Altinkum, the Family Friendly Resort

Altinkum is a very family friendly resort located in a beautiful area along the Aegean Coast. It is renowned for having three extremely nice beaches that are perfect for families with small children as the beach shelves away very gently. 
 
The beaches are super clean, and there is always plenty of space for sunbathing, and it is easy to rent a sun lounger and umbrella for the day at a very reasonable cost. In fact it would be very easy to spend the entire holiday on the beach, as everything you need is nearby, including numerous bars and restaurants.

Although it isn’t an enormous resort, it does have sufficient shops selling everything you are likely to need, as well as a weekly market selling plenty of fresh produce, and locally made crafts that are perfect for souvenirs. In spite of the fact that it has developed quite rapidly over the last ten years or so, Altinkum has managed to retain its unspoiled air. 
 
Altinkum is easily accessible from either Bodrum International airport, or from Izmir International Airport, and is a good choice for a family location as there is such a diverse range of activities available. There are plenty of water sports, and a water park in Altinkum, or it’s a great area for hiking in, especially in nearby Lake Bafa. The area is particularly well known for its abundance of historical sites that would keep even the most avid history buff occupied for a couple of weeks at least.

Attractions and Activities in Cape Verde

Cape Verde is increasingly becoming known as a top holiday destination, especially amongst those seeking just about guaranteed winter sun. It is easy to see why, as this archipelago consists of ten different islands, each with their own distinct personality, and each has something different to offer.

However one of the major attractions of the Cape Verdean islands are the beautiful beaches and the abundance of water sports that can be found on all of the islands. The waters surrounding Cape Verde are perfect for surfing, windsurfing and body surfing, and if you have never tried any of these sports then it’s a great place to learn, particularly on the island of Sal where there is plenty of opportunity to rent equipment and take lessons.

Another popular activity is diving, and again the clear waters are ideal for both beginners and more experienced divers, and there are a number of good quality dive schools. Hiking and mountaineering are becoming increasingly popular, and there are numerous excellent treks to do, including exploring the volcanic craters on Fogo, and hiking across the dry river valleys on Santo Antao. 

If you are keen on fishing the Cape Verde would be a great destination, as it offers plenty of scope for going both deep seas diving, or even joining local fishermen on their trips. The two best islands are Sal and Sao Vicente, but there is plenty of expert advice available. Other activities include turtle watching, quad-biking, and bird-watching. If you are visiting Cape Verde for the first time then it can be nice to plan a bit of island hopping to experience a little of everything offered by this archipelago.

Akbuk is Perfect for Anyone Looking for Peace and Quiet

Akbuk is one of the most perfect holiday locations for anyone looking for a little peace and quiet in beautiful surroundings. The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking as the resort is set against a beautiful mountain backdrop and is surrounded by pine forests. The blue waters of the Aegean are beautifully clear, and the environment is renowned for being extremely healthy due to its low humidity and high oxygen levels.

Although it is a peaceful little resort, it still has all the amenities to offer holiday makers a trouble-free and enjoyable break. There is a good selection of local shops selling everything you need for day-to-day living, as well as a weekly market which is held every Friday, and which is great for purchasing super fresh and super cheap fruit and vegetables.

If you feel the need to visit larger shops then the resort of Altinkum is just 15 minutes’ drive up the road. Akbuk enjoys around 300 sunny days a year, and although temperatures can reach into the 40s during the summer months there is almost always a cooling breeze from the surrounding mountains.

Although it might be tempting to spend your whole time relaxing on one of the lovely beaches, it would be a shame not to explore the surrounding area as it is pretty interesting. There are numerous historical sites nearby including the Temple of Apollo at Didyma, Ephesus and The House of the Virgin Mary.

There are also lots of boat tours available from the harbour during the summer months so you will never be bored. In fact many people choose to return year after year, or even buy property here because they love it so much.

Attractions on the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands is a luxury upmarket destination which is renowned for its beautiful beaches and good year-round weather. It's fair to say many of the attractions on the islands are beach centred, but there are also a good choice of activities for those times when you feel like seeing a little more of the scenery.

One of the best-known beaches is Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman which is frequently named as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. There are numerous beach bars and restaurants located here, and you'll find most of the resort hotels on the island are situated on this beach.

Perhaps the best-known attraction on Grand Cayman is Stingray City which is renowned for being one of the top places in the world for shallow dives and snorkelling. If you visit the spot then you'll have the chance to hand feed these amazing creatures as they are incredibly tame.

If you are looking for some of the best snorkelling and diving in the Caribbean then Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman is one of the best sites around. Cayman Brac also has some great dive sites and the opportunity to visit wrecks. It's also the least visited of the Cayman Islands, but has the most dramatic scenery and is great for anyone who likes walking, bird watching and of course diving.

