Europe Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Ibiza for girls and big girls blouses

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And because I’ve always been comfortable enough to explore my feminine side I’m taken here with Ibiza for girls and big girls blouses.

So let me explain.

When an invitation came in for a week in a thalassotherapy break in Biarritz I shot my arm up.

And disappointed the girls in the office who said that no man should be shoulder-charging their way into a wellness break.

Not put off by being the only man in the Sofitel village or being wrapped up in seaweed I signed up for more girls’ trips away.

And partied at Crop Over in Barbados with the must fun party of ladettes.

While my old Scots-Trinidadian university buddy Jevan made sure I manned up.

For the islanders’ own through the night party, Foreday Morning.

Women only… and no Scotsmen

Of course, there are some gigs you can’t blag your way on to.

And I decided to pass on a once-in-a-lifetime International Women’s Day trip to Ethiopia.

With an all-female Ethiopian Airlines crew.

And not even the explanation that as a Scotsman with a kilt.

That I could maybe pass myself off got me on that trip.

Modern girls’ getaway

Now our travel provider friends who represent Amàre Beach Hotel Ibiza, are billing their offer as a modern girls’ getaway.

Why it should be just for girls they don’t say but I guess they had their reasons.

Well, the fun all kicks off for the summer season on April 24.

Where Amare has redefined the modern girls’ getaway as a grown-up, design-led escape.

With style, music and meaningful moments coming together on the shores of the White Isle.

Musical Tur de force

The adults-only hotel is located in the heart of Cala de Bou, Sant Josep de sa Talaia.

Amàre Beach Hotel Ibiza is a haven of bohemian style, excellent cuisine, wellness and relaxation, sunshine and good times.

And new for 2026 is a real female powerhouse in Anna Tur.

A native of the Med madhouse and one of the island’s most influential musical talents, she is the new curator of its music selection.

You might know her, of course, from some of Ibiza’s most prestigious clubs.

At international venues such as the Kit Kat Club in Berlin and at some of the world’s biggest festivals.

Anna is also a music producer, founder of her own label ‘LOWLITA Records’ and radio host.

Her selection of Balearic beats will flow through the hotel’s spaces for the entire season.

Party with panache

Overlooking San Antonio Bay, Amàre we’re told, is where girls on a sunshine getaway can experience a more refined side of the party destination.

Mornings can start with sea-view yoga, afternoons can be spent poolside with chilled cocktails and listening to DJ sets.

And golden hour is the time for epic sunset dinners and rooftop DJ sets that ease guests into the night.

While the amenities at Amàre Club’s Lounge are recommended.

As are the pool and beach areas, outdoor Jacuzzi, gym with personal training available.

Yoga classes and relaxing beauty and treatments at the Wellness area by Germaine de Capuccini.

Eat, drink and be happy

Several restaurants, include the rooftop Hayaca curated by Michelin Star awarded chef Mauricio Giovanini.

While Argentine mixologist Diego Cabrera is standing by at the Belvue Rooftop Bar with his cocktail menu.

Amàre Ibiza is one of three Amàre Hotels.

The other properties are Amàre Marbella, located in the centre of Marbella.

And Amàre Sancti Petri, located in Novo Sancti Petri área of Chiclana, Cádiz which is opening soon.

Prices start from €140B&B for the ‘I Was Here’ room type, per night.

Countries, Europe, Ireland, Pilgrimage

Ewe do it best Ronan on the Wild Atlantic Way

5th April 20265th April 2026 funtime65

And see what we’ve done there… to mark Boyzone’s finest’s celebration of Ireland’s most famous trek, we say ewe do it best Ronan on the Wild Atlantic Way.

The one-time boy band warbler has been retracing his boyhood holidays up the west and north-west coasts of Ireland.

And the great ambassador that he is he has been sharing it with his British audience for Tourism Ireland.

Ronan and the fragrant Storm whom he took for his wife in our Archerfield estate, near North Berwick, being adopted Brits now.

Donegal homecoming

Now Ronan Keating’s Wild Atlantic goes out in Britain on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from tomorrow, April 6.

And it will conjure up Easter memories for this Hiberno-Scot from childhood holidays in my Dear Old Mum’s Donegal homestead.

Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Derry-Londonderry will all feature in the programme.

