The Algarve is one of the most beautiful regions in Europe and arguably the world. Located on the Southern coast of Portugal, fly into Faro as the gateway for a great all year climate, sun-drenched beaches and first class golf courses. It comes as no surprise then that we have chosen this location to be the host of a number of eurofootballfives.com competitions.

After the sun has set, the Algarve really comes alive. Outdoor terraces on busy streets and on the sea front are perfect places to kick back and enjoy a few early evening drinks. Then you can head on to one of the casinos or one of the many night clubs that the Algarve has to offer. In the summer, in particular, there are options galore to choose from such as foam parties and beach BBQ parties. The Algarve in the evenings can be as full on or as relaxed as you want it to be.

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In Ajax, Amsterdam has one of the most successful teams in Europe. Ajax has earned the right to keep the European Cup - winning consecutively from 1971 through to 1973. In 1972, they completed the treble by winning the Dutch League, Cup and European Cup. Add the 1995 Champions League, with one of the finest young teams to win the tournament, there are not many cities in the world that can claim a finer breeding ground.

So you know the football pedigree of Amsterdam and Ajax - do you know what the city has to offer in terms of entertainment? Of course you do! You do not need us to tell you that Amsterdam is one of the most liberal cities in the world and with plenty of drinking establishments to choose from and a liberal outlook, backed up by liberal sex and drug laws, comes a great relaxed atmosphere to enjoy your post-football drinks and the variety of 'nightlife' on offer.

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Mens and Womens Tournament

Sit down with a blank piece of paper and think of all the legends and stars of the world game that have applied their trade in Barcelona. You can probably note down a good couple of dozen without thinking - Cruyff, Guardiola, Koeman, Laudrup, Ronaldo, Romario, Stoichkov, Maradona, Ronaldo, Figo, Luis Enrique, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Deco, Giuly, Eto'o, Marquez, Lineker, Puyol, Thuram, Zambrotta....the list could go on.

Putting football to one side, Barcelona itself is a fascinating city awash with historical and modern art and culture and not to mention one of the most cosmopolitan and vibrant cities in Europe. The city has a certain buzz to it both during the day and the evenings when the night scene bursts into life. If you never get the chance to visit Barcelona during your life you have definitely missed out.

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Budapest , known as the 'Queen of the Danube ', is a magnificent city exuding a cultural sophistication that entices and enchants. Gracing both sides of the legendary river with grand historic buildings, regal bridges and graceful tree-lined boulevards, it is the city's elegant beauty and romantic atmosphere that has given Budapest Parisian status among the Eastern European countries.

Budapest represents an ideal destination for a sporting weekend away – the perfect backdrop for the tournament itself, a beautiful historical and cultural city to explore by day and a nightlife to compete with any other city in Europe.

 

Gyor, this mellow and colourful town is situated half way between Vienna and Budapest, and hosts a vast array of architectural, cultural and natural treasures. Because of its central location it had a strategic role in Roman times, then in Turkish times it had a significant role as the border castle of Christianity to protect Europe. We can arrange fixtures at the professional Gyor FC stadium.

Gyor is Hungary's second richest town in historic buildings, after Budapest, many of which are protected and listed in acknowledgement of the reconstruction of the Baroque centre of the town. Churches, palaces, museums, characteristic corner-balconies and narrow lanes, all reminders of a historic past invite visitors to take a walk in the centre of the town. Nature embraces and weaves through Gyor along the rivers. The medicinal waters, the landscape and the cultural-historical treasures of the environment: the Szigetkoz water-land and the Pannonhalma Hills allure people for rest or relaxation.

In the old streets there are cafes, restaurants and clubs awaiting for the visitors with the famous Gyor hospitality.

 
Located on the River Vistula, the ancient city of Krakow is considered to be the 'Jewel of Poland' and is one of the jewels of Europe. The title of the 'New Prague' does not do Krakow justice as it is a fantastic city in its own right. It is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe and is home to the oldest university in Europe which, with over 100,000 students, creates and fires up a superb nightlife.
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If there was an award for ‘the new Prague ' then the capital of Slovenia , Ljubljana , would certainly be in the running. It has the perfect combination of daytime history and culture mixed with a lively nightlife. With low cost airlines now flying there it has become a very accessible and affordable option.