Back on dry land another very popular attraction is Queen Elizabeth the second Botanic Park which is on Grand Cayman and displays the islands native flora and fauna and includes a lake area which is a natural habitat for the Cayman Blue Iguana.

Cape Verde, a Well-Kept Secret amongst Those in the Know

As yet not many people have heard about Cape Verde, but that is all set to change. It's an archipelago formed of 10 different islands in the Atlantic Ocean just a few hundred miles off the coast of West Africa. The islands origins are volcanic, but each has its own very different personality.

You'll find Sal, Boa Vista and Maio to be flat, sandy and dry. In contrast most of the remaining islands have far more vegetation and are much rockier. The islands are quite dry, so there isn't that much green vegetation, but this does mean that holidaymakers are almost assured of a nice sunny break.

Cape Verde was originally discovered and colonised by the Portuguese in the 15th century but achieved independence in 1975. The population is around half a million with a quarter living in the capital city of Praia. The country is very stable and democratic and is often held up as being a good example amongst African nations; it enjoyed substantial economic growth between 2000 and 2009.

Its economy is very much service oriented and increasingly focused on tourism and this industry is one of the fastest growing in the world. It is being hailed as the new Caribbean or Canary Islands but is much more affordable.

Cape Verde also has the advantage of being just a few hours flight away so it's perfect for long weekends or week long breaks. It's beaches are utterly stunning, especially on the island of Sal where there are miles of white sandy beaches, perfect for anyone dreaming of a desert island getaway, but be sure to get here fast before everyone finds out.

The Peaceful Attractions of Akbuk

Akbuk was originally a small fishing village and is in a beautiful location as it is surrounded by mountains and pine forests, giving the village its enviably healthy air with a high oxygen content. Anyone choosing to live or holiday here is assured of a peaceful and relaxing time as it is not somewhere to come if you are after a lively nightlife.

The small town centre has a good selection of shops where you can buy everything you need for day-to-day living, and there is also a good weekly market which is well worth a visit for its super fresh fruit and vegetables. If you want a bigger selection of shops then Altinkum is just a short drive away.

It's the kind of place where people return year after year, and many have retired here from much larger cities. Tourism has become much more important to Akbuk in recent years, and former fishing boats now take holidaymakers on trips along the coast during the summer months. However it's not in any danger of being overdeveloped as planning laws are quite strict so it should remain a tranquil and relaxing destination.

If you feel like having a break from relaxing then Lake Bafa is only a few miles away. It's a great spot for keen birdwatchers as it is one of Europe's biggest bird refuges. It's a beautiful place to explore and is great for hikes. Akbuk is also an excellent location from which to explore historic sites, visit local villages and learn a little more about the rich culture of Turkey.

The Rugged Attractions of Cayman Brac

Cayman Brac is the most dramatic of the three Cayman Islands and is fantastic for anyone who loves birdwatching and exploring local flora in the woodlands. It's possible to spot peregrine falcons, Frigate birds, brown boobies and sometimes it's even possible to see the Cayman Brac parrot.

The island is just 14 miles square and has a population of less than 1800, and the peaceful seafaring community enjoys welcoming visitors to their beautiful home. Brac is a Gaelic word which when translated means bluff as Cayman Brac has a dramatic limestone ridge which rises up to 140 feet high creating a dramatic landscape.

While the scenery on land is stunning, most visitors are attracted to Cayman Brac for its diving. Just off the island lies the wreck of the M/V Captain Keith Tibbitts which is a Russian built Cuban naval frigate that was sunk off the north-west coast in 1996 and its already home to a considerable variety of colourful marine life. In addition there are two other small wrecks lying off the island's coast.

Back on dry land Cayman Brac boasts a number of attractions including several caves. These include the Great Cave which has a number of interesting stalactites and stalagmites, the Bat Cave which is home to a number of small bats and Rebecca's Cave which is a historic site that once provided shelter for residents during a hurricane.

Peters Cave is also well worth a visit as it gives spectacular views across the south side of the island. The Cayman Brac Museum is the oldest museum in the Cayman Islands and provides a fascinating insight into life in the past. It's easy to dismiss the Cayman Islands as merely being a sunshine destination when in fact they have far much more to offer visitors who take the time to explore.

Enjoying the Quiet Charms of Akbuk

If you are looking for the perfect spot in which to enjoy a quiet and relaxing holiday, or are looking for a holiday home surrounded by gorgeous scenery, then Akbuk might just fit the bill. More and more holidaymakers are choosing to visit Turkey, and some will go on to invest in property in the country, attracted by the affordable prices and easy accessibility from the rest of Europe.