Ronan, of course, isn’t alone on his trek (the whole route is 1,553 miles from Malin Head in Co. Donegal to the Old Head of Kinsale in Co. Cork).

Getting your hands dirty

Leading the way: Teaching an old dog new tricks

He’ll be joined by a cast of unique fellow travellers.

He’ll try his hand at everything from fishing and hurling to seaweed baths and sheep herding.

Whether Ro’s travels take him to Mum’s townland of Brockagh I’ll just have to watch to find out.

But he did get a big kick out of his walk, saying: ‘I was 16 when I left Ireland, and there was so much of the west coast I hadn’t seen.

‘Now, I’m coming home, and I can’t wait for viewers to share all the laughter and tears along the way.’

A family business

Now if he does we’d advise he visit the Isaac Butt Heritage Centre.

The old schoolhouse which boasts pictures of Mum’s family, the McNultys who filled much of the first class roll.

Before heading down a few yards to the Ramblers, the one-time home and hotel business of Edward and Bridie McNulty.

And say we sent you

HAPPY EASTER

Countries, Europe

Sicily and it’s an offer you can’t refuse

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They’re off again and, of course, we’re going to join them, and this time they’re starting from Sicily and it’s an offer we can’t refuse.

Race Across the World has returned to our screens with five teams race more than 12,000km across Europe and Asia, passing through eight countries.

The journey begins in the land of the Corleones in Palermo.

And it stretches all the way to the remote village of Hatgal on the shores of Lake Hövsgöl in northern Mongolia.

Of course, there are many among you who would be quite happy just staying on Sicily.

And who could blame you?

Our friends at Tropical Sky certainly wouldn’t as they have curated an eight-night twin-centre escape to Sicily and the island of Vulcano.

The journey begins with four nights immersed in Sicily’s rich culture and stunning landscapes.

Followed by three nights relaxing among Vulcano’s natural wonders and soothing thermal springs.

Vulcano eruptions of joy

Pebbles in the sea: The Aeolian Islands. Picture: Roberta Ianni

Now, if you haven’t heard of Vulcano before then it does exactly what it says on the tin.

One of the seven islands making up the Aeolian Islands, of which Sicily is the big cheese, Vulcano is a hotstpot in every meaning of the word.

Our Sicilian amichi advise us that trekking the crater is the thing to do.

And though the trail may look difficult, if you take it slowly, you will reach the top of the volcano without tiring yourself out too much.

And, of course, best to avoid the hottest hours and don’t forget to wear on a proper footwear and to take a good amount of water.

Black is back: Black beaches on Vulcano. Picture: Robbiani

Vulcano also gives you the chance to get away from those boy racers on Sicily.

It’s bicycles, kayaks, quads, Mini-Mokes (no, us neither) or even a cab.

And while the walking tour to the Grand Crater and Vulcanello, Cape Grillo are the headline activities.

You can obviously get around the island on a boat.

With stops at the Grotta del cavallo and at Vulcano Gelso, visit the alum caves and Levante Bay.

Sicilian culture

Now to warm you up (sorry) you’ll get acclimatised to volcanic ways in your first stay on Sicily.

You’ll stay four nights at the elegant 5* Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges, located between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.

Enjoy lush gardens, exceptional local cuisine, and the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration.

The three nights on Vulcano will involve private transfer to the port, followed by a scenic hydrofoil ride to the island.

You’ll stay at the luxurious 5* Therasia Resort Sea & Spa, where you can enjoy breathtaking sea views, infinity pools, and a full spa for ultimate relaxation.

Before your return journey, a hydrofoil back to the mainland and a private transfer to the airport.

A 7-night Sicily and Vulcano tour starts from £2,259 pps .

This includes flight to Catania Airport,.

All transfers between destinations and airports are carefully arranged for a smooth, hassle-free experience.

You can watch the series on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sport

Scalextric at 70 and forward to Monaco

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We’ve raced off in different directions, but as we look back on Scalextric at 70 and forward to Monaco, wherever you are now Paul DiFazio I trust you’re still on a fast track.

I used to always look forward to visiting my cousin Greg’s part of Glasgow.

But big reveal here I enjoyed going to his neighbour Paul more.

As I’m sure he did on account of Paul owning that most sought-after Seventies toy Scaletrix.

Which no matter how much badgering I could never get my parents to buy for me.

Now Scaletrix allowed us to transport ourselves in our imaginations.

