European tourism Gardens of Eden no 17

Prizewinning community tourism: Italys most beautiful village: West Coast Ireland: Westfjords Iceland:

Monte Isola

Monte Isola is the largest inhabited island of the European lakes, in the province of Brescia, Northern Italy. It has a population of 1811 people who live in 11 quaint hamlets. In the various hamlets you will find hallowed churches built between 1400 and 1600, rich in frescoes, statues and altars created by important artists of that time.

Thanks to its peculiarities, Monte Isola has joined the "Club of Italy's most beautiful villages". These quaint villages really are worth exploring and can be done so on foot or bicycle along the stunning coastal paths or by boat cruises between the islands. Throughout the villages you will find photographic panels showing the island's flora and fauna as well as aerial views of the territory to really discover the true beauty that the island has to offer. Rich in olive groves, vineyards and chestnut woods, this is a truly romantic destination to see the real Italy.

Lake Iseo is a perfect vacation resort for visitors who seek to discover untouched nature, active recreation and relaxation of their senses in harmony with both nature and local people. Staying here also means you can explore the wonderful local Italian cuisine of the area, including salami, perch from the lake, polenta made in copper pots and apple desserts.

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Loop Head Peninsula in Co. Clare – Kilkee (Ireland)

The Loop Head peninsula in County Clare on the dramatic west coast of Ireland is famous for its impressive cliffs that dive dramatically into the sea, the incredible diversity of marine and bird life and the relaxing spas and beach resorts that date from the Victorian era. The best way to discover the area is either by foot, hiking along winding sea-side trails, by bicycle or by boat. The Loop Head peninsula retains its beauty and isolation while still being in a position to offer visitors a professional and unique experience of an Ireland that is forgotten by many mainstream tourist destinations.

This area is unique because it retains all its character and charm, and is populated by people who are genuinely interested in meeting visitors and showing them how to make the most of their stay on the peninsula. As a destination it is already famous with geologists and birdwatchers. The stunning sea cliffs of the peninsula are one of the few places in the world where geologists can study by sea and land the 340 million year old carboniferous sedimentary basin.

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The Westfjords region (Iceland)

The Westfjords is Iceland’s most remote region and possibly the most enthralling; the Westfjords are a world apart. Virtually separated from the rest of Iceland, the area is characterised by dramatic fjords and towering angular cliffs rising sharply from deep blue seas. Surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean, the area prides itself on having 30% of Iceland‘s unspoilt coast line including the incredible Breiðafjörður-Bay, Ísafjörðurdjúp-Bay and Húnaflóa-Bay.

In addition, the Westfjords have the only growing glacier in Iceland (the Drangajökull Glacier), plus hundreds of lakes and rivers.

Tourists are now increasingly discovering the wonders of the Westfjords with its dynamic landscapes, beaches, magnificent ocean views, deep fjords, tall majestic mountains, hundreds of lakes and rivers, thermal springs, deserted farms, nesting birds, lush vegetation, awe-inspiring silence and much more. The air is pure, filled with the scents of clean, ocean breezes and wild vegetation. This is the only place to spot a sea eagle and probably the best place to see the arctic fox in its natural environment.

The thermal pools are one of the popular attractions, where visitors can relax peacefully and de-stress while watching the northern lights at night or the seals by the seashore during the daytime. Westfjords region also offers numerous opportunities for those, who are looking for something more active, for example, snowmobiling, winter sports, sailing, horseback riding, glacier trips and many other activities that will make your visit to this place unforgettable.

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Lake Tisza (Hungary)

Hungary’s largest man-made lake,  Lake Tisza was created by damming the River Tisza in 1973 to facilitate flood prevention; the filling of the lake was finished in 1990s. Today, it is an extraordinary area of 127 square kilometers. Next to the undisturbed nature, you can find sailboats and windsurfers skimming over the pristine waters of the lake. The beauty of the region is miraculous, a few kilometers away from the lake you will find Europe’s largest field of blossoming water lilies and fringed water lilies, the uninterrupted carpet of water chestnuts and the many willow trees bowing on the banks.

Watching nature is an adventure in itself, which begins right from the time when visitors arrive to the area, and see the lake, hear the dinging birds and see the image of villages surrounding Lake Tisza. It is a truly unforgettable experience. The adjacent villages are unique clusters of folklore, local rituals and traditions, which are reflected everywhere, in architecture, furniture and traditional outfits. Local craftsmen are keen on sharing their experience with visitors, for example, at Tiszafüred village, in one of the Pottery houses it is possible to learn about the long tradition of ceramics in the area.

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Valere Tjolle
Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Special Offers HERE

See also:
NO 16 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1149168.php
NO 15http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148989.php
NO 14http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148859.php
NO 13 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148786.php
NO 12 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148671.php
NO 11http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148546.php
NO 10 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148482.php
NO 9 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148389.php
N0 8 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148290.php
No 7 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148189.php
No 6http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147978.php
No 5 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147875.php
No 4 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147779.php
No 3http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147673.php
No 2 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147583.php
No 1http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147467.php