There is no doubt it is a beautiful country, as it is rich in culture and has an unspoiled beauty. Whether you are looking for gorgeous sandy beaches, colourful bazaars, or want to explore the many ancient ruins, Turkey has all the ingredients for an unforgettable holiday, and Akbuk is in the perfect location.

This small former fishing village whose name means White Bay is situated right on the waters of the Aegean and surrounded by mountain forests and olive groves. It is renowned for having excellent air-quality as it enjoys low humidity and high oxygen content, making it ideal for anyone who suffers from respiratory diseases.

Development here is strictly controlled as much of the land is protected, and this will ensure demand for property remains high while the idyllic nature of the resort is preserved.

Although the resort is quiet, it's up to you as to whether you choose to have an active or relaxing holiday as there are plenty of things to see and do nearby. Akbuk is well supplied with local shops, restaurants and bars, and there is a local market every Friday which is superb for anyone who is self-catering as you can buy super fresh fish, vegetables and fruits and spices. It's just 20 minutes away from the larger and more lively resort of Altinkum and a mere 50 minute drive from Bodrum airport.

Cape Verde Named As Top Winter Destination for Surfers

Thomas Cook has named Cape Verde as one of its top five surfing destinations for winter, and points out that this archipelago is ideal for keen wind surfers and surfers as the trade winds blow across the islands between December and May.

There's no doubt this collection of islands is becoming far more popular as a tourist destination, and while many might come here for the surfing there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. It's the ideal spot for anyone who enjoys walking along long sandy beaches, or who wants to spend their days sunbathing and generally enjoying the peacefulness here.

Some of the most spectacular beaches can be found on Boa Vista as it has no less than 55 km of gorgeous white sand. Praia de Chaves is particularly amazing as the sand dunes have been sculpted by the winds, creating incredible patterns.

Deep sea fishing is a popular activity, and there are plenty of opportunities to join local fishermen, and the islands of Sal and Sau Vincente are considered to be amongst the best for fishing.

While there are lots of water sports above the water, the region is also ideal for anyone who enjoys diving as the clear waters make it easy to see the massive rock formations and shipwrecks. Trekking is also a popular activity, especially as the islands have a vast variety of landscapes. Other activities include quad biking, turtle watching and bird watching and horse riding. Island hopping is also a popular day trip.

Cape Verde Will Meet Millennium Development Goals

A new report published recently by the World Bank in Washington, says Cape Verde is well on track to meet its Millennium Development Goals, and is one of only four African countries set to do so. Alongside Ethiopia, Ghana and Malawi, Cape Verde is expected to achieve most of its goals by 2015, or possibly even sooner thanks to acceleration in growth and progress of social indicators.

In order to do this Cape Verde has made considerable improvements in areas such as education, health and infant mortality, and has also improved various economic aspects such as its business climate.

Cape Verde is amongst the top 10 countries in the world to have introduced the most reforms in 2010, and the report fully expects to continue seeing the country in this list due to the various reforms which are still underway.

According to the World Bank, the significant improvement in the business climate in Cape Verde was largely due to the government applying robust reforms.

This is all good news for the tropical archipelago which is becoming increasingly sought-after by property investors. Property is still relatively cheap, and the government’s investment in infrastructure has greatly improved amenities over the past few years.

This has led to a huge increase in tourism numbers as more people become aware of Cape Verde's existence and its close proximity to Europe. The country has an ever expanding number of international flights and an increasing number of international airports to cope with the surge in popularity.

The Quiet Charms of Akbuk

Akbuk is perfectly situated as it is only 40 minutes drive from Bodrum airport, and is just 15 km from Altinkum, and it is fast becoming a sought-after location. The small town has a real sense of history as it used to be primarily a fishing village, but is rapidly growing into a well-developed tourist resort which has its own harbour, villas and hotels.

The area around Akbuk is protected forest and olive trees, and it has a beautifully peaceful feel to it. Activities here include hiking, fishing, water sports, or you can simply choose to relax around the pretty little bay or on one of the gorgeous beaches. Lake Bafa is just a 10 minute drive away, or if you feel like enjoying a little nightlife then Altinkum is easily within reach.

Akbuk has one of the highest oxygen ratios and lowest humidity in the heart of Turkey, and this makes it an extremely healthy place in which to live or holiday. It is often recommended by doctors to those suffering from asthma. The beaches and bays here are very clean, and although not terribly big, they have a lovely family oriented atmosphere.

Akbuk appeals to people looking for a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, and it is extremely popular amongst retired people and families. It gets even better when you consider that high density housing isn't allowed here, and no buildings over two and a half storeys high are allowed.

