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Malta, Gozo (and Comino) get the green light!

Malta coastline (image by Ferenc Horvath on Unsplash)

Great news! Last night (24 June 2021) the UK Government moved Malta to the green list for travellers from England. You’re free to go! Malta and sister island Gozo offer a wealth of experiences. The tiny limestone islet & bird sanctuary of Comino sits between them and is home to Blue Lagoon bay; there’s also a 17th century tower & chapel. The climate is kind and there’s plenty of walking adventures to explore.

The islands are rich in history (there are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites), having been inhabited since around 5900 BC.

Valletta, Malta. (image by Micaela Parente on Unsplash)

Many of the powers that ruled the islands, from the Phoenicians to the British, have left their marks, making the islands a living museum.

The Citadel, Gozo (image by Reuben Farrugia on Unsplash)

With unique flora, architecture and beaches, a visit to the islands (25 minutes ferry connection between Malta and Gozo) offers plenty to interest and fascinate.

Discovery Walking Guides have published their Malta & Gozo Tour & Trail Super-Durable Map, ideal for walkers, bikers, adventurers and visitors. The map is also available for use on some GPS devices; click here for details.

Madeira – good to go!

Levada Nova, Madeira

Although many parts of the UK enjoyed some warm sunny September days, the switch seems to have suddenly flipped to full Autumn. Chilly, windy and rain that sets in for hours on end. Overseas travel is still tricky to plan, though Madeira remains one of the Government’s ‘green list’ destinations.

Approaching Ribeira Funda, Madeira

How does the weather in Madeira compare to London’s at this time of year? A quick check of BBC weather services for October 03 2020 has London’s temperature range as 10C – 15C, heavy rain, zero sun. Madeira should enjoy 19C to 25C, little chance of a shower and plenty of sunny intervals. Madeira gets plenty of rain too; look at those beautiful forests, trees and flowers. But the island’s sunshine and temperature figures look tempting as winter beckons.

The harbour, Paúl do Mar, Madeira

Madeira is a classic destination for keen walkers, though you don’t need to be an expert. There are plenty of lovely strolls as well as high end challenges for experts, with plenty of variety in between. Or, why not explore by bus, a pocket-money way to experience the island. For plenty more information on discovering Madeira, take a look HERE.

Câmara de Lobos, Madeira

Thanks to author-researcher Shirley Whitehead for these beautiful photos of her home island.

Zante, Zakynthos: party or adventure?

Party island? For some, yes, but there is so much more to Zante – also called Zakynthos.

This beautiful Greek island in the Ionian Sea offers white beaches lapped by turquoise waters. Water sports enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven.

Zante coastline (Photo by Mihail Minkov on Unsplash)

A fascinating coastline of rocky headlands, white cliffs and caves tempts exploration. There’s a fistful of walking guidebooks available offering strolls, walks and more challenging daily hikes.

Navagio beach (Photo by Jason Blackeye on Unsplash)

Whatever you plan to explore, there’s an excellent newly-published island map detailing walking routes and a wealth of detail which will ensure you get the best out of your adventures.

Tour and Trail Maps Go To Sea

We know that most people use our Tour & Trail maps for hiking and biking, for driving and occasionally while horse riding. Their strength, toughness, foldability and waterproof qualities make our maps ideal for all these pursuits.

Look at those magical blues! Paddle Boarding off Northern Menorca

But here’s a first! We received an interesting email from Oliver, a kayak, open canoe and paddle board guide. He uses our maps to navigate around coastlines and sent us a couple of photos showing how he does it.

Paddle Boarding off Menorca’s North Coast

“Just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of your maps, I use them to navigate our way around coastlines, most recently around some of the awesome north coast of Menorca on Stand Up Paddle Boards, (I guide in both sea kayak and Open canoe too).

Your maps definitely make life easy while afloat …

Oliver”

(Received 24 August 2018)

And here’s how to use your Tour & Trail map while paddle boarding.

Thanks Oliver!

You can see that map and many others from Discovery Walking Guides here.

Any more unusual uses for our maps out there? Let us know.

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