The Historic City of Santander

A city and port in the Cantabria region of Spain, Santander has a population of 183,000 approximately one third of all the people who live in the Cantabria region. A historic city, Santander was already significant when the Roman occupied the Iberian Peninsular. The city mostly grew due to its fine natural harbour on the Bay of Santander, it was important during the Middle Ages and continued to be so as the discoveries in the New World brought increased imports into Spain. Unfortunately, much of the historic section of the city was destroyed by a great fire in 1941, an event that was amazing in that only one person died despite widespread devastation. Santander weather is notably mild although somewhat rainy and it has become a popular tourist destination with some interesting places to visit.

Hurricane Bill Heads for Bermuda

Bermuda is currently on alert as the powerful Hurricane Bill approaches, the Category 3 storm was predicted to pass through open waters between Bermuda and the USA some time on Saturday. On Thursday the “eye” of the storm was 500 miles south of Bermuda. The hurricane is expected to regain Category 4 status on Friday, though is will probably weaken through Saturday. This first storm of the Atlantic season caused Bermuda to issue a tropical storm alert on Thursday, and is on hurricane watch, bracing itself for possible devastation.

Costa Blanca Towns – Ondara , Els Poblets and Pedreguer

Heading for the northern Costa Blanca, we take a look at 3 small towns Ondara, Els Poblets and Pedreguer. All close to the Costa Blanca coastal resort of Denia the three small towns of Ondara, Els Poblets and Pedreguer all hold some interest for those visiting the area. Ondara a stronghold of the Moors during the Arab occupation of Spain, boasts an interesting bullring dating from the late 19th century, largely destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, it was later rebuilt, also of interest in Ondara is the Clock Tower in the Arabic style and the Assut dam, dating from the times of the Moors. Els Poblets, formerly 3 small villages is now a popular tourist location with some high quality homes, many owned by wealthy north Europeans, this area has some of the most expensive properties in the region. Els Poblets has some remains of a Roman villa, showing evidence of its settlement in the first century BC. The attractive little town of Pedreguer is surrounded by orange groves and vineyards close to the beautiful Jalon Valley, worth is visit is the old town where you will find the parish church of Santa Cruz dating from the 16th century. All in all these 3 towns would keep you occupied for a day and are well worth a look if you are staying in the Denia or Javea areas.

Review of Playa del Ingles

Situated on the edge of the Dunas de Maspalomas, the Gran Canaria seaside resort of Playa del Ingles is one of the best known spots on the island. Popular more for its climate and beach than for any historical or cultural worth, Playa del Ingles also has a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of facilities for visitors to enjoy. During the daytime most holidaymakers head for the beach area, where aside from the sea, sand and sun, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to tempt the thirsty and hungry. The beach is excellent and was in fact man-made from sand shipped in from the Sahara Desert, there are also lots of water sports facilities for those who get bored with simply sunbathing. Playa del Ingles can be accessed from the GC1 and the GC500 and is approximately 30 km from the airport at Gando. Playa del Ingles Map.

Review of Benidorm Spain

Present day visitors to the lively Costa Blanca resort of Benidorm would find it hard to believe that up until the mid-1950’s it was just a tiny fishing village. The growth of Benidorm as a holiday resort has been phenomenal and it has now become the most popular seaside resort in Europe with between four and five million visitors each year. Many would say that the skyline of Benidorm has ruined the look of this beautiful part of the Spanish coast but the tall sleek Benidorm hotels have a beauty of their own and stand in stark contrast to the surrounding Mediterranean Sea and the mountains in the background. One of the main attractions for visitors are the fabulous Benidorm beaches which are long, sandy and wide and become very busy especially during the hot summer months. Another of the great attractions is the rich and varied Benidorm nightlife for which the resort is famous, having a huge choice for visitors and specialising in spectacular cabarets and live shows. The big draw for families is the fantastic choice of theme parks – this is big budget entertainment folks, check out the amazing Terra Mitica theme park with its scary rides and miniature children’s versions, or maybe the fabulous water park at Aqualandia, one of the best water parks in Europe. Also worth a visit are the Terra Natura safari park and the Mundomar Exotic and Marine Animal Park. Finally perhaps the most important thing which makes Benidorm such a huge attraction especially for north Europeans is the fantastic Benidorm weather, which can usually expected to be fine and sunny from May to October and is also pretty reliable even during the winter months. Much like most of the Spanish towns in this region, Benidorm enjoys over 300 sunny days every year and generally there is very little rainfall.

Mojacar Costa Almeria

Standing on a towering crag overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Costa Almeria town of Mojacar is a spectacular sight. Tracing its history back to the times of the Moors, it was actually occupied much earlier with evidence of settlement some 4,000 years ago. During the Arab occupation the town (or village as it was then) was overseen by the Caliphate of Damascus, under his rule it grew in wealth and prosperity. Later joining the Narine sultanate, it became a strategic frontier town facing invading Christian forces from the east. Constant attacks by Christians led to the surrender of the town in 1488, though Moors, Christians and Jews continued to live and trade together. Mojacar fell into decline in the 19th century due to periods of severe drought, returning to prominence in the late 20th century with the arrival of tourism. Visitors attracted by the beauty and charm of this unique place ensure the future of Mojacar as a thriving town. Map of Mojacar.

St Tropez a French Resort

A popular tourist destination in the Var department of southern France, St Tropez is renowned throughout the world as a destination for the rich and famous. Its name is derived from a matyr named Saint Torpes who was beheaded in the reign of Nero at Pisa in Italy, and set afloat, he is said to have landed where the town of St Tropez stands today. St Tropez saw some action during World War 2, when it was the location of a beach landing during Operation Dragoon. It rose in popularity as a playground of the rich and famous during the 1950’s, due mostly to exposure created by actress Brigit Bardot. St Tropez has a number of popular beaches which stretch around the Bay of Pampelonne, the area is also renowned for water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, power boating and jet-skiing. Map of St Tropez.

Property for Sale in Cambrils Tarragona

Four bedroom country house for sale close to the coastal resort of Cambrils, in the Tarragona region of Catalonia, Spain. Standing on a large 20,000 square metre plot this fine finca style property has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 WC’s, large garage, private swimming pool, outside dining, BBQ, telephone and it is connected to mains electricity and water. The propert is ideally situated just 20 minutes drive from Reus International Airport, and close to the town of Cambrils and the fine local beaches, the popular resort of Salou is also nearby with its famous Port Aventura theme park. This property would make a nice family home or perhaps be a good investment for rental purposes, and the asking price is 560,000 euros. Cambrils Map.

Visit the Restored Castle at Mazarron Murcia

Whilst visiting the Costa Calida, you might want to take a look at the newly restored Mazarron castle, which while still largely a ruin, has been conserved for the future. Originally built by the Duke of Velez in the 16th century, Mazarron castle served the area both as a defense against pirate attacks and for the protection of the valuable alum mining industry, which was important in Mazarron at that time. Mazarron and its coastal limb Puerto Mazarron, are popular tourist locations for the region of Murcia.

Enjoy the Sunny Weather – Rent a Crete Villa

Luxury 3 bedroom villa available to rent on the holiday island of Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands. Stunning 3 bedroom 2 bathroom detached villa with private swimming pool near to Chania, and close to the sea amidst an olive tree forest. All required facilties within 4 kilometres of the villa, which is in a quiet, peaceful area. The most popular holiday destination in Greece, the island of Crete benefits from a wonderful climate and Crete weather is ideal for summer holidays from May to October. Rentals in this Crete villa are offered from 700 – 1400 euros per week depending on season. Crete Map.