On the fast track

To the exotic tracks around the world, the Monzas, Monte Carlos and Melbournes.

If those early days zooming your cars around the tracks of your living room or your cousin’s neighbour has pricked a lifelong interest.

And you too have got on the fast track and can afford to join the fast set in the likes of Monaco.

Then you’ll likely have come across and called on the services of Keith Prowse Attractions.

Va-va-voom with Keith Prowse

KP offers a full weekend of VIP treatment at the Monaco Grand Prix with two day suite access across June 5-7.

Enjoy the Shangri La rooftop on Saturday, offering panoramic views of the street circuit and starting grid.

Sunday offers unrivalled views of the start/finish strait.

And, of course, you’ll enjoy gourmet all-day dining, premium drinks and an exclusive suite setting across the weekend.

The starting grid package is sold out.

But KP is tempting us with a Vantage Monaco del from £4,590p.

Eleve Monte Carlo from £5,065pp, The Apex from £6,580ppm, Elite Day Experience for eight from £8,270pp.

And a Harbour Club 30M Yacht from £2,170pp.

While if you’re on a different scale, which Paul very might well be.

Gullivers travels

Then Keith’s sister company Gullivers Sports Travel will take you to a whole different level.

By enhancing your experience and including flights, private jets or helicopter flights.

Of course, there is nothing wrong though with just replicating the race.

On your Scalextric tracks in your living room… and saving up.

Countries, Europe, Sustainable Tourism

The world’s happiest country… where are you?

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And it will come as little surprise that Finland have won for the ninth year out of the last ten but the world’s happiest country… where are you?

Because I just know that my old pal Paula has used her infinite influence to push Suomi’s charms on the voting board on the Good Folk of the World Happiness Report.

Now on the basis that we are all of us ambassadors for our countries wherever we go then Paula has spread the word for Finland admirably on her travels.

An adopted Scot after marrying fellow journo Graham Murray.

He’ll forgive me that I have come to know Paula as ‘Missus’ after a misunderstanding when myself and Paula found ourselves on a group trip to Orlando back in the day.

Now when we turned up for the wellness treatments at the Disney hotel where we were staying the host jumped to a wrong conclusion because of our surnames.

And assumed that we were a couple, which I wouldn’t wish on the delightful Paula.

Well, that’s why

Now it is virtually impossible to stress out in the surroundings of a spa treatment.

And perhaps that is the secret to Finland’s perennial happiness.

With Finns seemingly spending most of their free time in their 1,000 lakes.

Helsinki mayor Daniel Sazonov clearly extols the virtues of a good sauna.

Which every Finn has, with an estimated three million saunas for a population of just 5.5 million.

‘I suggest trying out the different saunas in Helsinki and maybe even a plunge into the cold Baltic Sea,’ he suggests.

And because we always see ourselves as a public service, here’s the top 20 of happiest countries.

Twenty with plenty

Irish eyes: With queen of Spain Teresa, Eoghan Corry and Sharon Jordan in Dublin

Finland
Iceland
Denmark
Costa Rica
Sweden
Norway
Netherlands
Israel
Luxembourg
Switzerland
New Zealand
Mexico
Ireland
Belgium
Australia
Kosovo
Germany
Slovenia
Austria
Czechia

And outside looking in

Now if yours isn’t there then you know what to do about it.

As a postscript the Irish will, of course, be happy to see that the Brits don’t make the top 20, in 29th.

And behind even the USA, in 23rd.

America, Countries, Europe, Music

Our five fab films for Mother’s Day

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And you can put money on Jessie Buckley gushing about being a mum in her Oscars acceptance speech, and while Hamnet is a tour de force, here are our five fab films for Mother’s Day.

With a nod, of course, to the mumdoms where they ruled the roost.

Let’s start at the very beginning

The Sound of Music: And if a mother’s love is unconditional then all the more credit for women who take on another man’s children.

And seven of them at that.

But when you’re an Austrian singing Julie Andrews nun turned governess then you have all the tools for motherhood.

Maria and Captain Georg took the train from Salzburg down to Italy.

Not over the mountains because they’d have ended up in Hitler’s Lair, and then onto America.

Where Georg and Maria added to their Von Trapp brood with three more Kinder.

The mothers of all mothers

Nonnas: And let’s hear it today for the grandmothers because every Nana is a mamma.

