The ferry from Cirkewwa on the island of Malta to Mjarr on next-door Gozo is a 25-minute journey. It costs less than five euros return for a foot passenger and about 15 euros for a car.

Gozo is airport-free, rural, quiet and slow compared to the manic desire Maltese holidaymakers seem to have for entertainment. You will find plenty of great places to eat and many deals on converted, self-catering farmhouses. Wonderful sea swimming and diving, bustling markets (if you can't resist a crowd) and fine sites and views, especially from the citadel in the capital, Rabat.

Small journey; big difference.

Lettings from Xlendi Tourist Services www.xlendi.com

Ferry by Gozo Channel www.gozochannel.com

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Norsehaven is the kind of place you can only dream about when in London. It is not the easiest of places to get to, being on the very north western tip of mainland Britain, but the trip is worth it. You could not be further from the stresses of the city when up there.

We have just returned from a week in Ceannabeinne, a lovingly restored croft nestled on the cliff side, with unspoilt sea views that are to die for. It is almost unbelievably idyllic - it has to be seen to be believed!

web: www.norsehaven.com
tel: 01732 882320
map: maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=104563659452458983581.000454e2a5aa490185440&ll=58.532964,-4.74300424,0.219727&z=12

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It's an organic farm run on an ethical basis that also does agitourisme. It's beautifully situated in the Drome valley in the pre-Alps and parts of the farm house date back hundreds of years. We had a wonderful family holiday years ago and our daughter has since returned to work and holiday there. The people who run it are great and will collect you from the local station. Eurostar to Lille, TGV to Valence, local train to Luc - it's a lovely journey. English, French and I think are German spoken.

Pam Rogers
La Ferme Paulianne
26310 Luc-en-Diois
00 33 (0)4 75 21 37 43
paulianne@free.fr
paulianne.forumperso.com/

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I fell in love with this place for the beach, the food, the hospitality and the location.

Calgary Hotel is 300m up the road from the beautiful white sands of Calgary Beach, in a small green valley banked with mature deciduous woodland. The hotel has been converted from farm steadings but still retains the friendly farmhouse atmosphere and character, while creating comfortable and attractive accommodation.

The owners are artists and put on fabulous exhitibitions by local crafts people.

Finally, the food is to die for - local produce cooked to perfection.

Calgary, by Dervaig, Isle of Mull, Scotland, PA75 6QW
www.calgary.co.uk/

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The Pen Y Gwryd Hotel sits at the bottom of the Llanberis pass and the top of Nant Gwynant valley. It has been a family run business since 1947 and in mountaineering terms is practically the centre of the universe. To really appreciate this tiny place in it's awe-inspiring landscape visit in winter when menacing black clouds haunt the mountains and time seeps back into the hard local granite. Hide in the smoke room by the fire with a single malt and dream of Everest.

www.pyg.co.uk/

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A rustic rural retreat based in a castle, 40 minutes drive North of Bologna, Italy. Only accommodating 10 guests, in frescoed rooms, it is like staying in your own personal castle. No TV, no WiFi and probably no mobile phone reception (as it is in the middle of nowhere) but lots of books, music and art, along with good food and wine. Early morning balloon rides followed by breakfast anyone?

www.galeazza.com
Castello di Galeazza
Via Provanone 8585
40014 Galeazza di Crevalcore (BO)
Italy
Tel +39 051 985 170
Nearest stations: Bologna or Crevalcore

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A unique oasis of calm and tranquility away from the centers of mass tourism on the island. Runs entirely on wind and solar energy. Loads of extra details to make you feel at home with comfortable, tasteful decoration - the owners have really gone the extra mile. Fresh eggs from the chickens, fruit from the garden, kids play area, trampoline and bikes for guests to use!
There is a shared pool and chill out area which is a perfect place to relax.
The authentic Canarian fishing village of Arrieta and its fantastic beach, La Garita, are only 5-10 minutes walk away.
We count our week there as one of our best family holidays and hope to return! The experience was a real insight and education for us and our children into alternative energy and green eco living!

www.lanzaroteretreats.com
telephone +34 928826720
email michelle@lanzaroteretreats.com

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Nice little cottage, everything easy, lots to see and do roundabout. Whitehaven is a hidden gem.

www.escapetocumbria.co.uk

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