My Favourite Picture of a Waterfall

A recent visit to the Algar waterfall, located near to Callosa d’en Sarria on the northern Costa Blanca, Spain, reminded me of the pictures that I took the last time we visited in 2006, when my mother was on a trip and we wanted to take her somewhere a little different. The waterfall picture that I took that day is among my favourite photos, and I like to feature it on my website whenever relevant as it shows that the Costa Blanca is not all about beaches and bars. Around the Algar waterfall (Fuentes de Algar) there are a number of beautiful and interesting places to visit including my favourite, Guadalest (I have lots of Guadalest pictures as well!), Callosa d’en Sarria, the Arca sanctuary and the cactus garden. I have posted a small version of my favourite waterfall picture on the left.

Overview of the Bahia Principe Resort and Hotel Tenerife

Located at the southern end of Playa Paraiso (“Paradise Beach”) the popular Bahia Principe Tenerife Resort stands on a cliff overlooking the bay and enjoying spectacular views over the sea to the island of La Gomera. Situated on Tenerife’s renowned south-west coast close to the huge resort of Playa de las Americas the Principe Tenerife attracts thousands of visitors each year. The resort covers some 8,000 square metres and includes a number of swimming pools, gym, shopping and leisure centre, barbers and beauty salon, restaurants, snack bar, tennis court, squash court, Jacuzzi and much, much more. The Bahia Principe Tenerife has 220 well appointed luxury rooms with private bathroom and balcony. The region experiences a wonderful climate and Playa Paraiso weather is perfect for holidays throughout the year, being especially pleasant during the winter months as is most of the Canary Islands.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The largest city in the Canary Islands, Spain, is the historic city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Founded on the 24th June 1478 by the Spanish conquistadors, Las Palmas developed into a significant port and was well used by ships sailing around the African coast and also those visiting the New World of America. Used as a stopping off point for Christopher Columbus on the 1st of his American voyages, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria boasts a fantastic museum, named after the famous explorer, the Casa Colón contains models and artefacts relating to Columbus and his voyages. The fabulous Catedral de Santa Ana was begun in 1497 and took some four hundred year to finish, the Neo-Classical façade hides Gothic vaults. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is situated in the fertile north of the island and experiences a humid climate, which is not as searingly hot as the desert-like south of the island, making Las Palmas de Gran Canaria weather more pleasant in the summer months and still mild during the winter. Most visitors to Gran Canaria pass through Las Palmas in one way or another as both the airport for the island and the main port are located there. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Map.

Playa Taurito Gran Canaria - A Rare Gem

A rare gem on the south coast of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands of Spain, Playa Taurito, although a built for tourism resort, is in a secluded spot away from the mass tourism of such resorts as Puerto Rico and Maspalomas. Playa Taurito’s wonderful sand and shingle beach is sheltered by two surrounding cliffs, making it a perfect spot for a tranquil beach holiday, if you don’t like swimming in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, you can always try out the privately operated lido, which is one of the features of the resort. Boasting some first class hotels, the resort offers excellent accommodation facilities such as the 4 Star Princess Hotel Playa Taurito with its 2 swimming pools set in lavish tropical gardens. If you like a vibrant night life don’t go to Playa Taurito, while the hotels have some decent evening entertainment, for clubs and discos head for nearby Puerto Rico. What kind of climate can you expect? Well Playa Taurito weather is glorious for most of the year and is especially pleasant during the winter months, when a break in the sun is even more enjoyable. Playa Taurito is situated south of Puerto de Mogan on Gran Canaria’s south coast. Playa Taurito Map.

Cosmetic Surgery - Rhinoplasty

Properly named rhinoplasty, a plastic surgery operation for the nose (or nose job) is the star of plastic surgery techniques as it is normally able to achieve a harmonious facial image. A mixture of skilled artistry and technical surgery is used to produce the desired effect and the nose is remodelled to suit the proportion of the subject’s face. One of the most common cosmetic procedures for the enhancement of beauty, Rhinoplasty treats the nose which is the focal point of the face, many people wanting the nose shaped to achieve perfection. Rhinoplasty along with other cosmetic surgery procedures can be carried out expertly and cheaply in Elche, Spain where the Clinica Foguet offers great value treatments.

Review of Benidorm Spain

Sea, sun, sand and sangria – the Spanish resort of Benidorm certainly offers all of these and plenty more besides. Situated in the Costa Blanca region of south-eastern Spain, Benidorm is, these days, the major destination in Europe for tourists looking for a seaside holiday, with in excess of four million visitors per year, this is a serious resort, the fabulous warm Benidorm weather attracting more and more visitors every year. Most visitors today would find it hard to believe that Benidorm was just a tiny fishing village up until the 1950’s when a growing tourist industry would result in huge changes not just to Benidorm but also many other towns and villages throughout Spain. The history of Benidorm, of course, goes back much, much further, with evidence of settlements as long ago as 3000 BC. Fragments of Punic and Roman ships have been discovered in the Bay of Benidorm and there are also remains of a Roman villa in the area. However, the recorded history of Benidorm starts during the Moorish Conquest, when the first genuine settlement was built by the Moors and Benidorm became a fishing community of some significance. Benidorm and the region was reconquered for the Christians by Jaime I of Aragon (Jaume I) in 1245 and in 1325 the town was awarded its first charter. The original Benidorm Castle was built at around this time and was constructed in the area of the old village. Although no evidence now remains of the castle it was, at the time, very important in defending Benidorm from frequent attacks by Barbary pirates. An irrigation drain built in 1666 to supply water to the surrounding land brought some improvements to the area and by 1715 the population of Benidorm had risen to 216. 1740 saw the start of construction on the Parish Church of San Jaime and the population grew rapidly by 1794 had topped 2,700. Although agriculture contributed to Benidorm’s economic survival during these years, fishing remained the prime industry and Benidorm’s fishermen gained a reputation as tuna fishermen. By 1857 the population had risen to 3,750 but dropped back once again in 1920 when an outbreak of phylloxera seriously damaged a thriving grape growing industry. At around the same time there were signs of an emerging tourism industry in the area aided by the building of a narrow gauge railway. A small but growing number of tourists headed for Benidorm from inland towns such as Madrid. Disaster loomed for Benidorm in the early 1950’s as fish catches fell dramatically, however an increase in tourism and a plan drawn up by the town in 1956 for improvements in the town targeted at leisure and tourism, was well founded, it resulted in a huge growth in population, which further accelerated in 1967 on the opening of Alicante (El Altet) airport, Benidorm holidays took off in a big way. Modern day Benidorm is a successful resort with numerous hotels and rental accommodation properties catering for holidaymakers of all ages, nationalities and tastes. There is lots to see and do in and around Benidorm, there are 2 superb beaches (Playa Levante and Playa Poinente), some wonderful theme parks such as Terra Mitica, the Aqualandia Water Park and Mundomar Marine and Exotic Animal Park, whatever you are looking for Benidorm certainly delivers. Map of Benidorm

Clubbers Paradise - San Antonio Ibiza

Nowadays one of the most popular resorts on the island, San Antonio Ibiza was formerly just a small fishing village which has existed since Roman times when it was known as Portus Magnus. Developed during the 1950’s and 60’s as a tourist resort, along with many others in the Balearic Islands of Spain, San Antonio went into decline in the 1980’s but sprang back again during the 1990’s as Ibiza became the clubbers capital of the world. Still popular as a family resort and as a ferry port (ferries arrive from Denia on the mainland), it is nonetheless mainly frequented by young clubbers who head for some of the most renowned clubs on the island such as Mambo, Eden and Es Paradis and party until the early hours (or even into the next day). This famous holiday island enjoys a wonderful climate and San Antonio weather is pretty reliable during the summertime when most visitors arrive, the winters are quieter and this could be the best time to visit if you are not looking for the clubbing scene. The attractive San Antonio Bay and busy fishing harbour are a popular place to visit, there are some fine beaches such as Cala Bassa and Cala Conta, and there are some interesting places to visit nearby. San Antonio Ibiza Map.

