Acadia National Park maintains more than 120 mi of hiking paths, from easy strolls around lakes and ponds – don’t miss the Jordan Pond Nature Trail – to challenging treks with climbs up rock faces and scrambles along cliffs. It is also famous for its 45 miles of scenic carriage trails, built at the beginning of the 20th century by John D. Rockefeller Jr. Open only to hikers, bikers, horse riders and carriage drivers, the carriage roads feature several beautiful granite stone bridges to cross and spectacular vistas.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
109 Pequotsepos Rd, Mystic
Just 1.5 mile from downtown Mystic, heading northeast, beautiful 300-acre wooded preserve with eight miles of hiking trails winding through. Promotes environmental awareness, through a wildlife sanctuary, visitor attractions and educational programs. Open daily from 9am to 5pm; 10am to 4 pm on Sun. Small admission fee.
Tel: (860) 536 1216
Croix-des-Gardes is a 200 acre hilly wooded park, situated less than one km from the Croisette, on the west side towards La Bocca. The access is free and several paths are made for hikers, with 6 belvederes offering magical views on the Bay of Cannes, its islands, the Estérel mountain and the foothills of the Alpes d’Azur. It is also the place where the first mimosas were planted on the Cote d’Azur and in February, the whole area is covered by the fragrant blooming trees.
Soller is a good base for hikes along the Sierra Tramuntana and along the north coast. The GR 221 goes through here, and there are many other hiking options along the north coast, and quite a few local summits to be climbed.
Note that the Sierra Tramuntana is over 90% privately owned, and that right of way is an issue; visitors are therefore better off sticking to the main, recognised trails.
This outdoor company runs two shops, one in Soller itself and one in the port. They organise excursions in the mountains, and specialize in hiking, mountain biking, canyoning and sea kayaking. A very good option for those who have limited time and lack local knowledge and equipment.
Villefranche old town is made for wandering, with steeply stepped streets leading into alleys and passageways arching over the cobbles.
The Saint Jean-Cap-Ferrat hike is a 12km circular coastal walk around the Cap Ferrat peninsula, just to the east of Villefranche-sur-Mer. It offers fantastic vistas and a glimpse of spectacular villas from the pedestrian coastline path. Stop at Bar du Port in the pretty St Jean Cap Ferrat harbour for a drink or a nice lunch.
There are many great walking and hiking options around Antibes. Take the time to explore the lovely old town, and don’t miss the Château Grimaldi, the church of Immaculée Conception or the Commune Libre du Safranier with its flowery narrow streets.
Cap d’Antibes
Coastal path of Tirepoil: Gorgeous 2km hike around Cap d’Antibes peninsula, starting at Plage La Garoupe. Come back through the street of Cap d’Antibes and its luxurious mansions.
The north coast is full of trails and offers a nearly endless selection of walks. Guides and maps in English are readily available.
For those seeking more adventurous activities and adrenalin, there are two companies based in Pollensa offering guided climbing, caving and canyoning outings.
Rock Sport Mallorca
Tel: 629 948 404
www.rocksportmallorca.com
Mon d’Aventura
Tel: 971 535 248
www.mondaventura.com
Mallorca's geological landscape is rich in caves, cliffs and canyons, and thousands of visitors come to the island every year solely to partake in rock climbing, caving and canyoning expeditions. Mallorca has a huge variety of options for all levels of difficulty from the easy stroll to the supremely technical, strenuous and spectacular such as the famous Sa Fosca Canyon, rated to be amongst one of the most spectacular in Europe. Climbing is equally popular, and Mallorca's cliffs attract thousands of climbers along hundreds of different routes.
Italian manager Patrizio Parzanese offers sales and repair of all brands / types of traditional or automatic coffee machines, ice makers, dish washers, etc. Highly popular among Superyachts. Available from Menton to La Ciotat.
Tel: +33(0)4 93 65 95 00
Fax: +33(0)4 93 65 95 29
Cell: +33(0)6 12 89 28 84
[email protected]
www.parzatech.free.fr
International yacht brokerage company conveniently based in Port Andratx, selling a wide range of sailing and motor yachts internationally.
A rather special café/restaurant with a classy interior. Not somewhere you will find many tourists-more suits and business lunches,
but a very nice place lunch or coffee and patisseries.
Carles Abellan worked at El Bulli and the trademark avant guarde approach to food, especially tapas is obvious. The miniature, delectable looking-and tasting food has been awarded a Michelin star. This is a great place for the food aficionado. Set in a modern funky restaurant, wonderful attention to service. It is necessary to book in advance. Michelin *
Michelin *
Hotel Me, Pere IV, 272-286, 08005, Barcelona
Michelin star restaurant owned by the Brazilian Torres brothers; offering fantastic but pricey tasting menus. Lots of rave reviews about the food, the service and great view over the city from the roof top bar. Book ahead.
Sophisticated sandwich shop-the little sister to Restaurant Vinic.
They pride themselves on being eco friendly and using sustainable local produce.
Probably the best sandwiches you will ever taste, and a great wine selection served by the glass-super sandwiches!
This group has about 11 venues around the city, well known good value and lovely settings-unfortunately too many to mention here but a few favourites are: Aqua, Bestial and Tragaluz
One of those must visit places in Barcelona. You have to walk past the roasting chickens, through the kitchen to get to the restaurant. It is an experience-rather than a culinary experience. Go see for yourself!
1000’s of wines, 100s by the glass-the choice is so varied that the wine list is brought to the table on an ipad! This is a paradise for wine lovers who want to sample worldwide flavours. Their cellar is extensive, as is their knowledge of food and wine pairings. They hold wine tasting events, conferences, can help to organise your own personal cellar-they even have a research library!
Wonderful daily menu.
Asian inspired décor in moody blacks and reds, lots of Bhudda statues and laid back music. Good cocktails
One of the bars on the ‘must do’ list for Barcelona. The décor is old fashioned, its on La Ramblas, convenient stopping off point to watch the crowds go by. Apparently they do the best churros and hot chocolate!
A mad crazy place to start the night off, they only sell Cava by the bottle and included in the price are a couple of tapas-but we are talking bocadillos or cheeseburgers. It is so popular that you will be rubbing not only shoulders with the people around you!
Homage to the dry martini-shaken or stirred!
This really is a very stylish bar in the Eixample district and well worth a visit.