TOP 5 PLACES TO GO BY BOAT
You may not be ready to get on a plane just yet so why not plan your next getaway by boat to Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Spain or France - all beautiful holiday destinations only a short cruise away. Ready to feel the cool sea breeze and begin an adventure on the high seas, more and more people are turning to the simplicity of just driving on to the ferry. So steer clear of any airports and try some slow travel.
@henarlanga.jpg - Santander
Santander, Spain
If you think that the southern costas are the only places worth seeing in Spain, think again. Between Asturias and Basque country, Santander, the capital of Cantabria, is a captivating corner of this beautiful country. Should you be a water baby you'll be spoilt for choice amongst the 10 or so beaches in the region. The most popular of all beaches is the elegant beach resort of El Sardinero, blessed with fine golden sand and magnificent views of the bay. Neighbouring the beach are the Piquio Gardens and a number of bars and restaurants along the promenade.
Brittany Ferries operates services from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander www.brittany-ferries.co.uk
@aplaceforcreation.jpg St Malo
St. Malo, France
For a week or a weekend, the fortified port city of St Malo on France's north west coast is a charming getaway. This pretty harbour town is the most visited place in Brittany, famous for its local oysters and for having one of the highest concentrations of seafood restaurants in Europe. During the Middle Ages, the walled city occupied an island but is now attached to the mainland. A bastion of Breton pride, St Malo attracts tourists year after year for its quaint 'so French' landscapes, cosy restaurants and chic shopping outlets.
Small yet lively, the town is also a great place to sample some Breton specialities such as the delicious galettes and crêpes, all washed down with a glass of cider. Take a tour along the ramparts to appreciate breathtaking views of the surrounding coast or admire the restored 17th and 18th century houses. Should you wish to escape the frenetic pace of 'city' life don't hesitate to day trip to one of the nearby beaches.
Condor Ferries operates services from Weymouth and Poole to St Malo www.condorferries.co.uk
Brittany Ferries operates services from Portsmouth to St Malo www.brittany-ferries.co.uk
@chrumo.jpg Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Holland
The Netherlands's largest city is charming, diverse and has much to offer the tourist. A destination rich in both beauty and history Amsterdam, also known as the "Venice of the North" has so much to see and do. To get your bearings take a leisurely stroll along the city's canals, interesting during the day and romantic at night. Or, make like the locals and hire a bike to discover the city on two wheels. The Dam square is the historical heart of the city.
With over 50 museums to its name Amsterdam is a magnet for culture vultures, so don't miss the Van Gogh Museum, amongst others. Beijnhof, a quaint garden and courtyard surrounded by old houses, is also home to a stunning medieval church and the oldest house in Amsterdam. The Vondelpark, in the city's south, is the most famous park in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the most famous outdoor market is the Albert Cuypmarkt, attracting a mix of locals and tourists alike to its 300+ stalls. When night falls, head to the busy districts of Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein where you'll find a host of theatres, cafés, bars, restaurants and live music venues to choose from.
DFDS Seaways operates services from Newcastle to Amsterdam www.dfdsseaways.co.uk
Stenaline operates services from Harwich to the Hook of Holland www.stenaline.co.uk./ferry
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Cork, Ireland
Ireland's second largest city is built on the River Lee, its hilly streets connected by bridges in one of the world's largest natural harbours. You can be sure to find a lively city ready to share with you its history, culture and of course, the craic! To ease yourself into the Cork way of life, take a wander down St Patrick's Street, the main thoroughfare known for its abundant boutiques and beautiful architecture. Many of the city's buildings are examples of Georgian style however the 14th century Red Abbey is the only reminder of the city's medieval period and today all that remains is the abbey church's bell tower. Between City Hall, Blackrock Castle, the Church of St Anne and St Finbarre's Cathedral you'll have a lot of sightseeing on your plate! Also well worth a visit is the English Market, a covered market place that dates back to the 17th century, best known for its daily caught fresh fish, butcher's cuts and generally being one of the best sources of local specialities. A holiday to Ireland wouldn't be complete without sampling one of their famous beers so head to the Franciscan Well Brewery for local lagers, said to be one of the best microbreweries in the country.
Fastnet Line operates services from Swansea to Cork www.fastnetline.com
@tlemaitre.jpg Bruges
Bruges, Belgium
Yet another contender for the title of "Venice of the North;" Bruges, the capital of the West Flanders region in Belgium, is quite simply stunning. Romance, culture, gastronomy, history, this picture postcard city has it all, so much so that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 2000. One of the great things about Bruges is that most of its medieval architecture has been wonderfully preserved. This is most evident in its 13th century Belfry perhaps the city's most prominent symbol. Visitors can climb the 366 steps to the top (83m high) for gorgeous 360° views of Bruges and its surrounds. Another important site is the Church of Our Lady, again a medieval souvenir that remains the tallest building in the city at 122m high.
For relaxing, people watching and a lively place to sip a Belgian beer on a warm summer's day head to the Markt (central market square) where you'll be able to indulge in all three! Lose yourself amongst the tiny picturesque streets, wandering from chocolate shops to lace boutiques - the city is famous for making both. But if there's one thing visitors must do when they go to Bruges, it's to take a boat cruise to admire the charm of the old houses lining the canals, surely the best way to get yourself acquainted with this achingly beautiful town.
Norfolkline operates services from Rosyth to Zeebrugge www.norfolkline.com/ferry
Happy sailing!