Thalasia Hotel San Pedro del Pinatar

For a unique healing experience you could do little better than to visit the Thalasia San Pedro del Pinatar, located beside the warm waters of the Mar Menor (Lesser Sea), Europe’s largest salt lake. The Thalasia Hotel (4 Star) and Thalasso Centre offer some wonderful treatments for a relaxing, healing stay, with thalassotherapy, hydrology, sea water treatments, physiotherapy etc. San Pedro del Pinatar (St Peter of the Pinewoods) is a renowned resort on the Costa Calida coastline of Murcia, Spain, it enjoys a wonderful climate with San Pedro del Pinatar weather being ideal for all year round visits. The area is perfect for water sports and the Mar Menor is one of the top windsurfing and kiteboarding areas in the region San Pedro del Pinatar was well known for its spas as long ago as the times of the Romans who knew well the healing powers of the Mar Menor’s salt waters and mud. To check out the location you can view map here: San Pedro del Pinatar Map

Car Hire on the Costa Blanca

If you are going on holiday to the Costa Blanca this year, there is a good chance that you will be wanting to hire a car. The most common way to arrange car hire these days is via the internet, and while the process is pretty straight forward, there are some pitfalls you should look out for. Read our useful guide for booking a car on the Costa Blanca, or for that matter, anywhere in Spain, here: Costa Blanca car hire, you will find plenty of useful tips for getting the best value car hire deals.

Cala D'Or Mallorca

The chic seaside resort of Cala D’Or lies on the east coast of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain. Popular with ‘package holiday’ tourists it also has a beautiful marina where countless fine yachts are moored. A super resort for water sports, it has facilities for diving, sailing and windsurfing, it has numerous small beaches and coves along its 4 km of coastline. Holiday makers come to relax and enjoy the superb Cala D’Or weather and dine in the many waterfront restaurants. Cala D’Or Map.

Review of Palma de Mallorca

Whether you are arriving by plane or ferry, your landing point on Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain, will almost certainly be the city of Palma de Mallorca, and rather than just heading off for one of the busy coastal resorts, as most visitors do, why not take some time out to visit this surprising city? There is lots to see and do and you could easily spend a week there and still not see all of it. Palma is home to over half of Mallorca’s population and is in fact the 12th most populous municipal district in Spain (with around 800,000 people). Palma is named after the Roman city Palmaria and much of the original Roman city, which was founded in around 123 BC, still exists underneath the modern city (remains are constantly being found in the area around the cathedral). The city you will find today, is a mostly modern creation, the majority of the old city walls were levelled long ago, to make way for a network of avenues, forming today’s Palma. Some of the ancient walls still remain however, and sections can be seen facing the sea in the old part of the city. From the harbour, fishermen still sail from Palma to lay out their nets, much as they have done for hundreds of years. First port of call for most visitors to Palma is the magnificent Gothic cathedral (La Seu), which was built on the site of an Arab mosque, which was in turn built upon a Roman temple. Legend tells that in 1229, when caught in a terrible storm at sea, on his way to conquer Mallorca, King Jaime I vowed to build a great church if God would lead him to safety. And so he did, and a great church it is, so great in fact, that it was not completed until 1587. One of the most breathtaking buildings in Spain, Palma cathedral also boasts one of the largest stained glass windows in the world – The Great Rose Window has 1,236 coloured pieces and is over 36 feet in diameter. Below the cathedral lies the Almudaina Palace, originally built during the Arab occupation of Mallorca, it was converted into the Gothic style by King Jaime II (Jaime I’s son) in 1307, it still belongs to the Spanish Royal Family, parts of it are open to the public including a 13th century throne. Another of Palma de Mallorca’s attractions is the Castell de Bellver (Bellver castle), standing in an elevated position on a wooded hillside some 3 miles from the city centre. This unique circular castle was commissioned by Jaime II for use as a summer residence, it has commanded sea and land approaches to Palma ever since. Three large towers surround a central courtyard, connected by an arch to the keep, from the battlements, visitors can enjoy one of the finest views of the city (a clue can be found in the name – Bellver in Catalan means “lovely view”). The castle has over the centuries been a Royal residence and a military prison, nowadays it houses a well-laid out museum, outlining the archaeological and military history of the city.

Palma de Mallorca Map - Latest Weather in Palma de Mallorca

Beaches of Mallorca

When taking a Mallorca beach holiday on that beautiful island in the Balearic Islands, Spain, the most important factor will be the purpose of your visit. If you are looking for a Mallorca beach with good water sports facilities, there are several which would be ideal choices – Platja de Formentor, Cala Tuent and Platja de Sa Coma for example. For families and sunbathing, the perfect white, sandy beach might be Colonia de Sant Jordi or Badia d’Alcudia. Naturists heading for Mallorca will pick a beach like Cala El Mago, one of 3 small coves at Cala Portals Vells. Whatever the purpose of your visit, you will no doubt find a Mallorca beach which meets your requirements.

Puerto Pollensa - A Mallorca Resort

The harbour area for the ancient Mallorcan town of Pollensa, is known as Puerto Pollensa. For many years a popular destination for rich tourists to Mallorca, Puerto Pollensa was the subject of a 1936 short story by the famous author Agatha Christie (Problem at Pollensa Bay). The present town still retains much of the charm that it would have had in Agatha Christie’s day and has not been ruined by concrete tower blocks, as has much of the Mallorca coastline. The colourful Mallorcan fishing boasts are however being largely superceded by luxury yachts, though the hope is that they will not replace them entirely. The attractive Pine Walk which runs beside the harbour is a wonderful setting for an evening stroll, before settling down for a delicious meal in one of the local restaurants. The region enjoys a splendid climate and Puerto Pollensa weather is ideal for sunny summer holidays or pleasant winter breaks, so why not visit the picturesque Mallorcan town of Puerto Pollensa soon.

Here is a Puerto Pollensa Map, the resort is located in north-eastern Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain.

Famous Visitors of Valldemossa

One of the big attractions on the cultural tourist route of Mallorca is the small town of Valldemossa, which sits in the mountains north of the capital Palma de Mallorca. What makes this place so special is that for a short time in the winter of 1838-39, it became the home of French novelist George Sand and her lover composer Frederick Chopin, who went there to escape the gossip of Paris, and also in the hope that it would aid Chopin’s bad health (he suffered from tuberculosis). Ironically that winter Valldemossa weather was not kind to its new visitors and it remained wet and windy for most of their stay. The celebrities were also apparently given the cold shoulder by the locals as they were not married, and George Sand wrote a derogatory book about their stay called “A Winter in Mallorca” in which she called the local inhabitants savages and thieves. Their visit has still not been forgotten and the book can still be found on sale in the town!

Map of Valldemossa located on the island of Mallorca (Majorca), Balearic Islands, Spain.

Passion Flower - A Picture of Beauty

The Passion flower is a wonderful creation, belonging to the family Passifloriceae which comprises over 500 species, mostly these plants are vines although there are some shrubs of a herbaceous nature. Most decorative Passion flowers have a unique and beautiful flower structure many requiring large bees, wasps or humming birds to pollinate them. The Passion flower (see Passion flower picture) is found all over the world.

