http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34712 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34712 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34689 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34689 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34665 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34665 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34586 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34586 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34557 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34557 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34492 Head out here first thing and when the sun gets too much, enjoy lunch at one of the rustic beach bars which serve up cold beers to wash down noodles, fried rice and basic seafood (don't expect lobster and scallops). While a day trip is entirely possible, for a real getaway, you can rent camping equipment for a very a reasonable price from one of the beach bars which means that you can camp right on the sand. There’s nothing nicer than ending a day of sunbathing and swimming with a few Tsing Taos around the campfire under a starry sky and then waking up the next day with the waves lapping a stone’s throw from your tent.
How to get there: the lazy route is via speedboat from Saikung – if you head to Saikung harbour you can hire a speedboat taxi which, depending on how choppy the water is, should be able to take you directly to the beach in around 30 minutes. If the water’s too rough, the boats won’t go (and having been on a moderately rough journey, I really wouldn’t recommend it). The more energetic route is to take a taxi to Saikung Country Park and hike in. The hike takes around an hour and a half and is hilly. The beach awaiting you at the end is well worth the effort though and the views on the way in are very pretty too. For the high rollers, there are helipads on the beaches and there are always a couple of Sunseekers moored just off the beach.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34492 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34490 thrown in. But the focus isn’t on décor here but on the blissful foot rubs. Choose how long you want your reflexology to last, settle into one of the reclining leather armchairs and let the therapists work their magic. Wrapped in blankets, resting on a warm, cinnamon scented neck pillow and sipping on rose petal tea, it’s the little extras that make Gao’s special. I guarantee that after an hour you’ll emerge back onto the LKF streets feeling like you’re walking on clouds.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34490 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34462 I suggest a trip to scenic Howth and the village of Malahide on the north side or the equally pretty Dalkey and Killiney on the south side of the city. If you like seafood, indulge in Dublin Bay’s finest in King Sitric restaurant in Howth or Guinea Pig in Dalkey village. Advanced booking is recommended.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34462 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34434 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34434 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34428 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34428 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34397 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34397 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34382 Avoid airport tantrums and restrictive baggage allowances and instead, jump in your car, throw in the children and their paraphernalia then cross the channel and drive south until you reach the Med but don’t turn left and follow the hordes to Nice and Provence but instead head right towards the Pyrenees where, tucked between the Med and the mountains, you will find the Cote Vermeille region basking in the sun, where even in August, you can find space on a beach and a table in a restaurant.
Port Vendres is a deep sea port and marina, crammed with rows of gleaming motor boats and yachts, yet still a working harbour edged by a tangle of nets and ropes. Rows of terracotta topped town houses tumble down its hilly flanks to the palm tree lined streets where a healthy smattering of bars and seafood restaurants host a mixture of primarily French tourists and the odd crusty local sea dog. The morning’s fresh fish and seafood can be purchased from the quayside or sampled al fresco in one of the eateries.
Within an easy drive of the long sandy beaches of Argeles sur Mer or inland Larqoue des Alberes where old houses cluster about a hill topped with a small tower and a meal can be taken on the sun dappled square next to the church from Hotel Le Catalan.
Take a jaunt on the road train to picture perfect neighbour Collioure home to a fine fortress returning via a vertiginous route through the vineyards or travel along the cornice road and over the border into Spain, (you can tell you’re in Spain as the road disintegrates into a pot holed track) and down into Portbou for some tapas and dos cerveza por favor.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34382 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34373 Superficially, Nice can seem like an expensive city, but it does not have to be as there is plenty to see and do for free. One of the most fulfilling things you can do here – and a great way to take in the feel and the atmosphere of this beautiful city – is to just walk around taking photographs. There is joy to be found here in every corner: relaxing in Jardin Botanique on a tree-shaded park bench to stay cool in the midday sun; or people watching from one of the many authentic cafes in true Gallic style! Just grab a coffee and a freshly prepared sandwich, then sit back on Promenade des Anglais and simply watch the world go by.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34373 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34371 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34371 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34367 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34367 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34360 The small but perfectly formed Bay of Agay, sometimes referred to as the ruby of the Côte d’Azur, lies 40 km east of Fréjus/St Raphael on the littoral D559. Its little town sits centrally on the main sand crescent of this near circular bite of a bay, with turquoise shallows and viridian pines complementing the gold red volcanic rock of the last range of the Massif d’Esterel forming a glorious backdrop. To the bay’s extremities are to be found pretty, cove like beaches such as the Plage de la Baumette on the east curve or the Plage Camp Long tucked away on the far west corner.
The modest centre ville comprises a promenade of shops, cafes and eateries and there’s a small market by the post office on Wednesdays. For those camping, the Vallée du Paradis site is not quite Paradise itself but its quiet location at the back of the town, bordering the calm river Agay, is conducive to chilling out in the evenings with a glass of rosé, contemplating the deepening shadows on the Rastel d’Agay – a rock of a hill cutting a jagged silhouette against the Mediterranean dusk sky.
Because of the bay being protected by the Esterel hills, its position on this part of the coast provides a year round temperate climate, so - and this is the best tip of all – you can enjoy all its attributes before the season kicks in, under the glow of a warm June sun… with not a lot of people in sight. Well, only those who know about the place. And they’re French. And they’re not that bothered telling us about this pleasant little resort smuggled away from the fleshpots of the Riviera. Keep it to yourself.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34360 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34318 The beaches are stunning small coves with crystal clear water and stunning views of the surrounding nature reserve. The clear water is fantastic for snorkelling, and diving around the national park is thought to be excellent due to the nature reserve status of the area.
The best time to go is early in the morning. You'll have a cove all to yourself. Paradise! The beaches of Zingaro are the most beautiful I have ever seen. Cars are not allowed within the reserve, but the nearest cove is only fifteen-twenty mins by foot. The park stretches for seven km, so you're spoilt for choice to discover beautiful beaches. If you want to escape the crowds of Sicily's resorts, head to Zingaro!
The reserve stretches between San Vito Lo Capo and Scopello. Palermo is only an hour away by car, but you can rent villas in the vicinity and the beautiful village of Scopello is a short journey away. Scopello has a number of B&Bs and hotels, and some great restaurants. It has a family atmosphere, but the gorgeous location makes for a great romantic trip away, too.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34318 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34317 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34317 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34302 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34302 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34298 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34298