Or in Italian culture a Nonna.

Cue this charming real-life movie, starring Vince Vaughn, about a grieving son who honours his mum by opening an Italian restaurant.

With nonnas on Staten Island, using the recipes of Mamma which has become something of a tourist stop-off in the New York borough.

Some mothers do ‘ave ’em

Throw Momma from a Train: And because sometimes our mums can be overbearing, this Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal classic has to make the list.

A homage to Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train, DeVito has his usual dark fun with the original.

With Griffiths Park, Los Angeles and Hawaii adding to the enjoyment and the plot.

Magic Mum

Harry Potter: And when you are a poor orphan child with the weight of being a boy wizard you need an adopted mum.

And where Aunt Petunia was ghastly Molly Weasley was magical.

Taking in Harry as one of her own along with her ragbag children, while also facing down Bellatrix Lestrange.

And for the best place to discover how she did it all and what magic tricks she invoked.

Then you’ll need to immerse yourself in the Wonderful World of Harry Potter at Universal Resort Orlando.

A mother in life and death

Who will love my children? And have the box of tissues at hand for this ultimate of Mother’s Day tearjerkers, again based on a true story.

Lucille Fray faced the worst fate any mother could endure, knowing she would die and would have to leave her ten children.

Because her husband would not be able to cope… and no snide remarks here because there’s a man in the room.

Add to that the homespun, earthy setting of Iowa and that the real-life children appeared on the TV show That’s Incredible.

On the night of the film transmission back in 1983.

Countries, Europe, Sustainable Tourism

I spa with my little eye they’re five years as a World Heritage site

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They’re the original holiday resort and I spa with my little eye they’re five years as a World Heritage site.

The 11 sites of the The Great Spa Towns of Europe.

Now for those who imagine that wellness tourism is a a 21st century indulgence they’d be wrong.

With water treatments, or thalassotherapy, dating back to Roman times.

When Roman soldiers took the waters in modern-day Belgium to ease their weary or injured bones.

And the acronym SPA was formed from salus per aquam, or health through water.

A spin on your own spa

Now as well as the Belgian town Spa, which has been welcoming water wellness visitors since the 14th century, there are six other countries celebrated now by World Heritage.

With Austria, Czechia (famous for its Spa Triangle), France, Germany, Italy and Britain on the WH spa map.

All of whom are marking this year’s five-year celebrations with their own spin on their own spa.

Our friends at Great Spa Towns have identified what’s going on across the Eleven.

Water party

Bath time: English spa city. Picture: Colin Hawkins

Including 100 years of the Art Deco Thermalstrandbad Lido in Baden bei Wien.

Twenty years of Thermae Bath Spa in Bath, Britain’s only thermal waters.

And 235 years since The Women’s Revolt in Františkovy Lázně, a women’s protest that founded the spa town.

While Vichy in France, runs spectacular birthday festivities every July.

So, let’s hear it for the Eclectic 11 and splash it all over if and when you get there.

The Eclectic Eleven

Spring time: Vichy. Picture: Christian Parisey

1. Baden bei Wien, Austria. | The Spa of Emperors
2. Spa, Belgium. | The Cafe of Europe
3. Františkovy Lázně, Czech Republic. | A European Model Spa
4. Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic. | Grand Harmony with Nature
5. Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. | Europe’s Open-air Salon
6. Vichy, France. | Queen of the Spa Towns
7. Bad Ems, Germany. | The Picturesque Imperial Spa
8. Baden-Baden, Germany. | Summer Capital of Europe
9. Bad Kissingen, Germany. | Between Classicism and Modernity
10. Montecatini Terme, Italy. | Garden Spa of Europe
11. City of Bath, UK. | Georgian Spa City

Countries, Europe

Venice L’elisir d’amore

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And because it’s a natural stage. for romance then sing your love from the rooftops in the Floating City… Venice L’elisir d’amore.

Like the random bella figura Italian who broke out in opera in front of us near the Grand Canal.

Because opera belongs to everyone in Italy, in a way that it doesn’t in our buttoned-up bit of an island in the north-west of Europe.

And, of course, our friends at Institute for Culture Travel know what we want.

Which is a Donazetti melodrama which you and I know as being Bergamo’s favourite son and songsmith.