Akbuk truly feels like little piece of paradise, but has sufficient amenities to allow for day-to-day living with lots of mini supermarkets selling groceries, and of course Altkinkum is just a short drive away, if you happen to feel the need to visit a large and busy supermarket.

Exploring the Cape Verdean Island of Santo Antao

Cape Verde consists of several different islands, and not all of them are inhabited, however all of them offer breathtaking scenery. The island of Santo Antao is particularly good for sightseers, as it is the most northern island in the archipelago and is also one of the most rugged. It makes a great break for a couple of days from the livelier island of Sao Vicente, and while the ferry takes just under an hour from Mindelo, it could be a world away.

It is a collection of volcanic mountains which is ideal for keen hiker's as the peaks rise to more than 1,500 m in several places, and the very highest peak, Top de Coroa is an impressive 1,979 m high. The terrain here is perhaps some of the most beautiful in the world, as there are lush tropical green valleys and sheer mountainsides. One of the valleys is called Janela, and there are inscriptions on the ancient rock dating back to the 1400s which strongly suggest that the island was inhabited by a civilisation before the Portuguese arrived.

If you choose to visit this island you'll also enjoy a spectacular car journey over the spine of the island to the town of Ribeira Grande. The road is 26 km long and was built from volcanic stones lifted from the mountains and laid by hand. The mountains dominate the landscape either side of the road, and the road is lined with eucalyptus and pine forests.

Santo Antao is the second largest of the Cape Verdean islands, and has the third largest population with just over 47,000 people living here permanently. It may not have the exclusive resorts which attract so many people to these islands, but it does make a nice escape for a couple of days at least.

Buying Property in Didim Altinkum

Didim Altinkum is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Turkey, and it's easy to see why as it enjoys a mild climate all year round, it has excellent beaches and crystal clear waters, and enjoys a huge amount of sunshine, so it's no wonder the people here are so friendly and cheerful.

The area has excellent amenities and a number of important archaeological sites including the Temple of Apollo which isn't to be missed. There are a number of daily tours from the resort which include boat trips and sightseeing excursions. If you love snorkelling there are some great secluded bays which are only accessible by boat, and there are also some great spots for scuba divers to enjoy.

The international airport has good connections with all major European airports, and this has made it one of the most popular resorts in which to buy property during the last decade or so. There is a huge range to choose from here, which ranges from apartments to detached villas, and the prices can vary according to each resort.

Anyone thinking of buying property here is advised to take their time and explore all the options. It's also a good idea to talk to foreigners who live here for much of the year or even year-round, and to ask their opinion of the different areas. It's also worth checking to see how close a property is to local amenities and public transport, and something which is often neglected is to check which way the property faces to see how much sun it will receive.

Advantages of Holidaying in Hurghada

Hurghada is a relatively new resort but is fast becoming an international centre for aquatic sports. Obviously the most popular on-water activities here are snorkelling and diving, but it's also possible to do deep sea fishing, sailing and windsurfing. The warm waters here make it ideal for all kinds of watersports, and are extremely conducive for the large numbers of rare fish and coral reefs, which can also be observed from glass bottom boat if you really don't want to get your feet wet.

There is a huge choice of accommodation in Hurghada, which includes four and five star hotels, although a lot of people choose to rent self-catering accommodation as much of it is new, and is often quite luxurious.

Hurghada has a reputation as a party town, particularly amongst Europeans as there are many clubs here, but the resort is also popular with older Europeans who come here for family holidays as it is easy enough to find quieter parts of town.

The resort is still developing, and facilities will only get even better in the future, and there are various communities being developed just outside the main resort. These include El Gouna, a resort community constructed along 10 km of the beautiful beachfront to the north of Hurghada, and offering visitors a wide choice of activities.

It is an internationally certified diving centre, but also offers kite surfing, and it has the distinction of being the first professional centre in Egypt to do so. It also has an 18-hole US PGA golf course should you get too bored of lying on one of the gorgeous beaches. In short Hurghada has something for everyone and caters for all ages.

Sao Vicente, the Pearl of West Africa

Sao Vicente is sometimes called the Pearl of West Africa, but is perhaps one of the lesser known islands within the Cape Verde Archipelago. However it's well worth a visit as is also known as the carnival and cultural capital of this Archipelago.

Its name comes from the fact that it was discovered on St Vincent’s day on January 22 in 1462 by the Portuguese. However it remained a small and sleepy island until the British discovered it would be ideal as a natural deep water port in the 19th century, and they went on to develop a harbour in Porto Grande to enable the shipment of coal on Atlantic routes. It's still the largest and most active port in the Cape Verde, and nowadays it has a population of around 70,000 people.