Balearic Islands Guide

A popular holiday destination in the Mediterranean Sea, the Spanish Balearic Islands have something to offer visitors of all tastes. The four main islands of the group are Mallorca (Majorca), Ibiza, Menorca (Minorca) and Formentera, the largest of the group is Mallorca. People have been living on the Balearic Islands since about 5,000 BC, possibly coming originally from mainland Spain, although the islands history are shrouded in myth and legend, some going back to the times of the ancient Greeks. Modern day visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the club scene of lively Ibiza, the family resorts of Mallorca, the quiet of Menorca and the charm of unspoilt Formentera.

The Niagara Falls

Straddling the border between the USA and Canada the Niagara Falls is one of the world’s natural wonders and one of the most visited tourist destinations in both Canada and the United States, attracting around 20 million visitors per year. Formed as ice receded at the end of the last ice-age, the falls has two main waterfalls, the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls, and one lesser fall called the Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls are separated by Goat Island and in total some 4 million cubic feet of water per minute flows over the falls, making it the second largest waterfall in the world after the Victoria Falls. Sitting between the twin towns of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York, the Niagara Falls are also important for the production of hydroelectric power. The word Niagara is derived from an Iroquois Indian word meaning “the strait”. Niagara Falls Map.

Magical Madrid Spain

With a population of 3.3 million, Madrid is the largest city in Spain and the 3rd largest in Europe (only London and Berlin are more populous), it is also the highest capital city in Europe at 650 metres above sea level. Founded by the Moors in the late 9th century, it became a Moorish village named ‘Magerit’ (the place of many springs), in 1561 it became the capital of Spain and a huge Empire after Felipe II moved his court there, favouring its central location. Modern day Madrid is one of the greatest cities in the world and its heartbeat is the Puerta del Sol, in the centre of the old city, bordered by the Paseo del Prado to the east and the Palacio Real to the west. There are a huge number of attractions in the centre of the old city and a good place to stay which is right beside many of these attractions is the Madrid Reina Victoria a famous hotel with a great reputation. It would be best to avoid the hot summer months when visiting the city as Madrid weather can be unbearably hot during this period, in fact most native Madrileños head for the coast to avoid the searing temperatures. Madrid Map.

Torrevieja Clubs - Pacha

For the younger generation visiting the bustling town of Torrevieja, on the Costa Blanca, Spain, this year, one of the main ports of call will be the Pacha Torrevieja disco, a popular club holding foam parties and hosting great music and entertainment in Avenida Delfines Viudes, Torrevieja Spain. The largest Pacha club in Europe, visitors are always guaranteed a great night out.

Elche Spain - The City of Palms

Renowned for its huge palm tree forest, the city of Elche in the province of Alicante, Spain, is the 3rd largest city in the Comunidad de Valencia. Well woth a visit if you are in the Costa Blanca area, Elche has a history going back to the times of the ancient Iberians, who built a city called Helike. The palm trees were introduced by the Phoenicians and over 200,000 specimens surround and invade the city. Elche is also famous for its shoe industry, the largest in Spain, don’t buy your shoes anywhere else, get them during a trip to Elche. The region enjoys a superb climate and is attractive to both holidaymakers and those wishing to relocate, with a good selection of Elche property being available. The beaches of Santa Pola and La Marina are nearby, with the usual range of facilities on hand. Elche Map

Historic Mahon Menorca

The elegant town of Mahon (Maó) is the capital of the Balearic Island of Menorca, it is renowned for having one of the best natural harbours in the world, this made it an attractive target for the British Navy, who took the town and the island in 1708, and made Mahon their main port in the Mediterranean. Mahon today is a more peaceful place and is an attractive tourist destination, with many places of interest and a great range of facilities, you are more likely to see a luxury yacht in the harbour these days than a warship although it is still a working port. The town enjoys a wonderful climate and the weather in Mahon is pleasant all year round attracting thousands of visitors both during the hot summer months and also during the agreeable winter months, as a great alternative to mainland Spain, why not try a trip to charming Mahon. Map of Mahon

The Mysterious City of Marrakech

Magical, mysterious, marvellous Marrakech, Morocco’s third largest city is a travellers paradise, where pavement snake charmers perform alongside potion peddlers, dancers and acrobats. Often called the “Red City”, Marrakech gets its name from the Berber words mur n akush meaning “Land of God”, and it had been a constant cause of fighting between various Berber tribes for many centuries after being founded by the Berber Amoravids in the 11th century. Marrakech has the biggest traditional market (souk) in Morocco and its Old Town – the Medina is the historic centreof the city with a maze of winding alleys, artisans workshops and saints shrines, the Jemaa el Fna is its celebrated square, a hive of activity both day and night. Marrakech has a population of just over one million. Marrakech Map.

The Costa Blanca Resort of Javea

The popular seaside town of Javea sits around eighty kilometres north of the city of Alicante between Calpe and Denia on the northern Costa Blanca coastline. Part of the Marina Alta district, Javea lies on a wide bay and is protected by 2 rocky promontories. A highly popular coastal town, the population of Javea swells from its normal resident population of 29,000 to in excess 100,000 during the hot summer months. Being blessed with a pleasant Mediterranean climate, Javea is sheltered from cold north winds during the winter time by the massive Mount Montgó, keeping temperatures at an agreeable level through the winter months. Aside from the shelter it offers, Mount Montgó also provides a spectacular backdrop for the town and these days forms part of the Mount Montgó Natural Park, covering some 21 square kilometres and containing some significant archaeological relics. Artefacts found in in Mount Montgó caves deep within the earth suggest human activity in the land around Javea some sixteen thousand years ago, during the Upper Palaeolithic Period, further human settlement is likely from the Neolithic Era and also from the Bronze Age. Some fantastic finds dating from the Iberian Culture including pieces in gold and silver, dating from the third and second centuries BC. The arrival of the Romans after the Second Punic War against the Carthaginians heralded the growth of organised society and culture and also certain advances in agricultural activity in Javea. Villas were built, especially in the fertile valley formed by the River Gorgos, and there was a Roman settlement in the area known as Playa de Arenal. After the decline of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths arrived, and although very little is recorded of their time spent in the Javea region, there is documentation suggesting the possible existence of a monastery, though there is no certain evidence to support this idea. During the Eighth Century the Moors invaded the region and took control of the Iberian Peninsular, where they remained until the 13th century. The Arabs continued with the agricultural advancement of the area, using unique irrigation systems brought from the dry, waterless deserts of the Middle East and North Africa. After the Christian reconquest, the town of Javea was walled and fortified to defend against attacks from marauding barbary pirates who sailed these coasts for centuries afterwards, and there is still some evidence today of these ancient fortifications. One of the best known landmarks in Javea is the fortified Gothic San Bartolomé church, dating from the Fourteenth Century and officially listed as a Ancient Monument since 1931. Evidence still exists of damage inflicted on the church during the horrific Spanish Civil War, its pockmarked walls reminding visitors of more violent times in Javea’s history. The narrow, winding streets of Javea old town are typically Spanish, and the old houses boast examples of traditional wrought iron balconies. Well worth a visit in Javea old town is the Museo Arqueologico, Historico y Ethnográfico, where the history of Javea can be learnt from the Iberian times to the present. The most popular spot for present day tourists to Javea, is the old port and harbour, retaining much of its traditional charm, it has not been ruined by modernisation and development. At the harbour it is possible to see fishing boats arriving with their daily catch or maybe sit in one of the harbourside restaurants and enjoy a delicious local seafood dish. The harbour dates from the Fifteenth Century and excelled in the export of raisins until the collapse of the raisin trade al the back end of the 19th Century. The major beach for Javea is Playa de Arenal, a delightful sandy beach with the usual range of facilities. The beach is backed by an attractive and wide promenade, lined with bars, shops and restaurants and also the location for a local craft market which is held on warm summer evenings, a great place to pick up a bargain. There are a good selection of Javea hotels in the town and there is also plenty of privately owned rental accommodation to be found, many foreign residents have chosen to buy holiday homes in the town and also to relocate, Javea villas are a popular commodity and there are always a good choice on the market, for those with a less generous budget apartments and houses are also available in numbers and you should be able to find a Javea property which suits your budget. Javea holds its weekly local market on Thursdays. Javea, of course celebrates numerous of fiestas and celebrations throughout the year, the main ones being the Moros y Cristianos in July, the Fogueres de San Juan in June and the Nuestro Señora de Loreto (with bull-running) in September. The region is blessed with a wonderful climate and Javea weather can be expected to be sunny and dry for at least 300 days every year, making it one of the finest all year round locations in Spain. Javea Spain can be easily reached via the N332 coast road or the AP-7 motorway junctions 62 or 63. You can view a map of Javea here: Javea Map.

