The full list of top ten beaches leads with La Ses Illetes in Formentera, followed by Playa de Famara in Lanzarote, Playa de Levante in Alicante, Las Benirras in Ibiza, Es Trenc in Mallorca, El Mar Menor in Murcia, Lago Martianez in Tenerife. The final three are Es Grau (Menorca), Lloret de Mar (Costa Brava) and Puerto Mahon (Menorca).

This vital thoroughfare has become increasingly necessary since the number of cruise passengers arriving in the port has gradually risen. Before its creation visitors had to walk at the edge of the tarmac on the road that runs between these two port areas.

The new walkway also opens up access to two small sandy coves that can be found in the environs of Puerto Mármoles. Finished in local basalt stone and prefabricated paving stones, the work has required an investment of 1.94 million euros to be completed. It covers a total of 1, 250 metres in length between Puerto Mármoles and Puerto Naos. There are two miradors or look-out points on the path, with benches so that pedestrians can stop to admire the views.

The works get underway this week, with the expectation that they will last for nine months. Plans include reconditioning the pavements down this main street in the resort, using the local basalt rock to resurface the pedestrian areas. Much of the work will also focus on renovations of the garden areas, with an improved watering system installed and new decorative elements introduced, such as a sculpture. A total of 482,000 euros has been allocated for this project.

 On the day that it was unveiled more than 1000 beachgoers sunbathed on the towel.  The previous world record was set in Cyprus two years ago.

The pound passed through the 1.20 euro barrier earlier today for the first time in nineteen months.  Reaching its highest point since the dark days of December 2008 when sterling was virtually at parity and was trading at 1.02.  With industry observers attributing this rebound to positive house price rises in the UK and a rebound in the equities market.

The strengthening of sterling will also be welcomed by overseas buyers seeking to invest in the Lanzarote property market.  As the improved exchange rate effectively increases the spending power of UK based investors.

On Friday the 4^th June the Festival gets underway at the esplanade close to the airport from 18.00 hrs, with a swathe of local rock acts such as the delightfully named Accidental Fekal.  Before taking a turn towards more dance orientated tunes later in the evening from acts such as U-live and DJ´s Kevin Swanz and Alberto R.  With the action going on late into the morning.

Saturdays bill features an open air market starting from 10am and loads of live performances throughout the day, taking place both on the beach and the esplanade and running through until 04.00 hrs.

The four chefs can normally be found creating dishes at their regular restaurants, which are Amura, Nizar Tayar, Arena and the MIAC restaurant.  And their special menu includes delicacies such as tiger mussels, served with flying fish eggs and a sofrito of onions, tomatoes and garlic and loin of braised hake served with sweet and sour pearl onions and pil-pil of tomatoes.  The menu costs €35 per head and is available at MIAC through until May 23^rd.

Intercambio is the brainchild of Ian Hoban, who has successfully forged connections between both communities to create a vibrant and informal atmosphere for anyone keen to improve their Spanish or English. And their last get together, which was held in Puerto Calero attracted a great crowd of nearly 90 people.

There is no pressure on anyone attending and all levels are welcome. As people can spend as much or as little time as they like chatting in any language. Whilst Ian is also happy to help attendees find a well matched language partner.

The next Intercambio get together is being held on Friday 4th June at Cafe La Perla Rosa in Puerto Calero starting at 5pm. And anyone is welcome to attend. Meetings are held at various venues across the island on the first Friday of every month and you can also find out more by visiting the Intercambio website. Where you can also sign up for a free newsletter that will help to keep you up to speed.

During April just 62.52% of the island hotel and apartment beds were filled according to ASOLAN´s latest statistics. A figure that’s improved little on last April’s low of 61.25% and which is also well short of previous figures for this year. When occupancy levels reached as high as 75.36% just last month.

In total 466,760 bottles of local wine have been purchased between January and March, whereas last year the amount was only 360, 508. As a result, if sales continue at this level, the Council hopes that 2010 will see sales reaching or surpassing the level recorded in 2008, which amounted to some 1,787,101 bottles sold.