On the football front, the Slovenes are still in the infancy of their independence but are already establishing themselves in the world of football. The Football in Slovenia and in particular Ljubljana is developing fast. The clubs are fast improving, take their football seriously and are competitive but friendly. The clubs welcome the chance to test their skills against foreign opposition so a visit to Ljubljana will provide an excellent challenge. A great destination for a club tour.

 

Palma offers modern shopping malls, high-street shops and charming boutiques, perfect for die-hard shoppers, while Palma's numerous pavement cafes provide a welcome break in-between the city's magnificent sights. You can also stroll down the famous tree-lined Passeig des Born at the heart of Palma's historical centre, bordered by ancient narrow lanes and elegant palaces, or visit the sophisticated shops of the elegant Avenida Jaume III, one of Palma's best-known avenues.

Palma offers a fantastic range of bars and nightclubs, although the liveliest nightlife is to be found at nearby Magaluf (which we can arrange trips to) Palma's nightlife offers everything from a quiet drink to all-night partying - whatever suits you, Palma has a variety of venues to suit virtually any taste. Discos, bars and pubs aplenty which have an international flair and you'll also find the "Paseo Maritimo". It's yours to explore.

 

Prague , the capital of the Czech Republic , is known as "The Pearl of Europe", “The City of a Hundred Spires”, “The golden heart of Europe ”, “The Amsterdam of the East” and “The Jewel in the Crown" of Central Europe . However you get to know Prague , just remember that Prague is one of the 'must see' cities in Europe .  

Prague is both rich in culture and easy on the pocket – an ideal location for a fun packed weekend break full of nightlife. With direct flights from a host of UK airports it is also very accessible.  

 
 

One of the new ‘old world' destinations that has been opened up in the last 10-15 years with the break up of the soviet union, the advancement of the low cost flight revolution and the search for new, interesting and cheap places to play football and drink cheaply. Riga is the largest and most cosmopolitan of the Baltic states .

Riga is an increasingly popular short-break destination and it comes as no surprise as the Latvian capital has much to offer. Similar to other cities in Central and Eastern Europe it marries the challenges of being a modern capital with preserving the historic charm well. Riga has succeeded in retaining its old charm and beauty.

The nightlife of Riga is varied to say the least. You are as likely to be dining in American burger bars, Arabic restaurants and trendy Sushi bars as much as a traditional restaurant. Riga by night is a bustling metropolis with many bars and clubs open till the early hours of the morning.

In sporting terms Latvia has always been a footballing backwater. However, an appearance at the Euro 2004 championships in Portugal marked Latvia 's emergence. You will also have seen a Latvian presence in the UK with Marian Pahars' spell at Southampton (dubbed the Latvian Michael Owen) and the less successful spell at Arsenal for Igor Stepanovs. We have also seen their most famous club side Skonta Riga play in both the UEFA Cup and Champions League, including a visit to Stamford Bridge in 1999.

 

Warsaw is one of Europe's hidden gems. For those that have been there in recent years they will have witnessed astronomic changes in the city. Warsaw has enjoyed extensive cosmetic surgery blasting away the cobwebs of the past with gusto.

In terms of nightlife, Poland has become on of the social centres of Europe for nightlife. Krakow remains the first choice but Warsaw should not be underestimated as it has a huge amount to offer.  Warsaw meets all the needs for a great night out - cheap beer, English speaking locals, a whole host of bars and clubs to suit all tastes plus many a beautiful woman to cast your roving eye on!

 

So, why go to Valencia? Well, you have the beaches and in October you can take in some later summer sun. There is a cracking nightlife which often dips under the radar as most people think Barcelona, Prague or Amsterdam before Valencia comes to mind. This is a shame as Valencia's nightlife is right up there with the Calle Juan Llorens, Barrio del Carmen and Malvarossa Beach areas amongst the best to spend the night partying. The fact that Valencia slips under the radar is also an advantage as you do not see as many stag weekends in town as you may do in somewhere like Dublin for example.

If you are looking for a bit of class, civilisation and culture then there is plenty to see around the historic centre. So, if you're well travelled around the party capitals of Europe give Valencia a try - you will not be disappointed.

 
 
 

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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