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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The Spanish Inland Town of Crevillente

The Spanish Inland Town of Crevillente - One of the Costa Blanca’s inland towns, Crevillente is a modern industrial town which at first glance would seem not worthy of a visit. However on inspection visitors will find that Crevillente has a long and interesting history and was in fact occupied even before the arrival of the Romans in Spain some 2,000 years ago. Early settlements were established by the Iberians, and these were extended somewhat when the Romans arrived, though the town did not really develop until the Moorish occupation when agricultural methods enabled the area to be cultivated. During the 18th century a carpet industry emerged turning into a significant earner for the town, early carpets were made from esparto grass and were mostly exported. In the town today you can visit the old Town Hall and take a look at the oldest church the Nuestra Senora de Belen, nature lovers can visit the El Hondo Nature Reserve which is close to the town, some nearby villages which may be of interest are Dolores, Albatera, Aspe, Cox, Callosa de Segura and Hondon de los Frailes, a trip into the city of Elche would also be well rewarded. Map of Crevillente.

Playa Blanca – A Lanzarote Resort

Located in the extreme south of Lanzarote in the Spanish Canary Islands, the town of Playa Blanca was formerly just a small fishing village. In recent years Playa Blanca has become one of the largest resorts on the island, but has not yet been too badly spoilt by this rise to notoriety. Boasting some fine sandy beaches, the one to the south at Playa de Papagayo of particular note, Playa Blanca is also the main ferry port for accessing the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura (where the beaches are even better). Playa Blanca has a decent range of shops, bars and restaurants and is ideal for family, beach style holidays. The main attractions for visitors to the resort are the traditional charm and the excellent Playa Blanca weather, which is ideal for winter breaks away from the cold and damp of northern Europe. Playa Blanca Map.

Holiday Weather Guide for Mallorca Spain

If you are travelling to Mallorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands this year, you may be interested to know what sort of climate you can expect. Mallorca (often called Majorca) benefits from a temperate Mediterranean climate, though each season has something unique to offer the prospective visitor. Spring is generally mild and sunny with temperatures in the high 60’s to mid-70’s, summers are hot and sunny with very little rainfall (this is the most popular time for holidays on the island), in the autumn you can expect some thunderstorms and rain but still plenty of sunshine, and in the winter temperature drop somewhat and can be very cool although rarely is frost experienced. All in all Mallorca weather is ideal for holidays for most months of the year although the period May to October is probably the best time to visit, though of course this is when the main resorts can become very crowded, if you are heading to the island for a Mallorca beach holiday then summer time is definately best, if you are planning to tour around the island, sprimg or autumn may be your best bet. Map of Mallorca.

The Resort of Puerto Rico Gran Canaria

The Resort of Puerto Rico Gran Canaria - For the best family holidays on Gran Canaria in the Spanish Canary Islands, you need look little further than the resort of Puerto Rico. Though at times Puerto Rico receives some negative press, it has everything needed for a splendid family beach style holiday with 2 calm and safe swimming beaches, with all the usual facilities, sun loungers, parasols, lifeguards, toilets, beach bars, restaurants etc. Puerto Rico has some excellent water sports facilities including jet-skiing, swimming, fishing, scuba diving and windsurfing. Puerto Rico, similar to all the southern resorts of Gran Canaria, benefits from a terrific all year round climate, with the weather in Puerto Rico comprising wall-to-wall sunshine throughout the year (actually more pleasant during the traditional winter months). Night time entertainment is second to none on the islands with a huge choice of bars, restaurants and clubs in which to wine, dine and while away the evening hours, in the daytime there are boat trips to be enjoyed, coach trips to the island’s attractions such as Palmitos Park or Holiday World, nearby resorts such as Arguineguin or Puerto Mogan, and beaches to laze on and enjoy the sun. What more could you want in a Family holiday? Map of Puerto Rico.

The Canary Islands – Early History

One of the most popular winter holiday destinations for Europeans seeking some off peak sunshine is the Spanish Canary Islands, an archipelago of islands and islets located off the north-east coast of Africa. The Canary Islands have a long and interesting past and Canary Islands history is fascinating to discover. First settled some 5,000 years ago the earliest true civilisation occurred during the second century BC when a tribal culture known as the Guanches lived in caves and built primitive villages. The Guanches were still in occupation when the Romans arrived in 40 BC, as Juba II explored the region which was then called the Fortunate Islands. The present name was probably derived from the breed of dogs which lived on the islands and met the Roman explorers, they were large and fierce and no doubt left an impression on the arrivals. The islands, to all intents and purposes, disappeared from the map for over 1,000 years after the fall of the Roman Empire and were not set foot on again until the beginning of the 14th century when a Genoese captain called Lazarotto Malocello bumped into the island later named after him (Lanzarote) and took the news of its existence back to Europe. Later expeditions led to the eventual invasion by a small force under Jean de Bethencourt, he landed on Lanzarote and built a fort on Fuerteventura before running out of provisions and heading for the Spanish mainland to muster additional support from the Castillians.