The Phew Lagoon

Venice: And let’s catch a gondola back to Padova

Every culture vulture loves to take in their surrounds and all the better when you have someone to guide you.

Which ICT will do on your first full day in La Serenissima, taking in Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and a swathe of churches.

Your five-day tour will take in the picturesque island of Burano and the glass-blowing hub that is Murano.

While, of course, you’ll be wined and dined with the best seafood in the Adriatic and reclined in the charming Hotel Santa Chiara.

Now you always learn something new every time you visit Venice.

And ICT will give you a half-day Bacaro tour you’ll never forget.

Through its most historic wine-bar district where your guide will take you into authentic bacari.

Talk like a Venetian

The beloved gathering places where real Venetians go to chill and chat.

And savour a delectable cichetto—a classic Venetian bite—perfectly paired with a regional wine or refreshing spritz as you immerse yourself.

The highlight of your Venetian venture is that evening of opera at the Teatro Malibran and pre-opera fare.

The Malibran, inaugurated in 1678 on the site of Marco Polo’s former residence, played a central role in the development of Italian opera throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

In 1835 the theatre was renamed in honour of the legendary Spanish mezzo-soprano Maria Malibran, who refused her fee to help improve the venue’s condition.

Carefully restored over the centuries it now seats around 900, including you.

You will fly out on August 23 with Aer Lingus and return on August 27. From €2,109pps.

Countries, Europe, Food

In Portimao where they’re packed in like sardines

10th February 202610th February 2026 funtime65

And because they never taste as good anywhere else they hold a festival in Portimao where they’re packed in like sardines.

Anybody who has stopped off in a lay-by on a road trip through Portugal will be familiar.

With the smells emanating from the grills.

Off the scales

Portimao in the Algarve makes a virtue of its fish.

With the Sardine Festival a particular highlight every August.

Where for five nights, the streets are lined with craft stalls and grilled sardines.

There are also concerts and historical reenactments of the unloading of the sardine.

And a ‘sardinhada’ – a classic charcoal grilled sardine – for all visitors.

Around Portimao

This year’s event will be the 30th iteration.

And if last year’s is anything to go by then it’ll be right off the scales.

With 2.5 tons of sardines consumed.

Now much of the action will play out around the marina.

And the first of the city’s beaches, Praia da Rocha.

With its towering rock formations, a 17th-century fort.

And a boulevard lined with restaurants, bars, shops, clubs, and hotels with sea views.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Portimao is filled to the gills with sea creatures.

A lesson in fish

All of which you can learn for yourself so that you can look knowledgeable around Festival.

At the town’s award-winning museum.

Which sits on the site of Portimão’s largest sardine canning factory which closed in the 1980s.

But reopened in 2008 and explains the fish canning industry in the area.

It shows the restored production lines and artifacts found around the region (many of them underwater).

Dating back to prehistoric and Roman times.

With everything helpfully labelled in Portuguese and English.

And now that we’ve picked out the bones, it’s over to you to book your flights to Faro and treat yourself to a fishy feast.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Our romantic beach shot for Valentine’s Day

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And when Vogue comes asking we’ll give them this, our romantic beach shot for Valentine’s Day.

And any one else who wants to promote romantic breaks which at this time of year means gifts to give on February 14.

Which it happens is our friends at Cassidy Travel.

Who are pitching a five-night package to our old hunting ground of the Algarve.

Where we took our first sun holiday in Cabanas.

And survived a circuitous road trip to Expo in Seville which almost ended up in Madrid.

Love in the Algarve

You’ll stay five nights at the 3* Soldoiro Apartments in Alubfeira.

With return flights from Dublin to the Algarve from April 5 with 10kg luggage included.With prices from €430pps.

Your favourite Irish travel providers seem to be mapping the course of our lives here with Malta on their radar too.

Maltese romancing

It was then that I knelt down in the searing sun only for Herself to yell ‘yes’…

And 33 years and two bank overdrafts (or children as we also call them we’re still here.

Now we’ve still to rekindle the magic of that time.

Although I have looked forlornly at the restaurant we pledged our troth in on a return visit with an Irish party.

Which in a roundabout way brings us round to their seven-night package in Malta on March 2.

Where you’ll stay all-inclusive at the 4* DB Sea Bank Resort & Spa.

Return Flights from Dublin with 10kg luggage included. Prices from €810pps.