Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Empuriabrava - Sun Sand and Sky-Diving

Begun in the 1960’s during an effort to reclaim swampland, the marina resort of Empuriabrava was built to resemble Miami and Venice by Miguel Arpa Battle. Claimed to be one of the world’s largest marinas it comprises in excess of 20 miles of navigable waterways, with canals providing boat access to privately owned luxury villas. With its fine beach and good facilities it now attracts holidaymakers seeking the sun and sand of the Catalonia coastline on which it at stands, they flock here to enjoy the wonderful Empuriabrava weather conditions which are especially attractive during the months of May to October. Many other visit Empuriabrava to enjoy the superb water sports facilities and conditions and windsurfing and kitesurfing are especially popular. Empuriabrava also boasts a fine sky diving school and numerous visitors go there to participate or learn this exciting extreme sport. This part of Costa Brava in Spain of course, receives millions of visitors each year and Empuriabrava has a wide range of attractions to draw them, its nightlife scene is also vibrant with discos such as Pasarella and Pacha to satisfy the younger generation. Altogether a fine resort for a summer holiday or a winter break, you will not be disappointed with a visit to the Costa Brava’s Empuriabrava which is located between Roses and Figueres around 60 km from Girona. Empuriabrava Map.

The Delightful Resort of Porto Colom Mallorca

Founded in the 13th century, the small fishing village of Porto Colom on the south-east coast of Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands, Spain, is now a popular but generally unspoilt holiday resort, which retains much of its traditional charm. The picturesque natural harbour is one of the best on the island, and is dotted with local fishing craft, which still ply their trade along this coast. The fine beach at Cala Marcal is safe and clean and great for families, offering the usual facilities. Porto Colom has a reasonable choice of facilities and is renowned for its seafood restaurants, supplying meals of freshly caught fish. The town has a regular bus service with the capital Palma de Mallorca an ancient city which is well worth a visit. Porto Colom Map.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Catalonia a Beautiful Region of Spain

Bordering France and Andorra the Spanish autonomous community of Catalonia has a rich and varied landscape and a rich and varied history. Containing a sizeable section of the Pyrenees mountains, Catalonia experiences a wide variety of climates from the snow covered mountain peaks with some well known ski resorts, to sun kissed seaside resorts on the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada with a warm Mediteranean climate, so the weather in Catalonia cannot be easily categorised, visitors are advised to check the conditions for their exact location before travelling. Catalonia covers an area of about 32,000 square kilometres and has a population of over seven million, it is divided into 4 provinces, namely Girona, Barcelona, Tarragona and the largest Lleida. Catalonia has been settled over the centuries by Iberians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors before being established as a Christian domain as Moors were driven out by the Franks in the 8th and 9th centuries. Catalonia developed Spain’s first true industry as Barcelona factories produced cotton made from material imported from the Americas during Spain’s Golden Age, it is still the most industrialized region of Spain. These days Catalonia is a prime destination for tourists, most of whom head for the coastal resorts of the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada or the fantastic city of Barcelona with its many attractions, others may enjoy some skiing in the Pyrenees, walking in the Vall d’Aran or visiting one of the fine natural parks, such as the Aiguestortes National Park. Whatever your interests you will surely find something to attract you in the multi-faceted Spanish region of Catalonia. Map of Catalonia.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

A Brief Guide to Figueres Costa Brava

Capital of the Alt Empordà district of Girona, on the Costa Brava, Spain, the market town of Figueres has a population of approximately 40,000, and is inextricably linked to the painter Salvador Dali who was born and died there (1904-1989). One of the most visited attractions in the town is the Teatre-Museu Dali, which was founded by the artist himself in 1974 and now boasts the largest collection of his work. Another famous son of Figueres was Narcis Monturiol i Estarriol, who is claimed to be the inventor of the submarine. Worth visiting in Figueres is the Toy Museum (Museu de Joguets), the Sant Ferran castle, the parish church of Sant Pere and the old Jewish Quarter. Figueres is situated just off the AP-7 (E-15) motorway between the provincial capital Girona and the French border, the closest airport is at Girona some forty kilometres away. Figueres Map.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

The North and East of Ibiza

The north and east coast of Ibiza, is dotted with some of the most popular resorts on the island and also features some interesting towns and villages. The most northern town and resort on the whole island is Portinatx, a mostly built for tourism resort with very little Ibizan charm or tradition, it is however a popular holiday destination with 4 fine beaches and a decent range of facilities, the main and most popular beach is called S’Arenal Gros an attractive sandy beach with the usual amenities. For a bit more peace and quiet head for the attractive Cala d’en Serra beach set on a pretty pine-laden bay just a short drive from Portinatx. Slightly inland are several interesting little towns and villages, including Sant Joan de Labritja, Sant Miguel de Balansat and Sant Llorenç de Bataifa. Across to the east coast you will find the coastal resort of Santa Eulalia (Santa Eularia des Riu), the 3rd largest resort on the island, popular with families it also has some interesting places to visit. Near to Santa Eulalia you will find the resort of Es Cana, here at Punta Arabi many choose to visit the popular Hippy Market, a good place to pick up a few gifts and mementos. This concludes our short visit to Ibiza north and east a wonderful area to visit if you are holidaying in Ibiza in the Balearic Islands of Spain. Ibiza Map.