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.

Free Spanish Classified Adverts

Free Spanish Classified Adverts - We are currently offering the opportunity to post free classified adverts on our website and blog. Adverts should be related to Spain in one way or another, property sales and rentals are preferred. To place Free Spanish Classifieds go to our website: www.needahandspanishproperties.com
and click on the “Free Classifieds” link. You can place as many adverts as you wish, but allow a few days for adverts to be posted.

The Pretty Town of Yaiza Lanzarote

Heading from Playa Blanca towards the Parque Nacional de Tinamfaya, you will pass through the pretty town of Yaiza one of the most attractive on the island of Lanzarote in the Spanish Canary islands. Nestling at the foot of the Montañas del Fuego mountains, Yaiza is the main town for the municipality which covers south-western Lanzarote. Partly destroyed by the great volcanic eruption during the 1730’s, Yaiza’s inhabitants mostly left the town and headed further south for the village of Femes, the population not fully recovering until the 20th century. Notable places to visit in the town include the beautiful 18th century church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, built on the site of an earlier chapel with its colourful altarpiece. Yaiza is a peaceful place to stop for a drink or maybe a meal in one of the fine restaurants, there are also some excellent gift shops where you can purchase a souvenir or two from your visit. Yaiza Map.

Peace and Tranquility in Isla Canela

Just south of Ayamonte on the border between south-western Spain and the Algarve Portugal, the relatively new resort of Isla Canela is joined to the Spanish mainland only by a causeway which links it to the town of Ayamonte. Long popular with Spanish tourists, Isla Canela boasts over seven kilometres of superb beaches, an 18 hole golf course, and some wonderful protected wetlands which are home to a wide variety of bird species. Isla Canela looks across the River Guadiana to Portugal and shares a similar climate to the resorts of the Algarve, with Isla Canela weather being perfect for summer holidays though cooler than the Costa del Sol to the north-east. A great area for water sports, this coast gets plenty of wind from the Atlantic Ocean and is good for windsurfing and similar sports. Don’t expect a bustling resort or a vibrant nightlife scene whilst visiting but do expect a peaceful holiday with plenty of time to relax. Isla Canela Map.

Colourful Cordoba in Andalucia

Located in northern Andalucia, the city of Cordoba was the former capital of Arabic Al Andalus and was the capital of the Moorish Empire in the west. During the tenth century, Cordoba was one of the most populated cities in the world, with around half a million people, an immense city for those times. These days Cordoba has a population of around 320,000 and is only the 10th largest city in Spain, it is now a major tourist attraction and the best sites can be found in the old Jewish quarter in the area of the famous Mezquita mosque, the largest and most beautiful mosque built by the Moors in Spain. The Mezquita originally dates from the 8th century and was remodelled and extended in subsequent centuries, some of the most lavish additions being built in the 10th century, during the cities golden years. There is lots more to see in this area including the Bishop’s Palace, the Roman Bridge, and the Alcazar Palace. When you are tired of visiting historic monuments you can wander the back streets and seek out a quiet plaza, order a coffee and enjoy the Cordoba weather in the heart of one of Europe’s greatest cities. Cordoba has its own airport but it used for domestic flights only, so if you are flying to the city you will need to go to Seville or Malaga, or from elsewhere in Spain, by road you can reach Cordoba by way of the A-4 from Seville or the A-45 from Malaga. Be sure to visit colourful Cordoba some time soon. Cordoba Map.

Amazing Andalucia

Andalucia, Spain’s most south-westerly region is also the second largest and the most populous of its 17 autonomous communities. Bordering Portugal in the west, Murcia in the east and Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha in the north, its capital and largest city is Seville, which is also one of its eight provinces, the other seven being Almeria, Granada, Jaen, Cordoba, Cadiz, Malaga and Huelva. Andalucia has around eight hundred kilometres of coastline including the coastal regions known as the Costa de la Luz, the Costa del Sol, the Costa Tropical and the Costa Almeria, throughout these regions are a huge number of wonderful sandy beaches and some of the best known seaside resorts in Spain. A pioneer in Spain’s tourist industry, Andalucia attracts millions of visitors each year, not only to its beach resorts but also to its historic cities, with their awe inspiring attractions. Andalucia is where some of Spain’s best known traditions began, most notably bullfighting and flamenco dancing, it also boasts a history as complex as anywhere in Spain and a population of equal complexity. Andalucia can inspire and amaze, its widely varying landscapes can fool you as to where exactly you are, with the snow capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada just a few kilometres from the sun kissed beaches of its coastline, along with its geography, Andalucia weather can vary considerably from area to area from the cold of the mountains, to the high winds of its Atlantic (Costa de la Luz) coastline, to the warm beaches of the Costa del Sol and Costa Tropical. Andalucia has something for everyone. Andalucia Map.