Catholic
Economy: Sardinia makes a wide variety of wines; there
are over 100,000 vineyard acres.
Time: GMT+1 hour Health: No health risks.
Cyprus
Tourist Porthole: This port of call, Limassol, has a
long cultural tradition. Visitors can see many museums exhibiting
objects related to Aphrodite and there are archaeological sites
to explore. Combining ancient, Frank, Byzantine and other modern
historic influences. For travellers wishing to stretch those
sea legs, there are interesting walking tours of Limassol with
English guides.
Location & Size: Third largest island in Eastern Mediterranean
Sea 3,572 sq mi (9,251 sq km). Mount Olympus is its highest
peak, 6,401 ft (1,951 m) above sea level.
Capital: Nicosia Population: 968,000 (whole island)
Cyprus is currently divided into two de facto states:
The Republic of Cyprus, occupies the southern two-thirds of
the island. Its population 747,000 (2005) is predominantly Greek.
Languages: Greek, Turkish (both official) English.
Religion: Christianity (predominantly Eastern Orthodox).
Currency: Cyprus pound.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus occupies the northern
third of the island
Its population 221,000 (2005) is mainly Turkish.
Languages: Turkish (official), English. Religion:
Islam. Currency: Turkish lira.
Economy: Agricultural products, the Greek sector grows
deciduous fruits and wine grapes, and the Turkish side grows
tobacco, vegetables, and table grapes.
Time: GMT+2 hours Health: No risks, no vaccinations
required.
Corsica
Tourist Porthole: Referred to as the Mountain In The
Sea. Ajaccio, the Capital is a lovely port of call. Birthplace
of Napoleon and celebrated with parades and fanfares. The Imperial
Chapel, The Cave of the Casone, The Cathedral, The Foch Marshal
Square, The Town Hall, The Citadel – all places steeped in history
and atmosphere. If you want even more sailing time, there are
fabulous boat excursions around the island.
Location & Size: Fourth largest island in Mediterranean,
3,352 sq mi (8,681 sq km). An island of France north of Sardinia.
Capital: Ajaccio Population: 275,000 Currency:
Euro
Language: French (official), Corsican. Religion:
Catholic, Protestant
Economy: The island’s economic life is based on tourism
and agriculture.
Time: GMT+1 hour Health: No risks, no vaccinations
or certificates required.
Crete
Tourist Porthole: The city of Heraklion makes a fascinating
port of call. Here you will discover the site of Knossos the
largest and most spectacular Minoan palace in Greece. It is
located a few kilometres south of Heraklion and is a huge construction
of four wings. According to mythology this palace was the residence
of King Minos and was the place where the Minotaur was killed
by the famous hero Theseus. Many finds from the palace are exhibited
in the archaeological museum of Heraklion.
Other attractions include the classical site of Gortys, the
Venetian castle in Rethymno, and the Samaria Gorge, as well
as many other natural sites, monuments, and beaches.
Location & Size: An island of southeast Greece, the fifth
largest island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea at 3,218 sq
mi (8,336 sq km).
Capital: Heraklion Population: 623,666 Currency:
Euro
Language: Greek Religion: Greek Orthodox
Economy: The island is one of Greece’s leading producers
of olives, olive oil, and grapes; tourism is also important.
Time: GMT+2 hours Health: No health risks, no
vaccinations required. Codeine banned in Greece, medication
medical certificate recommended.
Rhodes
Tourist Porthole: The capital of Rhodes, the site of
one of the Seven Wonders of the World - The Colossus of Rhodes.
The medieval city is a World Heritage Site. There are many cultural
and historical places of interest to explore. Crystal clear
waters and over 300 days of sunshine each year – a land of the
Gods.
Location & Size: Island of Greece. It is the largest
island of the Dodecanese group and the most easterly in the
Aegean Sea. 540 sq miles (1,398 km). The interior is mountainous,
rising to 3,986 ft (1,215 m) on Mt. Attavyros.
Capital: Rhodes Population: 110,000 (56,000 in
Rhodes) Currency: Euro
Language: Greek Religion: Greek Orthodox
Economy: The island has fertile coastal strips where
wheat, tobacco, cotton, olives, wine grapes, oranges, and vegetables
are grown. Tourism is the island’s most important industry,
and fishing and winemaking are pursued.
Time: GMT+2 hours Health: No health risks, no
vaccinations required. Codeine banned in Greece, medication
medical certificate recommended.
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