Headwater's Top 10 Coastal Escapes

    CHESHIRE, ENGLAND, July 16, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- This summer, Headwater is offering more coastal choices than ever before, from a quick hop across the channel to far flung escapes in Bermuda, the West Indies or the French Caribbean!

Here are our top 10 choices:

Brittany
With its pink granite cliffs, turquoise seas and poppy-fringed white beaches, Brittany's spectacular Emerald Coast offers some of the most stunning coastal scenery in France. Writers and artists, attracted by the light and vibrant Mediterranean style colours, have been coming here for centuries, yet the region feels barely changed since mediaeval times. Walkers explore the magnificent paths that hug the northern coast before heading inland and on through the majestic Hunaudaye forest. If you're cycling, you'll follow virtually traffic-free lanes and enjoy the most panoramic views without having to climb too many hills!

Sicily
Just 3km across the peninsula from the Italian mainland, the distinct entity of Sicily is the largest of all the Mediterranean islands. Rich in culture and history - the Arabs, Greeks, Normans, Byzantines and Romans have all left their mark here - Sicily is also an immensely beautiful and dramatic destination, with a stunning coast, unique wildlife and incredible off-shore islands. Our Islands of Sicily Walk incorporates visits to the classic sites such as Etna, Catania and Taormina, together with an independent discovery of the stunning Aeolian Islands. Choose Secrets of Sicily and you'll explore the untouched north-western corner and a paradise for walkers: swaying vines, olives, orange groves and the pristine Zingaro Nature Reserve.

Catalunya
The Catalan coast remains one of our very favourite places in Europe. Cyclists follow an oval loop, mainly along the coast, taking in too olive groves, peach orchards and sun-drenched hill villages that are perfect for a long leisurely lunch. Our walking route combines the winding coastal paths with the lush inland where you'll find a staggering variety of rare birds, butterflies and colourful wild flowers.

Mallorca
Away from the popular coastal resorts close to Palma, Mallorca remains largely unspoilt with rugged limestone cliffs, turquoise bays, artists' villages, hidden coves and citrus groves. You can choose to explore by cycling from our luxury country manor house (the beaches here look like they've escaped from the Caribbean!), or on foot either following our independent Secret Villages route or by joining one of our guided Undiscovered Mallorca groups.

Turkey
Offering exceptional value for money this summer, Turkey's Lycian Way is a wonderful mix of pretty villages, azure seas, wide sandy beaches and stunning archaeological sites linking coastal trails that once served as the trade routes of antiquity. Highlights include pretty Faralya, historic Patara and the fertile Xanthos Valley.

Sardinia
Beyond the luxury villas and millionaires yachts, the "real" Sardinia is a wild and beautifully unspoilt island with traditional white villages, deserted white beaches and dazzling ochre cliffs protecting lush river valleys. Departing in September, this twin-centre guided walking holiday explores the inland Barbagia region before heading down to the sea and the beautiful Gulf of Orosei.

Gozo
It's only tiny, but the unspoilt Mediterranean island of Gozo packs quite a punch! You'll find ancient caves, secluded bays, bustling piazzas, colourful fishing harbours and hill top hamlets unchanged over the years. Choose from a luxury single centre walking week or opt for the gentlest of hotel-to-hotel cycling routes to include 2 nights in one of the best spa hotels in Europe.

La Gomera
Often by-passed by Brits heading for the tourist hot spots of Tenerife or Lanzarote, La Gomera remains a breathtakingly beautiful sub-tropical paradise of mountain hamlets, ancient forests, spectacular gorges, stunning coastline and magnificent views. Our guided walking holiday follows ancient paths linking almost inaccessible villages and hermitages perched above dramatic gorges. We spot many endemic and rare plants in the Garajonay National Park, and enjoy the most breathtaking sea views across to La Palma, El Hierro, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

Bermuda
Picture-perfect Bermuda is a stunning archipelago of 180 islands and islets offering the most amazing bird, flower and fish life! Headwater walkers stay at the luxury 64-room Coco Reef Hotel on the edge of the best private beach on the island, and with easy access to the walking trails. So that you can really get the most out of your visit, we have also included a 7-day travel pass, giving unlimited access to the local bus and ferry network.

Guadeloupe
As yet undiscovered by tourists, the French Caribbean is a completely unique holiday destination. We've created this twin-island walking holiday (you also stay on Martinique) so that you'll experience some of the amazing diversity of this part of the world: thundering waterfalls, coastal mangrove trails, black volcanic beaches, pure white sand beaches, virgin rainforest and 2000+ floral species. The menus here carefully combine casual Creole flavours with subtle French dining to create some of the freshest and tastiest meals we've ever eaten.

Headwater Holidays specialise in walking, cycling, cross country skiing and relaxed activity holidays throughout Europe, the Med, Africa and Latin America.

Website: http://www.headwater.com/

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