One of the main attractions of this island is its beautiful beaches, especially the Bai Das Gatas lagoon which was formed through volcanic activity. Another stunning beach is Praia Grande which has the extinct volcano as its backdrop. However music is a huge part of the culture in this island, and there is even a Brazilian style carnival in the streets of Mindelo which is usually held in late February. Another notable festival takes place in August at the Bai Das Gatas lagoon, and is a three-day event.

There are plans underway for quite substantial development on the island, including a world-class Ernie Els designed golf course, and Nikki Beach is to develop a residential scheme and a five-star hotel. The company also has plans for another five-star hotel in the capital city of Mindelo, while a former fort will be converted into a casino.

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Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada

Sahl Hasheesh is around 20 km south of Hurghada in Egypt's Red Sea Riviera, and is very much a resort town that is rapidly growing in popularity. In January 2011 capacity here was nearly 100%, however immediately after the revolution capacity dropped to a low point of around 5%, but is now recovering nicely.

Egyptian Resorts Company, who are a developer of mega communities estimates that occupancy is now around 50% capacity, and is confident enough to launch a new public beach in the downtown area which will be open to residents and visitors to the resort town. Their original plan was to complete the downtown area along with the new public beach for the summer, but this has been put on hold just until things settle down.

Egyptian Resorts Company controls the land supply in this area, and is making sure that development is carefully controlled so that there is adequate infrastructure, and no random houses or compounds can be built.

The eventual aim is to transform Sahl Hasheesh into a year-round community. At the moment it is concentrating on infrastructure within the resort, and is also developing public relations and marketing campaigns so that when business returns to normal this resort will be ahead of competitors.

Sahl Hasheesh is a resort around two thirds the size of Manhattan which is being constructed in three phases, at the moment the town has its own offices, schools, hospital, parks, entertainment and restaurants. The marina here is especially nice as it is constructed in a Mediterranean style, and offers visitors a beach and entertainment facilities in the same area.

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Which is the best Cape Verdean Island?

Cape Verde has several islands which have luxury developments for sale, but I think that Boa Vista is one of the nicest islands for anyone looking for a second home, or an investment property.

This is because it is the third largest island and has sufficiently well-developed infrastructure to be able to support the growing tourism industry. Most of the native population no longer live on the island as conditions are often extremely dry which makes it very difficult for any agricultural activity. This is the reason why Boa Vista is often known as the Island of Dunes and Beaches, as it is ideal for tourism and has some of the nicest beaches in the archipelago.

It has an abundance of marine life, and if you choose to visit during June through to November, you may even spot turtles nesting on the southernmost beaches. It is one of the most important nesting sites in the world.

Some visitors also spot humpbacked whales off the islet of Sal Rei, with the best times for viewing being the months of December to February. The beautiful coastline offers miles of unspoilt walks, and the waters are ideal for watersports and deep sea fishing. There are also lots of quad biking tours available.

Nightlife on the island is relatively quiet, but there are a few concerts during the summer, including the common music festival which takes place in August on Santa Cruz. The other major festival takes place on the 4^th July, which is the day of Santa Isabel who is the patron saint of the island.

Attractions for tourists visiting Cape Verde

Cape Verde is gaining a lot of attention from overseas investors, and much is being done to promote the country as a tourism hotspot. Last year Lonely Planet named it as one of the top destinations for 2011, and the local government is pumping huge amounts of money into new infrastructure. As the Cape Verde property market is driven by tourism, this is also boosting property demand as well.

There are also a number of new and luxurious developments taking place, and figures show that tourist numbers are increasing by 22% annually, with the country expected to have 1 million visitors each year by 2015. Even though it isn't yet very well known it does have much to recommend it as a tourist destination which is good news for the buy to let investor.

It has a vibrant culture which mixes African, European and Caribbean elements, and the countryside is truly beautiful. The centre of Cape Verde is Cidade Velha which was the first European colonial outpost in the tropics back in the 15th century, and was originally called Ribeira Grande before being renamed in the 18th century. The town was placed on the UNESCO world Heritage list in 2009 and is located in the south of Santiago. It still has some of the original street layout and impressive remains dating back to the 16th century.

Visitors can also climb a volcano on the island of Fogo, which last erupted in 1995, although it is advisable to take a guide. The island of Boa Vista has a reputation for being one of the most important nesting spots for loggerhead turtles on the planet. Of course sunbathing is perennially popular with holidaymakers, and Cape Verde is often called the new Canary Islands. It probably won't be much longer before it is as well-known as the Canary Islands.