Historic Palma de Mallorca

The capital of Mallorca (Majorca) and of the Balearic Islands, Spain, Palma de Mallorca is home to almost half the resident population of the island, and also welcomes millions of visitors each year by way of its International Airport. The city itself has some wonderful attractions including the famous La Seu Gothic cathedral, which boasts one of the biggest stained glass windows in the world with 1,236 pieces and measuring some 11 metres across – amazing. Founded as a camp by the Romans in about 123 BC, Palma de Mallorca became an important port on the Mediterranean trade route. Known as Medina Mayurqa to the Arabs, its name is actually taken from the Roman city of Palmaria. Much of the original Roman city still exists below the present day city, and Roman remains are being found all the time. The city experiences a magnificent temperate mediterranean climate and Palma de Mallorca weather is especially reliable between June and September, expect plenty of sun and high temperatures, but with pleasant, cooling sea breezes. Palma de Mallorca Map

The North West of Mallorca

Continuing our series of articles on the island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain, this week we look at the north western region. This is an area of rugged coastline backed by the northern edge of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, offering some spectacular scenery and a number of interesting historical sights. North of Andratx you will find a succession of ‘miradors’, many with the added attraction of an ancient watchtower, which warned of attacking pirates in long past centuries, these ‘miradors’ are high points from which to gain commanding views of the coastline. In the extreme west you will find the small rocky island of Sa Dragonera, situated about 1 kilometre offshore from Sant Elm. While legend tells that the island is frequently visited by dragons, visitors are more likely to catch a glimpse of one of the many bird species which inhabit it, including a large colony of the rare Eleanora’s Falcon. Sa Dragonera has been a Nature Reserve since 1988 and its only human inhabitants, man the 2 lighthouses, which warn local shipping of the islands existence. Sa Dragonera can be reached by ferry from Sant Elm during the summer months (May to September), there are also boat trips around the island available from Port Andratx and Sant Elm. The town of Andratx is a charming place, with cobbled streets and pretty houses. Andratx has a long history and was known to the Romans as Andrachium, it lies at the foot of the Puig de Galatzó mountain (3,400 feet). Worth visiting in Andratx is the fortified church of Santa Maria, originally dating from the 13th century, if you visit on a Wednesday, you can also enjoy the town’s weekly market. Neighbouring Port Andratx is popular with the rich and famous and has become an exclusive resort, in the harbour you will see luxury yachts moored alongside local fishing craft, you might even spot a celebrity, as such famous people as Tom Cruise and Michael Schumacher, have homes there. The nearby Reserva Puig de Galatzó is a nature reserve that you will not want to miss, boasting some picturesque scenery and also a few surprises including some brown bears, there are adventure tours and activities including abseiling, rock climbing, flying foxes (zip wires), trekking, canoeing, mountain biking and orienteering, all taking place amongst beautiful mountains and waterfalls. Another of the interesting north western towns is Valldemossa, made famous by French writer George Sand (Aurora Dupin) and her lover, Polish composer Frederick Chopin, who stayed there during the winter of 1838-39. They arrived to escape the gossip mongers of Paris and also in the hope that the climate would benefit Chopin’s failing health (he suffered from tuberculosis). Ironically that winter was one of the worst on record, and the hoped for recovery never happened. The couple were not welcomed by the local population as they were unmarried, and Sand was particularly unpopular as she arrogantly strolled around the town in men’s clothes, smoking cigars. Sand later wrote about their stay, in the short book ‘A Winter in Mallorca’, in which she called the locals “thieves and savages”, she was mostly bitter about the appalling Mallorca weather, which they experienced that year, and did not hepl Chopin's ill health. The most popular attraction in Valldemossa is the Royal Carthusian Monastery, a former Royal palace dating from the 14th century, it was in a monk’s cell (known as Chopin’s Cell),within the monastery that Chopin and Sand stayed during that fateful winter. The monastery also contains much of interest including an old pharmacy and an art museum with works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro and Juli Ramis amongst others. Also worth a visit is the ancient town of Sóller, located in the shadow of the Puig Major (4,740 feet), Sóller became rich through the production of oranges, olive oil and wine, during the Arab occupation of Mallorca (8th to 13th centuries). In Sóller you should take a look at the Modernista Banco de Sóller, the Neo-Gothic Sant Bartomeu church, the Casa de Cultura and the Plaça Constitució. Mallorca Map

The Prehistoric Heritage of Menorca

Menorca is without doubt the richest in megalithic sites of all the Balearic Islands of Spain, having hundreds of examples of stone structures from the Talaiotic period (2000 -1000 BC) many still in an excellent state of repair. The bulk of the best sites are located in the south of Menorca (Minorca) below the line of the ME-1, Mahon to Ciutadella road, some are well signposted, other are quite tricky to find, if you are doing the full tour you will need a decent guide book. Some of the best sites on Menorca include Torralba d’en Salort, for the best example of a taula (“T” shaped structure), Naveta d’es Tudons for the finest example of a naveta (upturned boat type structure) and Son Mercer de Baix for the oldest settlement on the island.

The Town of Lagos – Algarve Portugal

One of the highlights of the Algarve region of Portugal is the historic town of Lagos, former headquarters of the famous explorer Henry the Navigator. Crammed with historic buildings despite being severely damaged in the great earthquake of 1755, Lagos has some of its old city walls, a 17th century castle and many interesting post earthquake buildings and monuments. Also a well known area for surfing, this part of the Algarve coast is windswept and battered by the Atlantic Ocean, with numerous prime locations between Lagos and Sagres in the extreme west. For beach lovers, Lagos is perfect as there are lots of wonderful beaches in the area and some charming little seaside resorts nearby. Despite this, the old town is the main draw, best explored by foot, visitors can wander the narrow winding streets taking in the atmosphere and imagining what the place was like when Portugal was a major seafaring nation. The port area dates from Roman times and was at that time called Lacobriga, it would have been a major trading town, servicing ships going along this busy coast. Later controlled by the Moors, it came back into Christian hands in 1241 and enjoyed the boom created by Portugal’s growing Empire in Africa and South America. Present day Lagos has a population of around 18,000 most of which is concentrated near to the coast, the main industry is tourism.

A Picture of the Lo Pagan Windmill

Featured is a windmill picture taken at the seaside town of Lo Pagan which sits on the Mar Menor on the Costa Calida, Spain. The windmill though no longer in use was previously used to pump sea water into the nearby salt lakes in order for valuable salt to be extracted. These days electric pumps are used which are more efficient but not so attractive as the windmill. It may look as thought the windmill was not very efficient but the vanes were made from canvas (now long gone) which caught the wind much as the sail of a yacht would. The windmill in the picture is located beside the famous healing mud baths, along with the beach one of the biggest attractions of Lo Pagan.

Tips for Getting rid of Ants

Around this time very year in Spain we seem to get inundated with ants, tiny ones, normal ones, huge ones, they are everywhere, in the house, in the garden, crawling over our plants and fruit trees, crawling over us! This week I decided to try to find a good way to get rid of ants, preferably without killing them, as I am not that sort of chap. I wanted to know if there was a natural product that would deter ants, Doing a quick search on the internet found all sorts of wild and wacky ideas, but the most commonly occurring suggested cider vinegar, chalk, mint, cinnamon and talcum powder. Great so off we go, plenty of vinegar in the cupboard (well its white wine vinegar but the ants won’t notice!), so find some ants to get rid of and give tham vinegar. Well I have to tell you my ants must be different from other peoples ants because they were drinking the vinegar and coming back for more (maybe they died later who knows). I moved on to chalk (they won’t cross a chalk line), blimey my little blighters were running all over it, they seemed to think it was the finishing line for some high speed race, try cinnamon then – they took no notice. What next? Blow it give em a kettle of boiling water, haven’t seem the damn things since.

Majorca Places – Manacor, Felanitx, Santanyi and Cala Rajarda

Some inland towns in the east of Majorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain, include the second largest town on the island, Manacor, an industrial town which is renowned for its artificial pearls. The pearl factories are a major tourist attraction for the town and thousands of visitors arrive each week to watch the pearls in production, the pearls are made from glass beads, covered in resin and fish scales, they are hard to tell from the real thing. Another small inland town is the charming Felanitx, famous for its ceramics, it is worth visiting for its 13th century church of Sant Miguel. Further south is the honey-coloured Santanyi, built from the same stone as Palma cathedral, Santanyi is a former fortified town, with much remaining of its fortifications, its coastal are Cala Santanyi is a popular holiday resort. Ending with another little coastal resort to the north near Capdepera, Cala Rajarda is a pretty little resort in an area of rugged coastline, this former fishing village has become popular with holidaymakers seeking a quieter holiday.

Towns of Andalucia – Almunecar

One of the more interesting towns on the Costa Tropical section of the Costa del Sol coastline of southern Spain, is the ancient town of Almunecar, a settlement since it was founded by the Phoenicians in 800 BC, it was formerly known as “Sexi”, and in Roman times as “Firmium Julium Sexi”, and was a significant port and commercial town, especially known for fish salting and related industries. The Romans thought Almunecar important enough to construct five aqueducts in the region, all of which still stand today and four of which are still used to this day. In the mid-twentieth century the writer Laurie Lee wrote about the town in his well read books and soon after it began to develop as a holiday resort and tourist destination. These days it is a busy coastal resort with a decent range of facilities, it enjoys a typical Costa del Sol climate with long, hot summers and mild winters, Almunecar weather is perfect for family holidays from May to October and also ideal for winter breaks when the climate is warmer than northern Europe. During the Arab occupation of Spain, Almunecar was the final town to fall to the Christians before the fall of Granada. Almunecar has a good range of holiday accommodation and some excellent hotels such as the 4 Star Almunecar Playa Hotel, situated right beside the beautiful Playa de San Cristobal, other beaches include the Puerta del Mar, El Tesorillo, Cantarrijan, and Velilla beach. Map of Almunecar.

Vega Baja Villages – Hurchillo

One of the Vega Baja villages of the Costa Blanca, Spain, Hurchillo is a charming little village with a population of less than one thousand. A chance to see a piece of the real Spain away from the busy Costa Blanca coastline, Hurchillo is reached via the road from Orihuela, and is a bout 9 kilometres from that town. A maze of charming cobbled streets welcomes visitors, together with the smiling faces of its people who are very friendly. Not to be out gunned by its bigger and better known neighbours, Hurchillo has its own village square and church and also its own feast day and fiestas during which it honours the Patrona Nuestra Señora de Montserrat. Damaged like so many other villages in the earthquake of 1829, Hurchillo relies mostly on citrus farming for its economic survival. Other villages worth visiting around Hurchillo include Bigastro, Beniel, Jacarilla and Cox.

Towns of Galicia – Vigo

Well worth a visit if you are travelling in the Galicia region of north-western Spain, the city of Vigo is one of the biggest fishing ports in Europe and is situated in an attractive location on the Ria de Vigo just 20 kilometres north of the Portuguese border with Spain. Built on a former hill-fort and parts of an ancient Roman settlement Vigo did not really become established until the 15th century, its significance as a port was obviously recognised by Francis Drake as he felt it important enough to attack and occupy during the 16th century. Further attacks by Turks led to the building of city walls and defences by order of Felipe IV, parts of which can still be seen today. Although having the look of a modern industrial city, you can explore the old quarter and travel back in time, strolling through its narrow winding streets and lanes. Vigo Map.

Our Trip to Granada Spain

Our recent to trip to Granada Spain was somewhat spoiled by the poor weather conditions which we experienced while we were there. A reasonable day on Tuesday, while we were travelling was followed by torrential rain on Wednesday, our only full day there. It was of course the day we booked to visit the Alhambra Palace, and we got pretty wet, although we got to see most of what we wanted to see. The highlight of the trip was a visit to the cathedral on the first day, we enjoyed the breathtaking architecture and beauty of the place, we also enjoyed the Capilla Real, the La Cartuja Monastery and the gypsy dancing. Visits to the Archaeological Museum and the Museo de San Juan de Dios were also excellent. Granada Map.

Inland Towns of Valencia – Onda

One of the lesser known towns in the Valencia region of Spain, Onda is located just inland from the Costa del Azahar coastline and is approximately seventeen kilometres from Castellon de la Plana. Onda is overlooked by a ruined castle which was built by the Moors during their time in Spain. Onda is well worth a visit if only to take a look at its Natural Sciences Museum, which was founded and filled by a group of Carmelite monks and now has on show many thousands of creatures of all types and from all continents, forming an amazing and interesting exhibition. Also worth a look in Onda is the old town, which still has a medieval feel, and comprises many winding alleys and streets. Onda Map.

Towns of Valencia – Vilafames

The medieval Spanish town of Vilafames climbs a hill to its restored Moorish castle some 25 kilometres north of Castellon de la Plana in the region of Valencia. The old upper part of the town is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, lined with white-washed houses. Apart from the castle which offers a fine panorama of the area, you can visit the museum of contemporary art, with works by such artists as Miro, situated within a fifteenth century palace in the town, you could also visit the 18th century Iglesia de la Asunción church. Map of Vilafames.

A Brief History of Sagunt Spain

An important ancient city in the Comunitat de Valencia, Spain, Sagunt (Sagunto) is located in the fertile region of Camp de Morvedre. Built on a raised hill site approximately 25 km north of Valencia, Sagunt was founded as a fortified settlement by the ancient Iberians (early Spanish peoples) in the fifth century BC, some of the original settlement remains, notably limestone slabs from the Temple of Diana. The year 219 BC is the most notable for Sagunt, as it was then that Hannibal and his Carthaginian troops put the town under a siege which lasted some months and ended with the town being severely damaged and its people put to death. This directly led to the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage, leading to the defeat of the Carthaginians and the occupation of Spain by the Romans. Sagunt Map.

Valencian Towns – Alcossebre

One of the tranquil coastal resorts of the Costa del Azahar, Spain, Alcossebre lies to the south of the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, a protected area of seafront and hinterland in the Comunitat de Valencia. A great place for a peaceful holiday, or for trekking along this beautiful stretch of coast, Alcossebre is a also a good spot for a beach holiday, with plenty of uncrowded, sandy beaches, and relatively safe bathing waters. Alcossebre and its neighbouring Les Fonts have around 5 ‘Blue Flag’ beaches in all, so you should certainly find one to suit. Culture lovers can head for the nearby town of Alcala de Xivert, with its 13th century Moorish castle, it has a long and interesting history. Sports lovers are also well catered for in Alcossebre, as there are golf facilities nearby, and of course water sports are readily available, hikers and cyclists will be in their element with a wide choice of attractive routes on offer. As for the climate, it is mostly sunny and dry, with well over 300 sunny days each year, Alcossebre weather can generally be expected to be pleasant, whenever you visit. Easily reached from the A-7 motorway, which runs close to the town, Alcossebre is also only 90 kilometres from Valencia airport. Map of Alcossebre.

Holiday Destinations – Sicily Italy

The largest autonomous region of Italy, the island of Sicily has a population of over 5 million and a land area of almost 26,000 square kilometres. Sicily is also the largest of the Mediterranean islands and is a popular holiday destination, boasting a wonderful climate and a rich cultural and historic heritage. The capital of Sicily is the city of Palermo, itself having a population of over 600,000, it was founded by the Phoenicians and named by the ancient Greeks. Other significant cities in Sicily include Catania, Messina and Syracusa, there are also a number of popular holiday destinations which attract visitors all year round but are particularly popular during the summertime. Sicily Map.

Resorts of Valencia – Vinaros

An ancient fishing port in the Castellon province of eastern Spain, Vinaros was originally just a small hamlet founded by the Moors near to the coast. Developed as a port after the Christian reconquest, Vinaros survived largely through fishing and later vine growing. Its municipality includes some 12 kilometres of coastline, beginning at the River Senia and ending at Aiguadoliva, it includes numerous small coves and some excellent beaches, which are of course attractive to modern day tourists, who now provide an alternative income for the town. Renowned for its seafood and in particular its king prawns, Vinaros is a great place to try out some traditional Valencian dishes, in an attractive setting. Along the main promenade visitors will find plenty of bars, restaurants and hotels, further afield there are lots of attractive walks to enjoy, a visit to the harbour, is of course a must and here you can watch the fishermen arrive with their daily catch. Vinaros Map.

Ciutadella Menorca

An attractive town with a picturesque port and a charming old quarter, Ciutadella was the former capital of Menorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain, until the British arrived in 1708. originally founded by the Carthaginians, Ciutadella later became an important trading centre for the Moors until they were ousted by the Christians in the late 13^th century. Sacked by the Turks in 1558, all its citizens were sold into slavery in Constantinople. Largely rebuilt during the 17^th and 18^th centuries, Ciutadella is a typically Spanish town with some beautiful squares and some fine architecture, its 13^th century cathedral was all that remained from the Turkish invasion, was built on the former site of an Arab mosque. Ciutadella was replaced as capital by Mahon, as its deepwater harbour was considered superior by the British, it did however remain as the religious capital of the island. Situated to the north-east of the town of Ciutadella in northern Menorca, a large built for tourism development, takes in 3 or 4 separate resorts which have become popular since their growth from the 1980’s onwards. Known by most as Los Delfines, this complex also includes the resorts of Cala n Blanes and Cala n Forcat, plus the area known as Torre del Ram. Situated in an area of rocky coastline, these resorts are not well known for their beaches, and for beach lovers would not be ideal, although there is a decent (though often crowded) beach at Cala n Blanes. There are a couple of hotels here, but most of the accommodation is self-catering, and there are a good range of amenities between the various resorts and some reasonable nightlife and entertainment to enjoy. The area provides a good base for touring the north of Menorca and for visiting historic Ciutadella. For a map of Ciutadella look here: Ciutadella Map.

Menorca Towns of Contrast Sant Lluis and Binibeca Vell

Two very contrasting towns situated in the south-east of Menorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands, Binibeca Vell and Sant Lluis could not be more different. Sant Lluis was built as a garrison for the French fleet when they invaded Menorca in the eighteenth century and much of the grid layout of the town remains with some of the old garrison buildings also standing. Binibeca Vell is on the coast and is a purpose designed holiday complex, built to fit in with the typical Mediterranean style which it does in many ways. Binibeca Vell offers an opportunity to stay in a holiday resort on this popular island, while staying in a charming fishing village atmosphere. Map of Menorca.

Minorca Travel – Punta Prima and S’Algar

The two most popular coastal resorts in the south-east of Minorca in the Balearic Islands of Spain, S’Algar and Punta Prima were also amongst the earliest resorts to be developed on the island. S’Algar in particular was one of the pioneers in Minorca travel accommodation and luckily was not spoilt by what was kept low-rise and low key, with mostly detached villa style properties and plenty of green areas. Punta Prima has a better beach than S’Algar and is thus more suitable for family holidays, unfortunately though, it does suffer from dangerous sea currents, so warnings must be heeded when swimming. Numerous ships have foundered off this coast over the centuries making it good scuba diving territory, windsurfers are also attracted to this area which offers great conditions for their sport. Latest Minorca Weather.

Cities of Spain – Oviedo

One of the cleanest cities in Spain, Oviedo is the capital of the Asturias region, located in the north of the country. The old part of the city is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways which look much as they have for centuries. The main historic monument in Oviedo is the cathedral built during the 14th to 16th centuries and dedicated to San Salvador, it was erected on the site of an earlier basilica ordered by Alfonso II. Oviedo was also the site of Alfonso’s royal court, which remained there until moved to Leon. Oviedo these days is a busy commercial city and the location of a University. Oviedo Map.

Santiago de Compostela – Holy City of Spain

One of the world’s Holy Cities, Santiago de Compostela, located in Spain’s Galicia region is a great city to visit, has some interesting historic buildings, and has a wonderful story to tell. Supposedly the burial place of St James the Apostle in AD44, it became a place of pilgrimage after the rediscovery of his remains by a religious hermit in the 9th century. The original Basilica built by Alfonso II, was replaced by the present cathedral during the 11th to 13th centuries. The cathedral and most of the historic buildings are gathered around the Praza do Obradoiro, and this is a good place to start a visit to the city. Other interesting places to visit in Santiago de Compostela include the Pazo de Raxoi, the Casa do Cabildo and the Museo da Catedral. The climate of the city is mixed, with Santiago de Compostelo weather generally sunny and warm during the summer, but very rainy during the winter, with 1,900mm of rain annually it is one of Europe’s rainiest cities. Map of Santiago de Compostela.

A Short History of Silves Portugal

A town which formerly rivalled Lisbon in prosperity and influence, Silves on the Algarve, Portugal was known as Xelb by the Moors and was their stronghold in the region, having a huge fortress and a population of around 30,000 by the 12th century. Silves was an important trading town with boats arriving via the River Arade and leaving packed with cargoes of citrus fruit, figs and cork, the town was a buzzing community filled with mosques, bazaars and minarets. This all came to an end in 1189, when the town was subjected to a siege by Sancho I together with a band of English crusaders. After holding out for some months, the Moorish occupants finally surrendered due to a lack of water, the town was subsequently sacked and many of its citizens killed. Silves today is a busy town, still important for citrus fruits, figs and cork, but with an emphasis on tourism, its attractive old town, a maze of narrow, cobbled streets dotted with cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops, its castle and a number of its older buildings, survived the 1755 earthquake. Silves Map.

San Javier - Costa Calida

If you are travelling to south eastern Spain and heading for the Murcia region, especially the area known as the Costa Calida, there is a good chance that you will be arriving at San Javier airport. Generally called Murcia airport, it is actually some distance from the city of Murcia which can be confusing to visitors. The town of San Javier itself is a traditional Spanish town with a resident population of about 23,000, it was named after Saint Francis Xavier. The municipal district of San Javier consists of 8 boroughs and covers an area of 74km2, it is an important area for agriculture as it has been for many centuries, though tourism is quickly taking over in importance. The town sits beside the Mar Menor (“Lesser Sea”), the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe, and looks across to the famous resort of La Manga, which looks like a group of tower blocks rising vertically from the sea. San Javier was originally developed during the Moorish occupation and it was their irrigation methods which enabled the region to be put to agriculture, they also developed fishing methods which were ideal for the Mar Menor’s conditions. San Javier today is a busy little town enjoying a wonderful Mediterranean climate and typically the weather in San Javier is dry and sunny. This is a popular area for golfers as there are a number of complexes built or under construction nearby. To view a map of San Javier follow this link: San Javier Map

Algarve Resorts – Carvoeiro

If you are looking for a decent family resort for visiting the Algarve region of Portugal, you could do little better than the former fishing village of Carvoeiro, situated between Portimao and Albufeira. A charming little town with an emphasis on self-catering apartments, Carvoeiro has a friendly feel and boasts a fine sandy beach, attractive coastline and some decent facilities. A good base for touring some of the historic towns in this section of the Algarve, the town enjoys a super climate with Carvoeiro weather, sunny and warm throughout the summer months, and mild during the winter. One of the highlights of a trip to Carvoeiro is a boat trip to Algar Seco, a local beauty spot where cliffs have been moulded by the sea into stone arches, grottoes and fascinating shapes. Carvoeiro Map.

Surfing and Sightseeing in Sagres Algarve

Well known as a surfing resort, the town of Sagres is situated in the far south-west of the Algarve region of southern Portugal. Famously the home of on of Portugal’s most famous sons, Henry the Navigator, Sagres was also where he set up his renowned sailing and navigation school for the training of seamen to man his extensive voyages which established Portugal as a great sea power and colonial nation. Situated on a wind swept peninsular, once believed to be the edge of the world, Sagres is today popular with surfers, divers, golfers and hikers. Surfers find the Sagres weather conditions ideal for their sport and there are a number of surfing and diving schools in the town, the rugged coastline is attractive and ideal for walking. Sagres also has four excellent beaches, though these can be very windy and beach lovers may prefer to head to more tranquil parts of the Algarve. Worth a visit is the massive Fortaleza de Sagres fortress, originally built in the 15th century. Sagres Map.

The Historic City of Tavira Portugal

Located in the eastern section of the Algarve in Portugal, the historic city of Tavira is one of the oldest in the region. Established by the Phoenicians in the eighth century BC it developed into a significant trading port. In the 8th century AD, Tavira came under the control of the Moors and the current name is derived from the Arabic Tabira (“hidden”). Conquered by the Christians in 1242 much of Tavira was rebuilt only to be later destroyed by the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755. Present day Tavira is a popular holiday destination with some fine facilities, nice sandy beaches and superb golf courses. The region enjoys a super climate with Tavira weather being especially pleasant between May and October. Easily accessible from Faro airport, which is about 35 kilometres to the west, Tavira can also be reached from southern Spain. Tavira Map.

Tenerife Canary Islands

The largest and without doubt the best known of the Spanish Canary Islands, Tenerife has a population of around 850,000 (over one third live in Santa Cruz de Tenerife), and is an extremely popular holiday destination. Tenerife is split into 2 distinct areas by a large mountain range, the area to the north is lush and green with a rugged coastline, the area to the south is arid and sparsely vegetated with plenty of fine sandy beaches and most of the island’s popular resorts. In the centre is the highest mountain in Spain – the Pico del Teide (3,717 metres). Two areas of great beauty are the Orotava Valley and the Las Canadas National Park which are both worth a look if you are visiting the island. Some of Tenerife´s best known resorts lie on the west coast and include Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes, Playa de las Americas, Costa Adeje and Puerto de la Cruz, most of these within the municipalities of Arona and Adeje. The vast majority of visitors are attracted by the superb all year round climate, with Tenerife weather being particularly pleasant during the winter months (the best time to visit), the north of the island can experience a significantly different climate and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the island, in the north-east is often wetter and cooler.

Tenerife Map.

Places to Visit – Vilamoura Portugal

One of the main tourist destinations on the Algarve, Portugal, Vilamoura is still a relatively new resort, only developed since the 1970’s, but don’t let that put you off, this is a splendid resort with a great range of facilities. A large and attractive marina, one of the best in Portugal, provides a wide range of water sports facilities and a number of boat and fishing trips, the wonderful sandy beaches, perhaps the main attraction, and a number of fine golf courses all add to the attraction of the place. Although the resort is new, there are Roman remains at Cerro da Vila Archaeological Museum, plus some historic towns nearby for instance Portimao and Lagos. For families one of the major attractions is the Atlantic Park Waterpark and also the Roma Mini Golf course, both of which attract large numbers of visitors. The climate of course is wonderful, with Vilamoura weather being hot during the summer and mild through the winter, providing ideal holiday conditions. Vilamoura Map.

The Fishing Village of Alvor Portugal

In an estuary location between Portimao and Lagos on Portugal’s Algarve coast, the ancient fishing town of Alvor has recently developed into a significant tourist destination, whilst retaining much of its original charm. Thought to have been originally founded by the Carthaginians, Alvor Portugal has a long and rich history and saw much conflict between Moors and Christians during the 12th and 13th centuries. Present day visitors benefit from the wonderful golfing and spa facilities and the fine sandy beach while enjoying the fabulous Alvor weather and the peaceful fishing village atmosphere. Alvor is easily reached from Faro International Airport which is about 65 kilometres away. Alvor Map.

Lloret de Mar - A History

The history of Lloret de Mar is forever linked to the sea, the Iberians settled in the areas of Montbarat and Puig de Castellet and established trade with the Greeks and Romans, and the Romans themselves founded a trading post in what is now Lloret. The name Lloret lo Redo first appears in 966 AD deriving from Lauretum (place of laurels). At the beginning of the 16^th century a new church was built in Catalan Gothic style and completed in 1522, the church served as a refuge from pirate attacks. With the discovery of the New World, many of Lloret’s sailors went to the Americas, resulting in a growing import and export trade with the colonies. After the collapse of Spain’s Empire, Lloret de Mar went into a period of decline and it was not until the increase in tourist activity in the 20^th century that the town recovered and became what it is today, a popular seaside resort along the Costa Brava coastline of Spain. Though the towns population is only around 30,000, this rises to over 200,000 during the busy summer season, as many holidaymakers arrive to stay in the many hotels such as the Lloret de Mar Oasis and the Costa Encantada Aparthotel. Lloret de Mar has a vibrant nightlife scene and attracts the younger set especially Germans, Dutch and Belgians. Also attractive to visitors is the fine beach and excellent range of facilities. Lloret de Mar Map.

Carboneras, Sorbas and Roquetas de Mar Almeria

Three contrasting towns in the province of Almeria in south-eastern Spain, Roquetas de Mar, Carboneras and Sorbas will have varying attractions for visitors to the area. The former fishing town of Roquetas de Mar has now become one of the largest resorts in the Almeria region attracting a mostly Spanish group of tourists though becoming more popular with International holidaymakers, its history goes back to the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsular, though its historic castle and fortifications date from the Moorish period. Roquetas de Mar boasts some wonderful sandy beaches, some fine seafood restaurants and a decent choice of facilities. A smaller and less well known coastal resort, Carboneras is situated at the northern end of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park and also has some fine beaches and seafood restaurants, its ancient castle is currently being restored. Heading a little inland from the coast, you will find the small town of Sorbas clinging to the edge of a ravine on the Rio de Aguas, this attractive little town is just perfect as a base for hikers heading into the nearby Natural Park of Karst and Yesos. Sorbas will give visitors a feel for the real Spain, away from the touristy resorts of the coast. Map of Costa Almeria.